Becker Mining Systems - Compact Switchgear for Mines

Becker Mining Systems provides complete mine-wide solutions for underground mining, including compact switchgear.

Space-saving switchgear for mines

Our endis compact switchgear has no terminal compartments. Plug-in modules replace switches, contactors, and discrete monitoring technology, there are no conventional disconnecting switches, and every plug-in unit is part of the disconnecting device.

The power bus with plug contacts for the plug-in modules replaces conventional wiring, which saves space. All switchgear has standardised slots (types 1, 3, 6, and 10), into which a plug-in module suitable for the slot type can be inserted.

Transformer and switchgear unit

We have now gone a step further, however: we have combined the transformer and switchgear into a single unit. In the case of transformers of the TEK type, terminal boxes or switchgear can be switch onto the primary and/or secondary voltage side.

The TransSwitch (transformer and switchgear) unit is even more compact. It consists of a flameproof enclosure for the transformer and switchgear and is hardly larger than a transformer alone, while still being a complete power station with insulation monitoring and lighting and contactor outputs.

Modular switchgear for mines

Our modular switchgear for mines differs considerably from the norm. There is no connection between the plug-in module and the switchgear for power and control lines, which have to be connected manually.

The plug-in module needs only be pushed into the switchgear and switched on using the disconnecting device. In the process, all connections are established automatically. Nothing else is necessary.

An appropriate plug-in module is available for every application, whether as a power contactor for a large drive, a double contactor for low to medium-power drives (even as a double-reversing contactor), insulation monitor with lighting outputs, or a power switch for medium-voltage applications.

Disconnecting devices for mine switchgear

Unlikely other switchgear, which has only one disconnecting switch for several plug-in modules, or even only one for the entire unit, in the endis system every plug-in module has a disconnecting device.

A plug-in module is disconnected from the power bus as follows:

• Lift the lever of the disconnecting device
• The monitoring circuits are disconnected and the plug-in module is shut down
• Turn the lever of the disconnecting device to the left
• Remove the plug-in module from the power bus
• The feed contacts are covered to prevent contact; in the case of medium-voltage applications, the shunting contacts are also earthed

Integrated control and monitoring electronics for switchgear

No individual monitoring components have to be set by hand for our mining switchgear, as a protective module and an electronic unit that assumes all control and monitoring functions has been integrated into the plug-in module. Other features include:

• Insulation monitor
• Short-circuit and overload protection
• Locking device against accidental earthing with functional test
• Phase monitor (failure and unbalance)
• Temperature monitor
• Pilot circuit (overload/PE monitor)
• Control system of the vacuum-switching tubes
• Short-circuit release test

The protective module in the plug-in module communicates with the display module in the switchgear via a serial data bus. There, the most important information from the plug-in module is displayed, and all parameters are set and saved as a protection against a voltage loss.

The flameproof enclosure of the switchgear does not have to be opened for this purpose. After a change of the plug-in module, the values stored in the display module are automatically transferred to the protective module in the plug-in module and stored there. No re-entry of the parameters is necessary.

Switchgear for low voltages in mines

With the endis switchgear for low voltages in mines, there is no excessive work laying and inserting lines and connecting them to terminals in tight terminal compartments. All external connections are created using plug-in connectors. This saves time in the installation.

The power connector (PC) plug system covers the spectrum of mains voltages up to 1.1kV and nominal currents up to 400A. All three designs have nominal voltage of 250V for lighting systems and 1.1kV for small and large drives, and a D type flameproof enclosure when assembled.

The assembly of both 1.1kV designs is very easy and can also be performed underground. Due to the solid, completely screwed construction, the plugs can be reused. Switchgear for medium voltage (3.3kV) is also available with plug-in connectors.