Instruction Manual

PRISMIC A30 EXCITATION CONTROLLER

Manual No: HB959202000

Document No: TP00000021
Date: 30 May 2003

Issue: J

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd.

PO Box 18, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 1HJ, England
Telephone: +44 (1509) 611511 Telefax: +44 (1509) 610440
E-Mail: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.fki-et.com/bem

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 2 of 126

CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION TO MANUAL ................................................................................................................. 4
1.1
General................................................................................................................................................ 4
1.2
How To Use The Manual .................................................................................................................... 4
1.3
Copies ................................................................................................................................................. 4
1.4
Feedback............................................................................................................................................. 5
1.5
Service & Spares................................................................................................................................. 5
1.6
Contact Address.................................................................................................................................. 5
1.7
Health & Safety At Work Act (1974).................................................................................................... 5
1.8
Protection And Monitoring Devices ..................................................................................................... 6
2 EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES ........................................................................................................................ 7
3 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 8
4 RATINGS ................................................................................................................................................... 9
5 FEATURES .............................................................................................................................................. 10
6 SPECIFICATION...................................................................................................................................... 12
6.1
A30-CON Card .................................................................................................................................. 12
6.2
A30-MON Card.................................................................................................................................. 18
6.3
Standby Control Card........................................................................................................................ 21
6.4
Utilities Card ...................................................................................................................................... 24
6.5
A30-RACK1 Mainframe..................................................................................................................... 26
7 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION .................................................................................................................. 28
7.1
A30-CON Card .................................................................................................................................. 28
7.2
A30-MON Card.................................................................................................................................. 34
7.3
Standby Control Card........................................................................................................................ 36
7.4
Utilities Card ...................................................................................................................................... 40
7.5
A30-RACK1 Mainframe..................................................................................................................... 41
8 SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION ................................................................................................................... 44
8.1
A30-CON Card .................................................................................................................................. 44
8.2
A30-MON Card.................................................................................................................................. 47
9 INSTALLATION AND MECHANICAL DETAILS, CARD FITTING AND REMOVAL ............................. 48
9.1
Installation ......................................................................................................................................... 48
9.2
Ventilation.......................................................................................................................................... 48
9.3
Wiring To The A30 Excitation Controller ........................................................................................... 48
9.4
Wiring To The Plug............................................................................................................................ 49
9.5
Safety ................................................................................................................................................ 50
9.6
Mechanical Details ............................................................................................................................ 50
9.7
Card Fitting and Removal ................................................................................................................. 51
10
COMMISSIONING ................................................................................................................................ 52
10.1 EMC Installation And Operation Guidelines...................................................................................... 52
10.2 Pre-Commissioning Checks.............................................................................................................. 53
10.3 Check Operation Of DC Contactors, Switches And Indications With Machine At Standstill ............ 53
10.4 Check Standby Control ..................................................................................................................... 55
10.5 Check A30-CON And A30-MON Settings ......................................................................................... 56
10.6 Check Display Of Measured Parameters On The A30-CON And A30-MON Card .......................... 57
10.7 Check Null Balance Indication When In Standby.............................................................................. 57
10.8 Set-up Stability In Main Channel....................................................................................................... 57
10.9 Check The Voltage Range Of The A30-CON Card .......................................................................... 58
10.10
Check Soft Start............................................................................................................................. 59
10.11
Check For Smooth Changeover From Standby To Main Channel................................................ 59
10.12
Check/Set-Up Over Excitation Limiters And Monitors................................................................... 59
10.13
Over Voltage And Over Flux Monitors........................................................................................... 60
10.14
Set/Check The Under Voltage Monitor Level ................................................................................ 61
10.15
Check Parallel Operation............................................................................................................... 61
10.16
Check Under Excitation Limiter ..................................................................................................... 62
10.17
Check Under Excitation Monitor .................................................................................................... 62
10.18
Check Power Factor Control (If Applicable) .................................................................................. 62
10.19
Check VAr Control (If Applicable).................................................................................................. 63
10.20
Check The VAr Shed (If Applicable).............................................................................................. 63
10.21
Check Parallel Operation In Standby Line Voltage Control .......................................................... 63
HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 3 of 126

10.22
Static Interrogation ........................................................................................................................ 64
11
USING THE WINDOWS HMI COMMISSIONING SOFTWARE........................................................... 65
11.1 Setup Of the A30 Using An Alternative Power Supply...................................................................... 65
11.2 PC Software Installation .................................................................................................................... 65
11.3 Running the HMI Application............................................................................................................. 65
11.4 Exiting the HMI Application ............................................................................................................... 66
11.5 HMI Functions ................................................................................................................................... 66
11.6 A30-CON Card HMI Displays Available ........................................................................................ 67
11.7 Logfile................................................................................................................................................ 68
11.8 Saving Presets And Registers .......................................................................................................... 68
11.9 Passwords......................................................................................................................................... 68
11.10
Using The A30-CON HMI Displays ............................................................................................... 69
11.11
A30-MON Card - HMI Displays Available...................................................................................... 76
11.12
Using The A30-MON HMI Displays ............................................................................................... 77
12
USING THE SCADA COMMUNICATIONS PORT .............................................................................. 82
12.1 Protocol Data..................................................................................................................................... 82
12.2 Physical Connections ........................................................................................................................ 82
12.3 Data Available ................................................................................................................................... 82
13
TRANSDUCER CALIBRATION PROCEDURE................................................................................... 83
13.1 Line Voltage Calibration On The A30-CON Card ............................................................................. 83
13.2 Field Current Calibration On The A30-CON Card............................................................................. 83
13.3 Line Current Calibration On The A30-CON Card.............................................................................. 83
13.4 Temperature Transducer Calibration on the A30-CON Card............................................................ 83
13.5 Line Voltage Calibration on the A30-MON Card ............................................................................... 84
13.6 Field Current Calibration on the A30-MON Card .............................................................................. 84
13.7 Line Current Calibration on the A30-MON Card ............................................................................... 84
13.8 Temperature Transducer Calibration on the A30-MON Card ........................................................... 84
14
STEP RESPONSE TESTING............................................................................................................... 85
14.1 Step Response.................................................................................................................................. 85
14.2 Step Response on Open Circuit........................................................................................................ 85
14.3 Stabilising Adjustment....................................................................................................................... 85
14.4 UEL Stabilising .................................................................................................................................. 86
15
OPERATING PROCEDURES AND MAINTENANCE ......................................................................... 87
15.1 Operating Procedures ....................................................................................................................... 87
15.2 Maintenance...................................................................................................................................... 88
16
FAULT FINDING .................................................................................................................................. 89
16.1 General Information........................................................................................................................... 89
16.2 Precautions ....................................................................................................................................... 89
16.3 Procedure.......................................................................................................................................... 89
16.4 Fault Finding Tables.......................................................................................................................... 91
17
APPENDIX A - CONNECTIONS CHARTS ........................................................................................ 106
18
APPENDIX B - CARD LINK DESCRIPTIONS................................................................................... 119
19
APPENDIX C - HOLDING REGISTERS FOR SCADA...................................................................... 122
20
APPENDIX D - RECOMMENDED SPARES...................................................................................... 125
21
APPENDIX E - DRAWINGS ............................................................................................................... 126

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
1

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 4 of 126

INTRODUCTION TO MANUAL
1.1

General
The purpose of this manual is to provide information and advice on supplied equipment.
Warning symbols used in the manual are as follows:
Mandatory Notice - Instruction to be followed.
Danger, General - Caution to be exercised. Appropriate safety measures to be
taken.
Danger, Electricity - Caution to be exercised. Appropriate safety measures to be
taken.
Danger, Harmful or Irritating - Caution to be exercised. Appropriate safety measures
to be taken.
Information is given for guidance only and we do not accept any responsibility for the manner
in which the information is used, nor the consequences thereof.
The design and manufacture of equipment is subject to constant review and as a result the
information provided herein may vary from that manufactured.
Verbal or written modifications to the information contained herein have no legal status unless
confirmed in writing by the Technical Director or his nominated deputy.
The manual, and any amendments, should be maintained for the lifetime of the equipment.
It is important that any persons responsible for equipment installation,
commissioning, operation and maintenance are provided with access to this
manual.

1.2

How To Use The Manual

It is recommended that prior to undertaking any installation, commissioning, operation or
maintenance activities on the equipment, this manual and any associated documentation
should be read in their entirety in order to gain an understanding of system operation.
The manual is written as a 'stand-alone' document, but should be read in conjunction with any
referenced or associated documentation.
All pages and topic headings are numbered for easy reference. Cross-reference(s) to
associated paragraphs and documentation is included where appropriate. When referencing
particular paragraphs in communications, it is important to specify the Manual Number and
the Issue Reference.
Referenced drawings are attached as additional (unnumbered) pages.

1.3

Copies
Additional copies of the latest available version of manuals are available from our Service
Department at the contact address given hereafter. A nominal charge may be made for this
service.
The information provided remains the copyright of Brush Electrical Machines Ltd., and is not
to be copied or disclosed to a third party without the written approval of the Technical Director
at the contact address given hereafter.

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Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
1.4

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 5 of 126

Feedback
We are constantly seeking to improve the quality and reliability of our products, and we
actively encourage user feedback.
Any comments should be addressed to your usual representative, or to our Service
Department at the contact address given hereafter.

1.5

Service & Spares

Quotations for Service and Spares can be obtained from our Service Department at the
contact address given hereafter.
Authorised users can also access spare parts information provided at the Web Site address
given hereafter.

1.6

Contact Address
Brush Electrical Machines Ltd.
PO Box 18
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 1HJ
England
Telephone: +44 (1509) 611511 (Switchboard)
Telefax:
+44 (1509) 612436 (Service Department)
E-Mail:

[email protected]
[email protected]

Web Site: http://www.fki-et.com/bem

1.7

Health & Safety At Work Act (1974)

The information hereunder is supplied in accordance with Section 6 of the Health and Safety
at Work Act 1974 with respect to the duties of manufacturers, designers and installers in
providing health and safety information to Customers. The information advises of reasonably
foreseeable risks involved with the safe installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance,
dismantling, cleaning or repair of products supplied by Brush Electrical Machines Ltd.
Every precaution should be taken to minimise risk. When acted upon, the following
precautions should considerably minimise the possibility of hazardous incidents.
Delivery Checks: Check for damage sustained during transport. Damage to packing cases
must be investigated in the presence of an Insurance Surveyor.
Installation: Where installation is made by engineers other than Brush Electrical Machines
Ltd. personnel, the equipment should be installed by suitably qualified personnel in
accordance with relevant legislation, regulations and accepted rules of the industry. In
particular, the recommendations contained in the regulations with regard to the earthing
(grounding) must be rigorously followed.

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Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 6 of 126

Electrical Installation:
IMPROPER USE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT IS HAZARDOUS.
It is important to be aware that control unit terminals and components may
be live to line and supply voltages.
Before working on a unit, switch off and isolate it and all other equipment within
the confines of the same control cubicle. Check that all earth connections are
sound.
WARNING: Suitable signs should be prominently displayed, particularly on
switches and isolators, and the necessary precautions taken to ensure that power
is not inadvertently switched on to the equipment whist work is in progress, or is
not yet completed.
Adjustment and fault finding on live equipment must be by qualified and authorised personnel
only, and should be in accordance with the following rules:
Read the Instruction Manual.
Use insulated meter probes.
Use an insulated screwdriver for potentiometer adjustment where a knob is not provided.
Wear non-conducting footwear.
Do not attempt to modify wiring.
Replace all protective covers, guards, etc. on completion.
Operation & Maintenance: Engineers responsible for operation and maintenance of
equipment should familiarise themselves with the information contained in this manual and
with the recommendations given in associated documentation. They should be familiar also
with the relevant regulations in force.
It is essential that all covers are in place and that all guards and/or safety fences to
protect any exposed surfaces and/or pits are fitted before the associated machine is
started.
All adjustments to the associated machine must be carried out whilst the machine is
stationary and isolated from all electrical supplies. Replace all covers and/or safety fences
before restarting the machine.
When maintenance is being carried out, suitable WARNING signs should be prominently
displayed and the necessary precautions taken to ensure power is not inadvertently
switched on to the equipment whilst work is in progress, or is not yet complete.
When power is restored to the equipment, personnel should not be allowed to work on
auxiliary circuits, eg. heaters, current transformers etc.
1.8

Protection And Monitoring Devices

WARNING: It is essential that any protection or monitoring device for use with
generators or ancillary equipment should be connected and operational at all times
unless specifically stated otherwise herein. It should not be assumed that all
necessary protection and monitoring devices are supplied as part of Brush Electrical
Machines Ltd. scope of supply.
Unless otherwise agreed, it is the responsibility of others to verify the correct
operation of all protection and monitoring equipment, whether supplied by Brush
Electrical Machines Ltd. or not. It is necessary to provide a secure environment that
ensures operator safety and limits potential damage to the generator and ancillary
equipment. If requested, Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. would be pleased to
provide advice on any specific protection application issues or concerns.

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Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
2

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 7 of 126

EUROPEAN DIRECTIVES

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Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
3

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 8 of 126

INTRODUCTION
The PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller is designed to control the excitation of a brushless generator.
Incorporating a wide range of features, the A30 is housed in a 19" rack assembly requiring only external
instruments and control switches to provide the complete excitation system as shown in Figure 1.
For setup and commissioning of the A30 a PC is required. PC based software and two serial
communications cables are provided.
A copy of the factory test record and factory setup data is provided with the A30 in the form of a Brush
QC(T)48 document. When provided with a Brush generator, the A30 factory setup data will be matched
to the generator. The QC(T)48 document should be available when commissioning the A30.

Figure 1: A30 Excitation Controller Scheme

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
4

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 9 of 126

RATINGS
Max. continuous output current:

20A

Max. 10 second output current:

30A

Excitation supply voltage:

Single phase 110Vac to 330Vac

Excitation supply frequency:

50Hz to 480Hz

Auxiliary dc Supply:

24Vdc or 110/125Vdc +15%, -20%

Nominal sensing voltage:

100V to 120V selectable in 5V steps

Voltage sensing phases:

Three phase with single phase option

Voltage sensing input burden:

Less than 3VA per phase

Nominal generator frequency:

50Hz or 60Hz

Current transformer input nominal: 5A or 1A selectable

Current transformer input burden:

Less than 1VA

Max field voltage for forcing:

75% of single phase supply RMS voltage

Accuracy of control:

0.5%

Operating temperature range:

0C to +55C

Storage temperature range:

-40C to +100C

Dimensions:

Width 483mm, Height 266mm, Depth 400mm

Weight:

14.5kg

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
5

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 10 of 126

FEATURES
1) Complete System Housed In A Single 19 6U Rack
Includes power semiconductor and control circuits, power supply transformers, contactors for
excitation changeover and field suppression and field suppression resistor.
2) Independent Main And Hot Standby Excitation Channels
The unit contains two power semiconductor circuits, one acting as a hot standby to the other. Each
circuit is controlled by an independent control card with automatic following to enable smooth
transfer from one to the other.
Transfer to the standby system is initiated by a separate monitor module in the following
circumstances:
Voltage monitoring (over/under voltage on generator terminals)
Excitation monitoring (over/under excitation with time delays)
Over flux monitoring
Control card failure
The settings for the monitor module are selected to enable the normal limiter settings to operate
first. (See Figure 2)

Figure 2: Generator Capability Diagram

3) PC Based Setup And Maintenance Software
The unit is provided with PC based setup and maintenance software and cable for connection to a
standard PC 9 pin serial port. A PC is required to setup the A30.
4) Communication Port #1 For SCADA Communications
Provided to allow plant supervision computers to adjust setpoints and inspect generator and
excitation system data. Implemented using Modbus protocol.
5) Communication Port #2 For Set Up And Maintenance
Provided for connection to an RS232 port on a standard PC for commissioning.
6) Choice Of Setpoint Adjustment Method
Either external raise/lower contacts or SCADA communications may be used.
7) Line Voltage Control Mode
In Line Voltage Control Mode, line voltage is controlled to a constant adjustable setpoint. In this
mode, parallel running capability is provided using quadrature current compensation (QCC) with an
adjustable droop setting.
8) Power Factor Control Mode
Available when parallel running.

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Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 11 of 126

9) VAr Control Mode

Available when parallel running. Also incorporates VAr shed facility.
10) Soft Start Facility
After switching on excitation, line voltage is increased to the nominal level at an adjustable rate.
11) Fast Acting Field Current Limiter
Limits excitation current to prevent excessive line current during power system faults.
12) Over Excitation Limiter
Using inverse time delay and temperature compensation if required, this facility is provided to
prevent overheating of the generator rotor.
13) Under Excitation Limiter
This facility enables operation of the generator at maximum capability with a leading power factor
but avoiding the danger of the generator pole slipping.
14) Over Flux Limiter
Excitation is controlled to ensure that generator line voltage is limited to a preset adjustable
voltage/frequency ratio to avoid over fluxing of the generator.
15) Selectable Standby System Control Mode
The standby system may be setup to operate in either Generator Voltage or Exciter Field Current
Control Mode.
16) Rotating Diode Failure Alarm
Detection of failed rotating diode or fuse is achieved by monitoring the ripple content of exciter field
current.
17) Adjustable Step Response
This facility enables an adjustable step increase in setpoint to be applied to evaluate the stability
settings of the excitation system. The PID parameters of the AVR may then be adjusted
accordingly. The rise time and overshoot values are recorded to help with commissioning. The step
reduction in setpoint may be used to evaluate the response of the underexcitation limiter.
18) Event Recorder
A log of major events, such as limiter and monitor operations, and field suppression is maintained
within the unit. The events may be displayed using a PC connected to the commissioning
communications port.

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
6

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 12 of 126

SPECIFICATION
6.1

A30-CON Card
Unless stated otherwise, all adjustments on this card are made using the HMI.
6.1.1

Voltage Control
1) Three Phase Or Single Phase Sensing
Selected by a link.
2) Accuracy
0.5% of mean voltage.
3) Nominal Sensing Voltage
Selectable from 100V to 120V in 5 volt increments.
Frequency 50/60Hz 10%. Burden <3VA/phase.
4) Voltage Reference Adjustment
Adjustable between upper and lower limits in increments of 0.05V using
voltage raise/lower switches or relays in the local control panel to apply the
auxiliary dc to the relevant terminal. Internal isolation is provided. (Adjustment
may also be made using the serial communications facility see Sections
6.1.15 and 6.1.16)
5) Voltage Reference Adjustment Rate
The rate of change of voltage reference is adjustable between 200ms/V (5V/s)
and 4000ms/V (0.25V/s)
6) Voltage Reference Limits
Upper limit adjustable from 100% to 125% of nominal in 5% increments.
Lower limit adjustable from 100% to 75% of nominal in 5% increments.
(Upper limit assumes no over flux limiter operation)
7) Voltage Reference Self-Centre.
The Voltage Reference is reset to nominal voltage at the voltage reference
adjustment rate by the application of the dc auxiliary supply via an external
switch. Internal isolation is provided. (Voltage Reference Self-Centre may also
be selected by the serial communications facility see Sections 6.1.15 and
6.1.16).

6.1.2

Quadrature Current Compensation (QCC)

1) Nominal CT Current
1A or 5A , selected by link. Burden <1VA.
2) Rated CT Current
Adjustable in 0.01A increments from 0.50 to 5.50A.
3) Adjustable Droop
Adjustable from 0% to 15% in 0.1% steps for rated current at zero power
factor lagging.
4) Reverse QCC
Available for external reactance compensation.

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
6.1.3

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 13 of 126

Over-Flux Limiter
The ratio voltage/frequency is automatically limited to between 1.00 to 1.20 per
unit, the level being adjustable in increments of 0.001 per unit. (1 per unit voltage
is the nominal sensing voltage referred to in Section 6.1.1 Item 3)).

6.1.4

Soft Start
After switching on excitation, line voltage is slowly increased to the nominal level.
Ramping rate is adjustable from 5V/s to 25V/s.
Excitation should only be switched on by energising the Excite input after the
AVR Main Electronics Supply has been applied. This should be achieved using a
speed detector switch, external to the AVR, which should be set to switch at 80%
rated speed.

6.1.5

Speed Detection
The AVR provides excitation build up when 85% rated speed is reached.
Excitation is removed at 80% rated speed. Speed detection by the AVR uses PMG
frequency sensing. An external speed detector switch should also be fitted See
6.1.4 above.

6.1.6

Power Factor Or Reactive Current (VAr) Control

1) PF/VAr Reference Adjustment Range
Power Factor: 0.6 lag to 0.9 lead in increments of less than 0.001
VAr:
100% rated VArs lagging to 50% rated VArs leading at
nominal volts in increments of 1%.
2) Method Of Adjustment
By external raise/lower switches or relays on local panel. (Adjustment may
also be made using the serial communications facility see Sections 6.1.15 and
6.1.16)
3) Rate Of PF/VAr Reference Adjustment
For PF control the range is adjustable from 1 to 20 seconds for 0.1PF.
For VAr control the range is adjustable from 50ms/% (20% rated VArs per sec)
to 500 ms/%(2% rated VArs per sec)
4) Accuracy
Power Factor Control:

Reactive Current Control:

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

1 at 100% rated current to 5 at 20% rated

current provided line current contains less then
2% harmonics.
2% of rated line current provided line current is
greater than 10% rated and contains less than
2% harmonics.

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

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Date: 30 May 2003

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5) Automatic VAr Shedding

If the Power is reduced to zero while Power Factor Control is selected, the level of
VArs will automatically be reduced to a low level in order to maintain constant
power factor. Operation in this way will ensure that the Power Factor reference
remains unchanged when the set is shut down.
Operation of an external switch/relay will initiate automatic VAr shedding, and if
this is invoked during the period that Power Factor control is also selected, VAr
shedding will occur irrespective of the power level. This is achieved by the PF
controller reference being automatically set to unity. When this is done, the PF set
point of unity is stored when the set is shut down and is the setting used on the
next start.
If VAr shedding is invoked during the period that PF Control is not selected, VAr
shedding operates by internally turning on the VAr controller with its VAr reference
to zero VArs. This means that when VAr shedding by this method, any previous
VAr reference is changed to zero VArs, and this value is saved on shut down and
recovered on the next start. If it is required to retain a particular non-zero VAr
reference setting, the VAr controller should first be turned off, then selecting PF
Control and VAr shedding simultaneously.
The rate of change of VAr or PF reference in response to a VAr shedding
command is determined by the programmed settings of the PF/VAr reference
adjustment rates referred to in 6.1.6 Item 3).
6) Selection Of PF/VAr Control
Operation of external switches or relays connected to the auxiliary dc supply
will initiate PF or VAr control. Internal dc supply isolation is provided. If PF or
VAr controls are both selected together, PF control will result. (PF or VAr
control may also be selected by the serial communications facility see
Sections 6.1.15 and 6.1.16)
6.1.7

Over Excitation Limiter

1) Limiting Level
Within range 2A to 25A in 0.01A increments.
2) Time Delay
Integrating time delay adjustable between 50 and 5000% seconds in 5%s
increments.
3) Increased Sensitivity
The sensitivity can be increased by a factor of 4 to enable checking at 25% of
setting during commissioning.
4) Temperature Compensation
By connecting a 100 platinum RTD located in the generator air intake to the
AVR (no additional transducer required) the over excitation limiter setting can
be automatically adjusted according to temperature.
Compensation range:
Compensation level:

-10C to +55C
Adjustable from -0.2% to -1% per C rise in
0.01% increments.

Compensation characteristic: Linear.

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
6.1.8

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 15 of 126

Under Excitation Limiter

1) Leading Reactive Current Limit
The limit at zero power and 100% volts is adjustable between 0.1A and 5.5A
in 0.01A increments. This covers the whole range for 1A and 5A CTs. The limit
is automatically compensated in proportion to line voltage.
2) Limiting Level Curvature
This is set by the external reactance control, which is adjustable between 0
and 0.2 per unit in 0.01 per unit increments.

6.1.9

Fast Acting Field Current Limiter

1) Range
Adjustable from 2.5A to 30A in increments of 0.1A.
2) Time Delay
Less than 0.05s.
3) Increased Sensitivity
Sensitivity can be increased by a factor of 8 to enable checking at 12.5% of
nominal setting during commissioning.

6.1.10

Automatic Tracking of Standby Regulator

1) Standby Follower
When operating under Standby control and the sensing voltage is within the
specified range of the A30-CON card voltage reference, the reference of the
A30-CON is automatically adjusted so that line voltage and VArs do not
change when voltage control is transferred from Standby to back to Auto.
If the A30-CON card has PF, VAr control or VAr shed selected when on
Standby, they will not affect the automatic tracking but will become functional
when automatic control is selected.
2) Balance Indication
When in standby control, LED1 on the A30-CON card will flash while tracking
is not achieved. When tracking is achieved, the LED will be continuously
illuminated.
(Successful tracking is also indicated by the `high' or `low' LED indications on
the Standby regulator, and the external null balance meter (if fitted). Normally
LED 1 and LED 2 on the Standby card will alternate when balanced.
Occasionally both LEDs will be off when balanced but if either LED is on
permanently, this indicates a fault).
3) Fail To Follow Alarm And Time Delay
When operating in standby control, if the out of balance condition is present
for a period greater than the Fail to Follow Alarm Time Delay an alarm is
produced by turning on LED6 on the A30-CON card and energising the
Limiter Operating Relay on the Utilities card. The Fail to Follow Time delay is
adjustable from 2 to 20 sec in increments of 1 sec.

6.1.11

Control Card LED Indications

LED 1

In Main control this LED has no function and will be turned off.
In Standby control this LED will flash when Main has not matched
standby.
It will be illuminated steadily when matching has been achieved.

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LED 2

Watchdog dropout (program fails to cycle).

LED 3

Over excitation limiter operating.

LED 4

Under excitation limiter operating.

LED 5

PF control selected.

LED 6

In Main control this LED indicates Over Flux limiter operating.

In Standby control it indicates that Main has failed to match Standby
within in a pre-set time.

6.1.12

LED 7

VAr shed selected.

LED 8

VAr control selected.

Control Card Output Signals

1) Limiter Operating
When Main channel control is selected a signal is provided to energise a relay
on the Utilities card when either the over flux, over excitation or under
excitation limiter operates. When the standby channel is selected this signal
indicates failure of the Main channel to match the standby channel within the
specified period.
2) Control Card Supervisory Output
A signal is provided to the A30-MON card in the event of a watchdog dropout
or failure of the 5V supply. This will cause the monitor to transfer to Standby.

6.1.13

Analogue Input Signal

The AVR can be configured to accept an analogue input such as a signal from a
power system stabiliser (PSS). For this application Link 6A on the A30-CON card
must be fitted.
Input impedance: 20K
Sensitivity:

An input of 100mV will change the AVR reference by

approximately 2.5%

For details of connections to Brush power system stabilisers, please refer to the
relevant PSS Instruction Manual.
An interface board A30-INT-PSS100, Part No 963135600, is available to provide
easy connection of a PSS with a 9Vdc output e.g. Basler PSS100. The interface
board connects directly to plug 1 at the back of the A30 rack. The wiring loom then
plugs into the interface board. The purpose of the interface board is to attenuate
the analogue input signal, on terminals 107 and 108, to a suitable level for the
A30.

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Manual No: HB959202000

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Date: 30 May 2003

Con 2

Page: 17 of 126
Con 1
8 (A30 Terminal 107)

8.6V

1k
9V

8
Output
To A30

0.4V

Input From
PSS
69V

47

9 (A30 Terminal 108)

9
(Note: Pins 1 to 7 and Pins 10 to 16 are straight through)

Figure 3: A30-INT-PSS100 Interface Board Connections

With an input of 9Vdc from the PSS the output to the A30 will be 0.4Vdc.
Therefore 9Vdc from the PSS will equate to a change in the AVR reference of
approximately 10%. Note: When a PSS is being used 107 is positive and 108
negative.
An analogue input transducer is also provided on the A30. If this is to be used then
Link 6B should be fitted. This uses the same input terminals as the PSS input and
therefore they cannot both be used at the same time. The analogue input
transducer is used with special control software, Part No 963113801, that controls
the voltage reference depending on the analogue input see Section 8.1.7. Note:
When using the analogue input transducer 107 is negative and 108 positive.
6.1.14

Output Voltage
The card produces firing pulses that are supplied to a half controlled full Wave
Bridge located in the mainframe. The maximum voltage that can be applied to the
field is approximately 75% of the PMG voltage at the input to the bridge.

6.1.15

Local Serial Communication Ports

A serial communication port (COM 2) is provided for transmitting and receiving
information to or from the HMI for commissioning and maintenance.

