What is DRC-001?
The DRC-001 is a flagship solution developed since 2014 to modernize Auto Circuit Recloser (ACR) on medium voltage distribution lines (22kV & 35kV). This innovative device has the ability to transform the aging Auto Circuit Recloser into a digitally operated system in a short period of time.
Operators benefit from greater insights such as remote-control capabilities, line fault detection, real-time data monitoring, and other vital information that help to minimize outages and increase electric grid
Schneider Auto Recloser
The Schneider Auto Recloser is a self-contained switching device designed to automatically detect, interrupt, and restore power in overhead medium voltage distribution networks.
ADVC2
Advanced Digital Voltage Controller (ADVC) is a smart controller for Schneider Auto Recloser.
With DRC-001, the electrical grid operation is streamlined, efficiency is improved, no need multiple teams to inspect or restore the power on-site anymore.
DRC-001 Integration with ADVC
The integration of DRC-001 is ideal for users who need a convenient and efficient way to manage their electrical grid networks, using only a smartphone or the RPM Grid System. This plug-and-play device reimagines the existing Auto Recloser—offering a highly cost effective solution for utilities compared to a full replacement.
Getting to Know How the DRC-001 Works
When power goes out, the ACR quickly recloses the switchgear 3 to 5 times (based on parameter settings). The DRC-001 detects this activity and sends an alarm to the operator’s smartphone (via the PLUM app) or the RPM Grid System, notifying them that the power supply has been interrupted. With this precise, real-time information, operators can act immediately to resolve issues—minimizing duration of outages.
Another scenario is that the DRC-001 collects extensive real-time data from the ACRs. Operators can now digitally monitor the power data in real-time from their control room via RPM Grid or remotely via the PLUM App. The crucial information such as Current, Voltage, Power (P, Q, S), Power Factor and other vital information serves as analytic tools, mitigating energy losses, unbalancing phases, voltage drops, and other issues to maintain the grid more resilient and reliable.
The DRC-001 does not only provide the convenient and efficient way of managing the ACRs, this robust solution also ensures the data transmission is secured and protected. All data is encrypted before being saved into the controller and transmission between the system.
RPM Grid
RPM Grid system provides extensive information from the ACR, offering a wide range of data collection and reports for power grid analysis.
PLUM App
PLUM (Power Line Utility Management) is a mobile ecosystem application designed to reimagine the way electrical grids are managed. With PLUM, the complete status of electrical grid networks is in the palm of your hand. Utilities can monitor and control remotely, receive instant alarm notifications, and access real-time data for fast decision-making—anywhere and at any time.
Getting to Know How the DRC-001 Works
When power goes out, the ACR quickly recloses the switchgear 3 to 5 times (based on parameter settings). The DRC-001 detects this activity and sends an alarm to the operator’s smartphone (via the PLUM app) or the RPM Grid System, notifying them that the power supply has been interrupted. With this precise, real-time information, operators can act immediately to resolve issues—minimizing duration of outages.
Another scenario is that the DRC-001 collects extensive real-time data from the ACRs. Operators can now digitally monitor the power data in real-time from their control room vial RPM Grid or remotely via the PLUM App. The crucial information such as Current, Voltage, Power (P, Q, S), Power Factor and other vital information serves as analytic tools, mitigating energy losses, unbalancing phases, voltage drops, and other issues to maintain the grid more resilient and reliable.
The DRC-001 does not only provide the convenient and efficient way of managing the ACRs, this robust solution also ensures the data transmission is secured and protected. All data is encrypted before being saved into the controller and transmission between the system.
RPM Grid
RPM Grid system provides extensive information from the ACR, offering a wide range of data collection and reports for power grid analysis.
PLUM App
PLUM (Power Line Utility Management) is a mobile ecosystem application designed to reimagine the way electrical grids are managed. With PLUM, the complete status of electrical grid networks is in the palm of your hand. Utilities can monitor and control remotely, receive instant alarm notifications, and access real-time data for fast decision-making—anywhere and at any time.
Take a look at our DRC-001. With the length of 122mm, height of 88mm, and width of 30mm cover in a silver box. Down here are the side functions of our DRC-001.
