RW Energy Multi Country SMS Based Auto Recloser Controller Case Study

Breaking the communication bottlenecks in remote areas worldwide, this solution takes SMS communication as its core innovation and develops recloser controllers adaptable to multiple countries and diverse climates. Free from reliance on 4G networks, it enables rapid fault early warning and remote operation & maintenance management, helping various regions resolve distribution network operation challenges in remote areas and inject intelligent momentum into global rural power grid upgrading.

01 Project Overview

1.1 Project Background

In the global expansion of distribution networks, communication infrastructure remains the core bottleneck for automation, particularly in remote regions of Africa and Southeast Asia where 4G coverage is unstable. Traditional equipment relying on 4G data often fails in these zones, leading to delayed fault notifications and hours of downtime. To address this, RW Energy developed the SMS Based Auto Recloser Controller. This solution eliminates dependency on high bandwidth data networks, providing a high reliability, low cost automation path for weak signal areas. Currently, this solution has been widely deployed at scale in multiple countries including Vietnam, Cambodia, Mongolia, Russia, and Myanmar, serving as a core pillar for enhancing power supply reliability locally.

The solution achieves a generational leap in communication and operational logic:

• Communication Breakthrough: Features an independent SMS module supporting GSM 3G 4G SMS protocols. It ensures reliable fault reporting and parameter modification even during extreme signal loss or base station outages.
• Instant Fault Notification: Upon detecting a fault, the terminal pushes fault types and locations to maintenance personnel via SMS within 10 minutes, shifting the model from passive complaint based repair to proactive response.
• Efficiency Leap: In rural deployments, fault reporting time has been slashed from 4 hours to under 10 minutes, increasing O&M efficiency by over 60 percent and reducing monthly outages by over 15 hours.

1.2 Core Product and Technical Parameters

02 Core Technical Design

Dual Mode Architecture: Supports SMS and APP operations. Integrated with SMS encryption protocols and security authentication to prevent unauthorized commands and ensure grid control security.

Extreme Environment Adaptation: Features a reinforced protective structure and wide temperature design, ensuring stable operation in high humidity, high heat, and dust heavy environments.

Integrated O&M Functions:

• Query Function: Responds to SMS commands with full device status and electrical measurements.

• Modification Function: Allows remote modification of protection parameters and reclosing sequences via SMS, eliminating the need for site visits.

High Reliability Design: Utilizes electromagnetic shielding and anti interference circuitry to resist local EM noise, complying with IEC 60255 international relay protection standards.

03 Regional Success and Socio Economic Impact

RW Energy's SMS communication-based distribution automation solution has been deployed at scale in multiple countries including Vietnam and Cambodia, earning high recognition from local power utilities with proven performance, and injecting strong impetus into the upgrading of regional power infrastructure and economic development.

3.1 Remote Rural and Mountainous Distribution Network Project in Vietnam

In the mountainous areas of northern Vietnam and remote rural regions in the south, 4G network coverage is weak, signal fluctuation is severe, and communication stability is poor during the rainy season. This leads to delayed fault alarms and slow emergency response for distribution lines, with frequent power outages severely impacting agricultural irrigation, high-value aquaculture, and residents' daily electricity use. After the deployment of RW Energy's intelligent recloser controller:

• Fault notification time is reduced from an average of 4 hours to within 10 minutes, improving operation and maintenance (O&M) efficiency by over 60%.
• Monthly average power outage duration is reduced by more than 15 hours, ensuring continuous operation of rice irrigation systems and aquaculture aerators, and supporting stable and increased yields of local cash crops.
• The reliability of distribution network power supply has been significantly improved, winning high recognition from the local power utility (EVN) and competent authorities.

