167

THE INTELLIGENT RING MAIN UNIT

Sverre Torben, Tor Gulbrandsen

ABB Kraft, Norway

INTRODUCTION DA IN CABLE NETWORKS

The introduction of Distribution Automation is studied by The primary incentive for utilities to invest in DA in cable
many utilities at the moment. In some countries or in networks is to reduce the impact of faults to their
some areas, utilities are quite mature with respect to customers. In areas with high population density or with
Distribution Automation (DA). Most utilities are however many industrial customers, such faults may have serious
in an introductory phase with pilot installations. The consequences. In large cities, traffic congestion can result
primary incentive for DA is to increase the quality of in long fault clearance time when manually operated
supply, but obviously increased quality must be justified switches are used. Thus, reduced outage time is important
by cosubenefit advantages. in cable networks even though the reliability in these
networks generally is good. Deregulation of the energy
The key components for DA in cable networks are the market will also result in pressure on the network
Ring Main Units (RMUs). Existing RMUs are companies to focus on the efficiency of operation and the
characterised by having been designed without DA in quality of supply. In some countries compensation will
mind. If necessary, DA functionality has been solved by have to be paid to customers for non-conformity of the
add-ons to these RMUs. quality of supply (e.g. compensation for not delivered
energy will be introduced in Norway from January 1999).
In this paper requirements and perceived obstacles for The basic functionality which must be implemented in
implementation of DA in cable networks are assessed. order to reduce fault clearance time is remote fault
Further, new technologies to overcome these obstacles are passage indication and remote control and position
considered. This results in the definition of a Distribution indication of load break switches along the ring.
Automation Ready RMU. Both the next generation of
RMU and the ultimate RMU as seen by the authors of this In addition to this basic functionality of a DA system for
article are discussed. cable networks, monitoring of the distribution network
and its components is of interest in order to increase the
efficiency of operation, maintenance and network
planning. Monitoring includes fault monitoring, load flow
monitoring, condition monitoring and power quality
monitoring. Documentation of fault impact is especially
important for compensation purposes (who are affected, at
what time, for how long). Monitoring of load flow and
voltage quality requires measurement of voltages and
currents. This functionality is often included in early
specifications for DA schemes from network companies
today but usually omitted or classified as possible future
extensions in the final specification. This is mainly due to
lack of sufficiently cost efficient solutions at present.

Obstacles and Challenges

Even though the benefit of DA is accepted by most

utilities, certain reluctance to large-scale implementation
of this technology is observed in many countries. The
main obstacles to implementation of DA seem to be:

CostBenefit considerations. In some cases cosvbenefit

analysis do not justify investments in DA in cable
networks today. However, this situation will change for
several reasons. Technology will be available that will
reduce the life cycle costs of a DA system and increase

Trends in Distribution Switchgear, 10-12 November 1998, Conference Publication No. 459 0 IEE 1998
 168

the benefits considerably. The benefit for network 0 Gas pressure indication available for RTUs
companies will also increase with the deregulation process 0 Current transformers that can be installed on cables or
(e.g. if compensation must be paid for not delivered on bushings
energy). As more complex Distribution Management 0 Voltage absent and present relays
Systems and Energy Management Systems are introduced
in the utilities, input from the distribution process will be In order to implement a DA scheme, a separate control
required in order to fully exploit these systems (e.g. for cabinet including a RTU, battery and battery charger,
documentation, statistics, planning, operation and communication units, overvoltage protection and if
maintenance) necessary a heating element must be installed and wired to
the RMU. This approach is characterised by a lot of
Communication. Lack of standardisation of engineering, wiring and testing during the design,
communication protocols and interoperability of different installation and commissioning of the DA system. It also
suppliers' products are also obstacles for utilities, which requires that there is space for the added control cabinet in
do not want to commit themselves to only one supplier. the secondary substation, space which are not always
Several standards for communication have been available. For new installations, the most compact
developed within the IEC TC57 the last years (e.g. IEC secondary substations might not be sufficient and bigger
870-5-101). However, certain degrees of liberty still exist and more expensive secondary substations must be
within some standards and interoperability between selected.
different suppliers is not automatically assured even if the
same standard is specified. The most widespread protocols If current and voltage measurements are included,
for the near future seem to be IEC 870-5-101, DNP 3.0 transducers are traditionally used in order to interface
and Modbus. standard analogue inputs of RTUs. Fault indicators and
relays for transformer protection (in case of CB
Most utilities already have an existing SCADA system transformer protection) are mostly separate units with
and to some extent a communication network. Thus, field corresponding sensors.
equipment must be able to interface the existing SCADA
systems and in some cases operate in an existing
communication infrastructure.

