What is DRC-011?
The DRC-011 is a next-generation smart grid IoT controller designed to digitally transform existing ENTEC Auto Recloser (ACR) on medium voltage distribution lines. This innovative solution enables utilities to upgrade conventional electrical grid infrastructure into intelligent, data-driven systems—without costly replacements.
Through this innovation, VP.Start empowers utilities with technology that delivers measurable benefits including reduced operational costs, increased cost-efficiency, and enhanced grid sustainability.
About ENTEC Auto Recloser.
ENTEC Auto Recloser is an advanced protection device used on overhead distribution power lines to automatically detect, isolate, and restore power during electrical faults.
The DRC-011 is a data-driven solution designed to enhance grid operations by simplifying management, improving efficiency, and swifting from manual to fully digital operations.
DRC-011 Integration with ENTEC Auto Recloser
The DRC-011 integrates with the ENTEC Auto Recloser by connecting directly to ENTEC RCU through standard communication ports and compatible protocols.
This integration transforms the traditional ENTEC Auto Recloser into a smart, digital system instantly.
Getting to Know How the DRC-011 Works
When a power outage takes place, the Auto Recloser (ACR) automatically attempts to reclose the switchgear 3 to 5 times, according to its configured settings. The DRC-011 immediately recognizes this activity and sends a notification to the operator’s smartphone via the PLUM App or through the RPM Grid System, alerting them of the power interruption. This instant, real-time alert enables operators to take quick corrective action, reducing downtime and enhancing the reliability of the power network.
Beyond its monitoring and controlling functions, the DRC-011 places strong emphasis on data security. All data transmitted and stored within the system is encrypted, ensuring that every communication between devices remains protected and confidential.
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 optimize grid management. With PLUM, the entire 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-011 Works
When a power outage takes place, the Auto Recloser (ACR) automatically attempts to reclose the switchgear 3 to 5 times, according to its configured settings. The DRC-011 immediately recognizes this activity and sends a notification to the operator’s smartphone via the PLUM App or through the RPM Grid System, alerting them of the power interruption. This instant, real-time alert enables operators to take quick corrective action, reducing downtime and enhancing the reliability of the power network.
Beyond its monitoring and controlling functions, the DRC-011 places strong emphasis on data security. All data transmitted and stored within the system is encrypted, ensuring that every communication between devices remains protected and confidential.
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 optimize grid management. With PLUM, the entire 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-011. With the length of 122mm, height of 88mm, and width of 30mm covered in a silver box. Down here are the side functions of our DRC-011.
Features & Applicability
1. Real-time Data Monitoring
Utilities now can oversee the entire status of ENTEC Auto Recloser in real-time without the need to manually inspect and monitor.
2. Remote Control Capability
With the DRC-011, utilities do not need to travel long distances to trip/close the switchgear of ENTEC Auto Recloser anymore. They merely use a smartphone or our RPM Grid system to remote control rapidly and efficiently.
3. Fault Detection
With the DRC-011, the information of faults is instantly detected. Operators receive the alarm notification of the faults fast and enable them to solve the problems quickly.
4. Abnormal Detection
VP.Start created the standout abnormal feature to detect any failures or errors inside the ENTEC controller. This innovative feature is crucial to inform utilities to prevent potential risks that may happen with the controllers, reducing maintenance expense and outage time.
5. Measurement
Measurement is an essential feature for monitoring and evaluating the power lines. Operators can gain valuable information such as current, voltage source, apparent power, real power, reactive power, and power factor that effectively track the network’s performance.
6. Settings
The Setting function enables operators to remotely modify the parameters of ENTEC Auto Recloser from RPM Grid or the PLUM App. They don’t need to manually adjust the settings of the Auto Recloser on-site any more.
7. Event Logs
Event logs automatically recorded all faults on the power lines and created reports for analysis to enhance grid management. It also recorded user activities to ensure the security of system operations.
8. Map view
Map allows operators to pinpoint the actual location of DRC-011 easily and efficiently. Operators can easily notify the fault locations with this outstanding function as well.
9. Single Diagram
This function assists operators in identifying the fault section in Single Diagram, especially identifying the impacted area easily when any interruption happens.
Compared to Your Traditional Methods
What does the DRC-011 do in the event of faults?
Faults on power lines often arise from human mistake or natural causes, leading to service interruptions that affect both customers and energy providers. These problems are more common in networks managed through traditional systems, where the absence of smart technology results in longer outage times, inconvenience, and financial losses for utilities and consumers alike.
The DRC-011 swiftly identifies line faults and instantly sends detailed fault information to operators via smartphones or the RPM Grid System. This immediate notification enables operators to pinpoint the issue quickly and take timely corrective action.
With its real-time alerts, the DRC-011 serves as an intelligent and dependable protector of the power network-constantly monitoring grid conditions, shortening outage periods, and maintaining stable and reliable system performance.
5x Times Faster
Plug and Play Solution
Utilities no longer need to replace their current ACR equipment, they can simply integrate the DRC-011, instantly transforming their system into a digital network. Installation is quick and straightforward, taking only about 40 minutes, making it a very cost-effective solution for utilities. This approach not only minimizes the time required for modernization but also reduces capital expenses while delivering significant technological and operational improvements.
5x Times Faster
User-Friendly System
At VP.Start, we focus on delivering an exceptional user experience, making sure that managing our solution is not only efficient but also intuitive, so utilities can operate with confidence and ease.
The management of ACR with the DRC-011 is simple and flexible. Utilities can control and monitor their distribution networks in three easy ways: through the RPM Grid System, via the PLUM smartphone app, or even by making a phone call. This level of convenience ensures smooth and hassle-free operations for utility teams.
User-Friendly
Fast Return on Investment
The innovative idea of VP.Start is to create a 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-011 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 for Return Of Investment
Guaranteed Benefit
Explore more DRC
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DRC-004G
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DRC-009
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