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Medium voltage drive ambient conditions

Medium voltage drive ambient conditions

Medium voltage drive ambient conditions

(OP)
We consider installation of medium voltage drives (3300V)   at the facility located in coastal zone, very close to the sea. Drives and motors are liquid cooled, and drive cabinets are IP21 rated. The ambient air contains salt. Is there any concern that the air with conductive media might cause some deposits on insulated surfaces (inside drive cabinets), thus compromising creepage distances with potential to have electrical breakdown? May be we are overkilling the issue, but it would be great to get a second opinion.
 

RE: Medium voltage drive ambient conditions

Hi Thinker.

By far the majority of the heat produced by this type of drive will be dissipated in to the water cooling system so the volume of air through the drive does not have to be large.
But anyway, the drive room should be closed and air conditioned and therefore the sea air will not be directly blowing into the IP21 equipment. In my experience, with air and water cooled, low and medium voltage drives made for and correctly installed in ships and rigs the drives have not suffered from deposits on live surfaces or suffered flash-overs from electrical breakdowns.

The motor is likely to have a closed internal air cooling circuit with a water heat exchanger. So no problem here too.

Of course, when not in use, both the drive and motor should have their internal heaters turned on to prevent condensation.

 

RE: Medium voltage drive ambient conditions

(OP)
Thank you very much, Drivesrock. Yes, we are planning to have internal heaters and air conditioned drive room.

RE: Medium voltage drive ambient conditions

You may also wish to investigate if your VFD has as standard or optional coated boards. Having these in environments that are high level salt spray will enhance the lifetime performance.
 

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