New Ferryboat
I.M.E.S.A. (based in Jesi, near Ancona - Italy) is a company that has been operating since 1972 in the field of electromechanical constructions.
IMESA is one of the leaders in Europe in the production of Low Voltage and Medium Voltage switchboards, SF6- insulated switch-disconnectors for internal and external installations for MV, supervision and control systems as well as turnkey electrical systems.
In the context of a diesel-electric state-of-the-art ferryboat, I.M.E.S.A. faced the challenge of creating a switchgear column – feeding main distribution and motors- able to:
- Be full selective with downstream circuit-breakers (Tmax T4)
- Grant a service short-circuit breaking capacity of 50 kA @ 600V AC
- Have a horizontal bussing distribution system
- Realize the most compact solution compatible with the use of withdrawable circuit-breakers.
These requirements originate by the need for extremely compact switchgear, typical requirement that can arise from a marine environment.
These requirements are really challenging. The first and second requirements clearly call for a category B circuit-breaker, while the third and the fourth are apter for a moulded-case circuit-breaker (able to be mounted in horizontal position, compact in dimension).
No product other than ABB Emax E1.2 in the world of the Low Voltage Breakers could entirely fulfil the above requirements.
ABB Emax 1.2, the most compact size of the Emax 2 range of ACBs, is an innovative product, able to break up to 66 kA @ 440V AC (or 50 kA @ 690V AC) and to withstand 50 kA for one second.
Thanks to these unique features, IMESA was able to realize a high-efficiency switchboard, with five Emax E1.2 fitted in one column.
The E1.2 chosen for this project are equipped with the new Ekip Touch trip units (LSI version).