Technical collection

Cahier
technique
no. 145
Thermal study of LV electric
switchboards
C. Kilindjian
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n° 145
Thermal study of LV electric
switchboards

C. KILINDJIAN

After graduating as an engineer from the Ecole Supérieure d'Energie

et des Matériaux of Orléans in 1986, he then joined Merlin Gerin in this
same year as part of the Technical Section in the Low Voltage
Switchboards unit.
Responsible for basic studies, he specialises in problems of heat
exchanges and electrodynamic withstand in LV equipment.
He is currently working in the Anticipation departent of the Low
Voltage Power Compartments SBS as an expert on thermal problems
in LV circuit-breaker and equipment development.

E/CT 145 first issued, december 1997

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.2
 Thermal study of LV electric
switchboards

This «Cahier Technique» aims at furthering the understanding and mastery

of the thermal problems encountered in LV electric switchboards.
After a brief review of standards and of thermal phenomena: conduction -
radiation - convection, the author shows how LV cubicles can be modelled
using modelling techniques normally reserved for other areas.
Modelling naturally leads to software to aid design of electrical cubicles
equipped with switchgear.
The results are compared with real temperature measurements.
Finally, the methods and possibilities of the IEC 890 guide are described.

Contents
1 Introduction 1.1 Controlling thermal phenomena in LV cubicles p. 4
2 Thermal problems in a switchboard 2.1 Causes - effects and solutions p. 5
2.2 Taking stock of standards p. 6
3 Thermal behaviour of a LV electric 3.1 Briefeview of the main thermal phenomena p. 8
switchboard 3.2 Exchanges at switchboard level p. 10
4 Presentation of modelling 4.1 Principle p. 11
4.2 Modelling convection p. 12
4.3 Application to LV enclosures p. 12
5 Behaviour of heat sources and 5.1 Busbars p. 14
characteristics 5.2 Switchgear devices p. 14
6 Method for calculating temperature in 6.1 Principle p. 17
envelopes and experimental results 6.2 Description of the data to be provided and of the results
obtained p. 17
6.3 Modelled configurations p. 18
6.4 Results p. 18
6.5 Experimentl results p. 21
7 Method proposed by the IEC 890 report p. 22
8 Conclusion p. 24

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.3

1 Introduction

1.1 Controlling thermal phenomena in LV cubicles

The new manufacturing methods developed in Mastery of its operation requires knowledge and
industry in recent years (just in time...) have control not only of the functioning of its
brought a new notion to light: industrial components but also of the external influences to
dependability. This concept which covers two which they are subjected.
different aspects, safety of persons and An electric switchboard is the combination of 4
equipment, and availability of electrical power, basic elements:
shows when it is applied to complex processes, c the envelope,
the critical points whose operation must be c the switchgear,
thoroughly mastered. c the connections,
c the functions performing indication, control and
The electric switchboard is one of these processing of information.
critical points. Electric switchboards are increasingly technical
Note that the problem is similar for major and require a certain number of basic studies in
tertiary. order to master, in the design stage, the
Formerly considered as a simple passing point, operating conditions of its components in a
it has become the genuine nerve centre of specific environment.
electrical installations. The safety of the entire One area covered by such studies is the thermal
installation and thus of all industrial and tertiary aspects which form the subject matter of this
activities relies on its dependability. «Cahier Technique».

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.4

2 Thermal problems in a switchboard

Three main reasons make thermal mastery c The tendency to fill switchboards to their limit
increasingly vital. These reasons are: and an increasing bulk factor (ratio between the
c The tendency to place electrical equipment in nominal current of the switchboard incoming
envelopes (for safety purposes) which are circuit-breaker and the sum of nominal feeder
increasingly made of insulating material (poor currents. This factor is also known as the
calory dissipation capacity). diversity factor).
c Progress of switchgear which includes more
and more electronic components of increasingly
compact size.

2.1 Causes, effects and solutions

The temperature of an electrical device is the safety of persons: temperature of case and of
result of: switching devices, maximum temperature
deviation for terminals; this is verified by product
c the Joule effect (P = R I2), i.e. of its withstand
certification tests.
to current flow,
As devices function in a wide variety of working
c ambient temperature. conditions in switchboards, the causes of
Electrical switchgear is designed in accordance excessive temperature are numerous.
with manufacturing standards which define the Table (see Figure 1) shows the main causes,
maximum temperatures not to exceed to ensure their effects and the possible solutions.

Causes Effects Protection Solutions

External temperature too c Switchboard internal c Alarm c Improve ventilation of

high temperature too high c Automatic fan startup room and/or switchboard
c Tripping of thermal
releases
c Ageing of electronics
c Temperature of
enclosure walls too high Can occur in
IEC439
some cases
High diversity factor. c Tripping of switchboard c Load shedding c Adequately sized even when
Installation possibilities incoming protection switchboard designed
exceeded. c Switchboard internal according to
temperature too high standard
c Temperature of practice.
enclosure walls too high

Short-circuit or overload c Damaged conductors c Safety tripping c Adequately sized

c Damaged insulated bar conductors. IEC634
supports c Supports with good
electrodynamic at high T°

Loose connections c Device conductors c Uncertain upstream c Tightness checks. Mounting and
destroyed tripping c Temperature rise maintenance
detection. problems

Conductor cross-section c Conductors destroyed c None c Adequately sized Installation

IEC898
too small conductors. design error

Device derating error or c Abnormal operation c Tripping or indication c Review choice of

incorrect positioning (tripping) components and/or Error in choice
c Premature ageing positioning. or use of IEC947
c Ventilation. device

fig. 1: thermal problems in terms of cause and effect.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.5

 The problem in fact consists of ensuring, on Three types of solutions can be identified:
switchboard design, that all its components will c the panel builder's experience,
operate in temperature conditions that are less
restrictive than those laid down by their c the real tests for repetitive switchboards,
construction standards. The scheduled current c the use of software which can determine,
must obviously be able to flow through the according to envelope characteristics, the
connection switchgear (circuit-breakers, current strength/temperature pair for each heat
contactors, etc...) without any problem. source (switchgear - conductors) (see
paragraph 4), in accordance with their position
In addition to safety of persons and equipment, and with the temperature of the surrounding air.
two other objectives must be considered: It is obvious that a software validated by
c availability of electrical power (no untimely experience and tests is of great use as it allows
operation or failure to operate), comparative study of the many possible
c lifetime of components. installation configurations and thus optimisation
of the future switchboard as regards thermal
In conclusion, the challenge consists of
aspects and... cost.
anticipating with a high degree of certainty the
thermal operating state of the switchboard.

