Prismic A 30 AVR Manual Rev D

PRISMIC
A30
EXCITATION
CONTROLLER
HANDBOOK
9592020-00
REVISION D
ISSUE
February 2001
Operating and Maintenance Manual
for
PRISMIC A30
Excitation Controller
BEM TECHNICAL HANDBOOK No. 9592020-00 Date: Feb 2001

This document is the property of Brush Electrical Machines Ltd. ©
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any way. Rev: D
This information is subject to constant review.
Date: Feb 2001
PRISMIC A30
Excitation Controller Rev: D
Handbook 96
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Handbook 96
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Handbook 96
CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................... 6
2 RATINGS.............................................................................................................................................. 7
3 FEATURES........................................................................................................................................... 8
3.1 Complete system housed in a single 19” 6U rack........................................................................... 8
3.2 Independent main and hot standby excitation channels .................................................................. 8
3.3 PC Based Setup and Maintenance Software..................................................................................8
3.4 Communication Port #1 for SCADA communications...................................................................... 8
3.5 Communication Port #2 for set up and maintenance. ...................................................................... 8
3.6 Choice of setpoint adjustment method............................................................................................8
3.7 Line Voltage Control Mode............................................................................................................. 8
3.8 Power Factor Control Mode............................................................................................................ 8
3.9 VAr Control Mode...........................................................................................................................8
3.10 Soft Start Facility............................................................................................................................8
3.11 Fast Acting Field Current Limiter.................................................................................................... 9
3.12 Over Excitation Limiter ...................................................................................................................9
3.13 Under Excitation Limiter................................................................................................................. 9
3.14 Over Flux Limiter............................................................................................................................9
3.15 Selectable Standby System Control Mode ......................................................................................9
3.16 Rotating Diode Failure Alarm.......................................................................................................... 9
3.17 Adjustable Step Response............................................................................................................. 9
3.18 Event Recorder..............................................................................................................................9
4 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................................. 11
4.1 The A30-RACK1 Mainframe......................................................................................................... 11
4.2 A30-CON card .............................................................................................................................13
4.3 A30-MON card.............................................................................................................................20
4.4 Utilities Card................................................................................................................................. 23
4.5 Standby Control Card................................................................................................................... 24
5 COMMISSIONING ..............................................................................................................................29
5.1 EMC Installation and Operating Guidelines................................................................................... 29
5.2 Pre-commissioning Checks.......................................................................................................... 30
5.3 Check Operation of DC Contactors, Switches and Indications with Machine at Standstill .............. 30
5.4 Check Standby Control................................................................................................................ 32
5.5 Check A30-CON and A30-MON Settings......................................................................................34
5.6 Check Display of Measured Parameters on the A30-CON and A30-MON card ............................35
5.7 Check Null Balance Indication when in Standby........................................................................... 35
5.8 Set-up Stability in Main Channel – Check this section ................................................................... 35
5.9 Check the Voltage range of the A30-CON card ............................................................................. 36
5.10 Check Soft Start...........................................................................................................................36
5.11 Check for Smooth Changeover from Standby to Main Channel ..................................................... 37
5.12 Check/Set-up Over Excitation Limiters and Monitors ..................................................................... 37
5.13 Over Voltage and Over Flux Monitors...........................................................................................39
5.14 Set/Check the Under Voltage Monitor Level................................................................................. 39
5.15 Check Parallel Operation.............................................................................................................. 40
5.16 Check Under Excitation Limiter.................................................................................................... 40
5.17 Check Under Excitation Monitor................................................................................................... 41
5.18 Check Power Factor Control (if applicable)................................................................................... 41
5.19 Check VAr Control (if applicable).................................................................................................. 42
5.20 Check the VAr Shed (if applicable)...............................................................................................42
5.21 Check Parallel Operation in Standby Line Voltage Control ............................................................43
5.22 Static Interrogation.......................................................................................................................43
6 INSTALLATION AND MECHANICAL DETAILS, CARD FITTING AND REMOVAL...............................44
6.1 Installation.................................................................................................................................... 44
6.2 Ventilation.................................................................................................................................... 44
6.3 Wiring to the A30 Excitation Controller.........................................................................................44
6.4 Wiring to the Plug.........................................................................................................................44
6.5 Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 45
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6.6 Mechanical Details.......................................................................................................................45

6.7 Card Fitting and Removal............................................................................................................. 45
7 USING THE A30-COMDOS COMMISSIONING SOFTWARE ..............................................................48
7.1 Setup of the A30 Using an Alternative Power Supply .................................................................... 48
7.2 PC Software Installation............................................................................................................... 48
7.3 Running the HMI Application........................................................................................................ 48
7.4 Exiting the HMI Application........................................................................................................... 49
7.5 HMI Functions..............................................................................................................................49
7.6 A30-CON Card and A30-M-CON Card – HMI Displays Available................................................. 50
7.7 Logfile.......................................................................................................................................... 50
7.8 Saving Presets and Registers....................................................................................................... 50
7.9 Passwords ................................................................................................................................... 51
7.10 Using the A30-CON & A30-M-CON HMI Displays......................................................................... 51
7.11 A30-MON Card – HMI Displays Available..................................................................................... 57
7.12 Using the A30-MON HMI Displays................................................................................................57
8 USING THE SCADA COMMUNICATIONS PORT ............................................................................... 62
8.1 Protocol Data...............................................................................................................................62
8.2 Physical Connections................................................................................................................... 62
8.3 Data Available..............................................................................................................................62
9 TRANSDUCER CALIBRATION PROCEDURE .................................................................................... 63
9.1 Line Voltage Calibration on the A30-CON Card............................................................................ 63
9.2 Field Current Calibration on the A30-CON Card........................................................................... 63
9.3 Line Current Calibration on the A30-CON Card............................................................................ 63
9.4 Temperature Transducer Calibration on the A30-CON Card.........................................................63
9.5 Line Voltage Calibration on the A30-MON Card ............................................................................ 64
9.6 Field Current Calibration on the A30-MON Card........................................................................... 64
9.7 Line Current Calibration on the A30-MON Card............................................................................ 64
9.8 Temperature Transducer Calibration on the A30-MON Card .........................................................64
10 STEP RESPONSE TESTING .......................................................................................................... 64
10.1 Step Response.............................................................................................................................64
10.2 Step Response on Open Circuit................................................................................................... 65
10.3 Stabilising Adjustment.................................................................................................................. 65
10.4 UEL Stabilising.............................................................................................................................66
11 OPERATING PROCEDURES AND MAINTENANCE ....................................................................... 67
11.1 Operating Procedures.................................................................................................................. 67
11.2 Maintenance................................................................................................................................68
12 FAULT FINDING .............................................................................................................................69
12.1 General Information..................................................................................................................... 69
12.2 Precautions.................................................................................................................................. 69
12.3 Procedure.................................................................................................................................... 69
13 APPENDIX A - RECOMMENDED SPARES..................................................................................... 86
13.1 Comprehensive Spares................................................................................................................ 86
13.2 Minimum Spares..........................................................................................................................86
14 APPENDIX B - CONNECTION CHARTS .........................................................................................88
15 APPENDIX C - CARD LINK DESCRIPTION Table 15.1 A30-CON Card Link Description............. 100
16 APPENDIX D - DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS............................................................................... 104
16.1 A30-CON Card...........................................................................................................................104
16.2 A30-MON Card ..........................................................................................................................110
16.3 Standby Control Card................................................................................................................. 114
16.4 Utilities Card...............................................................................................................................116
16.5 A30-RACK1 ...............................................................................................................................119
17 APPENDIX E – HOLDING REGISTERS FOR SCADA ................................................................... 121
18 APPENDIX F - DRAWINGS ........................................................................................................... 124
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1 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 Fig. 1.
For setup and commissioning of the A30 a PC is required. PC based software and two serial comms
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.
Fig.1 A30 Excitation Controller Scheme
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2 RATINGS
Max continuous output current 20A
Max 10 second output current 30A
Excitation supply voltage Single phase 110V to 330V
Excitation supply frequency 50Hz to 480Hz
Auxiliary dc Supply 24V or 110/125V dc +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 0ºC to +55ºC
Storage temperature range -40ºC to +100ºC
Dimensions Width 483mm, Height 266mm, Depth 400mm
Weight 14.5kg
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3 FEATURES
3.1 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.
3.2 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)
• Control card failure
The settings for the monitor module are selected to enable the normal limiter settings to operate
first. (see Fig.1 Generator Capability Diagram)
3.3 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.
3.4 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.
3.5 Communication Port #2 for set up and maintenance.
Provided for connection to an RS232 port on a standard PC for commissioning.
3.6 Choice of setpoint adjustment method.
Either external raise/lower contacts or SCADA comms may be used.
3.7 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.
3.8 Power Factor Control Mode
Available when parallel running.
3.9 VAr Control Mode
Available when parallel running. Also incorporates VAr shed facility.
3.10 Soft Start Facility
After switching on excitation, line voltage is increased to the nominal level at an adjustable rate.
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3.11 Fast Acting Field Current Limiter
Limits excitation current to prevent excessive line current during power system faults.
3.12 Over Excitation Limiter
Using inverse time delay and temperature compensation if required, this facility is provided to
prevent overheating of the generator rotor.
3.13 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.
3.14 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.
3.15 Selectable Standby System Control Mode
The standby system may be setup to operate in either Generator Voltage or Exciter Field
Current Control Mode.
3.16 Rotating Diode Failure Alarm
Detection of failed rotating diode or fuse is achieved by monitoring the ripple content of exciter
field current.
3.17 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.
3.18 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 comms port.
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Fig.2 Generator Capability Diagram
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4 HARDWARE DESCRIPTION
4.1 The A30-RACK1 Mainframe
Reference is made to drawing B9619038 - see Appendices.
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.
The mainframe has a substantial heat sink at the rear on which are fitted two separate, half-
controlled, 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 rail-mounted terminal block on the back of the unit.
Note! All the above connections are of the cage-cl

amp type and reference should be made
to Chapter 8 for wiring suggestions.
A 25-way, serial communications socket is also provided at the rear of the unit.
4.1.1 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.
4.1.2 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.
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4.1.3 Relay and Contactor Logic
4.1.3.1 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
A30-MON 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.
4.1.3.2 Excitation Changeover Contactor ECC and Slave Relay ECCS
Circuit diagram B 9619038 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 to follow that of the Standby channel.
4.1.3.3 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.
4.1.3.4 Power Supply Relay - PSR
The presence of the auxiliary dc supply is monitored by PSR.
4.1.4 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.
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4.1.5 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.
4.2 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 5.1.
This board carries a smaller mezzanine board, the A30-M188, which contains the majority of the
microprocessor-allied components. A large proportion of these is 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 5.1 Block Diagram of A30-CON card
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4.2.1 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 shut
4.2.2 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.
4.2.3 Line Voltage Measurements
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.
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.
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Figure 5.2 Voltage Sensing Circuits
Figure 5.2 shows the route between the sensing terminals and the control card.
4.2.4 Line Current Measurements
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.
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Figure 5.3 Line Current Sensing Circuits
Figure 5.3 shows the route between the current sensing terminals and the control
card. Table 5.1 shows typical voltage levels with 5A or 1A CT selections at rated or
test levels of CT current
Table 5.1 Typical test voltage levels (with respect to TP1)

CT Link T3 Primary Test AC Volts at C1/1 DC Volts at
Selection Current TP2
5A 1A 5A 5V 1.7V
1A 1B 1A 4.7V 1.6V
5A 1A 1A 1V 0.34V
1A 1B 0.2A 0.94V 0.32V
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Figure 5.4 Field Current Measurement Circuits
4.2.5 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
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 5.4 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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4.2.6 Ambient Temperature Measurement
Ambient temperature is measured using a 100 Ω 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 5.5 shows the circuitry used for temperature measurement with typical voltage
levels.
Figure 5.5 Temperature Measurement Circuits
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4.2.7 Thyristor Phase Reference and Firing Circuits
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.
Figure 5.6 Phase Reference and Firing Circuits
4.2.8 Opto-isolated Digital Inputs of the A30-CON card
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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Figure 5.7 Typical Arrangement of Opto-isolated Input Signals
4.3 A30-MON card
4.3.1 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 A30-M188 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 5.8.
4.3.2 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.
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.
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4.3.3 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.
Figure 5.8 Block Diagram of A30-MON card
4.3.4 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.
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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 5.2 shows the route between the sensing terminals and the A30-MON card and
typical voltage measurements with 110V sensing signal applied.
4.3.5 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 5.3 shows the route between the current sensing terminals and the A30-MON
card with typical voltages and 5A or 1A flowing.
4.3.6 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 5.4 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.
4.3.7 Ambient Temperature Measurement
Ambient temperature is measured using a 100 Ω platinum resistance temperature

detector (RTD) normally placed in the generator cooling air inlet.
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 5.5 shows the circuitry used for temperature measurement with typical voltage
levels.
4.3.8 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 5.7 shows the circuitry used.
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4.4 Utilities Card
4.4.1 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 5.9 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 5.9 Utilities Card Connections
4.4.2 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.
4.4.3 ±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.
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4.4.4 HMI Power Supply
A +9V dc power supply for the 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.
4.4.5 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.
4.4.6 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 if 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.
4.5 Standby Control Card
4.5.1 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.
4.5.2 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 5.10 shows the simplified circuitry associated with the Standby power supply.
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Figure 5.10 Simplified Circuitry Associated with Standby Power Supply
4.5.3 Digital Reference
IC4, 3 and 1 form a 12 bit up down counter controlled by the raise/lower logic
described in Chapter 4.5.10.
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.
4.5.4 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.
4.5.5 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.
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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.
4.5.6 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 5.11 shows the simplified circuits associated with field voltage and line voltage
control.
Figure 5.11 Simplified Circuits Associated with Field Voltage and Line Voltage Control
4.5.7 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, refer to
table 14.3, Chapter 14.
4.5.8 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.
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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.
4.5.9 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.
4.5.10 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.
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.
4.5.11 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.
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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.
4.5.12 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 ÙP' 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.
4.5.13 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.
4.5.14 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.
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5 COMMISSIONING
5.1 EMC Installation and Operating 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.
5.1.1 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 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).
5.1.2 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.
5.1.3 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:
5.1.3.1 High level signal cables:
Voltage and current sensing
5.1.3.2 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)
5.1.3.3 High frequency power cables:
Excitation sources such as PMG or excitation transformer supply.