6.1.16

Remote Serial Communications Facility.

1) Communications Protocol/Rate/Register Addresses
Modbus RTU, with the AVR acting as a slave with Modbus ID no 1.
Communication Rate is 9600 baud, 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.
Register Addresses and scaling factors are given in Appendix C - Holding
Registers For SCADA.
2) Set Point Adjustment Via Comms
In order to adjust the set points via the HMI it is necessary for the Panel/HMI
switch to be set to HMI in which case the following set points are adjustable
via the communications link.
Note that unless Mode Selection via the HMI has been activated via the
comms link, the mode will remain selectable by hard wired signals a normal.

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Manual No: HB959202000

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Date: 30 May 2003

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Note that the AVR will not allow a set point to be adjusted beyond the
specified range, and that following receipt of a new set point, the rate of
change from the previous to the new set point will be according to the values
set during commissioning.
Note also that for the Leading PF Reference to be used, the PF Ref Leading
mode must be selected.
Set Points available are:
Voltage Reference
VAr Reference
PF Reference Lagging
PF Reference Leading
3) Mode Selection Via Comms
Note that unless Allow Mode Selection via the HMI has been activated via the
comms link, the mode will remain selectable by hard wired switch signals as
normal.
Note also that if Allow Mode Selection via the HMI has been activated, selection
of the mode by hard wired switch signals is inactive.

PF Reference Leading
P F Control
VAr Control
VAr Shed
Self Centre Voltage Reference
Reset Monitors
Allow mode selection Via Comms

4) Viewing Flags And Data Via Comms

The comms link can be used to provide digital and analogue data at the remote
terminal. The available data is given in Appendix C - Holding Registers For
SCADA
6.2

A30-MON Card
Unless stated otherwise all adjustments to this card are made using the HMI.
6.2.1

Over Voltage Monitor

1) Three Phase Or Single Phase Sensing
Selected by a link.
(Selection must be same as that for the Under Voltage Monitor)
2) Accuracy
0.5% of mean voltage.
3) Trip Level
Adjustable between 100V and 140V in increments of 0.1V.
4) Time Delay
Adjustable integrating time delay having a range of 10% seconds to 100%
seconds in 1% second steps.

6.2.2

Over Flux Monitor

1) Measured Quantity
Ratio Line Voltage/Line Frequency

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2) Trip Level
Adjustable between 1.00 and 1.25 per unit in increments of 0.001 per unit.
3) Time Delay
Adjustable integrating time delay having a range of 10% seconds to 100%
seconds in 1% second steps.
6.2.3

Under Voltage Monitor

1) Three Phase or Single Phase Sensing
Selected by a link. (selection must be same as Over Voltage Monitor)
2) Accuracy
0.5% of mean voltage.
3) Trip Level
Adjustable between 70V and 120V in 0.1V increments.
4) Time Delay
Adjustable integrating time delay having a range of 2%s to 25%s in 1%s
steps.
5) Under Frequency Inhibit
At line frequency of less than 80% nominal the Under Voltage monitor is
inhibited.
6) Over Flux Limiter Inhibit
The under voltage monitor is inhibited if the flux limiter on the A30-CON Card
is operating.
7) Overcurrent Inhibit
The under voltage monitor is inhibited if line current measured by the AVR
exceeds 1.5 pu.
8) Soft Start Inhibit
The under voltage monitor is inhibited during soft starting.

6.2.4

Over Excitation Monitor

1) Operating Level
Adjustable within range 2.5A to 35A in 0.01A steps.
2) Time Delay
Adjustable integrating time delay having a range of 100%s to 5000%s in steps
of 5%s.
3) Increased Sensitivity
Sensitivity can be increased by a factor of 4 to enable checking at 25% of the
setting during commissioning.
4) Temperature Compensation
The over excitation monitor is compensated for exciter input air temperature
by a signal from the RTD transducer located on the A30-CON card.
Compensation range:

-10C to +55C

Compensation level:

Adjustable from -0.2% to -1.0% per C rise in

0.01% increments.

Compensation characteristic: Linear.

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Manual No: HB959202000
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Date: 30 May 2003

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Under Excitation Monitor

1) Leading Reactive Current Tripping Level
The tripping level at zero power and 100%V is adjustable between 0.1A and
5.5A in 0.01A increments. This covers the whole range for 1A and 5A CTs.
The trip level is automatically compensated in proportion to line voltage. This
should be set at least 10% greater than the under excitation limiter setting.
2) Tripping Level Curvature
This is set by the `Xe' control and can be adjusted between 0 and 0.2 per unit
in steps of 0.01 per unit. This should normally be set to the same value as the
limiter.
3) Time Delay
A fixed time delay is included to prevent spurious tripping due to transients.
This can be set between 1s and 10s in 0.1s increments.

6.2.6

A30-MON Card Indications

LED 1
LED 2
LED 3
LED 4
LED 5
LED 6
LED 7
LED 8
LED 9
LED 10

6.2.7

Spare
Monitor watchdog dropout (program fails to cycle).
Over Excitation monitor tripped.
Under Excitation monitor tripped.
Over Voltage monitor tripped.
Under Voltage monitor tripped.
Over Flux monitor tripped.
Standby Power Supply Fault.
A30-CON watchdog dropout alarm.
Spare

A30-MON Card Output Signals

1) Monitor Trip
One signal is provided to energise the monitor trip relay to select Standby
control when any of the following occur:
Over Excitation monitor tripped
Under Excitation monitor tripped
Over Voltage monitor tripped
Under Voltage monitor tripped
Over Flux monitor tripped
A30-CON watchdog alarm
2) Monitor Fault Alarm
A signal is provided to energise the general alarm relay on the Utilities card
and prevent automatic selection of Standby control when any of the following
occur:
Monitor power supply failure
Standby card power supply failure
Monitor watchdog dropout alarm

6.2.8

Monitor Latch/Reset
When any of the monitors trip they remain latched until the fault is removed and
the reset pushbutton on the front of the card has been operated. Relay logic in the
AVR prevents return to A30-CON card until monitors are reset.

6.2.9

Monitor Inhibit
Operation of the monitor can be inhibited if required by an external switch signal.
The auxiliary dc supply is used and internal isolation is provided.

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Manual No: HB959202000
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Date: 30 May 2003

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Local Serial Communication Port

A serial communication port (COM 2) is provided for transmitting and receiving
information to or from the HMI for commissioning and maintenance.

6.2.11

Remote Serial Communications Facility.

Remote communication with the A30-CON card in the AVR is particularly useful
for adjustment of settings, selection of operating modes, and acquisition of data for
display on a remote terminal via a serial link. Remote serial communication with
the A30-MON card is less useful and not available on the standard system.

6.3

Standby Control Card

6.3.1

Field Voltage Control

In this mode (which is selected by links), field voltage is controlled to a constant
level. Two links - selected ranges of 0-100V and 0-200V are available. The
maximum field voltage is approximately 75% of the PMG supply voltage.

6.3.2

Line Voltage Control

In this mode (which is selected by links), single-phase line voltage is controlled to
a constant adjustable level. 10% QCC is provided to facilitate stable parallel
operation. A 250mA fuse, FS3, protects the voltage sensing input.
1) Line Voltage Setting Range
Sensing voltage adjustable from residual to 137.5V. VT burden <2VA.
2) Quadrature Current Compensation
Sensing current 5A nominal or 1A nominal (selected by link). CT burden
<1VA.
Quantity 10% droop at nominal current, zero PF lagging.
3) Stability Adjustment
Provision is made to adjust the stability of the manual regulator when selected
for line voltage control.

6.3.3

Travel Time
60s to adjust the reference from minimum to maximum, or 187s if Link 29 is fitted.

6.3.4

Automatic Reset To Minimum

When the unit is energised (or re-energised after a power down) the set point is
automatically set to zero.

6.3.5

Low Frequency Cut-off

The output is reduced to zero when the frequency is below approximately 85%
nominal, to prevent over fluxing during run down. A link is provided to select
50/60Hz nominal frequency.

6.3.6

Method of Adjustment
By using raise/lower switch signals from the auxiliary dc supply (optical isolation is
provided). Local raise/lower pushbuttons are also provided on the Standby control
board.

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Manual No: HB959202000
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Date: 30 May 2003

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Automatic Follower
When the Main AVR channel is operating, the output of the Standby regulator is
continuously adjusted to match that of the Main AVR, so that on transfer to the
Standby regulator, there is minimal change in excitation. Note that the travel time
minimum to maximum introduces a time delay to the follower action.
After selection of Standby control, the set point remains constant unless adjusted
by the operator. If line voltage control is selected, regular adjustment of the set
point of the Standby regulator is unnecessary. This will prevent large variations of
machine output voltage (or power factor if paralleled) as the load varies which
occurs on manual regulators which control to a constant level of excitation.

6.3.8

Null Balance Indication

1) Local
Two LED indicators are provided on the card which indicate `Manual High' and
`Manual Low'. When the output of the Main and Standby control systems are
matched, both LEDs are extinguished indicating balance between AVR and
Standby, irrespective of whether Standby or Main is selected.
2) Remote
Provision is made for a 500-0-500 micro amp; centre-zero, null balance meter
to indicate balance between Main and Standby irrespective of whether
Standby or Main control is selected.

6.3.9

Field Voltage Limiter

A field voltage limiter is included which is adjustable from 25V minimum to 200V or
80% of the PMG supply voltage.

6.3.10

AVR Power Supply Monitor

A relay is energised in the event of failure of the A30-CON card power supply, its
output being used to initiate transfer to Standby control independently of the AVR
monitor relay which may be inoperative under a power supply failure situation.

6.3.11

Indications
LEDs provide the following indications: LED 1
LED 2
LED 3
LED 4
LED 5
LED 6

6.3.12

Standby AVR lower than Main AVR

Standby AVR higher than Main AVR
Standby power supply healthy
A30-CON card power supply failure
Standby at minimum
Main AVR selected and excitation limiters off

Output Signals
1) Optically isolated signals to control and monitor boards to indicate Standby
high, low and power supply failed.
2) Normally open relay contact which closes on detecting A30-CON card power
supply failure. Used to initiate transfer to Standby control.
3) Signal for 500-0-500 micro amp analogue null balance meter.
4) Standby at minimum. A volt-free, normally open contact wired to the rear plug
assembly. Rating as in 6.5.7.

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Power Supply
The Standby board contains its own supply independent of the Main channel and
Monitor. The power supply transformer primary is fused by FS1 and FS2
(250mA). Link selected taps that cater for the following inputs, as seen in the
following table:
Links Selected

Nominal Voltage Rating Over

66-480Hz Range

Nominal Voltage Rating

at 50/60Hz

1, 3, 6
1, 5, 6
2, 3, 4

220 - 330V
165 - 250V
110 - 165V

250 10%
187.5 10%
125 10%

The unit is rated for 125% of the maximum for 1 minute to cater for over speed
condition.
6.3.14

Output Voltage
The card produces firing pulses that are supplied to a full wave, half-controlled
bridge located in the mainframe. The maximum voltage that can be applied to the
field is approximately 75% of the PMG voltage at the input to the bridge.

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Manual No: HB959202000
6.4

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Utilities Card
6.4.1

Power Supplies
The card produces the following fused power supplies:
Card
A30-CON

A30-MON

Hand-held Terminal

Supply

Fuse

Value

15V 5%

FS4

250mA

+5V 5%

FS3

1A

15V 5%

FS2

250mA

+5V 5%

FS1

1A

+9V 1V

FS5

100mA

Note: The Hand-held Terminal Supply is not used on the A30 Excitation
Controller, and may not be fitted on later versions.
The +5V supplies are each fitted with over voltage protection.
The supplies are designed to operate in conjunction with the transformer mounted
in the mainframe, connected to the Auxiliaries Board and will operate over the
following voltage/frequency range:
Auxiliaries Board Voltage
Links Selected

Nominal Voltage Rating

66-480Hz

Nominal Voltage Rating

at 50/60Hz

1, 3, 6
1, 5, 6
2, 3, 4

220 - 330V
165 - 250V
110 - 165V

250 10%
187.5 10%
125 10%

The unit is rated for 125% of the maximum for 1 minute to cater for over speed
condition.
6.4.2

Diode Failure Relay

This unit detects exciter field current ripple and when this exceeds a pre-set limit
local indication is given on the card and a relay is energised to give an outgoing
signal.
1) Normal Sensitivity (Link 1 & 2 Omitted)
The relay will operate when the ripple exceeds 20% of the dc level.
2) Increased Sensitivity (Link 1 Fitted, 2 Omitted)
The ripple to operate the relay is adjustable using RV1 from 20% to 12% of
the dc level.
3) Reduced Sensitivity (Link 1 Omitted, 2 Fitted)
The ripple to operate the relay is adjustable using RV1 from 20% to 40% of
the dc level.
4) Test Facility
A front panel pushbutton (DFI Test) provides a means of testing the circuit.
Approximately 2 seconds after pressing the button local indication is given and
the DF alarm relay is energised.

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Relay Output Signals

The Utilities card contains relays described below having output signals that are
accessible on the rear plug assembly.
1) Contact Rating
All the relays on the Utilities card have the following rating:
Max switching Voltage
Max switching Current
Max switching Capacity
Min permissible Load

250V ac, 220V dc

2A ac, 2A dc
125VA, 60W
10mV dc, 10A

2) Diode Failure Relay (RL1)

A normally de-energised relay which energises when a diode failure is
detected. One volt-free changeover contact is provided.
3) Monitor Tripped Relay (RL3)
A normally de-energised relay which is energised by a signal from the A30MON card when any of the following fault conditions are detected unless the
general alarm relay RL4 is energised.

Over Voltage
Under Voltage
Over Excitation
Under Excitation
Over Flux monitor
A30-CON card microprocessor fault

One volt-free changeover contact is accessible at the rear plug connections. A

second changeover contact is internally wired to initiate transfer to Standby on
monitor operation.
4) Limiter Operating Relay (RL2)
A normally de-energised relay that, in Main control, is energised by a signal
from the A30-CON card when any of the following limiters operate:
Over Excitation
Under Excitation
Over Flux
In Standby control this relay is energised whenever the Main channel has
failed to match Standby in a specified time.
One volt-free changeover contact is accessible at the rear plug connections.
One normally closed contact is internally wired to inhibit the auto follower on
the Standby control card on limiter operation.
5) General Alarm Relay (RL4)
A normally de-energised relay that is energised by a signal from the A30-MON
card when any of the following fault conditions are detected:
Loss of A30-MON power supply
Loss of Standby regulator power supply
A30-MON card microprocessor fault
One volt-free changeover contact is accessible at the rear plug connections.
One normally closed contact is used to inhibit operation of the monitor-tripped
relay (RL3) in the event of the general alarm relay being energised.

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Utilities Card LED Indications

LED 1
LED 2
LED 3
LED 4
LED 5
LED 6
LED 7
LED 8

6.5

Issue: J

15V A30-CON supply healthy

15V A30-MON supply healthy
5V A30-MON supply healthy
5V A30-CON supply healthy
General alarm relay energised
Monitor relay energised
Diode failure relay energised
Unused

A30-RACK1 Mainframe
6.5.1

Field Suppression Contactor (FSC)

This contactor is mechanically latched in the excite or tripped condition. When
tripped, the ac supply to the thyristor circuits is disconnected and the field current
decays through the field suppression resistor.

6.5.2

Field Suppression Contactor Slave Relay (FSCS)

Indication of the state of FSC is given by a volt-free changeover contact on FSCS
wired to the outgoing terminal block. See below for contact rating.

6.5.3

Excitation Changeover Contactor (ECC)

The contactor is mechanically latched in the `Main' or `Standby' condition to select
the required power circuit.

6.5.4

Excitation Changeover Contactor Slave Relay (ECCS)

Indication of the state of ECC is given by a volt-free changeover contact on ECCS
wired to the outgoing connections. See below for contact rating.

6.5.5

Power Supply Relay (PSR)

Indication of the presence of the dc auxiliary power supply is provided by volt-free
changeover contacts on this relay, which is energised when the auxiliary supply is
present. See below for contact rating.

6.5.6

Fault Relay Slave (FRS)

Automatic changeover to Standby AVR occurs when FRS is energised by
operation of the monitor relay (RL3) on the Utilities card or operation of the A30CON card power supply failure relay located on the Standby card. See below for
contact rating.

6.5.7

Relay Contact Ratings

The contact ratings of FSCS, ECCS, PSR and FRS are as follows: Maximum Switching Voltage
Maximum Switching Current
Maximum Switching Capacity

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

250V ac
5A
1000VA

: 220V dc
: 1A (resistive)
: 50W

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Fuses
The following fuses are located as shown:
On auxiliaries board accessible from front:
FS1
FS2
FS3
FS4

Auxiliary dc supply +ve (5A)

Auxiliary dc supply -ve (5A)
A30-CON/A30-MON supply (2A)
A30-CON/A30-MON supply (2A)

In mainframe behind hinged door:

FS5
FS6
6.5.9

Main channel power circuit semiconductor fuse (20ET)

Standby power circuit semiconductor fuse (20ET)

Power Circuit Rating

1) Input Voltage
The nominal voltage of the PMG must be within the range 110V to 330V.
The PMG voltage should not fall below 75% of the nominal when supplying
the maximum field current required under fault conditions.
2) Output Voltage
The maximum voltage supplied to the exciter field will not be less than 75% of
the (loaded) PMG voltage supplied to the AVR.
3) Maximum Output Current
20A continuous
30A 10 seconds.
4) Ambient Temperature (Standard Unit)
Operating: 0C to +55C
Storage:
-40C to +65C
5) Principal Dimensions
483mm wide x 266mm (6u) high x 400mm deep
6) Weight
14.5kg approx. with plug in cards fitted.

6.5.10

Auxiliary Supply
Units can be supplied to operate from the following dc voltages:
24V
+15% -20%
110/125V
+15% - 20%

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HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
7.1

A30-CON Card
The control card contains the microprocessor and its associated digital addressing circuitry,
digital counter timer, signal conditioning circuitry, thyristor firing pulse isolation circuitry, digital
input and output ports, and serial communication ports, see Figure 4.
This board carries a smaller mezzanine board, the A30-M188, which contains the majority of
the microprocessor-allied components. A large proportion of these are contained in an FPGA
(Field Programmable Gate Array IC4) which is configured on power up by boot ROM IC3.
The EPROM (IC11-A) containing the working software is also on this board.

Figure 4: Block Diagram Of A30-CON Card

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The Microprocessor And Its Associated Digital Circuitry

A 32MHz crystal (XTAL1) controls the Microprocessor (IC7) timing. It can be reset
either by the operation of the push button marked `Micro Reset' on the front panel
or by the watchdog (1C1) whenever the software stops updating the watchdog.
The memory address circuits (IC6-A,IC8-A and IC9-A) produce a 17-bit address.
128K of volatile RAM is fitted (IC10_A) and 8K of non-volatile memory EEPROM is
fitted to store the commissioning and operator adjusted settings when the AVR is
shutdown.

7.1.2

Serial Communication
Two serial RS232-C ports are available for local and remote communication.
A PC based HMI (Human-Machine Interface) can be connected to the local
communication port via a `Comms' link to display and adjust contract settings.
Provision is made for remote communication from a rear connector to enable
adjustment of the settings and control modes via a SCADA link. This can also be
used to display quantities measured by the control card.

7.1.3

Line Voltage Measurements

Figure 5: Voltage Sensing Circuits

Figure 5 shows the route between the sensing terminals and the control card.
Two transformers on the Utilities card (T1 and T2) isolate the three-phase line
voltage before this is supplied to the A30-CON card. The voltage is then rectified
and buffered by IC3c to produce a smoothed dc voltage at TP9. Links 5A and 5B
are used to select the gain and smoothing according to whether single or three
phase sensing is required.
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The dc output voltage of IC3b is fed to a voltage to frequency converter (IC12)

whose output frequency is proportional to the line voltage. This series of pulses is
then buffered and read into a counter timer, inside the FPGA on the A30-M188,
over a fixed sampling period to provide a number which is proportional to line
voltage.
Typical voltage at TP9 is 4V - 6V dc at nominal line voltage.
7.1.4

Line Current Measurements

Figure 6: Line Current Sensing Circuits

The line current signal is supplied to current transformer T3 and T4 on the
Backboard.
The current sensing signal for the A30-CON card is produced across R2 (1A
primary) or R1 (5A primary) connected across the output of T3. This ac voltage is
fed to the A30-CON card where it is rectified and smoothed by IC3a and IC3c
before being fed to voltage to frequency converter IC2 whose output frequency is
proportional to line current.
Figure 6 shows the route between the current sensing terminals and the control
card. The following shows typical voltage levels with 5A or 1A CT selections at
rated or test levels of CT current.
Table 1: Typical Test Voltage Levels (With Respect To TP1)
CT
5A
1A
5A
1A

Link
Selection
1A
1B
1A
1B

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T3 Primary
Test Current
5A
1A
1A
0.2A

AC Volts
at C1/1
5V
4.7V
1V
0.94V

DC Volts
at TP2
1.7V
1.6V
0.34V
0.32V

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Field Current Measurement Circuits

Figure 7: Field Current Measurement Circuits

The field current is measured by two resistors R7 & R8 connected in series with
the exciter field, and mounted on the Backboard. The low voltage signal is
amplified by IC1 on the Backboard and then fed to the A30-CON card.
The signal is then supplied to a voltage to frequency converter IC1 whose output
is proportional to exciter field current.
Figure 7 shows the circuitry used for exciter field current measurement. The dc
voltage on TP4, with respect to TP1, should be approximately 0.33 x the reading
of the field current ammeter.

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Ambient Temperature Measurement

Figure 8: Temperature Measurement Circuits

Ambient temperature is measured using a 100 platinum resistance temperature
detector (RTD) normally placed in the generator cooling air inlet.
Any change in resistance of the RTD results in a change in the input signal to
amplifier IC3d, whose output is connected to a voltage to frequency converter IC5
to give a frequency signal which is related to RTD temperature.
Figure 8 shows the circuitry used for temperature measurement with typical
voltage levels.
7.1.7

Thyristor Phase Reference And Firing Circuits

Figure 9: Phase Reference And Firing Circuits

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The PMG voltage is isolated by transformer T2 on the auxiliaries board and

supplied to the A30-CON card where it is rectified by D11 & D12. The rectified
signal is compared to a negative signal and the difference amplified by IC7-D to
produce a narrow pulse at TP16 every zero crossing of the PMG voltage. This
signal is used to reset a counter in the FPGA on the A30-M188.
A number calculated in the software (called DEMAND) is loaded into a counter
timer every half cycle of the PMG voltage. Each time the PMG waveform passes
through zero, the time begins to count, and when the counter reaches the number
called Demand the thyristor is fired via a pulse transformer.
When the firing pulse is produced the counter is reset and begins counting again
on the next zero crossing of the PMG waveform.
7.1.8

Opto-Isolated Digital Inputs Of The A30-CON Card

Figure 10: Typical Arrangement Of Opto-Isolated Input Signals

External control panel inputs such as volts raise, volts lower, PF control, VAr shed
etc are optically isolated from the A30 electronic circuitry. Each input is de-coupled
to filter any transient spikes in the auxiliary dc supply. It can be used for 24/48V or
110/125V dc supply, Link A being fitted for 24/48V supply, and Link B is fitted for
110/125V supply.
When a dc signal of the correct level is applied to an input, a 5V-isolated signal is
produced at the output that is then applied to a digital input port of the
microprocessor.

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A30-MON Card
7.2.1

Introduction
The A30-MON card contains the microprocessor and its associated digital
addressing circuitry, digital counter timer, signal conditioning circuitry, digital input
and output ports, and serial communication ports. A Mezzanine Board, the A30M188 carries the majority of the microprocessor components. This board is
identical to the one on the A30-CON card except for the software contained in the
EPROM.
It is similar to the A30-CON card, except it does not have the thyristor firing circuit
and the PMG voltage input. See Figure 11.

Figure 11: Block Diagram Of A30-MON Card

7.2.2

The Microprocessor And Its Associated Digital Circuitry

A 32MHz crystal (XTAL1) controls the Microprocessor (IC7) timing. It can be reset
either by the operation of the push button marked `Micro Reset' on the front panel
or by the watchdog (1C1) whenever the software stops updating the watchdog.

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The memory address circuits (IC6-A,IC8-A and IC9-A) produce a 17-bit address.
128K of volatile RAM is fitted (IC10_A) and 8K of non-volatile memory EEPROM is
fitted to store the commissioning and operator adjusted settings when the AVR is
shut down.
7.2.3

Serial Communication
Two serial RS232-C ports are available for local and remote communication. An
HMI can be connected to the local communication port via a `Comms' link to
display contract settings.

7.2.4

Line Voltage Measurements

Two transformers (T1 and T2) isolate the three-phase line voltage on the Utilities
card before being supplied to the A30-MON card. The voltage is then rectified and
buffered by IC4d to produce a smooth dc voltage at TP4. Links 2A and 2B are
used to select the gain and smoothing according to whether single or three phase
sensing is required.
The dc output voltage of IC4d is fed to a voltage to frequency converter (IC3)
whose output frequency is proportional to the line voltage. This series of pulses is
then buffered and read into a counter timer over a fixed sampling period to provide
a number which is proportional to line voltage.
Figure 5, Page 29 shows the route between the sensing terminals and the A30MON card and typical voltage measurements with 110V sensing signal applied.

7.2.5

Line Current Measurement

The line current signal is supplied to current transformer T3 and T4 on the
Backboard.
The current sensing signal for the A30-MON card is produced across R2 (1A
primary) or R1 (5A primary) connected across the output of T3. This ac voltage is
fed to the A30-MON card where it is rectified by IC10b and smoothed by IC10a
before being fed to voltage to frequency converter IC8 whose output frequency is
proportional to line current.
Figure 6, Page 30 shows the route between the current sensing terminals and the
A30-MON card with typical voltages and 5A or 1A flowing.

7.2.6

Field Current Measurement

The field current is measured by two resistors R7 & R8 connected in series with
the exciter field, and mounted on the Backboard. The low voltage signal is
amplified by IC2 on the Backboard and then fed to the A30-MON.
The signal is then supplied to a voltage to frequency converter IC1 whose output
is proportional to exciter field current.
Figure 7, Page 31 shows the circuitry used for exciter field current measurement.
The dc voltage on TP15, with respect to TP1, should be approximately 0.348 x the
reading of the field current ammeter.

7.2.7

Ambient Temperature Measurement

Ambient temperature is measured using a 100 platinum resistance temperature
detector (RTD) normally placed in the generator cooling air inlet.

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An error proportional to the temperature change is produced by the A30-CON card

which is then supplied to the A30-MON, where it is amplified by IC10c whose
output is connected to a voltage to frequency converter IC7 to give a frequency
signal which is related to RTD temperature.
Figure 8, Page 32 shows the circuitry used for temperature measurement with
typical voltage levels.
7.2.8

Opto-Isolated Digital Inputs

External control panel inputs such as field suppression contactor and monitor
inhibit etc. are optically isolated from the A30 Excitation Controller electronic
circuitry. Each input is de-coupled to filter any transient spikes in the auxiliary dc
supply. It can be used for 24/48V or 110V dc supply, Link A being fitted for 24/48V
supply, and Link B is fitted for 110/125V supply.
When a dc signal of the correct level is applied to an input, a 5V-isolated signal is
produced at the isolator output that is then applied to a digital input port of the
microprocessor.
Figure 10, Page 33 shows the circuitry used.

7.3

Standby Control Card

7.3.1

Introduction
The Standby control card contains all the electronic circuitry to control the Standby
power circuit housed in the mainframe. It is designed to be independent of the
Utilities, A30-CON and A30-MON cards.

7.3.2

Power Supply
The power supply is derived from the PMG voltage applied to the primary of T3 via
FS1 and FS2. Links are used to select the correct PMG voltage.
The 12V dc supplies are produced by VT1, VT2, Reg 1 and Reg 2 and
associated components. The supply is monitored by LED 3 to provide front of
panel indications, and IC9d that provides an isolated signal to the A30-MON card
indicating the state of the Standby power supply.
Figure 12 shows the simplified circuitry associated with the Standby power supply.

