Eaton xEnergy Elite: Safe, Efficient LV Switchgear for Industries
It's designed to optimize performance while ensuring the highest safety standards.
Eaton, a leading intelligent power management company, has launched its advanced xEnergy Elite motor control and power distribution centre. This new low-voltage motor control centre (MCC) supports loads up to 7500 A and 690 VAC, delivering enhanced uptime, flexibility, and reduced maintenance costs for critical applications in industries such as oil and gas, mining, and other heavy industrial sectors.
Compliance with International Standards for Maximum Safety
The xEnergy Elite MCC is designed to meet the stringent International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, ensuring optimal power availability and safety for both operational and maintenance personnel. With its advanced motor control and protection technologies, the system is engineered to optimize performance while safeguarding both people and equipment. Its design includes features that go beyond the IEC TR 61641 requirements, minimizing arc flash risks through fully segregated dropper busbars, optional isolated main busbars, and Eaton’s patented contact system for withdrawable motor starters and energy feeders.
Enhanced Safety with Elite Contact System and Arc Flash Reduction
The Elite contact system within the xEnergy Elite MCC allows for safe operation while keeping the compartment door closed, thereby enhancing personnel safety. This system offers three distinct positions—disconnect, test, and connected—which can be set using a key, ensuring controlled access and functionality. Additionally, the MCC’s incoming air circuit breaker (ACB) is equipped with Eaton’s unique Arc Flash Reduction Maintenance System™, which minimizes incident energy during maintenance periods. This feature is only activated when necessary, preserving overcurrent protection during standard operations.
Reliable Design for Improved Uptime and Reduced Maintenance
Eaton’s xEnergy Elite MCC is built with a robust design that boosts uptime and minimizes maintenance demands. The Elite drawer units use a unique rotating contact technology that significantly reduces wear on the vertical busbar, even under short-circuit conditions or heavy starting loads. This innovative approach keeps electrical connections secure and prevents sparking, extending the lifespan and reliability of the system.
Support for High-Efficiency Motors
With the recent regulation mandating Super Premium Efficiency (IE4) motors for outputs between 75 kW and 200 kW, the xEnergy Elite is prepared to meet these new standards. The MCC’s withdrawable motor starter units are compatible with both Premium Efficiency (IE3) and Super Premium Efficiency (IE4) motors. These units can be replaced from the front of the system without halting operations, allowing for easy servicing and expansion. Tested for over 1,000 mechanical operations—far surpassing the IEC standard of 200—the plug-and-play solution provides seamless, reliable integration.
Compact Footprint for Increased Flexibility
The xEnergy Elite MCC offers a compact footprint, featuring high-density micro-drawer configurations that optimize space utilization. Its busbars require minimal maintenance, and all functions are accessible from the front, reducing the need for rear access. This allows the MCC to be installed against the wall, needing only a 5 cm clearance for ventilation, and potentially saving up to 2 square meters per section. The system’s shared main busbar option further reduces both the physical footprint and copper usage, making it a sustainable solution.
New Configuration Options for Rear Cable Access
In response to specific customer requirements, Eaton has introduced a new configuration option with busbars located on top, catering to applications that need rear cable compartments. This latest development enhances the versatility of the xEnergy Elite, meeting diverse installation needs while maintaining the system's overall efficiency and functionality.
“Given that motor failure may cause production downtime, costly repairs and serious safety issues for personnel, the powerful control and protection provided by xEnergy Elite is a core element of a dependable and safe system”, says Qasem Noureddin, Managing Director-Eaton Middle East.
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