ABB HIES308461R0012 Water Cooled Resistor

The ABB HIES308461R0012 is a high-performance Water Cooled Resistor designed for industrial applications that demand efficient heat dissipation under high power loads. Engineered with a robust stainless-steel structure and advanced thermal management, this resistor is ideal for continuous or intermittent high-energy absorption applications.

Unlike air-cooled alternatives, water-cooled resistors like the HIES308461R0012 offer compactness, enhanced thermal efficiency, and minimal acoustic emission, making them suitable for integration in enclosed or noise-sensitive environments. The resistor operates as a braking resistor, load bank, or neutral grounding resistor (NGR) in a variety of sectors, from renewable energy systems to marine propulsion and heavy-duty drives.

This model is part of ABB’s durable industrial resistor line, known for reliable performance in harsh environmental conditions, continuous duty cycles, and tight installation constraints.

Technical Specifications

The ABB HIES308461R0012 Water Cooled Resistor is engineered for diverse power conversion and control environments. Its unique capability to dissipate large amounts of energy makes it essential in applications that involve dynamic braking, power regulation, or grounding safety.

Typical Applications

• Motor Braking Systems

  Used with VFDs (variable frequency drives) to absorb regenerative energy and prevent overvoltage.

• Renewable Energy Systems

  Wind turbines and solar power systems use braking/load resistors for grid compliance and energy dumping.

• Marine Propulsion Drives

  Used in shipboard electric propulsion to manage braking and load balancing with minimal heat radiation.

• Elevators and Cranes

  Absorbs deceleration energy to stabilize high-inertia lifting equipment.

• Neutral Grounding Systems

  Helps manage fault currents in medium-voltage transformers and generators.

• Industrial Test Benches

  Employed in dynamic load banks for motor and generator testing under load.

Product Advantages

• Superior Heat Dissipation

  Water cooling enables continuous operation under high loads without overheating.

• Compact and Space-Efficient

  Smaller footprint than air-cooled resistors with equivalent power ratings.

• Noise-Free Operation

  No fans or blowers are required, minimizing noise and mechanical wear.

• Environmentally Robust

  Designed for dusty, humid, or corrosive environments with IP-rated enclosures.

• Customizable Design

  Resistance values, voltage, connectors, and mounting options can be tailored.

• Extended Service Life

  Reduced thermal cycling enhances long-term performance and reliability.

• High Efficiency

  Maintains consistent performance with minimal temperature fluctuation.

• Safety-Oriented

  Isolated construction minimizes the risk of electrical shock or fire hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the primary function of the ABB HIES308461R0012 water cooled resistor?

It is designed to safely dissipate excess electrical energy in high-power industrial systems, particularly in braking, load testing, and power conversion applications where thermal efficiency and compact design are required.

2. How does water cooling benefit resistor performance?

Water cooling enables higher continuous power dissipation compared to air-cooled models, reduces overall size, and allows the resistor to operate at stable temperatures over long durations.

3. Can this resistor be used with variable frequency drives (VFDs)?

Yes, it is commonly integrated into braking circuits of VFDs to manage regenerated energy during deceleration, preventing overvoltage conditions in the DC bus.

4. What materials are used in the internal resistive elements?

The resistor uses high-grade nickel-chromium (NiCr) alloy, selected for its durability, temperature stability, and resistance to oxidation under high thermal loads.

5. What kind of maintenance does the unit require?

Routine inspection of water connections for leaks, periodic flushing of the cooling system, and checks on water flow rate and temperature are recommended to maintain efficiency and longevity.

6. Is it safe to operate this unit in humid or dusty environments?

Yes, the sealed design of the water jacket and the corrosion-resistant construction make it suitable for operation in challenging industrial environments, though enclosure or additional sealing may be recommended in extreme conditions.

7. Does the resistor include built-in temperature monitoring?

Temperature monitoring is available as an optional feature. Many installations integrate PT100 sensors or thermocouples to monitor core temperature and enable protective shutdown if thresholds are exceeded.

8. What type of cooling water is recommended?

Clean, non-conductive water is preferred. Deionized or filtered water helps prevent scaling and corrosion. Coolant additives can also be used depending on the application’s chemical compatibility.

9. Is this product suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, when installed in weather-resistant enclosures or systems with IP65 protection, it can be used outdoors.

10. What certifications or standards does the product comply with?

The HIES308461R0012 typically complies with relevant IEC and CE standards for industrial electrical components. Additional certifications may be available upon request depending on the region and industry.