2.2 Taking stock of standards

Many standards cover the Low Voltage area, for component) and manufacturing (assembly
example the NF C 15-100 for France which guide...) and which have to meet type tests
defines the rules to be complied with for all (temperature rise, short-circuit, continuity of
LV installations. frames...) laid down by the standard.
As regards definition and design of LV devices
The PTTA correspond to assemblies whose
and assemblies, the following can be referred to
basic structure is a TTA to which one or more
respectively:
modifications have been made which must be
c Switchgear standards, e.g. IEC 947. validated either by calculation or by a specific
c The IEC 439 standard for LV cubicles test.
(assemblies). The IEC 439 international standard
is divided into three parts: The notion of forms corresponds to a precise
v IEC 439.1 which contains the rules for type definition of the degrees of separation that can
tested assemblies and for partially type tested be found in a switchboard and which increase
assemblies, protection of persons by inaccessibility to live
v IEC 439.2 which defines the rules for parts (busbars...). Four types of forms can be
prefabricated ducts, identified ranging from total absence of
v The IEC 439.3 draft standard which covers separation (form 1) to complete partitioning of
LV switchgear assemblies installed in places the various switchboard elements (form 4).
accessible to untrained persons. It should be noted that these partitions obviously
greatly affect the thermal behaviour of these
The part particularly of interest to us for assemblies.
LV switchboards is IEC 439.1 edited in 1985.
In the European context, this standard acts as a The IEC standard also defines the temperature
structural framework for most national standards rise test to be verified on assemblies.
(British Standard, NF C, VDE...) whose contents It stipulates the conditions and temperature rise
are a fairly accurate copy of the text of the limits (paragraph 8.2.1. of the standard) that
IEC standard in which differences correspond must not be exceeded by the assembly
rather to the country's specific practices than to components.
questioning of fundamental points of the c Test conditions:
IEC standard.
v the assembly must be set out as in normal
In France this is the case of the NF C 63-410
usage,
standard.
The main contribution of this standard has been v the current corresponding to the rated value is
a more accurate definition of two notions aiming distributed in the various devices allowing for a
at increased safety. These notions are: diversity factor (Kd) varying according to the
number of main circuits
c That of Totally Tested Assemblies, TTA (type
2 i number of feeders i 3 Kd = 0.9
tested assembly) or of Partially Type Tested
4 i number of feeders i 5 Kd = 0.8
Assemblies, PTTA. 6 i number of feeders i 9 Kd = 0.7
c The notion of forms (see fig. 2). number of feeders u 10 Kd = 0.6
Without going into detail, we can say that the v thermal stabilisation is reached if the
TTA correspond to products that are completely temperature variation does not exceed 1°C/h.
defined and frozen both as regards their The cross-sections of the conductors connected
components (exact drawings of each to the devices must conform with the standard.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.6

 v the T° measurements are performed using As concerns standardisation, a technical guide
thermocouples for the predetermination of these temperature
v the reference ambient temperature is 35 °C rises is also available (IEC 890). However it
c Temperature rise limits requires validation by a number of tests as it
does not have standard status.
Compared with ambient temperature, the following
It provides correct results for simple
temperature limits must not be exceeded:
configurations (envelope with few partitions,
v 70 K for terminals connecting external
evenly distributed hear sources...). A
conductors,
presentation of this method is proposed in
v 25 K for manual control devices,
paragraph 7 together with a comparison with our
v 30 K or 40 K for accessible or inaccessible «cubicle» designer approach.
external metal surfaces,
v specific values for built-in components and for
insulators touching the conductors.

Form 1 Form 2 Form 3 Form 4

fig. 2: various «forms» as in IEC 439-1/NF C 63-410 standards.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.7

3 Thermal behaviour of a LV electric switchboard

An electrical switchboard is a system made up of conductors....) where it is generated, to the

a fluid (air) and of solid bodies in which electric parts in contact with the exterior which in turn
current flow is accompanied by energy losses transmit this heat to the surrounding
causing the temperature to rise. atmosphere.
Progress towards thermal equilibrium involves
the transfer of heat from live parts (devices,

3.1 Brief review of the main thermal phenomena

The thermal behaviour of any system, including e.g. a few values of λ in W/m °C
an electrical switchboard, can be described in Silver λ = 420
terms of heat exchanges. Three types of Copper λ = 385
phenomena are involved: Aluminium λ = 203
Steel λ = 45
Conduction: Plastics λ = 0.2
Transfer of heat inside solid bodies (see fig. 3). Concrete λ = 0.935
This phenomenon can be divided up into: Brick λ = 0.657
c Simple conduction where the body in question Glass wool λ = 0.055
is not a source of thermal phenomena, Air (30 °C) λ = 0.026
e.g. conduction inside a wall.
Radiation:
c Live conduction where heat is created inside
the body in question, e.g. a copper bar with an Transfer of heat between solid bodies separated
electric current flowing through it. by a medium of varying transparency
(see fig. 4).
Calculations concerning the transmission of heat
by conduction are based on Fourier's law which, Such exchanges take place between the
for simple geometries, can be resumed by the surfaces of any bodies facing one another and
equation: are represented by fairly complex relationships
involving:
λS
Φi j =
d
( )
Ti − Tj where c The emission of the solid which, if considered
to be an ideal black body, depends only on its
Φi j : heat flux between two points i and j in W,
temperature.
λ : thermal conductivity in W/m °C,
S: area of the heat exchange surface in m2, c The nature of the surface of the solid,
Ti , Tj : temperatures of the two points in °C, expressed by its emissivity ε which reflects the
d: distance between the two points in m, relative ability of a surface to radiate energy as
λ is characteristic of the «conductive» medium. compared with that of an ideal black body under
Its value depends on temperature but in most the same conditions.
cases is considered as constant. c Reflection and absorption phenomena.

