What is a fire panel and how does it work?

Fire breakouts in a commercial facility like a factory could cause serious damage. Not only can it destroy valuable raw material and machinery, but worse, cause loss of lives on the factory floor. A flawless mechanism for early detection and response to a fire breakout is therefore necessary. Once you have installed a high-tech fire panel, you have every reason to put your worries to rest. In this blog, we take you through what a fire panel really is and how it works in the unfortunate event of a breakout.

A fire panel is an automatic fire detection and response mechanism. The panel doesn’t detect fire on its own but is capable of receiving signals from smoke detectors, a manual call point, or a pull switch. Once the signal is received, its response is activated. The most basic response is to raise a loud alarm to warn the workers about the fire so that they may quickly evacuate. However, depending on the type of fire panel, it can also activate the building’s water sprinkler system or even send a signal to the fire department.

In a conventional panel, the smoke detectors send a signal by changing the electric current as soon as they detect smoke. The altered current acts as a fire signal for the panel. Due to the installation of these panels in different wings or floors of the building, these are also called ‘zoned panels’.

A more advanced type of fire panel operates through IoT technology. It has a number of devices located throughout the building, each of which has its own MAC address and microprocessor to send signals to the panel. Rather than using altered current, these devices use the WAN or Wi-Fi network of the building to signal a breakout. As the fire panel detects the MAC address of the device, it can easily locate the fire break out anywhere in the building. As such, these modern fire detection systems are also known as ‘addressable panels’.

The kind of fire panel that you must install in your building depends on a number of factors. Some of the crucial ones are the type and size of the building, electrical fitting and internet connectivity, the number and spatial spread of the staff on the factory floor, and of course, the budget allotted for your fire security system. A generous budget can provide you with the comprehensive security of a fire panel that not only raises the alarm or signals the fire department, but can also lock or unlock doors, turn off the electricity and disable the elevators, therefore fully integrating all the security protocols in case of a breakout.

For more information on our products, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best match, based on your requirements. As one of the leading Fire Fighting panel manufacturers, VEMC provides end-to-end services to its clients. A renowned electrical panel manufacturer in Mumbai, VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

Diesel Engine Control Panel

Control panels provide a simple user interface to operate, monitor, and control an otherwise complex piece of machinery. Their foremost and most basic feature is the switches to start or stop the machine. Visually these panels indicate the measurements of various parameters of the machine such as voltage, current, and frequency. In case the machine overheats, over speeds, or slows down due to a number of internal and external factors, control panels also facilitate an intervention. In this blog, we unpack the features, uses, and capabilities of a diesel engine control panel for you.

The most important function of diesel engine control panels is to control and protect the diesel engine. The control panel comprises a set of integrated components that monitor the diesel engine parameter readings to stay within the safe levels. The diesel engine control panel functions through the coordinated action of the following components:

  1. The Diesel Controller Unit 

Just like the CPU of a computer, the control module is the brain of your panel. It is a device that controllers the circuit of the panel using a microprocessor controller and paraments of a diesel engine based on changing conditions or shifts in parameters.

  1. The Terminal Rail

This is the junction of all the wires and connectors coming from the engine and the alternator. These wires are linked to the control panel to establish a two-way connection between the engine and the panel. Inputs on the control panel reach the engine and alternator while changing parameters in the engine and alternator are relayed to the panel.

  1. Battery Charger 

Inside the control panel, there are independent fully automatic microprocessor-controlled battery chargers rated at 10 Amps. The battery chargers operate in such a manner as to ensure that the engine batteries are fully charged within 24 hours. PCB mounted LEDs are provided for indication of AC Power On, and Battery Power On.

  1. Circuit Breaker

Just as in many other electrical and electronic devices, the role of the circuit breaker is to stop the flow of current in case of overload or short-circuit. This mechanism is very crucial to keep your diesel engine safe from a sudden spurt in electricity.

The diesel engine control panel is thus an effective device to monitor and control your generator. These days, the panels also include hi-tech LCD screens, displays showing running time, oil pressure and temperature sensors, remote start or stop capabilities, and an emergency shut-down lever. While most manufacturers include these as standard features, you may place an order to assemble a customized control panel based on your unique requirements.

