NOJA Power News

Issue 9

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Using SMS and GPRS Mobile Phones To Control Reclosers

Comulsa, NOJA Power's distributor in Chile, has engineered a novel solution with the aid of Tele-Metric to control and monitor OSM reclosers from mobile phones and laptops. The system sends SMS messages to mobiles when alarm events occur. The operator then choose to send a message back in order to change a protection setting or Trip/Close the recloser. Comulsa chose to implement this system using a Tele-Metric TM 3500 communications controller.

The first design utilized the I/O modules in the RC01ES control cubicle. The I/O modules each have 6 inputs and 6 outputs. Up to two modules can be fitted into the cubicle. Events and control signals are mapped using a simple tool in TELUS.

When an output is activated, the TM3500 detects the signal and sends an SMS message. When an SMS message is received from a mobile it converts the message back to a signal on the corresponding input. This design is cost effective to implement and allows common mobile phones to be used as remote control devices.

Taking the concept a step further, Comulsa and Tele-Metric have implemented the DNP3 protocol inside the TM3500 so it can directly communicate with the RC01ES control cubicle through its RS232 or RS485 SCADA port. When combined with GPRS communication devices, nearly every aspect of the OSM recloser can be controlled.

NOJA Power Leading The Way With Research And Development Effort

NOJA Power recently completed the first stage of a $1.5 million R&D project. The project aims to combine a completely new generation of controller with the proven switching reliability of the OSM tank. Over 100 years of combined recloser manufacturing experience has helped develop a high quality, cost effective and reliable product.

All electronics were designed to be immune to Electro Magnetic Interference - a common problem with poorly designed switchgear. Low power components have been used to keep power consumption extremely low. Accurate signal analysis algorithms men advanced power quality measurements can be included in the final product. Finally, SCADA connectivity was designed in from the very beginning with a focus on easy configuration and multiple interface options.

NOJA Power's Engineering Manager, Mr Jay Manne, believes a world class product has been developed.

"This development project drew on over a century of combined experience in the Electricity Supply Industry and in the development of electronic systems. Our goal was to produce a product that exceeded market expectations through innovative engineering and the appropriate application of new technologies," he said.

NOJA Power committed a large amount of resources to the project and was supported every step of the way by Ausindustry with a Research and Development Start Grant. This valuable assistance has allowed NOJA Power to successfully develop a recloser product with 100% Australian owned Intellectual Property.

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