Western Power Distribution is rolling out Schneider Electric’s latest generation ring main unit to support the delivery of reliable, consistent power to end-users across the network.
Western Power Distribution (WPD), the electricity distribution network operator for the Midlands, South West and Wales, is deploying RN2d, the next generation ring main unit from Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation. Designed for medium voltage networks up to 13.8kV, RN2d is the latest in the line of Ringmaster products. WPD worked closely with Schneider Electric during the development of RN2d, and was the first company to place product orders for projects across the UK. The company orders hundreds of units per month, installing them daily on its network to support the delivery of electricity to end-users.
“We have been closely involved in the development of the RN2d from the beginning and as such understand how valuable it is to service our 7.8 million customers. Not only is RN2d one of the most trusted 11kV specification ring main units available, it also has various configurations that allow us to tailor it to our different substation applications and remotely manage our networks,” said Paul Jewell, policy manager at Western Power Distribution.
The improved RN2d has been designed for indoor and outdoor use with reliability, safety, longevity and smart integration in mind. The accessories and new design offer greater flexibility with multiple applications and configurations. Its compact and flexible design makes it easy to operate and maintain, while minimising the installation footprint. The RN2d serves multiple industries and can be used anywhere, delivering optimal performance in harsh climatic and environmental conditions.
WPD will also be using Schneider Electric’s Easergy T300, an innovative feeder automation RTU, for smart, advanced network management, which can be used in conjunction with the RN2d to create a smart ring main unit. Having role-based access control, it is compliant with the latest cyber security standards and offers directional fault passage indication and wireless monitoring on the cable connection temperature to meet the needs of the modern distribution network.
“The RN2d is the latest in a line of heritage Ringmaster products. The result combines over 40 years of expertise, and over 20 years of Ringmaster-specific experience to provide our customers with reliable, safe and versatile products which support their innovative services. WPD will also be seeing the benefit of advanced communication across its network when using the RN2d with the Easergy T300,” John Langley-Davis, product marketing manager at Schneider Electric.