For more information on our products, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. We would be happy to assist you in finding the best match, based on your requirements. As one of the leading MCC panel manufacturers and Control Panel Manufacturers, VEMC provides end-to-end services to its clients. A renowned electrical panel manufacturer in Mumbai, VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

Motor Control Center – Why do we use them, Types and Components

A Motor Control Center is an assembly that controls some or all of the electric motors in a central location. It consists of various components like starters, fuses and circuit-breakers. All of these play the corresponding function of starting, controlling and protecting the motors and are assembled in an integrated panel. MCCs are mostly found in large commercial and industrial buildings where these are used to control a large number of widely deployed electric motors in an efficient and easy way.

MCC Control Panel VEMC Make

An MCC panel consists of a Power Circuit, Control Circuit and Protection. The Power Circuit supplies electric power to the motors and the Control Circuit regulates the sequencing of the contactors and also operates the fans in auto or manual mode. Protection mechanisms like the thermal protection circuit in the panel ensure that the motors are protected from overheating and short-circuit. Contactors, overload relays to protect the motor, fuses and a disconnecting switch, used to isolate the motor circuit, are all parts of an elaborate design of an MCC.

There are different types of Motor Control Centers, based on the voltage supplied, the type of operation, and module division.

Based on the voltage supplied:

MCCs can be classified as Low Voltage and Medium Voltage. Low voltage MCCs are used for low voltage three-phase alternating current motors from 230V to less than 1000V. Medium-voltage MCCs on the other hand are used for large motors requiring around 1000V to 15000V.

Based on the type of operation:

  • Combination starter motor: This comprises of several main equipment such as Molded Case Circuit Breaker (MCCB), magnetic contactor, over-interference safety relay and control transformer.
  • Manual operation: This type of MCC is used to control a motor that has a maximum power of 10 HP. The starter is manually operated through an on-off switch which also acts as a safety device for overload interference.
  • Adjustable speed controller: This type of MCC enables the motors to change their speed by changing the voltage frequency on the motor.

Based on module division:

  • Fixed type: In this type of MCC, components like the starter, contactor, thermal overload and others are completely integrated with the frame.
  • Semi draw out type: In this type of control center, the voltage source section can be separated from the plug-in system so that if there is damage to one module, it can be removed without interfering with the other systems.
  • Fully draw out type: In this type of MCC, all the components can be removed in case of damage, and repaired outside the panel without interfering with the function of the other modules.

As one of the top MCC panel manufacturers, we would be happy to assist you in finding the best match based on your requirements. Feel free to get in touch with our experts on +91 98199 07445. One of India’s best solar companies with 72 years of market experience, VEMC provides end-to-end solar EPC services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and is one of the most renowned control panel manufacturers in the market. Being one of the leading custom control panel manufacturers, our valued clients are provided with tailor-made solutions to fit all their needs.

Motor Control Center (MCC) Installation for Sewage Disposal at IIT Bombay

Located between the Powai and Vihar lakes of East Mumbai, IIT Bombay has a sprawling campus of about 550 acres. The green cover of the campus has been maintained over the years and gives the campus an idyllic appearance. The institution authorities have, in fact, been very keen on embodying and exemplifying a sustainable spirit towards education and research. Sewage disposal of this massive campus, with nearly 600 major buildings, had to be in line with the same spirit.

MCC Control Panel installed at IIT Powai

Challenge

The organisation was looking at a sewage disposal solution which combined the benefits of automatic operation as well as energy efficiency. The most important consideration was to reduce human intervention. The control panel had to be designed so as to avoid energy wastage and ensure the highest efficiency. Finally, an emergency alarm mechanism had to be installed for sudden spurts in sewage.

Our Solution

After a thorough feasibility study of the existing disposal system at the campus, we designed a motor control center (MCC) panel, considering the requirements of control, safety and efficiency. Detailed Single Line Diagrams and General Arrangement Drawings were discussed with the client. Components of the highest quality were used and a state-of-the-art graphical display was installed for tracking parameters such as voltage, current and frequency.

