Through busbar systems, energy flow can be provided even in the most complex power systems. It is widely used because of its very practical usage and various features. Its usage area is very diverse, including assembly and maintenance workshops, counterweights, electrification, large industrial facilities, hotels, and shopping centers. The use of a busbar, which has become a necessity, provides many benefits. It is very advantageous in terms of both cost and energy efficiency. Different busbar systems are used for different equipment. Maximum efficiency is acquired with features specific to each piece of equipment.
What is the Busbar System?
A busbar system is basically an installation system used to distribute and transmit electrical energy. It is generally used to transmit high-voltage electrical energy that comes from the power transmission line to different electrical equipment in the workplace. It is also known as the electrical port. These systems can be metallic sheets or bars, and they are made from high-conductive products such as aluminum or copper. They are advantageous because they make complex power distribution simple, flexible, and affordable. That’s why these systems are extensively used in power distribution boards, industrial facilities and energy stations.
How Does Busbar System Work?
The high-voltage energy that is used in the busbar system comes from the generator. It is designed as sheets or bars, and these materials consist of copper or aluminum because of their high-conductive characteristics. These sheets are connected with links to points where the energy is transmitted. Then, relations are conducted to different devices, such as electrical boards, engines, or other electrical equipment, and this flowing energy is forwarded to target points. This system uses its own power switch and breaker throughout this transmission process. This way, the system opens the circuit, ensures safety in situations such as overload, fault, or short circuits, and blocks energy from conducting any other points.
What is the Purpose of a Busbar?
Busbar is an electrical port that has been in use for about 100 years. Today’s modern system makes busbars more important for energy distribution. These systems currently serve many goals and are quite popular. One of the basic goals of the system is power distribution. It distributes electrical energy to different points, and in this way, the system makes electrical equipment work in the building. Also, energy is forwarded in a more efficient way. It serves as an interconnection line and transmits electrical energy with low impedance. This system is flexible, so it can be expanded for any change. If any energy requirements change, they can adapt to the new situation. In addition to these, the system has a low maintenance cost. Since the parts are easily replaceable and made of readily available materials, not only the maintenance cost but also the maintenance time are low.
Where are Busbars Used?
Since the busbar system is preferred for many different purposes, it is used in various fields. Where there is a need for a flexible power distribution system, the busbar system is definitely used. It is widely preferred for power transmission in electrical equipment such as control panels or production lines in large industrial facilities. Since electricity is present at many points in life, so is the busbar system. Busbars used in very wide way. They used in buildings like schools, shopping malls, hospitals and other similar buildings.It is also preferred for the distribution of high-voltage energy taken from the power plant because this system performs distribution by minimizing energy loss. Another common usage area is vehicles. It is frequently used in vehicles that require high energy, especially ships, and trains.
Classification of Busbars in Power System
The busbar power system has different classifications because it is used for different requirements or equipment. To optimize energy distribution, this classification has different features. These classifications represent different structures and functions of the busbar systems. Every classification in this system brings some advantages and disadvantages like every system. It is crucial to appraise what you want to use.
1. Single
As its name implies, it consists of a single busbar. All energy is on this line, and all other devices receive energy over this main line. It is both space-saving and low-cost, but in the event of a failure in the main line, all equipment may experience a power outage.
2. Main and Transfer
The structure consisting of two independent busbar systems is called the main and transfer. The main busbar is the main structure that receives and distributes the energy used in normal working order. In case of a possible malfunction, the transfer is activated in order to avoid any disruption. The transfer bar works as a spare part. Although it is cost-friendly, it is a complex structure.
3. Ring
Busbar lines wander like to form a loop in this system. Every point has two connections, and energy flows are never cut off. These connections let the energy flow from one point and carry on the flow from other points in the event of a breakdown. In this system, each section energizes only one circuit. In this way, if there is a fault in the busbar or circuit breaker, only the circuit of the relevant section stops working. Also, it is hard to add a new circuit line to this system.
4. Sectionalized
This system is the system in that the busbar line is separated into more than one section. Every section is controlled with a different key or breaker. In the case of a possible malfunction, only one section is isolated, and others continue their functions.
5. Double Breaker
Every key and breaker takes part in the two different lines in this system. Using a double breaker is ideal to minimize energy interruptions. Even though it is pricey, it has many benefits to serve like this benefit. That’s why it is generally used in large generating stations.
6. Breaker and A-Half
In this system, two main busbars take energy from three different circuit breakers. This system provides high reliability and flexibility. Although it has advantages, it is also disadvantaged in terms of every circuit needing its own circuit to transition.
