RHM International
Transitioning Old Grid Infrastructures with Ease

For many decades now, oil-filled substation equipment have been viewed as the more effective units of electricity converters over the more humble, air-cooled type. This is because the former is easier and cheaper to maintain, compact, produces less noise pollution, and offers high energy efficiencies than the latter. However, owing to environmental and safety concerns and the lack of mobility of oil-filled transformers, the advantages of the dry type become significantly apparent, especially with the recent developments in smart grid projects. “With new-age technologies enabling better, safer electricity conversion and utilization capabilities, oil and gas insulations are becoming a liability,” expresses Eric Euvrard, founder and president of RHM International. At the same time, for utility providers today, making the transition from their trusted oil-filled units to the more promising dry type equivalent that satisfy the demands of the “current” market is proving to be quite difficult. Running and maintaining the existing infrastructures remains the largest mission.

At this juncture, Massachusetts-based RHM International manufactures and provides utility companies with intuitively designed dry type insulated high voltage instrument transformers (IT), bushings, and cable terminations with easy, affordable implementation and maintenance processes. “We assist clients in safely replacing their old equipment while concurrently leveraging our new dry-insulated technologies to materialize the growing need for smart grids and solutions,” adds Euvrard.

RHM International’s products perfectly substitute the legacy analog pieces and connect with terminals in a similar manner. This implies that a utility provider experiences little to no inconvenience of new configurations throughout the installation process, while simultaneously gaining the perks of modern-day smart grid solutions.

RHM International utilizes innovative smart grid sensors to deploy effective measuring systems that allow remote monitoring of various metering and protection parameters with its superior grade instrument transformers bushings and cable accessories. The company offers smart monitoring capabilities in all its products, namely HV DryShield® for ITs and wall bushings and RIF® insulation systems for transformer bushings and cable terminals.

“Furthermore, even in the worst circumstances the dry, solid nature of our insulation systems translates into a very slow rate of propagation through the core structure of any defect that would occur; early detection provides significant time for investigation and repair,” states Euvrard. It supports the case for predictive maintenance as well when data is collected and analyzed. However, data processing can be a burden for busy field crews; the highly specialized team of utility professionals at RHM International has also developed a system of hassle-free information delivery, where an administrator of a power station can assess the statuses of various equipment by simply glancing at it. Leveraging an LED lighting system—a green light indicating full operability and red meaning caution—the company helps notify concerned professionals about minute inconsistencies in the product several weeks before any serious damage occurs, and without any data processing. This level of accuracy, simplicity and attention to detail only proves RHM International’s mettle in delivering future-ready smart grid solutions.

Believing in the benefits of the dry type equipment, the company focuses on driving innovation in the utility sector, and more specifically within the transmission grid. “It is a continuous and seamless transition from legacy systems to the smart grid set up, and our unique technology mitigates the initial phases of difficulties that utilities suppliers generally face in bridging the two,” says Euvrard. By integrating smart sensors and devices into their ever-evolving dry type products, team RHM International streamlines installation and configuration process for clients all over the world. Moving forward, the company intends to support every client in their digitalization journey with state-of-the-art dry type product development and smart monitoring technologies. And, with a complete understanding of the transitional challenges of his industry counterparts and beneficiaries, Euvrard comments, “There will still be a need for both, taking care of the old and building the new. We want to be at the ready with our technology to thoroughly assist our clients in meeting their goals.”