fig. 3: conduction.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.8

c The disposition of these surfaces via form
factors.
However in the special case where one surface
(for example j) completely surrounds another
surface (i) such that the ratio Si / S j is small,
these expressions are simplified and we obtain:
( )
Φi = εi σ Si Ti4 − Tj4 where
Φ : heat flux transferred through the surface i in W,
ε i : emissivity of the surface i,
σ : Stefan-Boltzmann constant
(5.67032 x 10-8 W m-2 K-4),
Si : surface area in m2,
Ti , Tj : temperature of opposite surfaces in K,

Convection: fig. 4: radiation.

The general term of convection in fact covers

two different phenomena which are frequently
treated together.
c Actual convection which corresponds to a
transfer of heat between a solid body and a
moving fluid. According to the origin of fluid
movement, convection can be natural or forced
(see fig. 5).
These transfers are characterised by exchange
coefficients hi :
Φi = hi Si (Tf − Ti ) where fig. 5: convection.
Φi : heat flux at the surface Si in W,
hi : heat exchange coefficient in W/m2 °C,
Tf , Ti : temperatures of the fluid and of the
surface of the solid body in °C,
From a physical viewpoint, the problem of heat
exchange by convection is closed related to a
fluid mechanics problem.
However from a practical viewpoint it can be
tackled «simply» using heat exchange
coefficients with expressions involving:
v parameters describing the type of fluid flow
(velocity, etc.),
v the physical properties of the fluid (thermal
conductivity, dynamic viscosity, thermal capacity,
density, etc.).
They are often combined in the form of
dimensionless numbers or characteristics
(Nusselt, Prandtl, Reynolds, Grasshof
numbers...).
For example: expression of the heat exchange fig. 6: convection currents.
coefficient for natural convection and a simple
geometry: flat vertical plate of height L with a
uniform temperature distribution NB: Note that the heat exchange coefficient
Nu λ depends on the temperature difference raised to
h = where a power of 0.25, hence:
Dh
h = K( ∆t)
0.25
Nu : Nusselt number,
Nu = 0.53 (Gr Pr )
0.25
c convection currents which transfer heat
where Gr and Pr are the Grasshof and Prandtl through a fluid by the actual movement of the
numbers respectively, functions of the physical fluid. This explains, for example, the
properties of the fluid and of the temperature temperature gradient observed between the top
difference between the fluid and the heat and the bottom of a volume of a closed fluid
exchange surface,
subjected to heating.
λ : thermal conductivity of the fluid (W/m °C),
Dh: characteristic dimension (m). The movement of air between two volumes is
In most cases Dh corresponds to the largest characterised by mass flowrates which are
dimension of the solid body in contact with the functions of flow cross-sections and flow
moving fluid, in this case L. velocities (see fig. 6).

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.9

 Heat transfer is represented by: Di j : distance between the two points i and j in m.
( )
⊂⊃
Φi j = M cp Ti − Tj Moreover, if the fluid in question is assumed to
where have a perfect gas behaviour, then:
Φi j : heat flux exchanged between i and j in W,
⊂⊃
M : mass flowrate in kg/s,
(
∆ρ/ρ = β Ti − Tj hence)
cp: heat capacity of the fluid in J/kg °C,
Ti , Tj : temperature of the fluid in volumes i
(
Vi j = Constant β Ti − Tj g Di j )
and j (°C). 1
where β =
(Ti + Tj ) / 2
(case of perfect gases)
NB: heat transfer is imposed by the direction of
flow.
Ti , Tj : temperature of fluid in K
Expression of fluid velocity: in the case of natural
convection, the fluid is set in motion between These formulae correspond to ascending or
points i and j by the variation of its density with descending fluid volume movements.
temperature. In the case of fluid movement near a wall, the
Velocity is thus assumed proportional to these problem is both thermal and hydraulic and can
variations, i.e. a function of the difference in be solved analytically in some cases (laminar
temperature between i and j. flow along a wall).
∆ρ In this case the fluid velocity along the wall has a
Vi j = Constant g Di j where similar expression, i.e. it is proportional to a
ρ
temperature difference (fluid-wall).
∆ρ/ρ : relative variation of density, See page 25 for a review of the definition of °C,
g: acceleration due to gravity in m/s2, K and °F.

