Braking resistors for tight spots
January 1st 2006

Anew range of braking resistors designed for applications such as lifts, elevators, cranes and high inertia loads, particularly where space is limited, has been introduced by REO UK. The company says they are particularly suited to absorbing surplus energy generated by traction motors when loads are being lowered.

Size is kept to a minimum using a novel manufacturing technique involving sealing resistance coils within an aluminium heat-sink extrusion that incorporates a special, thermo-dynamic filler which, claims REO, transfers the heat to the outer cooling surfaces with great efficiency.

The resistors are designed for 100% duty cycle and can be custom engineered to fit awkward spaces. the standard range extends up to 15kW but larger power ratings are possible by connecting modules in series and parallel depending on the current and resistance values by the application.

It's also possible to have EMC fittings for connection to the DC link of a frequency drive.

The resistors' construction also allows them to be used without protective covers in areas where damp and dust problems could arise.

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