Nuclear Power

Nuclear power plants are facilities with high safety standards where nuclear energy, one of the world's most reliable and powerful energy sources, is produced. These facilities must ensure uninterrupted power generation because even the slightest interruption in nuclear power plants can lead to major safety issues and environmental risks. Therefore, reliable energy infrastructuress, continuous monitoring systems and advanced safety solutions are vital for nuclear power plants.

Nuclear power generation processes are carried out with reactors operating under high temperature and pressure, which requires great care in terms of energy management. If energy continuity is not ensured in these facilities, uncontrolled processes can occur in the reactors. Therefore, the energy infrastructuress used in nuclear power plants need to be resilient, reliable and have high safety standards. In addition, data management and monitoring systems in these facilities play a critical role in the safe execution of processes.

Infrastructure solutions used in nuclear power plants must be particularly resistant to environmental conditions and offer long-lasting structures. At the same time, it is of utmost importance that any malfunctions that may occur in such facilities are quickly remedied and maintenance processes are carried out with minimum risk. Maintenance-friendly systems and solutions that enable rapid intervention ensure the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power plants.

Referanslarımız

References

Explore

The Need for Forming for High Safety:

Safe operation of the panels is very important for this sector. For this reason, it is recommended to form electrical panels.

The partitioning process, called forming or internal separation in electrical panels, aims to ensure human and equipment safety by increasing safety measures inside the panel. This process maximizes safety by limiting malfunctions (fire, etc.) to a certain area and preventing technical personnel from contacting energized parts during intervention.

Electrical enclosures have different levels of formability. These levels determine the internal structure of the enclosure and the way the compartments are separated. The highest level of internal separation is called Form 4b. Form 4b means that all compartments inside the enclosure are completely separated from each other and provide the highest level of safety.

Switchboards with Form 4b format are especially preferred in high-risk environments and critical applications. These panels protect both life safety and equipment safety by preventing the spread of faults. They also provide a safe working environment during maintenance and repair operations.

For enclosures with Form 4b format, the application of segmented covers is also generally recommended. Sectional covers facilitate access to only a certain part of the enclosure and protect the safety of the sections.

In summary, Forming or internal separation is an important practice to improve safety in electrical enclosures. Different forming levels offer solutions suitable for different needs and risk levels. Forming Form 4b and split cover application is recommended to provide the highest level of safety required by this sector.

To learn more about forming, you can access our related blog post by clicking here. Form 4b forming and partial cover application is recommended.

High Corrosion Resistance Requirement:

In providing the corrosion resistance required by this sector, all EAE Elektroteknik products stand out with their high corrosion resistance in severe environmental conditions. 

Corrosion is the process of wear of metals or metal alloys by oxidation or other chemical effects. Electrical panels need to be protected from these corrosive effects according to their environmental conditions.

• Paint application on DKP sheet: This method can provide limited protection against corrosion. Although external environments are more corrosive, similar corrosive effects may occur in internal spaces over time. For this reason, the corrosion resistance provided by applying paint on DKP sheet should not be preferred for use in internal environments.

• Paint application on galvanized sheet or galvanized sheet: This method, which is widely used in industrial environments, provides effective protection against corrosion. It should be generally preferred in both internal and external applications. It is very advantageous when evaluated in terms of price and performance.

All EAE Elektroteknik products use ready galvanized sheet metal, even if they are painted, which is the second option. This feature increases the corrosion resistance of the products in harsh environmental conditions as described above.

Need for Seismic Resilience:

Turkey's location in an earthquake zone makes it mandatory to manufacture non-structural products such as electrical panels and rack cabinets resistant to seismic movements. In order to ensure energy continuity and protect life safety in the event of an earthquake, it is of great importance to use industry-independent seismic certified products and to strictly follow the manufacturer's installation instructions.

Seismic certification demonstrates that electrical enclosures and rack cabinets can maintain their structural integrity and functionality during earthquakes. At the same time, these certifications prove that the products have been tested in accordance with international standards and are designed to withstand a specific earthquake intensity.

The correct installation of seismic certified products in the field directly affects the performance and safety of the product. Failure to follow the installation rules set by the manufacturer can reduce the seismic resistance of the product and even cause it to be damaged during an earthquake.

As EAE Elektroteknik, we attach great importance to seismic resistance. Our products have been tested and seismic certified in accordance with international standards. In addition, we have prepared detailed installation instructions for our products, aiming to ensure that our customers perform a safe and correct installation.

The Need for Correct Determination of IP Protection Degree:

The protection of electrical panels against environmental factors is ensured by performing tests specified within the scope of the IEC 60529:1989 standard, which determines the degree of protection against solid and liquid objects. These tests are expressed with numbers (IP code) that indicate that the panels provide certain levels of protection.

