Successful Case of 170 Sets of 11kV Automatic Recloser Project in Kenya

Against the backdrop of quality upgrading for Kenya’s urban and rural power grids, 11kV auto-reclosers deliver reliable performance to suit local climates and grid conditions. It enables rapid fault isolation and efficient operation and maintenance, forming a core safeguard for the upgrading of Kenya’s urban and rural distribution networks.

01 Project Overview

1.1 Project Background

In May 2023, 170 sets of 11kV Automatic Reclosers (Model: RCW12M) were officially supplied and applied to the medium-voltage distribution network project in Kenya.Designed and manufactured by Wenzhou Rockwill Electric Co., Ltd., these Automatic Recloser and Smart Recloser units are used for automatic fault isolation, rapid Automatic Reclosure, and power supply reliability improvement of the Kenyan power grid.The equipment has been installed and put into operation in multiple 33kV substations in Kenya, with stable and reliable performance.As a core protection equipment for medium-voltage distribution networks, the Distribution Recloser can automatically perform Auto-Reclosure to restore power supply in case of transient line faults, and quickly cut off the faulty section for permanent faults, greatly reducing the power outage area and duration.It is a key equipment for the upgrading and reconstruction of urban and rural distribution networks in Kenya.The supplied RCW12M 11kV Vacuum Recloser is adapted to the 50Hz operating frequency of the Kenyan power grid and meets the local complex environmental requirements of high temperature and heavy rainfall outdoors.Supported by a complete after-sales service system, this Circuit Recloser has been highly recognized by the Kenyan owner.

1.2 Technical Parameters

1.3 Drawings

The project is equipped with complete electrical control schematics for the RCW12M 11kV Auto-Recloser, covering core modules such as primary main circuit, secondary control, protection logic and communication interfaces.It accurately matches the 50Hz operating frequency and 175V~300V rated voltage requirements of the Kenyan power grid.The drawings clearly mark the wiring and control logic of key components such as permanent magnetic operating mechanism, voltage sensor and remote control interface, which can guide on-site installation, commissioning and operation & maintenance.They ensure the stable realization of core functions such as automatic fault isolation and rapid Auto-Reclosure of the Smart Recloser in the high-temperature and rainy outdoor environment of Kenya, providing complete technical basis and operating specifications for the reliable operation of 170 sets of equipment.

02 Product Manufacturing

2.1 Pole and Insulation System

The RCW12M Automatic Recloser adopts an outdoor high-performance insulation structure.The main insulation components are adapted to the harsh outdoor environment in Kenya, with excellent weather resistance, UV resistance and anti-pollution flashover performance, ensuring no insulation hidden dangers during long-term live operation and meeting the all-weather operation needs of the distribution network.

2.2 Operating Mechanism

Equipped with a high-reliability permanent magnetic operating mechanism, it features long mechanical life and accurate action, capable of multiple Automatic Reclosure operations with fast response.Cooperating with the intelligent controller, it completes fault detection, Auto-Reclosure, locking and other logical actions, guaranteeing the efficiency of distribution network fault handling.。

2.3 Controller and Intelligent Module

Built-in dedicated intelligent controller can monitor line current and voltage in real time, automatically judge fault types, execute 0~3 times of Auto-Reclosure logic, support remote communication and status upload, adapting to the intelligent upgrading needs of Kenya's distribution network.

2.4 Shell and Anti-Corrosion Treatment

The equipment shell is made of high-strength metal material with multi-layer anti-corrosion spraying treatment, which is waterproof, dustproof and anti-corrosion.

The protection grade meets outdoor application requirements and can adapt to the climatic conditions of different regions in Kenya, extending the service life of the Vacuum Recloser.

03 Factory Tests

1. Insulation Withstand Voltage Test: Verify the insulation performance of windings, poles and other insulation components under rated voltage and impulse voltage, in compliance with international standards.
2. Loop Resistance Test: Test the conductivity of the main circuit to ensure qualified contact resistance and reduce the risk of heating during operation.
3. Mechanical Characteristic Test: Test opening/closing time, synchronism, mechanical life and other parameters to ensure stable operation of the operating mechanism of the Circuit Recloser.
4. Function Commissioning Test: Simulate power grid fault scenarios to verify the accuracy and reliability of Automatic Reclosure, fault locking, protection action and other functions.

04 Packaging and Shipment

170 sets of Distribution Recloser adopt export-specific moisture-proof and shock-proof packaging, with internal film coating for moisture protection and external reinforced wooden box protection.It is suitable for long-distance sea transportation, ensuring the equipment arrives at the Kenyan port in good condition and is delivered on time according to the project schedule.

05 On-Site Installation and Operation Summary

5.1 Installation Implementation

1. The Kenyan project party prefabricates the installation foundation according to the equipment foundation dimensions, reserving cable channels and fixing points.
2. Use professional lifting equipment to hoist the Automatic Recloser steadily to the installation position and fix it accurately.
3. Complete the wiring of high-voltage cables and control cables, fasten the wiring terminals, and verify the reliability of insulation and grounding.
4. Conduct on-site power-on commissioning to verify the action logic and protection functions of the Smart Recloser.

5.2 Operation Feedback

Since the commissioning of the 170 sets of RCW12M 11kV Automatic Recloser,no faults have occurred and the equipment has been operating in excellent condition.It has effectively improved the power supply reliability of Kenya’s medium-voltage distribution network,and won high praise from Kenya’s power supply company and end users.The after-sales service features timely response and outstanding quality. This project fully validates the R&D, manufacturing and delivery capabilities of Wenzhou Rockwill Electric Co., Ltd. in the field of medium-voltage distribution equipment.It is a typical successful case of Chinese electrical equipment exported to the African market,providing a reliable reference for subsequent distribution network upgrading projects across Africa.

06 Full-Life Cycle Operation and Maintenance Hosting Service

This service covers power equipment such as oil-immersed transformers, dry-type transformers, switch cabinets, ring main units, Vacuum Recloser, Automatic Recloser, pole-mounted switches, reactive power compensation devices, and distribution automation terminals.It provides a full-life cycle integrated hosting service from model selection and adaptation, installation and commissioning, operation monitoring, regular inspection, maintenance, fault repair, status evaluation to decommissioning and scrapping.Adopting special personnel responsibility, whole-process control, data traceability and closed-loop management, it comprehensively ensures the safe and stable operation of equipment, prolongs service life and reduces operation and maintenance costs.It provides users with reliable, efficient and worry-free power guarantee services, suitable for distribution systems of various voltage levels and various scenarios.

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