Generator field connections
5.1.3.4 Low frequency power cables:
Connections to auxiliary power supplies
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5.1.4 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.
Note! The advice given in the safety notic

e at the front of this handbook 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 parts
5.4.1 to 5.4.3. (a). Line current and exciter field current should be carefully monitored at this stage.
5.2 Pre-commissioning Checks
Prior to commissioning the micro AVR 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 out
put 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.
5.3 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 auxil
iary 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.
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(3) Check the correct operation of the following switches in local control nd
(a remote
control if applicable).
5.3.1.1 Main/Standby Selector Switch
When `Main' is selected ECCS is energised. Confirm correct Main/Standby

indication via ECCS-2 if applicable.
5.3.1.2 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.
5.3.1.3 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 òpposite' terminal (e.g. TM 152 when a lower signal is given) is only
about 0.5V less than the target terminal.
5.3.1.4 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.
5.3.1.5 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.

when PF/VAr lower signal is given.
5.3.1.6 Select PF Control Switch (if applicable)

when select PF control switch is operated.
5.3.1.7 Select VAr Control Switch (if applicable)

when select VAr control switch is operated.
5.3.1.8 Select VAr Shed Switch (if applicable)

when VAr shed switch is operated.
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5.3.1.9 Voltage Datum Self Centre Switch (if applicable)

when the voltage datum self-centre switch is operated.
5.4 Check Standby Control
5.4.1 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
5.4.2 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 Standby Power Supply Healthy

LED 4 Control Power Supply Failed
LED 5 Standby at Minimum
(Disregard others at this stage).
5.4.3 Check Performance on Field Voltage Control
(a) 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.
(b) Set the line voltage to nominal and check that fine adjustment of voltage
can be obtained using the Standby raise/lower switches.
(c) Check voltage-sensing supply to A30 Excitation Controller is present at

terminals 132, 148, 140, 141 and 139 for 3 phase sensing if applicable.
(d) Trip excitation and check that voltage collapses to residual. Open the
excitation isolator.
(e) Field voltage limiter setting: (This has been pre-set but may be checked if
necessary as follows):
i) Disconnect the exciter field +ve connection fr

om outgoing
terminal 8.
ii) Connect a dc voltmeter across outgoing terminals 8 (+ve) and

9 (-ve - earth).
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iii) 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.
iv) Trip excitation. Turn the isolator to OFF. Replace the exciter
field connection to terminal 8. Remove the dc voltmeter.
(f) Check low frequency cut-off:
i) Close isolator and reset excitation.
ii) Raise the excitation to produce nomi

nal generator voltage on
open circuit.
iii) 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.
iv) Increase the machine speed to nominal and check that the
excitation remains at zero.
v) Trip FSC.
vi) Turn the excitation isolator to OFF.
5.4.4 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
(a) If Standby is to be operated in line voltage control fit the links

specified in
the QC.48 document.
(b) Close the excitation isolator and reset FSC. Note that the Standby at
Minimum (LED5) is turned on.
(c) 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.
(d) The response of Standby voltage control can eb 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.
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(e) 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 and 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.
5.5 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.
5.5.1 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:
5.5.1.1 Utilities Card
LED 1 Control ±15V healthy

LED 2 Monitor ±15V healthy
LED 3 Monitor 5v healthy
LED 4 Control 5v healthy
5.5.1.2 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.
5.5.1.3 A30-CON and A30-MON cards
No LED's should be on.
5.5.2 Set/Confirm Programmed Parameters on A30-CON card
The keys required to select a menu are indicated in the help’

‘ menu selected by
[Ctrl][F1]
Connect the HMI (HMI) with the control commissioning software installed to the control
card by inserting the comms cable into comm port 2 on the front of the card. Run the
HMI software and confirm communication by noting that the cursor in the bottom right
hand corner of the monitor is rotating.
Select the èdit maintenance presets' menu. Step through the each item sequentially
and check that the settings of each parameter correspond to the design settings
provided in the QC.48 document . Where a card is set up at the factory, the settings
are stored in E2PROM and should not change.
If it is necessary to re-enter or change the stored settings the procedure described on

the menu (and also in Chapter 7) should be followed.
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5.5.3 Set/Confirm Programmed Parameters on A30-MON card
The keys required to select a menu are indicated in the help’

‘ menu selected by
[Ctrl][F1]
Connect the HMI with the monitor commissioning software installed to the monitor
card by inserting the comms cable into comm port 2 on the front of the card. Run the
HMI software and confirm communication by noting that the cursor in the bottom right
hand corner of the monitor is rotating.
Select the èdit maintenance presets' menu. Step through the each item sequentially
and check that the settings of each parameter correspond to the design settings
provided in the QC.48 document. Where a card is set up at the factory, the settings
are stored in E2PROM and should not change.
If it is necessary to re-enter or change the stored settings the procedure described on

the menu (and also in Chapter 7) should be followed.
Select the Main

‘ Display’and use the HMI to check that the field current is zero and
the sensing line voltage is at its residual level.
5.6 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 (Main Display) and 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 Chapter 8.
Also confirm that the A30-CON card displays the correct PMG frequency.
5.7 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 A30-
CON 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.
Select the Diagnostics Display and confirm that the HMI indicates Matched’
‘ in the Standby
Follower portion of the display.
5.8 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 follower display 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.
(2) Confirm that the settings of the stabilising controls (prop Gain, Integral Gain, Diff Gain,
Boost Duration, P Boost, Boost Band) are set to the values shown in the QC (T) 48,
unless optimum stabilising settings have previously been established.
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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 chapter 10 of this
handbook
(3) The PID stabilising settings given on the QC.48 are preliminary 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 Activate/Deactivate Tests menu 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 Diagnostics Display 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 stability menu
should be recorded.
5.9 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 menu.
Disable the under voltage and over voltage monitors on the A30-MON card HMI
(Enable/Disable Software Modules menu).
(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.
5.10 Check Soft Start
Remove excitation by de-energising the “Excite”input and momentarily energising the “Trip”
input to the FSC as shown on Drawing B9630996. (The PMG isolator switch should not be
used.)
Wait for 1 minute to allow line voltage to collapse completely.
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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.
5.11 Check for Smooth Changeover from Standby to Main Channel
Check that the null balance meter and standby LED’s indicate that standby is matched to main
and select standby. Lower standby and using the A30-CON HMI in the Diagnostics Display
(Standby Follower Panel) 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.
5.12 Check/Set-up Over Excitation Limiters and Monitors
5.12.1 Check Fast Over Excitation Limiter. (Short Circuit Limit)
Adjust the OE Limit at 0ºC to 5A (Maintenance Presets menu)

Adjust the Fast OE Limit Ref. to 12A.
Disable the OE Limiter (Enable/Disable Software Modules menu ).
Disable the Under Voltage Monitor Enable/Disable
( Software Modules menu).
Enable the Fast OEL x8 Sensitivity Enable/Disable
( Software Modules menu
).
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.
5.12.2 Check Over excitation Limit
Disable the OEL Temp Compensation E ( nable/Disable Software Modules menu ).

Adjust the OE Limit Delay to 100% second (Maintenance Presets menu).
Select the OEL x4 Sensitivity E ( nable/Disable Software Modules menu )
Enable the OE Limiter (Enable/Disable Software Modules menu ).
Check that the field current is controlled to 1.25A ±0.1A after approximately 5
seconds.
Also check that LED 3 on the control card comes on.
5.12.3 Check Over excitation Monitor
(a) Disable the OE Limiter (Enable/Disable Software Modules menu ) and

check that the field current is limited to 1.5A ±0.1A. (by the Fast OE
Limiter)
(b) Disable the OE Monitor (Enable/Disable Software Modules menu

).
(c) Disable the OE Monitor Temp Compensation Enable/Disable

( Software
Modules menu, F8).
(d) Adjust the Over Excitation Monitor Set Point to 5A (Maintenance Presets
menu), and enable the OE Mon x4 SensitivityEnable/Disable
( Software
Modules menu, F8).
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(e) Enable the over excitation monitorEnable/Disable

( Software Modules
menu). 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.
(f) Check that LED 3 on the A30-MON card is turned on.
(g) Turn off the X4 sensitivity on the A30-MON card (Enable/Disable Software
Modules menu). Reset the monitor using the reset pushbutton.
5.12.4 Program Final Settings
(a) Adjust the Over Excitation Monitor Set Point (Maintenance Presets menu)
to the level given in the QC.48 document.
(b) Turn off the Fast OEL x8 Sensitivity and then the OEL x4 Sensitivity on the
control card (Enable/Disable Software Modules menu, F8 ).
Adjust the Fast OE Limit Ref (Maintenance Presets menu)to the level
given in the QC.48 document.
Adjust the OE Limit at 0ºC (Maintenance Presets menu) to the level given
in the QC.48 document.
(c) Enable the OE Limiter(Enable/Disable Software Modules menu, F8

).
Leave the system in Standby control at this stage.
5.12.5 Check Temperature Compensation (if applicable)
(a) Connect a resistance of 100Ω between terminals 116 and 117. Terminals
116 and 118 should be connected together. Use the HMIEnable/Disable
(
Software Modules menu, F8) 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 (Main Display) indicates a temperature of 0
±2°C.
(b) Enable the OE Monitor Temp Compensation n o the A30-MON card

(Enable/Disable Software Modules menu, F8
) and check that the OEM
Ambient Temperature Compensation is set according to the QC.48
°C.
document. Check that A30-MON HMI indicates a temperature of 0 ±2
(c) Connect a resistance of 115Ω between terminals 116 and 117. Terminals
116 and 118 should be connected together.
On the A30-MON HMI (Main Display) check that the temperature reading
40°C ±2°C and that the Actual OE Mon Trip Point is below the 0 deg C Trip
Point.
On the A30-CON HMI (Main Display) check that the temperature reading
40°C ±2°C and that the Actual OE Limit is below the 0 deg C Limit.
(d) 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'.
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5.13 Over Voltage and Over Flux Monitors
5.13.1 Check Over Voltage Monitor
(a) Disable the HMI to disable the Over Volts MonitorEnable/Disable

(
Software Modules menu, F8).
(b) Set the OverVolts Monitor Set Point 5% above the VT Nominal and the
OverVolts Monitor Delay to 30% second. (Maintenance Presets menu).
Raise the excitation in `Main' and set the sensing voltage to 10% above VT
Nominal.
(c) Use the HMI to enable the OverVolts MonitorEnable/Disable

( Software
Modules menu, F8). Check that the LED 5 on the A30-MON card is
illuminated and the AVR is tripped to Standby after approximately 6
seconds.
(d) Lower the line voltage to the nominal level in Standby and reset the Over
Volts Monitor using the pushbutton on the A30-MON card.
5.13.2 Check the Over Flux Monitor
(a) Run in Auto, at 100% volts and, use the HMI to set the OverFlux Monitor
Set Point to 1.1 pu (Maintenance Presets menu).
(b) Whilst running at rated speed, note the Flux Monitor Trip Point (Main
Display) 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 Flux Limiter
on the A30-CON if necessary) and note that the Flux Monitor Timer begins
to increasing slowly. Confirm that the monitor trips to standby when the
timer reaches 100% and that LED 7 on the A30-MON is turned on.
(c) Reduce the line voltage to nominal; reset the Flux Monitor, check for null
balance and transfer to Main.
(d) Set the Over Volts and Over Flux Monitor Set Points and Delays
(Maintenance Presets menu) to the levels given in the QC.48 document.
Confirm that the Over Flux Limit Set Point (Maintenance Presets menu) is
set to the level given in the QC.48 document.
5.14 Set/Check the Under Voltage Monitor Level
(1) Use the HMI to disable the Under Volts Monitor Enable/Disable
( Software Modules
menu, F8). Set the Under Volts Monitor Set Point 5% below the VT Nominal and the
Under Volts Monitor Delay to 30% second (Maintenance Presets menu).
(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'.
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(4) Set the Under Volts Set Point and Delay (Maintenance Presets menu) to the level
given in the QC.48 document.
Check that the Over Flux Limiter Ref and Delay (Maintenance Presets menu) are set
to the levels given in the QC.48 document.
5.15 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 menu) 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 Enable/Disable

( Software Modules
menu, F8).
(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 HMI (Main Display) 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 Chapter 8.
(6) Raise excitation in Standby to produce approximately 20% rated VArs lagging. Use
the A30-CON HMI (Diagnostics Display) 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 `Ma
in' 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 customer’s switches
(9) Depending upon the external reactance Xe and the configuration of ethsystem, 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.
5.16 Check Under Excitation Limiter
(1) Run the machine in parallel with the grid system under M
ain AVR control at zero or
light load.
Check that the Under Excitation Limiter Software is enabled (Diagnostics Display) and
(Enable/Disable Software Modules menu, F8 ). Check that the Leading ISinØ Limit and
the external reactance (Xe) are set as shown in the QC.48 document. (Maintenance
Presets Menu).
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(2) Slowly reduce the excitation observing the status of the UELimiter in the Diagnostics
Display. (Note: the Limit@0MW indicates only when running at leading PF)
Check that the Leading VArs are limited to alevel 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 Menu)
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 (Activate/Deactivate Tests) refer to section 10 for details of this and UEL
stabilising adjustment.
5.17 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 cardEnable/Disable

(
Software Modules menu, F8).
(c) Check that the UE Monitor Software and Output are enabled (Main
Display) enabling if necessary. On the UE Monitor check that the Leading
ISinØ limit and the external reactance Xe (Maintenance Presets menu) 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 in the Main Display 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 Mai n control. Enable the Under
Excitation limiter on the A30-CON card E
( nable/Disable Software Modules menu, F8 ).
5.18 Check Power Factor Control (if applicable)
(1) Initially disable the PF/VAr/VAr shed software Enable/Disable

( Software Modules
menu, F8) Confirm s/w is disabled by accessing the Diagnostics Display. 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 ta10% VArs lagging, 10% power.
Select PF Control and check that LED 5 on the A30-CON card is on.
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(3) Use the Panel Switches to set the PF Ref to unity using the Main Display to observe
the PF Ref and the status of the panel switches.
(4) Enable the PF/VAr/VAr shed software (Enable/Disable Software Modules menu, F8
)
and check that the VArs are reduced to zero and remain stable.
(5) Adjust the PF Reference using the PF/VAr Raise/Lower panel switches to the required
setting (the set point is shown in the Main Display) 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 Menu.
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 Edit Operator Presets
menu. In this case it is necessary to select whether the required PF Ref is Leading or
Lagging using the Activate/Deactivate Modes menu on the HMI.
5.19 Check VAr Control (if applicable)
(1) Initially disable the PF/VAr/VAr shed software Enable/Disable

( Software Modules
menu, F8) Confirm s/w is disabled by accessing the Diagnostics Display. Check in the
Main Display 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 Main Display to observe
the VAr Ref and the status of the panel switches.
(4) Enable the PF/VAr/VAr shed software E( nable/Disable Software Modules menu, F8
)
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 may be observed in the Main Display) 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 Menu.
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 Edit Operator Presets
menu. In this case it is necessary to select whether the required VAr Ref is Leading or
Lagging using the Activate/Deactivate Modes menu on the HMI.
5.20 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.
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5.21 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.
(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. Tr
ansfer from `Standby'
to `Main'.
(6) Slowly reduce the VArs and the MWs on the generator. Open the grid breaker.
5.22 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 following procedure:

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)
Auxiliaries Board Nominal Voltage Rating Nominal Voltage
Voltage Links Selected 66-480Hz 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%
4. Connect the supply into the now empty terminals 29 and 30 of Plug 6.
5. Turn on the new supply.
6. Turn SW1 on. The LED’s 1 to 4 on the Utilities card should be illuminated.
7. 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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6 INSTALLATION AND MECHANICAL DETAILS, CARD FITTING AND REMOVAL
6.1 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 drawing no.
B 9630865 – see appendices.
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.
6.2 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.
6.3 Wiring to the A30 Excitation Controller
Connections to the AVR are made to a fixed terminal rail and to 6 removable plugs for light
current connections. The fixed terminals rail is suitable for cables up to 4 square mm and the 6
light current plugs are suitable for cables up to 2.5mm² (if a crimped ferrule is used refer to 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 are shown in Figure 8.1.
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.
6.4 Wiring to the Plug
Two methods of wiring the plug are recommended:
6.4.1 Method 1
(a) 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).
(b) Strip back the insulation from the cable to a distance of 7mm to 8mm or fit
a crimped ferrule if a contract requirement.
(c) 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 Fig 8.3.
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6.4.2 Method 2 (using the special lever to open the cage clamp)
(a) Prepare the cable as described in (b) for Method 1.
(b) Holding the plug in the hand, depress the special lever and insert the cable
into the clamp. See Fig 8.2.
(c) Release the lever and check that no cable strands remain exposed.
6.5 Safety
The A30 Excitation Controller should be installed in a manner so the rear connections cannot be
accidentally touched when the equipment is energised.
6.6 Mechanical Details
The 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.
Drawing no. 9630865 (see appendices), shows the overall dimensions of the unit, the card
positions and positions of the rear connections.
6.7 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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Fig. 8.1 Types of Conductors - with conductor preparation (anti-splaying protection)
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Figure 8.2 Connection of Conductors - Side entry with lever for self-mounting
Figure 8.3 Connection of conductors - front entry
Figure 8.4 Dimension drawing of conductor with lever for self-mounting
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7 USING THE WINDOWS HMI COMMISSIONING SOFTWARE
The A30-CON, A30-M-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.
Fig 7.1 HMI typical screen layout
7.1 Setup of the A30 Using an Alternative Power Supply
Please refer to section 5.22.
7.2 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 A30-COMCAB serial commissioning cable, connect the PC COM1 serial port
to the COM2 serial port of the card requiring setup.
7.3 Running the HMI Application
On the Windows desktop, double click on the AVR