Figure 12: Simplified Circuitry Associated With Standby Power Supply

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Digital Reference
IC4, 3 and 1 form a 12 bit up down counter controlled by the raise/lower logic
described in 7.3.10.
The 12 outputs are connected to a network of resistors R1 to R24 to produce a
reference signal that is adjustable in 4096 steps. This signal is supplied to the
input of amplifier IC10a whose output provides the reference current for the
Standby regulator to the input of IC15b.
The counter is limited to a maximum count when the 8 most significant bits reach
logic `1'. Under this condition the output of IC12 falls to logic `0' forcing the next
clock pulse to reduce the count.
Similarly, when the counter is in its `fully down' state the outputs will be at logic `0'
and provide minimum reference current.
At Standby minimum Pin 6 of IC4 and Pin 7 of IC1 are both zero which causes the
output of IC6c to fall to `0' and turn on FET 2 giving indication of Standby at
minimum, whilst simultaneously removing further clock pulses via IC8a and IC8c.

7.3.4

Control Of Thyristor Firing

The thyristor in the Standby power circuit are phase controlled to provide the
required Standby output voltage. To control the instant of firing a triangular
waveform at TP4 that is synchronised to the PMG output voltage is compared to a
dc voltage at TP16.
When the voltage at TP4 exceeds that at TP16 the output of IC4d becomes
positive and thyristor firing pulses are produced by oscillator IC16a and associated
components. FET3 is pulsed on and transformer T2 supplies pulses to the gate of
thyristor SCR3 and SCR4.

7.3.5

Field Voltage Control

The output of the Standby regulator is fed to the Standby card terminal S2/11. It is
then attenuated, smoothed and supplied via LK14 to the input of an amplifier,
where it is compared to the digital reference signal. The difference or error signal
is amplified and then inverted by IC4b and IC4c to produce a signal at TP16 that
controls the firing angle.
If the output of the Standby regulator is higher than the reference, the voltage at
TP16 becomes more positive and the firing angle is retarded.

7.3.6

Line Voltage Control

Line voltage is supplied to the Standby control card at S2/2 and S2/1. It is isolated
by T1 and rectified, attenuated and smoothed, and then supplied via LK15 to the
input of IC46 where it is compared to the digital reference signal. The error is
amplified and then inverted to produce a signal at TP16 that controls the firing
angle. A line current signal supplied at S1/1 and S1/3 provides a drooping
voltage/lagging VAr characteristic (QCC) LK12 is fitted for a 1A and LK13 is fitted
for 5A current sensing.
Figure 13 shows the simplified circuits associated with field voltage and line
voltage control.

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Figure 13: Simplified Circuits Associated With Field Control And Line
Voltage Control
7.3.7

Stabilising
The field voltage signal present at C32 is smoothed by R74, 78, 79 (as
appropriate) and C21 and is then conditioned by IC11b and associated
components and supplied to the input of the error amplifier via C25, RV2 and R71.
RV1 provides adjustment of the quantity of stabilising signal provided and RV2
provides adjustment of the phase shift. Links 25, 26 and 28 are set according to
the exciter field time constant (See Appendix B - Card Link Descriptions, Link
Description 5).

7.3.8

Field Voltage Limiter

The output of the Standby regulator at S2/11 is attenuated, smoothed and then
supplied to the input of an amplifier, IC11a, where it is compared to a reference
signal.
If the attenuated field voltage exceeds the reference, the output of IC11a becomes
negative and the excitation is limited to that level by the signal flowing through
LK24, D5 and R83 to the input of IC15C. RV5 provides adjustment of the setting,
and LK24 can be removed to inhibit the limiter if required.

7.3.9

Low Frequency Cut-Off

The line voltage signal at the input of DB1 is converted to a triangular waveform at
TP22 whose height increases as frequency reduces.
When the frequency falls below a pre-set level set by RV3, the voltage at TP22
causes the output of IC10c to switch positive which provides a signal to the 12 bit
counter to set its output to zero via D9 and LK7. Links 8 and 9 select the cut-off
frequency for 50/60Hz machines.

7.3.10

Raise/Lower Logic When Standby Control Selected

When Standby mode is selected, the auto follower mode is turned off since no
signal is applied to S1/5. To raise the digital reference, auxiliary dc should be
connected to S1/11, or PB2 on the card should be closed. Provided the counter is
not already at its upper limit, TP9 at the output of IC5a becomes positive and
TP10 also becomes positive to gate the clock pulses (generated by IC5b and
associated components) to the counter.

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Applying the dc supply to S1/9 or operating PB1 on the card lowers the digital
reference. In this case, TP9 is driven to a low level to make the clock pulses
reduce the counter setting.
When the raise or lower signals are removed the counter remains at its current
setting.
7.3.11

Null Balance Detector

The null balance detector compares the instant at which the Main channel and
Standby channel thyristor firing pulses occur and produces meter and LED
indications to show whether Standby is firing later than Main i.e. `STANDBY LOW',
or earlier than Main i.e. `STANDBY HIGH'. Signals are also produced by the null
balance detector to automatically match the firing angle of the Standby regulator to
that of the Main. This means that when Standby is selected from Main, it is set to
the correct level.
Conversely, when in Standby, control signals are produced by the null balance
detector, which are supplied to the A30-CON card to match the firing angle of
Main to that of Standby. By this means it is possible to run on Standby and check
automatically that null balance can be obtained to indicate the state of the Main
channel.
The null balance detector receives a firing pulse signal from the A30-CON card at
S1/27, which is supplied, to IC14a. The firing pulse signal from the Standby pulse
circuit is supplied to IC14a and IC14b and are arranged to produce voltages at
TP2 and TP3 which are equal when the firing angle of Main and Standby are
balanced.
Any difference in firing angle is amplified by IC13b whose output is driven positive
when Main is higher than Standby and vice verse. The null balance meter is driven
from the output of IC13b through current limiting components.
IC13c and IC13d are voltage comparators arranged to produce raise and lower
signals to the auto follower, and also to give local LED indication of Standby high
or low. Due to the fast response to the null balance measurement circuits,
fluctuation of the null balance meter and Standby high/low LED's is normal
particularly when following an AVR channel.

7.3.12

Auto Follower
When operating in Main without any excitation limiters operating, internal relay
logic applies the dc auxiliary supply to S1/5 which turns on opto isolator IC9a and
drives the output of IC7a to logic 1. LED 6 on the Standby card is also turned on to
indicate `Main Control' channel operation.
If the counter is not at the upper or lower limit, an `UP' or `DOWN' signal from the
null balance detector will set TP9 to level `1' to raise or `0' to lower, and drive
TP10 to a logic `1' to gate the clock pulses to the counter.
The counter is adjusted and the reference changed which results in a change in
the voltage at TP16 and a subsequent change of Standby firing angle. By this
means, the difference between Main and Standby firing angle is minimised.

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Lower Limit And Standby At Minimum Indication

When the Standby reference is at minimum, Pin 6 of IC4 and Pin 7 of IC1 become
zero and the output of IC6c falls to zero preventing any further lower signals via
IC8a and IC8c. At the same time FET 2 is turned on, RL2 is energised, and LED 5
turned on to give Standby at minimum indication.

7.3.14

Main AVR Power Supply Monitor

The Main channel 15V supply is applied to S1/19 and S1/21 and provides a
signal to opto isolator IC12d. Loss of this supply causes RL1 and LED 4 to be
turned on via FET 1. A contact on RL1 causes FRS in the mainframe to energise
and select the Standby system.

7.4

Utilities Card
7.4.1

Introduction
The Utilities card contains 15V and 5V-dc power supplies, and line voltage
sensing transformers for the A30-CON and A30-MON cards. Relays associated
with AVR logic, monitoring and indication facilities, together with the diode failure
detector are also included.
Figure 14 shows the circuitry that supplies the Utilities card with typical voltage
levels indicated. Allowance should be made when measuring transformer voltages
for different PMG voltage levels to those shown.

Figure 14: Utilities Card Connections

7.4.2

5V DC Power Supplies
The PMG voltage on U1/5 and U1/9, supplied by the transformer T1 on the
auxiliaries board, is rectified by the diode bridges (DB2 and DB4) and smoothed
by C2 and C8. This unregulated dc voltage is then fed into a 5V dc regulator (IC1
or IC3) and the 5V output supplied to A30-CON and A30-MON cards LED's 3 & 4
provide indication that the 5V supply is energised. IC2 and IC4 monitor the 5V rail.
If an over voltage condition occurs, thyristor 1 or 2 will be fired and cause fuse
FS3 or FS1 to rupture.

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15V DC Power Supplies

The transformer T1 on the auxiliaries board supplies the PMG voltage on U1/15,
U1/17, U1/19 and U1/21. The diode bridges DB1 and DB3 rectify this AC voltage.
The unregulated dc voltage is then fed into two zener diodes to produce 15V for
the A30-CON and the A30-MON cards. The transistor VT1 and VT2 provide a
constant current source for the 15V supplies. LED's 1 and 2 provide indication
that the 15V supplies are energised.

7.4.4

HMI Power Supply

A +9Vdc power supply for a hand-held terminal. The dc voltage present at the
output of DB4 is fused by FS5 (100mA) and regulated at 9V by VT3, Z11 and
associated components before being supplied to a socket on the front plate of the
Utilities card.
Note: This feature is not used on the A30 Excitation Controller, and may not be
fitted on later versions.

7.4.5

Relays Associated With The AVR Logic And Indications

Input signals to the card include monitor trip at U2/18, general alarm at U2/24, and
limiter on at U2/20, are given by the A30-MON card and the A30-CON card. Logic
0 at these terminals causes the corresponding FET3, FET5 or FET4 to turn on.
This in turn gives a corresponding LED indication and energises relays that
provide external indications.

7.4.6

Diode Failure Indication

Diode or fuse failure in the rotating assembly is detected by sensing ripple induced
in the exciter field current caused by unbalanced loading of the exciter output.
The voltage across R7 and R8 is amplified by IC2 on the Backboard and then
supplied to the diode failure circuit on the Utilities card.
Excessive ripple is detected by IC5b whose output is normally high and goes low
when ripple is detected. The output of IC5b is fed via D16 and R50 to IC5a which
turns on FET 2 after a time delay. FET2 turns on FET1 to energise the diode
failure relay RL1/1 and turn on LED 7 on the Utilities card.
The unit is supplied with fixed sensitivity but by fitting LK1, adjustable increasing
sensitivity is provided as RV1 is turned clockwise. Fitting LK2 and rotating RV1
clockwise can reduce the sensitivity.

7.5

A30-RACK1 Mainframe
Reference is made to the A30 Excitation Controller Circuit Diagram (See Appendix E Drawings).
The mainframe is a 19", 6U rack. At the front, on the left, is a fixed panel. Next is a vertically
hinged panel and, at the right, is a printed circuit Backboard that carries four pairs of sockets
for the plug-in cards.
A printed circuit board (the Auxiliaries Board) is fixed towards the top of the left-hand side
plate. This board carries four fuses, which are accessible on the fixed front panel. At the rear
of the board there are two, 16-way sockets. The board is also associated with the transformer
that provides the ac supply for the Main channel electronics power supply. The Auxiliaries
Board also contains four small, plug-in relays, PSR, FRS, ECCS and FSCS.
On the inside of the left-hand side plate, below the auxiliaries board, are mounted two
contactors, ECC and FSC and the field discharge resistor, FSR.

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The mainframe has a substantial heat sink at the rear on which are fitted two separate, halfcontrolled, single-phase bridges. These are used for the Main and Standby excitation
systems. Also mounted on the heat sink are a ballast resistor (BR) and a small PCB that
provides voltage suppression for the two bridges.
Connections to the mainframe are via six, 16-way sockets. Two of these, mentioned above,
are on the auxiliaries board while the remaining four are mounted on the Backboard and all
provide access at the rear. Facilities for connecting the higher current cables for the PMG and
exciter field are provided on a DIN rail-mounted terminal block on the back of the unit.
Note: All the above connections are of the cage-clamp type and reference should be made to
Section 9 for wiring suggestions.
A 25-way, serial communications socket is also provided at the rear of the unit.
7.5.1

Main Channel Power Circuit

In Main control, the PMG supply is connected via FSC-1, ECC-2, and ECC-3 to
the half controlled bridge comprising SCR1, SCR2, D1, and D2. The positive
output of the bridge is connected to the exciter field via DB1, FSC-2, FSC-3 and
FSC-4. The negative of the exciter field is connected through current measuring
resistors R7 and R8, to the negative of the Main and Standby power circuits which
are commoned.
A ballast resistance BR is connected across the field connections.
Note: The negative of the exciter field is earthed; the PMG must
not be earthed.

7.5.2

Standby Control Power Circuit

In Standby control the PMG supply is connected via FSC-1, ECC-1 and ECC-4 to
the half controlled bridge comprising SCR3, SCR4, D3, and D4. The positive
output of the bridge is connected to the exciter field via DB2, FSC-2, FSC-3 and
FSC-4. As in Main control, the negative of the exciter field is connected through
R7 and R8 to the negative of the Main and Standby power circuits.

7.5.3

Relay And Contactor Logic

1) Field Suppression Contactor FSC And Slave Relay FSCS
Incorporated in the rack are a contactor (FSC) and a resistor (FSR) used for
suppression of the exciter field. Three contacts, FSC-2, FSC-3 and FSC-4, are
connected in series with the exciter field, each having a section of FSR
connected across it.
As these contacts open to suppress the field, current flows through FSR,
giving rapid decay of exciter field current.
A third contact, FSC-1, is used to break the ac supply from the PMG.
Contact FSCS-1 is used to input the state of FSC to the A30-CON and A30MON card via Q/24 on the main frame.
The contactor is mechanically latched so that a failure in the coil supply will
not produce any change in the contactor state. When the contactor is in the
tripped condition (recognised by the control button on the latching mechanism
being out) the field is suppressed.

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2) Excitation Changeover Contactor ECC And Slave Relay ECCS

The Circuit Diagram (See Appendix E - Drawings) shows the contactors in the
`Main channel' excitation state with the PMG connected to the Main power
circuit.
In this condition the Standby power circuit is disconnected from the PMG by
ECC-1 and ECC-4 and from the exciter field by DB2.
Contact ECCS-1, which is closed when Main is selected, provides a signal to
the Standby card S1/5 (via the Utilities card) to select Standby to the Main
follower mode, provided that the excitation limiter is not operating.
Contact ECC-7 provides a signal to the A30-CON card C2/17 when in
Standby. This is used to set the A30-CON card in the `Standby follower' mode
to make its output follow that of the Standby channel.
3) Fault Relay Slave - FRS
In the event of fault monitor operation or detection of loss of A30-CON card
power supply, FRS is energised causing ECC to change state and select
Standby control.
4) Power Supply Relay - PSR
The presence of the auxiliary dc supply is monitored by PSR.
7.5.4

Field Current Transducers

Resistors R7 and R8, which are located on the Backboard measure exciter field
current. IC1 and IC2 amplify the low voltage signal before supplying it to the Main
Control, Monitor and Standby cards.

7.5.5

Line Current Measurement

Line current supplied to terminals 134 and 133 is supplied to current transformers
T3 (for A30-CON and A30-MON) and T4 (for Standby). Links are provided across
the output of T3 to select for 5A or 1A primary (equivalent links are provided on
the Standby card).
Note: The Standby, A30-CON and A30-MON cards can be removed without open
circuiting the CT supply although the 5A/1A feed should be shorted before
removing rear plugs.

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SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION
8.1

A30-CON Card
The mezzanine board on the control card has a boot ROM (IC3) and a software chip (IC11-A)
fitted. The boot ROM, Part No 962618301, contains the necessary software to configure the
FPGA (IC4) on power up. The software chip contains the control software, which can vary
depending on the application.
To establish which control software is fitted consult the QC48 document. Alternatively, with
the A30 isolated, the control card can be removed to view the software chip (IC11-A) to
determine the Part No. and Version No.
To ensure the HMI software is compatible with the control software, the HMI software Part No.
962609800 must be Version 2.1 or later.
8.1.1

Standard Control Software (963137401)

This software is supplied as standard on the control card. This software is based
on the original control software, 962616600, but the differential term has been
modified. This was done to give an appropriate response when used with a power
system stabiliser (PSS).
The software chip 963137401 may also be used if no stabiliser is present.
The software chip 963137401 should be used wherever possible for
standardisation and to allow for future use of a stabiliser even if not originally
required.
See Section 6.1.13 for details on using the A30 with a PSS.

8.1.2

Logic For Detection Of VT Signal Missing On Startup

Included in A30-CON software chip 963137401 from version 3.00.
The logic looks for the presence of VT sensing signals when excitation is initially
applied when a generator is started. The logic causes the A30 to remove
excitation if VT signals are not seen on startup and it flags an indication on the
HMI screen.
Excitation remains at zero until the FSC contactor in the A30 is selected to the
suppress position and then back to excite.
The VT missing on startup logic also limits the fast over excitation limiter setting to
200% of no load cold excitation setting during startup. This is an added safeguard
to ensure excitation is not excessive before missing VT signals on startup are
detected. When using this software chip it is necessary to correctly set the new
preset value "No Load Cold Excitation" using the HMI (HR 40057) (See Table 11
Page 74).
When the logic detects missing VT signals on startup, indication is given on the
HMI screen in the form of one of three flag "stages". The three stages help to
determine the nature of the VT signal problem. Stage One indicates that the unit
saw voltage remaining very low during startup and saw excitation at a level
indicating that two or three VT connections were missing. Stage Two indicates that
the unit did not see nominal voltage being reached during startup and saw
excitation at a high level indicating that one VT connection was missing. Stage
Three indicates that the unit did see nominal voltage being reached during startup
but saw excitation at a high level indicating that one VT connection was missing.

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The new logic has been thoroughly factory tested. Further testing on site would
unnecessarily risk damage to the generator and any connected equipment and
should be avoided. If a customer wishes to see the logic demonstrated on site
then great care should be taken to ensure that any connected equipment can
withstand the temporary high voltages which would be applied and that no
damage is done to the generator. During a test the new logic will remove
excitation within approximately 6 seconds and the terminal voltage of a 13.8kV
generator would be expected to reach about 18kV. In any tests it is important to
ensure that the excitation is not allowed to exceed 200% of the no load cold
excitation value for more than 15 seconds to guarantee no damage is done to the
generator.
8.1.3

Widening The Range settings For Minimum & Maximum VRef

Included in A30-CON software chip 963137401 from version 3.01
The maximum value of VRef minimum limit was increased to 100% of VT nominal
and the minimum value of VRef maximum limit was reduced to 100% of VT
nominal. This was introduced to the standard chip following a requirement on a
particular site to limit VRef to a value closer to nominal than previously required.

8.1.4

Lowering Of The Minimum Overflux Limiter Setting

Included in A30-CON software chip 963137401 from version 3.02.
The previous minimum possible overflux setting of 1.08PU has been reduced to
1.00PU.
It is recommended that the overflux limiter should be set to 1.08PU which falls
within the range recommended by ANSI C37.106.

8.1.5

Offloading VArs In PF Control Mode

Included in A30-CON software chip 963137401 from version 3.03.
This version ensures that the software always uses the correct PF reference when
restarting after offloading VARs in PF control mode.

8.1.6

Original Control Software (962616600)

A version of the original software chip 962616600, labelled 3.03, provides all the
A30-CON improvements described above but without changing the differential
term appropriate for use with a stabiliser. This has been produced for cases where
detection of VT missing on startup logic needs to be fitted, but where it is
inconvenient to adjust the differential settings and carry out response tests on site.
In all other situations software chip 963137401 should be used.

8.1.7

Voltage Reference Adjust by Analogue Input (963113801)

This software was based on the original control software, 962616600 version 2.00,
but has been modified to provide means of adjusting the AVR reference using an
analogue input. The analogue input signal is normally isolated and scaled 0 to 5
Vdc. The amount of adjustment the signal makes can be set in the maintenance
presets. The Hreg 40056 (See Table 11 Page 74) identified as Auxiliary Input + or
- % Range contains the percentage change in the voltage reference when the
analogue input is swept from 0 to 5 Vdc. This value can be set between 0 and +/10%.

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The analogue input to the AVR is connected to terminals 107 (-ve) and 108 (+ve).
On the A30-CON card Link 6B must be fitted and Switch 1-8 on the mezzanine
board must be off. To activate the analogue adjustment feature the Enable Analog
Adjust module must be selected from the HMI. The Panel/HMI digital input going
into terminal 106 should then be selected to HMI. The voltage reference may now
be trimmed by an analogue signal of 0 to 5 Vdc. The status of the analogue adjust
facility is indicated on the HMI. When the level of the analogue input is changed
the internal voltage reference is adjusted to the value determined by the analogue
signal. The rate of change is determined by the value set in the maintenance
presets Hreg 40061 (See Table 11 Page 74) during initial set up.
To commission the analogue adjustment of the voltage reference run with the
analogue adjust facility disabled and set the reference to nominal. Set the
analogue input to the AVR terminals 107(-ve) and 108(+ve) to 2.5v and adjust
RV7 on the A30-CON card until V Ref via Analog Input shown on the HMI is
equal to nominal volts. Confirm that when the analogue input signal is raised to
5Vdc, V Ref via Analog Input increases to the maximum required value. Confirm
that when the analogue input signal is set to 0Vdc, V Ref via Analog Input
decreases to the minimum required value. Set the analogue signal to 2.5Vdc,
Enable Analog Adjust via modules button and check that variation of the
analogue signal produces the required variation of line voltage.
When analogue adjustment of the voltage reference is enabled, automatic Power
Factor or VAr control can be achieved by adjusting the analogue input signal.
If the Power Factor or VAr controller in the AVR is selected, adjustment of the set
point is via the panel PF/VAr raise lower switches.
WARNING: When turning off automatic PF/VAr control system, the set
point will return to the voltage determined by the analogue input signal,
which may not be matched to the present line voltage.
8.1.8

Special Follower Software (963180201)

This software was based on the original software (962616600 version 2.00) but
has been modified to provide smooth transfer between Voltage Control, PF
Control and VAr Control.
a) Excitation Controller Selected For Main Control Channel
i)
When In Voltage Control Mode
The PF reference raise/lower switch functions are disabled and the
reference of the PF controller will be automatically matched (within the
preset limits of 0.9 lead to 0.6 lag) to the machine output PF. On selection
of PF control mode, the reference will be the PF value that applied when
in the previous mode of control. On selection of PF control, the PF
reference raise lower switches can be used to change the PF reference.
The VAr reference raise/lower switch functions are disabled and the
reference of the VAr controller will be automatically matched (within the
preset limits of 50% lead to 100%lag) to the machine output Vars. On
selection of VAr control mode, the reference will be the VAr value that
applied when in the previous mode of control. On selection of VAr control,
the VAr reference raise lower switches can be used to change the VAr
reference.
ii)

When In PF Control Mode

The Voltage reference will be automatically adjusted (within its preset
limits) so that there is no change in set point on transfer from PF control
back to voltage control.

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The VAr reference raise/lower switch functions are disabled and the
reference of the VAr controller will be automatically matched (within the
preset limits of 50% lead to 100%lag) to the machine output Vars. On
selection of VAr control mode, the reference will be the VAr value that
applied when in the previous mode of control. On selection of VAr control,
the VAr reference raise lower switches can be used to change the VAr
reference.
iii) When In VAr Control Mode
The Voltage reference will be automatically adjusted (within its preset
limits) so that there is no change in set point on transfer from VAr control
back to voltage control.
The PF reference raise/lower switch functions are disabled and the
reference of the PF controller will be automatically matched (within the
preset limits of 0.9 lead to 0.6 lag) to the machine output PF. On selection
of PF control mode, the reference will be the PF value that applied when
in the previous mode of control. On selection of PF control, the PF
reference raise lower switches can be used to change the PF reference.
b) On Standby Channel When Not In Control
The Standby controller remains as standard, it will normally follow the output
of the Main Controller so that there is minimum shock on transfer to Standby.
8.2

A30-MON Card
The mezzanine board on the monitor card has a boot ROM (IC3) and software chip (IC11-A)
fitted. The boot ROM, Part No 962617100, contains the necessary software to configure the
FPGA (IC4) on power up and the software chip, Part No 962616700, contains the monitor
software.
8.2.1

Lowering Of The Minimum Overflux Monitor Setting

Included in A30-MON software chip 962616700 from version 1.5
The previous minimum possible overflux setting of 1.10PU has been reduced to
1.00PU.
It is recommended that the overflux monitor should be set to 1.13PU to give
suitable discrimination from the recommended overflux limiter setting (See 8.1.4
above).

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INSTALLATION AND MECHANICAL DETAILS, CARD FITTING AND REMOVAL

9.1

Installation
The A30 Excitation Controller is primarily designed for mounting into a standard 19" rack
cabinet, but can be mounted on any sturdy panel with a suitable cutout. Where the unit is
fitted into a cutout, some form of vertical stiffening is required behind the panel at each side of
the cutout to support the cantilevered weight of the unit. For fixing dimensions, refer to the
General Arrangement drawing (See Appendix E - Drawings).
In addition to the above stiffening, it is advisable to either provide support under the rear of the
unit, or to remove the unit during transit. If channels are provided either side of the AVR so
that the unit `sits' on these when in position, these will ease subsequent removal for
inspection and maintenance.
A minimum of 300mm must be provided in front of the unit to allow the plug-in cards to be
fitted into the extender card when commissioning/fault finding.

9.2

Ventilation
It is important to ensure a free air space of 150mm above and below the unit to allow
adequate thermal cooling of the unit. The top cover of the AVR is perforated to allow
ventilation, and should not be obstructed or covered.

9.3

Wiring To The A30 Excitation Controller

Connections to the AVR are made to a fixed terminal rail and to 6 removable plugs for light
2
current connections. The fixed terminals rail is suitable for cables up to 4mm and the 6 light
current plugs are suitable for cables up to 2.5mm (if a crimped ferrule is used refer to 9.4.1)
All connections use a cage clamp type of terminal in which the clamping force adjusts
automatically to the conductor cross-section. The flat clamping face of the cage clamp spring
presses the conductor against the current bar without damage. Any deformation or movement
of the conductor is automatically compensated so eliminating the risk of a loose connection.
The types of conductors that are suitable, with conductor preparation (anti-splaying protection)
are shown in Figure 15.

Figure 15: Types Of Conductors

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A sound earth connection must be made to the earth terminal at the rear of the AVR.
Care should be taken not to allow debris to drop through the cover of the AVR during
installation.
9.4

Wiring To The Plug

Two methods of wiring the plug are recommended:
9.4.1

Method 1
1) Firmly secure the plug in the approximate final position (the ideal way to do
this is to insert the plug into its socket on the A30 Excitation Controller).
2) Strip back the insulation from the cable to a distance of 7mm to 8mm or fit a
crimped ferrule if a contract requirement.
3) Insert the cage clamp tool or a small screwdriver into the terminal to open the
cage clamp, and insert the cable ensuring that the clamp grips the conductor
and that no stray strands are left exposed. See Figure 16.

Figure 16: Connection Of Conductors - Front Entry

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Method 2 (Using The Special Lever To Open The Cage Clamp)

1) Prepare the cable as described in 9.4.1 Method 1, Item 2).
2) Holding the plug in the hand, depress the special lever and insert the cable
into the clamp. See Figure 17 and Figure 18.

Figure 17: Connection Of Conductors - Side Entry With Lever

For Self-Mounting

Figure 18: Dimension Drawing Of Conductor With Lever For

Self-Mounting
3) Release the lever and check that no cable strands remain exposed.
9.5

Safety
The A30 Excitation Controller should be installed in a manner so the rear connections cannot
be accidentally touched when the equipment is energised.

9.6

Mechanical Details
The PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller is a standard 19" wide rack, 6u high, of overall
dimensions 483mm wide, 266mm high, 400mm deep. Approximate weight is 14.5kg.
The General Arrangement drawing (see Appendix E - Drawings), shows the overall
dimensions of the unit, the card positions and positions of the rear connections.

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Card Fitting and Removal

WARNING: Take anti-static precautions when handling cards. Ensure that you are
earthed (grounded) by using a wrist strap or similar device. An earth connection
terminal is fitted in the centre or the front right hand mounting bracket of the AVR
to which a wrist strap may be clipped.
Electronic cards can be damaged by static discharge and should be carried in
anti static protective containers wherever practicable. They should always be
stored and transported in anti static bags or boxes.
Each plug-in card is fitted with a captive securing screw and a card insertion/ejector
mechanism top and bottom.
To remove a card, first ensure that the mainframe switch SW1 is turned off if removing the
Utilities, A30-CON or A30-MON card. The two retaining screws should be released and the
ejector levers gently pushed apart to jack the board out of the rack.
To insert a board, ensure that the mainframe switch is off if fitting the Utilities, A30-CON or
A30-MON card. Push the ejector levers apart, and then insert the card in the correct position
until resistance is felt. Gently pull the levers together to draw the card into the rack. Finally,
tighten the two captive screws.

