What is DRC-002?
Switching ON/OFF operation of Load Break Switches (LBSs) traditionally conducted manually. Electrical operators needed to travel long distances to the site and used a hot stick to operate the switchgear of LBSs. Sometimes, the operation is conducted during severe weather events, such as heavy rain or thunderstorms that are not only time-consuming but also pose risks to the operators.
The DRC-002 is a smart grid IoT device designed to provide an advanced solution to these challenges. Electrical operators do not need to travel long distances to merely switch the ON/OFF LBS anymore - simply using their smartphone or operating with the RPM Grid system, the LBS operates instantly and efficiently.
Load Break Switch (LBS)
A Load Break Switch (LBS) is a mechanical switching device used in medium voltage power distribution networks. It’s typically used to safely interrupt or restore power to a circuit under normal load conditions.
Load Break Switch Modernization with DRC-002
There are multiple brands and models of LBS (Load Break Switches) on the market, such as PRECISE, ABB SECTOS, Schneider PLA, Schneider RL Series, ZW32, S&S, KPS, SEL PLS, and more. Transforming these LBS brands into digital smart devices is a significant challenge for utilities.
The DRC-002 is capable of modernizing up to 11 brands of LBSs without replacing the existing equipment. This capability is crucial for energy providers looking to upgrade their system without hefty cost of investment.
How DRC-002 Addresses LBS Operational Challenges
After integrating DRC-002 with any LBS models, the previous operation has completely changed. The entire operation confidently conducts with a smartphone or with the RPM Grid system for a centralized control room. No more teams traveling to operate LBS manually on-site, no more spending on operational costs, no more prolonged outages, and no more guessing about the LBS situation. All that information is delivered as alerts at operators' fingertips. That's very seamless and convenient.
RPM Grid
RPM Grid system (Remote Power Medium Voltage) provides extensive information from the LBS, offering remote control capability, receives alarm notifications, and oversees overall status of LBS.
PLUM App
PLUM (Power Line Utility Management) is the first mobile ecosystem application designed to manage distribution grid networks. With PLUM, utilities can manage and control their electrical grid from the palm of their hand - anywhere and at any time.
How DRC-002 Addresses LBS Operational Challenges
After integrating DRC-002 with any LBS models, the previous operation has completely changed. The entire operation confidently conducts with a smartphone or with the RPM Grid system for a centralized control room. No more teams traveling to operate LBS manually on-site, no more spending on operational costs, no more prolonged outages, and no more guessing about the LBS situation. All that information is delivered as alerts at operators' fingertips. That's very seamless and convenient.
RPM Grid
RPM Grid system (Remote Power Medium Voltage) provides extensive information from the LBS, offering remote control capability, receives alarm notifications, and oversees overall status of LBS.
PLUM App
PLUM (Power Line Utility Management) is the first mobile ecosystem application designed to manage distribution grid networks. With PLUM, utilities can manage and control their electrical grid from the palm of their hand - anywhere and at any time.
Features & Applicability
1. Real-time Data Monitoring
With the DRC-002, operators can oversee the power supply status anytime quickly. They can know the LBS switchgear position (On/Off) by using either our intuitive PLUM mobile application or with the sophisticated RPM Grid System.
2. Alarm Notification
In terms of power disruption, the DRC-002 will send an alarm notification quickly to the operators. Those events include switchgear off or source absence. This groundbreaking feature comprehensively alerts the operators to what is happening on the power lines, enabling them to take immediate action to reduce power disruption.
3. Abnormal Detection
The DRC-002 proactively monitors Load Break Switches, instantly alerting operators to internal issues for rapid analysis and resolution including switchgear maintenance, battery low, gas low, and door open. This critical feature helps prevent serious equipment failures while extending device lifespan through optimized maintenance—enhancing both system resilience and operational efficiency.
4. Remote Control Capability
Electrical grid operators can remote control the LBS switchgear operation (ON/OFF) in real-time using either the PLUM mobile app or the RPM Grid System.
5. User Events
User Events is the essential feature that provides operators with the history of their activities. This record is a crucial part of operational security, allowing identification of who operated or changed settings in case of any issues.
6. Reports
When there is a power disruption, the DRC-002 will record that issue and keep it as a report. This vital feature will become a required document for analysis to improve the grid management.
7. Single Diagram
With the Single Diagram feature, operators can easily view the location of DRC-002 in a simple schematic layout. This makes it quick and easy to spot the location of any faults.
8. Google Map View
Operators can pinpoint the actual location of DRC-002 in Google Map. They can especially identify the impacted area easily when any interruption happens.
Compared to Your Traditional Methods
What does the DRC-002 do when power is disconnected?
When source absence or switchgear off, the DRC-002 instantly sends an alarm notification to the operator’s smartphone or to the RPM Grid System. Operators can identify the type of alarm and enable to remotely control On or Off the LBS switchgear right away without the need to send a team to manually operate on-site any more. This operation shortens the power outage duration, leading to make the distribution grid network more reliable and efficient.
5x Times Faster
Plug and Play Solution
What makes the DRC-002 stand out is its ability to integrate with multiple existing LBSs, transforming them into digital smart devices in a short period of time. The installation of the DRC-002 takes around 50 minutes and does not require any replacement, saving a lot on operational costs and minimizing capital investment while delivering transformative benefits for energy providers.
5X Times Faster
Built with User-Friendly System
To manage and control the LBSs via the DRC-002 is highly convenient for operators at all levels. Operators can use their smartphone through PLUM App, or control with the RPM Grid System in the control room for the full operation, or through the call control function to switch the LBS On/Off operation and to monitor the overall status of the LBS switchgear.
User-Friendly System
Fast Return on Investment
The core idea of VP.Start is to create the solution that makes an impact for utilities. Based on the assessment of one of the utilities in Cambodia, we observed that the potential business revenue loss from managing only 10 Load Break Switches (LBS) locations before implementing technology is $61,289.5 per year. This includes annual sale energy loss due to outages, and total annual operational expenses when switching On/Off the LBSs. After adopting VP.Start’s DRC-002 for those 10 locations, the potential total business revenue loss minimized to only $19,779.2 per year that saved $41,510.3 for annual revenue of the utility company.
2 Months
Guaranteed Benefit
Explore more DRC
DRC-015G
Remote Monitoring for Low Voltage Distribution Board (LVDB)
DRC-004G
Remote Monitoring for LV/MV Meter
DRC-003
Remote Control for Cooper Auto Recloser
