How Much Better is an RC-15? Comparing the Generations of NOJA Power Recloser Controllers

When it comes to deploying NOJA Power Reclosers in the field, over the years there have been a few controller options. From the original RC-01, through to the modern RC-15 controller, NOJA Power has been working hard to equip utilities with the tools they need to achieve reliable networks. With the recent release of the Legacy compatible RC-15, even the historic OSM200 with RC-01 controller can be upgraded to the latest RC-15 device. Some RC-01 Recloser Controllers have been in service for 15 years now, and it might be time to evaluate what benefits your business can access by taking on an upgrade path. It’s all fine and good to say it’s “an upgrade”, but how much of an upgrade are we talking about?

The table below shows you, in brief terms, just how much functionality has been upgraded. In retrospect, NOJA Power are well into their second decade of technology development – it’s no surprise there is an improvement in capability. The additions are all growth in a product which has been evolved over time to meet utility requirements.

Since inception, NOJA Power has focused on collaborating with utilities in guidance of the R&D Process, identifying challenges which are faced by engineers every day and engineering solutions to address these. Fault Locator, Co-Generation, IEC 61850 and Secure DNP3 are just a few of the latest functions developed in response to field requirements.

The release of the legacy compatible RC-15-OSM200 kit has brought the latest in protection and control functionality in reach of the oldest NOJA Power devices in service. If you have an RC-01 controlled NOJA Power Recloser, you now have an upgrade path to deploy the latest in Recloser Controller technology.

One of the greatest challenges solved by an upgrade to the RC-15 is maintaining network-wide time stamping accuracy, regardless of SCADA or communications reliability. The RC-15 controller provides end users with an inbuilt GPS, delivering time-stamping accuracy to the microsecond level. Since the time synchronization is linked directly to GPS rather than a SCADA set time command, utilities can be sure that their full population of devices are always in sync.

“Many of our electricity utility customers today tell us they expect their recloser circuit breaker tanks to provide them with a 30 year life but they budget to upgrade the electronic control three times over the life of the their recloser circuit breaker tanks,” reports NOJA Power Group Managing Director Neil O’Sullivan. “These upgrades are to allow them to keep pace with technological changes in system protection, communications and security. The RC upgrade path for legacy recloser circuit breaker tanks meets this customer expectation.”