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COMMISSIONING
10.1

EMC Installation And Operation Guidelines

The A30 Excitation Controller is industrial equipment and meets the essential requirements of
the EEC EMC Directive 89/336/EMC when installed and operated in accordance with the
following guidelines.
10.1.1

Installation
The unit should be installed and connected so as to limit externally generated
interference levels reaching it to within the levels defined by EN 50082-2
(Immunity Generic Standard - Industrial).
This is achieved by mounting in a suitably constructed, earthed metal enclosure
and wiring in accordance with the guidelines given in paragraph 10.1.3.
Additionally, other equipment installed in a common enclosure should not produce
interference in excess of the levels prescribed by EN 50081-2 ((Emissions Generic
Standard - Industrial).

10.1.2

Use Of Portable Communication Devices

Mobile phones and 'walkie talkies' should not be used near the
equipment unless covers are fitted and panel doors closed.
Furthermore, the antenna power of such transceivers should not
exceed 5 watts and they should not be operated at a distance less
than 1 metre from the equipment.

10.1.3

Wiring
It is recommended that the equipment is installed in accordance with the general
practices outlined in IEC 61000-5-2 1997 and 61000-5-6.
For excitation systems, for EMC purposes, signal and power cables may be
classified as follows:
1) High Level Signal Cables
Voltage and current sensing.
2) Low Level Signal Cables
Analogue input terminal of AVR such as output from auxiliary controller or
power system stabiliser.
Null balance meter connections.
Resistance temperature detectors.
(Individual shielded twisted pairs are recommended for these signals).
3) High Frequency Power Cables
Excitation sources such as PMG or excitation transformer supply.
Generator field connections.
4) Low Frequency Power Cables
Connections to auxiliary power supplies.
5) Operation
The equipment must be used for the application for which it is designed and
operated within its specified duty. All outgoing relay contacts and switches
must be used within their rating and should be suppressed when used to
switch inductive loads.

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Note: The advice given in the safety notice at the front of this Instruction Manual
should be followed during commissioning.
WARNING: If Standby control is to be used to excite the machine whilst running
short circuited either for protection testing or drying out it is essential that it is
selected for FIELD VOLTAGE control as described in 10.4.1 to 10.4.3, Item 1).
Line current and exciter field current should be carefully monitored at this stage.
10.2

Pre-Commissioning Checks
Prior to commissioning the A30 Excitation Controller unit, it is important to complete
commissioning of the protection system for the generator and associated power equipment.
Having verified that these are correct the following preliminary checks should be made on the
excitation system:
1) Check that the PMG output is correctly wired and that PMG output is not earthed in its
terminal box.
2) Check that the sensing signals (CTs and PTs) are correct in polarity and phasing.
3) Check that exciter field is correctly wired.
4) Check that all wiring external to the AVR is secure and correct to the contract circuit
diagram. Ensure that the earth stud is solidly earthed.
5) Visually check that the AVR has not been physically damaged during transit to site.
Ensure that the contactors and other auxiliary equipment have not been disturbed and
that the internal wiring is secure. Check that the plug-in cards are correctly aligned and
fully inserted.
6) Check that the correct links are fitted to the AVR as detailed in the A30 Excitation
Controller test certificate QC.48. Standby card links should be in the despatch position.
7) Check that the software version and check sums shown on the A30-CON and A30-MON
EPROMs and Boot ROM (IC11 and IC3 on the A30-M188) correspond to those given in
the A30 Excitation Controller test certificate QC.48.
8) Ensure that the auxiliary dc supply voltage corresponds to that indicated in the A30
Excitation Controller test certificate QC.48.
The A30 Excitation Controller is now ready for commissioning as detailed below.
The following information should be read in conjunction with any specific contract
commissioning notes.

10.3

Check Operation Of DC Contactors, Switches And Indications With Machine At

Standstill
1) Remove FS1 and FS2 (on the left hand, fixed, front panel). Apply the auxiliary dc supply
and confirm correct value and polarity is applied to AVR terminals 1 (positive) and 2
(negative) on Plug 5 at the rear of the AVR.
2) Replace FS1 and FS2 and check that power supply monitor relay PSR is energised. This
relay is on the Auxiliaries board and its position is indicated on the diagram on the inside
of the hinged door. If outgoing contact PSR-1 is used for indication, check correct
indication is given.
3) Check the correct operation of the following switches in local control (and remote control if
applicable):
10.3.1

Main/Standby Selector Switch

When `Main' is selected ECCS is energised. Confirm correct Main/Standby
indication via ECCS-2 if applicable.

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Field Suppression Excite/Trip Signals

Simulate an exciter field trip signal and check FSC trips and FSCS de-energises.
Check FSC energises when the trip signal is reset. Confirm correct
excite/suppression indication via FSCS-2 if applicable.

10.3.3

Standby Excitation Raise/Lower Switch

Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm152 with respect to Tm153 when
Standby channel raise signal is given.
Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm151 with respect to Tm153 when
Standby channel lower signal is given.
Note: The nature of the circuit ensures that the voltage present on the `opposite'
terminal (e.g. TM 152 when a lower signal is given) is only about 0.5V less than
the target terminal.

10.3.4

Main Excitation Raise/Lower Switch

Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm100 with respect to Tm153 only when
Main channel raise is given.
Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm101 with respect to Tm153 only when
Main channel lower signal is given.

10.3.5

Power Factor/VAr Raise/Lower Switch (If Applicable)

Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm110 with respect to Tm153, only when
PF/VAr raise signal is given.
Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm105 with respect to Tm153, only when
PF/VAr lower signal is given.

10.3.6

Select PF Control Switch (If Applicable)

Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm102 with respect to Tm153, only when
select PF control switch is operated.

10.3.7

Select VAr Control Switch (If Applicable)

Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm103 with respect to Tm153, only when
select VAr control switch is operated.

10.3.8

Select VAr Shed Switch (If Applicable)

Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm104 with respect to Tm153, only when
VAr shed switch is operated.

10.3.9

Voltage Datum Self Centre Switch (If Applicable)

Confirm auxiliary dc +ve is present on Tm112 with respect to Tm153, only when
the voltage datum self-centre switch is operated.

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Check Standby Control

10.4.1

Check Excitation Isolator Is Off And Select Field Voltage Control.

Check that FSC is tripped (field suppressed) and Standby control selected. Ensure
that the Standby card is initially set to exciter field voltage control with the links set
to give this condition (refer to the QC.48 document).
Turn off SW1 that is located on the mainframe

10.4.2

Run The Machine At Rated Speed

Check that the PMG voltage and the PMG frequency are in accordance with that
specified on the QC.48 document. Close the excitation isolator to apply the PMG
supply to the AVR and reset FSC. Check that the following indicators are on:
Standby

LED 3
LED 4
LED 5

Standby Power Supply Healthy

Control Power Supply Failed
Standby at Minimum

(Disregard others at this stage).

10.4.3

Check Performance On Field Voltage Control

1) Operate the Standby raise switch on the control panel for approximately 1
second. Note that LED 5 goes off. Repeatedly pulse the raise switch, pausing
for a few seconds each time, and note that the exciter field current begins to
increase accompanied by an increase of line voltage. Confirm from the
excitation data on the QC.48 that the line voltage corresponds to the value of
field current.
2) Set the line voltage to nominal and check that fine adjustment of voltage can
be obtained using the Standby raise/lower switches.
3) Check voltage-sensing supply to A30 Excitation Controller is present at
terminals 132, 148, 140, 141 and 139 for 3 phase sensing if applicable.
4) Trip excitation and check that voltage collapses to residual. Open the
excitation isolator.
5) Field voltage limiter setting: (This has been pre-set but may be checked if
necessary as follows):
a) Disconnect the exciter field +ve connection from outgoing terminal 8.
b) Connect a dc voltmeter across outgoing terminals 8 (+ve) and 9 (-ve earth).
c) Close the excitation isolator and reset FSC, slowly increase the setting of
the Standby regulator until the voltage measured across Tm8 and Tm9
reaches a ceiling level whereby further raise signals make no difference,
or until it is 20V above the limit level specified in QC.48. If necessary,
adjust the limiting level by trimming RV5 on the Standby card using the
extender card to gain accessibility.
d) Trip excitation. Turn the isolator to OFF. Replace the exciter field
connection to terminal 8. Remove the dc voltmeter.
6) Check low frequency cut-off:
a) Close isolator and reset excitation.
b) Raise the excitation to produce nominal generator voltage on open circuit.
c) Slowly reduce the machine speed and check that the exciter field current
remains approximately constant until the speed reaches approximately
85% nominal at which point it falls to zero.
d) Increase the machine speed to nominal and check that the excitation
remains at zero.
e) Trip FSC.
f) Turn the excitation isolator to OFF.

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Check Performance On Line Voltage Control

If Standby is to be left in Field Voltage Control Mode, (see QC.48 document) this
procedure may be omitted
1) If Standby is to be operated in line voltage control fit the links specified in the
QC.48 document.
2) Close the excitation isolator and reset FSC. Note that the Standby at Minimum
(LED5) is turned on.
3) Operate the Standby raise switch (again repeatedly pulsing the raise switch
and pausing for a few seconds each time) and observe gradual increase of
line voltage. Set the line voltage to nominal.
4) The response of Standby voltage control can be set using stabilising controls
Stab Q (RV1) and Stab P (RV2), accessible through the front panel of the
card. A useful starting point is to set Q (RV1) and P (RV2) ten turns clockwise,
reduce Q until the voltage begins to fluctuate, and then turn Q clockwise to
stabilise voltage. When the AVR is stable, exciter field voltage should be
steady. Trip FSC. Turn the excitation isolator to OFF.
5) The open circuit response can be optimised to give a particular response by
use of the 10% step change in reference PB3 on the card. Ideally, a digital
storage scope or UV response recorder should be used with a three phase
back-off unit. P and Q should be adjusted to give an open circuit single
overshoot of approximately 20% (of the step) with optimum rise time and
settling time. Further adjustments may need to be made on load to give a
particular response.

10.5

Check A30-CON And A30-MON Settings

Note: The design settings for the contract are given in the QC.48 document. Any deviation
from the settings should be recorded in the `site settings' column and a copy should be
returned to Brush Electrical Machines Ltd.
10.5.1

Preliminary

Ensure Standby mode is still selected.

Ensure SW1 in mainframe is still off.
Run the machine at rated speed.
Close the exciter isolator.
Close the mainframe switch SW1 and check that the following LED's are ON:

1) Utilities Card
LED 1
Control
LED 2
Monitor
LED 3
Monitor
LED 4
Control

15V healthy
15V healthy
5v healthy
5v healthy

2) Check Diode Failure Indicator

Depress the `DF Test' pushbutton on the Utilities card; check that LED7 on the
Utilities card is illuminated after a 1-3 second delay.
3) A30-CON And A30-MON Cards
No LED's should be on.

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Manual No: HB959202000
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Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

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Set/Confirm Programmed Parameters On A30-CON card

Connect a PC, with the HMI software installed, to the control card using the
comms cable supplied. The cable should be connected from the serial port on the
PC to comm port 2 on the front of the control card. Run the HMI software and
configure it for the A30-CON. Ensure that the HMI is communicating by checking
that the cursor in the bottom right hand corner of the screen is rotating. View the
maintenance presets and check that they are the same as the design settings on
the QC48 document. If the card has been set up at the factory the settings should
not need changing as they are stored in E2PROM. If it is necessary to change any
of the stored settings see Section 11.10.5 for details. Using the HMI check that the
measured parameters are reading zero except for the sensing line voltage that will
show residual.

10.5.3

Set/Confirm Programmed Parameters on A30-MON card

Connect a PC, with the HMI software installed, to the control card using the
comms cable supplied. The cable should be connected from the serial port on the
PC to comm port 2 on the front of the monitor card. Run the HMI software and
configure it for the A30-MON. Ensure that the HMI is communicating by checking
that the cursor in the bottom right hand corner of the screen is rotating. View the
maintenance presets and check that they are the same as the design settings on
the QC48 document. If the card has been set up at the factory the settings should
not need changing as they are stored in E2PROM. If it is necessary to change any
of the stored settings see Section 11.12.5 for details. Using the HMI check that the
measured parameters are reading zero except for the sensing line voltage that will
show residual.

10.6

Check Display Of Measured Parameters On The A30-CON And A30-MON Card

Reset Excitation by energising the excite input to FSC and raise Standby to produce nominal
line voltage indicated on the panel voltmeter. Use the HMI to check the sensing line voltage,
frequency, and exciter field current. Do this on the A30-MON and A30-CON card. If the under
volts monitor operates ignore it at this time (LED 6 on A30-MON card)
Confirm that the voltage and current values agree with the panel instruments. If calibration is
necessary refer to Section 13 - Transducer Calibration Procedure.
Also confirm that the A30-CON card displays the correct PMG frequency.

10.7

Check Null Balance Indication When In Standby

Turn off SW1 in the mainframe and check that the null balance indicator shows Standby high,
and that LED 2 on the Standby card is on.
Turn on SW1 in the mainframe. Check that the null balance meter returns to its centre position
after a short delay and LED 1 and LED 2 on the Standby card flicker when balance is
indicated on the meter.
Check that LED 1 on the A30-CON card is continuously on also indicating balance of the A30CON to the Standby. Also check that LED 6 on the A30-CON card is off, indicting that the
alarm that indicates that the Control Card is out of Balance with standby is OFF.
Confirm that the HMI indicates that the AVR is matched to Standby.

10.8

Set-up Stability In Main Channel

1) When running the generator on open circuit in standby control, ensure that the main
channel is matched using the HMI or alternatively check the LED1 on the A30 control card
is continuously illuminated. Disable the UV Monitor via the Enable/Disable Software
Modules button on the monitor HMI.

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Manual No: HB959202000

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Date: 30 May 2003

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2) Confirm that the settings of the stabilising controls (prop Gain, Integral Gain, Diff Gain) are
set to the values shown in the QC (T) 48, unless optimum stabilising settings have
previously been established. Select Main.
Note: The PID stabilised settings given on the QC(T)48 are preliminary and may require
optimisation on the contract but in the event that they are unsuitable settings of P=60,
I=100 and D=50 provide a good starting point. Optimisation of the stabilising settings is
described in Section 14 of this Instruction Manual.
3) The PID stabilising settings given on the QC.48 are preliminary and may require
optimisation on the contract.
This may be carried out initially by running the machine on open circuit and using the
VRef Step Up Test facility to produce a sudden increase in the reference voltage of the
AVR. This is accessed via the 'Tests' button on the control HMI. The size of the step is
adjustable and the default setting of 5% is recommended.
Typically, the settings will be adjusted to achieve an overshoot of approximately 20% (of
the step) with an acceptable rise time. Use of the HMI to display overshoot and rise time
will help to select the best settings. The Trend Data which shows the shape of the voltage
transient will also be helpful but is not updated frequently enough to provide an accurate
trace of the voltage response.
In some cases it may be necessary to optimise the stabilising settings by performing load
application and rejection tests to check the response.
Once the required response is achieved, the response data from the HMI should be
recorded.
10.9

Check The Voltage Range Of The A30-CON Card

1) Select self-centring by linking TML112 and TML17 and confirm that line voltage returns to
its nominal value. The rate at which the voltage set point is changed is the same as the
VRef Adjust Rate in the maintenance presets.
Disable the under voltage and over voltage monitors on the A30-MON card HMI 'Modules'
button.
2) Use the Main channel voltage lower/raise controls to adjust line voltage and ensure
minimum and maximum settings are equal to the settings in the QC.48 document.
If operation of the over flux limiter prevents the maximum setting being obtained it will be
necessary to disable the over flux limiter and monitor after first ensuring no equipment can
be damaged by over voltage during the test.
Adjust the line voltage to nominal.
3) Enable the under voltage monitor and the over voltage monitor on the A30-MON card.
Enable the over flux limiter and monitor if disabled during this test.

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Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

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Check Soft Start

Remove excitation by de-energising the Excite input and momentarily energising the Trip
input to the FSC as shown on the A30 Excitation System Circuit Diagram - see Appendix E Drawings. (The PMG isolator switch should not be used.)
Wait for 1 minute to allow line voltage to collapse completely.
Ensure that the Trip input to the FSC is de-energised and reapply excitation by energising
the Excite input to FSC. Observe that line voltage builds up slowly without large oscillations
or any significant overshoot.
The soft start ramp rate may be adjusted if required.

10.11

Check For Smooth Changeover From Standby To Main Channel

Check that the null balance meter and standby LEDs indicate that standby is matched to
main and select standby. Lower standby and using the A30-CON HMI observe that Vref
follows V Sensing. Note that when the line voltage is below the minimum setting of V Ref, no
further reduction is possible and LED1 on the CON card begins to flash continuously. Note
that after a delay, indication of mis-balance is given by LED 6 being turned on and also on the
HMI.
Increase the setting of standby to rated voltage and observe that balance is once more
obtained, indicated by LED 1 being on continuously and LED 6 turning off. Select Main and
check that there is negligible change in line voltage. If necessary the transient can be adjusted
using the Smooth Changeover P and D gain values in the maintenance presets.

10.12

Check/Set-Up Over Excitation Limiters And Monitors

10.12.1

Check Fast Over Excitation Limiter. (Short Circuit Limit)

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Adjust the OE Limit at 0C to 5A (Maintenance Presets)

Adjust the Fast OE Limit Ref. to 12A.
Disable the OE Limiter ('Modules' button).
Disable the Under Voltage Monitor ('Modules' button).
Enable the Fast OEL x8 Sensitivity ('Modules' button).
Check that the field current is limited to 1.5A 0.1A.

Note: If the excitation requirement is less than 1.5A on open circuit the Fast OE
Limit Ref. should be reduced for this test.
10.12.2

Check Over Excitation Limit

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Disable the OEL Temp Compensation ('Modules' button).

Adjust the OE Limit Delay to 100% second (Maintenance Presets).
Select the OEL x4 Sensitivity ('Modules' button)
Enable the OE Limiter ('Modules' button).
Check that the field current is controlled to 1.25A 0.1A after approximately 5
seconds.
6) Also check that LED 3 on the control card comes on.
10.12.3

Check Over Excitation Monitor

1) Disable the OE Limiter ('Modules' button) and check that the field current is
limited to 1.5A 0.1A by the Fast OE Limiter.
2) Disable the OE Monitor.
3) Disable the OE Monitor Temp Compensation.
4) Adjust the Over Excitation Monitor Set Point to 5A (Maintenance Presets) and
enable the OE Mon x4 Sensitivity.

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Date: 30 May 2003

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5) Enable the over excitation monitor. Check that the AVR trips to Standby after
approximately 5 seconds.
Note: If field current is limited to between 1.25A and 1.5A for this test, the
monitor tripping time will be correspondingly longer.
6) Check that LED 3 on the A30-MON card is turned on.
7) Turn off the X4 sensitivity on the A30-MON card. Reset the monitor using the
reset pushbutton.
10.12.4

Program Final Settings

1) Adjust the Over Excitation Monitor Set Point (Maintenance Presets) to the
level given in the QC.48 document.
2) Turn off the Fast OEL x8 Sensitivity and then the OEL x4 Sensitivity on the
control card ('Modules' button).
Adjust the Fast OE Limit Ref (Maintenance Presets) to the level given in the
QC.48 document.
Adjust the OE Limit at 0C (Maintenance Presets) to the level given in the
QC.48 document.
3) Enable the OE Limiter ('Modules' button). Leave the system in Standby control
at this stage.

10.12.5

Check Temperature Compensation (If Applicable)

1) Connect a resistance of 100 between terminals 116 and 117. Terminals 116
and 118 should be connected together. Use the HMI ('Modules' button) to
enable the OEL Temp Compensation module on the control card. Check that
the OE Limiter Ambient Temperature Compensation is set according to the
QC.48 document. Check that the A30-CON HMI indicates a temperature of 0
2C.
2) Enable the OE Monitor Temp Compensation on the A30-MON card ('Modules'
button) and check that the OEM Ambient Temperature Compensation is set
according to the QC.48 document. Check that A30-MON HMI indicates a
temperature of 0 2C.
3) Connect a resistance of 115 between terminals 116 and 117. Terminals 116
and 118 should be connected together.
On the A30-MON HMI check that the temperature reading 40C 2C and that
the Actual OE Mon Trip Point is below the 0 deg C Trip Point.
On the A30-CON HMI check that the temperature reading 40C 2C and that
o
the Actual OE Limit is below the 0 C Limit.
4) Reconnect the RTD to terminals 116, 117 and 118. Adjust the line voltage to
nominal in Standby. Check for Null balance and transfer to `Main'.

10.13

Over Voltage And Over Flux Monitors

10.13.1

Check Over Voltage Monitor

1) Use the HMI to disable the Over Volts Monitor ('Modules' button).
2) Set the OverVolts Monitor Set Point 5% above the VT Nominal and the
OverVolts Monitor Delay to 30% second. (Maintenance Presets). Raise the
excitation in `Main' and set the sensing voltage to 10% above VT Nominal.
3) Use the HMI to enable the OverVolts Monitor ('Modules' button). Check that
LED 5 on the A30-MON card is illuminated and the AVR is tripped to Standby
after approximately 6 seconds.
4) Lower the line voltage to the nominal level in Standby and reset the Over Volts
Monitor using the pushbutton on the A30-MON card.

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Manual No: HB959202000
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Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

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Check The Over Flux Monitor

1) Run in Auto, at 100% volts and, use the HMI to set the OverFlux Monitor Set
Point to 1.1 pu (Maintenance Presets).
2) Whilst running at rated speed, note the Over Flux Monitor Trip Point which
should be 10% above VT Nominal (any slight difference could be due to
frequency not being exactly at nominal). Increase the line voltage to just
above the monitor trip point (temporarily disable Over Flux Limiter on the A30CON if necessary) and note that the Over Flux Monitor Timer begins to
increase slowly. Confirm that the monitor trips to standby when the timer
reaches 100% and that LED 7 on the A30-MON is turned on.
3) Reduce the line voltage to nominal; reset the Over Flux Monitor, check for null
balance and transfer to Main.
4) Set the Over Volts and Over Flux Monitor Set Points and Delays (Maintenance
Presets) to the levels given in the QC.48 document.

10.14

Set/Check The Under Voltage Monitor Level

1) Use the HMI to disable the Under Volts Monitor ('Modules' button). Set the Under Volts
Monitor Set Point 5% below the VT Nominal and the Under Volts Monitor Delay to 30%
second (Maintenance Presets).
2) Lower the excitation in Main to 10% below the nominal voltage.
Use the HMI to enable the Under Volts Monitor. Check that LED 6 on the A30-MON card
is illuminated and the AVR is tripped to Standby after approximately 6 seconds.
3) Raise the line voltage to the nominal level in Standby and then reset the Under Volts
Monitor using the reset pushbutton on the A30-MON card. Check for null balance and
transfer from `Standby' to `Main'.
4) Set the Under Volts Set Point and Delay (Maintenance Presets) to the level given in the
QC.48 document.

10.15

Check Parallel Operation

1) Check excitation isolator is off and that FSC is tripped (field suppressed). Select the
Standby card to exciter field voltage control by fitting the links in the despatch position
shown on the QC.48 document.
2) Close the excitation isolator and reset FSC. Raise the line voltage in Standby and set it to
nominal. Use the HMI (Maintenance Presets) to check that the QCC on the control card is
set to 15% and the QCC is turned on.
Disable the Power Factor/VAr/VAr Shed software ('Modules' button).
3) Prepare to synchronise the generator with the grid system i.e. minimum slip, voltage
difference and phase difference.
4) Close the paralleling breaker at the correct instant and check that the line current remains
at a low constant value. In the event of line current suddenly increasing, immediately open
the breaker.
5) Check that the sensing line current given by the HMI on the A30-CON and A30-MON
cards are the same as the reading on the secondary CT line current. If calibration is
necessary refer to Section 13.
6) Raise excitation in Standby to produce approximately 20% rated VArs lagging. Use the
A30-CON HMI and check that VControl is less than VRef indicating that the line voltage
will reduce as lagging VArs increase.
If this is not the case, the AVR CT and VT phasing is incorrect and must be re-checked
after shutting down the machine.
7) Check for indication of null balance and transfer from `Standby' to `Main' and check that
there is no sudden change in excitation or VArs.
8) Confirm that VArs can be adjusted easily by raising or lowering the AVR setting using the
customers switches.

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Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 62 of 126

9) Depending upon the external reactance Xe and the configuration of the system, the
amount of QCC should be reduced to a level that gives stable control of VArs as the AVR
datum is adjusted. Typically the QCC is set at 4% for Xe = 0.
10.16

Check Under Excitation Limiter

1) Run the machine in parallel with the grid system under Main AVR control at zero or light
load.
Check that the Under Excitation Limiter Software is enabled. Check that the Leading
ISin Limit and the external reactance (Xe) are set as shown in the QC.48 document.
(Maintenance Presets).
2) Slowly reduce the excitation observing the status of the UELimiter on the HMI. (Note: the
Limit@0MW indicates only when running at leading PF)
Check that the Leading VArs are limited to a level close to the set point and that the
excitation is reasonably stable. UE Limiter P, I D gains can be adjusted if necessary
(Maintenance Presets).
Unless Xe is zero, the limiting level of VArs will reduce as power increases. Check that
LED 4 on the control card is on when limiting.
3) Slowly raise the excitation to come off the under excitation limit.
4) If possible check the characteristic of the under excitation limiter by measuring the
operating points of different load levels and plotting them on the capability diagram.
5) The transient response of the UE Limiter can be observed using the VRef Step Down
facility ('Tests' button) refer to Section 14.4 for details of this and UEL stabilising
adjustment.

10.17

Check Under Excitation Monitor

1) Under Excitation Monitor.
a) If continuing from previous test, run the machine in parallel at light load, zero VArs.
b) Disable the under Excitation Limiter on the A30-CON card ('Modules' button).
c) Check that the UE Monitor Software and Output are enabled. On the UE Monitor
check that the Leading ISin limit and the external reactance Xe (Maintenance
Presets) are set to the levels given in the QC.48 document.
2) With the machine running in parallel with the grid supply at zero or light load, slowly
reduce the excitation observing on the HMI the status of the UE Monitor. This will show
the timer start when the operating level is exceeded. Check that the UE Monitor trips to
Standby when the timer reaches 100% and that that LED 4 of the A30-MON card is
turned on.
3) Raise Standby excitation and set the VArs to zero. Reset the monitor, check for null
balance between the AVR and standby and transfer from `Standby' to `Main' control.
4) If possible, check the characteristic of the UE Monitor by measuring the operating point at
different load levels and plotting them on the capability diagram.
5) Reduce VArs to zero and power to a low level under Main control. Enable the Under
Excitation limiter on the A30-CON card ('Modules' button).

10.18

Check Power Factor Control (If Applicable)

1) Initially disable the PF/VAr/VAr shed software ('Modules' button) Confirm s/w is disabled
on the HMI. Check in the Main Display that the Panel/HMI switch (local/remote) indicates
Panel, and that the Mode Selection Method indicates Switches.
2) Run the set in parallel with the grid on Main control at 10% VArs lagging, 10% power.
Select PF Control and check that LED 5 on the A30-CON card is on.
3) Use the Panel Switches to set the PF Ref to unity using the HMI to observe the PF Ref
and the status of the panel switches.
4) Enable the PF/VAr/VAr shed software ('Modules' button) and check that the VArs are
reduced to zero and remain stable.

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Manual No: HB959202000

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Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 63 of 126

5) Adjust the PF Reference using the PF/VAr Raise/Lower panel switches to the required
setting (the set point is shown on the HMI) and check that the PF is controlled to the
required level and is stable over the full range of power.
The rate at which the PF Reference is changed may be set in the Maintenance Presets.
If it is necessary, the PF Gain and PF Slug may be used to optimise the response of the
PF Controller.
6) If it is required to adjust the PF Reference via the HMI, the Panel/HMI switch should be
set to HMI, and the PF Reference is then adjusted using the Operator Presets. In this
case it is necessary to select whether the required PF Ref is Leading or Lagging using the
'Modes' button on the HMI.
10.19

Check VAr Control (If Applicable)

1) Initially disable the PF/VAr/VAr shed software ('Modules' button) Confirm s/w is disabled
on the HMI. Check on the HMI that the Panel/HMI switch (local/remote) indicates Panel,
and that the Mode Selection Method indicates Switches.
Note: The Trend Data may be used to display VArs (in terms of the sensing signals
provided to the AVR) and is a useful means of displaying the response of the VAr control
and VAr shed facilities.
2) Run the set in parallel with the grid on Main AVR control at 10% VArs lagging. Check that
VAr control is selected and that LED 8 on the A30-CON card is on.
3) Use the Panel Switches to set the VAr Ref to zero using the HMI to observe the VAr Ref
and the status of the panel switches.
4) Enable the PF/VAr/VAr shed software ('Modules' button) and check that the VArs are
reduced to zero and remain stable.
5) Adjust the VAr Reference to the required setting using the PF/VAr Raise/Lower panel
switches (the set point is shown on the HMI) and check that VArs are controlled to the
required level and are stable over the required range of power.
The rate at which the VAr Reference is changed may be set in the Maintenance Presets.
If it is necessary, the PF Gain and PF Slug may be used to optimise the response of the
VAr Controller.
6) If it is required to adjust the VAr Reference via the HMI, the Panel/HMI switch should be
set to HMI, and the VAr Reference is then adjusted using the Operator Presets. In this
case it is necessary to select whether the required VAr Ref is Leading or Lagging using
the 'Modes' button on the HMI.