3.2 Remote Rural and Grid Retrofit Project in Cambodia

In remote rural areas and grid-end regions of Cambodia, 4G network coverage is weak, communication stability is poor, and signal fluctuation is frequent during the rainy season. Traditional distribution terminals suffer from delayed fault alarms and slow emergency response, with frequent power outages severely affecting agricultural production, residents' livelihoods, and industrial and commercial electricity use. RW Energy's SMS communication solution, with its core advantages of extremely low dependence on communication networks and stable and reliable operation in extreme high-temperature and high-humidity environments, has become the preferred solution for local grid retrofits. After deployment, power outage duration has been reduced by 40% compared to pre-retrofit levels, effectively ensuring continuous power supply for critical facilities such as hospitals, schools, and government agencies, as well as for agricultural irrigation and rural livelihoods, providing solid power support for local people's livelihood security, social stability, and intelligent upgrading of the power grid.

04 Factory Tests & On-Site Commissioning

All equipment has been fully tested in accordance with IEC international standards and local power grid specifications, including complete factory tests and on-site joint commissioning. The core test items are as follows:

• SMS Communication Function Test: Simulate extreme scenarios such as weak 4G signal, no signal, and base station interruption to verify the reliability of SMS alarm, remote query and parameter modification. SMS transmission success rate reaches 100% without missing or wrong sending.
• Line Protection Function Test: Simulate phase-to-phase short circuit, single-phase grounding, power direction, switch-onto-fault and other full operating conditions. Strictly verify the operation logic and reliability of core protections including 79 Auto Reclose, 50/51P Phase Overcurrent, 50/51G/N Ground Overcurrent, 50SEF Sensitive Earth Fault, 50/67P/G Directional Protection, 27/59 Over/Under Voltage, 46 Negative-Sequence Overcurrent and Voltage Unbalance Protection. Ensure the relay can accurately identify faults and operate reliably within milliseconds, without any mal-operation or refusal, to fully guarantee the safe and stable operation of distribution lines.

• Extreme Environment Adaptability Test: Continuous operation test carried out within the temperature range of -40℃ ~ +70℃, with stable parameters and no abnormality.
• EMC & Anti-Interference Test: Simulate strong electromagnetic interference environment to verify equipment stability, in compliance with IEC 61000 international standards.
• On-Site Joint Commissioning & Acceptance: The technical team conducted on-site parameter adjustment and working condition tests, and passed the dual acceptance by the local power company and the owner.

05 Packaging & Shipment

The equipment adopts export-specific heavy-duty packaging with moisture-proof, shockproof and dust-proof features. Core control boards and electronic components are packed in vacuum-sealed moisture-proof packaging. The cabinet is enclosed in custom reinforced wooden crates with built-in high-strength cushioning materials to withstand vibration and impact during long-distance ocean transportation and inland delivery. Accessories, spare parts and technical documents are packed separately and clearly labeled in both Chinese and English to ensure safe and on-time delivery to the project site.

06 On-site Installation & Operation Feedback

RW Energy’s expert team provides on-site support covering full-process installation guidance, customized parameter commissioning and dedicated operation & maintenance training, supported by a full-life cycle management service. Since commissioning, the equipment has delivered outstanding performance: via SMS/APP-based remote O&M, operation costs have been reduced by more than 40%, and power outages have been shortened by more than 60% on average.

This solution completely solves the operation and maintenance challenges in 4G blind areas in remote regions, effectively ensuring continuous production for local agriculture, commerce and industry. With its high reliability and easy deployment, the solution offers strong global scalability and provides a mature Chinese solution for the intelligent upgrading of overseas distribution networks.

07 Full Life Cycle Operation & Maintenance Service

RW Energy provides overseas projects with full life cycle management services covering the entire equipment chain: selection, installation, operation & maintenance, and upgrade. To address challenges such as large O&M radius and harsh environments in remote areas, we have established a dual-support system of local technical support plus remote intelligent monitoring, achieving closed-loop management and full data traceability.

This service model significantly extends equipment service life and reduces total O&M costs, providing reliable and worry-free power support for global power customers.

For customized solutions, please contact the RW Energy Overseas Business Team for professional technical support!