3.2 Exchanges at switchboard level

The diagram below (see fig. 7) represents the
elements making up the system studied: ambient
air, enclosure, internal air and the various heat Ambient air
sources. This description of the switchboard Room walls
thermal state shows that all the exchange pheno- ▲
mena described above must be taken into consi-
deration and are all considerably inter-related. Enclosure ▲
For example:
▲ ▲
c The internal air temperature results:
v from exchanges by convection between the Internal air
internal air and the surfaces of the various
devices, conductors and walls,
v from the heat conveyed by the convective ▲
▲
movements of air. Conductors,
Devices
▼

c For the electrical devices in the switchboard, horiz. and vert.

busbars
the heat generated by Joule effect is exchanged:
v by convection between their heat exchange
surfaces and the internal air, Conduction
▼ ▼

▼ ▼

v by conduction with the bars and cables, Radiation

v by radiation with the enclosure walls and the Convection
surfaces of the other devices. Convective movement
The most important phenomena involved in fig. 7: thermal behaviour of an enclosure.
overall behaviour are the convection phenomena.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.10

4 Presentation of modelling

4.1 Principle
All the solution methods (e.g. Monte-Carlo, finite Ti , Tj : temperatures associated with nodes i and
differences, finite elements) are based on a j respectively.
breakdown of the system to be modelled into As an example, let us model a room containing a
elementary modules. heat source.
The chosen method, nodal analysis, is derived This system is broken down into 4 nodes:
from a finite difference approach. Although 1 for the internal air
conventional, this technique has the advantage 2 for the walls (internal and external)
of being able to represent thermal behaviour of a 4 for the external ambient air
complex system while allowing for the Nodal representation (simplified) (see fig. 9).
interactions between the various parts or
components of which it is made. Equations expressing the heat fluxes for this
simple system:
It can be used in a wide variety of applications,
for instance to describe the behaviour of an node 1:
Q1 − h1.2 S1.2 (T1 − T2 ) + M4.1 cp (T4 − T1)
⊂⊃
artificial satellite, an electric motor, the climatic
M1.4 cp (T1 − T4 ) = ρ1 V1 cp1 T 1
conditions inside a transformer substation or a ⊂⊃ ⊂⊃

building consisting of several rooms.

In theory this method consists of breaking up the
system in question into various isothermal
volumes known as nodes. Each node has a Thermal quantities Electrical quantities
number of parameters, including a temperature, Temperature Potential
and, in some cases, a heat input independent of
Thermal resistance Electrical resistance
the heat exchanges. We then examine
couplings between nodes, i.e. the various Heat flux Current
Φ = G (T2 − T1) (U − U1)
1
exchanges between volumes which will allow us I =
R 2
to write our balance equations (conservation of
Thermal capacity Electrical capacitance
energy and mass in the volume element
attached to a specific node). This approach is in fig. 8: Correspondence between thermal and electrical
fact a spatial discretisation of the system and quantities.
results in the definition of a thermal network
with its nodes, capacities, heat sources and
conductances expres-sing the various couplings
▼

between nodes (analogy of electrical and

thermal phenomena): (see fig. 8).
1 2 3 ▼
4
▼

We thus obtain a system of coupled equations,

▼

linear or non-linear, which will enable us to

define a matrix, the thermal admittance matrix.
We then have to specify the numerical values of
▼

the elements of this matrix which correspond to

the thermal conductances. Nod 1 : internal air
Nos 2 and 3 : internal and external walls
Expression of conductances per type of Nod 4 : external ambient air
exchange: represents exchanges
c Conduction: Gi j = λ i Si j / Di j by conduction

( )(
c Radiation: Gi j = α σ ε S Fi j Ti + Tj Ti2 + Tj 2 ) represents exchanges
▼

by convection
c Convection: Gi j = hi Si j
⊂⊃
c Convective movement: Gi j = M cp represents exchanges
▼

by displacement of air
Expression of heat flux equivalent to electric
represents the input of heat
current:
▼

in node 1
(∆U)
1
I =
( )
R represents the heat capacity
Φi j = Gi j Ti − Tj where associated with each
Gi j : energy flux between nodes i and j, fig. 9: Simplified nodal representation - modelling of a
Gi j : conductance between i and j, dependent on room.
the type of exchange considered,

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.11

 node 2: Therefore they can be ignored when only the
λ 2 S2.3
h1.2 S1.2 (T1 − T2 ) −
d2.3
(T2 − T3 ) steady state with stabilised temperatures is
considered.
⊂⊃
= ρ2 V2 cp2 T 2 Using these equations we then deduce the
node 3: system of equations [G] [T] = [R]
corresponding to:
λ 2 S2.3
d2.3
(T2 − T3 ) − h3.4 S3.4 (T3 − T4 ) ( )
Φi j = Gi j Ti − Tj
⊂⊃
= ρ3 V3 cp3 T 3 where:
G: is the thermal admittance matrix
node 4: T : is the vector of unknown temperatures
h3.4 S3.4 (T3 − T4 ) + M1.4 cp (T1 − T4 )
⊂⊃
R: is the vector of imposed conditions (heat
sources Q1, temperature,...).
M4.1 cp (T4 − T1) = ρ4 V4 cp4 T 4
⊂⊃ ⊂⊃

This type of approach has made it possible to

d Ti establish calculation codes and regulations
NB: the terms Ti correspond to .
dt relating to thermal problems in buildings.

4.2 Modelling convection

As already mentioned in section 2, «convection» One part describes the mass flowrates (air
covers two phenomena which are treated movement) and the other the heat exchanges
together in most cases (exchanges between solid (heat exchange coefficient). The two parts are
body and fluid and exchanges in the actual fluid). connected by the mass/thermal transfer
Modelling of exchanges by convection must dependencies (see fig.10).
therefore by divided into two parts.
▼
▼

▼
▼

▼
▼
▼

▼ ▼
▼
▼

▼
▼

▼ ▼

▼
▼

▼
▼

▼
▼
▼
▼
▼

▼
▼

Air movements Corresponding nodal diagram

showing the two aspects of convection

fig. 10: mass and thermal modelling of convection.

4.3 Application to LV enclosures

Two main types of enclosures can be identified Highly partitioned enclosures with or without
for modelling purposes: natural ventilation.
There are two possible modelling approaches:
Non-partitioned enclosures
c Each switchboard zone can be modelled as
(boxes, cubicles...). In this case the nodal above and then these volumes are associated.
diagram, shown in figure 11, resembles the However this results in overly large matrices
diagram in figure 10, with integration of the heat bearing in mind that there can be a dozen zones
sources. to associate.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.12

c A more global approach can be used without programs are all structured in the same manner.
modelling the convection currents inside the Before describing in detail how to use the
various volumes and allowing only for air flows software (section 5), it is first necessary to further
between zones (see fig.12). our knowledge of heat sources (busbars,
These approaches have resulted in different devices) in order to determine the real operating
software for each enclosure type. These currents of the devices installed in a switchboard.

