GE URRHH – Mark VI Rack Power Supply Module

Product Description

The GE URRHH is a rack-mounted power supply module specifically engineered for GE’s Mark VI and Mark VIe distributed control systems. This module accepts incoming AC or DC power from the facility’s electrical distribution system and converts it to the regulated DC voltages required by the various components within the control rack, including controllers, I/O modules, communication interfaces, and termination boards.

The GE URRHH typically provides multiple output voltages, most commonly +5V DC, +15V DC, -15V DC, and +24V DC, each precisely regulated to power different types of control electronics. The module incorporates advanced switch-mode power supply technology for high efficiency and compact size, while maintaining the reliability required for continuous industrial operation.

Designed with redundancy in mind, the GE URRHH is typically installed in pairs within a rack, with each module capable of powering the entire rack independently. This N+1 or 1+1 redundancy configuration ensures that if one power supply fails, the remaining unit(s) continue to provide uninterrupted power to all rack components, preventing control system downtime. The modules share the load under normal conditions and automatically reconfigure upon failure without disturbing system operation.

The GE URRHH features comprehensive protection circuitry including overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, overtemperature protection, and input transient suppression. LED indicators on the front panel provide immediate visual status for input power present, output voltages valid, and any fault conditions. The module also communicates its status to the control system via the rack backplane, enabling remote monitoring and alarming.

Built for harsh industrial environments, the GE URRHH features rugged construction with industrial-grade components, conformal coating for protection against moisture and contaminants, and robust thermal management including heatsinks and forced-air cooling provisions. The module plugs directly into the Mark VI rack backplane, with hot-swappable capability in supported configurations, allowing replacement without powering down the entire system.

Parameters and Specifications

Advantages and Features

The GE URRHH offers numerous benefits that make it the preferred power solution for critical GE control systems:

Key Advantages

• High Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in critical applications, the GE URRHH incorporates industrial-grade components and conservative design practices that result in exceptional mean time between failures (MTBF).

• Redundancy Capability: The ability to operate in parallel with load sharing enables redundant configurations that eliminate single points of failure, ensuring control system availability even if a power supply fails.

• Hot-swappable Design: In redundant configurations, a failed GE URRHH can be replaced while the system remains operational, minimizing downtime and eliminating the need for system shutdown during maintenance.

• Comprehensive Protection: Built-in protection features prevent damage to both the power supply and connected loads under fault conditions, enhancing overall system reliability.

• Wide Input Range: Acceptance of both AC and DC inputs provides flexibility for various facility power systems and simplifies integration into existing installations.

• Visual Status Indication: Front-panel LEDs enable operators to quickly assess power supply status without additional test equipment, facilitating rapid troubleshooting.

• Remote Monitoring: Status communication to the control system via the backplane enables remote alarming and predictive maintenance, reducing the need for physical inspections.

• Efficient Operation: High efficiency reduces energy consumption and heat generation, lowering operating costs and reducing cooling requirements in control cabinets.

• Rugged Construction: Designed for harsh industrial environments, the GE URRHH withstands temperature extremes, vibration, and electrical noise typical of power generation facilities.

• System Integration: Seamless integration with Mark VI rack architecture ensures proper power distribution to all rack components without additional wiring or external power distribution equipment.

Application Fields and Cases

The GE URRHH is essential for powering control systems across various power generation and industrial applications:

Primary Application Areas

1. Power Generation:

   • Gas turbine generator control systems

   • Steam turbine generator controls

   • Combined cycle plant control systems

   • Hydroelectric plant automation

   • Auxiliary system controls

2. Oil and Gas:

   • Compressor station control systems

   • Pipeline monitoring and control

   • Offshore platform automation

   • LNG plant turbomachinery controls

3. Industrial Applications:

   • Cogeneration facility controls

   • Steel mill process controls

   • Paper mill recovery boiler controls

   • Chemical plant turbine drives

4. Balance of Plant:

   • Motor control center automation

   • Water treatment system controls

   • Fuel handling system automation

   • Emissions monitoring systems

Application Case Examples

• Combined Cycle Power Plant: A 500 MW combined cycle facility utilizes redundant GE URRHH power supplies in each of its multiple Mark VIe racks. When one power supply experienced a fan failure after years of operation, the remaining unit continued powering the rack without interruption. The failed module was hot-swapped during normal plant operation, avoiding any control system downtime. This redundancy has contributed to the plant’s 99.8% availability over a decade of operation.

• Gas Pipeline Compressor Station: A remote compressor station on a major natural gas pipeline relies on GE URRHH power supplies for its Mark VI control system. The wide input voltage range proved essential when the station experienced voltage sags due to utility disturbances; the power supplies rode through the events without affecting compressor operation, preventing costly pipeline disruptions.

• Offshore Platform Upgrade: An offshore production platform replaced aging controls with a GE Mark VIe system powered by GE URRHH modules. The compact size and high efficiency of the power supplies were critical given the space and cooling limitations of the platform. The redundant configuration ensures that a single power supply failure does not impact production, essential for the platform’s economics.

• Steel Mill Cogeneration: A steel mill’s cogeneration plant utilizes GE URRHH power supplies for turbine control. The harsh electrical environment with frequent voltage transients from nearby arc furnaces tested the power supplies’ transient suppression capabilities. The GE URRHH modules have operated reliably for years, protecting downstream electronics from line disturbances that previously caused control system resets.

