Eaton has introduced the xEnergy Elite, a low-voltage motor control and power distribution center designed to handle loads up to 7,500 A and 690 VAC. This new system is tailored to enhance uptime, flexibility, and reduce maintenance costs for critical applications in industries such as mining.
The xEnergy Elite motor control center (MCC) adheres to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards, ensuring power availability and robust safety for both operational and maintenance personnel. The MCC integrates advanced motor control and protection features to optimize performance and reduce arc flash risks, surpassing the requirements set by IEC TR 61641.
Key safety enhancements include fully segregated dropper busbars, optional isolated main busbars, and an exclusive contact system for withdrawable motor starters and energy feeders to prevent arc flash events. The Elite contact system allows secure operation with the compartment door closed, enhancing personnel safety. Equipped with Eaton’s Arc Flash Reduction Maintenance System™, the MCC reduces incident energy during maintenance while maintaining standard overcurrent protection during normal operations.
The xEnergy Elite MCC is designed to increase uptime and minimize maintenance requirements. Its innovative rotating contact technology reduces contact wear on the vertical busbar, maintaining stable electrical connections even under short-circuit conditions or high starting loads.
Following the July 1, 2023 mandate for Super Premium Efficiency (IE4) motors, the xEnergy Elite supports switching for both IE3 and IE4 motor categories. The withdrawable motor starter units are front-accessible, allowing quick service and expansion without system shutdown, and are rated for over 1,000 mechanical operations, well above the IEC standard of 200.
Compact and versatile, the MCC’s high-density micro-drawer configurations reduce its footprint. Front access to all functions minimizes the need for rear access, allowing placement against the wall with only a 50 mm ventilation clearance, saving up to 2 square meters per section. Eaton’s shared main busbars solution further reduces space and copper usage. The system also accommodates rear cable compartments, with newly designed top-mounted busbars for added flexibility.
Lukasz Przybecki, Product Manager for Low Voltage IEC Assemblies at Eaton, noted, “Motor failure can lead to production downtime, costly repairs, and safety issues. The xEnergy Elite’s powerful control and protection make it an essential component of a safe and reliable system.”
