NOJA Power has released an Android version of its automatic circuit recloser software application. The new version of the NOJA Power Recloser App allows linemen to use Android smartphones and tablet computers to check the status of ACRs and make changes to their operation without having to climb up to the ACR’s pole-mounted control cubicle. (The previous version of the app was only available for Apple’s iOS platform). Use of the app improves safety because the linemen no longer has to undertake a hazardous climb that is often attempted in poor weather, high off the ground and close to cables that carry tens of thousands of volts.
The introduction of an Android version of the NOJA Power Recloser App dramatically extends the range of mobile devices that can support the software. For example, Android’s share of the smartphone market in Australia is nearly 58 percent, compared to 35 percent for Apple. In Europe, the gap is even wider, with Apple taking just 19 percent compared to Android’s 68.5 percent. And in Brazil, a key market for NOJA Power, 86.9 percent of smartphones are powered by Android.
When running on an Android-powered device such as a Samsung or Sony smartphone or tablet, the Recloser App communicates with the NOJA Power OSM series ACR’s RC10 control and communication cubicle via a TCP/IP connection. The app is able to configure and then retain the fixed IP address and port number for each ACR, which is then stored in a device list that identifies each unit with a name or code. The Linesman can then select, configure, control and interrogate any ACR from the list providing he has password-protected access to the Internet via a fixed line, GPRS, WiMax or Wi-Fi. The latest version of the app takes full advantage of the larger screen of Android tablet computers compared to smartphones.
The app allows the linemen to read three phase-current and -voltage, frequency, power, power factor, power flow direction and energy measurements. In addition, the app also allows the technician to control ACR functionality such as Trip/Close, Local/Remote, Active Protection Group, Protection On/Off, Auto Reclose On/Off, Live Line On/Off and Earth Fault On/Off among others.
“NOJA Power’s Recloser App has proved popular with utility staff because it improves safety and adds convenience,” explains Neil O’Sullivan, Managing Director of NOJA Power. “Until now, the software has only been available for Apple’s iOS platform, but a large percentage of our customer base use Android mobiles so we were keen to meet this demand by introducing an Android version of the app. I’m pleased to announce that the new version is now ready.
“Mobile communications is an ever increasing part of our daily lives and the electricity industry is looking for ways to use the technology to operate the network in smarter, safer and more efficient ways. With the addition of an Android version of the Recloser App, we are able to help meet that aim by bringing the software’s safety and productivity gains to a much wider customer base.” adds O’Sullivan.
The Android version of the NOJA Power Recloser App for the company’s OSM range of ACRs (see “About the NOJA Power OSM range” below) is available as a free download from Android app libraries and is compatible with smartphones and tablet computers running Android OS 2.3+ and later versions.