▼
▼

▼
ambient ▼

air ▼

▼
▼

▼
▼

▼
fig.11: Non-partitioned enclosures.

opening
▼

▼ ▼
▼

▼
▼

ambient
▼ ▼

air
zone A zone B
▼

▼
▼

▼ ▼

zone A zone B

fig.12: case of a partitioned enclosure.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.13

5 Behaviour of heat sources and characteristics

The heat sources considered in modelling are other words, rather than their operating
busbars, connection conductors and electrical temperature, we calculate the maximum current
devices. that they are able to convey for a given
The latter are considered to be «black boxes» installation configuration so that they do not
dissipating calories instead of model modes. In exceed their maximum operating temperature.

5.1 Busbars
Busbars are designed to satisfy two conditions: separately. However the first condition requires
c Sufficient capacity to convey the required rated knowledge of the total of the currents flowing
current without inducing a temperature rise in the through the switchboard.
bars that could damage the insulators supporting The temperature of the air surrounding the bars
them. is of particular importance in order to size the
For example the bars can be sized so that they bars accurately and ensure that they do not
do not exceed a steady state temperature of exceed a critical temperature mainly depending
110 °C; this value is completely dependent on the on the type of material used for the supports.
type of insulating materials with which they are in Consequently, knowing the air temperature in
contact, for example the supports. The table in the various switchboard zones, we can
figure 13 gives a few busbar temperature values determine, at the end of the program, the
for an ambient temperature of 50 ° and 65 °C. temperature of the bars according to their
c Capacity to withstand a short-circuit current characteristics (dimensions, forms,
without serious bar deformation, rupture of arrangements...) and thus validate their sizing.
insulator supports or excessive temperature rise. NB: as regards calculation of heat flux, we
The second condition corresponds to a problem consider that bars mainly dissipate power by
of electrodynamic forces and may be studied convection and radiation with internal air.

Temp. near Cross-section Current Power loss Bar temperature

the bars (°C) (A) (W) (°C)
50 1 b 100x5 1000 45 79
50 1 b 100x5 1500 107 109
50 3 b 100x5 1500 10 65
50 3 b 100x5 3400 61 110
65 1 b 100x5 1000 45 92
65 3 b 100x5 1500 11 80

fig.13: thermal values of a few busbars for different ambient air temperatures.

5.2 Switchgear devices

In power distribution cubicles, the switchgear
devices used are mainly circuit-breakers. Circuit breakers
Together with the contactors and fuse- In (A) 250 400 630 800
disconnectors, they dissipate heat when electric Pw - fixed 17.4 25 21 36
current flows through them. at In - withdrawable 23 35 54 58
The table in figure 14 gives, as a general Fuse-disconnectors
indication, a few power loss values per phase In (A) 250 400 630 800
(per pole). Pw at In 30 44 67 _
Note that the powers dissipated at a given In are Contactors
of same order of magnitude for the different In (A) 265 400 630 780
devices, although slightly lower for circuit- Pw at In 22 45 48 60
breakers as compared to fuse-disconnectors and fig.14: Power loss at ln by conventional switchgear
even compared to contactors due to their hard devices.
but resistant contacts.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.14

 Electronic
Voluntary
"derating "
Compensated
bimetal strip

Simple bimetal
strip
Ambient T
TN TL
TN: nominal operating temperature
TL: limiting operating temperature
fig. 15: typical derating curves of various releases as a function of temperature.

Let us examine thermal problems in greater t

detail for circuit-breakers:
c Power loss is proportional to the square of the
2
 I
current flowing through them: PW = PN  
 In 
where PN represents the power loss at rated
current I n . Id 1,05 I n
c the rated current ( I n ) of a circuit-breaker
corresponds to a specific ambient temperature,
for example 40 °C, set by the manufacturing
standard. In fact, for some circuit-breakers, the In Id I
ambient temperature corresponding to I n can (I rth)
reach and even exceed 50 °C, which provides a fig. 16: time-current curve of a circuit-breaker.
certain safety factor in hot countries for example.
c the operating current ( I ) can vary as a function
Id
of ambient temperature, according to the type of K1 = (see fig. 16)
release: simple thermal, compensated thermal, In
electronic (see fig. 15), which may enable a c The cross-sections of the connecting cables or
maximum operational current other than I n to be bars which act as a radiator. Their influence is
defined. taken into consideration by a coefficient K 2 .
The parameters used to determine derating take NB: the cross-section of the conductors used
the following into consideration, besides the rarely equals the cross-section used for circuit-
temperature of the air around the device ( Ti ): breaker certification tests.
c The limiting temperature ( TL ) of the circuit- The derating allowing for these criteria can be
breaker internal components: expressed in mathematical terms.
v maximum operating temperature of the bimetal
strip for a circuit-breaker with a thermal-magnetic Derating formula:
release, The circuit-breaker and its connection
v temperature of the electronic components for a conductors dissipate heat mainly by convection.
circuit-breaker with built-in electronic release This yields the relationship:
v temperature not to be exceeded for the plastic W1 = h S (TL − Ti ) where
parts most exposed in a circuit-breaker with W1: power loss in W,
remote electronics (external relay for an air
h: heat exchange coefficient in W/m 2 °C,
circuit-breaker...).
These limiting temperatures are between 100 S: heat exchange surface area in m 2,
and 150 °C. TL : temperature of the hot point in °C (e.g. the
c The ratio of the release I n and the real tripping bimetal strip),
current when the latter is placed at the Ti : temperature of the internal air around the
temperature used to define I n device in °C,