‘ HMInt’icon to run the software.
Fig 7.2 HMI desktop icon
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On startup, the HMI will request the name and location of the event log file (see 7.4). To accept
the default, click on open’
‘ . The A30-MON and A30-M-CON cards have separate log files. The
HMI will remember the last card in use, and will ask for this log file on startup.
Fig 7.3 Logfile dialog box
The HMI application can be used to work with various Brush PRISMIC Excitation Controller
circuits including the A30-MON, A30-M-CON, A30-CON cards. The menu File ‘ / Configuration’
selects which circuit the HMI software is required to work with. The A30-COMCAB serial cable
must be used to connect the COM1 port on the PC to the correct excitation controller circuit as
required.
Fig 7.4 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.
To select the which card is to be controlled, use the File

‘ / Configuration’menu
7.4 Exiting the HMI Application
Close Close the HMI application in the normal manner for any Windows application, i.e. select
Exit’
‘ from the File’
‘ menu, press [Alt][F4] etc
7.5 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, see section Error! Reference source not found. below. 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.
Fig 7.5 Confirmation dialog box
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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.
7.6 A30-CON Card and A30-M-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.
Menu Title Description

Logging Event Logger
Shows latest events together with time of occurrence
Trending 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.
Displays (see below)
Maintenance View ranges of holding bits / registers and their contents.
Presets View Maintenance Presets – view the adjustable parameters that are
setup during commissioning of the AVR
View Operator Presets
Button Description
Modes Activate/Deactivate Modes – allows a particular mode of operation to be
turned on or off provided mode selection via the HMI has been selected.
Modules Enable/Disable Modules – allows software modules to be enabled or
disabled
Tests 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.
Clear Reset the extreme values recorded to date
Recorded
Extremes
Abort all Tests 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.
7.7 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.
7.8 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.
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7.9 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 handbook and the HMI should be
controlled.
7.10 Using the A30-CON & A30-M-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.
7.10.1 A30-CON Card Displays 1 to 3
Group Title Description of Content

Display 1: Actual sensing values supplied to the card. PF, Watts, VA, VAr are
Sensing single phase and based on the relationship between V(L1 – L3) and
I(L2)
Run time 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.
Display 2: Mainly self explanatory.
Advisory States 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.
HMI Commands PF Control Status of request to select mode via HMI, only
This group shows Active applicable if mode selection method is HMI’
‘
the status of VAr Control
commands given to Active
the control card VAr Shed Active
from the HMI Self Centre
through the Modes’
‘ Active
button. 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
Mode Selection When set to switches’
‘ mode is selected by panel
Method switches, when set to HMI’
‘ , mode is selected by
HMI
Display 3: Indicates the applicable reference settings.
Settings in Use
HMI 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.
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Panel Switches PF Control These are functional provided the mode selection
Indicates the status VAr Control method is set to panel
‘ switches’
of switches, which VAr shed
may be mounted on Self Centre
the control panel. 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
7.10.2 A30-CON Card Diagnostic Displays 4 to 7

Display 4: Indicates stabilising settings, and status of step response tester
Response
Recorder Recorded Vmax Instantaneous max and minimum sensing voltage.
Recorded Vmin Levels reset on startup, step response testing or via
Clear
‘ Recorded Extremes’button
Rise/Fall Time taken to reach 90% of step
O/shoot Vmax – Vref volts
U/shoot Vref – Vmin volts
NB: (Vref does not include the step)
Reset Indicates status of recorder reset command
PMG & Firing PMG Freq Measured PMG frequency
Early Fire lim Earliest allowed firing count
Late Fire lim Latest allowed firing count
Mark Average firing count when transients are complete.
Higher number gives later firing and less excitation
current. Actual firing angle is Mark +/- Angle.
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.
Display 5: Module Status of software modules, enabled or disabled via
OE Limiter X4 module display accessed via the modules’
‘ button.
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
Fast OEL X8 module Status of x8 sensitivity feature
Limit point Applicable Fast OE Limiter setting
Field Amps Measured field amps
Volts/Hz Lim 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
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Display 6: Module Status of software module, enabled or disabled via

UE Lim 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
Mezzdilsw1 SW1 On for Brushless Exciter
ON = UP Off for Static Exciter
OFF = DOWN 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.
CRC Errors ModeErr Indicates whether checksum error has been
PresetErr detected in data stored in E2PROM. Should be
OpAdjErr normal when healthy. This may be cleared by
loading defaults via SW7.
Location Shows memory location of detected error
Display 7: Soft Start s/w Status of software module, enabled or disabled via
Start/Stop display accessed via modules’
‘ button.
Field Status of field suppression contactor
Suppressed
Line Freq < 80% Status of internal 80% line frequency detector
PMGFrq<80% Status of internal 80% PMG frequency detector
PMGFrq>85% Status of internal 85% PMG frequency detector
AVR Soft Start Present status of soft start flag
Reset 1 On Present status of Reset 1 sent to monitor card
Reset 2 On Present status of Reset 2 sent to monitor card
E2PromDump Indicates status of flag which allows data to be
saved in E2Prom on shutdown
Standby Follower Follower module Status of software module, enabled or disabled,
accessed via modules’
‘ button.
A30_Control/Sta Indicates selection main or standby
ndby
V Sensing Voltage Sensing
V Control Actual target voltage used in AVR. This is based on
the reference voltage but modified according to
control requirements such as QCC
V Ref 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
Matched to Indicates whether AVR is matched to standby, only
Standby? relevant when standby selected.
Software Module QCC Status of software module, enabled or disabled,
RevQCC accessed via modules’
‘ button.
PF/VArCon
EventLogger
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7.10.3 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
Booster On
OELimiterActive
FastOELimiterActive
UELimiterActive
FluxLimiterActive
RemoteAdjustOnPanelSelected
UEMonHealthy
OEMonHealthy
UVMonHealthy
OVMonHealthy
DiodeFailureDetected
MonSupervisoryHealthy
AllowDumpToE2PROM
E2PROMModesCRCError
E2PROMOldPresetCRCError
E2PROMPresetsCRCError
7.10.4 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.
7.10.5 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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A30 Control Card Maintenance Presets Information

H Reg Preset Name Min Max Incr Units Description
40030 VT Nominal 100 120 5 V Sensing transformer voltage at 100% machine volts
40031 VRef Minimum Limit 75 90 5 % Minimum voltage reference limit
40032 VRef Maximum Limit 110 125 5 % Maximum voltage reference limit
40033 Nominal CT Current (1A or 5A) 1 5 N/a A Nominal CT Current
40034 CT Rated Current 0.5 5.5 2 A Current out of CT at rated machine output
40035 Prop Gain 5 200 0 Main AVR stabilising proportional gain
40036 Integral Gain 10 1000 0 Main AVR stabilising integral gain (high values give slower
response)
40037 Diff Gain 1 800 0 Main AVR stabilising differential gain
40038 Boost Duration 0.00 0.00 10.00 Sec The nominal duration over which the P Boost operates
40039 Nominal Frequency 50 60 0 Hz Nominal line frequency
40040 PMG Frequency 50 500 0 Hz Permanent Magnet Generator frequency at 100 % speed
40041 VRef Test Step Size 0 10 1 % Amplitude of step up or step down on step response test on
reference
40042 Overflux Volts Ref PU 1.08 1.2 3 PU Ratio of nominal volts/nominal frequency at which overflux
limiter operates
40043 PF Gain 1 40 0 Gain setting of PF, VAr , or VAr shed control system
40044 PF Slug 0 10 0 Damping adjustment of PF, VAr , or VAr shed control
system
40045 QCC Percent 0 15 1 % Percentage voltage droop at rated current zero pf lagging
40046 Reverse QCC Percent 0 15 1 % Percentage voltage rise at rated current zero pf lagging
40047 OELimit at 0°C 2 25 2 A Time delayed OverExcitation Limiter setting at zero degrees
Centigrade
40048 Smooth Transfer Delay 1 5 0 sec Internal delay on transfer from standby back to main (normal
setting 1 sec)
40049 Fast OE Limit Ref 2.5 30 1 A Fast Acting Over Excitation limiter setting
40050 OE Limit Delay 50 5000 0 %-sec Time Delay setting of delayed over excitation limiter
40051 Ext. Reactance 0 0.2 2 pu System Ext reactance for UE Limiter Characteristic (on gen
pu base)
40052 Leading ISinPhi Limit 0.1 5 2 A Leading current at zero power, 100% volts at which
UELimiter operates
40053 UEL Integral Gain 20 100 0 UELimiter stabilising integral gain (high values give slower
response)
40054 UEL Prop Gain 1 100 0 UELimiter stabilising proportional gain
40055 UEL Diff Gain 0 100 0 UELimiter stabilising differential gain
40056 P Boost 1 1 10 Pu The Proportional Gain Boost multiplier
40057 Boost Band 2 5 15 % The percentage error which will cause to P Boost term to be
activated
40058 Soft Start Increment 5 25 2 V/s Rate of rise of line voltage during voltage buildup on soft
start
40059 OEL Ambient Temp Compensation 0.2 1 2 %/degC Percent reduction in Delayed OELimiter setting per deg C
temperature rise
40060 Standby Follower Rate 200 4000 0 ms/V Rate at which the main AVR control point follows standby
control point
40061 VRef Adjust Rate 200 4000 0 ms/V Rate at which VRef is changed by switch or HMI adjustment
40062 PFRef Adjust Rate 1 20 0 s per 0.1 Rate at which PFRef is changed by switch or HMI
pf adjustment
40063 VArRef Adjust Rate 50 500 2 ms per % Rate at which VArRef is changed by switch or HMI
adjustment
40064 Fail to Follow Alarm Time Delay 2 20 0 sec Delay before Main Fail to Follow Standby Alarm is given
40065 Smooth Changeover P Gain 1 10 0 Proportional gain of smooth transfer circuit on standby to
main
40066 Smooth Changeover D Gain 1 10 0 Differential gain of smooth transfer circuit on standby to
main
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7.10.6 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.
7.10.7 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.
PF Control Mode Activate/deactivate PF Control via HMI

VAr Control Mode Activate/deactivate VAr Control via HMI
VAr Shed Mode Activate/deactivate VAr shed via HMI
Select HMI PFRef This allows the PF control reference when
Leading adjusted by the HMI to be selected leading or
lagging
Reset Monitors when Allows monitors to be reset via local or remote
HMI selected HMI. Automatically reset internally after 1 sec.
Self Centre Mode Activate/deactivate Self Centre via HMI
Activate PF/VAr/VAr When active, mode selection is via HMI, when
shed Mode Selection inactive, mode selection is via hard-wired
Via HMI signals.
7.10.8 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.
Module Normal Status

QCC Enabled
Reverse QCC Disabled
Soft Start Enabled
Over Flux Limiter Enabled
OE Limiter Enabled
UE Limiter Enabled
OEL Temp Compensation Enabled
PF and VAr Control Disabled
Remote Event Logger Enabled
OEL x4 Sensitivity Disabled
Fast OEL x8 Sensitivity Disabled
Standby Follower Enabled
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7.10.9 A30-CON Activate/Deactivate Tests (‘Tests’button)
OE Limiter Test Activate to turn on OE Limiter test mode.

Indication Mode
Vref Step Up Activate to apply step increase to Voltage reference.
Vref Step Down Activate to apply step reduction to Voltage reference.
Reset V Max and Activate to reset V Max and V Min recorder.
V Min
7.11 A30-MON Card – HMI Displays Available
Menu Title Description

Logging Event Logger. Shows latest events together with time of
occurrence, and provides an option to save registers and logs.
Trending 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.
Displays (see below)
Maintenance View ranges of holding registers
Write settings to NVRAM memory.
Presets / View Maintenance Presets – view the adjustable parameters
Maintenance that set up during commissioning. To adjust, double click the
preset value in the table. Click on transmit’
‘ to save your settings.
Modes Enable/Disable Monitors – allows all monitors to be reset via the
HMI, and allows the output of any monitor to be deactivated.
Modules Enable/Disable Modules – allows software modules of monitors
and event logger to be disabled.
Tests 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
7.12 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.
7.12.1 A30-MON Main Displays (Displays 1 to 3)

Display 1: Actual sensing values supplied to the card. PF, Watts, VA, VAr
Sensing are single phase and based on the relationship between V(L1 –
L3) and I(L2)
Run time 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.
Advisory States 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.
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Display 2: Module Status of software modules, enabled or disabled

UV Monitor using the modules’
‘ button
OV Monitor Output Status of monitor output, enabled or disabled
Flux Monitor 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
UE Monitor 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?
increase
Output Trip/ No Trip
Display 3: Module Status of software modules, enabled or disabled
OE Monitor 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
increase
Output Trip/No Trip
7.12.2 A30-MON Diagnostics Display (Displays 4 to 7)

Display 4: Self explanatory
Analogue Values
Display 5: Status of monitor and logger software modules
Mon module
Mon O/P Status of monitor output enable
Test Status of monitor test facility used for testing monitor time delays
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Display 6: ModeErr Indicates whether checksum error has been

CRC Errors PresetErr detected in data stored in E2PROM. Should be
OpAdjErr normal when healthy. This message is reset
when default presets are loaded.
Opto Inputs Status of spare opto isolated input signals
Flags 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
Analogue Values Self explanatory
Mon module Status of monitor and logger software modules
Mon O/P Status of monitor output enable
Test Status of monitor test facility used for testing monitor time delays
CRC Errors 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.
Opto Inputs Status of spare opto isolated input signals
Flags 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
UETripped Monitor output status
OETripped
UVTripped
OVTripped
OfluxTripped
Dump To E2Prom Indicates status of flag which allows data to be
saved in E2Prom on shutdown
Mezzdilsw1 SW1 Spare/normally on
ON = UP SW2 Spare/normally on
OFF = DOWN 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
7.12.3 A30-MON Event Logging Display (‘Logging’Menu)
Indicates the time when a change in the status of selected events occurs.
7.12.4 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.
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7.12.5 Utilities Menu (‘Maintenance’)
This display is used to view the current values of holding registers and holding bits.
7.12.6 Maintenance Presets (‘Presets’) and Editing
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.
A30 Monitor Card Maintenance Presets Information