10.20

Check The VAr Shed (If Applicable)

1) Parallel the set to the grid and then load the set with 10% of the generator MW. Raise
Main excitation to increase the lagging VArs to 10% of the generator capacity.
2) Initiate `VAr Shed'. Check that LED 7 of the A30-CON is turned on. Check that the VArs
are reduced to zero and are controlled independently of the set MW.

10.21

Check Parallel Operation In Standby Line Voltage Control

If Standby is to be operated in Field Voltage control mode (see QC.48) this procedure may be
omitted.
1) Slowly reduce the VAr and MW load on the generator. Open the grid breaker. Open the
excitation isolator switch. Check that FSC is tripped (field suppressed). Select the
Standby card to line volts control by fitting the links specified in the QC.48 document.
2) Close the excitation isolator and reset FSC. Adjust the line voltage to nominal voltage in
Standby. Prepare to synchronise the generator with the grid system, i.e. minimum slip,
voltage difference and phase difference.
3) Synchronise to the grid and check that the line current remains at a low constant value. In
the event of it being high or increasing, immediately open the breaker.

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Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 64 of 126

4) Check that the VArs can be easily adjusted by changing the voltage setting point of the
Standby regulator.
Slowly load the generator to 10% of the generator MW capacity.
5) Check that the null balance meter is positioned at the centre. Transfer from `Standby' to
`Main'.
6) Slowly reduce the VArs and the MWs on the generator. Open the grid breaker.
10.22

Static Interrogation
If the PMG supply is not available because the machine is not running, it is possible to use an
alternative ac supply to power the electronics. This will allow interrogation of the AVR by using
the PC and HMI software.
Follow the procedure below:
1) Ensure that the Main Channel Supply switch (SW1) on the fixed front panel is in the off
position.
2) Temporarily remove and insulate the wires in terminals 29 and 30 of Plug 6 at the rear of
the unit. (These are the wires which route the PMG supply to the Utility, Control and
Monitor cards).
3) Set the links LK1 to LK6 on the Auxiliaries Board to suit the available supply as shown
below. (Supply can be 50 or 60Hz)
Table 2: Auxiliaries Board Link Settings

4)
5)
6)
7)

Auxiliaries Board
Voltage Links Selected

Nominal Voltage Rating

66-480Hz

Nominal Voltage Rating

at 50/60Hz

1, 3, 6

220 - 330V

250 10%

1, 5, 6

165 - 220V

187.5 10%

2, 3, 4

110 - 165V

125 10%

Connect the supply into the now empty terminals 29 and 30 of Plug 6.
Turn on the new supply.
Turn SW1 on. The LEDs 1 to 4 on the Utilities card should be illuminated.
The PC can now be used in the normal way on the A30-CON and A30-MON cards.

After working with the A30 using an alternative power supply ensure that the wiring is restored
and links re-set.

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USING THE WINDOWS HMI COMMISSIONING SOFTWARE

The A30-CON and A30-MON cards are setup using a PC connected using the supplied serial
commissioning cable. The commissioning software, (referred to as the Human Machine Interface or
HMI application), is supplied on a CD.

Figure 19: HMI Typical Screen Layout

11.1

Setup Of the A30 Using An Alternative Power Supply

Please refer to Section 10.22 Static Interrogation, Page 64.

11.2

PC Software Installation
The software runs under Windows (NT4.0 or 95/98), and should install automatically when the
CD is inserted. If Autorun is disabled on your PC the setup.exe application can be run directly
from the CD.
Using the supplied COMCAB serial commissioning cable, connect the PC COM1 serial port to
the COM2 serial port of the card requiring setup.

11.3

Running the HMI Application

On the Windows desktop, double click on the AVR HMInt icon to run the software.

Figure 20: HMI Desktop Icon

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On startup, the HMI will request the name and location of the event log file (see Figure 21). To
accept the default, click on open. The A30-MON and A30-CON cards have separate log files.
The HMI will remember the last card in use, and will ask for this log file on startup.

Figure 21: Logfile Dialog Box

The HMI application can be used to work with various Brush PRISMIC Excitation Controller
circuits including the A30-MON and A30-CON cards. The menu File / Configuration selects
which circuit the HMI software is required to work with. The COMCAB serial cable must be
used to connect the COM1 port on the PC to the correct excitation controller circuit as
required.

Figure 22: Selecting The Required Circuit

The HMI software indicates healthy communication with the unit to be setup by showing a
rotating / symbol in the bottom right corner of the display. If this symbol is stationary, there
is no communication and the HMI cannot be used to display relevant data.
11.4

Exiting the HMI Application

Close the HMI application in the normal manner for any Windows application, i.e. select Exit
from the File menu, press [Alt][F4] etc.

11.5

HMI Functions
When the HMI software is running, a screen should be displayed showing a diagram of the
generator and AVR system with some active values displayed. A number of other child
windows or Displays may also be viewed. The layout of the displays may be altered to suit
the task in hand. Display and window settings are retained when the software is shut down.
The different functions of the HMI software are invoked using the standard Windows menus at
the top of the HMI window, and the row of buttons across the bottom.
Actions invoked by the buttons require User confirmation by clicking Yes in a dialog box.

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Figure 23: Confirmation Dialog Box

The HMI can be used to adjust and display excitation controller settings. After commissioning
the HMI will normally be disconnected unless required for testing or diagnostic purposes.
11.6

A30-CON Card HMI Displays Available

HMI displays are accessed using the top menu bar. Multiple displays can be shown at the
same time. The displays can be re-sized and re-positioned if necessary. To move a display,
highlight the window. Left-click on the blue title, keeping the button down, and drag the
window to its desired location.
Table 3: HMI Displays Available
Menu Title
Logging
Trending

Displays
Maintenance
Presets
Button
Modes
Modules
Tests

Clear
Recorded
Extremes
Abort all Tests

Description
Event Logger
Shows latest events together with time of occurrence
Trending Data, allows selection of pages, Line voltage (2 ranges),
field current (2 ranges), line current and VAr. This may be used to
view performance over the last few minutes but due to sampling rate
is unsuitable for accurately recording transient response.
(see below)
View ranges of holding bits / registers and their contents.
View Maintenance Presets view the adjustable parameters that are
setup during commissioning of the AVR
View Operator Presets
Description
Activate/Deactivate Modes allows a particular mode of operation to
be turned on or off provided mode selection via the HMI has been
selected.
Enable/Disable Modules allows software modules to be enabled or
disabled
Activate/Deactivate Tests this menu is used to initiate tests such as
step response on voltage reference. The maximum and minimum
voltages stored in the diagnostics displays can be reset from the
menu.
Reset the extreme values recorded to date
Self explanatory

The Displays menu contains 7 or more data tables:

Displays 1 3 typically show measured parameters, limiter and monitor operation, set point
values, selected mode of control etc.
Displays 4 - 7 typically show diagnostic information, the status of the various control functions,
switch settings. Stabilising settings and response measurements etc.

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Manual No: HB959202000
11.7

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 68 of 126

Logfile
The Event Log file records actions performed by the A30, together with a time and date
stamp.
Log files are not overwritten they are continued when the HMI program is next run.
Whenever the program is switched to controlling a different card, the log file for that card must
be specified.

11.8

Saving Presets And Registers

The contents of all holding registers can be saved as a text file, to disk. The menu item
Logging / Save registers to file performs this. The text file can be printed out, or emailed as
necessary. An option to save the preset registers only, is also available under the same
menu.

11.9

Passwords
To prevent accidental or unauthorised alteration of the AVR settings, two passwords are
provided as follows:
Operator Password:
123456
Maintenance Password: 441509611511
When adjusting presets, the passwords time out after 1 minute, and must be re-entered to
make further changes.
These passwords are not changeable and are intended to provide only a medium level of
security. To provide a higher level of security, access to this Instruction Manual and the HMI
should be controlled.

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
11.10

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 69 of 126

Using The A30-CON HMI Displays

The following describes a typical configuration of the local HMI. In some instances the actual
HMI provided will vary slightly from the description given.
11.10.1

A30-CON Card Displays 1 To 3

Table 4: A30-CON Display 1 - Sensing

Group Title
Display 1:
Sensing
Run time

Description of Content
Actual sensing values supplied to the card. PF, Watts, VA, VAr are
single phase and based on the relationship between V(L1 L3) and
I(L2)
Display of Hours, min, sec that the card has run. (Can be reset to zero
by turning DILSW1-6 on the A30-CON & A30-M-CON card off briefly.
Do not leave the switch off. It is advised that unless there is a
particular reason, it may be more useful not to reset the run time.
Table 5: A30-CON Display 2 - Advisory States

Group Title
Display 2:
Advisory States
HMI Commands
This group shows
the status of
commands given to
the control card
from the HMI
through the Modes
button.

Description of Content
Mainly self explanatory.
An Active state means that the device is operating.
An Enabled or Disabled state indicates whether the s/w for this facility
is turned on.
Status of request to select mode via HMI, only
PF Control
applicable if mode selection method is HMI
Active
VAr Control
Active
VAr Shed Active
Self Centre
Active
PF Leading
Indicates whether leading pf reference in HMI is
Selected
selected
Reset Monitors
Indicates whether reset monitors signal is being
Selected
given by HMI
When set to switches mode is selected by panel
Mode Selection
Method
switches, when set to HMI, mode is selected by
HMI

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 70 of 126

Table 6: A30-CON Display 3 - Settings In Use

Group Title
Display 3:
Settings in Use
HMI Settings

Panel Switches
Indicates the status
of switches, which
may be mounted on
the control panel.

Description of Content
Indicates the applicable reference settings.
Indicates the reference settings that have been set on the local or
remote HMI. These values can be can be changed via the HMI
provided the panel local/HMI switch is set to HMI. When a reference
setting has been entered via the HMI or remote comms, it will be
shown in the HMI settings box. Provided HMI control is selected,
indicated by the state of the Panel/HMI switch, the setting in use is
changed to the level demanded by the HMI at the rate of change that
has been preset in the maintenance presets.
These are functional provided the mode selection
PF Control
method is set to panel switches
VAr Control
VAr shed
Self Centre
Volts Raise
These are functional provided the panel local/HMI
Volts Lower
switch is set to panel
PF Raise
PF Lower
Main/Standby
Panel/HMI

11.10.2

A30-CON Card Diagnostic Displays 4 To 7

Table 7: A30-CON Display 4 - Response Recorder

Group Title
Display 4:
Response
Recorder

Description of Content
Indicates stabilising settings, and status of step response tester
Recorded Vmax
Recorded Vmin
Rise/Fall
O/shoot
U/shoot

PMG & Firing

Reset
PMG Freq
Early Fire lim
Late Fire lim
Mark
Mark Angle

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Instantaneous max and minimum sensing voltage.

Levels reset on startup, step response testing or via
Clear Recorded Extremes button
Time taken to reach 90% of step
Vmax Vref volts
Vref Vmin volts
NB: (Vref does not include the step)
Indicates status of recorder reset command
Measured PMG frequency
Earliest allowed firing count
Latest allowed firing count
Average firing count when transients are complete.
Higher number gives later firing and less excitation
current. Actual firing angle is Mark +/- Angle.
Indicates variation in firing angle, when transient
complete, should not normally vary by more than
+/- 10% of Late Fire Lim when stabilising set up
correctly.

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 71 of 126

Table 8: A30-CON Display 5 - OE Limiter

Group Title
Display 5:
OE Limiter

Fast OEL

Volts/Hz Lim

Description of Content
Status of software modules, enabled or disabled via
Module
display accessed via the modules button.
X4 module
T Comp module
OEL Test
Status of oel test function activated via display
accessed via tests button.
0 C limit
OEL Setting at 0 C
T Ambient
Measured ambient temperature
Actual Limit
Applicable OE Limiter setting
Field Amps
Measured field amps
Timer
Percent of timer, when above limit starts to increase
Output
Active when limiting
X8 module
Status of x8 sensitivity feature
Limit point
Applicable Fast OE Limiter setting
Field Amps
Measured field amps
Output
Active when limiting
Module
Status of software module, enabled or disabled via
display accessed via modules button.
Limit Voltage
Flux limit level at present frequency
Voltage Sensing Voltage Sensing
Output
Active when limiting
Table 9: A30-CON Display 6 - UE Lim

Group Title
Display 6:
UE Lim

Mezzdilsw1
ON = UP
OFF = DOWN

CRC Errors

Description of Content
Module
Status of software module, enabled or disabled via
display accessed via modules button.
Limit @ 0 MW
Leading VAr limit at 0 MW
VArs
Measured leading VArs, (only applicable @ leading
PF)
PF
PF lead or lag
Output
Active when limiting
SW1
On for Brushless Exciter
Off for Static Exciter
SW2
On for Brushless Exciter
Off for Static Exciter manual regulator
SW3
Spare/normally On
SW4
On = normal, Off for bench testing only
SW5
Spare/normally On
SW6 clock
Normally on to run clock, off to reset clock
SW7 presets
Normally On to use maintenance presets, off to
load defaults.
SW8 loc/rem
On to always use panel switches, Off to activate
panel local/HMI switch. Use this if it is required to
definitely disable HMI controls.
Indicates whether checksum error has been
ModeErr
detected in data stored in E2PROM. Should be
PresetErr
normal when healthy. This may be cleared by
OpAdjErr
loading defaults via SW7.
Location
Shows memory location of detected error

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 72 of 126

Table 10: A30-CON Display 7 - Start/Stop

Group Title
Display 7:
Start/Stop

Description of Content
Soft Start s/w
Field Suppressed
Line Freq < 80%
PMGFrq<80%
PMGFrq>85%
AVR Soft Start
Reset 1 On
Reset 2 On

Standby Follower

VT Failure Protection 1 Output

VT Failure Protection 2 Output
VT Failure Protection 3 Output
E2PromDump
Follower module
A30_Control/Standby
V Sensing
V Control

V Ref

Software Module

Matched to Standby?
QCC
RevQCC
PF/VArCon
EventLogger
VT Failure Protection

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Status of software module, enabled or

disabled via display accessed via
modules button.
Status of field suppression contactor
Status of internal 80% line frequency
detector
Status of internal 80% PMG frequency
detector
Status of internal 85% PMG frequency
detector
Present status of soft start flag
Present status of Reset 1 sent to
monitor card
Present status of Reset 2 sent to
monitor card
Indicates when active
Indicates when active
Indicates when active
Indicates status of flag which allows
data to be saved in E2Prom on
shutdown
Status of software module, enabled or
disabled, accessed via modules
button.
Indicates selection main or standby
Voltage Sensing
Actual target voltage used in AVR.
This is based on the reference voltage
but modified according to control
requirements such as QCC
Reference voltage setting of AVR,
adjusted when AVR is following
standby but is restricted to value within
max/min limits set up in maintenance
presets
Indicates whether AVR is matched to
standby, only relevant when standby
selected.
Status of software module, enabled or
disabled, accessed via modules
button.

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Manual No: HB959202000
11.10.3

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 73 of 126

A30-CON Card Event Logging Display "Logging Menu")

Indicates the time when a change in the status of selected events occurs.
Logged events are typically:
BuildUpEnabled
FieldSuppressed
StandbyControlSelected
OELimiterActive
FastOELimiterActive
UELimiterActive
FluxLimiterActive
RemoteAdjustOnPanelSelected
UEMonHealthy
OEMonHealthy
UVMonHealthy
OVMonHealthy
DiodeFailureDetected
MonSupervisoryHealthy
AllowDumpToE2PROM
E2PROMModesCRCError
E2PROMOldPresetCRCError
E2PROMPresetsCRCError
VT Failure Protection 1 Active
VT Failure Protection 2 Active
VT Failure Protection 3 Active

11.10.4

Trend Data Display (Trending Menu)

The trend display is used to show the value of the selected variable over a
particular time span. The speed of communication is such that the trend display is
unsuitable for accurately displaying generator response, but can be useful for
displaying long term changes.

11.10.5

Maintenance Presets Display (Presets Menu)

Maintenance presets are used to set up an AVR for a particular contract. An AVR
which has not had its maintenance presets adjusted will contain values, which
must be changed to suit the machine before turning on excitation.
When the maintenance presets are changed, they are loaded into non-volatile
memory and are preserved when the AVR is turned off.
Presets / Maintenance Preset/Maintenance Presets allows the maintenance
presets to be viewed. Double clicking on a value in the table allows the
maintenance presets to be changed.
The following table gives an example of the available maintenance presets. An
actual application may differ slightly.

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 74 of 126

Table 11: A30 Control Card Maintenance Presets Information

H Reg Preset Name

Min

Max

Incr

Units

40030

VT Nominal

100

120

Sensing transformer voltage at 100% machine volts

40031

VRef Minimum Limit

75

100

Minimum voltage reference limit

40032

VRef Maximum Limit

100

125

Maximum voltage reference limit

40033

Nominal CT Current (1A or 5A)

N/a

Nominal CT Current

40034

CT Rated Current

0.5

5.5

40035

Prop Gain

200

40036

Integral Gain

10

1000

40037

Diff Gain

800

40038

Spare

40039

Nominal Frequency

50

60

Hz

40040

PMG Frequency

50

500

Hz

40041

VRef Test Step Size

10

40042

Overflux Volts Ref PU

1.0

1.2

PU

40043

PF Gain

40

40044

PF Slug

10

40045

QCC Percent

15

40046

Reverse QCC Percent

15

40047

OELimit at 0C

25

40048

Smooth Transfer Delay

sec

40049

Fast OE Limit Ref

2.5

30

40050

OE Limit Delay

50

5000

%-sec

40051

Ext. Reactance

0.2

pu

40052

Leading ISinPhi Limit

0.1

40053

UEL Integral Gain

20

100

40054

UEL Prop Gain

100

40055

UEL Diff Gain

100

40056

Auxiliary Input + or -% Range

10

Percentage change in voltage reference

40057

No Load Excitation

10

0.01

40058

Soft Start Increment

25

V/s

40059

OEL Ambient Temp

Compensation

0.2

%/degC

40060

Standby Follower Rate

200

4000

ms/V

40061

VRef Adjust Rate

200

4000

ms/V

40062

PFRef Adjust Rate

20

s per 0.1
pf

40063

VArRef Adjust Rate

50

500

ms per %

40064

Fail to Follow Alarm Time Delay

20

sec

40065

Smooth Changeover P Gain

10

40066

Smooth Changeover D Gain

10

Exciter Field Current at full speed no load (Cold)

Rate of rise of line voltage during voltage buildup on
soft start
Percent reduction in Delayed OELimiter setting per
deg C temperature rise
Rate at which the main AVR control point follows
standby control point
Rate at which VRef is changed by switch or HMI
adjustment
Rate at which PFRef is changed by switch or HMI
adjustment
Rate at which VArRef is changed by switch or HMI
adjustment
Delay before Main Fail to Follow Standby Alarm is
given
Proportional gain of smooth transfer circuit on standby
to main
Differential gain of smooth transfer circuit on standby
to main

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description

Current out of CT at rated machine output

Main AVR stabilising proportional gain
Main AVR stabilising integral gain (high values give
slower response)
Main AVR stabilising differential gain
Nominal line frequency
Permanent Magnet Generator frequency at 100 %
speed
Amplitude of step up or step down on step response
test on reference
Ratio of nominal volts/nominal frequency at which
overflux limiter operates
Gain setting of PF, VAr , or VAr shed control system
Damping adjustment of PF, VAr , or VAr shed control
system
Percentage voltage droop at rated current zero pf
lagging
Percentage voltage rise at rated current zero pf lagging
Time delayed OverExcitation Limiter setting at zero
degrees Centigrade
Internal delay on transfer from standby back to main
(normal setting 1 sec)
Fast Acting Over Excitation limiter setting
Time Delay setting of delayed over excitation limiter
System Ext reactance for UE Limiter Characteristic (on
gen pu base)
Leading current at zero power, 100% volts at which
UELimiter operates
UELimiter stabilising integral gain (high values give
slower response)
UELimiter stabilising proportional gain
UELimiter stabilising differential gain

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Manual No: HB959202000
11.10.6

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 75 of 126

A30-CON Operator Presets (Presets Menu)

Operator Presets are preset values that the operator may adjust during normal
operation.
To view the presets, select Presets/ Operator Presets/ Operator Presets Page1.
Double clicking a value in the table allows the preset to be changed using the
local or remote HMI, provided that the panel local /HMI switch (connected to
terminal 106) has been set to HMI and Mezzdilswitch SW1-8 is set to panel
select. If the panel switch is set to local, operator presets may only be adjusted
using panel raise/lower switches although the displays will indicate the latest value
of the preset.
Note that operator presets contains leading and lagging references for PF, and
when the HMI is used to adjust the reference setting of the PF controller, the
leading/lagging direction must be set via the activate/deactivate modes menu
accessed via the modes button.

11.10.7

A30-CON Activate/Deactivate Modes Menu (Modes Button)

Selection of the control mode may be made by hard-wired signals connected to
the AVR, or by signals provided by the local or remote HMI. Mode selection via
HMI is only possible when the Activate PF/VAr/VAr shed Via HMI has been
activated via the modules menu.. Unless this is active, mode selection is via
hard-wired signals.
The HMI can be used to activate/deactivate modes provided. The status of the
HMI commands to select modes can be viewed in the main displays.
Table 12: A30-CON Activate/Deactivate Modes
PF Control Mode
VAr Control Mode
VAr Shed Mode
Select HMI PFRef
Leading
Reset Monitors when
HMI selected
Self Centre Mode
Activate PF/VAr/VAr
shed Mode Selection
Via HMI

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Activate/deactivate PF Control via HMI

Activate/deactivate VAr Control via HMI
Activate/deactivate VAr shed via HMI
This allows the PF control reference when
adjusted by the HMI to be selected leading or
lagging
Allows monitors to be reset via local or remote
HMI. Automatically reset internally after 1 sec.
Activate/deactivate Self Centre via HMI
When active, mode selection is via HMI, when
inactive, mode selection is via hard-wired
signals.

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Manual No: HB959202000
11.10.8

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 76 of 126

A30-CON Enable/Disable Modules (Modules button)

Use of this menu allows different software modules to be disabled if not required
by the application or during testing.
Table 13: A30-CON Enable/Disable Modules
Module
QCC
Reverse QCC
Soft Start
Over Flux Limiter
OE Limiter
UE Limiter
OEL Temp Compensation
PF and VAr Control
Remote Event Logger
OEL x4 Sensitivity
Fast OEL x8 Sensitivity
Standby Follower
Analog Adjust
VT Fail Protection

11.10.9

Normal Status
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled
Disabled
Disabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled

A30-CON Activate/Deactivate Tests ('Tests Button')

Table 14: A30-CON Activate/Deactivate Tests
OE Limiter Test
Indication Mode
Vref Step Up
Vref Step Down

11.11

Activate to turn on OE Limiter test mode.

Activate to apply step increase to Voltage reference.
Activate to apply step reduction to Voltage reference.

A30-MON Card - HMI Displays Available

Table 15: A30-MON Card - HMI Displays Available
Menu Title
Logging
Trending
Displays
Maintenance
Presets /
Maintenance
preset
Modes
Modules
Tests

Description
Event Logger. Shows latest events together with time of
occurrence, and provides an option to save registers and logs.
Trending Data, allows selection of up to 6 pages, Line voltage (3
over last few minutes but due to sampling rate is unsuitable for
accurately recording transient response.
(see below)
View ranges of holding registers
Write settings to NVRAM memory.
View Maintenance Presets view the adjustable parameters
that set up during commissioning. To adjust, double click the
value in the table. Click on transmit to save your settings.
Enable/Disable Monitors allows all monitors to be reset via the
HMI, and allows the output of any monitor to be deactivated.
Enable/Disable Modules allows software modules of monitors
and event logger to be disabled.
Activate/Deactivate Tests this menu can be used in
conjunction with the Enable/Disable Monitors facility to test
monitor the monitor time delay settings.

The Displays menu contains 7 data tables:

Displays 1 3 give details of measured parameters, monitor status, operating levels, etc.
Displays 4 7 show measured parameters, status of software modules, status of monitor
outputs, switch settings, test facility, etc.
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Manual No: HB959202000
11.12

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 77 of 126

Using The A30-MON HMI Displays

The following describes a typical configuration of the HMI. In some instances the actual HMI
provided will vary slightly from the description given.
11.12.1

A30-MON Main Displays (Displays 1 To 3)

Table 16: A30-MON Display 1 - Sensing
Group Title
Display 1:
Sensing
Run time
Advisory States

Description of Content
Actual sensing values supplied to the card. PF, Watts, VA, VAr
are single phase and based on the relationship between V(L1
L3) and I(L2)
Display of Hours, min, sec that the card has run. (Can be reset
to zero by turning DILSW1-6 on the A30-MON off) This switch
should be left ON.
Mainly self explanatory.
An Active state means that the device is operating.
An Enabled state means that the facility is Enabled and will
function if required.
Table 17: A-30 MON Display 2 UV, OV & Flux Monitor

Group Title
Display 2:
UV Monitor
OV Monitor
Flux Monitor

UE Monitor

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description of Content
Module
Status of software modules, enabled or disabled
using the modules button
Output
Status of monitor output, enabled or disabled
using the monitor
Trip Point Value of monitor trip point
Line Volts Measured line voltage
Timer
Percent of timer, when above trip point starts to
increase
Output
Trip/ No Trip
Module
Status of software modules, enabled or disabled
using the modules button
Output
Status of monitor output, enabled or disabled via
the monitors button
Zero
Value of monitor trip VArs at zero MW
Power
Trip Point
Present
Measured VArs (only valid when leading PF)
VArs
PF
Present PF sense
lead/lag?
Timer
Percent of timer, when above trip point starts to
increase
Output
Trip/ No Trip

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Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 78 of 126

Table 18: A30-MON Display 3 - OE Monitor

Group Title
Display 3:
OE Monitor

11.12.2

Description of Content
Module
Status of software modules, enabled or disabled
using the modules button
Output
Status of monitor output enable, enabled or
disabled via the monitors button
X4
Status of increased sensitivity software
module
T Comp
Status of temperature compensation
module
Amb
Measured Ambient Temperature C
Temp
0 C Trip
Nominal trip point of Monitor
Point
Field
Measured field current
Amps
Actual
Temperature compensated trip point
Trip Point
Timer
Percent of timer, when above trip point starts to
increase
Output
Trip/No Trip

A30-MON Diagnostics Display (Displays 4 To 7)

Table 19: A30-MON Display 4 - Analogue Values
Group Title
Display 4:
Analogue
Values

Description of Content
Self explanatory

Table 20: A30-MON Display 5 - Mon Module

Group Title
Display 5:
Mon module
Mon O/P
Test

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description of Content
Status of monitor and logger software modules
Status of monitor output enable
Status of monitor test facility used for testing monitor time delays

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Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 79 of 126

Table 21: A30-MON Display 6 - CRC Errors

Group Title
Display 6:
CRC Errors

Opto Inputs
Flags
Analogue
Values
Mon module
Mon O/P
Test
CRC Errors

Opto Inputs
Flags

Mezzdilsw1
ON = UP
OFF = DOWN

Description of Content
Indicates whether checksum error has been
ModeErr
detected in data stored in E2PROM. Should be
PresetErr
normal when healthy. This message is reset
OpAdjErr
when default presets are loaded.
Location
Shows memory location of detected error
Status of spare opto isolated input signals
Reset 1 On
Present status of Reset1 from control card
Reset 2 On
Present status of Reset2 from control card
Man PS Fault
Status of ps monitor signal from standby card
Self explanatory
Status of monitor and logger software modules
Status of monitor output enable
Status of monitor test facility used for testing monitor time delays
ModeErr
Indicates whether checksum error has been
PresetErr
detected in data stored in E2PROM. Should be
OpAdjErr
normal when healthy. This message is reset
when default presets are loaded.
Location
Shows memory location of detected error
Status of spare opto isolated input signals
Reset 1 On
Present status of Reset1 from control card
Reset 2 On
Present status of Reset2 from control card
Man PS Fault
Status of ps monitor signal from standby card
Cont Superv
Indicates health of control card watchdog
Field Supp.
Indicates field suppressed/not suppressed
InhMonSwOn
Status of panel mon inhibit switch
Card reset Off
Status of monitor reset pushbutton
Monitor output status
UETripped
OETripped
UVTripped
OVTripped
OfluxTripped
Dump To
Indicates status of flag which allows data to be
E2Prom
saved in E2Prom on shutdown
SW1
Spare/normally on
SW2
Spare/normally on
SW3
Spare/normally on
SW4
On = normal, Off for bench testing only
SW5
Spare/normally on
SW6 clock
Normally on to run clock, off to reset clock
SW7 presets
Normally On to use maintenance presets, off
to load defaults.
SW8
Spare/normally on

Display 7: A30-Mon - Flags, DIL Switches

11.12.3

A30-MON Event Logging Display ('Logging' Menu)

Indicates the time when a change in the status of selected events occurs.

