NOJA Power Switchgear has unveiled backward compatibility between its RC10 Recloser Controller and the legacy 200 Series OSM Recloser.
With more 20,000 legacy 200 series OSM Reclosers in service across the globe, NOJA Power has provided users with an upgrade path to access the technology afforded by the RC10 controller. This backward compatibility has been made possible by an upgraded Switchgear Interface Module – the primary connection module into the NOJA Power RC10.
Connection from this legacy compatible RC10 or RC15 reclosers to the OSM200 can beNOJA 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.