Extending The Life Of Low Voltage Adjustable Speed Drives

A fundamental aspect of Low Voltage Adjustable Speed Drives’ (LV ASD) overcurrent protection is the elimination of harmful input power anomalies which could significantly damage the sensitive electronics in and around the Adjustable Speed Drive (ASD). This paper will provide an overview of the newest Low Voltage Solid-State Circuit Breaker technology (SSCB) and how Petroleum and Chemical industry users can take advantage of its ability in eliminating almost all the electro-mechanical stresses applied at the input to any LV ASD when protected with traditional circuit breakers or high-speed protective fuses. This higher level of protection comes through the use of SSCB technologies which provide the lowest let through energy level of any overcurrent protective device available today. At the same time, these devices eliminate risk by reducing harmful arc flash incident energy to near negligible levels while requiring no maintenance.