HReg Preset Name Min Max Inc Units Description
40030 VT Nominal 100 120 0 V Sensing transformer voltage at 100%
machine volts
40031 Nominal CT Current (1A or 5A) 1 5 0 A Nominal CT Current
40032 CT Rated Current 0.5 5.5 2 A Current out of CT at rated machine
output
40033 Nominal Frequency 50 60 0 Hz Nominal Line Frequency
40034 Overflux Monitor Set Point 1.1 1.25 3 PU Over Flux Monitor Set Point (Per Unit
VT Nominal)
40035 OverVolts Monitor Set Point 100 140 1 V Over Voltage Monitor Set Point
40036 OverVolts Monitor Delay 10 100 0 %-s
40037 UnderVolts Monitor Set Point 70 120 1 V Under Voltage Monitor Set Point
40038 UnderVolts Monitor Delay 2 25 0 %-s
40039 OverExcitation Monitor Set point 2.5 35 2 A Over Excitation Monitor Set Point
40040 OverExcitation Monitor Delay 100 5000 0 %-s
40041 OEM Ambient Temperature Compensation 0.2 1 2 % / °C
40042 UnderExcitation Monitor IsinPhi Set Point 0.1 5.5 2 A Under Excitation Monitor Set Point
40043 UnderExcitation Monitor Delay 1 10 1 s
40044 UnderExcitation Monitor External Reactance 0 0.2 2 PU
40045 Over Flux Monitor Delay 10 100 0 %-s
7.12.7 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.
Enable/Reset All Monitors Allows monitor reset via HMI

Over Volts Allows monitors to be disabled
Over Flux prior to using test facility
Under Volts
Over Excitation
Under Excitation
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7.12.8 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.
Module Normal Status

Over Volts Monitor Enabled
Under Volts Monitor Enabled
Over Flux Monitor Enabled
OE Monitor Enabled
UE Monitor Enabled
OE Monitor Temp Comp Enabled
OE Monitor x4 Sensitivity Disabled
Remote Event Logger Enabled
7.12.9 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.
Over Volts Monitor Tester Enable when using tester

Under Volts Monitor Tester Enable when using tester
Over Excitation Monitor Tester Enable when using tester
Under Excitation Monitor Tester Enable when using tester
Over Flux Monitor Tester Enable when using tester
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8 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.
8.1 Protocol Data
Data rate etc.: 9600baud, no parity, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit
Protocol: Modbus RTU, A30 acting as slave, SCADA system acting as master.
Slave Number: 1
Supported Modbus Function Codes: Function Code 3 – Read Holding Registers

Function Code 6 – Write Holding Registers
8.2 Physical Connections
Front Connector
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.
Rear Connector
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.
8.3 Data Available
see Appendix on page121
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9 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%.
9.1 Line Voltage Calibration on the A30-CON Card
(a) Open mainframe switch SW1.
(b) Insert the A30-CON card into the extender card and plug them into the correct
mainframe position.
(c) Close SW1.
(d) Plug the Comms link into the connector marked `COM 2' on the A30-CON front panel.
(e) With the machine running at rated speed, select `Standby' control and adjust the line
voltage to nominal.
(f) Use the HMI to indicate sensing voltage on the voltage menu 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.
9.2 Field Current Calibration on the A30-CON Card
Use the HMI to display exciter field current on the `current' menu, 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.
9.3 Line Current Calibration on the A30-CON Card
Fit the A30-CON card to the extender card and excite the machine in Standby control. Load the
machine to give approximately 80% rated line current (MW or MVAr).
Use the HMI to display line current on the `current' menu 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.
9.4 Temperature Transducer Calibration on the A30-CON Card
(a) In the first instance, check that the temperature displayed on the HMI (temperature
menu) corresponds to the ambient temperature of the RTD.
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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 (Main Display) and confirm that the indicated value
corresponds to the generator inlet air temperature in the location of the RTD.
(b) The temperature transducer can be calibrated using 100Ω and 115Ω resistors
(accuracy ±1%) as described below.
i) Trip FSC, and open SW1 in the mainframe. Connect the 100 Ω 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 (enable/disable software modules, F8). If it is turned off, confirm
that temperature compensation is required and if so, turn the software on.
Set the HMI to indicate temperature (Main Display) 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 0°C using RV2.
ii) Open SW1 in the mainframe. Replace the 100 Ω test resistor by the 115Ω
resistor. Close SW1 and check that the HMI now indicates 40°C ±2°C and
TP7 wrt TP1 is 5V.
iii) If the temperature reading is not correct adjust RV6 for range and RV2 for
level.
9.5 Line Voltage Calibration on the A30-MON Card
The procedure is the same as Chapter 9.1, except that this is carried out on the A30-MON card.
9.6 Field Current Calibration on the A30-MON Card
9.7 Line Current Calibration on the A30-MON Card
9.8 Temperature Transducer Calibration on the A30-MON Card
The procedure is the same as Chapter 9.4, except measurements and adjustments of RV6 and
RV5 are made on the A30-MON card.
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10 STEP RESPONSE TESTING
10.1 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 step automatically to nominal 20 sec after the step is applied.
10.2 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 using the maintenance presets
menu 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 data displayed on the diagnostics display indicates 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.
10.3 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.
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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.
The diagnostics display 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 time (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.
Typical Ranges Typical Salient Pole Typical Turbo Generator

P 20 – 100 50 50
I 100 – 200 100 100
D 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.
10.4 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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11 OPERATING PROCEDURES AND MAINTENANCE
11.1 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.
11.1.1 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 circuit diagram of an A30 excitation system (drawing no B 9630996

included in this manual) 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.
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.
11.1.2 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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11.2 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.
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12 FAULT FINDING
Note! The advice given in the safety notice at the front of this handbook should be followed when fault
finding.
12.1 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 re-
commissioned according to the relevant section of this handbook. 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.
12.2 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 youare
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.
12.3 Procedure
12.3.1 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 fai
led. Fuse ratings are given in
Chapter 16.
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12.3.2 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:
(a) A30-CON card Faults - see table12.1
(b) A30-MON card Faults - see table12.9
(c) Utilities Card Faults - see table12.15
(d) Standby Control Card Faults - see table12.23
12.3.3 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.
Fig. 7.1 Thyristor Test Circuit
(a) Initially, with switch S open and not having previously been closed, ensure
that the ammeter registers zero current.
(b) Close S and observe that the ammeter now registers approximately 0.75A.
(c) Re-open S and observe that the ammeter continues to register - ideally as
in (b) 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
(b) above; the battery circuit must be disconnected
12.3.4 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.
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Table 12.1 A30-CON Card Faults

No. Symptom Test/Check Remedial Action
1 Watchdog dropout Check micro reset pushbutton is Replace card
indication LED2 on not jammed
2 Instability on open circuit Refer to table 12.2
3 Overvoltage/ excitation on Refer to table 12.3
open circuit
4 Undervoltage/ excitation on Refer to table 12.4
open circuit
5 OEL temperature Use HMI to display temperature Refer to table 12.5
compensation/ (Main Display)
measurement inaccurate
6 Field current display Use HMI (Main Display) to display Refer to table 12.4/8
inaccurate field current and check against
calibrated ammeter
7 Line current display Use HMI to display line current Refer to table 12.7
inaccurate (Main Display) and check against
calibrated meter
9 Power factor display Use HMI to display power factor Refer to table 12.7
inaccurate (Main Display)
9 Frequency display Use HMI to display frequency Refer to table 12.8
inaccurate (Main Display)
10 HMI not communicating Check A30con HMI software is Rectify as necessary
running (not A30mon) and that
cable is plugged into com1 on the
A30-CON card
11 Cannot adjust V, VAr, PF Check in main display that Set switch to Panel’
‘
Set Points using panel Panel/HMI selector on panel is set
switches to Panel
12 Cannot adjust V, VAr, PF Check Panel/HMI switch is set to Install basic SCADA s/w on
using HMI or SCADA HMI. If adjustment is achieved via local pc to prove SCADA
remote comms commissioning HMI, SCADA link functions correctly over
should function when correctly set SCADA comms socket.
up.
13 Cannot select PF/VAr/ VAr Check on main display that mode
‘ Enter mode selection menu
shed mode via HMI when selection method’is set to HMI. If and active mode selection
Panel/HMI switch is set to set to switches, mode is selected via HMI. Unless this is
HMI by switches. done, mode selection will
be by switches even when
HMI can adjust reference
set points.
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Table 12.2 Instability in Main Channel Control on Open Circuit

No. Possible Fault Test Remedial Action
1 Governor Check speed is not fluctuating and that If speed is fluctuating,
instability excitation is stable in Standby field volts investigate governor
control instability
2 Incorrect PID Check PID settings in stability menu Refer to Chapter 10
setting
4 Mainframe not Check mainframe terminal 9 is earthed Correct as necessary
earthed
5 PMG phase a)Check the PMG voltage across CON1/5 a) Check external wiring
reference circuit and CON1/9 is at least 50V
failure b) check that there are narrow +5V pulses b) If not, replace control
at TP6 wrt TP1 at 2 times PMG frequency card
6 PMG Use HMI to display PMG frequency (Main If problem persists after
measurement Display) Ensure the correct PMG carrying out
circuit failure frequency selection link is fitted on the recommended checks,
A30-CON mezzanine board (A30-M188) replace control card
and that the correct frequency is entered in
the maintenance presets table.
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Table 12.3 High Excitation or Voltage on Open Circuit

1 Loss of voltage sensing to Excite machine on Standby If missing, check external
rear terminals on field voltage control. wiring/fuses and repair as
Check sensing voltages at necessary
terminals 132, 148, 139,
140 & 141
2 Loss of sensing signal on a) Use HMI to display line a) If display is correct and the
A30-CON card or control voltage on voltage menu. correct link is fitted for 3 or 1
card voltage transducer out Check same as secondary phase sensing, card is faulty
of calibration VT voltage – replace. If display not
correct, continue to test b)
b) Using extender, check b) If it is correct, continue to
voltage between terminals test c). If not, go to test 3a)
C1/8, C1/11 and C1/15 is and 3b)
20V to 25V
c) Check voltage at TP9 wrt c) If not card faulty - replace

TP1 is 4V to 6V dc otherwise re-calibrate voltage
measurement circuit, see
Chapter 12
3 Sensing fault associated a) Using extender on a) If not Backboard faulty -
with Backboard or Utilities Utilities, measure input to investigate and replace if
card Utilities is 110V at terminals necessary
U2/21, U2/25 and U2/23
b) Using extender on b) If not Utilities card faulty -

Utilities, measure output is investigate and replace if
25V at terminals U2/28, necessary
U2/26 and U2/27
4 Power circuit fault Check SCR1, SCR2 using Replace thyristor module if
thyristor test procedure, see faulty
12.3.3
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Table 12.4 Low Excitation or Voltage on Open Circuit in Main Control Channel
1 Main channel a) Check that fuse FS5 is healthy a) Replace if necessary
power circuit
fault in b) Check PMG volts applied to input of b) Examine wiring in rack and
mainframe Main control rectifier correct if necessary
c) Check internal wiring between Main c) Correct as necessary

control rectifier and field
d) Check Main power circuit thyristors as in d) Replace module if necessary

12.3.3
2 Loss of auxiliary Check FS1, FS2 and any external fuses Replace fuses/correct as necessary
power supply and wiring to the external supply
3 Incorrect links If 3 phase sensing, check card not Correct as necessary
fitted selected for 1-phase sensing (Chapter 15
Appendix C)
4 Short circuit Use HMI to check that correct operating Check field current measurement
limiter level has been set (Diagnostics Menu) test circuits, refer to 6 & 8 in this table.
malfunction on increased sensitivity with machine on If no different, contact factory or
open circuit. replace card.
5 OE limiter Use HMI in Diagnostics Display to Enter correct settings if necessary,

operating level examine actual limit and the indicated filed If problem unresolved, check field
too low. amps. current and temperature
measurement circuits, refer to 7 & 8
in this table.
6 Short circuit limit Use HMI in Diagnostics Display to check x Correct as necessary
increased 8 sensitivity is turned off (OEL menu)
sensitivity
selected
7 OEL limiter Use HMI in Diagnostics Display to check x Correct as necessary
increased 4 sensitivity is turned off (OEL menu)
sensitivity
selected
8 Field current a) Excite machine in Standby to nominal a) Re-calibrate if necessary
measurement voltage. Use HMI in Main Display to according to Chapter 12. If error
circuit failure display field current and check indication large, check according to b) in this
against accurate meter table
b) Check dc voltage at TP4 wrt TP1 is 0.33 b) Trim using RV2 on Backboard. If
times the field ammeter reading not possible, IC1 on Backboard
faulty – replace Backboard
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9 Incorrect FSC a) Use HMI to check FSC status a) If FSC OFF, status is correct. If
status read by (Diagnostics Display) FSC ON, proceed to test 9b) in this
A30-CON card 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 If not, check FSCS and replace as

C2/18 and Q/24 necessary
10 Incorrect Check dc supplies on card are: Check correct power supply links
selection of are fitted. Correct as necessary
power supply VTP13-TP1 = 5V ±0.2V
links VTP19-TP1 = 15V ±1.0V
VTP20-TP4 = 15V ±1.0V
Table 12.5 Main Control Channel Temperature Compensation Error

1 RTD wiring incorrect Check resistance between terminals Correct as necessary
117 and 118, 117 and 116; should be
in the order of 100Ω
2 Temperature Use HMI in Diagnostics Display to Correct if necessary
compensation is turned off check temperature compensation is
ON
3 Temperature sensing Re-calibrate according to Chapter 8 If it cannot be re-
circuit out of calibration calibrated, replace the
card
Table 12.6 Main Control Channel Field Current Measurement Error

1 Incorrect link selection on Check link 2A is fitted on Backboard Correct as necessary
Backboard
2 Backboard failure Refer to table 12.4/8
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Table 12.7 Incorrect Line Current/Phase Measurement

1 Incorrect selection of LK1 Check correct link fitted as specified Correct as necessary
on the Backboard by the contract QC.48 document
2 External wiring errors a) Confirm CT wiring to terminals 133 a) Correct as
& 134 is as shown on contract necessary
schematic
b) Ensure that shorting links are not b) Correct as

connected across the CT necessary
c) Check that the ac voltage on the c) If not present,

A30-CON card terminals C1/1 wrt Backboard faulty and
TP1 is 1V per amp of CT output must be replaced
current (5A secondary)
d) Check dc voltage on control card d) If not, re-calibrate

TP11 wrt TP1 is 0.33V per amp of according to Chapter
secondary CT current (5A CT) 8.
e) Use HMI in Main Display to display e) If not, replace A30-

line current and power factor and CON card
check agreement with calibrated
instruments
Table 12.8 Incorrect Frequency Measurement

1 Loss of voltage sensing to Perform checks outlined in table 12.3
A30-CON card
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Table 12.9 A30-MON card Faults

1 Watchdog dropout Check micro reset pushbutton is not Replace card
indication LED2 on jammed
3 Monitor trips too frequently a) Check settings using HMI that a) Enter correct
or not at all maintenance presets are as indicated settings where
in the contract QC.48, and all required appropriate
functions are enabled (main display)
b) Check calibration of appropriate

monitor transducer against accurate b) If calibration
meter using HMI main display as inaccurate, refer to
indicated below: table indicated:
Voltage
Field Current Refer to table 12.10
Line Current/Phase Refer to table 12.11
Temperature Refer to table 12.13
Frequency Refer to table 12.12
Refer to table 12.14
4 A30-MON settings Measure the monitored quantities If normal site transients
inconsistent with site during normal and transient operation are beyond initial
conditions monitor settings, refer
to works
Table 12.10 A30-MON Line Voltage Measurement Error

