Modular Power Distribution Panel for Fast Certified Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional branch circuit panelboards face challenges with size and installation difficulties due to their dimensions, and the need for separate testing and certification of components at the work site, which prolongs the installation process and increases complexity.
Innovation Solution
A modular electrical power distribution panel that is constructed as a free-standing unit, tested, and certified as a whole in a factory, allowing for easy assembly and installation, with bus bars and electrical rails that enable customization and integration of additional components and instruments, and can be shipped in five or fewer pieces, eliminating the need for additional on-site testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional branch circuit panelboards are wall-mounted or back-mounted, then they can be installed in existing wall spaces, but the installation process becomes difficult and lengthy due to size and dimensional constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power distribution panel is divided into multiple modular sections or compartments, each housing specific electrical components such as circuit breakers, bus bars, and electrical rails. This segmentation allows for easier handling, installation, and maintenance while reducing the overall complexity of the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel transitions from a traditional wall-mounted configuration to a free-standing floor-mounted unit, changing the installation dimension from vertical wall space to horizontal floor space. This dimensional change eliminates installation difficulties associated with wall mounting while providing adequate accessibility for wiring and conduit installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If panel components are assembled and tested separately at the work site, then customization is possible, but the installation process becomes complex and requires multiple testing approvals
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power distribution panel is pre-assembled and pre-tested in a factory setting with all components including bus bars, electrical rails, and circuit breakers properly integrated. This preliminary action ensures that the panel arrives at the work site as a fully functional unit, eliminating the need for complex on-site assembly and multiple testing approvals while maintaining customization options through factory configuration.
3Reliability
If traditional panels require separate testing and certification of components at the work site, then compliance with safety standards is ensured, but the installation process is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The panel undergoes comprehensive safety testing and certification in the factory before shipment, with all components integrated and tested as a complete system. This preliminary testing ensures compliance with safety standards while eliminating time-consuming on-site testing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple testing and certification processes are merged into a single comprehensive factory testing procedure. The panel is tested as an integrated system rather than requiring separate testing of individual components at the work site, maintaining safety compliance while reducing overall testing time.
Data Source
AI summary
In an operation, the modular electrical power distribution panel (MEPP) is built and assembled with accessories of additional electrical components, instruments, and lighting controls installed in the MEPP. The MEPP can further include bus bars for circuit breakers to attach to as well as electrical rails constructed to allow one or more instruments that will be mounted in the MEPPs to electrically connect to the electrical rails. The MEPP rests on a floor and is supported through its frame from a ground up to be a free standing panel. The MEPP, the bus bars, electrical rails and accessories are modular shippable in five modular pieces or less that meet requirements set by a nationally recognized testing laboratory approval as assembled as a whole unit; and thus, eliminate a need for a second laboratory approval as the whole unit when assembled for a first time at a work site.