With the new RiLineX power distribution platform from Rittal, complex design planning, the loss of space when components are installed and the cutting to size of protective covers are now all a thing of the past. What makes this so innovative? Up until now, installing power distribution technology in enclosures has been a very time-consuming process. Planning and installation are often complex tasks for plant engineering companies – and in many cases, there’s a shortage of workers with the relevant skills. Even the 60 mm busbar technology, which has been established since the early 2000s, does not meet every practical need. Although this technology has become established, especially in Europe, thanks to its many advantages over 1:1 cabling in the enclosure, there is evidently a clear need for further development – in terms of the dimensioning of busbars, for example.

PREVIOUSLY – LOSING TIME AND SPACE

Up until now, it has been necessary to install the flat copper bars, which are arranged 60 millimetres apart, by using appropriate supports mounted with the project-specific spacing as stipulated by the necessary short circuit resistance. However, this means that components can’t be installed at these specific points. This loss of space must be taken into account right from the planning stage. Moreover, exposed contacts pose a risk. To protect people and technology, time needs to be spent cutting plastic covers to size prior to commissioning. This results in scrap and plastic waste. On average, cutting the contact hazard protection covers to size produces 1.9 kilograms of plastic waste per system.

NOW – EASIER AND SAFER

The new RiLineX power distribution platform from Rittal speeds up the planning and installation process significantly. With this new busbar system, the copper bars are built into the board directly, without any special supports, so components can be planned or mounted anywhere on them. The complex cutting process is no longer necessary, either. In this system, the cover remains over the bars from the outset, providing protection against accidental contact.

The contact hazard protection is certified to protection category IP2XB, which means penetration by a solid foreign object with a diameter of 12 millimetres or more is prevented. The contact hazard protection at the front can also be upgraded to protection category IP 3X. In that configuration, is also available as a kit without bars. For international applications, eliminating the need to ship heavy metal from one continent to another offers both cost and environmental benefits. With RiLineX, the boards can simply be used on site with cost-effective standard bars made from copper or aluminium in various cross-sections. Baying across several enclosures, even retrospectively, is easy. With the new RiPower configurator, Rittal provides support during the planning phase.

30 TO 50 PERCENT FASTER

The solution significantly reduces the amount of work involved in everything from planning and assembly to maintenance. What’s more, it makes plant engineering much more efficient. The result is savings of up to 30 percent in engineering and up to as much as 50 percent in assembly. An innovative click system for boards and components ensures simple installation. This means that project-specific modular solutions can be implemented with ease. Thanks to this modularity, the boards are also maintenance-friendly.

Depending on the customer application, Rittal offers two different approaches for greater flexibility of use. In one of these options, the RiLineX platform is available as a complete board – which can be installed in next to no time – for Rittal AX compact and VX25 bayable enclosures up to 1,200 mm. It can also be supplied already installed in the enclosure. The board is therefore ideal for standard applications when the requirements are known in advance. This reduces costs for users and gives them a clearer overview. What’s more, they can install the system without needing any special prior
knowledge.

MORE FLEXIBLE THAN EVER

Alternatively, the open modular system version offers complete configuration freedom for customised system design up to 2.4 metres or even more – with additional flexibility through baying connections. Users simply need to know the length of the mounting plate and can then flexibly combine modules in 200 mm increments. What’s more, the drilling pattern is identical on every standard mounting plate from Rittal. It’s then simply a case of cutting standard busbars to size for the system. The copper bars are then fixed securely in the board so that the short circuit resistance is ensured at all times. This versionis also available as a kit without bars. For international applications, eliminating the need to ship heavy metal from one continent to another offers both cost and environmental benefits. With RiLineX, the boards can simply be used on site with cost-effective standard bars made from copper or aluminium in various cross-sections. Baying across several enclosures, even retrospectively, is easy. With the new RiPower configurator, Rittal provides support during the planning phase.

A FOUR-POLE SOLUTION FOR THE FUTURE

With RiLineX, Rittal is taking power distribution in enclosures into the future. Initially, the system will be available as a three-pole solution for currents up to 800 A. In the future, end-to-end four-pole systems will also be available. Moreover, the platform is suitable for use in direct current applications, which play an important role in relation to efficient industrial applications and renewable energies in particular. By the time of Hannover Messe 2025, all relevant connection adapters, fuses, disconnectors, etc. will be available for the system.

• Interview – RILineX-Platform

  With RiLineX, Rittal is supplying a contact-hazard-protected power distribution system that is also suitable for high currents. Who benefits from this?

  Raphael Görner: Anybody who needs a fast, reliable solution will benefit from RiLineX. This means everybody from conventional panel building and switchgear manufacturers through to the energy storage industry, installers of photovoltaic systems and the IT sector.

  What are the particular strengths of RiLineX?

  Raphael Görner: With RiLineX, Rittal is offering a lot of flexibility. Designed as either a complete board or a modular system, the power distribution can be set up quickly and flexibly to suit the customer’s needs. Thanks to its design, RiLineX is already pretested for short circuit resistance up to 52.5 kA. Offering time savings of 30 percent in engineering and 50 percent in assembly, RiLineX is simpler, safer and more efficient than conventional busbar systems.

  What role do sustainability and partners play?

  Raphael Görner: With RiLineX, we are significantly reducing the use of plastic. Due to the open modular system, there’s also no longer any need to ship copper around the world, with all that entails. And last but not least, thanks to its suitability for direct current and digital integration, RiLineX enables the fast installation of smart infrastructure for the “all-electric society”. Even before the sales launch, we have set up a platform ecosystem with technology partners. Device and component manufacturers will receive the necessary interface data licence-free, so they can develop their own products.