1 Loss of voltage sensing If Main control channel sensing OK,
signal continue test 2 otherwise refer to
table 12.3/1
2 Internal fault on A30-MON a) Use HMI main display to view line a) If error large, go to
voltage sensing signal voltage on menu. Check same as test b) otherwise go to
secondary VT voltage test c)
b) Using extender check voltage b) If correct, go to test

between terminals M1/8, M1/11, c), if not and Main
M1/15 is 20V to 25V control sensing OK,
Backboard is faulty
c) Check that the voltage at TP5 wrt c) If not, card faulty –

TP1 is 4v to 6V dc replace, otherwise re-
calibrate voltage
measurement circuit.
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Table 12.11 A30-MON Field Current Measurement Error

1 Field current a) Excite in Standby or Main, use a) If error small, calibrate
measurement failure HMI to measure field current and according to Chapter 8.
check against accurate meter If error large, do test b)
b) Check dc voltage at TP2 wrt TP1 b) Trim if necessary

is 0.33 times field ammeter reading using RV3 on Backboard
after checking LK3A is
fitted. Then calibrate
according to Chapter 8.
Table 12.12 A30-MON Temperature Measurement Error

1 RTD wiring incorrect Refer to table 12.5/1
2 Temperature Use HMI main display to check Correct as necessary
compensation is turned off temperature compensation is ON
3 Temperature sensing Use HMI to display temperature and Re-calibrate according
circuit fault check it indicates temperature of RTD to Chapter 8
and corresponds to the temperature
displayed by the HMI on the A30-
CON card
Table 12.13 A30-MON Line Current/Phase Measurement Inaccurate

1 Incorrect selection of LK1 If A30-CON card reads
on Backboard line current correctly,
Backboard links OK. If
both wrong, refer to
QC.48.
2 External wiring errors If A30-CON card OK,
external wiring correct.
If both wrong, refer to
table 12.7/2a & 2b
3 Incorrect signal to A30- Check that ac voltage to terminals If not, Backboard faulty
MON M1/1 wrt TP1 is 1V per amp of CT and must be replaced
output current (5A secondary)
4 Calibration error a) Check dc voltage on A30-MON a) If not, re-calibrate
TP6 wrt TP1 is 0.33V per amp of according to Chapter 8
secondary CT current (5A CT)
b) Use HMI to display line current and b) If not, replace A30-

power factor and check agreement MON card
with calibrated instruments
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Table 12.14 A30-MON Frequency Measurement Error

1 Loss of voltage sensing to Refer to table 12.10 If all checks OK and
A30-MON frequency measurement
faulty, A30-MON is faulty
and card should be
replaced
Table 12.15 Utilities Card Faults

No. Symptom Test Remedial Action
1 Failure of both ±15V supplies If LED’s 1-4 are OFF, all supplies Refer to table 12.16
and both +5V supplies have failed
2 Failure of ±15V A30-CON If LED 1 is OFF, the supply has Refer to table 12.17
supply failed
3 Failure of +5V A30-CON If LED 4 is OFF, the supply has Refer to table 12.18
supply failed
4 Failure of ±15V A30-MON If LED 2 is OFF, the supply has Refer to table 12.19
supply failed
5 Failure of +5V A30-MON If LED 3 is OFF, the supply has Refer to table 12.20
supply failed
6 Diode failure indicator faulty a) Indicator ON continuously when Refer to table 12.21
all rotating diodes and fuses are
healthy
b) Operation of the test pushbutton Refer to table 12.21

does not cause the alarm to be
given
c) Indicator does not give indication Refer to table 12.21

when a rotating diode is faulty or
fuse is blown
7 General alarm signal given Refer to table 12.22
LED 5 ON
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Table 12.16 Failure of all A30-CON and A30-MON card DC Supplies

1 No PMG feed to a) Ensure mainframe mounted switch a) Close if open. Replace if faulty
supply SW1 is closed
transformer
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 c) Correct as required. If PMG

terminals 29, 30 and that PMG voltage incorrect, refer to works
voltage agrees with value on contract
QC.48.
d) Switch off SW1, fit utilities board on d) If volts low or high, double
extender card, close SW1 and check check that correct links are fitted.
ac supplies to utilities board terminals: If no volts, check wiring loom
U1/5 -1/9 between 15V-23V from auxiliaries board to
U1/15-1/17 between 60V-95V backboard. If ok, auxiliaries
U1/19-1/21 between 60V-95V board probably faulty and should
be replaced.
Table 12.17 Failure of ±15V A30-CON card Supply (other dc supplies present)
1 FS4 blown on Utilities Turn off SW1 in mainframe. Replace if blown. If it blows
card Check fuse again, replace Utilities card
2 No PMG feed to U1/15 a) Check ac volts at U1/15 to a) If missing, proceed to test b)
and U1/17 U1/17 is between 60 and 95
volts
b) Remove Utilities card and b) If volts now present, Utilities

repeat a) above card faulty – replace. If still
missing, proceed to test c)
c) Check ac volts at backboard c) If missing and other supplies

plug Q1/6 & Q1/7 is between OK, auxiliaries board or loom to
60 and 95 volts it is faulty, check and replace as
required. If present check
backboard and replace if faulty.
3 Insufficient current Remove control card. Fit If OK, control card takes
available for A30-CON extender card alone in control excessive current – replace
card card slot with LK1 inserted. control card. If volts low, replace
Check volts across Utilities: Utilities card
TP2-TP1 is 15V ±1.5V

80
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Table 12.18 Failure of ±15V A30-MON Supply (other dc supplies present)

1 FS2 blown on Turn off SW1 in mainframe. Check Replace if blown. If it blows again,
Utilities card fuse replace Utilities card
2 No PMG feed to a) Check ac volts at U1/19 to U1/21 is a) If missing, proceed to test b)
U1/19 and U1/21 between 60 and 95 volts
b) Remove Utilities card and repeat a) b) If volts now present, Utilities card
above faulty – replace. If still missing, proceed
to test c)
c) Check ac volts at backboard plug c) If missing and other supplies OK,

Q1/1 & Q1/2 is between 60 and 95 auxiliaries board or loom to it is faulty,
volts check and replace as required. If
present check backboard and replace if
faulty.
3 Insufficient current Remove A30-MON. Fit extender card If OK, A30-MON card takes excessive
available for A30- alone in A30-MON slot with LK1 current – replace A30-MON card. If
MON inserted. Check volts across Utilities: volts low, replace Utilities card
TP10-TP1 is 15V ±1.5V

Table 12.19 Failure of +5V A30-CON card Supply (other dc supplies present)
1 FS3 blown on Turn off SW1 in mainframe. Remove Replace if blown. If it blows again,
Utilities card control and Utilities card. Check fuse. replace Utilities card. If OK, proceed
Replace if necessary and test with to test b)
control card removed
2 Insufficient Remove control card. Fit extender card If OK, A30-CON card takes
current available alone in control card slot with LK3 excessive current - replace control
for A30-CON fitted. Check volts across Utilities: card. If volts low, proceed to test 3
card TP5-TP1 is 5V ±0.5V below
3 Low PMG a) Check ac volts at U1/5 to U1/9 is a) If OK, Utilities card faulty –
supply to between 15 and 23 volts replace. If low, proceed to b)
Utilities card
b) Remove Utilities card and repeat a) b) If now OK, Utilities card faulty –
above replace. If still low, proceed to test c)
c) Check ac volts at backboard plug c) If missing and other supplies OK,

terminals Q1/4 & Q1/5 is between 15 auxiliaries board or loom to it is
and 23 volts faulty, check and replace as
required. If present check
81
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PRISMIC A30
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Table 12.20 Failure of +5V A30-MON Supply (other dc supplies present)

1 FS1 blown on Utilities Turn off SW1 in mainframe. Replace if blown. If it blows again,
card Remove A30-MON and replace Utilities card. If OK,
Utilities card. Check fuse. proceed to test b)
Replace if necessary and test
with control card removed
2 Insufficient current Remove A30-MON card. Fit If OK, A30-MON takes excessive
available for A30-MON extender card alone in A30- current and should be replaced. If
card MON slot with LK3 fitted. volts low, proceed to test 3 below
Check volts across Utilities:
3 Low PMG supply to a) Check ac volts at U1/5 to a) If OK, Utilities card faulty –
Utilities card U1/9 is between 15 and 23 replace. If low, proceed to b)
volts
b) Remove Utilities card and b) If now OK, Utilities card faulty –

repeat a) above replace. If still low, proceed to test
c)
c) Check ac volts at c) If missing and other supplies
backboard plug terminals OK, auxiliaries board or loom to it
Q1/4 & Q1/5is between 15 is faulty, check and replace as
and 23 volts required. If present check
Table 12.21 Diode Failure Indicator Faults

1 Indicator permanently on a) Check rotating diodes & a) Replace any failed devices. If all
fuses OK, proceed to b), and then c)
b) Check AVR not unstable b) Reset stability if necessary
c) Reduce sensitivity of c) Leave RV1 at this setting. If

detector by fitting LK2 and indication still given, Utilities card
adjusting RV1 clockwise until faulty – replace
LED7 turns off
2 Diode failure indicator a) Press DFI test button a) If LED7 does not come on after
inoperative delay, Utilities card faulty – replace
b) If indicator does not detect b) Leave RV1 at this setting

a diode or fuse failure,
increase sensitivity by fitting
LK1 (Utilities) and rotating
RV1 clockwise until alarm
given
82
Date: Feb 2001
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Table 12.22 General Alarm (LED5) given on Utilities Card

1 Standby power supply fault Refer to table 12.24/1
A30-MON watchdog dropout Refer to table 12.9/2
A30-MON 15V supply failure Refer to table 12.18
Table 12.23 Standby Control Faults

1 No excitation when running See table 12.24
on Standby
2 Excitation collapses on See table 12.24
transfer from Main to Standby
3 Voltage unstable when See table 12.25
machine on open circuit
4 Machine will not run in See table 12.26
parallel in Standby
5 Auto follower does not give See table 7.24
null balance when running in
Main
6 Cannot adjust output level See table 12.24
using remote switches
7 High excitation when Standby See table 12.27
selected
8 LED 4, A30-CON PS loss See table 12.17
detector operated
83
Date: Feb 2001
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Table 12.24 Standby Control Faults – no excitation when running on Standby

1 Power supply Check LED3 is on indicating If all checks OK and supply
inoperative healthy power supply. If not, check not present, replace card
PMG supply to S2/19, S2/28.
Check links 1-6 as specified in
QC.48 in Chapter 14.3. Check
FS1, FS2
2 Standby raise/lower a) Confirm Standby at minimum a) If not, card faulty – replace
signal fault LED5 is ON on power-up
b) Give Standby raise signal and
check LED5 is turned OFF. Give b) If not, check signals SI/9
Standby lower signal and check and SI/11. Correct wiring if
LED5 is turned ON necessary
3 Auto follower is selected Check that no voltage is applied to Check signal path from
when in Standby control S1/5 when Standby is selected ECCS-1 to S1/5 via Utilities
and that aux dc applied to S1/5 card. Correct if necessary
when Main selected
4 Control circuit fault If tests 1-3 OK, commission A30- If not, replace Standby card.
CON card and check if auto If OK go to test 5 below
follower matches Standby to Main,
confirmed by null meter reading
and raise/lower LED’s on Standby
card
5 Standby power circuit a) Check that Standby fuse FS6 a) Replace as necessary
fault in mainframe OK
b) Check PMG volts applied to b) Examine wiring in rack and
input of Standby control rectifier correct as necessary
c) Check internal wiring between
Standby rectifier and field c) Correct as necessary
d) Check Standby thyristors.
d) Replace module if
necessary
6 Bad connection from With system isolated, check with Investigate any faults and
Standby firing pulse ohmmeter the continuity between: rectify
output to thyristors S2/10 and G3
S2/12 and K3
S2/18 and G4
S2/20 and K4
7 If tests 1-6 above do not
indicate cause of fault,
replace Standby card
84
Date: Feb 2001
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Table 12.25 Standby Card Faults - line voltage unstable when machine on open circuit
1 Governor instability Check that speed is not Stabilise governor if necessary
fluctuating
2 If governor stable and volts Reset RV1 (quantity) If stability cannot be achieved,
control selected, stability and RV2 (phase) to check that the appropriate
controls require adjustment produce a stable exciter stabilising link (LK25,26 or 28) for
field voltage exciter field time constant is fitted
refer to link chart for standby card
(appendix C). If still unstable, refer
to factory.
Table 12.26 Standby Control Faults - machine will not run in parallel
when selected in voltage control mode
1 Incorrect phasing of sensing Check the 110V voltage sensing Make necessary
voltage and current to signal to S2/2 via 132 and S2/1 corrections
Standby card via 148 and the current sensing
signal to S1/3 and S1/1 via T4
on Backboard
2 Incorrect link selection on Check LK12 fitted for 1A CT and Correct as necessary
Standby card LK13 fitted for 5A CT
Table 12.27 Standby Control Faults - high excitation when in standby control
1 Lack of line voltage sensing Check 110V sensing signal to Make necessary
when in line volts control S2/2 via 132 and S2/1 via 148 connections
mode
2 Permanent raise signal being Check the voltage to S1/11 via Make necessary
applied 152 is only present when a raise connections
signal is given
3 Lack of field voltage sensing Check the connection between Make necessary
signal when in field volts S2/11 and field positive via Q/2 connections
control mode
4 Thyristor failure Check Standby thyristors. Replace module if
necessary
85
Date: Feb 2001
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13 APPENDIX A - RECOMMENDED SPARES
13.1 Comprehensive Spares
To guarantee maximum generator availability with minimum downtime; a complete spare A30
should be purchased in addition to a set of fuses identified in the minimum spares list below.
The complete spare A30 may be setup by Brush to match the commissioned working A30
before dispatch. To achieve this, the commissioning settings, recorded on the QC(T)48 setup
data sheets, should be sent to Brush with the purchase order.
13.2 Minimum Spares
The minimum recommended spares per A30 are as follows:
Table 10.1
Quantity Description Brush Reference
1 Standby Control Card 962243400
1 Utilities Card 961529800
1 A30-CON Card 962608900
1 A30-MON Card 962609000
1 Commissioning Software for Excitation Controllers 962609800
1 A30-COMCAB commissioning cable 962609700
4 Semi-conductor Fuse 20ET (Mainframe FS5, FS6) 962615908
4 Fuse 5A body size 0 (Front Panel FS1, FS2) 962615909
4 Fuse 2A body size 0 (Front Panel FS3, FS4) 962615936
6 Fuse 250mA 20mm x 5mm 962615912
(Standby FS1, FS2, FS3)
4 Fuse 250mA 20mm x 5mm 962615912
(Utilities FS2, FS4)
4 Fuse 1A 20mm x 5mm (Utilities FS1, FS3) 962615913
2 Fuse 100mA 20mm x 5mm (Utilities FS5) 962615914
86
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87
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14 APPENDIX B - CONNECTION CHARTS
A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – A30-CON card Top Socket
Connections Description
C1/1:M1/1:T3 IY Load (C,M)
C1/2:D1/2 SCADA COMMS RX (C)
C1/3:U1/1:S1/19:Pin7/IC1 +15V (C)
C1/4:LK4 If (C)
C1/5:M1/5:Q1/9 PMG 7
C1/6:U1/3:S1/21:Pin4/IC1 15V (C)
C1/7:U1/7 +5V (C)
C1/8:M1/8:U2/28 L1 25V Sens.
C1/9:M1/9:Q1/10 PMG 8
C1/10:U2/16 D.F.S. D.F.I. i/p
C1/11:M1/11:U2/26 L2 25V Sens.
C1/12:M2/29 Con Card Sup. o/p (1 = healthy)
C1/13:M1/13 Mon Card Sup. I/p (1 = healthy)
C1/14:S1/27 AVR Firing Pulse
C1/15:M1/15:U2/27 L3 25V Sens.
C1/16:M2/27 Reset 1 (low to reset/inhibit monitor)
C1/17:D1/3 SCADA COMMS TX (C)
C1/18:M2/23 Reset 2 (low to reset/inhibit monitor)
C1/19:M1/19 UEM. Sup. i/p
C1/20:M1/20 OEM. Sup. i/p
C1/21:M1/21 UVM. Sup. i/p
C1/22:M1/22 OVM. Sup. i/p
C1/23:M1/23:U2/22 Ph.Ref. 50
C1/24:S1/17 Logic level 0 when Standby Low
C1/25:U2/20 Lim. On
C1/26:M1/18 Spare
C1/27:S1/18 Logic level 0 when Standby High
C1/28:M1/28:U1/28:S1/28: Ground
C1/29:M1/29:U1/29:S1/29:Q1/8:155
C1/30:M1/30:U1/30:S1/30:Term.A etc.
C1/31:M1/31:U1/31:160:Term.A etc. Signal Ground