The first digit in the IP code indicates the level of protection against solid objects, the second digit indicates the level of protection against liquids.

A high IP rating does not provide sufficient assurance for outdoor use, meaning that enclosures with a high IP rating are EXTERNAL!

There is a misconception in the market that products with a high IP protection rating can be used outdoors.

Even if products with a high IP protection degree are dust and water resistant, the period of exposure to corrosion in outdoor environments is shorter. In addition, the radiation effect of the sun should also be taken into account. These factors are not taken into account in the IP classification.

In addition, as the IP increases, the temperature inside the panel also increases. This reduces the current carrying capacity of the products. Therefore, it is important to determine the optimum IP value for the panel, neither too high nor too low.

The Need for Proper Ventilation:

Temperature increase directly affects the performance of devices inside the panel or rack cabinet. Temperature increase tests, which are as important as short circuits in panel type tests, are critical for the safe and efficient operation of devices. Since temperature increase reduces the current carrying capacity, the temperature inside the panel/rack cabinet must be brought to the ideal level with proper ventilation.

The temperature inside the panel/rack cabinet increases due to the ambient temperature and the heat emitting devices inside (breaker, busbar, server, etc.). This temperature increase is calculated by taking into account the electrical loss power values ​​in the catalogs of each device used.

The IP protection level also contributes to the temperature increase by preventing the heat from escaping to the outside. Therefore, it is important to choose the right IP level for the panel/rack cabinet, not the highest one. A high IP protection level does not always mean better protection, and the wrong choice can cause excessive temperature increase and therefore damage to the devices.

After the temperature increase is determined, the panel or rack cabinet can be cooled according to the value obtained by the following methods:

• Natural Ventilation
• Cooling with fan
• Cooling with Air Conditioning

As EAE Elektroteknik, you can use our PanelTemp heat software for cooling calculations inside panels up to 1600A. Click here to get more information about PanelTemp. You can also access our blog post about cooling with fans here. You can contact your Customer Representative for our air conditioning solutions.

You can also read our blog post about cooling with fans by clicking here.

Need for High Durability with Correct IK Value:

The level of protection against impact is called IK test in the IEC 62262:2002 standard. In this test, a value is determined by checking that the damage caused by an object falling from a certain height does not affect the IP protection degree of the panel. This value indicates the IK level of the cabinet. EAE Panels are at the highest level, IK10.

In addition:

In nuclear energy facilities, the use of systems that provide uninterrupted energy continuity, high safety standards and ease of maintenance is indispensable. EAE Elektroteknik products contribute to the reliable and efficient operation of nuclear energy facilities with their superior features that meet these requirements.

PanelMaster Low Voltage Type Tested Panel Systems

It is designed to be used in critical facilities that require the highest level of safety and durability, such as nuclear power plants. These systems have high technical value type test certificates obtained from internationally accredited laboratories in order to be used safely in nuclear facilities that are vital in terms of energy continuity and maintenance safety. It is also designed to allow Form 4b applications to maximize operational safety.

You can click here to examine our PanelMaster Panel System in more detail.

PanelMaster Low Voltage Withdrawable Type Tested Panel Systems

It has been optimized to meet the requirements of high security, flexibility and easy maintenance in order to be used safely in power circuits and motor starting circuits of nuclear energy facilities. Low voltage panels are resistant to the difficult working conditions in nuclear facilities and offer maximum operational continuity with minimum maintenance periods. Thanks to its special design, it provides rapid intervention in case of failure and fully complies with the security protocols of the facilities.

• IEC 61439-1-2 Type Test Standard
• IEC 60068 Seismic Test Standard
• IEC 61641 Internal Arc Test Standard

You can click here to examine our PanelMaster Drawer Panel System in more detail.

E-Cabin Type Tested Empty Panel Systems

It offers solutions with a wide range of products for the needs of control, command and many different applications in the internal and external environments of nuclear energy facilities, including 304-316 stainless steel. E-Kabin panel products are suitable for the difficult working conditions of nuclear facilities with their internationally accredited standards, and provide durable and long-lasting use.

• IEC 62208 Type Test Standard for Empty Enclosures
• IEC 60529 Degree of Protection Provided in Panels
• IEC 62262 Protection Against External Mechanical Impacts

You can click here to examine the entire E-Kabin product portfolio in more detail.

KabinPLUS IT Infrastructure Solutions

It offers durable, modular, long-lasting, highly secure, aesthetic and user-friendly IT infrastructures solutions, especially supported by seismic products, suitable for environmental conditions for buildings with critical facility status such as nuclear power plants.

You can click here to examine our KabinPLUS products in more detail.