Integrated Power Distribution Cabinet for Remote Industrial Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power distribution systems for heavy-duty industrial equipment in remote locations require multiple individual power boxes with circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit interrupters, leading to high costs, complex installations, and difficulties in emergency shutdowns due to limited availability of electric power and power fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A compact power distribution and protection cabinet that houses multiple circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit interrupters within a single outdoor enclosure, connected to a portable generator, providing power to multiple machines while protecting against power irregularities and facilitating easy installation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple individual power boxes are used for each machine, then each machine receives adequate protection from power irregularities, but the installation cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual power boxes into a single integrated power distribution cabinet that houses multiple circuit breakers and GFCIs. This consolidation maintains protection reliability for each machine while reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate enclosed boxes for each device.
2Reliability
If multiple individual power boxes are used for each machine, then each machine has dedicated protection, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated power distribution cabinet consolidates multiple protection devices into a single pre-assembled unit that can be installed as one component rather than multiple separate boxes, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining dedicated protection for each machine through individual circuit breakers and GFCIs.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution cabinet is pre-assembled with all circuit breakers, GFCIs, and wiring configured before installation at the job site. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly and configuration work, reducing installation time while ensuring proper protection is already in place.
3Reliability
If multiple individual power boxes are used, then each machine has its own protection, but emergency shutdown becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating all circuit breakers and GFCIs into a single accessible power distribution cabinet with a unified door, the patent improves ease of operation during emergencies. All protection devices are located in one central position rather than scattered across multiple separate boxes, allowing rapid identification and operation during emergency shutdowns.
4Reliability
If multiple individual power boxes are used, then each machine is protected, but the cost for boxes and power cables increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated power distribution cabinet reduces the total quantity of materials required by consolidating multiple separate enclosed boxes into a single cabinet structure. This eliminates redundant housing materials and reduces cable lengths needed to connect individual boxes, lowering overall material costs while maintaining full protection functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure, one input cable and multiple output cables extending through the enclosure, a plurality of circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit interrupters in the enclosure and electrically connected to respective ones of the output cables, and a junction in the enclosure to which the input cable is electrically connected and to which the circuit breakers and ground-fault circuit interrupters are electrically connected. The output cables each include a connector for connection to an electric-powered machine, so that multiple of the machines can be powered and protected by a single power cabinet with a single power-supply connection.