Starline is a global leader in power distribution equipment and provides a revolutionary overhead power distribution system through its track/distribution busway products. Through its new High Power Busbar (XCP) complete solution, the company is meeting the demands of data centre teams by distributing power in both the grey and white spaces. Intelligent Data Centres spoke with John Berenbrok, Senior Product Manager at Starline, to find out more about the addition to the company’s portfolio and how it provides safety, flexibility, and performance.
First of all, can you introduce us to the High Power Busbar (XCP)?
High Power Busbar, or XCP, is designed with safety, flexibility, and performance in mind, for a fully customisable power solution for the most demanding critical power applications.
It’s designed to transport and distribute power in data centres within the grey spaces and to the white spaces. We have two ranges – XCP-S and XCP-HP.
We have expanded our offering to support the power distribution needs of data centres with the new Xtra-Compact high power complete busbar solution.
Can you tell us how customer demands or requirements have changed and how you have responded?
Customer needs have driven the high-power busbar range. They have very specific power distribution requirements and need a better way than cables to support power transportation and distribution in the electrical rooms and to the white space, including multi-story applications. High-power busbar is what is commonly required in those areas.
In addition, as customers expand their footprint to different parts of the globe, they need to navigate regional nuances such as local electrical certifications and electrical requirements – which could be different voltages, frequencies, or special safety requirements.
In line with this, we have looked at our own innovation to provide products that meet those multiple certification requirements. Through the XCP range, we’re providing a product that allows customers to have a single product that works for their global footprint.
Tell us more about the different XCP ranges and their use cases
The name, Xtra-Compact, stems from the transport and distribution of high power, often consisting of two parallel independent busbars. With XCP, multi-bar design is always supplied in a single structure, making it simpler to install compared to independent run designs.
XCP-S is designed to be safe, flexible, and capable of delivering 630-6300 amps. It is optimised for most power distribution situations. For standard applications that do not require higher electrical and temperature performance, the XCP-S system’s reduced sections of internal conductors provide a compact and lightweight solution.
XCP-HP is characterised by higher performance on energy saving and higher short circuit withstand capability. It is designed to work at 55C ambient temperature. Due to these features, XCP-HP is the ideal solution for heavy-duty applications, higher temperature environments, and installations where increased energy efficiency is required.
How do these ranges have components that serve any project type?
Both ranges of XCP have a full complement of components for any project type. Straight sections are for transport and distribution (with tap-off outlets) of high-power energy. Additional accessories are included to meet any installation requirements, for example, fire barriers, phase inversions, etc. Our elbows are equipped to meet any change of direction and plane with standard or special solutions. We include tap-off boxes up to 1250A for connecting and energising electric loads. These are available in plug-in and bolt-on versions. Also included are connection interfaces for connecting the busbar to the electric board or transformer of any manufacturer and mounting supports to mount the busbar to the structure of the building and the ability to be mounted in horizontal and vertical installations and special applications.
Are tap-off boxes available?
Metal tap-off boxes for XCP are available and are characterised by a simple installation and fast connection, thanks to the new layout of the hooks that offer safety and assembly speed. Tap-off boxes can be installed and removed when the busbar is energised.
How does PSSL software ensure streamlined project management?
PSSL is a proprietary software to support the design of busbar trunking systems. It transforms a graphic project into a list of materials (including mandatory accessories) to get an offer identical to the final design, all with supporting BIM files. PSSL is fully compatible with the latest versions of Autocad and Revit (and previous versions of both programs). The new release of the program has been implemented with new features that make PSSL even more complete and performing.
How does the product meet critical safety, flexibility, and performance requirements?
Ultimately, these are the key requirements of data centre managers. Tested and manufactured per IEC 61439-1 & 6, the XCP product line is designed to provide the highest safety levels from all aspects of design and installation. The design and installation of the power distribution system becomes simple and fast. The product is Xtra-compact, efficient, and easy to install, with features and accessories that make planning and designing your critical infrastructure project easy. The XCP product line provides exceptional performance for the most demanding critical power applications. The innovative design provides high reliability in all environments and cost savings.
John Berenbrok is Manager of Product Management at Starline, a brand of Legrand. Starline is a leading manufacturer of critical power distribution products for the data centre industry. Berenbrok is responsible for the global portfolio of busbar and monitoring products at Starline, including identifying opportunities for new technologies, products and access to geographic markets. He has over 15 years of experience in various product development and leadership roles, including significant experience in the critical power and automation industries. Berenbrok has a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from Duquesne University.