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.15

 h = Constant S (TL − Ti )
0.25
(see § 2) The final relationship also integrating the effect
of the cross-sections (coeff. K2)
hence W1 = Constant S (TL − Ti )
1.25
0.62
 TL − Ti 
When the device is in open air at 40°C, the I = In K1 K 2  
 TL − 40 
resulting relationship is similar.
c The data for circuit-breaker behaviour used in
W2 = Constant S (TL − 40)
1.25
this formula are contained in files called by the
1.25 software when temperatures in the cubicle are
W1  T − Ti 
hence =  L 
calculated.
W2  TL − 40 
Moreover, we know that
W1 = RI 2 and W2 = RI 2d
0.62
 T − Ti 
thus I = I d  L 
 TL − 40 
where I is the current flowing through the device
and I d = K1 × In

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.16

6 Method for calculating temperature in envelopes
and experimental results (see p. 21)

The modelling method described above acted as a and master dependability. As is frequently the case
basis for the development of our calculation method in thermal matters, the numerous relationships
which enables us to determine the real operation of between parameters call for an iterative approach
the switchboard (maximum current on each resulting in the drawing up of a program, the
feeder...) and thus to optimise use of the assembly principle of which is presented below.

6.1 Principle
The program uses two overlapping iteration 1st stage: description of the configuration, i.e.
loops in order to determine the operating level of the type of envelope used, the name and
the envelope in steady state. One concerns position of the devices. The program calls on the
resolution of the thermal problem, the other the device file to retrive the data described above.
derating coefficients. 2nd stage: the envelope is broken down into
The calculation diagram is illustrated in isothermal subvolumes (nodal modelling nodes).
figure 17.
3rd stage: start of iteration loops with calculation
of:
c dissipated power (at the first iteration the
Configuration description
derating coefficients are taken equal to 1),
studied
c the admittance matrix factors from the balance
equations,
▼
c internal temperatures (resolution of the thermal
Power loss in the
problem),
enclosure
▼ ▼
c the new derating coefficients, followed by a
Current comparison with the above. If the difference is
strength considered too large (iteration stop test), the new
Derating Internal current strengths flowing through each device
▼

cœfficients temperatures are calculated, followed by recalculation of

dissipated power...
fig. 17: software operating principle.
4th stage: the results are issued.

6.2 Description of the data to be provided and of the results obtained

Data: Results:
c type of envelope (enclosure, cubicle, c choice of a horizonal and vertical (cross-
switchboard) and material, section) busbar and current strength in these
c protection index, bars,
c ambient temperature around the envelope, c total thermal power dissipated in the switchboard,
c number of rows of devices, c derating coefficient for each device, i.e.
c name of devices allowing search in file, currents flowing through,
c configuration of the switchboard and position c if applicable, the temperature reached by the
of switchgear. bars and its level in the various switchboard areas.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.17

6.3 Modelled configurations
Naturally not all the installation configurations
can be considered by this program. Only the
most common ones have been selected, i.e.
those which let us meet 90% of needs (see
figure 18 which gives an example).

Configuration 1 Configuration 2 Configuration 3

no incoming incoming device incoming device
device on top at the bottom

fig. 18: modelled configurations.

6.4 Results
This «software» approach is particularly advan- other words, the operating levels at a specific
tageous as it lets us carry out the studies below: moment of the various devices:
Detailed study of a specific configuration e.g. at a specific moment, 2 feeders for example
will be used to their full and the others at only 0.5
Made to optimise position of a device or choice of their possibilities, with the resulting
of busbar, to know the power dissipated by the consequences on the thermal conditions of the
assembly, to size a suitable air conditioning... assembly.
The following example concerns a column of a The results are shown on the calculation sheet
partitioned industrial power switchboard, form 2, in figure 19.
containing:
c a horizontal busbar supplying an incoming Derating table for a specific configuration
device and an adjacent column, This software usage possibility, similar to the
c an 2500 A incoming device above usage, lets us group, for a common
c various moulded case circuit-breakers. configuration, the deratings of the various
The program provides: devices allowing for their real position in the
c the derating coefficients Kdecl, switchboard, the conductor cross-sections used,
c the currents flowing through each device, Ir. the protective indexes and the external ambient
temperature.
Remark concerning coefficient Kdiv: An example of such a switchboard concerning
This coefficient enables us to take into account devices installed in an industrial power
the diversity or bulk factor feeder by feeder, in switchboard column is shown in figure 20.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.18

Masterbloc + MB 2000 IP = 31
Ambient temperature: 35 °C
Switchboard with incoming device on top supplied by the hor. busbar.

Name of device Position Kdecl Kdiv Ia(A) Ir(A)

M25 H 1 12 .92 1 2300 2300
C630H/D630 17 21 .92 1 580 542
C630H/D630 22 26 .94 1 592 554
C401N/D401 27 31 .98 1 392 367
C401N/D401 32 36 .99 1 396 370
C250N/D250 37 40 1 1 250 234
C250N/D250 41 44 1 1 250 234

Hor. busbar: current - 2300 A

cross-section - 3b 100x5

Vert. busbar:
Cross-section: 4b 80x5 Length (m): .24 Current: 2300 A
Cross-section: 4b 80x5 Length (m): .5 Current: 2300 A
Cross-section: 3b 80x5 Length (m): .2 Current: 1758 A
Cross-section: 2b 80x5 Length (m): .2 Current: 1204 A
Cross-section: 1b 80x5 Length (m): .2 Current: 838 A
Cross-section: 1b 80x5 Length (m): .18 Current: 468 A
Cross-section: 1b 80x5 Length (m): .16 Current: 234 A
Cross-section: 1b 80x5 Length (m): .24 Current: 0 A
M 25
Hor. busbar temperature: 109 °C
C 630

▼
Vert. busbar temperature: 100 °C C 630

▼
Total power loss: 2015 W
C 400

▼
devices: 613 W - auxiliaries: 0 W -
Vert. + tap-off busbars: 1282 W - hor. busbars: 120 W: C 400

▼
Ambient temperature: 35 °C C 250

▼
Roof T°: 69 °C - Hor. busbar T°: 74 °C
C 250

▼
Device T°: high - 61 °C / low - 35 °C
Auxiliary T°: high - 48 °C / low - 35 °C
Vert. + tap-off busbars T°: high - 67 °C / low - 35 °C
Connection T°: high - 53 °C / low - 35 °C

fig. 19: calculation result for a specific configuration.

