InteliMainsNT

VDE
A firmware for VDE-AR-N 4105
and BDEW Richtlinien

Sw version 1.2.0

1 General information 2
2 Changes in the version 1.2.0 3
3 Changes in the version 1.1 10
4 Related information 12
5 Notes 13

Copyright © 2016 ComAp a.s.

Written by Tomas Vydra
Prague, Czech Republic
ComAp a.s., Kundratka 2359/17,
180 00 Praha 8, Czech Republic
Tel: +420 246 012 111, Fax: +420 266 316 647
E-mail: info@comap.cz, www.comap.cz New Features List
1 General information
1.1 Version information
This version contains major upgrade that makes this firmware VDE-AR-N 4105 and BDEW Richtlinien
certification compatible. The firmware has been tested for both certifications.
Note: Only version for BaseBox controllers is available.

IMPORTANT: It is necessary to use gen-set controllers (IGS-NT) in AUT mode and power
management enabled for correct function of IM-NT-VDE firmware. If gen-set controllers are not in
AUT mode or they are not available for power management IM-NT does not register them correctly
and curves CapabilityQ L and CapabilityQ C need to be removed from the configuration to allow
the controller to work correctly (when the curves are removed they are replace with constant PF
boundaries 0.6L and 0.8C and the function PforQ is not available).

1.2 Clarification of notation

Note: This type of paragraph calls readers attention to a notice or related theme.

IMPORTANT: This type of paragraph highlights a procedure, adjustment etc., which can cause a
damage or unproper function of the equipment if not performed correctly and may not be clear at
first sight.

Example: This type of paragraph contains information that is used to illustrate how a specific function
works.

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 2

2 Changes in the version 1.2.0
2.1 New Features
Curve outputs are now available in values group Curves
Load reduction curve output
Power over Frequency curve output
PF(P) curve output
Q(Um) curve output
Power over Frequency function is modified
When Protect type is set to LOW VOLT the function deactivates when frequency goes below 50.20 Hz
(i.e. it deactivates when the frequency is 50.19 Hz and lower)
When Protect type is set to MED VOLT the function deactivates when frequency is equal or below
50.05 Hz (i.e. the function will deactivate immediately when the frequency reaches 50.05 Hz)
New LAI:LOAD REDUCTION added
This LAI is used in combination with LBI:LOADREDUCT 1-4
If LAI contains lower value than LBI:LOADREDUCT 1-4 than it is used for load reduction and vice versa
New LBI for general load reduction by LBI or LAI added
New LBI:LOAD REDUCTION needs to be activated to allow load reduction by LBI:LOADREDUCT 1-4 or LAI:
LOAD REDUCTION
Curve Q(Um) has now resolution on two decimal places on the X-axis
New function for frequency related functions added
LAI:TEST F is now available
When this LAI is configured and contains valid value (i.e. value between 0.00 and 327.67 - values lower
than 47.50 are considered to be 47.50 and values higher than 52.50 are considered to be 52.50) the value
is considered as measured frequency for the function Power over Frequency. If there is invalid value or
the input is not configured testing frequency will be considered to be 50.00 Hz.
This is activated by the setpoint VDE test
This setpoint can be adjusted to TEST only when the controller is in the OFF and the VDE testing
function is only supported in MAN mode
When it is not possible to change the setpoint to TEST (i.e. any other mode than OFF) the value will
revert back to NOTEST when change is attempted
The active testing is indicated to the user by warning protection in alarm list with text: "TestPQF"
The VDE test setpoint is set by default to be access rights group 7
Testing can be deactivated simply by changing the setpoint to NOTEST at any time
New LAI:TEST P and LAI:TEST Q are available for performing VDE and BDEW related tests
These two LAIs are active when configured, fed valid value and when setpoint VDE test is set to TEST
and the controller is in MAN mode (see above)

