MODEL DPF

Fast location of distribution system faults with powerline communications via the cable shield to report location to dispatchers. Also available with cellular communications.

The Fault Circuit Indicator System based on DPF units is suitable for the detection and location of short-circuit currents in underground medium-voltage distribution systems. This system developed by PLCoupling uses Powerline Communications (PLC) technology to transmit the information of the transformation centers where the fault current has been detected to the control centers, using the shields of the cables of the network as a physical medium for the transmission.

The Stand Alone Model DPF-1 version connects to a GPRS transmitter where the narrow-band PLC technology cannot be used. It is also possible to connect via a wideband PLC modem using RS-232C to Ethernet converters.

The DPF-2 version includes a PLC modem that works in Band A CENELEC (EN 50065A). The DPF unit programmed as master recognizes the identification of its slaves (DPF-2) connected via PLC, and pools them to find out whether the settings have been exceeded. The detection of the short-circuit current by the slaves enable fast location of the section under fault providing fast restoration.

Key features

• Detection of short-circuit currents between phases and phase-to-earth in non-isolated neutral networks
• Use in underground MV power lines
• Location of the fault between 15 s and 30 s (PLC System)
• Up to 16 slaves controlled by the master (PLC System)
• Metering inputs: 3 per Fault Circuit Indicator (one for each phase) protected. (Optional: 2 phase sensors and 1 zero sequence sensor)
• Metering acquisition time: programmable between 50 ms and 300 ms
• Detection currents: programmable between 5 A and 800 A
  Power supply: 220 VAC. Lithium battery of 3.6 V (service life: 10 years min.)
• Configuration of Fault Circuit Indicator operating mode by dip switches or DPFGUI management software
• Other programmable parameters (tests, load trend, internal battery activation time, etc) adjustable via DPFGUI management software