C1/32:M1/32:U1/32:144:108
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A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – A30-CON card Bottom Socket
C2/1:100(Con2/1) Main V Raise
C2/2:116(Con2/2) RTD 3
C2/3:101(Con2/3) Main V Lower
C2/4:M2/4:117(Con2/4) RTD 1
C2/5:102(Con2/5) P.F.Select
C2/6:118(Con2/6) RTD 2
C2/7:103(Con2/7) VAr Control Select
C2/8:M2/8:S1/13:Q/1:153(Con1/12) Aux. DC –ve
C2/9:104(Con2/9) VAr Shed
C2/10:M2/10 Spare
C2/11:M2/11 RTD 4
C2/12:M2/12(linked to C2/17 from early 2000) See C2/17(used on twin)
C2/13:112(Con2/25) Self Centring
C2/14: 106(Con2/13) Panel Adjust/ Comms link adjust
C2/15:111(Con2/23) Mark/space o/p (used on twin)
C2/16:107(Con2/15) Analogue input
C2/17:Q/22(linked to C2/12 from early 2000) Standby (+ve)/Main(used on twin)
C2/18:M2/1:Q/24 FSC (+ve Aux Sup'd)
C2/19:105(Con2/11) P.F. Lower
C2/20: 110(Con2/21) P.F. Raise
C2/21 Not Connected
C2/22 Not Connected
C2/23 Not Connected
C2/24 Not Connected
C2/25:Q/12 K1 SCR1
C2/26:Q/16 G1 SCR1
C2/27:D1/7 SCADA COMMS Isolated Ground
C2/28 Not Connected
C2/29 Not Connected
C2/30 Not Connected
C2/31:Q/21 K2 SCR2
C2/32:Q/17 G2 SCR2
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A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – A30-MON card Top Socket
M1/1:C1/1:T3 IY Load (C,M)
M1/2:D1/11 SCADA COMMS RX(M)
M1/3:U1/25:Pin7/IC2 +15V (M)
M1/4:U2/4:LK5 If(M)
M1/5:C1/5:Q1/9 PMG 7
M1/6:U1/11:Pin4/IC2 15V (M)
M1/7:U1/13 +5V (M)
M1/8:C1/8:U2/28 L1 25V Sens
M1/9:C1/9:Q1/10 PMG 8
M1/10 Not Connected
M1/11:C1/11:U2/26 L2 25V Sens
M1/12 Not Connected
M1/13:C1/13 Mon Card Sup. o/p
M1/14 Not Connected
M1/15:C1/15:U2/27 L3 25V Sens.
M1/16 Not Connected
M1/17:D1/12 SCADA COMMS TX(M)
M1/18:C1/26 Spare
M1/19:C1/19 UEM. Sup. o/p
M1/20:C1/20 OEM. Sup. o/p
M1/21:C1/21 UVM. Sup. o/p
M1/22:C1/22 OVM. Sup. o/p
M1/23:C1/23:U2/22 Ph.Ref. 50
M1/24:U2/24 Gen.Alarm Sig.
M1/25:U2/18 Mon.Trip Sig.
M1/26:U2/6 DFI Inh.
M1/27 Not Connected
M1/28:C1/28:U1/28:S1/28: Ground
M1/29:C1/29:U1/29:S1/29:Q1/8:155 Ground
M1/30:C1/30:U1/30:S1/30:Term A etc Ground
M1/31:C1/31:U1/31:160 Term.A etc. Signal Ground

M1/32:C1/32:U1/32:144:108 Signal Ground
90
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A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – A30-MON card Bottom Socket
M2/1:C2/18:Q/24 FSC(+ve Aux Sup'd)
M2/2 Not Connected
M2/3:113 Mon Inh
M2/4:C2/4:117 RTD 1
M2/5:130 Spare
M2/6 Not Connected
M2/7:114 Spare
M2/8:C2/8:S1/13:Q/1:153 Aux. DC –ve
M2/9:131 Spare
M2/10:C2/10 Spare
M2/11:C2/11 RTD 4
M2/12:C2/12 Spare
M2/13:115 Spare
M2/14 Spare
M2/15:124 Spare
M2/16 Not Connected
M2/17 Not Connected
M2/18 Not Connected
M2/19:S1/15 Manual Power Supply Fault (0 = healthy)
M2/20 Not Connected
M2/21 Not Connected
M2/22 Not Connected
M2/23:C1/18 Reset 2 (low to reset/inhibit monitor)
M2/24 Not Connected
M2/25 Not Connected
M2/26 Not Connected
M2/27:C1/16 Reset 1 (low to reset/inhibit monitor)
M2/28/D20 SCADA COMMS Isolated ground
M2/29:C1/12 Con Card Supervisory i/p (1=healthy)
M2/30 Not Connected
M2/31 Not Connected
M2/32 Not Connected
91
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A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – Utilities Card Top Socket
U1/1:C1/3:S1/19:Pin7/IC1 +15V (C)
U1/2:S1/2 (linked to U2/29 from early 2000) See U2/29 (used on twin)
U1/3:C1/6:S1/21:Pin4/IC1 15V (C)
U1/4:S1/4 (Linked to U1/26 from early 2000) See U1/26 (used on twin)
U1/5:Q1/4 PMG 1
U1/6 Not Connected
U1/7:C1/7 +5V (C)
U1/8 Not Connected
U1/9:Q1/5 PMG 2
U1/10 Not Connected
U1/11:M1/6:Pin4/IC2 15V (M)
U1/12 Not Connected
U1/13:M1/7 +5V (M)
U1/14 Not Connected
U1/15:Q1/6 PMG 3
U1/16 Not Connected
U1/17:Q1/7 PMG 4
U1/18 Not Connected
U1/19:Q1/1 PMG 5
U1/20 Not Connected
U1/21:Q1/2 PMG 6
U1/22 Not Connected
U1/23 +9V (HMI) Not used on A30 Excitation
Controller
U1/24 Not Connected
U1/25:M1/3:Pin7/IC2 +15V (M)
U1/26:Q1/3 (linked to U1/4 from early 2000) Lim N.C. (used on twin)
U1/27:S1/5 (linked to U2/31 from early 2000) Follower Inh (used on twin)
U1/28:C1/28:M1/28:S1/28: Ground
U1/29:C1/29:M1/29:S1/29:Q1/8:155 Ground
U1/30:C1/30:M1/30:S1/30:Term.A etc. Ground
U1/31:C1/31:M1/31:160:Term A etc. Signal Ground

U1/32:C1/32:M1/32:144108 Signal Ground
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A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – Utilities Card Bottom Socket
U2/1:119 DFI Com
U2/2:135 DFI N.C.
U2/3:121 DFI N.O.
U2/4:M1/4:LK4 If(M)
U2/5:122 Lim. Com.
U2/6:M1/26 DFI Inh.
U2/7:123 Lim. N.C.
U2/8:136 Lim. N.O.
U2/9:125 Mon. Com.
U2/10:137 Mon. N.C.
U2/11:126 Mon. N.O.
U2/12:S1/23:Q/20 Mon.Trip Com.
U2/13:120 Mon.Trip N.C.
U2/14:S1/25:Q/23 Mon.Trip N.O.
U2/15:127 Alarm Com.
U2/16:C1/10 D.F.S.
U2/17:128 Alarm N.C.
U2/18:M1/25 Mon.Trip Sig.
U2/19:129 Alarm N.O.
U2/20:C1/25 Lim. On
U2/21:140 L1 110V Sens.
U2/22:C1/23:M1/23 Ph.Ref. 50
U2/23:141 L3 110V Sens.
U2/24:M1/24 Gen.Alarm Sig.
U2/25:139 L2 110V Sens.
U2/26:C1/11:M1/11 L2 25V Sens.
U2/27:C1/15:M1/15 L3 25V Sens.
U2/28:C1/8:M1/8 L1 25V Sens.
U2/29:142 (linked to U1/2 from early 2000) See U1/2 (used on twin)
U2/30: Not Connected
U2/31:143 (linked to U1/27 from early 2000) See U1/27 (used on twin)
U2/32: Not Connected
93
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A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – Standby Card Top Socket
S1/1:T4:Z1 IY Load (S)
S1/2:U1/2(linked to S1/27 from early 2000) Spare(used on twin)
S1/3:T4:Z2 IY Machine (S)
S1/4:U1/4 Spare
S1/5:U1/27 Follower Inh.
S1/6 Not Connected
S1/7 Test purposes only
S1/8 Not Connected
S1/9:151 Standby V Lower
S1/10 Not Connected
S1/11:152 Standby V Raise
S1/12 Not Connected
S1/13:C2/8:M2/8:Q/1:153 Aux. DC –ve
S1/14 Not Connected
S1/15:M2/19 Standby Power Supply Fault (0 = healthy)
S1/16 Not Connected
S1/17:C1/24 Low when Standby Low
S1/18:C1/27 Low when Standby High
S1/19:C1/3:U1/1:Pin7/IC1 +15V (C)
S1/20 Not Connected
S1/21:C1/6:U1/3:Pin4/IC1 15V (C)
S1/22 Not Connected
S1/23:U2/12:Q/20 Mon.Trip Com.
S1/24 U2/14:Q/23 Mon.Trip N.O.
S1/25:U2/14:Q/23 Mon.Trip N.O.
S1/26 Not Connected
S1/27:C1/14(linked to S1/27 from early 2000) AVR Firing Pulse (used on twin)
S1/28:C1/28:M1/28:U1/28: Ground
S1/29:C1/29:M1/29:U1/29:Q1/8:155 Ground
S1/30:C1/30:M1/30:U1/30:Term A etc. Ground
S1/31 Signal Ground

S1/32:Term.A etc. Signal Ground
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A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – Standby Card Bottom Socket
S2/1:148 L1 110V Standby Sensing
S2/2:132 L3 110V Standby Sensing
S2/3 Not Connected
S2/4 Not Connected
S2/5 Not Connected
S2/6 Not Connected
S2/7 Not Connected
S2/8 Not Connected
S2/9 Not Connected
S2/10:Q/4 G3 SCR3
S2/11:Q/2 Field +ve
S2/12:Q/3 K3 SCR3
S2/13 Not Connected
S2/14 Not Connected
S2/15 Not Connected
S2/16 Not Connected
S2/17 Not Connected
S2/18:Q/5 G4 SCR4
S2/19:157 AC1 (PMG)
S2/20:Q/9 K4 SCR4
S2/21 Not Connected
S2/22 Not Connected
S2/23 Not Connected
S2/24 Not Connected
S2/25 Not Connected
S2/26:159 AC2 (PMG)
S2/27 Not Connected
S2/28 Not Connected
S2/29:162 NBM +ve (ground)
S2/30:146 Standby at min Com.
S2/31:163 NBM –ve
S2/32:147 Standby at min N.O.
95
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A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – 24 Way “Quickmate” Connector on Backboard
Connections Wire Number Description

Q/1:C2/8:M2/8:S1/13:153 19 Aux. DC –ve
Q/2:S2/11 8 Field +ve
Q/3:S2/12 58 K3 SCR3
Q/4:S2/10 72 G3 SCR3
Q/5:S2/18 73 G4 SCR4
Q/6 Not Connected
Q/7 Not Connected
Q/8 Not Connected
Q/9:S2/20 51 K4 SCR4
Q/10 Not Connected
Q/11 Not Connected
Q/12:C2/25 57 K1 SCR1
Q/13 Not Connected
Q/14 Not Connected
Q/15 Not Connected
Q/16:C2/26 70 G1 SCR1
Q/17:C2/32 71 G2 SCR2
Q/18 Not Connected
Q/19 Not Connected
Q/20:U2/12:S1/23 48 Mon.Trip Com.
Q/21:C2/31 53 K2 SCR2
Q/22:C2/17 66 Pos. in Standby
Q/23:U2/14:S1/24:S1/25 18 Mon.Trip N.O.
Q/24:C2/18:M2/1 63 FSC (+ve Aux sup'd)
A30 Excitation Controller Internal Connections – 10 Way “Quickmate” Connector Backboard /

