Search

Premium Membership ♕

Limited Time Offer: Save 15% on PRO Plan with discount code: LRN15 and study specialized LV/MV/HV technical articles and studies.

Home / Technical Articles / The most popular wiring schemes and design essences of a Ring Main Unit (RMU)

RMU wiring schemes and design

In terms of operational requirements, it is pretty evident what a customer expects out of a Ring Main Unit – a hassle-free and uninterrupted distribution of power supply to electrical loads from one or more available sources. The onus is on the designer to meet those expectations in design and fabrication.

The most popular wiring schemes and design essences of a Ring Main Unit (RMU)
The most popular wiring schemes and design essences of a Ring Main Unit (RMU)

From a design perspective, RMU is a TEE point of power supply aided with extra protection and control, which divides the load current and interrupts any fault or short circuits.

RMU is an epitome of modularity and portability in medium voltage power distribution that makes the Selection of source and power supply to multiple downstream loads look effortless and compact.

Apart from the relatively higher initial cost, RMU is almost always the best choice to create a medium voltage distribution ring or TEE network for radial supplies in small industries, commercial centers, housing complexes, hospitals, airports, etc.

We shall discuss the most commonly used configurations for RMU along with its interconnections, cabling, protection, and other important aspects of installations.

Table of Contents:

  1. RMU vs switchgear assembly (similar, yet different)
  2. Essences of RMU
    1. Load break switches
    2. Circuit breakers
    3. Busbar compartment
    4. Busbar metering unit
    5. Cable compartment
      1. Cable termination
    6. HMI and Indication systems (Gas Pressure, Voltage, and others)
    7. Protection relays
  3. RMU connection configurations
  4. Bonus: AutoCAD drawing – RMU schematics

1. RMU vs switchgear assembly; similar, yet different

To simply put it in one sentence, a Ring Main Unit is an extended version of switchgear or has switchgear integrated into it, but vice versa might not hold. However, in comparison to a complete switchgear assembly is admittedly close since a switchgear assembly also houses primary components to control or interrupt the current flow and other ancillary operating, metering, and monitoring components.

The difference, however, lies in the application and portability. The switchgear assemblies are better suited for large power utility substations with numerous outgoing feeders that require dedicated feeder protection. Protection via individual switchgear cubicles of the assembly arguably provides better flexibility in terms of maintenance and operability.

Likewise, RMUs are better suited for dedicated load centers with one or multiple power mains and multiple medium voltage power supply feeders for dedicated bulk load centers within the confined facility.

In addition, the modern RMUs are available with an enclosed SF6 insulated chamber that houses all operational switches and breakers, which immensely reduces the size of the module and makes it maintenance-free, elongating its useful life over more than 30 years.

Figure 1 – Ring main power distribution principle in a facility

Ring main power distribution principle in a facility
Figure 1 – Ring main power distribution principle in a facility

Ring Main Units are an integral part of modern ring main power distribution systems for critical loads. For instance, the above schematic borrows a leaf from a ring main power distribution network of an airport which consists of multilevel rings of medium voltage realized with the help of Ring Main Units.

The primary 33 kV RMU, equipped with two load break switches and two SF6 circuit breakers, is fed with two 33 kV incoming feeders. The outgoing feeders supply two different step-down 33/11 kV power transformers each leading to downstream 11 kV RMUs, which forms multiple 11 kV secondary distribution rings for ancillary bulk loads.

In this facility, the application of RMU was very advantageous in terms of operability and effectiveness, despite a little extra capital investment. The safe operation and interlocking were a relief for operators, and the operations could all be thoroughly monitored in the central control room in a remote location, thanks to the remote operation capability via the inbuilt remote terminal unit of each RMU.

Furthermore, the compact size, modularity, and portability give RMUs a substantial advantage over other options, as they allow much faster installation and commissioning.

Premium Membership Required

This technical article/guide requires a Premium Membership. You can choose an annually based Plus, Pro, or Enterprise membership plan. Subscribe and enjoy studying specialized technical articles, online video courses, electrical engineering guides, and papers. With EEP’s premium membership, you get additional essence that enhances your knowledge and experience in low- medium- and high-voltage engineering fields.

Check out each plan’s benefits and choose the membership plan that works best for you or your organization.

Limited time offer! – Save 15% on Pro Membership Plan with discount code LRN15

Log In »Purchase »

Premium Membership

Get access to premium HV/MV/LV technical articles, electrical engineering guides, research studies and much more! It helps you to shape up your technical skills in your everyday life as an electrical engineer.
More Information
author-pic

Bishal Lamichhane

Electrical Engineer (B.E Electrical, M. Sc Engineering) with specialization in energy systems planning. Actively involved in design and supervision of LV/MV substations, power supply augmentations and electrification for utilities and bulk consumers like airports and commercial entities. An enthusiast and scholar of power systems analysis.

Leave a Comment

Tell us what you're thinking. We care about your opinion! Please keep in mind that comments are moderated and rel="nofollow" is in use. So, please do not use a spammy keyword or a domain as your name, or it will be deleted. Let's have a professional and meaningful conversation instead. Thanks for dropping by!

six  ×    =  fifty four

Learn How to Design Power Systems

Learn to design LV/MV/HV power systems through professional video courses. Lifetime access. Enjoy learning!

Subscribe to Weekly Newsletter

Subscribe to our Weekly Digest newsletter and receive free updates on new technical articles, video courses and guides (PDF).
EEP Academy Courses - A hand crafted cutting-edge electrical engineering knowledge