What does an industrial plant electrical system include?
The industrial plant electrical system plays a central role, affecting the entire operation of the project. Therefore, businesses need to clearly understand the components of the system as well as the following design and construction steps.
Table of Contents
1. Electrical systems needed in industrial plants
The electrical system in factories and plants is quite complicated but very important.
The most important part of the industrial plant electrical system is the heavy electrical system . Including the power system and the control electrical system. The power source is taken from the transformer stations, through the main power cable system to the electrical cabinets and distributed to the areas, machines and equipment in the factory.
Next is the low voltage electrical system , including internet network, alarm system , surveillance camera system, household electrical system, etc. The main function is to support management, inspection, monitoring activities and provide means for workers to perform their work.
Finally, the lighting system for the office area and the entire factory. Engineers need to rely on the basic principles of target lighting level, lighting efficiency, light quality, color temperature, etc. to design the most suitable lighting system for the factory.
2. Necessary components of industrial electrical systems
2.1. Heavy electrical system of industrial plants
The heavy electrical system of an industrial plant usually uses 3-phase electricity , 380V voltage and includes the following components:
The system of transformer stations, medium and low voltage cabinets are the first necessary elements of the heavy electrical system of industrial plants. The transformer station plays the role of taking electricity from large capacity lines and converting it to the appropriate power level for use in industrial plants. In addition to the transformer station, the factory also needs medium and low voltage cabinets to divide the electricity into separate circuits for each area and each individual device.
Transformer station for industrial park, factory
Generator systems and switches are the next necessary components of a factory’s heavy electrical system. Generators are power backup devices for the factory when the power grid system has problems, helping to ensure that the factory’s operations can still take place. Switches play a role in ensuring that production is stable and uninterrupted when the power supply is unstable.
Industrial generators are used in industrial parks and large factories.
The distribution cabinet system is where the switching devices and electrical control devices in the factory are installed and protected. From the electrical cabinet system, electricity will be distributed to each area and each machine and equipment in the factory. In addition, the electrical cabinet system also isolates electricity users from electrical equipment, ensuring the safety of workers and employees working in the factory.
Electrical distribution cabinet system in factory
The electrical control cabinet system is used to control the machines and equipment in the industrial factory. More specifically, the electrical control cabinet will be responsible for supplying electricity to the motor, controlling the motor to start or end the working cycle. Besides, it will also monitor and protect the motors from problems.
The control cabinet plays a role in controlling machinery and equipment in the factory.
The socket system is a bridge that shares electricity from the power source to electrical devices. Unlike conventional household electrical sockets, industrial socket systems in factories are often equipped with additional waterproof covers, waterproof jackets and fuses to ensure safety in case of unexpected situations.
Industrial electrical sockets used in factories
The grounding system is the solution to the problem of electrical leakage, ensuring the safety of employees and workers working in the factory. This system usually consists of two parts: electrodes buried underground and grounding wires connected from the parts that need to be grounded to the grounding rod.
Lightning protection system protects the factory from the impact of lightning strikes. The lightning protection system will attract lightning strikes to it and then safely transfer the current generated by the lightning strike to the ground, preventing lightning from transmitting through the industrial factory’s electrical system and causing large-scale damage.
2.2. Low voltage electrical system of industrial plants
LAN & Internet systems are an indispensable part of industrial factories.
The low voltage electrical system is not a major component of the industrial plant electrical system and accounts for a relatively small proportion (only 10% to 20%). However, it is responsible for operating high-tech equipment systems, creating convenience for users. The low voltage electrical system in the factory includes:
- LAN & Internet system is the platform to connect computer systems in the factory together. Through LAN and Internet system, businesses will be able to use other high-tech devices such as telephone switchboard, camera system, printer, fax machine, etc.
- The switchboard and telephone system is a tool to support the production and business activities of the factory. Through this system, communication between departments and areas in the factory is faster and easier.
- Camera system for factories is one of the measures to protect assets and ensure security. Especially for industrial zones and large factories, the camera system will help monitor every corner, area and image documents can also be stored for a long time.
- The public address system is a component of the factory electrical system that will help managers make announcements and information to employees more easily. Because the factory is a large area and has a lot of noise from the machinery system and production, the sound system is extremely important.
- Along with the camera system, the access control system is also a means to ensure safety and security for the factory. Through the access control system, the industrial factory owner can know the details of entry and exit time, entry and exit location and identity of each employee and customer. Thereby, security, order and safety are also guaranteed.
2.3. Lighting system in industrial factories
Emergency lighting for factories
The lighting system in industrial plants includes flexible lighting systems and emergency lighting systems.
- A flexible lighting system that is properly designed and installed will help workers observe more easily, thereby improving work productivity. In addition to technical standards, the factory lighting system must also ensure safety, save energy and be environmentally friendly.
- The emergency lighting system is also known as the emergency lighting system. This system is used for lighting purposes when an incident occurs in an industrial plant and is required to comply with the State’s fire prevention and fighting standards.
3. Steps to design and construct industrial factory electrical systems
The electrical system of an industrial plant must be carefully designed and constructed according to technical standards. This is to ensure the safety of employees and to ensure that production runs smoothly.
Step 1: Determine the calculated load. This is the step to calculate the total power consumption of all equipment and machinery in the factory at the same time. This is a necessary step for engineers to choose the appropriate equipment for the factory’s electrical system.
Step 2: Design the high voltage power grid for the factory. The high voltage power grid has the role of conducting electricity from the national grid to the factory. Therefore, the high voltage power grid must be calculated and detailed in the design. From there, engineers will know how to arrange and layout high voltage lines, transformer stations and distribution cabinets in a reasonable way.
Discuss and calculate in detail to design the most suitable system
Step 3: Design the low voltage power grid for the factory. The low voltage power grid has a voltage of less than 1kV. Designing the low voltage power grid for the factory involves arranging the control cabinets reasonably, arranging the wiring specifically, and the location of the low voltage power grid.
Step 4: Design the factory lighting system. Arranging the lighting system properly is also an important step in the process of building an industrial factory electrical system. The number of lights should not be too small, which will affect production, but also not too many, which will cause waste of electricity and materials.
Step 5: Calculate and design power compensation. This will help the factory minimize power loss, increase work efficiency and prolong the life of equipment and machinery.
4. Things to note when installing industrial factory electrical systems
When designing and installing industrial factory electrical systems, engineers need to note the following:
- Ensure the safety of the electrical system for users and machinery and equipment in the factory.
- Commitment to the operating efficiency of the system, machinery operating at the right capacity, other equipment operating smoothly, effectively supporting production and management work, etc.
- Comply with the installation process , correct technique, step by step and complete equipment.
- Maximum cost savings during operation, no waste of electricity.
- Meet national standards for design and construction of industrial electrical systems.