UNIQUE DEVICES

REVISION HISTORY
Rev. Description ERO/ECN #
A Initial Release 045333
B Add photo numbers. C26051
C Convert to Word 97 format. C28671
D Add Table of Contents codes. Correct Level 5 and Level 6 styles and errors. C29223

REVISION HISTORY PAGE SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL

10197-52 Rev. D 24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523
 11-1

UNIQUE DEVICES
Successor to the Thyratron tube, The SCR
ROSS HILL is also called a Thyristor. The SCR is
widely used for AC to DC conversion
SILICON CONTROLLED throughout light and heavy industries.
RECTIFIER
The SCR is a special form of a diode. There
The SCR (Silicon Controlled Rectifier) is a are three terminals: the anode, cathode and
semiconductor device used to convert an the gate. Current flow occurs between
AC input into a variable DC supply. anode and the cathode. The gate input is
used to switch on the SCR (refer to Figure
11-1).

CATHODE CENTERING
INDENTATION

ANODE

GATE CATHODE
GATE
CATHODE
TOP VIEW (A) SIDE VIEW

CATHODE

GATE

ANODE
(B)

ANODE CATHODE

GATE
(C)
CATHODE

GATE INPUT

ANODE CATHODE

(D)
ELECTRICAL SYMBOL

20601-45 Rev. A

Figure 11-1. SCR Mechanical Packages

SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL UNIQUE DEVICES
24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523 10197-52 Rev. D
11-2

SILICON CONTROLLED RECTIFIER GATE

(CONTINUED) IG

ANODE CATHODE
A diode allows current flow anytime the
anode is more positive than the cathode. VS VL
RL
See Figure 11-2. Note that the diode SCR
blocks the negative portions of the AC cycle
but passes all of the positive portions.
A B

DIODE

ANODE CATHODE VS
SCR
CONDUCTS

IL FOR FULL

VI RL VL HALF CYCLE

DC ACROSS RL

VL

FIRING PULSES FIRING DELAYED

IG
20602-36 Rev. A

Figure 11-3. SCR Operation, Resistive

VI
Load
T
If the gate pulse is applied as soon as the
anode is positively biased (the angle of the
firing pulse is called α ), the SCR acts as an
ordinary diode (in this case, α = 0°). The
VL T gate pulse is delayed to control the DC
20602-35 Rev. A power output from maximum (α = 0°) to
Figure 11-2. Diode Operation zero (α = 180°). In Figure 11-3, the anode
is positively biased between 0° and 180° of
The SCR blocks current in either direction the 360° cycle. Thus the useful firing range
until the following conditions are met. α = 0° through 180°. If α exceeds 180°, the
SCR will never turn on since the firing pulse
1. The anode is more positive than the occurs while the anode is negatively
cathode. biased.
2. The SCR is fired (allowed to start to Figure 11-4 shows the characteristics of a
conduct) by applying a current pulse SCR. Note that the device operates within
to the gate input. a certain range. Its blocking capability
breaks down if excessive voltage is applied
Once the gate is fired, the SCR turns on to either the anode or the cathode.
and remains on until current through it Breakdown also occurs if the rate of voltage
ceases to flow. The SCR then reverts to change (dV/dT) is excessive. The SCR
the blocking mode (refer to Figure 11-3). used in the main bridges can withstand
1,600 volts and a dV/dT of 200 volts per µS.
The SCR will turn on if these limits are
exceeded even though no gate pulse is
applied.
UNIQUE DEVICES SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL
10197-52 Rev. D 24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523
 11-3

I+ In these systems, dV/dT is reduced through

a snubber network composed of a line
FORWARD reactor in series with the SCR bridge and a
BREAKDOWN
RC filter in parallel with each SCR. The
dI/dT is limited by the source impedance of
the generators and further reduced by the
line reactors.
FORWARD
BLOCKING
FEEDBACK CONTROL

REVERSE VOLTS
REVERSE
BLOCKING
REVERSE
BREAKDOWN
I-
Figure 11-4. SCR Volt-Ampere
Characteristics
The SCR can short out if the rate of current
change (dI/dT) is excessive. When the gate
pulse is applied, only a tiny portion of the
SCR allows current flow between the anode
and the cathode. Then through a
regenerative process, more and more of the
SCR becomes conductive. If, however,
dI/dT is excessive, a large current is forced
through a tiny conductive region of the
SCR, resulting in a hot spot and a short.
FORWARD VOLTS Automatic control in the Ross Hill SCR
Drive System is achieved through feedback
control. The household thermostat employs
the same principle to control room
temperature.
One example of feedback control is the DC
Voltage or Speed Regulator in the DC
Control Module. The circuit controls the
SCR bridge output in response to the
HAND THROTTLE setting. Similarly, the
20602-37 Rev. A engine governor circuit in the AC Control
Module controls the engine speed in
response to the setting on the SPEED
ADJUST control knob.
The household thermostat automatically
turns on the heater when the room
temperature goes below the thermostat dial
setting. It turns off the heater when the
temperature is above the thermostat dial
setting. In similar fashion, the Engine
Governor opens the throttle if the engine
speed is lower than the SPEED ADJUST
control knob setting (refer to Figure 11-5).

