Space saving braking resistor for drives and inverters

Freeing up panel space with REO’s novel design

REO (UK) has launched a new braking resistor incorporating a component mounting surface. The novel design of the BW156.9 range will free up installation space for mounted components used with motors and variable speed drives (VSDs). At the same time, a higher ingress protection (IP) rating and forced cooling will provide better power efficiency and increase safety.

Complies with current legislation

Complexity in the industrial sector has made it increasingly difficult to design applications that maximise the efficient use of space and power whilst ensuring that equipment is safe and reliable to use. This problem was highlighted recently, when the IET (The Institution of Engineering and Technology) proposed changes to the Eco Design Directive being drafted as part of EU legislation. [NOTE. THIS LINK GOES TO PROPOSED AMENDMENTS AND NOT THE LEGISLATION ITSELF. WHAT DOES THE LEGISLATION MEAN?]

Newly available

The unique mounting system was developed for a leading drive manufacturer in the building technology, heating and ventilation (HVAC) sector. However, for the past two years, the design has been under embargo.

Industry has seen variable speed drives increasingly used with HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) and pumping applications. In these situations, prolonged exposure to dust can cause significant damage to equipment.

Design Challenges

REO faced some design challenges in developing this unit. The key point was ensuring that the heat from the resistor is not transferred to the mounting surface. This was overcome by using insulated standoffs to isolate the panel from the resistor and ensure that anything mounted doesn’t get hot.

Key Benefits

The launch of the BW156.9 has the following benefits:

  • Components can be mounted on the panel housing the braking resistor.
  • The potentially hot braking resistor is moved away from engineers working on the panel.
  • The requirements for additional guarding are reduced.
  • IP20 rating as standard and can be supplied up to IP64 meaning these braking resistors can be used in areas without control housings.

Results

Braking resistors can be locally force cooled, which increases their power rating by 20%.

Specification

The units are rated for 900V as standard and can be supplied with variants from 200W to 30,000W and in resistance values from 1 to 2000R.

Available Now

Contact REO (UK) for prices and delivery times for the BW156.9 range of braking resistors.

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