What is DRC-009?
Designed to modernize multiple brands of Ring Main Units (RMUs) that are utilized in underground distribution networks, the DRC-009 is a smart grid IoT device solution that streamlines management processes and minimizes the needs for time-consuming on-site visits. The DRC-009 provides advanced remote control capabilities, monitoring, and managing the systems in real time. With its innovative features, the DRC-009 enhances grid reliability and optimizes energy usage, allowing for quick decision-making that can prevent outages before they happen.
About Ring Main Units (RMUs)
A Ring Main Unit (RMU) is a compact, self-contained switchgear system used in medium-voltage power distribution networks including circuit breakers, isolators, and protective components integrated into one enclosure.
The DRC-009 is a smart grid IoT device designed to modernize the aging RMUs, transforming from manual operation with the RMUs to a fully digital system.
The Integration of DRC-009 with RMUs
The integration of the DRC-009 with the aging RMUs is the process of grid modernization toward smart grid systems. VP.Start developed the DRC-009 solution to modernize multiple brands of RMUs without complete replacement.
Getting to Know How the DRC-009 works
The DRC-009 quickly detects faults and sends the fault information to operators via smartphone using the PLUM App or through the RPM Grid system. The alarm clearly identifies the type of fault, such as switchgear off, CB trip, phase fault, ground fault, or door open. Operators instantly identify these faults and act to resolve large-scale power disruptions. They can remotely open or close the RMU switchgear if the fault is temporary to reconnect power, or they can dispatch engineers quickly to the RMU’s location if the fault is permanent. The DRC-009 helps reduce extended outages to a few minutes and enhances grid reliability for all consumers.
RPM Grid
The DRC-009 works with the PRM Grid System by acting as a smart controller for Ring Main Units. This IoT device sends real-time status and measurement data of the RMUs to RPM Grid and allows operators to execute remote commands like trip and close or with other diverse operations to make the underground distribution grid management more reliable.
PLUM App
PLUM provides endless benefits to utilities due to its seamless, user-friendly interface that is designed for engineers at all levels. Utilities can use PLUM to manage their entire grid networks with ease and confidence.
Take a look at our DRC-009
Features & Applicability
1. Remote Control Capability
Manual operation to Open/Close switchgears of Ring Main Units on the medium voltage underground distribution line is quite a challenge and risk. With the DRC-009, operators can remote control to Open/Close up to 8 switches of RMU switchgear through RPM Grid, or the PLUM App.This advanced feature transforms from manual to digital operation, reducing long outage time and increasing network reliability.
2. Instant Alarm Notifications
DRC-009 quickly detects faults and sends the fault information to the utilities’ smartphone via the PLUM App or the RPM Grid system. The alarm clearly identifies the types of faults, including switchgear off, CB Trip, phase fault or ground fault, and door open.
3. Abnormal Detection
VP.Start designed the groundbreaking feature called Abnormal to oversee and track the condition of the RMUs, ensuring that the RMUs’ health is completely checked and provided instant alert if the errors occur. This process is very important for utilities to prevent big issues efficiently.
4. Real-time Data Monitoring
The DRC-009 enables operators to oversee the whole status of the RMUs in real-time that is very crucial to use for analysis and improve decision-making.
5. Event Logs
This essential feature automatically records faults on the power lines and creates reports for analysis to improve grid management. It also tracks the operator's activities to ensure the system operations are secured.
6. Map view
The Map function is a user-friendly tool that allows operators to view the location of DRC-009 instantly using Google Maps. This advanced feature enables quick identification of fault locations and enhances operational efficiency.
7. Single Diagram
Single Diagram is another effective feature that provides operators with a clear and effective way to manage the DRC-009 with RMUs via a schematic layout.
Compared to Your Traditional Methods
What does the DRC-009 do in the event of faults?
During a power disruption, the DRC-009 automatically detects the fault and sends detailed information to the operators’ control systems. The alarms clearly indicate the reason for the power outage, such as source absence, switchgear off, CB trip, phase fault, ground fault, or door open. Operators can identify the faults and remotely open or close the RMU switchgear without physically going to the site. This seamless system reduces extended outages from hours to a few minutes, enhancing grid reliability for both consumers and energy providers.
5x Times Faster
Plug and Play Solution
To transform the aging RMUs into smart, digital devices is not time-consuming. Utilities do not need to replace their in-use RMUs, simply integrate the DRC-009, the whole system switches digitally instantly. Modernizing the RMUs takes around 50 minutes only, which saves more time and operations costs for utilities in the process of smart grid modernization.
5X Times Faster
User-Friendly System
Managing the numerous RMUs at the same time is no longer a problem.
With the DRC-009, operators can have 3 important easy ways to manage including:
1. From the RPM Grid System dashboard
2. With the PLUM app on your smartphone
3. Or simply by making a phone call
Now every location of the RMUs is in your hand.
User-Friendly
Fast Return on Investment
The vision of VP.Start is to develop groundbreaking solutions that deliver tangible impact for utilities. By modernizing the existing RMUs with the DRC-009, utilities can achieve a 150% to 200% ROI through significant reductions in operational costs and minimized outages.
2 Months
Guaranteed Benefit
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