Rfb

0
+ Vc Vfb
Vref O U TP U T

PO T EN TI O M E TE R SU M MI N G G A IN A N D DEVICE
J U N C TI O N C O MP EN S ATIO N

20602-38 Rev. A

Figure 11-5. Feedback Control Circuit

SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL UNIQUE DEVICES

24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523 10197-52 Rev. D
11-4

FEEDBACK CONTROL (CONCLUDED)

7

Figure 11-5 shows a general control circuit. 2

This circuit is designed to maintain the 6
output of the device at the value set on the 3 +
potentiometer (in this case, the value O).
4
The knob rotates a potentiometer wiper arm
that takes a reference signal (VREF) from the V BIAS
control circuit and generates IREF. VREF is A. CONN ECTI ON DIAGRAM

proportional to the value zero. Similarly, a

sample of the output (VFB) is fedback to the
input of the control circuit. IFB has to be Vi
Ri
opposite in polarity with respect to IREF. Vi +
6

R Vo
o

In the summing junction, IFB is subtracted

from IREF. The resulting error signal (IERROR)
0
is processed to apply a control signal (VC) v

to the device. If IREF is greater than IFB, R i = O, R io = , A = Vo =

IERROR increases the device output. V i + -V i-
Conversely, IERROR decreases the output if
IREF is less than IFB. When the device B. IDEAL CHARACTERISTICS

output is Zero, IFB = - IREF and IERROR = 20602-42 Rev. A

Zero. Figure 11-6. Operational Amplifier

OPERATIONAL AMPLIFIER INVERTING AMPLIFIER

The Operational Amplifier (refer to Figure
11-6) has high voltage gain, high input
impedance and low output impedance. For
a differential input, it provides a single-
ended output referenced to ground.
Because of its near-ideal characteristics,
the Operational Amplifier (Op Amp) can be
designed to perform a variety of operations
with the proper selection of input and
feedback resistors. These operations
include summation, multiplication, and
division. With the use of capacitors,
complex mathematical operations such as
differentiation and integration are possible.
With use of diodes, non-linear operations
are also possible.
The Op Amp is used in three basic
configurations: inverting, non-inverting, and
differential.
Refer to Circuit A in Figure 11-7. The Op
Amp + terminal is grounded and the input
signal is applied to the - terminal through Ri.
The output is returned to the input through
Rf. The Output Voltage Vo = Vi x (-Rf /RI).
As such, the output is opposite in polarity
with respect to the input. With the proper
selection of Ri and Rf, it is possible to
perform either amplification or attenuation
on the input signal.
NON-INVERTING AMPLIFIER
Refer to Circuit B in Figure 11-7. The Op
Amp - terminal is grounded through Ri. The
Input signal (Vi) goes to the Op Amp +
terminal. The output (Vo) is the same
polarity as Vi.

UNIQUE DEVICES SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL

10197-52 Rev. D 24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523
 11-5

BUFFER

Because of its high input impedance and

low output impedance, the Op Amp can
isolate two stages of a circuit, thereby
preventing one stage from loading the
following stage. If a sign change is desired,
the inverting amplifier is used. Example of
a buffer amplifier is Z4 in the AC Control
Module, which isolates the KVAR meter
movement from the IREACTIVE current
demodulator. The Op Amp inverts the
IREACTIVE signal and amplifies it by Rf/Ri =
200 KΩ / 22.1KΩ = 9.

SUMMING AMPLIFIER

Refer to Circuit A in Figure 11-8. This

circuit is normally found at the summing
junction of a feedback control loop. The
output signal is the sum of all the input
currents multiplied by the feedback resistor
and -1.

20602-43 Rev. A

Figure 11-7. Basic Configurations

DIFFERENTIAL AMPLIFIER

Refer to Circuit C in Figure 11-7. The

positive signal is applied to the Op Amp +
terminal and its inverse is applied to the Op
Amp - terminal. The resultant output is the
difference of the two input signals multiplied
by the ratio of the feedback and the input
resistors. As such, the Op Amp amplifies
the voltage difference between the input
signals and rejects noise common to both.