IP 31 3b 100x5
T° amb 35 40 45 50 55
3b 100x5
▼

M25 0.9 0.87 0.84 0.81 0.79

4b 80x5
M16 0.97 0.94 0.91 0.88 0.86 M 25
M08 1 1 1 1 1 2500 A 3b 100x5
2b 80x5

M 16 ▼
IP 42/54 1600 A 2b 80x5
1b 80x5

T° amb 35 40 45 50 55 1b 63x5
M25 0.79 0.77 0.75 0.73 0.71
M16 0.87 0.85 0.83 0.81 0.79 M 08 ▼
M08 1 1 1 1 1 800 A 1b 63x5
empty

fig. 20: derating of the above circuit-breakers according to ambient temperature.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.19

 The derating coefficients are therefore drawn up, See the curves in figure 22 concerning a non-
by excess, placing devices in turn on the top of partitioned distribution cubicle type.
the cubicle or compartment. See for example c curves used to determine the watts that these
figure 21. envelopes can dissipate for a specific
temperature rise, as a function of their
Curves characterising the thermal behaviour
dimensional characteristics.
of a type of envelope
For example: ext. ambient T° 35 °C, required
Two types of graphs have been drawn up: max. temperature rise
c A set of curves used to determine the mean v cubicle: height 2 m, width 0.9 m, depth 0.4 m
temperature within a specific envelope as a dissipable power: 850 W
function of the dissipated power and of the v cubicle: height 2 m, width 0.9 m, depth 0.6 m
external ambient temperature. dissipable power: 1000 W (see fig. 23.)

IP31 IP 42/54
T°amb 35 40 45 50 55 35 40 45 50 55
C125N/H 0.95 0.91 0.88 0.84 0.80 0.82 0.79 0.76 0.72 0.69
C125L 0.94 0.90 0.86 0.83 0.79 0.80 0.77 0.74 0.71 0.68
C161N/H 0.95 0.92 0.88 0.85 0.82 0.81 0.78 0.76 0.73 0.69
C161L 0.94 0.91 0.87 0.84 0.82 0.79 0.76 0.73 0.70 0.67 Masterpact
C250N/H 0.94 0.90 0.87 0.83 0.80 0.82 0.79 0.76 0.72 0.69 Compact

C250L 0.93 0.89 0.86 0.82 0.78 0.79 0.76 0.73 0.70 0.67
C401N/H 0.94 0.91 0.87 0.84 0.81 0.79 0.76 0.74 0.72 0.69

fig. 21: derating of Compact circuit-breakers placed under the incoming circuit-breaker.

Mean temperature in °C
100
Tamb: 60 °C
90 Tamb: 55 °C
Tamb: 50 °C
80 Tamb: 45 °C
Tamb: 40 °C
70 Tamb: 35 °C
60 Tamb: 25 °C

50

40
Enclosure dimensions:
30 height: 2 m
width: 0.9 m
20 depth: 0.4 m
10

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 10001100 Power loss Watts

fig. 22: mean temperature of air inside an IP2 form 1 metal distribution cubicle.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.20

 400 mm deep enclosure 600 mm deep enclosure

Power dissipated Power dissipated

in Watts in Watts
1600 1600 ∆T = 40 °C
1400 ∆T = 40 °C 1400
∆T = 30 °C
1200 1200
1000 ∆T = 30 °C 1000

800 1000 ∆T = 20 °C
∆T = 20 °C
600 600

400 400 ∆T = 10 °C
∆T = 10 °C
200 200

800 900 1000 1100 800 900 1000 1100

Width in mm Width in mm

fig. 23: power that can be dissipated by an enclosure for a specific temperature rise according to its width.
Curves refer to a metal cubicle, form 1, 2 m high.

6.5 Experimental results

Temperature rise tests have been conducted in the With respect to air temperatures, the difference
ASEFA Ampère laboratory on various envelope between the values measured and the values
types: metal and plastic enclosures, Prisma calculated depends on the type of envelope
cubicle, Masterbloc distribution switchboards. modelled, since modelling approaches differ
During these tests the following measurements according to whether or not the envelopes are
were taken: partitioned.
c Temperatures: Out of all the tests carried out on switchboards of
v of air in the various envelope areas, various forms (partitioned or not), the maximum
v of conductors: busbars and branch-offs, differences observed were always less than 6 °C.
v hot points in devices (bimetal strip, electronic The temperatures calculated for the busbars also
ambient). show satisfactory agreement with the
c Current strength. measurements and enabled us to validate the
c Parameters used for modelling, particularly air/ software.
wall heat exchange coefficients. As regards current strengths, differences are on
These measurements have enabled both average less than 5%. Consequently, for a
verification of conformity with IEC 439.1 standard recent official approval of a Masterbloc
of certain values (see temperature rise limits switchboard configuration in temperature rise,
mentioned in paragraph 1.2 on standards) and the software allowed us to determine the
validation of this model. operating level of the switchboard.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.21

