We understand that within Schneider Electric's ecostruxure architecture, there are three tiers: the first tier consists of interconnected devices, the second tier is edge control, and the third tier is analytics and services. A recent task we've undertaken is to support a project team in setting up a display cabinet of intelligent distribution cabinets, enabling the interconnection of all devices within the cabinet. To initiate this work, a topology diagram is essential, which provides an overview of all device types and their interconnection methods. Different requirements necessitate different topology diagrams; as the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome. In the eyes of intelligent power distribution experts, each route must be clearly imprinted in their minds, whereas for me, every encounter is a process of learning and familiarization. Figure 1 is the topology diagram I have drafted for this project after referencing relevant materials. I am grateful for the review by expert Mr. Wang. This topology diagram is not an exhaustive or highly complex configuration, but it suffices for the needs of this project. (Note: The frame switch is of the withdrawable type, while the molded case circuit breaker is fixed.)
From the topology diagram, it can be observed that in order to integrate traditional frame switches and molded case circuit breakers into the intelligent power distribution system, the following components are configured: ① an industrial control touch screen HMIST6500 for displaying and controlling the entire system; ② an Ethernet interface intelligent gateway IFE for connecting the outgoing line frame circuit breakers in the right cabinet; ③ a Modbus interface IFM for connecting the molded case circuit breakers; ③ an integrated Ethernet interface EIFE for connecting the incoming line frame circuit breakers in the left cabinet. Additionally, wireless temperature sensors TH110, humidity sensors CL110, and a gateway PAS600L configured for them are also included. In terms of wiring, there are three types of cables: ULP cables, Ethernet cables, and Modbus cables. The ULP cable connections differ for molded case circuit breakers and frame circuit breakers; specifically, the ULP cable for the molded case circuit breakers needs to be purchased from Schneider Electric, as one end is an RJ45 connector, while the other end has a special connector that needs to be installed inside the molded case circuit breaker (Figure 2).
The ULP cable for frame circuit breakers can be pre-fabricated. Similar to Ethernet connections, both ends of the cable are standard RJ45 connectors. To connect the circuit breaker end, a ULP interface module or an EIFE is required, meaning the RJ45 connector will either plug into a ULP interface module (left arrow in Figure 3) or an EIFE (right arrow in Figure 3). A ULP interface is always necessary, and when an EIFE is present, a cable connects the ULP interface module to the EIFE, with power only needing to be supplied to the ULP interface module.
The Modbus connection between the three IFMs and one IFE can be directly connected to the IFE by purchasing a stacking mounting accessory (Figure 4). This way, the upper ports of the IFMs do not require wiring and no external power supply is needed.
Here are a few key points to note when executing the project:MTZ2 and MTZ3 are shipped with a standard ULP interface module, while MTZ1 requires a separate purchase with the commercial number LV850064SP.
The EIFE module is specifically designed for drawer-type circuit breakers, while the IFE can be used for both drawer-type and fixed-type circuit breakers.
When wiring the ULP cable, there is a difference between the molded case NSX and the frame MTZ. The NSX uses a dedicated wiring that needs to be purchased from Schneider Electric.
It is necessary to use the X-type micrologic control unit.
There are two types of power supplies in this display cabinet: 24V DC and 220V AC. The circuit breaker micrologic control unit (without power to the main circuit), ULP interface, IFE, and display are powered by a 24V DC power supply provided by ABL8, and they must use the same DC power supply. The push-button light is powered by a 220V power supply from an external outlet.
Engineers with no prior experience can find relevant information in the circuit breaker samples or seek telephone support from Schneider Electric's backend staff. As a structural design engineer for power distribution cabinets, most people are not familiar with the architecture of intelligent electrical cabinets and the specific wiring of components. Product samples are a valuable resource, and flipping through them may provide answers, but it can be time-consuming. In the context of building a display cabinet like this example, I believe it still has reference value.
From the topology diagram, it can be observed that in order to integrate traditional frame switches and molded case circuit breakers into the intelligent power distribution system, the following components are configured: ① an industrial control touch screen HMIST6500 for displaying and controlling the entire system; ② an Ethernet interface intelligent gateway IFE for connecting the outgoing line frame circuit breakers in the right cabinet; ③ a Modbus interface IFM for connecting the molded case circuit breakers; ③ an integrated Ethernet interface EIFE for connecting the incoming line frame circuit breakers in the left cabinet. Additionally, wireless temperature sensors TH110, humidity sensors CL110, and a gateway PAS600L configured for them are also included. In terms of wiring, there are three types of cables: ULP cables, Ethernet cables, and Modbus cables. The ULP cable connections differ for molded case circuit breakers and frame circuit breakers; specifically, the ULP cable for the molded case circuit breakers needs to be purchased from Schneider Electric, as one end is an RJ45 connector, while the other end has a special connector that needs to be installed inside the molded case circuit breaker (Figure 2).
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| ULP Cable for Molded Case Circuit Breakers |
The ULP cable for frame circuit breakers can be pre-fabricated. Similar to Ethernet connections, both ends of the cable are standard RJ45 connectors. To connect the circuit breaker end, a ULP interface module or an EIFE is required, meaning the RJ45 connector will either plug into a ULP interface module (left arrow in Figure 3) or an EIFE (right arrow in Figure 3). A ULP interface is always necessary, and when an EIFE is present, a cable connects the ULP interface module to the EIFE, with power only needing to be supplied to the ULP interface module.
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| ULP Interface and EIFE Connection |
The Modbus connection between the three IFMs and one IFE can be directly connected to the IFE by purchasing a stacking mounting accessory (Figure 4). This way, the upper ports of the IFMs do not require wiring and no external power supply is needed.
Here are a few key points to note when executing the project:MTZ2 and MTZ3 are shipped with a standard ULP interface module, while MTZ1 requires a separate purchase with the commercial number LV850064SP.
The EIFE module is specifically designed for drawer-type circuit breakers, while the IFE can be used for both drawer-type and fixed-type circuit breakers.
When wiring the ULP cable, there is a difference between the molded case NSX and the frame MTZ. The NSX uses a dedicated wiring that needs to be purchased from Schneider Electric.
It is necessary to use the X-type micrologic control unit.
There are two types of power supplies in this display cabinet: 24V DC and 220V AC. The circuit breaker micrologic control unit (without power to the main circuit), ULP interface, IFE, and display are powered by a 24V DC power supply provided by ABL8, and they must use the same DC power supply. The push-button light is powered by a 220V power supply from an external outlet.
Engineers with no prior experience can find relevant information in the circuit breaker samples or seek telephone support from Schneider Electric's backend staff. As a structural design engineer for power distribution cabinets, most people are not familiar with the architecture of intelligent electrical cabinets and the specific wiring of components. Product samples are a valuable resource, and flipping through them may provide answers, but it can be time-consuming. In the context of building a display cabinet like this example, I believe it still has reference value.