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 3

 These values are used for various functions (generally the controller will not calculate P and Q from gen-
set controllers but it will use the test value from LAI)
Hysteresis added to Q(Um)
The hysteresis for this curve is set by the setpoint Q(Um) hysteres in Volt/PF ctrl group
When the voltage goes above the last but one point on the Q(Um) curve the hysteresis is activated and
the value of the setpoint is added to the measured voltage (in % of nominal voltage setpoint)
The hysteresis will get deactivated when the voltage goes below second point of the curve minus the
hysteresis (e.g. second point is 80% of nominal voltage and the hysteresis is set to 12%, the hysteresis
gets deactivated when the voltage goes below 68% of nominal voltage
LBO signalizing load reduction by LBI:LOADREDUCT 1-4 or LAI:LOAD REDUCTION is now available (LBO:LOAD
REDUCT ON)
Reactive power is now ramped according to the setpoint Q(Um)Ramp when the following conditions are
fulfilled:
Q(Um) or Q-IM/EX(Um) power factor control mode is active
Protect type is set to MED VOLT
Ramping of active power changed
There are three types of ramps available:
Load ramp (standard load ramp)
Slow load ramp (used for slow ramping when requested by VDE or BDEW)
Fast load ramp (used for fast ramping when requested by VDE or BDEW)
There are six ramping events that decide which ramp will be used:
RampEvnt1 = Power over Frequency limitation is active
RampEvnt2 = Power over Frequency limitation was active and now it is deactivated
RampEvnt3 = Power limitation using LBI or LAI is active and the required Load reduction is lower
than actual power request
RampEvnt4 = Mains fail occurred and then it has recovered (this event remains active for the time
given by the setpoint MainsTripPer (group Sync/Load ctrl) after the Mains recovers again)
RampEvnt5 = Active power limitation for Reactive power function is active
RampEvnt6 = Controller is in Soft unload
If no RampEvnt is active standard Load ramp is used
RampEvnt activation is indicated by a LBO
It is possible to set individual ramp type for each event and individual priority (if more than one event is
active at the moment)
It is possible to disable any ramp event (setting priority to OFF)

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 4

 Mains protections changed. The following protection setpoints are now available:

DynamicSupport = enables undervoltage protection using curve

All setpoints with "hyst" = set hysteresis for voltage and frequency protections (hysteresis is always
evaluated based on Ph-N measured voltage)

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 5

 All voltage and frequency protections have separate delays
Q&U = new protection that activates when both Mains voltage is below certain limit and Reactive power
drawn from the Mains is above another limit. This protection has fixed 0s delay
VDE test = enables frequency, active and reactive power testing using LAI
Mains voltage protections are now set with resolution of 0.1
Active power limitation for Reactive power
The controller setting of gen-set PF capability can be now set by curves CapabilityQ L and CapabilityQ C
rather than fixed 0.6L and 0.8C limits as in previous versions
When the curves are invalid or not configured the controller will use default limits 0.6L and 0.8C. Use
default limits when gen-set controllers are used in other mode than AUT and/or they are not
available for power management.
Active power limitation for Reactive power function can be enable or disabled using setpoint PforQlimit
in Process control group
The function gets active only if the voltage i within bands given by four setpoints PforQ U1-4 (first two for
one band and second two for another band) in Process control group
The function will go through the gen-set capability PF curves and try to find a better solution when
requested Q cannot be reached. If better solution is found the controller will limit active power to reach
this better solution
The better solution needs to yield at least in increase of minimum reactive power given by the setpoint
PforQdead
It is possible to set minimum active power (by setpoint PforQMinP) under which the function will not try
to find a new solution that will yield in higher Q
It is now possible to evaluate both Ph-N and Ph-Ph fixed voltage protections (set by setpoint
FixVoltProtSel) with these exceptions:

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 6

 Mains Avg>V MP - it is evaluated by the second part of the setting (e.g. BOTH + PH-N means that this
protection is evaluated based on Ph-N)
Dynamic support (undervoltage protection defined by curve) - it is evaluated by the second part of the
setting (e.g. BOTH + PH-N means that this protection is evaluated based on PH-N)
All Bus protections - they are evaluated by the second part of the setting (e.g. BOTH + PH-N means that
these protections are evaluated based on Ph-N)
Q&U protection - always based on Ph-Ph without regards to the setpoint FixVoltProtSel
New PF control modes added
Q-IM/EX
Imported/Exported reactive power is controlled (set by a setpoint Import Q)
ANEXT Q-IM/EX
Imported/Exported reactive power is controlled (set by LAI:ANEXQI/E)
PF-IM/EX(Pm)
Imported/Exported PF is controlled. Request value is obtained from the curve PF(P) based on
imported/exported Mains active power
Q-IM/EX(Um)
Imported/Exported reactive power is controlled. Request value is obtained from the curve Q(Um)
based on Mains voltage
New values showing required Q and required PF are available
RequiredQ - shows Q that is currently requested by PF control mode
Required PF - shows PF that is currently requested by PF control mode
Required PFch - shows PF character that is currently requested by PF control mode
New LBO:Q/PF CTRL ACT available - this LBO gets active when any PF control mode is active
Mains frequency protections are now evaluated based on Mains unfiltered frequency with two decimal
places
Force value is now available for the following setpoints:
Freq gain
Angle gain
Voltage gain
Load gain
PF gain
Freq int
Load int
Voltage int
PF int
Range of the value Required PF is now changed to 0.01 to 1.99
Updated to the last standard IM-NT-3.4.0
Startblock function changed
New LBO:START BLOCKED indicating start blocked is now available
The controller no longer issues alarms with start blocking

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 7

 New alarm Oper conflict indicates completely wrong setting (e.g. Island enable = NO, Parallel
enable = NO)
New automatic priority swapping mode added - EFFICIENCY
User button pulse duration can now be set by a setpoint UserBtn pulse
BusMeasError can be now switched to Warning
MGCB Close Del in Island operation added
Load shedding can be now switched to frequency mode
Load shedding stages now can be set separately (delays and levels for disconnection and reconnection)
It is possible to set controller mode in which the controller will power up (previously only last mode was
available)
New LBO:INITIALIZED is available. It gets active when the controller is fully initialized after it is powered
up
63 Al./hist. messages for custom protections may be used now instead of previous 16
Modbus Switches are now available in the controller
It is possible to set statistics PulseCounter1-4 by activation of LBI:IMPCOUNT SET 1-4. The statistics are
then set to a value in according setpoints
SUS application is supported in the controller (MultiSoftStart)
Support for new InteliVision 8 buttons (Show PM hist. and Hide PM hist.) added
InteliAIO9/1 module supported

2.2 Repairs
Mains ret del setpoint now works correctly in combination with MainsSyncTlong and MainsSyncTshort
The setpoint Mains ret del is now available in the configuration
Load Demand Swap function now works correctly
Master assignment problem resolved
Problem with 0s power band change delays resolved
Updated to the last standard IM-NT-3.4.0
Problem with communication with IGS-PTM module when the controller and IGS-PTM started at the
same time resolved
Problem with CANNegotiation function when synchronized setpoint is changed resolved
Problem with Inteli IO8/8 communication resolved
It is now possible to send IB-EML-SMS via IG-IB
PLC Delay block problem with 100ms shorter delays resolved
Trivial error in calculation of AIN value based on User sensors resolved
All LBOs now considered as configured when used in PLC
It is possible to measure more than 32,000 RPM via InteliAIN8 RPM input
Unwanted activation of Timer resolved
LBO:HORN FLASHING is no longer delayed against LBO HORN
The controller will no longer cycle through states when another controller indicates closed GCB on the
bus but IM-NT measures wrong voltage on the bus

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 8

 PF regulation now works correctly in all power formats
Load shedding now works correctly in MAN mode
The load is now calculated correctly in Test on Load function when power management is set to kVA
Control diagrams in InteliMonitor are now correct
MGCB is no longer closed when SUS start is required in MAN mode
Load shedding outputs are now deactivated when the load is transferred to Mains (and load shedding is
set to GEN-SETS)
MCB feedback negative now works correctly (LBI:MCB FDB NEG)
The InteliVision 8 will no longer reset when maximum number of columns in history is used
The controller will no longer issue false alarm EFC after it is powered up in specific cases