Auxiliaries Board
Connections Wire Number Description

Q1/1:U1/19 39 PMG 5
Q1/2:U1/21 40 PMG 6
Q1/3:U1/26 65 Lim. N.C.
Q1/4:U1/5 35 PMG 1
Q1/5:U1/9 36 PMG 2
Q1/6:U1/15 37 PMG 3
Q1/7:U1/17 38 PMG 4
Q1/8:C1,M1,U1,S1/28-30:155:D1,2/5 75 Ground
Q1/9:C1/5:M1/5 74 PMG 7
Q1/10:C1/9:M1/9 70 PMG 8
96
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A30 Excitation Controller Outgoing Connections – Serial Socket at Rear of Unit
D1/2:C1/17 SCADA COMMS TX(C) A30-CON
D1/3:C1/2 SCADA COMMS RX(C) A30-CON
D1/7:C2/27. SCADA COMMS Isolated Ground
A30-CON
D1/11:M1/2 SCADA COMMS RX(C) A30-MON
D1/12:M1/17 SCADA COMMS TX(C) A30-MON
D1/20:M2/28 SCADA COMMS Isolated Ground
A30-MON
All Other pins Unconnected
A30 Excitation Controller Outgoing Connections – 16 Way Socket 1
100:C2/1 Main V Raise
101:C2/3 Main V Lower
102:C2/5 P.F.Select
103:C2/7 VAr Con. Select
104:C2/9 VAr Shed
105:C2/19 P.F. Lower
106:C2/14 Panel/HMI or SCADA comms adjust
107:C2/16 Analogue Input
108:C1,M1,U1/31,32:144:160:Term.A etc. Signal Ground
109 Not Connected
110:C2/20 P.F.Raise
111:C2/15 Used on Twin System
112:C2/13 Self Centring
113:M2/3 Mon. Inhibit
114:M2/7 Spare
115:M2/13 Used on Twin System
116:C2/2 RTD 3
117:C2/4:M2/4 RTD 1
118:C2/6 RTD 2
119:U2/1 DFI Com.
120:U2/13 Mon.Trip N.C.
121:
122:U2/5 Lim. Com.
123:U2/7 Lim. N.C.
124:M2/15 Spare
125:U2/9 Mon. Com.
126:U2/11 Mon. N.O.
127:U2/15 Alarm Com.
128:U2/17 Alarm N.C.
129:U2/19 Alarm N.O.
130:M2/5 Spare
131:M2/9 Spare
97
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132:S2/2 L3 110V (S)
133:T3 C/T IY Machine
134:T4 C/T IY Load
135:U2/2 DFI N.C.
136:U2/8 Lim. N.O.
137:U2/10 Mon. N.C.
138:S2/3 Spare
139:U2/25 L2 110V Sensing
142:U2/29 Used on Twin System
143:U2/31 Used on Twin System
144:C1,M1,U1/31,32:108: 160:Term.A etc. Signal Ground
145:LK4 If(C)
146:S2/30) St'by at Min. Com.
147:S2/32) St'by at Min. N.O.
148:S2/1 L1 110V (S)
149:T3 C/T IY Machine
150:T4 C/T IY Load
151:S1/9 St'by Volts Lower(different on twin
AVR)
152:S1/11 St'by Volts Raise(different on twin
AVR)
153:C2/8:M2/8:S1/13:Q/1 Aux. DC –ve
154:S2/4 Spare
155:C1,M1,U1,S1/28-31:Q1/8: Term.A etc. Ground
156 Not Connected
157:S2/19 AC1 (PMG)
158 Not Connected
159:S2/26 AC2 (PMG)
160 Not Connected
161:LK5 If(M)
162:S2/29 NBM +ve
163:S2/31 NBM -ve
98
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1 Aux DC +ve Input
Space Not used
2 Aux DC -ve Input
Space Not used
13 +ve for Standby
14 +ve for Main
15 +ve to Excite
16 +ve to Trip Excitation
17 +ve Aux D.C. Supply after FS1
19 -ve Aux D.C. Supply after FS2
19 -ve Aux D.C. Supply after FS2
20 Control State, Common
21 Control State, Closed in Main
22 Control State Closed in Standby
23 Excitation State (Com.)
24 Excitation State (Closed if Excited)
25 Excitation State (Closed if Tripped)
26 Aux DC State (Com.)
27 Aux DC State (Closed if Healthy)
28 Aux DC State (Closed if Faulty)
Space Not used
29 PMG (AC1) for Main Channel P.S.
Space Not used
30 PMG (AC2) for Main Channel P.S.
Space Not used
Space Not used
Space Not used
Space Not used
90 Spare
91 Spare
A30 Excitation Controller Outgoing Connections – Heavy Duty Terminals at Rear of Unit
Connections Comments Description

3 Normally Linked to other terminals 3 and to 4 PMG (AC1) Input for Main
3 Normally Linked to other terminals 3 and to 4
3 Normally Linked to other terminals 3 and to 4
4 Normally Linked to terminals 3 PMG (AC1) Input for Standby
5 Normally Linked to other terminals 5 PMG (AC2) Input
5 Normally Linked to other terminals 5
6 PMG (AC2) for Main
7 PMG (AC2) after FSC-1
8 Exciter Field +ve Output
9 Exciter Field -ve Output (Earthed)
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15 APPENDIX C - CARD LINK DESCRIPTION
Table 15.1 A30-CON Card Link Description
Link Description
1A For SCADA comms to COM 1 on front panel
1B For SCADA comms to REMOTE COMMS Socket on Rear Panel
2A For SCADA comms to COM 1 on front panel
2B For SCADA comms to REMOTE COMMS Socket on Rear Panel
3A Debugging comms to COM 2 on front panel (normally fitted)
3B Omit
4B Omit
5A Fit for Three-Phase Sensing (Omit LK5B)
5B Fit for Single-Phase Sensing (Omit LK5A)
6A For Analogue Input signal to bias sensing signal
6B For Analogue input signal to auxiliary transducer
6C Disable analogue input signal (Normally Fitted)
7A Firing angle to Standby (normally fitted on single AVR brushless system)
7B Disable Firing angle to Standby
8A Firing angle to output terminal 111 (normally omitted -used on twin system)
8B Disable Firing angle to terminal 111 (normally fitted)
9A-19A Fit for 24/48V D.C. Aux Supply (Omit LK9B-19B)
9B-19B Fit for 110/125V D.C. Aux Supply (Omit LK9A-19A)
9C-19C Park position for links 9 – 19
20A High Field Current Sensitivity ( normally omitted, fit on twin system)
20B Normal Field Current Sensitivity ( normally fitted)
Table 15.2 A30-CON Mezzanine Board (A30-M188) Link Description.
Link Description
1A Watchdog Reset (normally fitted)
1B Disable Watchdog Reset (omit)
2A Fit for excitation source frequency 251 – 480 Hz (4MHz clock)
2B Fit for excitation source frequency 50 – 125 Hz (1MHz clock)
2C Fit for excitation source frequency 126 – 250Hz (2MHz clock)
3A Debugging Interrupt selector (omit)
3B Normal Interrupt selector (normally fitted)
4A Configure FPGA on watchdog reset (omit)
4B Configure FPGA on power up (normally fitted)
5A Excitation supply zero crossing signal (normally fitted)
5B Alternative excitation supply zero crossing signal (omit)
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Table 15.3 A30-MON Card Link Description
Link Description
1A For Analogue Input signal to bias sensing signal
1B For Analogue input signal to auxiliary transducer
1C Disable analogue input signal (Normally Fitted)
2A Fit for Single-Phase Sensing (Omit LK2B)
2B Fit for Three-Phase Sensing (Omit LK2A)
3A SCADA comms to COM 1 on front panel (normally fitted)
3B SCADA comms to REMOTE COMMS Socket on Rear Panel (normally omitted)
4B Omit
5A SCADA comms to COM 1 on front panel (normally fitted)
5B SCADA comms to REMOTE COMMS Socket on Rear Panel (normally omitted)
6B Omit
7A-14A Fit for 24/48V D.C. Aux Supply (Omit LK7B-14B)
7B-14B Fit for 110/125V D.C. Aux Supply (Omit LK7A-14A)
7C-14C Park position for links 7 – 14
15A High Field Current Sensitivity ( normally omitted, fit on twin system)
15B Normal Field Current Sensitivity ( normally fitted)
Table 15.4 A30-MON Mezzanine Board (A30-M188) Link Description.
1A Watchdog Reset (normally fitted)

1B Disable Watchdog Reset (omit)
2A Not applicable on monitor position does not matter
2B Not applicable on monitor position does not matter
2C Not applicable on monitor position does not matter
3A Debugging Interrupt selector (omit)
3B Normal Interrupt selector (normally fitted)
4A Configure FPGA on watchdog reset (omit)
4B Configure FPGA on power up (normally fitted)
5A Excitation supply zero crossing signal (normally fitted)
5B Alternative excitation supply zero crossing signal (omit)
101
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Table 15.5 Standby Control Card Link Description
Link Description
LK1,3,6 Voltage selection links for 220/330V PMG (Omit LK2,4,5)
1,5,6 Voltage selection links for 165/250V PMG (Omit LK2,3,4)
2,3,4 Voltage selection links for 110/165V PMG (Omit LK1,5,6)
7 Remove to inhibit Low Frequency Cut-off.
8 Low Frequency Cut-off, Fit for 50Hz Machine (Omit LK9)
9 Low Frequency Cut-off, Fit for 60Hz Machine (Omit LK8)
10,11 Power Supply Test Links (Normally Fitted)
12 C.T. Selector Fit for 1 Amp Metering C.T. (Omit LK13)
13 C.T. Selector Fit for 5 Amp Metering C.T. (Omit LK12)
14 Fit to select Field Voltage Control (Omit LK15)
15 Fit to select Line Voltage Control (Omit LK14)
16 Fit to select High Range Field Voltage Control 0-200V (Omit LK17)
Fit when Line Voltage Control is Required
17 Fit to select Low Range Field Voltage Control 0-100V (Omit LK16)
18 Raise/Lower with 24/48V D.C. Aux Voltage (Omit LK19)
19 Raise/Lower with 110/125V D.C. Aux Voltage (Omit LK18)
20 Auto Follower with 24/48V D.C. Aux. Voltage (Omit LK21)
21 Auto Follower with 110/125V D.C. Aux. Voltage (Omit LK20)
22 Fit for PMG Frequency of 201Hz and above
23 Fit for PMG Frequency of 200Hz and below
24 Fit to select Field Votage Limit.
25 AVR Stabilising Link for Exciter Field Time Constant of 0.4 - 0.7 sec.
(Omit LK26, 27, 28)
26 AVR Stabilising Link for Exciter Field Time Constant of 0.1 - 0.4 SEC
(Omit LK25, 27, 28)
27 Fit when in Field Voltage Control (Omit LK26, 25, 28)
28 AVR Stabilising Link for Exciter Field Time Constant of 0.7 - 1.5 SEC
(Omit LK26, 25, 27)
29 Slow Clocking Link for Low Exciter Field Voltage (Normally Omitted)
Table 15.6 Utilities Card Link Description
Link Description
LK1 Fit to increase Sensitivity of D.F.I. (Normally Omitted)
LK2 Fit to decrease Sensitivity of D.F.I. (Normally Omitted)
LK3 Fit for continued operation of Auto Follower when Limiter Operates (Normally
Omitted)
Table 15.7 Backboard Link Descriptions
Link Description
LK1A 5 Amp Metering CT selector (Omit LK1B)
1B 1 Amp metering CT selector (Omit LK1A)
2A Internal A30-CON Field Current Transducer (Normally Fitted)
2B External Field Current Transducer (Omit)
3A Internal A30-MON Field Current Transducer (Normally Fitted)
3B External Field Current Transducer (Omit)
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Table 15.8 Auxiliaries Board Link Descriptions
Link Description
LK1,3,6 Voltage selection Links for 220/330V PMG (Omit LK2,4,5)
1,5,6 Voltage selection Links for 165/230V PMG (Omit LK2,3,4)
2,3,4 Voltage selection Links for 110/165V PMG (Omit LK1,5,6)
LK7,8,9,10 Fit for 24V DC Aux Supply; Omit for110/125V DC Aux Supply
103
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16 APPENDIX D - DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS
16.1 A30-CON Card
Unless stated otherwise, all adjustments on this card are made using the HMI.
16.1.1 Voltage Control
16.1.1.1 Three Phase or Single Phase sensing
Selected by a link.
16.1.1.2 Accuracy
±0.5% of mean voltage.
16.1.1.3 Nominal sensing voltage
Selectable from 100V-120V in 5 volt increments.

Frequency 50/60Hz ±10%. Burden <3VA/phase.
16.1.1.4 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
section 16.1. )
16.1.1.5 Voltage Reference Adjustment Rate
The rate of change of voltage reference is adjustable between 200ms/V

(5V/s) and 4000ms/V (0.25V/s)
16.1.1.6 Voltage Reference Limits
Upper limit adjustable from 110% to 125% of nominal in 5% increments

Lower limit adjustable from 90% to 75% of nominal in 5% increments
(Upper limit assumes no over flux limiter operation)
16.1.1.7 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 the serial communications facility see section 16.1. )
16.1.2 Quadrature Current Compensation (QCC)
16.1.2.1 Nominal CT Current
1A or 5A , selected by link. Burden <1VA.
16.1.2.2 Rated CT Current
Adjustable in 0.01A increments from 0.50 to 5.50A.
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16.1.2.3 Adjustable Droop
Adjustable from 0% to 15% in 0.1% steps for rated current at zero power
factor lagging.
16.1.2.4 Reverse QCC
Available for external reactance compensation.
16.1.3 Over-Flux Limiter
The ratio voltage/frequency is automatically limited to between 1.08 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 16.1.1.3).
16.1.4 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.
16.1.5 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
16.1.4 above.
16.1.6 Power Factor or Reactive Current (VAr) Control
16.1.6.1 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%.
16.1.6.2 Method of Adjustment
By external raise/lower switches or relays on local panel. (Adjustment may

also be made using the serial communications facility see section 16.1. )
16.1.6.3 Rate of PF/VAr Reference Adjustment
For PF control the range is adjustable from 1 to 20 seconds for 0.1 pf.
For VAr control the range is adjustable from 50ms/% (20% rated VArs per
sec) to 500 ms/%(2% rated VArs per sec)
16.1.6.4 Accuracy
Power Factor Control: ±1° at 100% rated current to ±5° at 20%

rated current provided line current contains
less then 2% harmonics.
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Reactive Current Control: ±2% of rated line current provided line

current is greater than 10% rated and
contains less than 2% harmonics.
16.1.6.5 Automatic VAr Shedding
Operation of an external switch/relay will initiate automatic VAr shedding.

VAr shedding will override PF or VAr control selection. (VAr Shedding may
also be selected the serial communications facility see section 16.1. )
If VAr Shed is invoked while in PF control the PF Reference will be

changed to unity. Turning PF Control offbefore invoking VAr Shed, will
avoid this.
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 16.1.6.3
16.1.6.6 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 the serial communications
facility see section 16.1. )
16.1.7 Over excitation Limiter
16.1.7.1 Limiting Level
Within range 2A to 25A in 0.01A increments.
16.1.7.2 Time Delay
Integrating time delay adjustable between 50 and 5000% seconds in 5%s

increments.
16.1.7.3 Increased Sensitivity
The sensitivity can be increased by a factor of 4 to enable checking at 25%

of setting during commissioning.
16.1.7.4 Temperature Compensation
By connecting a 100Ω 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: -10°C to +55°C
Compensation level: Adjustable from -0.2% to -1% per°C rise in

0.01% increments.
Compensation characteristic: linear.
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16.1.8 Under excitation Limiter
16.1.8.1 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.
16.1.8.2 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.
16.1.9 Fast Acting Field Current Limiter
16.1.9.1 Range
Adjustable from 2.5A to 30A in increments of 0.1A.
16.1.9.2 Time Delay
Less than 0.05s.
Sensitivity can be increased by a factor of 8 to enable checking at 12.5% of

nominal setting during commissioning.
16.1.10 Automatic Tracking of Standby Regulator
16.1.10.1 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.
16.1.10.2 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)
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16.1.10.3 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.
16.1.11 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.
LED 2 Watchdog dropout (program fails to cycle).
LED 3 Over excitationlimiter 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.
LED 7 VAr shed selected.
LED 8 VAr control selected.
16.1.12 Control Card Output Signals
16.1.12.1 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.
16.1.12.2 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.
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16.1.13 Analogue Input Signal
The AVR can be configured to accept an auxiliary analogue input such as a signal
from a power system stabiliser. For this application, LK6A is fitted.
Input impedance: 20KΩ
Sensitivity: An input of 100mV will change the AVR reference by

approximately 2.5%
An unused analogue input transducer is also provided (LK6B)
16.1.14 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 80% of the PMG voltage at the input to the bridge.
16.1.15 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.
16.1.16 Remote Serial Communications Facility.
16.1.16.1 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 F.
16.1.16.2 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.
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
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16.1.16.3 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
16.1.16.4 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 F
16.2 A30-MON Card
Unless stated otherwise all adjustments to this card are made using the HMI.
16.2.1 Over Voltage Monitor
16.2.1.1 Three Phase or Single Phase Sensing
Selected by a link.
16.2.1.2 Accuracy(selection must be same as Under Voltage Monitor)
16.2.1.3 Trip Level
Adjustable between 100V and 140V in increments of 0.1V.
16.2.1.4 Time Delay
Adjustable integrating time delay having a range of 10% seconds to 100%

seconds in 1% second steps.
16.2.2 Over Flux Monitor
16.2.2.1 Measured Quantity
Ratio Line Voltage/Line Frequency
16.2.2.2 Trip Level
Adjustable between 1.1 and 1.25 per unit in increments of 0.001 per unit.
16.2.2.3 Time Delay
Adjustable integrating time delay having a range of 10% seconds to 100%

seconds in 1% second steps.
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16.2.3 Under Voltage Monitor
16.2.3.1 Three Phase or Single Phase Sensing
Selected by a link. (selection must be same as Over Voltage Monitor)
16.2.3.2 Accuracy
16.2.3.3 Trip Level
Adjustable between 70V and 120V in 0.1V increments.
16.2.3.4 Time Delay
Adjustable integrating time delay having a range of 2%s to 25%s in 1%s

steps.
16.2.3.5 Under frequency Inhibit
At line frequency of less than 80% nominal the Under Voltage monitor is
inhibited.
16.2.3.6 Over Flux Limiter Inhibit
The under voltage monitor is inhibited if the flux limiter on the A30-CON
Card is operating.
16.2.3.7 Overcurrent Inhibit
The under voltage monitor is inhibited if line current measured by the AVR
exceeds 1.5 pu.
16.2.3.8 Soft Start Inhibit
The under voltage monitor is inhibited during soft starting.
16.2.4 Over excitation Monitor
16.2.4.1 Operating Level
Adjustable within range 2.5A to 35A in 0.01A steps.
16.2.4.2 Time Delay
Adjustable integrating time delay having a range of 100%s to 5000%s in

steps of 5%s.
Sensitivity can be increased by a factor of 4 to enable checking at 25% of

the setting during commissioning.
16.2.4.4 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.
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Compensation range: -10°C to +55°C

