MICO, the intelligent power distribution system from Murrelektronik, monitors current, indicates current rating and detects overloading. It simplifies trouble shooting and re-duces machine downtime. Murrelektronik has supplemented the MICO product range with a 2-channel version, which allows designing an even more efficient and easy-to use MICO system.
Power supply systems have to combine two functions: The have to provide high in-rush currents for the startup of an installation, while at the same time they have to ensure a reliable shutdown in case of short circuits or overloads. When using only circuit breakers it is difficult to meet these two requirements in accordance with the applicable standards. Slow blow fuse characteristics can cope with high capacitive loads, however, they do not reliably react in case of short circuits. In case of a failure the service technician cannot see which path shows the fault that caused the shut down. Fast releasing circuit breakers reliably react in case of a short circuit, but with high capacitive loads they react too fast.
MICO, Murrelektronik’s intelligent power supply module, is the solution to these prob-lems. On the one hand MICO supports high capacitive loads, on the other hand it de-tects overloads even during running operation and safely shuts down. MICO monitors each current channel using the selected current range. If everything is OK, the corre-sponding LED lights up green. The LED starts blinking when 90% of the maximum rating has been reached, giving a visual warning. If the selected current range is ex-ceeded, the current path affected will be switched off. The LED starts blinking red. The service technician will now see at a glance where the fault occurred. This state will be stored and maintained even if power is lost and the machine is powered up again.
MICO modules are equipped with two (for the new 2-channel MICO) or four bridge-able channels, so that they can easily and quickly be connected via a bridging system. Thanks to MICO’s integrated floating alarm output the laborious connection of auxil-iary contacts is not necessary. In order to obtain a group alarm it is enough to connect a cable to the first and to the final module.
MICO is equipped with spring clamp terminals, reducing the time required for the con-nection and ensuring safe contacts in case of vibrations. The integrated labels make identification very easy.
Compared to a solution with circuit breakers the implementation of MICO allows sav-ing up to 30% space. The new slim design 2-channel MICO allows even more applica-tion-friendly solutions; e.g. with two, six, or 10 channels connected. The 2-channel MICO is an important expansion of the complete system, providing another benefit: it allows operating even higher capacitive loads of up to 20000 µF.