11.12.4

Trend Data Menu ('Trending')

The trend display is used to show the value of the selected variable over a
particular time span. The speed of communication is such that the trend display is
unsuitable for accurately displaying generator response, but can be useful for
displaying long term changes.

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
11.12.5

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 80 of 126

Maintenance Presets Display ('Presets Menu')

Maintenance presets are used to set up an AVR for a particular contract. An AVR
which has not had its maintenance presets adjusted will contain default values,
which must be changed to suit the machine before turning on excitation.
When the maintenance presets are changed, they are loaded into non-volatile
memory and are preserved when the AVR is switched off.
Presets / Maintenance Preset allows selection and viewing of the relevant
maintenance preset page, Double clicking a value allows a maintenance preset to
be changed.
The following table gives an example of the available maintenance presets. An
actual application may differ slightly.

Table 22: A30 Monitor Card Maintenance Presets Information

HReg Preset Name

Min

Max

Inc

Units

40030 VT Nominal

100

120

40032 CT Rated Current

0.5

5.5

Current out of CT at rated machine output

40033 Nominal Frequency

50

60

Hz

40034 Overflux Monitor Set Point

1.0

1.25

PU

40035 OverVolts Monitor Set Point

100

140

Nominal Line Frequency

Over Flux Monitor Set Point (Per Unit VT
Nominal)
Over Voltage Monitor Set Point

40031 Nominal CT Current (1A or 5A)

40036 OverVolts Monitor Delay

10

100

%-s

40037 UnderVolts Monitor Set Point

70

120

40038 UnderVolts Monitor Delay

Under Voltage Monitor Set Point

25

%-s

40039 OverExcitation Monitor Set point

2.5

35

40040 OverExcitation Monitor Delay

100

5000

%-s

40041 OEM Ambient Temperature Compensation

0.2

% / C

40042 UnderExcitation Monitor IsinPhi Set Point

0.1

5.5

Over Excitation Monitor Set Point

Under Excitation Monitor Set Point

40043 UnderExcitation Monitor Delay

10

40044 UnderExcitation Monitor External Reactance

0.2

PU

40045 Over Flux Monitor Delay

10

100

%-s

11.12.6

Description
Sensing transformer voltage at 100% machine
volts
Nominal CT Current

Enable/Disable Monitors Menu ('Modes' Button)

The HMI can be used to reset or enable monitors globally, or to enable/disable
monitors individually.
The individual monitor disable option can be used in conjunction with the test
facility accessed via the tests button. Status of monitor enable/disable can be
viewed in the Main or Diagnostics displays.
Table 23: A30-MON Enable/Disable Monitors
Enable/Reset All Monitors
Over Volts
Over Flux
Under Volts
Over Excitation
Under Excitation

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Allows monitor reset via HMI

Allows monitors to be disabled
prior to using test facility

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Manual No: HB959202000
11.12.7

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 81 of 126

Enable/Disable Modules Menu ('Modules' Button)

Use of this menu allows different software modules to be disabled if not required
by the application or during testing. Status of s/w modules can be viewed in the
Main or Diagnostics displays.
Table 24: A30-MON Enable/Disable Modules
Module
Over Volts Monitor
Under Volts Monitor
Over Flux Monitor
OE Monitor
UE Monitor
OE Monitor Temp Comp
OE Monitor x4 Sensitivity
Remote Event Logger

11.12.8

Normal Status
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Enabled
Disabled
Enabled

Activate/Deactivate Tests Menu ('Tests' Button)

Use of this menu simplifies testing of individual monitor time delays by first
disabling the monitor using the menu accessed via the monitors button.
The monitored parameter is then set to a known level whilst running in standby.
When the tester is activated, the monitor output is turned on for 0.5 sec, then the
timing period commences. The time delay can be calculated from the event log
display contents. The tester is deactivated automatically after 0.5 sec, at which
point the monitor is automatically enabled.
Table 25: A30-MON Activate/Deactivate Tests Menu
Over Volts Monitor Tester
Under Volts Monitor Tester
Over Excitation Monitor Tester
Under Excitation Monitor Tester
Over Flux Monitor Tester

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Enable when using tester

Enable when using tester
Enable when using tester
Enable when using tester
Enable when using tester

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
12

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 82 of 126

USING THE SCADA COMMUNICATIONS PORT

The COM1 port on the front of the A30-CON card may be used to connect an external computer system
such as a SCADA system to the A30 for monitoring of generator data and adjustment of set-point.
An alternative 25 way D connector is available in the rear of the A30-RACK. Links must be set on the
A30-CON card to select whether the front or the rear SCADA comms connector is to be used.
The SCADA communications cannot be used for commissioning, and operates independently of
the commissioning HMI.
12.1

Protocol Data
Data rate etc:
Protocol:
Slave Number:
Supported Modbus
Function Codes:

12.2

Function Code 3 Read Holding Registers

Function Code 6 Write Holding Registers

Physical Connections
Front Connector:

Rear Connector:

12.3

9600baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit

Modbus RTU, A30 acting as slave, SCADA system acting as
master.
1

COM1 - 9 way male D type connector on front of control card

provides isolated RS232C requiring the following connections:
Pin 2 receive data
Pin 3 transmit data
Pin 5 0V
No handshaking is required.
25 way female D type connector on rear panel of the controller
provides isolated R S232C requiring the following connections:
Pin 3 receive data
Pin 2 transmit data
Pin 7 0V
No handshaking is required.

Data Available
See 19 Appendix C - Holding Registers For SCADA, Page 122

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Manual No: HB959202000
13

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 83 of 126

TRANSDUCER CALIBRATION PROCEDURE

Note: The A30-CON and A30-MON card transducers are calibrated at the factory prior to despatch and
will not normally require adjustment. Any slight discrepancy between the values indicated on the HMI
and panel instruments is more likely to be due to panel meter error rather than AVR error. Where a
replacement card is fitted to an existing installation, it may be necessary to check calibration of the card
in the mainframe, and in this case, measurements should be made using calibrated instruments with
accuracy better than 1%.
13.1

Line Voltage Calibration On The A30-CON Card

1) Open mainframe switch SW1.
2) Insert the A30-CON card into the extender card and plug them into the correct mainframe
position.
3) Close SW1.
4) Plug the Comms link into the connector marked `COM 2' on the A30-CON front panel.
5) With the machine running at rated speed, select `Standby' control and adjust the line
voltage to nominal.
6) Use the HMI to indicate sensing voltage and note the reading. Check that the indicated
value ie equal to the average value of the three mean line to line voltages applied to the
terminals 139, 140 and 141 when measured with a high accuracy (better than 1%) mean
(average) responding voltmeter.
If necessary, adjust RV5 on the control card if calibration is required.
If the AVR is set to measure single-phase line voltage, the value displayed on the HMI
should correspond to the average line voltage supplied to terminals 140 & 141.

13.2

Field Current Calibration On The A30-CON Card

Use the HMI to display exciter field current and check that the value indicated on the display is
equal to that indicated on the panel field ammeter. If necessary, the transducer can be
calibrated against an ammeter with accuracy better than 1% by adjusting RV3 on the control
card.

13.3

Line Current Calibration On The A30-CON Card

Load the machine in standby control to give approximately 80% rated line current (MW or
MVAr).
Use the HMI to display line current and check that the value indicated on the display is equal
to that indicated on the panel line ammeter. If necessary, the transducer can be calibrated
against an ammeter with accuracy better than 1% by adjusting RV4 on the control card.

13.4

Temperature Transducer Calibration on the A30-CON Card

1) In the first instance, check that the temperature displayed on the HMI corresponds to the
ambient temperature of the RTD.
Check that the temperature compensation is specified on the QC.48 document and that
an RTD measuring `generator inlet air temperature' is connected to the AVR. Use the HMI
to display temperature and confirm that the indicated value corresponds to the generator
inlet air temperature in the location of the RTD.

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Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 84 of 126

2) The temperature transducer can be calibrated using 100 and 115 resistors (accuracy
1%) as described below:
a) Trip FSC, and open SW1 in the mainframe. Connect the 100 resistor across
terminals 116 and 117. Link terminals 116 and 118. Fit the A30-CON card into the
extender and insert in the mainframe. Close SW1 in the mainframe. Use the HMI to
check that temperature compensation software is enabled. If it is turned off, confirm
that temperature compensation is required and if so, turn the software on.
Set the HMI to indicate temperature and adjust RV1 on the control card so that the dc
voltage between C2/4 and C2/11 is zero.
Adjust the dc voltage at TP7 wrt TP1 to 1.0V using RV6. Adjust the temperature
display on the HMI to 0C using RV2.
b) Open SW1 in the mainframe. Replace the 100 test resistor by the 115 resistor.
Close SW1 and check that the HMI now indicates 40C 2C and TP7 wrt TP1 is 5V.
c) If the temperature reading is not correct adjust RV6 for range and RV2 for level.
13.5

Line Voltage Calibration on the A30-MON Card

The procedure is the same as Section 13.1, except that this is carried out on the A30-MON
card.

13.6

Field Current Calibration on the A30-MON Card

The procedure is the same as Section 13.2, except that this is carried out on the A30-MON
card.

13.7

Line Current Calibration on the A30-MON Card

The procedure is the same as Section 13.3, except that this is carried out on the A30-MON
card.

13.8

Temperature Transducer Calibration on the A30-MON Card

The procedure is the same as Section 13.4, except measurements and adjustments of RV6
and RV5 are made on the A30-MON card.

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
14

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 85 of 126

STEP RESPONSE TESTING

14.1

Step Response
Step response testing involves the sudden application of a step increase or reduction to the
regulator set point. This causes a disturbance in the output of the regulator that is reflected to
the output of the machine. The resulting transient provides information about the damping of
the regulator and is helpful when optimising the settings of the stability controls.
Step response testing is carried out in the following circumstances:
when the machine is running on open circuit when setting up the stabilising, in this case a
step up of 5% is recommended.
When the machine is running in parallel with the supply and it is required to test the
response of the under excitation limiter. In this case a step down of 2% maximum is
recommended.
when the machine is running in parallel with the supply and it is required to test the
response of a power system stabiliser. In this case a step down of 2% maximum is
recommended.
When line current greater than 0.1 per unit is present the maximum step is limited to 2%
The reference automatically returns to normal 20 sec after the step is applied.

14.2

Step Response on Open Circuit

Before starting any step response tests, first confirm that no equipment connected to the
generator is likely to be adversely affected by the tests.
Initially confirm that the test step size is set to the required level in the maintenance presets
on the HMI. A step of 5% is recommended.
It is recommended that the line voltage is initially set 10% below nominal until the stabilising
controls have been adjusted so as to reduce voltage overshoot during the response test. The
machine voltage may be increased to nominal when the settings are close to optimum.
The HMI displays the overshoot, undershoot and recovery time. Each time a step response
test is enabled, the previous values are destroyed.
The shape of the voltage transient may be viewed in the trending display although this is
unsuitable for taking accurate readings.
It is recommended that the step be allowed to time out for 20 sec, before returning to nominal
voltage.

14.3

Stabilising Adjustment.
The step response of the system may be optimised by adjusting the proportional (P), integral
(I) and differential gain (D) by accessing the maintenance presets menu.
The Integral Gain, when set correctly, has very little effect on the transient response and
should be set initially to 100.
In general increasing the Proportional Gain will give faster rise time but too much will give a
response which is difficult to damp out and probably a large overshoot.
Damping can be improved and overshoot reduced by increasing the Differential Gain
however, too much will give poor rise time and may cause fluctuations in the exciter field
voltage.

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Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 86 of 126

The HMI shows the value Mark Angle and this is an indication of the variation of the
thyristor firing angle. Under steady state conditions Mark should be almost constant, and Mark
Angle will display the variation in the firing angle which should not normally exceed 10% of
the late firing limit. If this does occur it is recommended that the Differential Gain is reduced.
Integral Gain (I) will cause instability if too low typically less than 30. Instability depends on
(P), but if (P) is less than 60 then (I) will need to be higher, typically 500 for P = 35 on turbo
generators. Too high a value will give poor regulation and long rise time.
The following table of stabilising settings is a general guide:
Table 26: Stabilising Settings
Typical Ranges

Typical Salient Pole

Typical Turbo Generator

20 100

50

50

100 200

100

100

20 100

40

40

The contract settings in the QC.48 document provide a good starting point. If after a 5% step
the overshoot is too high, increase the Differential Gain to reduce the overshoot. If the
Differential Gain is unusually large it may be better to reduce Proportional Gain to reduce the
overshoot. The effect of this will be to reduce the rise time.
If the line voltage is oscillatory the Integral Gain may be too low (do not reduce below 100)
Use the 5% step to optimise the overshoot to about 15% -30% of the 5% step size. The under
shoot should be much less than the overshoot, typically 0% to 6% of the step size.
In the majority of applications, an adequate response with minimal overshoot can quite easily
be achieved using step response testing on open circuit and the facilities on the HMI. If the
application requires the best possible response this will necessitate recording equipment and
possibly load application and rejection testing.
14.4

UEL Stabilising
Adjustable Proportional, Integral, and Differential gains controls have been added to the under
excitation limiter. It is recommended that they are set initially to I = 50, P = 20, D = 20.
When setting up the UEL response, steady state stability should initially have been proved by
running at zero power and slowly reducing the set point of the AVR until the under excitation
limiter turns on.
The response of the Under Excitation limiter may be tested by running the machine lightly
loaded when in parallel and initiating a step down in AVR set point. The excitation will reduce
and the machine will generate leading VArs. Check that the Under Excitation limiter turns on
immediately with no appreciable overshoot in the leading VArs. It may be necessary to
optimise the response by making adjustments to the UEL stabilising controls.

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
15

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 87 of 126

OPERATING PROCEDURES AND MAINTENANCE

15.1

Operating Procedures
It is important to study operating procedures for the generator and turbine/engine system
which are beyond the scope of this manual. The following instructions should be followed to
ensure correct operation of the AVR.
15.1.1

Application And Removal Of Excitation

It is important that the 'Excite' input should be energised only after the
AVR Main Electronics Supply has been applied.
The typical A30 Excitation System Circuit Diagram (See Appendix E - Drawings)
shows an external Excitation Isolator Switch SW1 and the Field Suppression
Contactor FSC (driven by the Excite input) within the AVR.
The excitation isolator should be provided for maintenance purposes and should
be left closed except during maintenance and commissioning.
The majority of applications for this AVR are designed to be fully automatic. In this
case the Excite input should be energised using a speed detector switch,
external to the AVR, which should be set to switch at 80% rated speed.
On shut down the speed switch should remove the 'Excite' signal on speed
reduction, and a 'Suppress' signal should be given before the AVR power supply is
removed.
When it is a requirement for an operator to manually apply and remove excitation,
a switch to apply and remove the 'Excite' input (closing and tripping the field
suppression contactor FSC) should be fitted to the control panel.
The PMG isolator should not be used to apply excitation, as its closure when the
field contactor is already closed does not allow an adequate initialisation period for
the AVR and may occasionally cause a malfunction.

15.1.2

Parallel Running / Single Running

Power factor or VAr Control is provided for generator operation in parallel with a
power system. These functions should be selected only when the paralleling
circuit breaker is closed. Power Factor or VAr control should not be selected on a
single running generator.

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Manual No: HB959202000
15.2

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 88 of 126

Maintenance
The A30 Excitation Controller is completely solid state, apart from relays, contactors and
switches, and requires very little maintenance. It is recommended that the AVR is inspected
approximately every 12 months to check for excessive dust build-up, and that all relays, fuses
and connections are secure. Excessive quantities of dust should be removed with a soft
brush.
In common with generator protection systems, it is good practice to annually check the
calibration and the correct operation of all the various functions of the AVR because some
(monitors or limiters) may never have needed to operate since the equipment was installed.
This entails making checks that are carried out during commissioning and, if required, Brush
Service Department can provide this service.
WARNING: Take anti-static precautions when handling cards. Ensure that you are
earthed (grounded) by using a wrist strap or similar device. An earth connection
terminal is fitted in the centre or the front right hand mounting bracket of the AVR
to which a wrist strap may be clipped.
Electronic cards can be damaged by static discharge and should be carried in
anti static protective containers wherever practicable. They should always be
stored and transported in anti static bags or boxes.

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
16

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 89 of 126

FAULT FINDING
Note: The advice given in the safety notice at the front of this Instruction Manual
should be followed when fault finding.
16.1

General Information
If the AVR does not function correctly, a test sequence is recommended in which the
generator and external wiring are first thoroughly checked before it is assumed that the fault
lies in the electronic equipment. The faultfinding procedure is designed to enable faults to be
found quickly. It is essential therefore, to follow the order in which they are presented.
In the event of finding a fault on any part of the AVR the company strongly recommends that
no attempt is made to repair the unit, but that it is replaced by a spare which should be recommissioned according to the relevant section of this Instruction Manual. The faulty unit
should be returned to the Works for repair quoting the relevant Type/Model and Contract No's,
together with the nature of the fault.

16.2

Precautions
Meggers, flash testers and bell sets must not be used to check any equipment connected to,
or incorporating semi-conductors.
If these devices are to be used to check the wiring to the AVR, first disconnect all cables to
the AVR.
WARNING: Take anti-static precautions when handling cards. Ensure that you are
earthed (grounded) by using a wrist strap or similar device. An earth connection
terminal is fitted in the centre or the front right hand mounting bracket of the AVR
to which a wrist strap may be clipped.
Electronic cards can be damaged by static discharge and should be carried in
anti static protective containers wherever practicable. They should always be
stored and transported in anti static bags or boxes.

16.3

Procedure
16.3.1

Preliminary Checks
Before commencing fault finding on the AVR unit, the following preliminary checks
should be carried out:
a) Check correct operation of the generator, ie. PMG output available (if
applicable), the field and sensing signals are correct etc.
b) Check all wiring associated with the excitation system.
c) Check all contactors, switches and other external components associated with
the AVR unit.
d) Check that all the correct links are fitted in the AVR as detailed in the contract
QC.48 document.
e) Check all fuses and replace any that have failed. Fuse ratings are given in
Section 6.

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Manual No: HB959202000
16.3.2

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 90 of 126

AVR Checks
Having completed these preliminary checks, if the problem remains, the cause
may be assumed to be internal to the AVR, or in its setting up. In this event the
problem will generally fall into one of the following categories:
1)
2)
3)
4)

16.3.3

A30-CON card Faults - see Fault Finding Table 1

A30-MON card Faults - see Fault Finding Table 9
Utilities Card Faults - see Fault Finding Table 15
Standby Control Card Faults - see Fault Finding Table 23

Thyristor Check
The Main and Standby power circuits are single-phase half-controlled rectifiers
each comprising two diodes (in a single module) and two thyristors (in a single
module). The thyristors can be checked in situ with the aid of a battery, ammeter
and two resistors, after isolating the AVR and temporarily removing the relevant
semi-conductor fuse (FS5 or FS6) and unplugging plug Q from the Backboard.
15 Ohm
12 W

A
12 V Battery
1 Amp Short
Term Rated

15 Ohm
0.5 W
Anode

Thyristor
Under Test

Switch
Gate

Cathode

Figure 24: Thyristor Test Circuit

1) Initially, with switch S open and not having previously been closed, ensure that
the ammeter registers zero current.
2) Close S and observe that the ammeter now registers approximately 0.75A.
3) Re-open S and observe that the ammeter continues to register - ideally as in
2) above.
If any of these three tests is not satisfied for either positive or negative arm
thyristors, then the thyristor module should be replaced.
Note: To reduce the current to zero after the thyristor has been triggered, as in 2)
above; the battery circuit must be disconnected.

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Manual No: HB959202000
16.4

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 91 of 126

Fault Finding Tables

NOTE: In the following tables where reference is made to Test Point 1 (TP1)
on the A30-CON and MON cards, use TP1 on the main body of the card, not
TP1 on the A30-M188.
Description
Fault Finding Table 1: A30-CON Card Faults
Fault Finding Table 2: Instability In Main Channel Control On Open Circuit
Fault Finding Table 3: High Excitation Or Voltage On Open Circuit
Fault Finding Table 4: Low Excitation Or Voltage On Open Circuit In Main
Control Channel
Fault Finding Table 5: Main Control Channel Temperature Compensation
Error
Fault Finding Table 6: Main Control Channel Field Current Measurement
Error
Fault Finding Table 7: Incorrect Line Current/Phase Measurement
Fault Finding Table 8: Incorrect Frequency Measurement
Fault Finding Table 9: A30-MON Card Faults
Fault Finding Table 10: A30-MON Line Voltage Measurement Error
Fault Finding Table 11: A30-MON Field Current Measurement Error
Fault Finding Table 12: A30-MON Temperature Measurement Error
Fault Finding Table 13: A30-MON Line Current/Phase Measurement
Inaccurate
Fault Finding Table 14: A30-MON Frequency Measurement Error
Fault Finding Table 15: Utilities Card Faults
Fault Finding Table 16: Failure Of A30-CON And A30-MON Card DC
Supplies
Fault Finding Table 17: Failure Of 15V A30-CON Card Supply (Other DC
Supplies Present)
Fault Finding Table 18: Failure Of 15V A30-MON Supply (other DC
Supplies Present)
Fault Finding Table 19: Failure Of +5V A30-CON Card Supply (Other DC
Supplies Present)
Fault Finding Table 20: Failure Of +5V A30-MON Supply (Other DC Supplies
Present)
Fault Finding Table 21: Diode Failure Indicator Faults
Fault Finding Table 22: General Alarm (LED5) Given On Utilities Card
Fault Finding Table 23: Standby Control Faults
Fault Finding Table 24: Standby Control Faults - No Excitation When
Running On Standby
Fault Finding Table 25: Standby Card Faults - Line Voltage Unstable When
Machine On Open Circuit
Fault Finding Table 26: Standby Control Faults - Machine Will Not Run In
Parallel When Selected In Voltage Control Mode
Fault Finding Table 27: Standby Control Faults - High Excitation When In
Standby Control

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Page No.
92
93
94
95
96
96
96
96
97
97
98
98
98
99
99
100
100
101
101
102
102
103
103
104
105
105
105

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Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 92 of 126

Fault Finding Table 1: A30-CON Card Faults

No.

Symptom

Test/Check

Remedial Action

Watchdog dropout
indication LED2 on

Check micro reset pushbutton is

not jammed

Replace card

Instability on open circuit

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 2

Overvoltage/ excitation on
open circuit

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 3

Undervoltage/ excitation on
open circuit

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 4

OEL temperature
compensation/
measurement inaccurate

Use HMI to display temperature

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 5

Field current display

inaccurate

Use HMI to display field current

and check against calibrated
ammeter

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 4 Item 8

Line current display

inaccurate

Use HMI to display line current

and check against calibrated
meter

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 7

Power factor display

inaccurate

Use HMI to display power factor

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 7

Frequency display
inaccurate

Use HMI to display frequency

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 8

10

HMI not communicating

Check A30con HMI software is

running (not A30mon) and that
cable is plugged into com1 on the
A30-CON card

Rectify as necessary

11

Cannot adjust V, VAr, PF

Set Points using panel
switches

Check on HMI that Panel/HMI

selector on panel is set to Panel

Set switch to Panel

12

Cannot adjust V, VAr, PF

using HMI or SCADA
remote comms

Check Panel/HMI switch is set to

HMI. If adjustment is achieved via
commissioning HMI, SCADA
should function when correctly set
up.

Install basic SCADA s/w on

local pc to prove SCADA
link functions correctly over
SCADA comms socket.

13

Cannot select PF/VAr/ VAr

shed mode via HMI when
Panel/HMI switch is set to
HMI

Check on HMI that mode

selection method is set to HMI. If
set to switches, mode is selected
by switches.

Enter mode selection menu

and active mode selection
via HMI. Unless this is
done, mode selection will
be by switches even when
HMI can adjust reference
set points.

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Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 93 of 126

Fault Finding Table 2: Instability In Main Channel Control On Open Circuit

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Governor
instability

Check speed is not fluctuating and that

excitation is stable in Standby field volts
control

If speed is fluctuating,
investigate governor
instability

Incorrect PID
setting

Check PID settings on HMI

Refer to Section 14

Mainframe not
earthed

Check mainframe terminal 9 is earthed

Correct as necessary

PMG phase
reference circuit
failure

a)Check the PMG voltage across CON1/5

and CON1/9 is at least 50V
b) check that there are narrow +5V pulses
at TP6 wrt TP1 at 2 times PMG frequency

a) Check external wiring

PMG
measurement
circuit failure

Use HMI to display PMG frequency.

Ensure the correct PMG frequency
selection link is fitted on the A30-CON
mezzanine board (A30-M188) and that the
correct frequency is entered in the
maintenance presets.

If problem persists after

carrying out
recommended checks,
replace control card

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

b) If not, replace control

card

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 94 of 126

Fault Finding Table 3: High Excitation Or Voltage On Open Circuit

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Loss of voltage sensing to

rear terminals

Excite machine on Standby

in field voltage control.
Check sensing voltages at
terminals 132, 148, 139,
140 & 141

If missing, check external

wiring/fuses and repair as
necessary

Loss of sensing signal on

A30-CON card or control
card voltage transducer out
of calibration

a) Use HMI to display line

voltage . Check same as
secondary VT voltage

a) If display is correct and the

correct link is fitted for 3 or 1
phase sensing, card is faulty
replace. If display not
correct, continue to test b)

b) Using extender, check

voltage between terminals
C1/8, C1/11 and C1/15 is
20V to 25V

b) If it is correct, continue to
test c). If not, go to test 3a)
and 3b)

c) Check voltage at TP9 wrt

TP1 is 4V to 6V dc

c) If not card faulty - replace

otherwise re-calibrate voltage
measurement circuit, see
Section 13.1

a) Using extender on
Utilities, measure input to
Utilities is 110V at terminals
U2/21, U2/25 and U2/23

a) If not Backboard faulty investigate and replace if

necessary

b) Using extender on
Utilities, measure output is
25V at terminals U2/28,
U2/26 and U2/27

b) If not Utilities card faulty investigate and replace if

necessary

Check SCR1, SCR2 using

thyristor test procedure, see
16.3.3

Replace thyristor module if

faulty

Sensing fault associated

with Backboard or Utilities
card

Power circuit fault

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 95 of 126

Fault Finding Table 4: Low Excitation Or Voltage On Open Circuit In Main Control Channel
No.
1

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Main channel
power circuit fault in
mainframe

a) Check that fuse FS5 is healthy

a) Replace if necessary

b) Check PMG volts applied to input of Main

control rectifier

b) Examine wiring in rack and correct if

necessary

c) Check internal wiring between Main control

rectifier and field

c) Correct as necessary

d) Check Main power circuit thyristors as in 16.3.3

d) Replace module if necessary

Loss of auxiliary
power supply

Check FS1, FS2 and any external fuses and

wiring to the external supply

Replace fuses/correct as necessary

Incorrect links fitted

If 3 phase sensing, check card not selected for 1phase sensing (See Appendix B - Card Link
Descriptions)

Correct as necessary

Short circuit limiter

malfunction

Use HMI to check that correct operating level has

been set . Test on increased sensitivity with
machine on open circuit.

Check field current measurement circuits,

refer to 6 & 8 in this table.
If no different, contact factory or replace
card.

OE limiter
operating level too
low.

Use HMI to examine actual limit and the indicated

filed amps.

Enter correct settings if necessary, If

problem unresolved, check field current
and temperature measurement circuits,
refer to 7 & 8 in this table.