Compensation level: Adjustable from -0.2% to -1.0% per°C rise in
0.01% increments.
Compensation characteristic: linear.
16.2.5 Under excitation Monitor
16.2.5.1 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 to set at least 10% greater than the under
excitation limiter setting.
16.2.5.2 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.
16.2.5.3 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.
16.2.6 A30-MON card Indications
LED 1 Spare
LED 2 Monitor watchdog dropout (program fails to cycle).
LED 3 Over Excitation monitor tripped.
LED 4 Under Excitation monitor tripped.
LED 5 Over Voltage monitor tripped.
LED 6 Under Voltage monitor tripped.
LED 7 Over Flux monitor tripped.
LED 8 Standby Power Supply Fault.
LED 9 A30-CON watchdog dropout alarm.
LED 10 Spare
112
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PRISMIC A30
Handbook 96
A30-MON card Output Signals
16.2.6.1 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
16.2.6.2 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
16.2.7 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.
16.2.8 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.
16.2.9 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.
16.2.10 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 not available on the standard system.
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16.3 Standby Control Card
16.3.1 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 80% of the PMG supply voltage.
16.3.2 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.
16.3.2.1 Line Voltage Setting Range
Sensing voltage adjustable from residual to 137.5V. VT burden <2VA.
16.3.2.2 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.
16.3.2.3 Stability Adjustment
Provision is made to adjust the stability of the manual regulator when

selected for line voltage control.
16.3.3 Travel Time
60s to adjust the reference from minimum to maximum, or 187s if link 29 is fitted.
16.3.4 Automatic Reset to Minimum
When the unit is energised (or re-energised after a power down) the set point is
automatically set to zero.
16.3.5 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.
16.3.6 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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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.
16.3.7 Null Balance Indication
16.3.7.1 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.
16.3.7.2 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.
16.3.8 Field Voltage Limiter
A field voltage limiter is included which is adjustable from 25V minimum to 200V or
80% of the PMG supply voltage.
16.3.9 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.
16.3.10 Indications
LEDs provide the following indications: -
LED 1 Standby AVR lower than Main AVR
LED 2 Standby AVR higher than Main AVR
LED 3 Standby power supply healthy
LED 4 A30-CON card power supply failure
LED 5 Standby at minimum
LED 6 Main AVR selected and excitation limiters off
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16.3.11 Output Signals
(a) Optically isolated signals to control and monitor boards to indicate Standby
high, low and power supply failed.
(b) Normally open relay contact which closes on detecting A30-CON card
power supply failure. Used to initiate transfer to Standby control.
(c) Signal for 500-0-500 micro amp analogue null balance meter.
(d) Standby at minimum. A volt-free, normally open contact wired to the rear
plug assembly. Rating as in Chapter 4d(3)(a).
16.3.12 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 Table 4.1:
Table 4.1
Links Selected Nominal Voltage Rating Over Nominal Voltage Rating
66-480Hz Range at 50/60Hz
1, 3, 6 220 - 330V 250 ±10%
1, 5, 6 165 - 250V 187.5 ±10%
2, 3, 4 110 - 165V 125 ±10%
The unit is rated for 125% of the maximum for 1 minute to cater for over speed
condition.
16.3.13 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 80% of the PMG voltage at the input to the bridge.
16.4 Utilities Card
16.4.1 Power Supplies
The card produces the following fused power supplies (Table 4.2): -
Table 4.2
Card Supply Fuse Value
A30-CON ±15V ±5% FS4 250mA
+5V ±5% FS3 1A
A30-MON ±15V ±5% FS2 250mA
+5V ±5% FS1 1A
Hand-held Terminal +9V ±1V FS5 100mA
116
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Handbook 96
Note! The Hand-held Terminal Supply is not used on the A30 Excitation Controller.
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:
Table 4.3
Auxiliaries Board Voltage Nominal Voltage Rating Nominal Voltage Rating
Links Selected 66-480Hz at 50/60Hz
1, 3, 6 220 - 330V 250 ±10%
1, 5, 6 165 - 250V 187.5 ±10%
2, 3, 4 110 - 165V 125 ±10%
The unit is rated for 125% of the maximum for 1 minute to cater for over speed
condition.
16.4.2 Diode Failure Relay
(a) 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.
(b) Normal Sensitivity (Link 1 & 2 omitted)

The relay will operate when the ripple exceeds 20% of the dc level.
(c) 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.
(d) 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.
(e) 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.
16.4.3 Relay Output Signals
The Utilities card contains relays described below having output signals that are
accessible on the rear plug assembly.
16.4.3.1 Contact Rating
All the relays on the Utilities card have the following rating:
Max switching Voltage 250V ac, 220V dc

Max switching Current 2A ac, 2A dc
Max switching Capacity 125VA, 60W
Min permissible Load 10mV dc, 10µA
16.4.3.2 Diode Failure Relay (RL1)
A normally de-energised relay which energises when a diode failure is

detected. One volt-free changeover contact is provided.
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16.4.3.3 Monitor Tripped Relay (RL3)
A normally de-energised relay which is energised by a signal from the A30-

MON 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.
16.4.3.4 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.

connections. One normally closed contact is internally wired to inhibit the
auto follower on the Standby control card on limiter operation.
16.4.3.5 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

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.
16.4.4 Utilities Card LED Indications
LED 1 ±15V A30-CON supply healthy

LED 2 ±15V A30-MON supply healthy
LED 3 5V A30-MON supply healthy
LED 4 5V A30-CON supply healthy
LED 5 General alarm relay energised
LED 6 Monitor relay energised
LED 7 Diode failure relay energised
LED 8 Unused
118
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PRISMIC A30
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16.5 A30-RACK1
16.5.1 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.
16.5.2 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.
16.5.3 Excitation Changeover Contactor (ECC)
The contactor is mechanically latched in the `Main' or `Standby' condition to select the
required power circuit.
16.5.4 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.
16.5.5 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.
16.5.6 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 A30-CON card power
supply failure relay located on the Standby card. See below for contact rating.
16.5.7 Relay Contact Ratings
The contact ratings of FSCS, ECCS, PSR and FRS are as follows: -
Maximum Switching Voltage 250V ac : 220V dc

Maximum Switching Current 5A : 1A (resistive)
Maximum Switching Capacity 1000VA : 50W
16.5.8 Fuses
The following fuses are located as shown:
On auxiliaries board accessible from front

FS1 Auxiliary dc supply +ve (5A)
FS2 Auxiliary dc supply -ve (5A)
FS3 A30-CON/A30-MON supply (2A)
FS4 A30-CON/A30-MON supply (2A)
In mainframe behind hinged door

FS5 Main channel power circuit semiconductor fuse (20ET)
FS6 Standby power circuit semiconductor fuse (20ET)
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16.5.9 Power Circuit Rating
16.5.9.1 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.
16.5.9.2 Output Voltage
The maximum voltage supplied to the exciter field will not be less than 80%
of the (loaded) PMG voltage supplied to the AVR.
16.5.9.3 Maximum Output Current
20A continuous
30A 10 seconds.
16.5.9.4 Ambient Temperature (Standard Unit)
Operating: 0°C to +55°C

Storage: -40°C to +65°C
16.5.9.5 Principal Dimensions
483mm wide x 266mm (6u) high x 400mm deep
16.5.9.6 Weight
14.5kg approx. with plug in cards fitted.
16.5.10 Auxiliary Supply
Units can be supplied to operate from the following dc voltages:

24V +15% -20%
110/125V +15% - 20%
120
Date: Feb 2001
PRISMIC A30
Handbook 96
17 APPENDIX E – HOLDING REGISTERS FOR SCADA
Brush A30 Excitation Controller Holding Registers for SCADA
Logic 0 / Logic 1 / Value 2 No of

Value 1 Value 1 Unscale Value 2 Decimal Eng.
Type Register Bit Description Unscaled Scaled d Scaled Places Units
HReg 40001 Always zero 0 0 255 255 1 MW
HBit 40001 0 Always FALSE TRUE
HBit 40002 0 Always TRUE TRUE
Commands Issued via Comms

======================
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
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
HBit 40004 3 PFRef Leading Deactivate Normal Deactivate
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
Status of Commands Issued via Comms

==============================
HBit 40005 0 PF Control Active via comms Inactive Active
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
121
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Handbook 96

Setpoints Adjustable via Comms
=======================
HReg 40006 Volts Reference 1400 70 2600 130 2 V
HReg 40007 VAr Reference (Lead -ve Lag +ve) -50 -50 100 100 0 %
HReg 40008 PF Reference Lagging 600 0.6 1000 1 3 PF
HReg 40009 PF Reference Leading 900 0.9 1000 1 3 PF
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 Off On
HBit 40014 6 Diode Failure Detected Healthy Fail
HBit 40014 7 Main or Stanby Control ? Main Standby
HBit 40014 8 VAr Control Selected via switch Off On
HBit 40014 9 Self Centre Selected via switch Off On
HBit 40014 10 Remote Selected on Panel Switch 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
HBit 40015 4 Field Suppressed Field On 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
Manual Regulator Configuration
HBit 40015 10 DIL Switch 3 Normal Off
HBit 40015 11 DIL Switch 4 Normal BenchTest
HBit 40015 12 DIL Switch 5 Normal Off
HBit 40015 13 DIL Switch 6 Run reset
HBit 40015 14 DIL Switch 7 On = Normal / Off = Load Defau Use Presets Load Defaults
HBit 40015 15 DIL Switch 8 On = Local / Off = Panel Always Local Panel Select
Switch Selection
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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
Checksum Error Detected
HBit 40017 2 EEPROM Old Presets Checksum Normal Error
Error Detected
HReg 40018 Offset of First Mismatched EEPROM Preset 0 0 255 255 0
Analog Data which may be Inspected Via Comms

====================================
HReg 40020 Volts Sensing 1000 50 2400 120 2V
HReg 40021 Line Amps Sensing 0 0 1000 10 2A
HReg 40022 PF Sensing (lag= -ve) 0 0 10000 1 3 PF
HReg 40023 Watts Measured 0 0 11000 550 1W
HReg 40024 VAr Measured 0 0 11000 550 1 VAr
HReg 40025 VA Measured 0 0 11000 550 1 VA
HReg 40026 Field Amps Sensing 0 0 3000 30 2A
HReg 40027 PMG Frequency Measured 0 0 255 255 0 Hz
HReg 40028 Line Frequency 0 0 500 50 2 Hz
HReg 40029 Ambient Temperature Sensing 0 -10 3520 100 1 deg C
123
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18 APPENDIX F - DRAWINGS
Title Drawing Number

Circuit Diagram of A30 Excitation Controller (also applies to MicroAVR) B9619038
Circuit Diagram of A30 Excitation System – Typical B9630996
Connection Diagram - A30 Excitation Controller C9630864
General Arrangement of A30 Excitation Controller B9630865
A30 Rear Plug Connectors (also applies to MicroAVR) D9621219
A30 Hinged Panel - Front and Rear Labels C9626030
A30 Internal Wiring Diagram (also applies to MicroAVR) C9617552
124

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PRISMIC

BEM TECHNICAL HANDBOOK No. 9592020-00 Date: Feb 2001

6.6 Mechanical Details.......................................................................................................................45

Fig.1 A30 Excitation Controller Scheme

Max continuous output current 20A

Max 10 second output current 30A

Excitation supply voltage Single phase 110V to 330V

Excitation supply frequency 50Hz to 480Hz

Auxiliary dc Supply 24V or 110/125V dc +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

Accuracy of control +/- 0.5%

Operating temperature range 0ºC to +55ºC

Storage temperature range -40ºC to +100ºC

Dimensions Width 483mm, Height 266mm, Depth 400mm

3.1 Complete system housed in a single 19” 6U rack.

3.2 Independent main and hot standby excitation channels

3.3 PC Based Setup and Maintenance Software

3.4 Communication Port #1 for SCADA communications.

3.5 Communication Port #2 for set up and maintenance.

Provided for connection to an RS232 port on a standard PC for commissioning.

3.6 Choice of setpoint adjustment method.

Either external raise/lower contacts or SCADA comms may be used.

3.7 Line Voltage Control Mode

3.8 Power Factor Control Mode

Available when parallel running.

3.9 VAr Control Mode

Available when parallel running. Also incorporates VAr shed facility.

3.10 Soft Start Facility

3.11 Fast Acting Field Current Limiter

3.12 Over Excitation Limiter

3.13 Under Excitation Limiter

3.14 Over Flux Limiter

3.15 Selectable Standby System Control Mode

3.16 Rotating Diode Failure Alarm

3.17 Adjustable Step Response

3.18 Event Recorder

Fig.2 Generator Capability Diagram

4.1 The A30-RACK1 Mainframe

Reference is made to drawing B9619038 - see Appendices.

Note! All the above connections are of the cage-cl

4.1.1 Main Channel Power Circuit

A ballast resistance BR is connected across the field connections.

4.1.2 Standby Control Power Circuit

4.1.3 Relay and Contactor Logic

4.1.3.1 Field Suppression Contactor FSC and Slave Relay FSCS

4.1.3.2 Excitation Changeover Contactor ECC and Slave Relay ECCS

Circuit diagram B 9619038 shows the contactors in the `Main channel'

Contact ECCS-1, which is closed when Main is selected, provides a signal

Contact ECC-7 provides a signal to the A30-CON card C2/17 when in

4.1.3.3 Fault Relay Slave - FRS

In the event of fault monitor operation or detection of loss of A30-CON card

4.1.3.4 Power Supply Relay - PSR

The presence of the auxiliary dc supply is monitored by PSR.

4.1.4 Field Current Transducers

4.1.5 Line Current Measurement

4.2 A30-CON card

Figure 5.1 Block Diagram of A30-CON card

4.2.1 The Microprocessor and its Associated Digital Circuitry

4.2.2 Serial Communication