Interchangeability and main parameters for comparison and selection of MEAN WELL power supplies
In the context of changes in the supply and composition of manufacturers and suppliers in the power electronics market, and power supplies in particular, consumers often have a question about the interchangeability of models of power supplies of one series within one type to another series, or to power supplies of another type. For an adequate choice, it is first necessary to determine which parameters and features are critical for a particular application, and which ones can be “sacrificed” in favor of a quick solution. In general, there is no unequivocal advice on the acceptability of replacements, so it is important to understand the key features of different types of power supplies so that you can choose the most suitable replacement option from what is available on the market.
DIN rail power supplies
One of the most sought-after segments are DIN rail power supplies , which are widely used - from home use (for example, "small" automation) to industry and telecommunications. A feature of such power supplies is the way they are mounted - on a special metal plate of a standardized size, called a DIN rail, as well as the overall dimensions of the power supplies in height and depth. Based on this, two forms have become widespread - variable (stepped) for installation in a standard-sized shield and with a front panel; and in the form of a parallelepiped, which allows the fullest use of the entire volume of the power supply. With a variable case shape, MEAN WELL produces only one line of series - HDR , and all other series of power supplies are in the form of a conventional block.
DIN rail power supplies have an output voltage from the standard range of 12, 24, 48V, and for high powers (from 240W) only two ratings are available - 24 and 48V, and for low-power series HDR and MDR there are additional output voltages of 5 and 15V. As distinctive features, one can also name a multiple step of increasing the output power (60, 120, 240, 480, 960W) and cooling only due to the natural ventilation of the case (without an additional fan).
In view of the foregoing, DIN rail power supplies can be replaced with case-type power supplies of equal or greater capacity, and a number of case-type power supplies have a special additional mount for mounting them on a DIN rail and / or fastening to a vertical surface. Or, if the design of the shield or cabinet allows you to mount an additional shelf for equipment, then you can also place a cabinet-type power supply on it.
From the point of view of comparing the main technical parameters (output voltage, current, timing and efficiency) of power supplies in a case, there are no differences from power supplies on a DIN rail, or case power supplies have even better characteristics. Conditions for placement and climatic requirements (temperature, humidity) are the same for both types, which also facilitates the choice of replacements.
Case power supplies
Case-type power supplies are the most popular segment of power supplies due to their versatility and application possibilities. Therefore, if there are no restrictions on the conditions of use (for example, on the type of fastening, as for power supplies on a DIN rail, or on the degree of protection of the case from adverse conditions, as for LED power supplies), then using case power supplies will be the best choice.
Depending on the power supply capacity, cooling is allowed either due to natural air ventilation or due to an additional fan - which ultimately determines the appearance of the power supply unit (mesh outer casing or completely closed case) and some features of its installation - the presence of possible noise, additional space, etc.
The second feature of power supplies of this type is the presence or absence of a power factor corrector, PFC (Power Factor Correction). If there is no requirement from the resource organization of power supply to reduce losses in the power line or such losses are not critical, then you can use case power supplies of budget series - LRS , RS , SE , or vice versa, in their absence, use more expensive, but also more efficient power supplies with KKM series RSP , HRP .
Another distinctive feature is a wider range of output power and with greater power gradation for different series - which allows you to choose a power supply without excessive power margin, or combine the power of a number of loads on one power source, where applicable.
Power supplies for LED applications
The third type of power supply that is often in demand is power supplies for LED applications . From the point of view of the topologies used, these blocks are no different from the most popular case-type power supplies, but at the same time they have either additional functions: for example, dimming of various types, or the highest degree of protection of the case (about IP65, IP67), which allows them to be used in almost any placement conditions - on the street, in workshops, technological facilities.
By the type of case material, the vast majority of models of LED power supplies that have become widespread are produced in metal, which, on the one hand, provides a better degree of protection of the case from adverse placement conditions, and on the other hand, serves as protection against damage and destruction by unauthorized persons. Low-power budget power supplies are produced in a plastic case, that is, they are intended for installation mainly indoors, in places with difficult access from the outside for third parties.
Another feature of power supplies for LED applications is their differentiation according to the type of stabilization of the output parameter - power supplies with voltage stabilization are almost completely equivalent to other types of power supplies (case, DIN rail) and can be easily replaced by them; current stabilized power supplies are a separate type of power supply for LED lighting, and in this case it can be difficult to find a replacement even for a different series. The most important parameters for such power supplies are the output current and power, which, with a slight deviation from the required values (upwards), can lead to failure of the LED lamp (luminaire).
In most cases, power supplies for LED lighting are also subject to requirements to minimize line losses, so the presence of a PFC is a mandatory requirement for medium and large power supplies. Therefore, when looking for a replacement, it is important to pay attention to the presence of a KKM in a replacement power supply.
As the practice of using power supplies shows, the most important and significant are the main technical parameters (output voltage, current, power), type of attachment, overall dimensions and requirements for placement conditions. The remaining parameters and additional functions are not always important and / or in demand, or are taken as a given for a previously made decision, which in most cases makes it possible to maneuver in terms of choosing an analogue.
For questions related to the selection and use of MEAN WELL products, please contact Meanwell@chipdip.ru .