Extension, replacement or retrofit installation. DA can

seldom be provided in a "Green-Field" environment. It
will usually be introduced as an extension of the
distribution network or into the existing distribution
network. Existing switchgear not prepared for DA can
either be replaced or actuators and sensors can be
retrofitted on the existing switchgear. The original RMU
supplier can in some cases provide retrofit actuators for
existing RMUs, but in many cases replacement of the
complete RMU is more cost efficient. Replaced RMUs
can be reused in other switching points not intended for
remote control.
Figure 2: Today's solution for RMU instrumentation
SECONDARY TECHNOLOGY IN RMUs TODAY

Most RMU suppliers today can offer a certain amount of

TREND§ IN TECHNOLOGY
add-on equipment (secondary technology) that can be
Integration of functionality will usually lead to more cost
used to implement a DA scheme, such as:
efficient, simple and reliable technical solutions.
0 Motor operation of switches Integration of functionality in a DMDSM system can be
e Tripping coils for external tripping of stored energy divided into three categories:
operating mechanisms 0 Integration of Primary and Secondary Technology
e Switch position indication available for RTUs 0 Integration of functionality in Secondary Technology
0 Simple fault indicators that can be monitored by devices
RTUs 0 Integration of systems
0 Fuse trip indication or protection relay trip indication
available for RTUs
 169

r
DispatchingCentre

Secondnr)' Substations
Jommunicntion Node

,, ,, ~ , . . ~...... ..............

LVDistribution- 4 b eE d Users

Figure 3: Integration of functionality

Integration of Primary and Secondary Technology Integration of functionality in Secondary Technology

Devices
Controllers, sensors, power supply and communication
units can be integrated in the RMU. This will result in Microprocessor based devices have increasingly replaced
reduced packaging, installation and commissioning costs traditional analogue technology based devices in simple
and increased reliability because of: fault passage indicators and distribution transformer
protection relays. But the situation is still characterised by
0 Reduced number of stand alone boxes (integration of having dedicated devices for each function. For substation
control cabinet in the RMU) automation applications, modular and flexible hardware
Elimination of interface components and software platforms suitable for protection, control and
Reduced wiring monitoring have been introduced, replacing several
Common insulation for primary and secondary dedicated devices with one programmable controller [ 11.
components (e.g. sensors integrated in cable This approach could also be introduced for RMUs, i.e. a
bushings) general programmable RMU controller with hardware
Assembly and testing of an entire intelligent modules that can be combined according to the RMU
switching unit in a high volume standardised configuration and software modules selected according to
production line with established quality assurance the required functionality. The hardware and software
criteria. platform can be adapted to new sensor technology. The
need for transducers is eliminated, one sensor can be used
New sensor technologies replacing traditional CTs and for several functions and compensation for temperature
VTs are now being developed for RMU applications. and non-linearity of sensors can be implemented.
These sensors take advantage of a microprocessor-based Advanced fault indication functions can easily be
measuring and monitoring system and are characterised implemented and added features like load flow monitoring
by a wide dynamic range in order to be suitable for or power quality monitoring is just a question of software.
multiple functions (fault indication, protection and Time tagged events, measurements and fault recordings
monitoring). The design is also compact compared to can be processed and stored locally. This information can
traditional CTs and VTs and is well suited for integration be transmitted to the network control system on request
with the primary equipment. for documentation, fault analysis and planing purposes.

Distribution Line Carrier (DLC) means integration of the Integration of Systems

communication media and the power cables. For cable
networks inductive coupling of the communication signal An example of integration on the system level could be a
onto the cable screen is of special interest and is a rapidly common communicatiorr system for DA and DSM from
the secondary distribution substations to the control
evolving technology.
 170

centre. An intelligent Node Controller in the secondary For the lowest level of functionality, simple fault
substation serving as gateway and concentrator is then passage indicators are provided as separate devices
needed. for each cable feeder
All secondary functions are wired to the secondary
NEXT GENERATION OF RMU technology compartment by pre-fabricated cables
with multi-connectors.
Drivers, obstacles and challenges for implementation of
DA in cable networks as well as limitations in available
technology and possibilities with new technology have
been outlined above. On this basis, what should
characterise the next generation of RMU?
SCADA

Features for the Next Generation of RMU =MWlilli

The next generation of RMU should be an
n of Sensors
n of Controller 7
Automation Ready RMU, i.e. a factory assembled
and tested RMU with integrated RMU Controller,
sensors, power supply and communication facilities.
The primary technology should be prepared for
integration of secondary technology, but at this stage
the secondary technology should be an optional
feature.
The secondary technology should be provided in
several levels of functionality with simple fault Figure 4: The Intelligent Ring Main Unit
indication and remote control as the basic
functionality. Analogue capabilities and gradually Functionality of the Intelligent RMU. The functionality
more integrated functionality in the RMU controller of the Intelligent RMU is defined in three levels (Figure 5)
should be the next levels.
The basic functionality is limited to simple fault
Full flexibility should be provided with regard to the indication and remote control in order to detect and
necessary customer interfaces of the Automation locate a cable fault, isolate the faulty cable section
Ready RMU (Auxiliary supply, communication and re-establish the supply if an alternative infeed is
media and protocol and logical interface to SCADA available. The basic functionality is based on a simple
system) RTU as RMU controller, handling only digital I/O.
The dimensions of the automation ready RMU Simple fault passage indicators are provided as
including integrated secondary technology should separate devices for each cable feeder.
comply with dimensional requirements for a The next level of functionality includes analogue
traditional RMU measurements and integrated fault indication
Easy retrofit installation and upgrading of the functionality in the RMU controller. Current and
secondary technology should be possible. voltage sensors integrated in cable bushings is part of
this functionality level. An added feature of this level
The Intelligent RMU Concept is that more complex fault indication functionality
can be provided. In addition, load flow and voltage
Figure 4 shows ABBs approach to the next generation of quality can be monitored using the same sensors as
RMU: The Intelligent RMU. The primary technology for enhanced fault indication.
platform has been redesigned and prepared for integration The third level of functionality is valid only for
of secondary technology. The main elements are
RMUs with CBs for transformer protection. The
A secondary technology compartment accessible separate protection relay used today is replaced by a
from the front of the RMU, housing a RMU software module in the RMU controller. The same
controller, back-up batteries with charger and a type of sensors as for level two can also be used at
communication unit. level three.
Voltage and current sensors which can be integrated
into the cable bushings
A motor operation device which can be added to the
spring operating mechanism together with signal
contacts and wired as a pre-assembled module in
order to facilitate retrofit installation of actuators
 171

