Thermal Performance of Low Voltage Power Distribution Board Panel (PDBP) at Elevated Temperature

Abstract

Thermal performance has been the subject of studies for LV equipment since decades and continues to be the established practice to assess its continued usage of the equipment in service or installation in the case of newly designed equipment. The PDBP being core of the distribution network to deliver reliable quality power is investigated for its performance in ambient temperature and at elevated temperature. Although, the equipment behavior is known at ambient temperature, its performance at elevated temperature of 55˚C is seldom studied. Recently, the temperature in the globe is on the raise leading to global warming and in addition there is requirement in industrial applications and high temperate zones. The feasibility of electrical equipment in this elevated temperature condition is not known. In this context, the equipment has been subjected to laboratory studies. The data obtained showed the interesting results such as need of thermally endured materials in the configured system of the equipment. The operation of the equipment in elevated temperature will accelerate deterioration and reduction in the service life of the equipment. However, proper thermally endured components, thermal design of the equipment will ensure for the application of the equipment in the elevated temperature. The method of Temperature monitoring of the equipment by subjecting to service condition of operating temperature and current can be applied as a means to study the thermal performance of equipment. These aspects of the experimental method, the results obtained at ambient and elevated temperature are discussed and investigated in this research work.