New intelligent motor control centers from Rockwell Automation deliver new levels of performance
MILWAUKEE, Oct. 27, 2015 — By combining a smaller footprint and full, comprehensive type testing with enhanced total cost of ownership, Rockwell Automation has addressed customer needs and growing worldwide demand for factory-ready, space-, energy- and cost-efficient motor control solutions with the Allen-Bradley CENTERLINE 2500 motor control center (MCC).
Available fully assembled with a factory-installed, pre-configured and validated EtherNet/IP network infrastructure, CENTERLINE 2500 MCCs can also exploit the company’s global manufacturing facilities in conjunction with its FasTrak delivery program. This means that users can have a fully operational MCC installed and operating much quicker than before. In addition to the programming and networking infrastructure, the user interface can also be pre-configured, so the system is truly plant-floor-ready when delivered. Thanks to this extensive pre-configuration and pre-testing program, users have the potential to save up to 90 percent on development, commissioning and installation time.
In operation, CENTERLINE MCCs with Allen-Bradley IntelliCENTER software offer much more straightforward integration with controllers, such as Allen-Bradley ControlLogix and CompactLogix programmable automation controllers. The IntelliCENTER Integration Assistant helps to decrease programming time by exporting information regarding configured devices from the EtherNet/IP-enabled IntelliCENTER MCC directly to the controller’s programming environment, Rockwell Software Studio 5000 software.
Such an architecture can then exploit the advanced systemwide communication capabilities of the Rockwell Automation Integrated Architecture system. The system delivers a single-platform plantwide solution that is capable of addressing key market challenges, such as productivity, innovation, globalization and sustainability through unprecedented access to contextual, meaningful asset information. It also enables motors to operate more cost-effectively than ever before.
In addition to ease of setup and use, CENTERLINE 2500 MCCs can also help deliver a lower total cost of ownership thanks to better energy management through variable-speed control and energy intelligence. IntelliCENTER MCCs can come pre-configured with FactoryTalk EnergyMetrix software, which allows for real-time monitoring of energy trends down to device level, coupled with the ability to correlate energy consumption with operational data in order to track equipment performance – giving users the ability to manage energy consumption at the point of use.
Safety is addressed through the use of an industry-leading, arc-containment design. CENTERLINE MCCs with ArcShield technology from Rockwell Automation contain an arc fault to the area of occurrence and help prevent it from cascading throughout the enclosure and damaging further equipment. It helps improve personnel protection by providing arc containment to protect personnel at the front, rear and sides of the enclosure in the unlikely event of an arcing fault.
According to Ian Wrigley, global product manager, CENTERLINE 2500 IEC Motor Control Centers, at Rockwell Automation: “Of particular interest to potential customers is the fact that these units are fully type-tested, undergoing more than 1,000 individual tests. Tested in accordance with IEC 61439-1 and 2:2011 Edition 2.0., IEC/TR 61641:2014 Edition 3.0 (Arcing Class C - Restricted) and AS/NZ 3439.1 2002 Annex ZD, we believe that our MCCs are the complete IEC-compliant package. Other suppliers may claim full testing to these standards, but in our experience this is rarely the case due to the cost implications of the extremely demanding testing regimens.
“We also believe that we are the first manufacturer to test variable-frequency drives within MCC enclosures, including relevant associated devices contained within the enclosures,” Wrigley adds. “This is very important – especially for drives using load reactors – as it is almost impossible to calculate the thermal effects other than by test. The testing was carried out in our own ISO/IEC17025-certified, DEKRA- and UL/CSA-approved testing facility at Rockwell Automation headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with third-party DEKRA witness/approval of the tests.”
Wrigley concludes: “Our IntelliCENTER MCCs truly demonstrate how our efficient engineering practices can provide multiple benefits across the board. We would suggest, when specifying their next MCC or switchgear purchase, that users should be asking their supplier if they have undertaken the required testing to ensure compliance with the IEC61439 and IEC/TR61641 standards they list in their specifications, in order to ensure an optimum installation in terms of performance, reliability and safety.”
About Rockwell Automation
Rockwell Automation Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and information, makes its customers more productive and the world more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis., Rockwell Automation employs about 22,500 people serving customers in more than 80 countries.
Media Contacts
Stephanie Winterhalter
Rockwell Automation
262.512.2369
sawinterhalter@ra.rockwell.com
Beatrice Zvosec
PadillaCRT
612.455.1914
beatrice.zvosec@padillacrt.com
Allen-Bradley, ArcShield, CENTERLINE, CompactLogix, ControlLogix, EnergyMetrix, FactoryTalk, Integrated Architecture, IntelliCENTER, Rockwell Software and Studio 5000 are trademarks of Rockwell Automation Inc.
EtherNet/IP is a trademark of ODVA Inc.
Published October 26, 2015