WOODWARD 8237-1006

Description

Product Description

The WOODWARD 8237-1006 is a sophisticated electronic control module that serves as a critical component in a paralleling generator system. It works in conjunction with an engine governor (like a Woodward 2301A) or an electronic engine control unit. The load sharing module 8237-1006 compares the power output of its own generator with a common load reference bus (typically a 3-wire system connecting all units) and generates a corrective signal. This signal adjusts the fuel or steam to the prime mover, ensuring all generators share the total electrical load proportionally according to their capacity. Without a precise device like the load share module WOODWARD 8237-1006, paralleled generators would fight for load, leading to unstable frequency, circulating currents, and potential system failure.

Technical Parameters

• Device Type: Isochronous Load Sharing Module.

• Primary Function: Provides proportional load sharing between multiple generator sets in an isochronous (constant speed/frequency) parallel operation.

• Input Signals: Requires inputs from the generator’s current transformers (CTs) and potential transformers (PTs) to calculate real power (kW).

• Output Signal: Produces a load share bias signal (typically +/- 5 VDC or a current signal) that is summed with the speed/load reference of the engine governor.

• Load Share Bus: Connects to a common 3-wire (mA) load share bus with other units. The module compares its own generator’s load with the average load on this bus.

• Controls: Features adjustments for gain (stability) and load share trim (to manually bias the unit’s load contribution).

• Compatibility: Designed to interface with common Woodward mechanical/hydraulic governors (e.g., 2301A) and electronic controls.

• Power Supply: Operates on a standard DC control voltage (often 24 VDC).

Advantages and Features

1. Precision Load Sharing: The 8237-1006 module ensures accurate and stable proportional load division between generators, which is essential for optimal engine loading, fuel efficiency, and system stability.

2. System Stability: By preventing “hunting” or load swinging between units, it maintains consistent system frequency and voltage, protecting connected loads.

3. Ease of Integration: Designed as a standard component in Woodward’s governing ecosystem, the load sharing module WOODWARD 8237-1006 integrates seamlessly with a wide range of Woodward governors and controls.

4. Flexibility: Can be used in various paralleling schemes and is suitable for different prime mover types (diesel, gas, turbine).

5. Reliability: Built to industrial standards for continuous operation in demanding environments like power plants, marine applications, and industrial facilities.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• Power Generation (Prime & Standby): In facilities like hospitals, data centers, and manufacturing plants with multiple paralleled diesel or gas generator sets for base load or emergency power.

• Marine Vessels: For managing the ship’s electrical power plant where multiple generator sets operate in parallel to meet variable load demands.

• Oil & Gas Platforms: Providing stable and shared power from multiple generator sets in remote offshore or land-based installations.

• Cogeneration (CHP) Plants: Where multiple engines or turbines generate both electricity and heat, requiring precise electrical load sharing.

Comparison with Competing Products

Direct competitors to the WOODWARD 8237-1006 are load sharing modules from other manufacturers of engine control systems:

• CAT (Caterpillar): Load share modules within the EMCP or Cat control panels.

• Cummins: PowerCommand or similar generator control paralleling modules.

• BASLER (DECS): Load sharing functionality integrated into digital excitation systems.

• DEIF: Multi-function generator control units with built-in load sharing.
  The 8237-1006 is often considered an industry-standard, dedicated load share device known for its robustness and simplicity. Its advantage lies in its proven track record and deep compatibility with the widespread Woodward governor product line, making it a preferred choice for retrofits and systems built around Woodward controls.

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

1. System Compatibility Verification: Confirm that your existing governor or engine control unit is compatible with and requires an external load share module like the 8237-1006. Modern digital controls often have this function integrated.

2. Correct Wiring and Calibration: Installation requires proper connection of CTs, PTs, and the load share bus. Incorrect CT polarity or bus wiring will cause the module to drive the generator in the wrong direction, destabilizing the system.

3. Proper Adjustment: The gain and trim settings on the WOODWARD 8237-1006 module must be carefully tuned during commissioning. Incorrect gain can cause system instability (oscillations).

4. Use of Shielded Cabling: Signal wires, especially from CTs/PTs and the load share bus, must use shielded cables with the shield grounded at one point to prevent electrical noise interference.

5. Professional Commissioning: The setup and tuning of a paralleling system with load share modules should be performed by a qualified control systems technician.

6. Safety with Live Circuits: Working with CT circuits is extremely hazardous. CT secondary circuits must never be opened while the generator is energized, as lethal voltages can be produced.

EMERSON CE3051C1
EMERSON CE4001S2T2B1
EMERSON CE4001S2T2B2