In the Ross Hill system, the Op Amp is

commonly used as a buffer, a summing 20602-44 Rev. A
amplifier, comparator, and an integrator. Figure 11-8. Typical Applications

SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL UNIQUE DEVICES

24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523 10197-52 Rev. D
11-6
COMPARATOR
Refer to Circuit B in Figure 11-8. This
scheme is normally used for switching
operations such as driving a relay. The
amplifier output switches from + saturation
to - saturation, or vice verse, when the input
signal (Vi) crosses a selected threshold
voltage (Vt). The polarity of the output is
reversed by applying Vi to the - terminal and
Vt to the + terminal.
As an example, consider Op Amp Z14 in
the AC Control Module, which acts as an
Overfrequency Detector. Vt is selected by
scaling -15 VDC by 18.7 KΩ / 18.7 KΩ +
39.2 KΩ = -4.8 VDC. Z14-6 goes from
+saturation to -saturation when voltage at
the + terminal goes toward Zero VDC from -
4.8 VDC.
Figure 11-9. Complex Operations
UNIQUE DEVICES
10197-52 Rev. D 24 HOUR SERVICE
INTEGRATING AMPLIFIER
Refer to Circuit A in Figure 11-9. Integration
is achieved by using a capacitor as the
feedback component. The voltage output
rises linearly for a constant input until the
capacitor is fully charged. Resistors are
connected in series and parallel with the
capacitor as indicated in Circuit B of Figure
11-9. This provides stability in the closed-
loop feedback control loop.
The Integrating Amplifier is commonly used
to achieve a time delay in a circuit
operation.
20602-45 Rev. A
SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL
(713) 467-2523
 11-7

HALL EFFECT DEVICE
The HED (Hall Effect Device) is used to
measure DC current (refer to Figure 11-10).
It is a semiconductor device that outputs a
differential voltage that is proportional to the
magnetic flux passing through it.
The HED is placed in the gap of a soft iron
core. The wire, which carries the current to
be measured, is looped through the core.
The HED is energized by applying a 160
mA control current ((IH+) - (IH-)). The output
of the HED is a differential voltage ((VH+) -
(VH-)). Figure 11-11 shows the correlation
between current in the wire and VH.

The HED can measure current through a

single wire, as in the Sprocket Slip circuit
(refer to Part A of Figure 11-12).

In the Active Field Supply circuit, VH is

proportional to the difference in current
carried by the two wires looped through its
core (refer to Part B of Figure 11-12).

FS-010-24

Figure 11-10. HED Assembly

0.5

0.4

0.3
VH
(VOLTS)
0.2

0.1

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
AMPS
20602-46 Rev. A

Figure 11-11. HED Response Curve

SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL UNIQUE DEVICES

24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523 10197-52 Rev. D
11-8

HALL EFFECT DEVICE (CONCLUDED) circuit breaker is interlocked with the SCR
fuses, SCR Overtemperature switches and
E the Driller's Console EMERGENCY OFF
button.
I

OPERATION

See Figure 11-13 for identification of the

B circuit breaker controls and indicators. The
circuit breaker is manually operated. When
LOAD CURRENT the circuit breaker is open, the CHARGE
INDICATOR will display OFF. To close the
IRON CORE
A. SPROCKET SLIP circuit breaker, first cycle the HANDLE
once so that the CHARGE INDICATOR
E
shows CHARGED. Now depress the
I PUSH ON pushbutton. The circuit breaker
CHARGE INDICATOR will switch and
display ON. To open the circuit breaker,
depress the PUSH OFF pushbutton.
B

IA
IB

LOAD CURRENT
IRON CORE

B. ACTIVE FIELD SUPPLY

20602-47 Rev. A

Figure 11-12. HED Configurations

CIRCUIT BREAKERS
GENERAL ELECTRIC INSULATED
CASE CIRCUIT BREAKER FS-035-06

Figure 11-13. General Electric Insulated

General Electric insulated case circuit Case Circuit Breaker Controls &
breakers are used to isolate the Main AC Indicators
Bus. All the circuit breakers have a
magnetic trip unit that opens the circuit
breaker automatically from an overcurrent
condition. In addition, the Generator and
SCR circuit breakers have a UV
(Undervoltage or Shunt Trip unit which is
used to open the circuit breaker for various
fault conditions. For example, The
Generator circuit breaker Trip coil is
interlocked with the AC Control Module
Protection circuit, which senses reverse
power and under/over voltage and
frequency conditions. Similarly, the SCR

