New AQ 100 Series Release Facilitates Retrofit Installations
The market-leading arc flash protection series AQ 100 now makes improving the electrical safety of existing low-voltage and medium-voltage switchgear easy through Rogowski sensor support!
New function and features including Rogowski sensor support and RS-485/Modbus RTU communication has been released in the AQ 100 series:
Simplified retrofit projects with the Rogowski sensor support.
Modbus RTU communication provides simple single-direction communication to deliver data to a SCADA/DCS system.
Mounting bracket for easier installation, wiring, and testing of point sensors.
Five character order codes for AQ-110x devices.
Simplified retrofit projects with the Rogowski coil
AQ-110x arc protection devices now support Rogowski sensors. This enables two-criteria based detection (light and current) of an arc flash and allows expanding the arc flash protection to the parts of the switchgear that are not covered by current transformers.
Rogowski sensors are based on air-core design and do not saturate even at extremely high current levels. Therefore, they maintain linearity and accuracy across a wide dynamic range. Additionally, they can detect high-speed transient events, which makes them ideal for arc flash detection and mitigation.
Rogowski sensors offer superior flexibility and ease of installation. They can be installed with minimum modifications in equipment, such as switchgear, busbars, and CTs. Rogowski sensors allow, for instance, cost-efficient installation of an arc flash protection system without the need to make changes in existing protection circuits. This eliminates the need for re-testing of the entire protection system and results in faster deployment and reduced downtime in retrofit and extension projects.
Read more about the light and overcurrent detection with point sensors (offered by AQ-110P and AQ-110PLV) or fiber optic sensors (by AQ-110F and AQ-110FLV)!
Communication to make data from arc flash protection system visible in the SCADA/DCS system
Modbus RTU communication in the AQ-110x devices provides simple single-direction communication for delivering data to a SCADA/DCS system. With Modbus RTU communication the arc flash protection system becomes integrated in the overall SCADA system. It makes all data about the alarms, the sensors, and the input/output signals available locally on the HMI of the arc protection device available in the SCADA system.
For example, in a system based on the IEC 61850 protocol you can connect the AQ 100 series arc flash protection device to AQ 250 series protection and control devices (e.g. AQ-S254 Alarm and Indication Device), which then enables cybersecure communication to a SCADA/DCS system according to IEC 61850.
The order codes of AQ-110x devices now have five characters
Please note that as of this release AQ-110x order code consists of five characters instead of four. The fifth character defines the type of current inputs and communication as follows:
A = standard (CT) inputs
B = standard (CT) inputs and Modbus RTU communication
C = Rogowski inputs
D = Rogowski inputs and Modbus RTU communication
Easier installation of point sensors
Mounting brackets simplify the installation, wiring and testing of the point sensors whether it is installed inside the compartment (typical method) or outside. In greenfield projects, at the wiring stage the sensor attached to a bracket can be easily removed for wiring after which it can be easily re-attached. In case of the outside installation, the sensors can be easily detached again for flash testing.
In retrofit projects, easy installation of the point sensors in the best possible location in the compartment e.g. using self-tapping screws.
Standard Arc Schemes for low-voltage applications now available
Standard Arc Schemes for medium-voltage, and now also for low-voltage applications are comprehensive instruction packages that include a collection of pre-engineered, fully tested, and fully documented protection schemes for various typical switchgear layouts. These schemes ensure the correct operation of the arc flash protection system under all conditions.
The Standard Arc Schemes (AQ-SAS) can be freely downloaded on our website under Documents & Software.
The AQ 100 series is arc flash protection system consists of complete set of devices designed for a single purpose – arc flash protection. This enables reliable operation of the system at arc flash incidents. It also makes the devices easy to handle with few customer settings to me made. This minimizes the risk of unwanted operations that are typically caused by incorrect settings. The With the AQ 100 series can be used in both low-voltage and medium-voltage applications, both new and retrofit installations. Arcteq’s Standard Arc Schemes (AQ-SAS) provide additional support for designing and building your arc flash protection system.
In addition to the arc flash protection devices, multiple types of sensors and sensor units, Arcteq provides market leading arc quenching devices: AQ-1000 for low-voltage applications and AQuench for medium-voltage applications.