Comparison with Competitors

When compared to similar power supply modules from other control system manufacturers, the GE URRHH demonstrates several distinctive characteristics:

Comparative Advantages

• Wider Temperature Range: The GE URRHH operates from -30°C to +65°C, a broader range than many competitors, making it suitable for installations in unconditioned enclosures or harsh climates.

• Comprehensive Output Voltages: The provision of ±15V outputs alongside standard +5V and +24V supports analog circuitry requirements not accommodated by competitors offering only +5V and +24V.

• Field-Configurable Input: The ability to accept either AC or DC input on the same module provides flexibility for various site power systems and simplifies sparing.

• Advanced Diagnostics: The GE URRHH provides more comprehensive diagnostic information to the control system than many competing units, enabling predictive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting.

• GE Integration: Seamless integration with Mark VI rack architecture ensures proper power distribution and monitoring without additional components or complex wiring.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

Selection Criteria

When considering the GE URRHH for your application, evaluate the following factors:

1. System Compatibility: Verify that your control system is GE Mark VI or Mark VIe and that the GE URRHH is compatible with your specific rack configuration and power requirements.

2. Power Requirements: Calculate the total power consumption of all modules in each rack, including future expansion. Select the GE URRHH with adequate capacity, typically with 20-30% headroom for reliability and future growth.

3. Input Power Source: Determine whether your facility provides AC or DC power to the control cabinets. The GE URRHH can be configured for either, but proper selection and configuration are essential.

4. Redundancy Requirements: Decide whether your application requires redundant power supplies. For critical turbomachinery, redundant GE URRHH modules are strongly recommended to eliminate single points of failure.

5. Environmental Conditions: Ensure the installation environment falls within the module’s operating temperature range. For high-temperature locations, verify adequate cabinet cooling and consider derating if necessary.

6. Physical Space: Verify that your control rack has adequate slots for the required number of GE URRHH modules, considering redundancy requirements.

7. Regulatory Requirements: Confirm that the GE URRHH meets applicable electrical codes and standards for your industry and location.

8. Spare Parts Strategy: For critical facilities, maintain spare GE URRHH modules on-site to minimize downtime in case of failure. Consider GE’s Installed Base Management programs for long-term support.

Installation Precautions

• ESD Sensitivity: The module contains sensitive electronic components. Follow proper ESD handling procedures during installation and removal of the GE URRHH. Use grounded wrist straps and anti-static mats.

• Input Power Verification: Before installation, verify that the facility power source matches the GE URRHH configuration (voltage, frequency, AC/DC). Incorrect input voltage can cause immediate damage.

• Rack Slot Selection: Install the GE URRHH in the proper rack slot as specified in GE documentation. Incorrect placement may affect backplane power distribution.

• Redundancy Configuration: If using redundant power supplies, follow GE’s guidelines for configuration to ensure proper load sharing and automatic failover. Typically, both modules should be identical.

• Cooling Considerations: Ensure adequate airflow around the GE URRHH. Do not obstruct ventilation openings. Maintain clearance as specified in installation documentation.

• Grounding: Properly ground the rack and power supplies according to GE’s specifications and local electrical codes. Verify ground continuity before applying power.

• Initial Power-up: When first applying power:

  • Verify input voltage at the module terminals (if accessible)

  • Observe LED indicators for proper status

  • Measure output voltages at test points to verify regulation

  • Check for unusual noise, odor, or heat

• Load Verification: After installation, verify that the GE URRHH can support the connected load under worst-case conditions. Monitor output voltages during system exercise.

• Alarm Testing: Test the remote alarm functionality to ensure proper integration with plant monitoring systems.

• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of GE URRHH configurations, including input voltage settings, output voltage measurements, and installation dates for each module.

• Periodic Maintenance: Establish a regular schedule for:

  • Inspecting air filters (if applicable) and cleaning as needed

  • Checking fan operation and cleaning fan blades

  • Verifying output voltages under load

  • Inspecting for signs of overheating or component stress

  • Testing redundancy functionality (if installed)

Conclusion

The GE URRHH stands as a critical foundation component in GE’s Mark VI and Mark VIe control systems, providing the reliable, regulated power essential for continuous operation of turbine control and industrial automation applications. Its robust design, comprehensive protection features, and redundancy capability make it the preferred choice for applications where power supply reliability directly impacts plant availability and operational continuity.

By delivering clean, regulated power to controllers, I/O modules, and communication interfaces, the GE URRHH enables these components to perform their functions reliably over years of continuous operation. The hot-swappable design in redundant configurations minimizes maintenance impact, while comprehensive diagnostics facilitate proactive identification of potential issues before they cause system interruptions.

For facilities with GE turbine control systems, the GE URRHH represents the engineered solution specifically designed for the Mark VI architecture, ensuring proper power distribution, monitoring, and integration. Whether in a simple cycle peaking plant operating intermittently or a base-loaded combined cycle facility running continuously, these power supplies deliver the performance and reliability required for critical applications.

As industrial facilities face increasing demands for availability and efficiency, the GE URRHH provides the power foundation for meeting these challenges. By choosing genuine GE components like the GE URRHH, you ensure long-term system compatibility, access to technical support, and the confidence that comes from using equipment specifically designed and tested for your Mark VI control system.

For purchasing or additional technical information about the GE URRHH, please visit: GE URRHH Product Page