NEOPIS EPIC R300 RECLOSER CONTROL F8 76 98 20 17 EE

The NEOPIS EPIC R300 is a sophisticated, microprocessor-based electronic control system designed to automate and manage the operation of a recloser—a key piece of equipment in electrical power distribution networks.

Its primary role is to enhance the reliability, safety, and automation of medium-voltage power lines by intelligently interrupting fault currents and attempting to restore power automatically.

Key Functions and Features:

1. Automated Reclosing Sequence:

   • This is the core function. When the R300 detects a fault (e.g., a tree branch touching a line), it commands the recloser to open (interrupt power).

   • It then waits a pre-programmed delay (e.g., 2 seconds) for a temporary fault to clear itself, and then commands the recloser to close, restoring power.

   • It typically follows a programmable sequence (e.g., “1 fast operation, 2 delayed operations, and lockout”) if the fault is permanent.

2. Protective Relaying Functions:

   • Overcurrent Protection (Phase & Ground): The primary protection. It continuously monitors current and trips the recloser if it exceeds preset thresholds (Pickup, Curve, Time Dial).

   • Sensitive Earth Fault (SEF) Protection: Detects low-level ground faults that standard overcurrent elements might miss, crucial for safety and detecting deteriorating insulation.

   • Underfrequency & Overfrequency Protection: Protects the network by shedding load or disconnecting generation if system frequency deviates from safe limits.

   • Undervoltage & Overvoltage Protection: Protects connected equipment from voltage abnormalities.

3. Communication and SCADA Integration:

   • The R300 is a key component of a modern Smart Grid.

   • It comes equipped with multiple communication ports (typically serial RS-485, Ethernet) supporting standard protocols like DNP3, IEC 60870-5-101/104, and Modbus.

   • This allows for real-time data monitoring (current, voltage, status), remote control (OPEN, CLOSE, RESET), and collection of fault and event records from a central control room (SCADA).

4. Data Recording and Diagnostics:

   • Oscillographic Capture: Records detailed current and voltage waveforms during fault events. This is critical for engineers to analyze the nature and cause of the fault.

   • Sequence of Events (SOE): Logs all control operations, trips, and changes of state with high-resolution time stamps (often synced via GPS-IRIG-B), making it easier to troubleshoot network events.

   • Fault Summary Data: Stores key information about each fault event (magnitude, location, time, etc.).

5. User Interface:

   • Features a backlit LCD display and a keypad for local configuration, manual control, and viewing real-time data and records.

   • Configuration is typically done using dedicated PC software provided by NEOPIS, offering a user-friendly graphical interface for setting all protection and control parameters.

Typical Applications:

• Overhead Distribution Feeder Protection: The most common application, providing fault interruption and auto-reclosing for utility power lines.

• Substation Automation: Acting as a feeder protection relay and control unit within a substation.

• Circuit Segmentation: Used to divide a long distribution feeder into sections, isolating faults to minimize the number of affected customers.

• Integration with Distributed Energy Resources (DER): Helps manage the bi-directional power flows and protection challenges introduced by solar farms and other distributed generation.

Decoding the Model/Code:

• NEOPIS EPIC R300: The core product name and platform.

• F8 76 98 20 17 EE: This is a manufacturer’s specific order code. To understand the exact configuration it represents (e.g., specific communication cards, hardware options, firmware version, setpoints pre-configured at the factory), you would need to consult the NEOPIS order documentation or a sales engineer. It defines the exact “flavor” of the R300 you have.