Short circuit limit

increased
sensitivity selected

Use HMI to check x 8 sensitivity is turned off (OEL

menu)

Correct as necessary

OEL limiter
increased
sensitivity selected

Use HMI to check x 4 sensitivity is turned off (OEL

menu)

Correct as necessary

Field current
measurement
circuit failure

a) Excite machine in Standby to nominal voltage.

Use HMI to display field current and check
indication against accurate meter

a) Re-calibrate if necessary according to

Section 13. If error large, check according
to b) in this table

b) Check dc voltage at TP4 wrt TP1 is 0.33 times

the field ammeter reading

b) Trim using RV2 on Backboard. If not

possible, IC1 on Backboard faulty
replace Backboard

a) Use HMI to check FSC status

a) If FSC OFF, status is correct. If FSC

ON, proceed to test 9b) in this table

b) Remove LK19 and check FSC status

b) If still ON, card faulty replace. If FSC

OFF with LK19 out, proceed to test 9c) in
this table

c) Check dc auxiliary supply present at C2/18 and

Q/24

If not, check FSCS and replace as

necessary

Check dc supplies on card are:

Check correct power supply links are fitted.

Correct as necessary

10

Incorrect FSC
status read by A30CON card

Incorrect selection
of power supply
links

VTP13-TP1 = 5V 0.2V
VTP19-TP1 = 15V 1.0V
VTP20-TP4 = 15V 1.0V

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 96 of 126

Fault Finding Table 5: Main Control Channel Temperature Compensation Error

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

RTD wiring incorrect

Check resistance between terminals

117 and 118, 117 and 116; should be
in the order of 100

Correct as necessary

Temperature
compensation is turned off

Use HMI to check temperature

compensation is ON

Correct if necessary

Temperature sensing
circuit out of calibration

Re-calibrate according to Section

13.4

If it cannot be recalibrated, replace the

card

Fault Finding Table 6: Main Control Channel Field Current Measurement Error
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Incorrect link selection on

Backboard

Check link 2A is fitted on Backboard

Correct as necessary

Backboard failure

Refer to Fault Finding Table 4 Item 8

Fault Finding Table 7: Incorrect Line Current/Phase Measurement

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Incorrect selection of LK1

on the Backboard

Check correct link fitted as specified

by the contract QC.48 document

Correct as necessary

External wiring errors

a) Confirm CT wiring to terminals 133

& 134 is as shown on contract
schematic

a) Correct as
necessary

b) Ensure that shorting links are not

connected across the CT

b) Correct as
necessary

c) Check that the ac voltage on the

A30-CON card terminals C1/1 wrt
TP1 is 1V per amp of CT output
current (5A secondary)

c) If not present,
Backboard faulty and
must be replaced

d) Check dc voltage on control card

TP11 wrt TP1 is 0.33V per amp of
secondary CT current (5A CT)

d) If not, re-calibrate
according to Section
13.

e) Use HMI to display line current and

power factor and check agreement
with calibrated instruments

e) If not, replace A30CON card

Fault Finding Table 8: Incorrect Frequency Measurement

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Loss of voltage sensing to

A30-CON card

Perform checks outlined in Fault

Finding Table 3

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Remedial Action

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 97 of 126

Fault Finding Table 9: A30-MON Card Faults

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Watchdog dropout
indication LED2 on

Check micro reset pushbutton is not

jammed

Replace card

Monitor trips too frequently

or not at all

a) Check settings using HMI that

maintenance presets are as indicated
in the contract QC.48, and all required
functions are enabled (main display)

a) Enter correct
settings where
appropriate

b) Check calibration of appropriate

monitor transducer against accurate
meter using HMI as indicated below:

b) If calibration
inaccurate, refer to
table indicated:

Voltage

Refer to Fault Finding

Table 10
Refer to Fault Finding
Table 11
Refer to Fault Finding
Table 13
Refer to Fault Finding
Table 12
Refer to Fault Finding
Table 14

Field Current
Line Current/Phase
Temperature
Frequency
4

A30-MON settings
inconsistent with site
conditions

Measure the monitored quantities

during normal and transient operation

If normal site transients

are beyond initial
monitor settings, refer
to works

Fault Finding Table 10: A30-MON Line Voltage Measurement Error

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Loss of voltage sensing

signal

If Main control channel sensing OK,

continue test 2 otherwise refer to
Fault Finding Table 3 Item 1

Internal fault on A30-MON

voltage sensing signal

a) Use HMI to view line voltage.

Check same as secondary VT voltage

a) If error large, go to
test b) otherwise go to
test c)

b) Using extender check voltage

between terminals M1/8, M1/11,
M1/15 is 20V to 25V

b) If correct, go to test
c), if not and Main
control sensing OK,
Backboard is faulty

c) Check that the voltage at TP5 wrt

TP1 is 4v to 6V dc

c) If not, card faulty

replace, otherwise recalibrate voltage
measurement circuit.

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Remedial Action

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 98 of 126

Fault Finding Table 11: A30-MON Field Current Measurement Error

No.
1

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Field current
measurement failure

a) Excite in Standby or Main, use

HMI to measure field current and
check against accurate meter

a) If error small, calibrate

according to Section 13.
If error large, do test b)

b) Check dc voltage at TP2 wrt TP1

is 0.33 times field ammeter reading

b) Trim if necessary
using RV3 on Backboard
after checking LK3A is
fitted. Then calibrate
according to Section 13

Fault Finding Table 12: A30-MON Temperature Measurement Error

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

RTD wiring incorrect

Refer to Fault Finding Table 5 Item 1

Temperature
compensation is turned off

Use HMI to check temperature

compensation is ON

Correct as necessary

Temperature sensing
circuit fault

Use HMI to display temperature and

check it indicates temperature of RTD
and corresponds to the temperature
displayed by the HMI on the A30CON card

Re-calibrate according
to Section 13

Fault Finding Table 13: A30-MON Line Current/Phase Measurement Inaccurate

No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Incorrect selection of LK1

on Backboard

If A30-CON card reads

line current correctly,
Backboard links OK. If
both wrong, refer to
QC.48.

External wiring errors

If A30-CON card OK,

external wiring correct.
If both wrong, refer to
Fault Finding Table 7
Items 2a & 2b.

Incorrect signal to A30MON

Check that ac voltage to terminals

M1/1 wrt TP1 is 1V per amp of CT
output current (5A secondary)

If not, Backboard faulty

and must be replaced

Calibration error

a) Check dc voltage on A30-MON

TP6 wrt TP1 is 0.33V per amp of
secondary CT current (5A CT)

a) If not, re-calibrate
according to Section
13.

b) Use HMI to display line current and

power factor and check agreement
with calibrated instruments

b) If not, replace A30MON card

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 99 of 126

Fault Finding Table 14: A30-MON Frequency Measurement Error

No.
1

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Loss of voltage sensing to

A30-MON

Refer to Fault Finding Table 10

If all checks OK and

frequency measurement
faulty, A30-MON is faulty
and card should be
replaced

Fault Finding Table 15: Utilities Card Faults

No.

Symptom

Test

Remedial Action

Failure of both 15V supplies

and both +5V supplies

If LEDs 1-4 are OFF, all supplies

have failed

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 16

Failure of 15V A30-CON

supply

If LED 1 is OFF, the supply has

failed

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 17

Failure of +5V A30-CON

supply

If LED 4 is OFF, the supply has

failed

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 18

Failure of 15V A30-MON

supply

If LED 2 is OFF, the supply has

failed

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 19

Failure of +5V A30-MON

supply

If LED 3 is OFF, the supply has

failed

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 20

Diode failure indicator faulty

a) Indicator ON continuously when

all rotating diodes and fuses are
healthy

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 21

b) Operation of the test pushbutton

does not cause the alarm to be
given

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 21

c) Indicator does not give indication

when a rotating diode is faulty or
fuse is blown

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 21

General alarm signal given

LED 5 ON

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Refer to Fault
Finding Table 22

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 100 of 126

Fault Finding Table 16: Failure Of A30-CON And A30-MON Card DC Supplies
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

No PMG feed to
supply
transformer

a) Ensure mainframe mounted switch

SW1 is closed

a) Close if open. Replace if faulty

b) Mainframe fuses FS3, 4 blown

b) Check correct link selection on

auxiliaries board on in left side of
main frame. Replace fuses if
links correct.

c) Check PMG supply to PLUG 6

terminals 29, 30 and that PMG
voltage agrees with value on contract
QC.48.

c) Correct as required. If PMG

voltage incorrect, refer to works

d) Switch off SW1, fit utilities board on

extender card, close SW1 and check
ac supplies to utilities board terminals:
U1/5 -1/9 between 15V-23V
U1/15-1/17 between 60V-95V
U1/19-1/21 between 60V-95V

d) If volts low or high, double

check that correct links are fitted.
If no volts, check wiring loom
from auxiliaries board to
backboard. If ok, auxiliaries
board probably faulty and should
be replaced.

Fault Finding Table 17: Failure Of 15V A30-CON Card Supply (Other DC Supplies Present)
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

FS4 blown on Utilities

card

Turn off SW1 in mainframe.

Check fuse

Replace if blown. If it blows

again, replace Utilities card

No PMG feed to U1/15

and U1/17

a) Check ac volts at U1/15 to

U1/17 is between 60 and 95
volts

a) If missing, proceed to test b)

b) Remove Utilities card and

repeat a) above

b) If volts now present, Utilities

card faulty replace. If still
missing, proceed to test c)

c) Check ac volts at backboard

plug Q1/6 & Q1/7 is between
60 and 95 volts

c) If missing and other supplies

OK, auxiliaries board or loom to
it is faulty, check and replace as
required. If present check
backboard and replace if faulty.

Remove control card. Fit

extender card alone in control
card slot with LK1 inserted.
Check volts across Utilities:

If OK, control card takes

excessive current replace
control card. If volts low, replace
Utilities card

Insufficient current
available for A30-CON
card

TP2-TP1 is 15V 1.5V

TP1-TP3 is 15V 1.5V

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 101 of 126

Fault Finding Table 18: Failure Of 15V A30-MON Supply (other DC Supplies Present)
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

FS2 blown on
Utilities card

Turn off SW1 in mainframe. Check

fuse

Replace if blown. If it blows again,

replace Utilities card

No PMG feed to
U1/19 and U1/21

a) Check ac volts at U1/19 to U1/21 is

between 60 and 95 volts

a) If missing, proceed to test b)

b) Remove Utilities card and repeat a)

above

b) If volts now present, Utilities card

faulty replace. If still missing,
proceed to test c)

c) Check ac volts at backboard plug

Q1/1 & Q1/2 is between 60 and 95
volts

c) If missing and other supplies OK,

auxiliaries board or loom to it is faulty,
check and replace as required. If
present check backboard and replace
if faulty.

Remove A30-MON. Fit extender card

alone in A30-MON slot with LK1
inserted. Check volts across Utilities:

If OK, A30-MON card takes excessive

current replace A30-MON card. If
volts low, replace Utilities card

Insufficient current
available for A30MON

TP10-TP1 is 15V 1.5V

TP1-TP9 is 15V 1.5V
Fault Finding Table 19: Failure Of +5V A30-CON Card Supply (Other DC Supplies Present)
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

FS3 blown on
Utilities card

Turn off SW1 in mainframe. Remove

control and Utilities card. Check fuse.
Replace if necessary and test with
control card removed

Replace if blown. If it blows again,

replace Utilities card. If OK, proceed
to test b)

Insufficient
current available
for A30-CON
card

Remove control card. Fit extender card

alone in control card slot with LK3 fitted.
Check volts across Utilities:
TP5-TP1 is 5V 0.5V

If OK, A30-CON card takes excessive

current - replace control card. If volts
low, proceed to test 3 below

Low PMG supply

to Utilities card

a) Check ac volts at U1/5 to U1/9 is

between 15 and 23 volts

a) If OK, Utilities card faulty replace.

If low, proceed to b)

b) Remove Utilities card and repeat a)

above

b) If now OK, Utilities card faulty

replace. If still low, proceed to test c)

c) Check ac volts at backboard plug

terminals Q1/4 & Q1/5 is between 15
and 23 volts

c) If missing and other supplies OK,

auxiliaries board or loom to it is faulty,
check and replace as required. If
present check backboard and replace
if faulty.

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 102 of 126

Fault Finding Table 20: Failure Of +5V A30-MON Supply (Other DC Supplies Present)
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

FS1 blown on Utilities

card

Turn off SW1 in mainframe.

Remove A30-MON and
Utilities card. Check fuse.
Replace if necessary and test
with control card removed

Replace if blown. If it blows again,

replace Utilities card. If OK,
proceed to test b)

Insufficient current
available for A30-MON
card

Remove A30-MON card. Fit

extender card alone in A30MON slot with LK3 fitted.
Check volts across Utilities:

If OK, A30-MON takes excessive

current and should be replaced. If
volts low, proceed to test 3 below

TP11-TP1 is 5V 0.5V
3

Low PMG supply to

Utilities card

a) Check ac volts at U1/5 to

U1/9 is between 15 and 23
volts

a) If OK, Utilities card faulty

replace. If low, proceed to b)

b) Remove Utilities card and

repeat a) above

b) If now OK, Utilities card faulty

replace. If still low, proceed to test
c)

c) Check ac volts at
backboard plug terminals
Q1/4 & Q1/5is between 15
and 23 volts

c) If missing and other supplies

OK, auxiliaries board or loom to it
is faulty, check and replace as
required. If present check
backboard and replace if faulty.

Fault Finding Table 21: Diode Failure Indicator Faults

No.
1

Symptom

Test

Remedial Action

Indicator permanently on

a) Check rotating diodes &

fuses

a) Replace any failed devices. If all

OK, proceed to b), and then c)

b) Check AVR not unstable

b) Reset stability if necessary

c) Reduce sensitivity of
detector by fitting LK2 and
adjusting RV1 clockwise until
LED7 turns off

c) Leave RV1 at this setting. If

indication still given, Utilities card
faulty replace

a) Press DFI test button

a) If LED7 does not come on after

delay, Utilities card faulty replace

b) If indicator does not detect

a diode or fuse failure,
increase sensitivity by fitting
LK1 (Utilities) and rotating
RV1 clockwise until alarm
given

b) Leave RV1 at this setting

Diode failure indicator

inoperative

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 103 of 126

Fault Finding Table 22: General Alarm (LED5) Given On Utilities Card
No.
1

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Standby power supply fault

Refer to Fault Finding Table 24

Item 1

A30-MON watchdog dropout

Refer to Fault Finding Table 9

Item 2

A30-MON 15V supply failure

Refer to Fault Finding Table 18

Fault Finding Table 23: Standby Control Faults

No.

Symptom

Test

No excitation when running

on Standby

See Fault Finding Table

24

Excitation collapses on
transfer from Main to Standby

Voltage unstable when

machine on open circuit

See Fault Finding Table

24
See
Fault Finding Table 25

Machine will not run in

parallel in Standby

See Fault Finding Table

26

Auto follower does not give

null balance when running in
Main

See Fault Finding Table

24 to Fault Finding
Table 27

Cannot adjust output level

using remote switches

See Fault Finding Table

24

High excitation when Standby

selected
LED 4, A30-CON PS loss
detector operated

See Fault Finding Table

27
See Fault Finding Table
17

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Remedial Action

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PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 104 of 126

Fault Finding Table 24: Standby Control Faults - No Excitation When Running On Standby
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Power supply
inoperative

Check LED3 is on indicating

healthy power supply. If not, check
PMG supply to S2/19, S2/28.
Check links 1-6 as specified in
QC.48. Check FS1, FS2

If all checks OK and supply

not present, replace card

Standby raise/lower
signal fault

a) Confirm Standby at minimum

LED5 is ON on power-up
b) Give Standby raise signal and
check LED5 is turned OFF. Give
Standby lower signal and check
LED5 is turned ON

a) If not, card faulty replace

b) If not, check signals SI/9
and SI/11. Correct wiring if
necessary

Auto follower is selected

when in Standby control

Check that no voltage is applied to

S1/5 when Standby is selected
and that aux dc applied to S1/5
when Main selected

Check signal path from

ECCS-1 to S1/5 via Utilities
card. Correct if necessary

Control circuit fault

If tests 1-3 OK, commission A30CON card and check if auto

follower matches Standby to Main,
confirmed by null meter reading
and raise/lower LEDs on Standby
card

If not, replace Standby card.

If OK go to test 5 below

Standby power circuit

fault in mainframe

a) Check that Standby fuse FS6

OK
b) Check PMG volts applied to
input of Standby control rectifier
c) Check internal wiring between
Standby rectifier and field
d) Check Standby thyristors.

a) Replace as necessary

With system isolated, check with

ohmmeter the continuity between:
S2/10 and G3
S2/12 and K3
S2/18 and G4
S2/20 and K4

Investigate any faults and

rectify

Bad connection from

Standby firing pulse
output to thyristors

If tests 1-6 above do not

indicate cause of fault,
replace Standby card

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

b) Examine wiring in rack and

correct as necessary
c) Correct as necessary
d) Replace module if
necessary

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 105 of 126

Fault Finding Table 25: Standby Card Faults - Line Voltage Unstable When Machine On Open Circuit
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Governor instability

Check that speed is not

fluctuating

Stabilise governor if necessary

If governor stable and volts

control selected, stability
controls require adjustment

Reset RV1 (quantity)

and RV2 (phase) to
produce a stable exciter
field voltage

If stability cannot be achieved,

check that the appropriate
stabilising link (LK25,26 or 28) for
exciter field time constant is fitted
refer to link chart for standby card
(Appendix B - Card Link
Descriptions, Page 119). If still
unstable, refer to factory.

Fault Finding Table 26: Standby Control Faults - Machine Will Not Run In Parallel When Selected In
Voltage Control Mode
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Incorrect phasing of sensing

voltage and current to
Standby card

Check the 110V voltage sensing

signal to S2/2 via 132 and S2/1
via 148 and the current sensing
signal to S1/3 and S1/1 via T4
on Backboard

Make necessary
corrections

Incorrect link selection on

Standby card

Check LK12 fitted for 1A CT and

LK13 fitted for 5A CT

Correct as necessary

Fault Finding Table 27: Standby Control Faults - High Excitation When In Standby Control
No.

Possible Fault

Test

Remedial Action

Lack of line voltage sensing

when in line volts control
mode

Check 110V sensing signal to

S2/2 via 132 and S2/1 via 148

Make necessary
connections

Permanent raise signal being

applied

Check the voltage to S1/11 via

152 is only present when a raise
signal is given

Make necessary
connections

Lack of field voltage sensing

signal when in field volts
control mode

Check the connection between

S2/11 and field positive via Q/2

Make necessary
connections

Thyristor failure

Check Standby thyristors.

Replace module if
necessary

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
17

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 106 of 126

APPENDIX A - CONNECTIONS CHARTS

Description
Connections Chart 1: A30-CON Card Top Socket - Internal Connections
Connections Chart 2: A30-CON Card Bottom Socket - Internal Connections
Connections Chart 3: A30-MON Card Top Socket - Internal Connections
Connections Chart 4: A30-MON Card Bottom Socket - Internal Connections
Connections Chart 5: Utilities Card Top Socket - Internal Connections
Connections Chart 6: Utilities Card Bottom Socket - Internal Connections
Connections Chart 7: Standby Card Top Socket - Internal Connections
Connections Chart 8: Standby Card Bottom Socket - Internal Connections
Connections Chart 9: 24 Way 'Quickmate' Connector On Backboard - Internal
Connections

Page No.
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115

Connections Chart 10: 10 Way 'Quickmate' Connector On Backboard/Auxiliaries Board Internal Connections

115

Connections Chart 11: Serial Socket At Rear Of Unit - Outgoing Connections

Connections Chart 12: 16 Way Socket 1 - Outgoing Connections
Connections Chart 13: 16 Way Socket 2 - Outgoing Connections
Connections Chart 14: 16 Way Socket 3 - Outgoing Connections
Connections Chart 15: 16 Way Socket 4 - Outgoing Connections
Connections Chart 16: 16 Way Socket 5 - Outgoing Connections
Connections Chart 17: 16 Way Socket 6 - Outgoing Connections
Connections Chart 18: Heavy Duty Terminals At Rear Of Unit - Outgoing
Connections

115
116
116
116
117
117
118
118

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 107 of 126

Connections Chart 1: A30-CON Card Top Socket - Internal Connections

Connections
C1/1:M1/1:T3
C1/2:D1/2
C1/3:U1/1:S1/19:Pin7/IC1
C1/4:LK4
C1/5:M1/5:Q1/9
C1/6:U1/3:S1/21:Pin4/IC1
C1/7:U1/7
C1/8:M1/8:U2/28
C1/9:M1/9:Q1/10
C1/10:U2/16
C1/11:M1/11:U2/26
C1/12:M2/29
C1/13:M1/13
C1/14:S1/27
C1/15:M1/15:U2/27
C1/16:M2/27
C1/17:D1/3
C1/18:M2/23
C1/19:M1/19
C1/20:M1/20
C1/21:M1/21
C1/22:M1/22
C1/23:M1/23:U2/22
C1/24:S1/17
C1/25:U2/20
C1/26:M1/18
C1/27:S1/18

Description
IY Load (C,M)
SCADA COMMS RX (C)
+15V (C)
If (C)
PMG 7
15V (C)
+5V (C)
L1 25V Sens.
PMG 8
D.F.S. D.F.I. i/p
L2 25V Sens.
Con Card Sup. o/p (1 = healthy)
Mon Card Sup. I/p (1 = healthy)
AVR Firing Pulse
L3 25V Sens.
Reset 1 (low to reset/inhibit monitor)
SCADA COMMS TX (C)
Reset 2 (low to reset/inhibit monitor)
UEM. Sup. i/p
OEM. Sup. i/p
UVM. Sup. i/p
OVM. Sup. i/p
Ph.Ref. 50
Logic level 0 when Standby Low
Lim. On
Spare
Logic level 0 when Standby High

C1/28:M1/28:U1/28:S1/28:
C1/29:M1/29:U1/29:S1/29:Q1/8:155
C1/30:M1/30:U1/30:S1/30:Term.A etc.

Ground

C1/31:M1/31:U1/31:160:Term.A etc.
C1/32:M1/32:U1/32:144:108

Signal Ground

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 108 of 126

Connections Chart 2: A30-CON Card Bottom Socket - Internal Connections

Connections
C2/1:100(Con2/1)
C2/2:116(Con2/2)
C2/3:101(Con2/3)
C2/4:M2/4:117(Con2/4)
C2/5:102(Con2/5)
C2/6:118(Con2/6)
C2/7:103(Con2/7)
C2/8:M2/8:S1/13:Q/1:153(Con1/12)
C2/9:104(Con2/9)
C2/10:M2/10
C2/11:M2/11
C2/12:M2/12(linked to C2/17 from early 2000)
C2/13:112(Con2/25)
C2/14: 106(Con2/13)
C2/15:111(Con2/23)
C2/16:107(Con2/15)
C2/17:Q/22(linked to C2/12 from early 2000)
C2/18:M2/1:Q/24
C2/19:105(Con2/11)
C2/20: 110(Con2/21)
C2/21
C2/22
C2/23
C2/24
C2/25:Q/12
C2/26:Q/16
C2/27:D1/7
C2/28
C2/29
C2/30
C2/31:Q/21
C2/32:Q/17

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description
Main V Raise
RTD 3
Main V Lower
RTD 1
P.F.Select
RTD 2
VAr Control Select
Aux. DC ve
VAr Shed
Spare
RTD 4
See C2/17(used on twin)
Self Centring
Panel Adjust/ Comms link adjust
Mark/space o/p (used on twin)
Analogue input
Standby (+ve)/Main(used on twin)
FSC (+ve Aux Sup'd)
P.F. Lower
P.F. Raise
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
K1 SCR1
G1 SCR1
SCADA COMMS Isolated Ground
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
K2 SCR2
G2 SCR2

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 109 of 126

Connections Chart 3: A30-MON Card Top Socket - Internal Connections

Connections
M1/1:C1/1:T3
M1/2:D1/11
M1/3:U1/25:Pin7/IC2
M1/4:U2/4:LK5
M1/5:C1/5:Q1/9
M1/6:U1/11:Pin4/IC2
M1/7:U1/13
M1/8:C1/8:U2/28
M1/9:C1/9:Q1/10
M1/10
M1/11:C1/11:U2/26
M1/12
M1/13:C1/13
M1/14
M1/15:C1/15:U2/27
M1/16
M1/17:D1/12
M1/18:C1/26
M1/19:C1/19
M1/20:C1/20
M1/21:C1/21
M1/22:C1/22
M1/23:C1/23:U2/22
M1/24:U2/24
M1/25:U2/18
M1/26:U2/6
M1/27

Description
IY Load (C,M)
SCADA COMMS RX(M)
+15V (M)
If(M)
PMG 7
15V (M)
+5V (M)
L1 25V Sens
PMG 8
Not Connected
L2 25V Sens
Not Connected
Mon Card Sup. o/p
Not Connected
L3 25V Sens.
Not Connected
SCADA COMMS TX(M)
Spare
UEM. Sup. o/p
OEM. Sup. o/p
UVM. Sup. o/p
OVM. Sup. o/p
Ph.Ref. 50
Gen.Alarm Sig.
Mon.Trip Sig.
DFI Inh.
Not Connected

M1/28:C1/28:U1/28:S1/28:
M1/29:C1/29:U1/29:S1/29:Q1/8:155
M1/30:C1/30:U1/30:S1/30:Term A etc

Ground
Ground
Ground

M1/31:C1/31:U1/31:160 Term.A etc.

M1/32:C1/32:U1/32:144:108

Signal Ground
Signal Ground

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 110 of 126

Connections Chart 4: A30-MON Card Bottom Socket - Internal Connections

Connections
M2/1:C2/18:Q/24
M2/2
M2/3:113
M2/4:C2/4:117
M2/5:130
M2/6
M2/7:114
M2/8:C2/8:S1/13:Q/1:153
M2/9:131
M2/10:C2/10
M2/11:C2/11
M2/12:C2/12
M2/13:115
M2/14
M2/15:124
M2/16
M2/17
M2/18
M2/19:S1/15
M2/20
M2/21
M2/22
M2/23:C1/18
M2/24
M2/25
M2/26
M2/27:C1/16
M2/28/D20
M2/29:C1/12
M2/30
M2/31
M2/32

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description
FSC(+ve Aux Sup'd)
Not Connected
Mon Inh
RTD 1
Spare
Not Connected
Spare
Aux. DC ve
Spare
Spare
RTD 4
Spare
Spare
Spare
Spare
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Manual Power Supply Fault (0 = healthy)
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Reset 2 (low to reset/inhibit monitor)
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Reset 1 (low to reset/inhibit monitor)
SCADA COMMS Isolated ground
Con Card Supervisory i/p (1=healthy)
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 111 of 126

Connections Chart 5: Utilities Card Top Socket - Internal Connections

Connections
U1/1:C1/3:S1/19:Pin7/IC1
U1/2:S1/2 (linked to U2/29 from early 2000)
U1/3:C1/6:S1/21:Pin4/IC1
U1/4:S1/4 (Linked to U1/26 from early 2000)
U1/5:Q1/4
U1/6
U1/7:C1/7
U1/8
U1/9:Q1/5
U1/10
U1/11:M1/6:Pin4/IC2
U1/12
U1/13:M1/7
U1/14
U1/15:Q1/6
U1/16
U1/17:Q1/7
U1/18
U1/19:Q1/1
U1/20
U1/21:Q1/2
U1/22
U1/23
U1/24
U1/25:M1/3:Pin7/IC2
U1/26:Q1/3 (linked to U1/4 from early 2000)
U1/27:S1/5 (linked to U2/31 from early 2000)

Description
+15V (C)
See U2/29 (used on twin)
15V (C)
See U1/26 (used on twin)
PMG 1
Not Connected
+5V (C)
Not Connected
PMG 2
Not Connected
15V (M)
Not Connected
+5V (M)
Not Connected
PMG 3
Not Connected
PMG 4
Not Connected
PMG 5
Not Connected
PMG 6
Not Connected
+9V (HMI) Not used on A30 Excitation
Controller
Not Connected
+15V (M)
Lim N.C. (used on twin)
Follower Inh (used on twin)

U1/28:C1/28:M1/28:S1/28:
U1/29:C1/29:M1/29:S1/29:Q1/8:155
U1/30:C1/30:M1/30:S1/30:Term.A etc.

