Description

WOODWARD 9907-1200 – Digital Speed Control for Diesel Engines

Product Description

The WOODWARD 9907-1200 is a highly specialized digital engine controller designed for the precise management of diesel engine speed, load, and sequencing. This device is not a general-purpose PLC module but a dedicated control system critical for prime mover applications in power generation and marine propulsion. The WOODWARD 9907-1200 integrates advanced control algorithms to govern fuel injection, ensuring stable engine operation under varying loads. Implementing a WOODWARD 9907-1200 provides a reliable, standalone control solution for engine-based systems, focusing on safety, performance, and operational flexibility.

• Controller Type: Digital Speed Control and Sequencing Unit.

• Primary Function: Isochronous (constant speed) and droop (load-sharing) speed control for diesel engines.

• Inputs: Accepts signals from magnetic speed sensors (MPU), throttle potentiometers, and various analog/digital inputs for temperature, pressure, and status.

• Outputs: Provides a precise actuator output (typically +/- 200 mA) to control a hydraulic or electronic fuel injection actuator (e.g., Woodward PGA, EGB type).

• Communications: Features serial communication ports (e.g., RS-232/485) for configuration, monitoring, and integration with higher-level systems (SCADA, PLC).

• Operating Modes: Includes start/stop sequencing, crank/start/fuel transitions, speed ramping, and protection functions like overspeed detection.

• Power Supply: Typically operates on 24 VDC, suitable for industrial and mobile power generation environments.

Advantages and Features

• Engine-Optimized Control: Uses PID control loops specifically tuned for the dynamic response of large diesel engines, providing exceptional stability during load transients.

• Integrated Sequencing: Combines speed control with a comprehensive start/stop and engine safety shutdown sequence in one unit, simplifying system architecture.

• Load Sharing Capability: Equipped for isochronous load sharing between multiple generator sets in parallel operation, a critical feature for power generation plants.

• Robust Construction: Designed to withstand the high-vibration, high-temperature environment found in engine rooms and generator sets.

• User-Configurable: Parameters such as gain, ramp rates, and setpoints can be adjusted via front-panel buttons or PC configuration software (e.g., Toolbox) to match specific engine characteristics.

• Proven Reliability: A field-proven design widely used across industries for critical engine control, known for its durability and straightforward maintenance.

Application Cases in Various Fields

• Power Generation (Diesel Gensets): Serves as the primary governor and sequencer for standby, prime, or continuous power generator sets, managing engine speed from cranking through synchronization and load acceptance.

• Marine Propulsion: Controls the speed of main propulsion diesel engines and auxiliary generator engines on vessels, integrating with the vessel’s control system.

• Oil & Gas: Used on drilling rigs to control engines driving mud pumps, compressors, and rig power generation, ensuring stable operation under highly variable loads.

• Rail Locomotives: Can be applied in diesel-electric locomotive control systems to manage the prime diesel engine that drives the main alternator.

• Critical Infrastructure: Provides reliable control for emergency generator sets at hospitals, data centers, and water treatment plants.

Comparisons with Competing Products

Direct competitors include dedicated engine controllers from manufacturers like DEIF (AGC 200), CAT/EMD (EMCP II), and Basler (DECS series). Compared to using a general-purpose PLC for engine control, the WOODWARD 9907-1200 offers a purpose-built, pre-programmed solution with specialized hardware I/O and control algorithms that would be complex and less reliable to replicate in a PLC. Its primary advantage over some competitors is Woodward’s deep legacy and specific optimization for their own line of actuators (PGA/EGB) and seamless integration within broader Woodward control networks (e.g., with sync check and protection modules).

Selection Suggestions and Precautions

• Application Match: Confirm this controller is designed for diesel engine speed control and sequencing. It is not suitable for gas turbines or steam turbines without significant and often inadvisable adaptation.

• Actuator Compatibility: The 9907-1200 output is designed to drive specific types of fuel actuators (e.g., Woodward PGA). Verify the electrical and mechanical compatibility between the controller output and the existing engine’s fuel actuator.

• Sensor Requirements: Ensure the correct Magnetic Pickup (MPU) for speed sensing is used, with the proper gear tooth count and air gap, as this is critical for accurate speed measurement.

• Configuration is Key: Out-of-the-box performance will be suboptimal. The WOODWARD 9907-1200 must be carefully configured and tuned for the specific engine inertia, actuator response, and application requirements.

• Protection Integration: While it has basic protections (overspeed), complex safety shutdown systems often require a separate dedicated safety module (e.g., a TMR module) in addition to this controller.

• Professional Tuning: Engine tuning and commissioning should be performed by a technician trained on Woodward governors to ensure safe and efficient operation.

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