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 9

3 Changes in the version 1.1
3.1 New features
Changes in default values of the setpoints
The following default values were changed
Mains <V MP = 80%
Mains Avg>V MP = 110%
MainsProtDel = 0S
Mains >>V = 120%
Mains >>V del = 0s
MainsSyncFMax = 50,05Hz
Load ramp = 5s
Slow Load ramp = 600s
MainsSyncVmin 85%
MainsSyncVmax 110%
New setpoint Mains>V MP added
This setpoint is used for setting the limit of overvoltage protection (type Mains Protect)
New Logical Binary Input added - LBI:Ext MP Trip
Protection of type Mains Protect (text Ext MP Trip) is issued when the input goes to logical 1
The protection has 0s delay and the input is checked with period of 20ms
New setpoint Pamax added
Used as nominal power of the group (in the functions LoadReduct and PF(P))
Output of curve Q(U) made available for users
New value in the group Volt/PF ctrl, name QUCurve
Load ramp behavior changed for the setting MED VOLT
After overfrequency when the system is set to Protection type = MED VOLT the power reduction
changes according to setpoint Load ramp instead of Slow Load ramp
The behavior in the setting LOW VOLT remains the same
New setpoint PwrovFQdel added to the group Mains protect
This setpoint adjusts the delay for switching of the limitation in Power Over Frequency function when
MED VOLT is set (i.e. the frequency needs to stay below the second point in the curve PWROVRF for
this delay before the limitation is reset)
New LBO PwrOverFreqLim was added
This LBO indicates when the limitation due to overfrequency is active
Power ramping after a Mains failure changed to Slow Load ramp for 10 minutes after the Mains failure
For 10 minutes after a Mains failure the setpoint Slow Load ramp is used
After 10 minutes elapses after a Mains failure the setpoint Load ramp is used

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 10

 Secondary MGCB control and feedback added
New LBOs added
MGCBclose/openS
MGCB UV coil S
MGCB ON coil S
MGCB OFF coil S
New LBI added
MGCB feedback S
New alarm and history record
MGCB s fail
The secondary breaker is controlled the same way as the original MGCB (closed/opened in AUT mode
simultaneously and in MAN mode by the same buttons)
New LBI Ext WD Fdb added
This LBI is used for monitoring of external WD relay
The Mains protect with reset type protection is issued when this input goes to logical 0
New LBO CtrlHeartBeatF added
This output changes from logical 0 to 1 continuously with period of 100ms (50ms logical 1 and 50ms
logical 0)
The default setting of COSPHI curve changed (new setting below)
0 -> 1.00
20 -> 1.00
50 -> 1.00
100 -> 1.05
Only MGCB application is now available for VDE compliant firmware
Values Req PF and Req Q moved to the group Volt/PF ctrl
New value PwrRampOutput added to the group Sync/Load ctrl
This value shows the requested power by InteliMains as it is ramped by the internal regulation loops
rather than the target value (shown in the value ActPwrReq)
Objects Req PF and ReqLChr are hidden on InteliVision 5 and 8 when
setpoint PFctrl PtM is set to BASEQ, ANEXTBASEQ and Q(U)

3.2 Repairs
The behavior of functions Overheat protection and MinPwr PtM fixed
Control diagram in InteliMonitor is now shown properly for all controllers
Test on Load fail calculation repaired when power management is set to ABS(kVA)
When the system is not in parallel to Mains operation the Mains fail now always causes the function
SyncNotAllowed to used alway MainsSysTlong delay

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 11

4 Related information
4.1 Available files
Firmware (*.mhx)
For InteliMainsNT/C BaseBox For InteliSysNT/C BaseBox
IM-NT-BB-VDE-1.2.0.6.mhx IM-NT-IS-1.2.0.6.mhx

Archives (*.ant)
For InteliMainsNT/C BaseBox For InteliSysNT/C BaseBox
IM-BB-VDE-MGCB-1.2.0.6.ant IM-IS-VDE-MGCB-1.2.0.6.ant

4.2 Overview of all available hardware

InteliMainsNT BaseBox InteliMainsNTC BaseBox
Binary Inputs 12 12
Binary Outputs 12 12
Analog Inputs 3 3
Analog Outputs 1 1
Communications RS232, RS485 (display only) RS232, RS485, USB, Etherenet