UNIQUE DEVICES SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL

10197-52 Rev. D 24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523
 11-9

MAINTENANCE Auxiliary contacts are used to annunciate

the OPEN/CLOSE condition of the circuit
Make an overall visual inspection of the breaker. When the circuit breaker is
circuit breaker at least on an annual basis. closed, the Normally Open (NO) contact
Thoroughly wipe off any accumulation of closes and the Normally Closed (NC)
dirt, grease and other foreign material. Do contact opens.
not use solvents on insulating materials.
Mechanical bearing points and sliding The UV Coil is normally deenergized. It is
surfaces should be lubricated at the regular energized through a +54 VDC control signal
inspection periods with a thin film of to open the circuit breaker. The Shunt Trip
Molybdenum Sulfide (Molykote G) or Mobil coil is normally energized. The circuit
Grease No. 28. Kerosene may be used to breaker opens when the +54 VDC control
remove hardened grease and dirt from the signal is switched off.
latch and bearing surfaces. Remove all
excess lubricant to avoid any accumulation GENERAL ELECTRIC THP POWER
of dirt or dust. BREAK CIRCUIT BREAKER
DO NOT LUBRICATE THE
ELECTRICAL CONTACT General Electric THP circuit breakers are
AREAS. used to isolate the AC bus. The Generator
Circuit Breaker is electrically operated. The
TROUBLESHOOTING Feeder and SCR Circuit Breakers are
manually operated.
The Ampere, Long/Short Trip, and Delay
Time settings on the circuit breakers are All the circuit breakers have a magnetic trip
adjusted at the Ross Hill factory. Any unit, which opens the circuit breaker
further adjustments should only be automatically under an overcurrent
performed by a Ross Hill field service condition. They have a shunt or
engineer. undervoltage (UV) trip unit that is triggered
by external circuits for various fault
Figure 11-14 depicts the control wiring of conditions. For example, the Generator
the circuit breaker. Circuit Breaker is opened for any of the
TB. No.
following:
1 UV /Shunt Trip
2 UV /Shunt Trip 1. Under/Over Voltage.
3 NC Aux. 1
4 Common 1 2. Under/Over Frequency.
5 NO Aux. 1
6 NC Aux. 2
3. Reverse Power.
7 Common 2
8 NO Aux. 2
The Generator Circuit Breaker also has a
9 NC Aux. 3
Common
shunt trip unit which, when energized,
10
11 NO Aux. 3
automatically opens the circuit breaker.
12 NC Aux. 4
13 Common
14 NO Aux. 4

20602-48 Rev. A

Figure 11-14. Circuit Breaker Control

Wiring

SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL UNIQUE DEVICES

24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523 10197-52 Rev. D
11-10

OPERATION Manual Version

Figure 11-15 shows and indentifies the To close the manual version of the circuit
controls and indicators on the front of the breaker, charge the mechanism by rotating
circuit breaker. the MANUAL CHARGING HANDLE (Item
D) 120° counterclockwise until the handle
During the following description stops. Then rotate it clockwise back to the
of the General Electric THP circuit home position. The INDICATOR (Item A)
breaker, all items referenced in will switch from Off (GREEN) to Charged
parenthesis thusly (Item x) are (RED). To close the circuit breaker, depress
referenced to Figure 11-15. the OFF button (Item B). To open the circuit
breaker, depress the OFF button (Item C)
button.

Manual Charge with MicroVersaTrip® Electrical Charge Mid-Cover with

Programmer MicroVersaTrip® RMS-9 Programmer

KEY - Standard Features

ITEM DESCRIPTION
A Indicator “On” - Red
“CHG” (Manual, “CHARGED” (MOM) -
yellow. OFF - Green
B “ON” button
C “OFF” button
D Manual charging handle
E Lockable manual charge engagement
button (MOM only)
F Terminal board (MOM drive unit only)
G Removable protective window
J CT tap setting indicator
(MicroVersaTrip only)
ITEM DESCRIPTION
K Removable protective trip unit cover
(Magnetrip™ only)
L Cover mounting screws (4)
M Mid-cover mounting screws (3) (MOM
only)
N MicroVersaTrip RMS-9
programmer interchangeable rating plug
O MOM control circuit fuses
P MicroVersaTrip RMS-9 test set
connection port

