ABB Introduces Low-Voltage Digital Switchgear Condition Monitoring
April 25, 2019
At Hannover Messe, ABB showcased its low-voltage MNS innovations that enable safe, flexible and smart electrical distribution. With its smart condition-based monitoring it allows customers to extend maintenance intervals by up to 30 percent.
Visitors attending the Hannover Messe had the opportunity to see the extended low-voltage (LV) switchgear platform based on the proven MNS switchgear technology, which has an installed based with over 1.5 Million sections worldwide.
The low-voltage portfolio includes digital switchgear with smart monitoring capabilities, which are designed to deliver unique value to customers. As part of the ABB Ability portfolio of connected devices, these solutions offer improved performance and reliability throughout the entire lifetime of the assets allowing customers to increase maintenance intervals by up to 30 percent.
At ABB’s booth, the MNS switchgear shown is based on the renowned MNS 3.0 design for both energy distribution and motor control applications in withdrawable, plug-in and fixed designs. Visitors were also able to familiarize themselves with MNS Compact. This newcomer in the global MNS portfolio has a compact design and is especially suited for industry and commercial applications where space is at a premium. MNS Compact provides the ability to reduce the footprint of the switchgear up to 60 percent compared with standard switchgear offerings.
The showcase was completed with ABB Ability LV Switchgear – MNS Digital. It combines the latest digital technologies within ABB’s well-known and established switchgear, and brings increased flexibility, reliability and safety. The complete MNS portfolio is available as digital switchgear across all segments and applications.
The MNS Digital smart device family includes the on-site ABB Ability Condition Monitoring for electrical systems that provides the hardware and software backbone to collect data for condition-based maintenance. In-built smart devices, such as Emax 2 and Tmax XT breakers, UMC100.3 motor controller and others enable not only continuous monitoring of the switchgear and performance trends, but also help to define the correct maintenance procedures at the right time. Inspection and maintenance intervals can be extended by 30 percent, allowing customers to optimize their maintenance schedules and lower the associated costs.
“ABB’s technologies bring greater connectivity and digitalization, which helps our customers efficiently manage their electrification systems,” said Alessandro Palin, Managing Director of ABB’s Distributions Solutions business. “Pro-actively managing their systems via integrating smart functionality that enables condition-based maintenance results in optimized OPEX and reduced total cost of ownership.”
Introduced in the 1970s, MNS is ABB’s LV switchgear and controlgear assembly for power distribution and motor control. MNS design has been based upon on the fundamental principles of safety, reliability and availability. MNS utilizes the IEC standards as the baseline for the performance required, and highest availability for switchgear operations are ensured through ABB’s rigorous testing procedures. The MNS portfolio allows customers to tailor any solution required to meet the most stringent CAPEX and OPEX requirements. This coupled with the modularity and scalability of the MNS system makes it the perfect fit for all LV applications.
With ABB AbilityTM, customers have access to a set of powerful tools and actionable information to drive the uptime, speed and yield of their operations to new levels.
