accomplished through two methods, either using a replacement control cable, or through a simple interface connection provided in the base of the RC10 controller. These options allow utilities to swap out their older RC01 controller for either the RC10 or the latest RC15 controller with on board WiFi, 4G and GPS. The retrofit kit ensures minimal installation costs, with no live line crew necessary in the case of the junction box upgrade path. The new legacy compatibility of the NOJA Power RC10 and RC15 controllers provides the capability for utilities to upgrade their suite of protection and protocols to the myriad of functionality in the later generation of NOJA Power Recloser Controllers.
NOJA Power has engineered a new RC10/15 Switchgear Interface Module(SIM) that processes the data retrieved from the sensors of the 200 series tanks. This updated SIM module is standard in all retrofit RC10/RC15 controllers destined for service connected to older OSM200 series reclosers. For operators familiar with the RC10 controller, the SIM is the connection point from the switchgear into the controller, and is the driving force in the switching of the recloser. The legacy NOJA Power OSM Reclosers utilised a different sensor philosophy, employing a total of six Rogowski Coils for phase and neutral current measurement. The modified RC10/15 SIM allows for these sensors to provide data to the RC10 and RC15 relays, affording greater functionality to the older generation of OSM Reclosers.
Users of the RC01 are well familiar with the Harting plug arrangement, which connects the control cable to the RC01 cubicle. This Harting plug is different between NOJA Power’s RC01 and RC10/15 controlled reclosers. When designing the backwards compatibility of the RC10, NOJA Power has ensured to maintain the familiar feel of this installation. Utilities can opt to replace their control cable entirely, where a new “OSM200 to RC10” crossover control cable is used to connect the legacy OSM200 series into the compatible RC10 and RC15. If the user would prefer to avoid live line work, then the junction box upgrade option is provided. The junction box upgrade is a compatibility connector port on retrofit RC10 or RC15 controllers destined for connection to 200 series OSM Reclosers. Not only does this allow users to simply connect an RC10 to a 200 series tank, they are able to use the currently installed RC01 control cable. This capability removes the requirement for any work to be completed at the High Voltage terminals of the recloser, greatly reducing any live line or work costs.
Creating a backward compatible recloser controller solution is part of NOJA Power’s commitment to ensuring that the latest in protection and communication capabilities are available to all users of NOJA Power switchgear. NOJA Power has maintained a company policy of ensuring all active electronics associated with their switchgear remains in the controller. Aside from the reliability benefits of separating electronics from high voltage sources, this policy simplifies the process of implementing the backwards compatibility. This insurance policy of segregation between HV and LV is similar to the insurance of future proofing of field RC01 installations.