167
THE INTELLIGENT RING MAIN UNIT
Sverre Torben, Tor Gulbrandsen
ABB Kraft, Norway
INTRODUCTION
The introduction of Distribution Automation is studied by
many utilities at the moment. In some countries or in
some areas, utilities are quite mature with respect to
Distribution Automation (DA). Most utilities are however
in an introductory phase with pilot installations. The
primary incentive for DA is to increase the quality of
supply, but obviously increased quality must be justified
by cosubenefit advantages.
The key components for DA in cable networks are the
Ring Main Units (RMUs). Existing RMUs are
characterised by having been designed without DA in
mind. If necessary, DA functionality has been solved by
add-ons to these RMUs.
In this paper requirements and perceived obstacles for
implementation of DA in cable networks are assessed.
Further, new technologies to overcome these obstacles are
considered. This results in the definition of a Distribution
Automation Ready RMU. Both the next generation of
RMU and the ultimate RMU as seen by the authors of this
article are discussed.
Trends in Distribution Switchgear, 10-12 November 1998, Conference Publication No. 459 0 IEE 1998
DA IN CABLE NETWORKS
The primary incentive for utilities to invest in DA in cable
networks is to reduce the impact of faults to their
customers. In areas with high population density or with
many industrial customers, such faults may have serious
consequences. In large cities, traffic congestion can result
in long fault clearance time when manually operated
switches are used. Thus, reduced outage time is important
in cable networks even though the reliability in these
networks generally is good. Deregulation of the energy
market will also result in pressure on the network
companies to focus on the efficiency of operation and the
quality of supply. In some countries compensation will
have to be paid to customers for non-conformity of the
quality of supply (e.g. compensation for not delivered
energy will be introduced in Norway from January 1999).
The basic functionality which must be implemented in
order to reduce fault clearance time is remote fault
passage indication and remote control and position
indication of load break switches along the ring.
In addition to this basic functionality of a DA system for
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
 168

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

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

add-on equipment (secondary technology) that can be
used to implement a DA scheme, such as:
0 Motor operation of switches
e Tripping coils for external tripping of stored energy
operating mechanisms
e Switch position indication available for RTUs
0 Simple fault indicators that can be monitored by
RTUs
0 Fuse trip indication or protection relay trip indication
available for RTUs
TREND§ IN TECHNOLOGY
Integration of functionality will usually lead to more cost
efficient, simple and reliable technical solutions.
Integration of functionality in a DMDSM system can be
divided into three categories:
0 Integration of Primary and Secondary Technology
0 Integration of functionality in Secondary Technology
devices
0 Integration of systems

Secondnr)' Substations
,, ,,
LVDistribution- 4 b
Figure 3: Integration of functionality
Integration of Primary and Secondary Technology
Controllers, sensors, power supply and communication
units can be integrated in the RMU. This will result in
reduced packaging, installation and commissioning costs
and increased reliability because of:
0 Reduced number of stand alone boxes (integration of
control cabinet in the RMU)
Elimination of interface components
Reduced wiring
Common insulation for primary and secondary
components (e.g. sensors integrated in cable
bushings)
Assembly and testing of an entire intelligent
switching unit in a high volume standardised
production line with established quality assurance
criteria.
New sensor technologies replacing traditional CTs and
VTs are now being developed for RMU applications.
These sensors take advantage of a microprocessor-based
measuring and monitoring system and are characterised
by a wide dynamic range in order to be suitable for
multiple functions (fault indication, protection and
monitoring). The design is also compact compared to
traditional CTs and VTs and is well suited for integration
with the primary equipment.
Distribution Line Carrier (DLC) means integration of the
communication media and the power cables. For cable
networks inductive coupling of the communication signal
onto the cable screen is of special interest and is a rapidly
evolving technology.
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Integration of functionality in Secondary Technology
Devices
Microprocessor based devices have increasingly replaced
traditional analogue technology based devices in simple
fault passage indicators and distribution transformer
protection relays. But the situation is still characterised by
having dedicated devices for each function. For substation
automation applications, modular and flexible hardware
and software platforms suitable for protection, control and
monitoring have been introduced, replacing several
dedicated devices with one programmable controller [ 11.
This approach could also be introduced for RMUs, i.e. a
general programmable RMU controller with hardware
modules that can be combined according to the RMU
configuration and software modules selected according to
the required functionality. The hardware and software
platform can be adapted to new sensor technology. The
need for transducers is eliminated, one sensor can be used
for several functions and compensation for temperature
and non-linearity of sensors can be implemented.
Advanced fault indication functions can easily be
implemented and added features like load flow monitoring
or power quality monitoring is just a question of software.
Time tagged events, measurements and fault recordings
can be processed and stored locally. This information can
be transmitted to the network control system on request
for documentation, fault analysis and planing purposes.
Integration of Systems
An example of integration on the system level could be a
common communicatiorr system for DA and DSM from
the secondary distribution substations to the control
 170
centre. An intelligent Node Controller in the secondary
substation serving as gateway and concentrator is then
needed.
NEXT GENERATION OF RMU
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?
Features for the Next Generation of RMU
The next generation of RMU should be an
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
indication and remote control as the basic
functionality. Analogue capabilities and gradually
more integrated functionality in the RMU controller
should be the next levels.
Full flexibility should be provided with regard to the
necessary customer interfaces of the Automation
Ready RMU (Auxiliary supply, communication
media and protocol and logical interface to SCADA
system)
The dimensions of the automation ready RMU
including integrated secondary technology should
comply with dimensional requirements for a
traditional RMU
Easy retrofit installation and upgrading of the
secondary technology should be possible.
The Intelligent RMU Concept
Figure 4 shows ABBs approach to the next generation of
RMU: The Intelligent RMU. The primary technology
platform has been redesigned and prepared for integration
of secondary technology. The main elements are
A secondary technology compartment accessible
from the front of the RMU, housing a RMU
controller, back-up batteries with charger and a
communication unit.
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
For the lowest level of functionality, simple fault
passage indicators are provided as separate devices
for each cable feeder
All secondary functions are wired to the secondary
technology compartment by pre-fabricated cables
with multi-connectors.
SCADA
=MWlilli
n of Sensors
n of Controller 7
Figure 4: The Intelligent Ring Main Unit
Functionality of the Intelligent RMU. The functionality
of the Intelligent RMU is defined in three levels (Figure 5)
The basic functionality is limited to simple fault
indication and remote control in order to detect and
locate a cable fault, isolate the faulty cable section
and re-establish the supply if an alternative infeed is
available. The basic functionality is based on a simple
RTU as RMU controller, handling only digital I/O.
Simple fault passage indicators are provided as
separate devices for each cable feeder.
The next level of functionality includes analogue
measurements and integrated fault indication
functionality in the RMU controller. Current and
voltage sensors integrated in cable bushings is part of
this functionality level. An added feature of this level
is that more complex fault indication functionality
can be provided. In addition, load flow and voltage
quality can be monitored using the same sensors as
for enhanced fault indication.
The third level of functionality is valid only for
RMUs with CBs for transformer protection. The
separate protection relay used today is replaced by a
software module in the RMU controller. The same
type of sensors as for level two can also be used at
level three.
 171

Communication interface of the Intelligent RMU. The

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

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)