Ground
Ground
Ground

U1/31:C1/31:M1/31:160:Term A etc.
U1/32:C1/32:M1/32:144108

Signal Ground
Signal Ground

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 112 of 126

Connections Chart 6: Utilities Card Bottom Socket - Internal Connections

Connections
U2/1:119
U2/2:135
U2/3:121
U2/4:M1/4:LK4
U2/5:122
U2/6:M1/26
U2/7:123
U2/8:136
U2/9:125
U2/10:137
U2/11:126
U2/12:S1/23:Q/20
U2/13:120
U2/14:S1/25:Q/23
U2/15:127
U2/16:C1/10
U2/17:128
U2/18:M1/25
U2/19:129
U2/20:C1/25
U2/21:140
U2/22:C1/23:M1/23
U2/23:141
U2/24:M1/24
U2/25:139
U2/26:C1/11:M1/11
U2/27:C1/15:M1/15
U2/28:C1/8:M1/8
U2/29:142 (linked to U1/2 from early 2000)
U2/30:
U2/31:143 (linked to U1/27 from early 2000)
U2/32:

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description
DFI Com
DFI N.C.
DFI N.O.
If(M)
Lim. Com.
DFI Inh.
Lim. N.C.
Lim. N.O.
Mon. Com.
Mon. N.C.
Mon. N.O.
Mon.Trip Com.
Mon.Trip N.C.
Mon.Trip N.O.
Alarm Com.
D.F.S.
Alarm N.C.
Mon.Trip Sig.
Alarm N.O.
Lim. On
L1 110V Sens.
Ph.Ref. 50
L3 110V Sens.
Gen.Alarm Sig.
L2 110V Sens.
L2 25V Sens.
L3 25V Sens.
L1 25V Sens.
See U1/2 (used on twin)
Not Connected
See U1/27 (used on twin)
Not Connected

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 113 of 126

Connections Chart 7: Standby Card Top Socket - Internal Connections

Connections
S1/1:T4:Z1
S1/2:U1/2(linked to S1/27 from early 2000)
S1/3:T4:Z2
S1/4:U1/4
S1/5:U1/27
S1/6
S1/7
S1/8
S1/9:151
S1/10
S1/11:152
S1/12
S1/13:C2/8:M2/8:Q/1:153
S1/14
S1/15:M2/19
S1/16
S1/17:C1/24
S1/18:C1/27
S1/19:C1/3:U1/1:Pin7/IC1
S1/20
S1/21:C1/6:U1/3:Pin4/IC1
S1/22
S1/23:U2/12:Q/20
S1/24 U2/14:Q/23
S1/25:U2/14:Q/23
S1/26
S1/27:C1/14(linked to S1/27 from early 2000)

Description
IY Load (S)
Spare(used on twin)
IY Machine (S)
Spare
Follower Inh.
Not Connected
Test purposes only
Not Connected
Standby V Lower
Not Connected
Standby V Raise
Not Connected
Aux. DC ve
Not Connected
Standby Power Supply Fault (0 = healthy)
Not Connected
Low when Standby Low
Low when Standby High
+15V (C)
Not Connected
15V (C)
Not Connected
Mon.Trip Com.
Mon.Trip N.O.
Mon.Trip N.O.
Not Connected
AVR Firing Pulse (used on twin)

S1/28:C1/28:M1/28:U1/28:
S1/29:C1/29:M1/29:U1/29:Q1/8:155
S1/30:C1/30:M1/30:U1/30:Term A etc.

Ground
Ground
Ground

S1/31
S1/32:Term.A etc.

Signal Ground
Signal Ground

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 114 of 126

Connections Chart 8: Standby Card Bottom Socket - Internal Connections

Connections
S2/1:148
S2/2:132
S2/3
S2/4
S2/5
S2/6
S2/7
S2/8
S2/9
S2/10:Q/4
S2/11:Q/2
S2/12:Q/3
S2/13
S2/14
S2/15
S2/16
S2/17
S2/18:Q/5
S2/19:157
S2/20:Q/9
S2/21
S2/22
S2/23
S2/24
S2/25
S2/26:159
S2/27
S2/28
S2/29:162
S2/30:146
S2/31:163
S2/32:147

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description
L1 110V Standby Sensing
L3 110V Standby Sensing
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
G3 SCR3
Field +ve
K3 SCR3
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
G4 SCR4
AC1 (PMG)
K4 SCR4
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
AC2 (PMG)
Not Connected
Not Connected
NBM +ve (ground)
Standby at min Com.
NBM ve
Standby at min N.O.

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 115 of 126

Connections Chart 9: 24 Way 'Quickmate' Connector On Backboard - Internal Connections

Connections
Q/1:C2/8:M2/8:S1/13:153
Q/2:S2/11
Q/3:S2/12
Q/4:S2/10
Q/5:S2/18
Q/6
Q/7
Q/8
Q/9:S2/20
Q/10
Q/11
Q/12:C2/25
Q/13
Q/14
Q/15
Q/16:C2/26
Q/17:C2/32
Q/18
Q/19
Q/20:U2/12:S1/23
Q/21:C2/31
Q/22:C2/17
Q/23:U2/14:S1/24:S1/25
Q/24:C2/18:M2/1

Wire Number
19
8
58
72
73

51
57

70
71
48
53
66
18
63

Description
Aux. DC ve
Field +ve
K3 SCR3
G3 SCR3
G4 SCR4
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
K4 SCR4
Not Connected
Not Connected
K1 SCR1
Not Connected
Not Connected
Not Connected
G1 SCR1
G2 SCR2
Not Connected
Not Connected
Mon.Trip Com.
K2 SCR2
Pos. in Standby
Mon.Trip N.O.
FSC (+ve Aux sup'd)

Connections Chart 10: 10 Way 'Quickmate' Connector On Backboard/Auxiliaries Board - Internal Connections

Connections
Q1/1:U1/19
Q1/2:U1/21
Q1/3:U1/26
Q1/4:U1/5
Q1/5:U1/9
Q1/6:U1/15
Q1/7:U1/17
Q1/8:C1,M1,U1,S1/28-30:155:D1,2/5
Q1/9:C1/5:M1/5
Q1/10:C1/9:M1/9

Wire Number
39
40
65
35
36
37
38
75
74
70

Description
PMG 5
PMG 6
Lim. N.C.
PMG 1
PMG 2
PMG 3
PMG 4
Ground
PMG 7
PMG 8

Connections Chart 11: Serial Socket At Rear Of Unit - Outgoing Connections

Connections
D1/2:C1/17
D1/3:C1/2
D1/7:C2/27.
D1/11:M1/2
D1/12:M1/17
D1/20:M2/28
All Other pins

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description
SCADA COMMS TX(C) A30-CON
SCADA COMMS RX(C) A30-CON
SCADA COMMS Isolated Ground A30CON
SCADA COMMS RX(C) A30-MON
SCADA COMMS TX(C) A30-MON
SCADA COMMS Isolated Ground A30MON
Unconnected

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 116 of 126

Connections Chart 12: 16 Way Socket 1 - Outgoing Connections

Connections
100:C2/1
101:C2/3
102:C2/5
103:C2/7
104:C2/9
105:C2/19
106:C2/14
107:C2/16
108:C1,M1,U1/31,32:144:160:Term.A etc.
109
110:C2/20
111:C2/15
112:C2/13
113:M2/3
114:M2/7
115:M2/13

Description
Main V Raise
Main V Lower
P.F.Select
VAr Con. Select
VAr Shed
P.F. Lower
Panel/HMI or SCADA comms adjust
Analogue Input
Signal Ground
Not Connected
P.F.Raise
Used on Twin System
Self Centring
Mon. Inhibit
Spare
Used on Twin System

Connections Chart 13: 16 Way Socket 2 - Outgoing Connections

Connections
116:C2/2
117:C2/4:M2/4
118:C2/6
119:U2/1
120:U2/13
121:
122:U2/5
123:U2/7
124:M2/15
125:U2/9
126:U2/11
127:U2/15
128:U2/17
129:U2/19
130:M2/5
131:M2/9

Description
RTD 3
RTD 1
RTD 2
DFI Com.
Mon.Trip N.C.
Lim. Com.
Lim. N.C.
Spare
Mon. Com.
Mon. N.O.
Alarm Com.
Alarm N.C.
Alarm N.O.
Spare
Spare

Connections Chart 14: 16 Way Socket 3 - Outgoing Connections

Connections
132:S2/2
133:T3
134:T4
135:U2/2
136:U2/8
137:U2/10
138:S2/3
139:U2/25
140:U2/21
141:U2/23
142:U2/29
143:U2/31
144:C1,M1,U1/31,32:108: 160:Term.A etc.
145:LK4
146:S2/30)
147:S2/32)
HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description
L3 110V (S)
C/T IY Machine
C/T IY Load
DFI N.C.
Lim. N.O.
Mon. N.C.
Spare
L2 110V Sensing
L1 110V Sensing
L3 110V Sensing
Used on Twin System
Used on Twin System
Signal Ground
If(C)
St'by at Min. Com.
St'by at Min. N.O.
Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 117 of 126

Connections Chart 15: 16 Way Socket 4 - Outgoing Connections

Connections
148:S2/1
149:T3
150:T4
151:S1/9
152:S1/11
153:C2/8:M2/8:S1/13:Q/1
154:S2/4
155:C1,M1,U1,S1/28-31:Q1/8: Term.A etc.
156
157:S2/19
158
159:S2/26
160
161:LK5
162:S2/29
163:S2/31

Description
L1 110V (S)
C/T IY Machine
C/T IY Load
St'by Volts Lower(different on twin
AVR)
St'by Volts Raise(different on twin
AVR)
Aux. DC ve
Spare
Ground
Not Connected
AC1 (PMG)
Not Connected
AC2 (PMG)
Not Connected
If(M)
NBM +ve
NBM -ve

Connections Chart 16: 16 Way Socket 5 - Outgoing Connections

Connections
1
Space
2
Space
13
14
15
16
17
17
17
19
19
20
21
22

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description
Aux DC +ve Input
Not used
Aux DC -ve Input
Not used
+ve for Standby
+ve for Main
+ve to Excite
+ve to Trip Excitation
+ve Aux D.C. Supply after FS1
+ve Aux D.C. Supply after FS1
+ve Aux D.C. Supply after FS1
-ve Aux D.C. Supply after FS2
-ve Aux D.C. Supply after FS2
Control State, Common
Control State, Closed in Main
Control State Closed in Standby

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 118 of 126

Connections Chart 17: 16 Way Socket 6 - Outgoing Connections

Connections
23
24
25
26
27
28
Space
29
Space
30
Space
Space
Space
Space
90
91

Description
Excitation State (Com.)
Excitation State (Closed if Excited)
Excitation State (Closed if Tripped)
Aux DC State (Com.)
Aux DC State (Closed if Healthy)
Aux DC State (Closed if Faulty)
Not used
PMG (AC1) for Main Channel P.S.
Not used
PMG (AC2) for Main Channel P.S.
Not used
Not used
Not used
Not used
Spare
Spare

Connections Chart 18: Heavy Duty Terminals At Rear Of Unit - Outgoing Connections
Connections
3
3
3
4
5
5
6
7
8
9

Comments
Normally Linked to other terminals 3 and to 4
Normally Linked to other terminals 3 and to 4
Normally Linked to other terminals 3 and to 4
Normally Linked to terminals 3
Normally Linked to other terminals 5
Normally Linked to other terminals 5

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Description
PMG (AC1) Input for Main
PMG (AC1) Input for Standby
PMG (AC2) Input
PMG (AC2) for Main
PMG (AC2) after FSC-1
Exciter Field +ve Output
Exciter Field -ve Output (Earthed)

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
18

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 119 of 126

APPENDIX B - CARD LINK DESCRIPTIONS

Link Description 1: A30-CON Card
Link
1A
1B
2A
2B
3A
3B
4A
4B
5A
5B
6A
6B
6C
7A
7B
8A
8B
9A-19A
9B-19B
9C-19C
20A
20B

Description
For SCADA comms to COM 1 on front panel
For SCADA comms to REMOTE COMMS Socket on Rear Panel
For SCADA comms to COM 1 on front panel
For SCADA comms to REMOTE COMMS Socket on Rear Panel
Debugging comms to COM 2 on front panel (normally fitted)
Omit
Debugging comms to COM 2 on front panel (normally fitted)
Omit
Fit for Three-Phase Sensing (Omit LK5B)
Fit for Single-Phase Sensing (Omit LK5A)
For Analogue Input signal to bias sensing signal
For Analogue input signal to auxiliary transducer
Disable analogue input signal (Normally Fitted)
Firing angle to Standby (normally fitted on single AVR brushless system)
Disable Firing angle to Standby
Firing angle to output terminal 111 (normally omitted -used on twin system)
Disable Firing angle to terminal 111 (normally fitted)
Fit for 24/48V D.C. Aux Supply (Omit LK9B-19B)
Fit for 110/125V D.C. Aux Supply (Omit LK9A-19A)
Park position for links 9 19
High Field Current Sensitivity ( normally omitted, fit on twin system)
Normal Field Current Sensitivity ( normally fitted)
Link Description 2: A30-CON Mezzanine Board (A30-M188)

Link
1A
1B
2A
2B
2C
3A
3B
4A
4B
5A
5B

Description
Watchdog Reset (normally fitted)
Disable Watchdog Reset (omit)
Fit for excitation source frequency 251 480 Hz (4MHz clock)
Fit for excitation source frequency 50 125 Hz (1MHz clock)
Fit for excitation source frequency 126 250Hz (2MHz clock)
Debugging Interrupt selector (omit)
Normal Interrupt selector (normally fitted)
Configure FPGA on watchdog reset (normally fitted)
Configure FPGA on power up (omit)
Excitation supply zero crossing signal (normally fitted)
Alternative excitation supply zero crossing signal (omit)

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 120 of 126

Link Description 3: A30-MON Card

Link
1A
1B
1C
2A
2B
3A
3B
4A
4B
5A
5B
6A
6B
7A-14A
7B-14B
7C-14C
15A
15B

Description
For Analogue Input signal to bias sensing signal
For Analogue input signal to auxiliary transducer
Disable analogue input signal (Normally Fitted)
Fit for Single-Phase Sensing (Omit LK2B)
Fit for Three-Phase Sensing (Omit LK2A)
SCADA comms to COM 1 on front panel (normally fitted)
SCADA comms to REMOTE COMMS Socket on Rear Panel (normally omitted)
Debugging comms to COM 2 on front panel (normally fitted)
Omit
SCADA comms to COM 1 on front panel (normally fitted)
SCADA comms to REMOTE COMMS Socket on Rear Panel (normally omitted)
Debugging comms to COM 2 on front panel (normally fitted)
Omit
Fit for 24/48V D.C. Aux Supply (Omit LK7B-14B)
Fit for 110/125V D.C. Aux Supply (Omit LK7A-14A)
Park position for links 7 14
High Field Current Sensitivity ( normally omitted, fit on twin system)
Normal Field Current Sensitivity ( normally fitted)
Link Description 4: A30-MON Mezzanine Board (A30-M188)

Link
1A
1B
2A
2B
2C
3A
3B
4A
4B
5A
5B

Description
Watchdog Reset (normally fitted)
Disable Watchdog Reset (omit)
Not applicable on monitor position does not matter
Not applicable on monitor position does not matter
Not applicable on monitor position does not matter
Debugging Interrupt selector (omit)
Normal Interrupt selector (normally fitted)
Configure FPGA on watchdog reset (normally fitted)
Configure FPGA on power up (omit)
Excitation supply zero crossing signal (normally fitted)
Alternative excitation supply zero crossing signal (omit)

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 121 of 126

Link Description 5: Standby Control Card

Link
LK1,3,6
1,5,6
2,3,4
7
8
9
10,11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29

Description
Voltage selection links for 220/330V PMG (Omit LK2,4,5)
Voltage selection links for 165/250V PMG (Omit LK2,3,4)
Voltage selection links for 110/165V PMG (Omit LK1,5,6)
Remove to inhibit Low Frequency Cut-off.
Low Frequency Cut-off, Fit for 50Hz Machine (Omit LK9)
Low Frequency Cut-off, Fit for 60Hz Machine (Omit LK8)
Power Supply Test Links (Normally Fitted)
C.T. Selector Fit for 1 Amp Metering C.T. (Omit LK13)
C.T. Selector Fit for 5 Amp Metering C.T. (Omit LK12)
Fit to select Field Voltage Control (Omit LK15)
Fit to select Line Voltage Control (Omit LK14)
Fit to select High Range Field Voltage Control 0-200V (Omit LK17)
Fit when Line Voltage Control is Required
Fit to select Low Range Field Voltage Control 0-100V (Omit LK16)
Raise/Lower with 24/48V D.C. Aux Voltage (Omit LK19)
Raise/Lower with 110/125V D.C. Aux Voltage (Omit LK18)
Auto Follower with 24/48V D.C. Aux. Voltage (Omit LK21)
Auto Follower with 110/125V D.C. Aux. Voltage (Omit LK20)
Fit for PMG Frequency of 201Hz and above
Fit for PMG Frequency of 200Hz and below
Fit to select Field Voltage Limit.
AVR Stabilising Link for Exciter Field Time Constant of 0.4 - 0.7 sec.
(Omit LK26, 27, 28)
AVR Stabilising Link for Exciter Field Time Constant of 0.1 - 0.4 SEC
(Omit LK25, 27, 28)
Fit when in Field Voltage Control (Omit LK26, 25, 28)
AVR Stabilising Link for Exciter Field Time Constant of 0.7 - 1.5 SEC
(Omit LK26, 25, 27)
Slow Clocking Link for Low Exciter Field Voltage (Normally Omitted)
Link Description 6: Utilities Card

Link
LK1
LK2
LK3

Description
Fit to increase Sensitivity of D.F.I. (Normally Omitted)
Fit to decrease Sensitivity of D.F.I. (Normally Omitted)
Fit for continued operation of Auto Follower when Limiter Operates (Normally
Omitted)
Link Description 7: Backboard

Link
LK1A
1B
2A
2B
3A
3B

Description
5 Amp Metering CT selector (Omit LK1B)
1 Amp metering CT selector (Omit LK1A)
Internal A30-CON Field Current Transducer (Normally Fitted)
External Field Current Transducer (Omit)
Internal A30-MON Field Current Transducer (Normally Fitted)
External Field Current Transducer (Omit)
Link Description 8: Auxiliaries Board

Link
LK1,3,6
1,5,6
2,3,4
LK7,8,9,10

Description
Voltage selection Links for 220/330V PMG (Omit LK2,4,5)
Voltage selection Links for 165/230V PMG (Omit LK2,3,4)
Voltage selection Links for 110/165V PMG (Omit LK1,5,6)
Fit for 24V DC Aux Supply; Omit for110/125V DC Aux Supply

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
19

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 122 of 126

APPENDIX C - HOLDING REGISTERS FOR SCADA

Brush A30 Excitation Controller Holding Registers for SCADA
Logic 0 /
Logic 1 /
Value 2
Value 1
Value 1
Unscaled
Unscaled
Scaled
Always zero
0
0
255

Type Register Bit Description

HReg

40001

HBit

40001

0 Always FALSE

TRUE

HBit

40002

0 Always TRUE

TRUE

HBit

40003

0 PF Control Activate

Normal

Activate

HBit

40003

1 VAr Control Activate

Normal

Activate

HBit

40003

2 VAr Shed Activate

Normal

Activate

HBit

40003

3 PFRef Leading Activate

Normal

Activate

HBit

40003

4 Reset Monitors Request

Normal

Activate

Value 2
Scaled
255

No of
Decimal
Places
1

Eng.
Units
MW

Commands Issued via Comms

HBit

40003

5 Self Centre Voltage Reference Request

Normal

Activate

HBit

40003

6 Mode Selection via comms Request

Normal

Activate

HBit

40004

0 PF Control Deactivate

Normal

Deactivate

HBit

40004

1 VAr Control Deactivate

Normal

Deactivate

HBit

40004

2 VAr Shed Deactivate

Normal

Deactivate
Deactivate

HBit

40004

3 PFRef Leading Deactivate

Normal

HBit

40004

4 Reset Monitors Deactivate

Normal

Deactivate

HBit

40004

5 Self Centre Voltage Reference Deactivate

Normal

Deactivate

HBit

40004

6 Mode Selection via comms Deactivate

Normal

Deactivate

Inactive

Active

Status of Commands Issued via Comms

HBit

40005

0 PF Control Active via comms

HBit

40005

1 VAr Control Active via comms

Inactive

Active

HBit

40005

2 VAr Shed Active via comms

Inactive

Active

HBit

40005

3 PFRef Leading Active via comms

Inactive

Active

HBit

40005

4 Reset Monitors Request via comms

Inactive

Active

HBit

40005

5 Self Centre Voltage Request via comms

Inactive

Active

HBit

40005

6 Mode Selection via comms

switches

HMI

HReg

40006

Volts Reference

1400

70

2600

130

HReg

40007

VAr Reference (Lead -ve Lag +ve)

-50

-50

100

100

HReg

40008

PF Reference Lagging

600

0.6

1000

HReg

40009

PF Reference Leading

900

0.9

1000

Setpoints Adjustable via Comms

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Brush A30 Excitation Controller Holding Registers for SCADA

Type Register Bit Description
Logic 0 /
Logic 1 /
Value 2
Value 1
Value 1
Unscaled
Unscaled
Scaled
Digital Data which may be Inspected Via Comms
HBit

40014

0 V Raise Switch On

Off

On

HBit

40014

1 V Lower Switch On

Off

On

HBit

40014

2 PF Raise Switch On

Off

On

HBit

40014

3 PF Lower Switch On

Off

On

HBit

40014

4 PF Control Selected via switch

Off

On

HBit

40014

5 VAr Shed Selected via switch

HBit

40014

6 Diode Failure Detected

HBit

40014

7 Main or Stanby Control ?

HBit

40014

HBit

40014

HBit

40014

10 Remote Selected on Panel Switch

Off

On

Healthy

Fail

Main

Standby

8 VAr Control Selected via switch

Off

On

9 Self Centre Selected via switch

Off

On

Panel

HMI

HBit

40015

0 Manual Control Active

Inactive

Active

HBit

40015

1 OE Limiter Active

Inactive

Active

HBit

40015

2 UE Limiter Active

Inactive

Active

HBit

40015

3 Fast OE Limiter Active

Inactive

Active

Field On

Suppressed

HBit

40015

4 Field Suppressed

HBit

40015

5 PMG Buildup Permissive

<85%

>85%

HBit

40015

6 PMG Frequency Low

>80%

<80%

HBit

40015

7 Over Flux Limiter Active

Inactive

Active

HBit

40015

8 DIL Switch 1 On = Brushless/Off = Static

Brushless

Static

HBit

40015

9 DIL Switch 2 On = Brushless / Off = Static

Brushless

Static
Manual

HBit

40125

0 VT Failure Protection 2 Active

Inactive

Active

HBit

40125

6 Soft Start Completed

Incomplete

Complete

HBit

40125

7 VT failure Protection 1 Active

HBit

40125

10 AVR Matched To Standby

HBit

40125

15 VT Failure Protection 3 Active

Inactive

Active

Mismatched

Matched

Inactive

Active

Page: 123 of 126

Value 2
Scaled

No of
Eng.
Decimal Units
Places

Manual Regulator Configuration

HBit

40015

10 DIL Switch 3

Normal

Off

HBit

40015

11 DIL Switch 4

Normal

Bench
Test

HBit

40015

12 DIL Switch 5

Normal

Off

HBit

40015

13 DIL Switch 6

Run

reset

HBit

40015

DIL Switch 7 On = Normal / Off = Load

14
Defaults

Use Presets

Load
Defaults

HBit

40015

15 DIL Switch 8 On = Local / Off = Panel

Always
Local

Panel
Select

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Brush A30 Excitation Controller Holding Registers for SCADA

Type Register Bit Description
Logic 0 /
Logic 1 /
Value 2
Value 1
Value 1
Unscaled
Unscaled
Scaled
Switch Selection

Page: 124 of 126

Value 2
Scaled

No of
Eng.
Decimal Units
Places

HBit

40016

0 Standby Card Low

Normal

Low

HBit

40016

1 Standby Card High

Normal

High

HBit

40016

2 spare

HBit

40016

3 spare

HBit

40016

4 spare

HBit

40016

5 spare

HBit

40016

6 spare

HBit

40016

7 spare

HBit

40016

8 Monitor Card Supervisory

Fault

Normal

HBit

40016

9 Monitor Card Under Excitation

Trip

Normal

HBit

40016

10 Monitor Card Over Excitation

Trip

Normal

HBit

40016

11 Monitor Card Under Volts

Trip

Normal

HBit

40016

12 Monitor Card Over Volts

Trip

Normal

HBit

40016

13 spare

HBit

40016

14 spare

HBit

40016

15 spare

HBit

40017

0 EEPROM Modes CRC Error Detected

Normal

Error

HBit

40017

1 EEPROM Commission Presets

Normal

Error

Normal

Error

255

255

1000

50

2400

120

1000

10

A
PF

Checksum Error Detected

HBit

40017

2 EEPROM Old Presets Checksum

Error Detected

HReg

40018

Offset of First Mismatched EEPROM Preset

HReg

40020

Volts Sensing

HReg

40021

Line Amps Sensing

HReg

40022

PF Sensing (lag= -ve)

10000

HReg

40023

Watts Measured

11000

550

HReg

40024

VAr Measured

11000

550

VAr

HReg

40025

VA Measured

11000

550

VA

HReg

40026

Field Amps Sensing

3000

30

HReg

40027

PMG Frequency Measured

255

255

Hz

Analog Data which may be Inspected Via Comms

HReg

40028

Line Frequency

500

50

Hz

HReg

40029

Ambient Temperature Sensing

-10

3520

100

deg C

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
20

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 125 of 126

APPENDIX D - RECOMMENDED SPARES

Commissioning/Operational Spares
Part No.
S962609700
S962609800
S962615908
S962615909
S962615912
S962615912
S962615913
S962615914
S962615936

Quantity
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

Description
COMCAB Cable
HMI Software
Fuse, 20A (Set of 5) [Mainframe FS5, FS6]
Fuse, 5A (Set of 5) [Mainframe FS1, FS2]
Fuse, 250mA (Set of 5) [Standby FS1, FS2, FS3]
Fuse, 250mA (Set of 5) [Utilities FS2, FS4]
Fuse, 1A (Set of 5) [Utilities FS1, FS3]
Fuse, 100mA (Set of 5) [Utilities FS5]
Fuse, 2A (Set of 5) [Mainframe FS3, FS4]

Operational Spares
Part No.
Description
S961529800 Utilities Card
S962243400 Standby Control Card
S962425300 Auxiliaries Card
S962608900 A30-CON Card
S962609000 A30-MON Card
S962615901 *Contactor, 24Vdc [Mainframe ECC]
S962615902 *Contactor, 24Vdc [Mainframe FSC]
S962615903 *Contactor Latch, 24Vdc (Set of 2) [Mainframe ECC, FSC]
S962615904 *Contactor, 110Vdc [Mainframe ECC]
S962615905 *Contactor, 110Vdc [Mainframe FSC]
S962615906 *Contactor Latch, 110Vdc (Set of 2) [Mainframe ECC, FSC]
S962615907 Freewheel Diode (Set of 2) [Mainframe ECC, FSC]
S962615921 Diode Pack [Mainframe DM1, DM2]
S962615922 Thyristor Pack [Mainframe TM1, TM2]
S962615923 Bridge Rectifier [Mainframe DB1, DB2]
S962615940 Contactor Block [Mainframe ECC, FSC]
* Select 24Vdc or 110Vdc as appropriate.

Quantity
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2

Strategic Spares
To ensure maximum generator availability, it is recommended that a spare PRISMIC A30 Excitation
Controller should be kept in storage. If ordered after the time of manufacture of the main equipment, it
is important that your order specifies the serial number of the original unit, to enable the appropriate
spare/replacement unit to be supplied.

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003

PRISMIC A30 Excitation Controller

Manual No: HB959202000
21

Issue: J

Date: 30 May 2003

Page: 126 of 126

APPENDIX E - DRAWINGS
The following drawings are attached as separate additional pages:
961755200
961903800
962121900
962603000
963086400
963086500
963099600

A30 Excitation Controller, Internal Wiring Diagram (also applies to MicroAVR)

A30 Excitation Controller, Circuit Diagram (also applies to MicroAVR)
A30 Excitation Controller, Rear Plug Connectors (also applies to MicroAVR)
A30 Excitation Controller, Hinged Panel - Front and Rear Labels
A30 Excitation Controller, Connection Diagram
A30 Excitation Controller, General Arrangement
A30 Excitation Controller, Typical System Circuit Diagram

HB959202000 (J) A30 Excitation Controller.doc

Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. 2003