The intelligent ring main unit

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 cost/benefit 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