Large industrial and commercial power distribution networks can be extremely complex. Power distribution can be accomplished by switchboards, switchgear, panel boards and transformers. Turning the motor on and off is the most fundamental method of alternating current (AC) motor control. This is usually done with a motor starter that consists of an overload relay and a contactor.
What is MCC Panel?
The Motor Control Centre Panels, also called MCC Panels are used to control motors from a central point in big industrial and commercial applications. In many industrial and commercial applications, many electric motors are required, it is frequently advantageous to control part or all of them from a central place. The motor control centre is the device designed for this function.
Multiple enclosed sections with common bus bars make up the motor control centres, with each section housing power contactors, isolators, protection relays, and other control and indication devices.
How MCC Panel Operate?
As the mechanisation of many industrial processes necessitates a large number of motors, Motor Control Centre (MCC) Panels are required to regulate them all. The MCC can plug in the control components, which can be plugged in or unplugged, eliminating the need for wiring the devices. The MCC would be made up of a bus bar and other control equipment that can be used to control the motor’s operation as well as to place the components in an integrated panel. The MCC also supports various motor starting methods, including the DOL and star-delta starter.
The motor control centre includes feeders for motors and blowers. Feeders are designed based on the power rating of the motor. The auto/manual option will be available in the majority of MCCs. Motors with manual provision can be operated manually.
Where MCC Panel Used for?
Motor Control Centre Panels (MCC Panels) are used to control motors from a central location in large industrial and commercial applications. Its primary function is to centralise all devices and equipment dedicated to the protection and control of plant motors in order to facilitate their use even when staff is limited.
Motor Control Centres (MCCs) are classified into two types.
· Low voltage MCCs
· Medium voltage MCCs
Low Voltage Motor Control Centre Panels are used for 3- phase alternating current (AC) motors with voltages ranging from 230 V to less than 1000 V. MCCs of medium voltage are used for large motors requiring 1000 V to 15000 V.
What is the Function of MCC Panel?
Every electric motor will have equipped with a controller. The motor controller will have several options depending on the task that the motor will perform.
A motor controller is a device that monitors the operation of an electric motor.
A motor control centre’s function is straightforward. It is a large enclosure designed specifically for standard motor control equipment. Plug-in units contain the motor controls. The motor controller may include an automatic or manual option to stop and start the motor, as well as safety measures to protect against overloads.
Major Components of MCC Panel
Following are the major components of the Motor Control Centre Panels.
1. Bus Bar
2. Magnetic Contactor
3. Circuit Breaker
4. Contactor Auxiliary Contact
5. Relay Control
6. Control Transformer
7. Cable Installation Control Panel Enclosure
8. Limit Switch
Advantages of MCC Panel
Following given below are the advantages of the Motor Control Centre Panels.
· Installation of the MCC panel is simple.
· The level of safety has been raised with the passage of time and further improving day by day.
· A more rapid operation can be performed through Motor Control Centre Panels.
· Floor space can be saved by the installation of Motor Control Centre Panels.
· Another advantage of the MCC is its expandability, which allows us to add sections and units to it.
· Interlocking remote control can be done through MCC panels.
· Downtime can be reduced because the MCC can easily detect the problem and unplug the faulty part.
Centralized administration can be done through MCC panels.
What is Intelligent MCC Panel?
Intelligent MCC panels are MCC panels that have advanced features and improved workability. The process control system monitors the motor’s other lead processes through the use of a communication capable motor management device (SIMOCODE) in these panels.
The feeders in this panel are identical to those in the MCC panel, with the exception of a device known as SIMOCODE. It is a controller-type device that transmits all electrical data from the feeder to the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or any other control device using a common protocol such as Profibus or Profinet. Other devices are available, but SIMOCODE is a pioneer in Intelligent Motor Control Centre (IMCC) panels and is widely used.
Difference between MCC and PCC Panel
MCC stands for motor control centre panels, while on the other hand PCC stands for power control centre. In general, a panel that supplies or receives high tension (HT) power is referred to as PCC, whereas panels that supply power to low tension (LT) motors are referred to as MCC. They differ in terms of protection relays and insulation type.
In other words, a Power Control Centre is used for the distribution and control of various power sources used in industry. While on the other hand, many industrial and commercial applications call for a large number of electric motors, and it’s common to want to manage some or all of them from a single location. The motor control centre (MCC) is the device that is used for this.