Features & Applicability
1. Real-time Data Monitoring
The DRC-001 can collect a wide range of real-time data from the ACR, enabling operators to oversee the whole status of the powerlines. This approach is crucial for analyzing to reduce energy losses and generate a report for improved decision-making.
2. Faults Detection
The DRC-001 instantly detects faults on the powerline in real time. This critical feature enables faster issue resolution, significantly reducing outage duration.
3. Abnormal Detection
VP.Start developed an advanced abnormal detection feature into the DRC-001 to identify failures in the Recloser controller that is the critical concern for utilities. This feature instantly triggers alarm notifications upon detecting any abnormalities in the ADVC controlle r, enabling utilities to respond quickly and efficiently to potential issues.
4. Remote Control Capability
The DRC-001 also provides a seamless remote control to trip/close the switchgear of ACR instantly – merely using a smartphone or the RPM Grid System. This innovative feature reduces operational costs and boosts operator's safety.
5. Measurements
This function serves as a pivotal tool for monitoring and assessing the dynamic status of the electrical distribution network, empowering operators with real-time insights into critical parameters including current, voltage, active power, reactive power, apparent power, power factor, and frequency.
6. Setting
The Settings function enables the operator to modify the parameters of electrical equipment, such as Hosting, Trip Lockout, and so on. Operators no longer need to manually adjust the settings of the Auto Recloser ADVC on-site any more.
7. Single Diagram
With Single Diagram function, operators can oversee and display all the electrical equipment in schematic diagram form. This function is crucial for operators to easily identifying the fault section.
8. Google Map View
Operators can pinpoint the actual location of DRC-001 in Google Map. They can especially identify the impacted area easily when any interruption happens.
Compared to Your Traditional Methods
What does the DRC-001 do in the event of faults?
Faults frequently occur on power lines and are typically caused by either human errors or natural disasters, resulting in power disruptions that affect consumers and energy businesses alike. Such faults are especially common when grid management relies on traditional methods. Without smart technologies, outages last longer, negatively impacting energy providers, consumers, and society as a whole.
The DRC-001 detects line faults instantly. This smart device transmits fault type data to operators via smartphones or the RPM Grid System, enabling quick identification and resolution of issues. With its real-time alarm notifications, the DRC-001 acts as a vigilant companion—monitoring power line conditions, minimizing outage durations, and maintaining network reliability.
5x Times Faster
Plug-and-Play Solution
Digitizing the existing Auto Recloser is no longer time-consuming right now. Utilities do not need to replace their in-use electrical equipment (ACR), they can simply integrate our DRC 001, and the whole system becomes smart digital instantly. The installation is fast, taking approximately 40 minutes, which makes it a very cost-effective solution for utilities - not only require minimal time for modernization, but also reduce capital investment while delivering transformative benefits.
5x Times Faster
User-Friendly System
At VP.Start, we prioritized the user experience, ensuring that managing our solution is not only effective but also user-friendly, allowing utilities to feel comfortable and confident in their operations.
The management of ACR with the DRC-001 can be done in three simple ways: using our RPM Grid System, using our PLUM app on your smartphone, and simply making a call to control or monitor the status of your distribution grid networks. That’s so much convenient for utilities.
User-Friendly
Return Of Investment
The innovative idea of VP.Start is to create the new groundbreaking solution that makes an impact for utilities. Based on the assessment of one of the utilities in Cambodia, we observed that the potential business revenue loss from managing only 7 Auto Reclosers (ACRs) locations before implementing technology is $159,445.5 per year. This includes annual sale energy loss due to outages, and total annual operational expense when faults occur and data collection operations. After adopting VP.Start’s DRC-001 for those 7 locations, the potential total business revenue loss minimizes to only $48,610.4 per year that saved $110,835.1 for annual revenue of the utility company.
2 Months
Guaranteed Benefit
Explore more DRC
DRC-004G
Remote Monitoring for LV/MV Meter
DRC-012G
Remote Monitoring for LV/MV Meter
DRC-003
Remote Control for Cooper Auto Recloser
