NOJA Power has announced significant enhancements to its Automatic Circuit Recloser software application. The app allows linemen to use Apple or Android smartphones and tablet computers to check the status of ACRs and make changes to their operation without having to climb up to the ACR’s pole-mounted RC control and communication cubicle.
The new version (1.14) of the NOJA Power Recloser App includes enhancements to harmonize with Relay 1.14, the latest release of the company’s firmware for OSM series ACRs. The main enhancement is a control interface for operating and checking the status of the OSM Single Triple ACR, a recent product introduction comprising three OSM38 single phase ACRs mounted on a single bracket.
The app has been comprehensively revised using a common platform for both Apple iOS and Android versions. The revision includes enhancement of the Wi-Fi connectivity between the mobile device and both the RC10 and just-released RC15 cubicle. For example, when the app is moved to the background on the mobile device, the connection is released such that another mobile device can wirelessly link to the RC cubicle. In addition, the user interface has been improved to more clearly indicate when the RC cubicle is linked to another mobile device. This saves the Linesman attempting to use a busy connection.
Other user interface enhancements include more intuitive set-up of additional ACRs within the app, addition of a ‘swipe’ function to switch between tabs, a new “Back” button on the Android interface (making the return to the previous screen easier for users preferring this option to swiping) and a change from list to table format on the “Measurement” tab making the information easier to read.
Like the previous version, the app is able to configure and retain the fixed IP address and port number for each ACR, which is then stored in a device list that identifies each unit with a name or code. The Linesman can then select, configure, control and interrogate any ACR from the list providing he has password-protected access to the Internet via fixed line, cellular, WiMax or Wi-Fi connection.
The app allows the Linesman to read three phase-current and -voltage, frequency, power, power factor, power flow direction and energy measurements. In addition, the app also allows the technician to control ACR functionality such as Trip/Close, Local/Remote, Active Protection Group, Protection On/Off, Auto Reclose On/Off, Live Line On/Off and Earth Fault On/Off among others. When working with a OSM Single Triple ACR, the Linesman can use the app to trip or close each of the phases of a three-phase system via the unit’s individual ACRs.
