Category: Industry Trends

ControlHardware

The EX2100e Regulator system is available in several configurations to provide control

flexibility for Thyristor and Regulator systems. For small Regulator systems, two

pulse-width modulated (PWM) power converter modules use Insulated Gate Bipolar

Transistors (IGBT) to provide up to 35 A or 120 A nominal output. These systems can

support the following applications:

• Saturable Current Transformers / Power Potential Transformers (SCT/PPT) regulator

• Brushless exciter regulator

• Directcurrent (dc) rotating exciter regulator

In the SCT/PPT regulator and dc rotating exciter regulator applications, the EX2100e

Regulator system can de-sensitize the effect of the exciter time constant. It incorporates

direct measurement of the generator field voltage and field current to enhance speed of

response to system transients.

Overview

The EX2100e Excitation Control Regulator system is GE’s most recent state-of-the-art

control system for steam, gas, or hydro generators for both new and retrofit units. Control

hardware and software design is closely coordinated between GE’s system and controls

engineering to ensure delivery of a true system solution. Integration is seamless between

Excitation Control systems, Turbine Control systems, Static Starter Control systems,

Integrated Control Systems (ICS), and the Human-machine Interface (HMI). For

stand-alone retrofit applications, integration with customer distributed control systems

(DCS) through serial or Modbus ® Ethernet is supported. This document specifically

addresses applications for the 35 A and 120 A (nominal) series of EX2100e Control

Regulator systems.

Derating for Low Air Pressure

 The cooling capability of air is decreased at low air pressure.

 For altitudes above 2000 m, please contact GE .

 Below 1000 m altitude no de-rating is necessary but above 1000 m the ambient 

 temperature or the maximum output current should be decreased.

 Decrease the output by 1% per 100 m altitude above 1000 m or reduce the max.

 ambient temperature by 1 degree per 200 m

Derating for Ambient Temperature

 The ambient temperature measured over 24 hours should be at least 5 °C lower than the max. ambient

temperature.

 If the frequency converter is operated at high ambient temperature, the continuous output current

should be decreased.

 The frequency converter has been designed for operation at max 50 °C ambient temperature

 with one motor size smaller than nominal. Continuous operation

 at full load at 50 °C ambient temperature will reduce the lifetime of the frequency converter.

Derating for Ambient Temperature

 The ambient temperature measured over 24 hours should be at least 5 °C lower than the max. ambient temperature.

 If the frequency converter is operated at high ambient temperature, the continuous output current should be decreased.

 The frequency converter has been designed for operation at max 50 °C ambient temperature

 with one motor size smaller than nominal. Continuous operation

 at full load at 50 °C ambient temperature will reduce the lifetime of the frequency converter.

Derating for Low Air Pressure

 The cooling capability of air is decreased at low air pressure.

 For altitudes above 2000 m, please contact GE .

 Below 1000 m altitude no de-rating is necessary but above 1000 m the ambient 

 temperature or the maximum output current should be decreased.

 Decrease the output by 1% per 100 m altitude above 1000 m or reduce the max.

 ambient temperature by 1 degree per 200 m

Protection and Features:

 • Electronic thermal motor protection against overload.

 • Temperature monitoring of the heatsink ensures that the frequency converter trips in case of

overtemperature

 • The frequency converter is protected against short-circuits between motor terminals U, V, W.

 • If a motor phase is missing, the frequency trips and issues an alarm.

 • If a mains phase is missing, the frequency converter trips or issues a warning (depending on the load).

 • Monitoring of the intermediate circuit voltage ensures that the frequency converter

 trips if the intermediate circuit voltage is too low or too high.

 • The frequency converter is protected against earth faults on motor terminals U, V, W

 The cooling capability of air is decreased at low air pressure.

 For altitudes above 2000 m, please contact GE .

 Below 1000 m altitude no de-rating is necessary but above 1000 m the ambient 

 temperature or the maximum output current should be decreased.

 Decrease the output by 1% per 100 m altitude above 1000 m or reduce the max.

 ambient temperature by 1 degree per 200 m

Fuses

 Branch circuit protection:

 In order to protect the installation against electrical and fire hazard,

 all branch circuits in an installation, switch gear, machines etc., must be short-circuited and

 overcurrent protected according to national/international regulations.

 Short circuit protection:

 GE Drive is suitable for a circuit capable of supplying a maximum of 100,000 Arms (symmetrical), 480 V

maximum.

 Overcurrent protection:

 Provide overload protection to avoid overheating of the cables in the installation.

 Overcurrent protection must always be carried out according to national

 regulations.

 Non UL compliance:

 If UL/cUL is not to be complied with, GE recommends using the fuses

mentioned in the below table, which will ensure compliance with EN50178/IEC61800-5-1:

 In case of malfunction, not following the fuse recommendation may result in damage to the frequency

converter

Safety Instructions

 • Make sure the frequency converter is properly connected to earth.

 • Do not remove mains connections, motor connections or other power

 connections while the frequency converter is connected to power.

 • Protect users against supply voltage.

 • Protect the motor against overloading according to national and local regulations.

 • The earth leakage current exceeds 3.5 mA.

 • The [OFF] key is not a safety switch. It does not disconnect the frequency converter from mains.

 Non UL compliance:

 If UL/cUL is not to be complied with, GE recommends using the fuses

mentioned in the below table, which will ensure compliance with EN50178/IEC61800-5-1:

 In case of malfunction, not following the fuse recommendation may result in damage to the frequency

converter