MOTOR-DRIVERS RELIABLE integrated monitoring A key component for reliable operation of tap changers is the TAPMOTION ® ED motor-drive unit, which has been installed over 100,000 times since it was launched in 1997. Today the latest TAPMOTION ® ED ISM ® combines state-of-the-art automation solutions with reliable drive technology. Stricter requirements derived from regulatory specifications, increasing system load and interconnection, higher requirements on the availability and reliability of equipment, and aging transformer fleets all combine to make continuous monitoring and analysis of transformers an increasingly important business strategy. INTELLIGENT MOTOR- DRIVE UNITS This is why the new TAPMOTION ED ISM is fitted with ISM (Integrated Smart Module) technology developed by Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR). ISM is the latest standardised hardware and software platform that is used for all MR automation solutions. It is particularly well suited to the special conditions that apply in the field of electrical energy technology. This means that the TAPMOTION ED ISM not only ensures reliable operation of the on-load tap-changer, but also enables all relevant operating data of the power transformer to be analysed and recorded. This includes, for example, monitoring of the tap changer, temperatures, signals from the motor-drive unit and the status of the 78 protective devices, as well as evaluating transformer utilisation. BENEFITS OF ADDED SECURITY AND FLEXIBILITY The data from the module can be transferred directly to the control system using IEC 61850-compliant methods. This greatly reduces the amount of wiring needed during installation and significantly cuts costs compared with a conventional connection method. An integrated web server displays the data so there is no need to install additional software packages for visualisation and parameterisation. Due to its flexibility, the values measured by the ISM can be accessed anywhere using all standard web browsers – and in terms of risk management the information is encrypted and all of the necessary security requirements are taken into consideration. In practice, this significantly increases operational reliability – incidents are prevented by means of early detection and fast diagnosis of errors. Furthermore, costs are reduced because maintenance work is carried out in a targeted manner based on the condition of the system. With a large transformer fleet and sites spread over an extensive area, the intelligent motor-drive unit saves on travelling and, therefore, valuable work hours. FIT FOR THE FUTURE The TAPMOTION ED ISM motor-drive unit is a cost- effective, practice- oriented solution which facilitates both operational management and asset management. The modular design means that the system can be extended to suit individual needs and equipment can be adapted to future tasks. ISM provides the foundation for integrated monitoring of transformers with the innovative TESSA fleet monitoring system. This means that the relevant personnel have a clear overview of all data at all times – whether it relates to a single transformer or an entire fleet. ISM is also available as a retrofit module for all existing TAPMOTION ED motor-drive units, and can be retrofitted quickly and easily either directly in the motor-drive unit or in a separate control cabinet. Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen (MR) is the global market leader for power transformer control with tap changers. ESI ESI AFRICA ISSUE 1 2015