Communication interface of the Intelligent RMU. The

communication interface is flexible with regard to
communication media and communication protocols. A
.Monitoringof s h a t circuit indicators Fixed Line modem, Public Switched Telephone Network
.Remoce cmtrd of LRS modem, DLC modem or a radio can be integrated in the
~ Basic HMU ConditionMonitorins
secondary technology compartment. In the case of DLC
communication, the communication signal can be coupled
A to the screen or the live conductor of the ring cable by an
inductive or a capacitive coupler positioned in the cable
compartment of the RMU.

An Intelligent RMU can operate directly into an existing

Clm
SCADA system if the appropriate protocol is supported by
the RMU Controller. If the protocol is not supported and
the potential volume not high enough to justify the
Figure 5: IRMU Functionality
development of the protocol, a gateway assuring protocol
The functionality of a complete DNDSM system, conversion can be used.. This can be done for each
Intelligent RMU or for a subnetwork containing several
including Intelligent RMUs is shown in figure 6. The
basic functionality being remote fault clearance (manual Intelligent switches with the same protocol.
or automatic) and with the added functionality of a DSM
system to the same communication infrastructure.

1 /'
Secondary
Subtation

p
...
/'
,/"
/
*CONDITION MONITaIRING

Close

.RING CABLE NETWORK

.LOAD CONTROL
*PQ MONITORING

Figure 6: IRMU in a DNDSM system

 172

THE ULTIMATE RMU CONCLUSIONS

The next generation of RMU described above represents There is a clear need for DA in cable networks, especially
some important steps forward in order to reduce cost, in big cities and industrial areas. Reduced outage time and
improve reliability and solve practical problems related to increased voltage quality are becoming more and more
implementation of DA. However, this is not the end of the important in an IT- based society. Utilities are also under
road in order to obtain the ultimate RMU. pressure to increase their efficiency of operation of the
distribution network, especially in deregulated markets.
Sensors as Default Solution
Technical and economical obstacles to large-scale
When low cost sensors will be available, these can be implementation of DA can be significantly reduced by
offered as the default solution even if the RMU is not redesign of the traditional RMU. The main advantages for
intended for automation in the first place. This will an Automation Ready RMU are reduced costs for
facilitate retrofitting of secondary technology including implementation of DA, increased reliability and enhanced
analogue measurements later on. functionality. This is achieved through functional
integration and standardisation.
~ntell~gent
Sensors and Actuators
REFERENCES
A RMU has typically 18 DI and 6 DO that must be wired
to the RMU controller. Sensors for current and voltage 1. Volker Lohmann, Friedrich Frey, Gerhard Mauthe,
measurement also require to be connected to the same 1995 “Enhanced Customer Value Achieved by
unit. In order to reduce this internal wiring, position Integrated Protection, Monitoring and control” ,
indication sensors, current and voltage sensors, sensors for CIRED 95
condition monitoring and actuators should be connected to 2. S Torben, F Nilsen, T Gulbrandsen, S Johansen, S
an internal bus. Some basic pre-processing tasks can also Tryti, K Raami, M Heinonen “Distributed
be decentralised by this approach. Intelligence in Tomorrows Distribution System” ,
CIRED 97
Magnetic Actuators

Traditional motor operation devices can be replaced by

magnetic actuators. The advantage is few moving parts
and fast operation of switches. Any kind of switching
cycle can easily be implemented with this kind of
actuators.

Fault Break Capabilities of Ring Cable Switches

In traditional fault clearance schemes for networks

operated as a radial, the substation CB will always open
upon a MV cable fault downstream the CB. Even though
DA can reduce the outage time considerably, all
customers supplied by that feeder will still be affected by
the fault. In order to reduce the impact of MV cable faults
further, the cable fault should be sectionalised directly by
the RMUs. This would require fault break capabilities of
the ring cable switches, i.e. switches replaced by CBs, and
new fast fault clearance schemes to be implemented.

Combining Magnetic Actuators with Intelligent RMUs

with fault breaking capabilities can reduce outage times to
some cycles provided that fast communication is available
(e.g. fibre optics)