8 Method proposed by the IEC 890 report

Not so long ago a large number of electric

cubicles were chosen and equipped/filled in the
Effective cooling Enclosure
light of experience. This concerns the filling ratio surface Ae in m2 constant k
and evaluation of temperature in the cubicle in
operation. For example, the maximum external 0.38
temperature of 30 °C and maximum internal 1 0.36
temperature of 60 °C (switchgear manufacturers 0.34
give derating up to 60 °C). 1.5 0.32
This practice resulted in unoptimised use of the 2 0.30
equipment, untimely tripping of the protective 2.5 0.28
devices or the need for operators to operate with 3 0.26
open doors. 4 0.24
The method proposed by the IEC report, even if 5 0.22
this is rather a guide than a standard, thus merits 6 0.20
7
attention. It is described in detail in the report of 8 0.18
the IEC 890 or in the appendix of the 10 0.16
NF C 63-410. 12 0.14
14
We shall review the basic aspects, show its limits 0.12
and compare it with the method presented in the 0.10
«Cahier Technique». 0.08
In theory this method applies to envelopes for
100 200 300 400 500 600
which the following assumptions can be made: Ventilation apertures section in cm2
c even distribution of dissipated power,
c switchgear arranged so as not to obstruct air fig. 24: Enclosure constant k for enclosure with
circulation, ventilation opening and an effective cooling surface
c no more than 3 horizontal separations. area of Ae > 1.25 m2.

Necessary data:
Temperature distribution
c dimensions of the envelope, factor c
c power dissipated in the envelope (switchgear, 1.65 1
conductor), 1.6 2
3
c type of installation (insulated envelope or 1.55 5
4
insulated at one end...), (see fig. 25). 1.5
1.45
Calculation: 1.4
1.35
Temperature is calculated only at 2 points of the 1.3
envelope: 1.25
at mid-height 1.2
T0.5 = Ta + ∆T0.5 where ∆T0.5 = d k PW 0.804 1.15
1.1
c d is a coefficient taking into account the 1.05
presence of horizontal separations.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
v if Ae < 1.25 m2, d = 1 (definition of Ae, see
Factor f
below) Curve/Installation type
v if Ae > 1.25 m2, d = 1 with and without 1 Separate enclosure, detached on all sides
ventilation apertures for 0 separation 3 Separate enclosure for wall-mounting
d = 0.5 with and without ventilation apertures 2 First or last enclosure, detached type
3 Central enclosure, detached type
for 1 separation
5 Central enclosure, wall-mounting type
d = 1.10 or 1.15 if ventilation apertures 4 Central enclosure for wall-mounting and with
for 2 separations covered top surface
d = 1.15 or 1.30 if ventilation apertures
for 3 separations fig. 25: temperature distribution factor c for enclosures
without ventilation openings and with an effective
c k is a constant characterising the envelope: its cooling surface Ae > 1.25 m2.
value is determined on charts, (see fig. 24).

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.22

k is a function of the heat exchange surface of Example of a chart, see figure 25
the envelope Ae (m2). c is function of Ae and of one of the two factors, f
Ae = ∑ A0 b or g
f = h 1.35 / (L P) if Ae > 1.25 m2
where A0 is the geometric surface of the various g = h 1.35 / L if Ae < 1.25 m2
envelope walls.
b is a constant allowing for the type of wall and Limits:
type of installation. The main limits of this method are that it:
Values of b:
c applies only to non-partitioned envelopes of
v exposed upper part b = 1.4
the cubicle and enclosure type and not to highly
v covered upper part b = 0.7 partitioned power switchboards.
v exposed side surfaces b = 0.9
c does not take into account the position of the
v covered side surfaces b = 0.5
heat sources which in most cases are not
v side surfaces of central envelopes b = 0.5 distributed evenly.
v lower part b=0
c Pw power dissipated in watts Comparision with our approach
at the top of the enclosure: We observe that both approaches yield similar
T1 = Ta + ∆T1 where ∆T1 = c ∆T0.5 results for non-partitioned cubicles with distri-
buted heat sources (see curves in figure 26).
where ∆T0.5 represents the above temperature
As regards highly partitioned envelopes, the
rise location of the heat sources and the exchanges
c c is a temperature rise constant determined between the various areas considerably affect
from charts temperature rise!

Temperature in °C
90
80 Temperature calculated as in IEC 890 report
70 Temperature calculated with MG software

60
50
Temperature of ambient air 35 °C
40
30 Enclosure dimensions:
height: 2 m
20
width: 0,9 m
10 depth: 0,4 m

100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100
Power loss in watts
fig. 26: Air temperature at mid-height of an IP2, form 1 metal distribution cubicle.

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.23

8 Conclusion

The importance of electric switchboards in

distribution is an established fact.
At a time when availability of electrical power
and operating dependability are absolutely vital,
thermal mastery of electric switchboards is a
fundamental goal.
Standards concerning envelopes and products
specify the thermal limits not to be exceeded.
All that was left was for professionals to become
"thermal architects" in design of envelopes and
electric switchboards. This has now been
achieved, even for partitioned switchboards.

Reminder: definition of the various temperature

scales:
c degree Celsius (formerly centigrade) °C:
relative temperature
Reference points :
v 0 °C: temperature of melting ice
v 100 °C: temperature of boiling water at normal
atmospheric pressure.
c degree Fahrenheit °F: unit used in English
speaking countries:
Reference points:
v 32 °F: temperature of melting ice
v 242 °F: temperature of boiling water at normal
atmospheric pressure
5 °C
Equivalence 1°F = = 0.55 °C
9
T °C
Conversion T °F = + 32
0.55
c degrees Kelvin K: international system unit.
Absolute temperature scale, since its definition
relies on exact phsyical bases.
Same graduation as the Celsius scale, but the
origin is offset: the temperature of melting ice
corresponds to 273 K
Conversion: T K = T °C + 273

Cahier Technique Schneider n° 145 / p.24

 © 1997 Schneider

Schneider Direction Scientifique et Technique, Real : Sodipe (26).

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