4.3 Available related documentation

Documents
IM-NT-VDE-MGCB-1.2.0 Reference
guide.pdf
IG/IS-NT Operator Guide 01-2014.pdf
IG/IS-NT Installation Guide 08-2014.pdf
IG/IS-NT Communication Guide 04-
2015.pdf
Description
General description of MGCB application for VDE
InteliMainsNT. Contains general information about installation
and related PC software and description of the VDE specific
functions.
Operator Guide for BaseBox controllers
Thorough description of installation and technical information
about InteliGenNT, InteliSysNT, InteliMainsNT and related
accessories.
Thorough description of connectivity and communication for
InteliGenNT, InteliSysNT, InteliMainsNT and related
accessories.

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 12

5 Notes
5.1 Compliance with VDE AR-N-4105 and BDEW
Richtlinien
The conformity with the Standard DIN V VDE 4105, requires the tolerance against one fault. In order to fulfill this
functional safety requirement, a redundant Master Generator Circuit Breaker (MGCB) or additional protection
unit (relay) has to be used. It has to be ensured that both MGCBs are connected to the dedicated output of the
controller (relay) which is capable to induce the safe state – disconnection of generator from grid.
IMPORTANT: For more information on using MainsPro as redundant unit please refer to the IGS-
NT-VDE Safety Manual (available in Download center).

5.2 Disclaimer
The certification is only valid with the correct actual settings that can be obtained at the time of commissioning
in official documents.
Local load has to be counted in while commissioning and setting setpoints like Samax, NominMainsImport
etc. Considerable and/or fluctuating local load may violate the VDE compliance since the load will consume
power that may be requested to be exported to the grid.

5.3 Synchronization limitation in specific cases

The certification is only valid with the following settings and/or specific requirement given by certification
authorities when an installation is certified:
In some cases it is possible that the controller will not prevent synchronization of gen-sets to the Mains because
MCB (and MGCB) is already closed and gen-sets are synchronizing via GCB. This state can be reached in
MAN mode and in MCB application in some cases in AUT mode (when setpoint MGCBparalClose is set to
YES or MCB CLOSED).
For proper function the following setting should be used.

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 13

 Combined inverse value of the logical binary output MainsAllowSyn and MCB closed and MGCB closed should
be broadcasted to all gen-set controllers on the bus and connected to the binary input SynchroDisable which
Force value setpoint ProcessControl:Synchro enable to NONE. This prevents gen-set controllers from
synchronizing via their GCBs to the bus while Synchronization is not allowed. The complete function can be
seen below.

5.4 MCB control form external device

There were no changes in the controller behavior in this regard. This description of behavior is included for
informational purposes only.
Opening of the MCB externally is allowed because external protection device may open it based on its
protections. The controller will try to reclose the breaker if Mains protect type protection is not configured
accordingly (e.g. external protection device/relay does not allow user to send this type of signal or such wiring is
impractical). After failed attempt to close the breaker, the controller issues standard alarm and in AUT mode
starts the engine and consequently closes GCB and/or MGCB breaker.

5.5 MCB fail Information

There were no changes in the controller behavior in this regard. This description of behavior is included for
informational purposes only.
When feedback of a CB fails (wiring problem etc.), the controller indicates open breaker even though in fact the
breaker may be still closed. At such event the controller tries to reclose the breaker and after unsuccessful
reclosing it opens the breaker and allows start of gen-sets and closing of another breaker without synchronizing
or gen-sets may be started automatically and another breaker is closed without synchronizing.

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 14

 When the feedback fails the breaker is opened by the actions that the controller takes (reclosing sequence ends
with CB OFF coil activation and CB close/open signal is deactivated). If there is a concern that the breaker may
not open after feedback fail the following measures should be applied.
For full safety when operating breakers using of secondary feedback (CB fdb neg) is available.
In some cases it may not be possible to use secondary feedback and still the start of gen-sets needs to be
prevented if CB fail alarm issued. Should this be the case the following function should be used to prevent
automatic start gen-set/gen-set group and closing to Mains voltage without synchronizing since the feedback
from a breaker is faulty.

IM-NT-VDE-1.2.0 New Features 15