Working of the MCC panel 

The working logic formed the core of our sewage disposal solution. The sewage tank was calibrated with markers of 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, and all pumps were to be OFF with sewage levels below the 20% (Low) mark. As soon as the sewage fluid would rise above the 40% (High) mark, Pump #1 would start and stop only when the fluid levels dropped below the 20% mark. In case the fluid levels rose above the 60% mark (Very High), Pump #2 would start and run alongside Pump #1. If the fluid levels crossed the 80% (Very Very High) mark, Pump #3 would start and run alongside pumps #1 and #2. An alarm would also go off as soon as the fluid level crossed the 80% mark. As the level of sewage fluid dropped through the markers, the pumps would stop running, one at a time, in the first in first out (FIFO) mode. Finally, with the sewage fluid dropping below the 20% (Low) mark, all pumps would stop and the cycle of running the pumps would change to ensure equal usage of all pump sets.

The Impact

This working logic ensured the proportionate usage of pumps in response to the volume of sewage in the tank and also used all the pump sets equally, to avoid wear and tear of only one or a few pumps.

For any assistance that you might need, feel free to contact us on +91 98199 07445. With 72 years of market experience, VEMC provides end-to-end EPC services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and CRISIL MSE-1 rated, and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services.

Variable Frequency Drives Control Panel – Uses and Benefits

A Variable Frequency Control Panel is used to control the speed of the electric motor and feed pump. These are widely used in drilling, pumping, and applications like conveyors and compressors. VFD panels use the frequency of the voltage applied, to alter the speed of the motors which provides very effective control due to constant flux density.

Most of the industrial applications require variable speeds at peak load conditions and constant speeds at normal operating conditions. In this blog, let’s look at the uses and benefits of VFDs.

  1. Power Switching and Protection: In case of any fault such as short-circuit or overload, a VFD panel holds a circuit breaker or a trip, which not only protects the drive but also the equipment connected to it.
  1. Saves Energy: In times of skyrocketing energy costs, a great amount of energy can be conserved when the motors are operated at variable speeds as per the requirement of the operation. Constant motor speed irrespective of the operation will naturally lead to wastage of energy and pile up the bills.
  1. Limits Starting Current: A VFD delivers low frequency when starting the motor due to which the motor draws less current which never exceeds its nominal rating.  In the absence of a VFD, a motor can draw up to 6 to 8 times more than the nominal current required while starting.
  1. Closed Loop Controlling: This is one of the greatest benefits of a VFD. Closed-loop working of VFDs maintains the speed of the motor at a constant level, even in case of input and load disturbances.
  1. Visual Control: VFDs have a number of field indicators installed to gain real-time information about their power consumption, frequency, and other diagnostic information. This is essential for the operator who may shift the frequency or take precautionary measures based on the monitored values.
  1. Smooth Operation: A VFD helps provide smooth operation especially when starting or stopping a motor. It also reduces the thermal and mechanical stress on motors and belt drives.
  1. High Power Factor: In-built power factor correction circuit in a VFD excludes the need for additional power correction devices. Low power factor results in poor utilization of power due to high reactive losses.
  1. Easy installation and maintenance: Pre-programmed VFDs are easy to install, connect and maintain. VFDs do however require protection from the environment as dirt or chemical accumulation may affect their lifespan.

As a renowned VFD control panel manufacturer, we would be happy to assist you in finding the best match based on your requirements. Feel free to get in touch with our experts on +91 98199 07445. One of India’s best control panel manufacturers, with 72 years of market experience, VEMC provides end-to-end services to its clients. VEMC is ISO 9001:2015 certified and a pioneer in the field of electromechanical engineering products, allied equipment, and services. Our sub-brand VEMCO Solar is a market leader in solar system solutions — be it solar plant erection, procurement, commissioning, solar metering system, or electrical connections. Being one of the leading custom control panel manufacturers, our valued clients are provided with tailor-made solutions to fit all their needs.