General Electric document GEH-4693B

Figure 11-15. General Electric THP 800 Ampere Frame Circuit Breaker

UNIQUE DEVICES SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL

10197-52 Rev. D 24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523

Electrical Version
Remote Operation
The Circuit Breaker is usually operated by
the Generator Unit Cubicle front panel
REMOTE CIRCUIT BREAKER switch. It
closes when the REMOTE CIRCUIT
BREAKER switch is turned to CLOSE.
When this is done, the green TRIP light on
the Generator Unit Cubicle front panel will
be turned off and the red CLOSE light on
the Generator Unit Cubicle front panel will
illuminate. At the same time, the
INDICATOR (Item A) will switch from
Charged (YELLOW) to Closed (RED).
Local Operation
If the electrical charging unit is inoperative,
it can be charged manually by:
1. Depress the LOCKABLE MANUAL
CHARGE ENGAGEMENT BUTTON
(Item E) until it is flush with the
surface of the MANUAL CHARGING
HANDLE (Item D). Slight handle
rotation may be required to fully
depress the button to align the
internal coupling. Hold the button
down and rotate the handle 120°
counter-clockwise, then rotate it 120°
clockwise. The INDICATOR (Item A)
will switch from Off (GREEN) to
Charged (YELLOW).
The charging sequence must be
completed once the LOCKABLE
MANUAL CHARGE ENGAGEMENT
BUTTON (Item E) is depressed.
Servicing
Under normal operating conditions, the
circuit breaker assembly should be serviced
on an annual basis. If the circuit breaker is
SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL
24 HOUR SERVICE
11-11
used on an extensive basis, more frequent
maintenance is required.
Move the circuit breaker into the
DISCONNECTED position. This
removes power from both the primary
and secondary circuits.
Perform the following servicing on the
circuit breaker as required (normal or
extensive use basis):
1. Thoroughly clean by removing dust
from all the equipment. Use of
compressed air for blowing out dust
is not recommended.
2. Check for frayed wires and tightness
of the connections.
3. Lubricate all moving and rubbing
parts (other than contact surfaces)
with suitable lubricant such as
Aerograde lubricate.
Troubleshooting
Table 11-1 is a wiring list of the electrically-
operated circuit breaker. The wiring list for
the manually-operated version is the same
except for the absence of the first six
terminals.
In the electrically-operated circuit breaker,
automatic charging is accomplished
through a motor. 120 VAC is applied to run
the motor through four Amp time delay
fuses.
The shunt trip device trips the circuit
breaker when voltage is applied across
Circuit Breaker Terminals 36 and 37 (Shunt
Trip). The undervoltage (UV) trip device
trips the circuit breaker when the voltage
across Circuit Breaker Terminals 31 and 32
(Undervoltage Release) is removed.
UNIQUE DEVICES
(713) 467-2523 10197-52 Rev. D
11-12

MERLIN GERIN MASTERPACT MGM TRANSFORMER COMPANY

UNIVERSAL POWER BREAKER DRY TYPE TRANSFORMER

Refer to the Merlin Gerin documentation Refer to the MGM Transformer

included at the end of this section. documentation included at the end of this
section.

Table 11-1. Wire List

TB # Device Wire Color

1 Power Circuit Red
2 Power Circuit Black
3 Charging Circuit White
4 Charging Circuit Blue
5 Closing Circuit Yellow
6 Closing Circuit Brown
7 Auxiliary Switch Common White
8 Auxiliary Switch NO Red
9 Auxiliary Switch NC Green
10 Auxiliary Switch Common White
11 Auxiliary Switch NO Red
12 Auxiliary Switch NC Green
13 Auxiliary Switch Common White
14 Auxiliary Switch NO Red
15 Auxiliary Switch NC Green
16 Auxiliary Switch Common White
17 Auxiliary Switch NO Red
18 Auxiliary Switch NC Green
19 Auxiliary Switch Common White
20 Auxiliary Switch NO Red
21 Auxiliary Switch NC Green
22 Auxiliary Switch Common White
23 Auxiliary Switch NO Red
24 Auxiliary Switch NC Green
25 Auxiliary Switch Common White
26 Auxiliary Switch NO Red
27 Auxiliary Switch NC Green
28 Auxiliary Switch Common White
29 Auxiliary Switch NO Red
30 Auxiliary Switch NC Green
31 Undervoltage Release Blue
32 Undervoltage Release Blue
33 Bell Alarm Switch Common Yellow
34 Bell Alarm Switch NO Purple
35 Bell Alarm Switch NC Brown
36 Shunt Trip Black
37 Shunt Trip Black

UNIQUE DEVICES SCR DRIVE SYSTEM TECHNICAL MANUAL

10197-52 Rev. D 24 HOUR SERVICE (713) 467-2523