GE IS215WEPAH2B 109W3914P003

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE) Energy
• Product Series: Mark VIe Speedtronic Wind Turbine Control System
• Board Type: Wind Energy Pitch Axis (WEPA) Board
• Part Number: IS215WEPAH2B (109W3914P003)
• Functional Revision: B
• PCB Coating: Conformal coating for environmental protection
• Processor: 32-bit embedded microcontroller optimized for pitch control applications
• Memory: 16 MB flash memory for program storage, 8 MB DRAM for data processing
• Operating System: QNX real-time operating system (compatible with Mark VIe software)
• Power Supply: 125 VDC (power input), +5 V DC and +24 V DC (internal logic and I/O)
• Analog Inputs: 8 analog inputs (12-bit resolution) for sensor data acquisition
• Encoder Inputs: 1 incremental encoder input for rotor speed and blade position monitoring
• Digital Inputs: 2 discrete inputs (24 VDC sinking) for status monitoring
• Relay Outputs: 9 relay contact outputs (5 A/250 VAC) for control and interlock functions
• Solid-State Outputs: 2 discrete outputs (24 VDC sourcing) for high-speed switching
• PWM Outputs: 2 pulse-width modulated (PWM) control outputs for pitch drive speed regulation
• Communication Interfaces: 2 RS-485 serial ports (for pitch drive communication), 1 Ethernet 10BaseT/AUI port, 3 COM ports (COM1, COM2, micro-miniature 9-pin socket D)
• Software Frame Rates: Configurable at 10, 20, and 40 ms for control loop execution
• Dimensions: 233.35 mm × 100 mm × 20 mm (single-slot VME form factor, 6U VME size)
• Weight: 0.4 kg (0.88 lbs)
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to +70°C
• Storage Temperature: -55°C to +85°C
• Humidity Range: 5% – 95% non-condensing
• Vibration Resistance: Compliant with IEC 60068-2-6 (10–500 Hz, 10 g peak)
• Shock Resistance: Compliant with IEC 60068-2-27 (10 g peak, non-operating)
• Connectors: 2 female plug connectors, 4 metal oxide varistors, RJ-45 Ethernet port, screw terminals for power and I/O
• Mounting: Standard 13- or 21-slot VME rack, single-slot installation
• Certifications: UL/cUL Class I, Div 2 compliant; IEC 61010-1 safety certified; CE marked for EMC compliance

Functional Features

• Blade Pitch Axis Control: Executes precise pitch angle adjustments to optimize energy capture and prevent overspeed based on real-time wind and rotor speed data.
• Real-Time Data Processing: Processes data from analog sensors, incremental encoders, and digital inputs for accurate pitch control loop execution.
• Multi-Protocol Communication: Interfaces with pitch drive units via RS-485 serial ports and main controllers via Ethernet for seamless system integration.
• Safety Interlock Functions: Implements overspeed protection, emergency shutdown, and pitch drive fault handling to safeguard turbine assets and personnel.
• Configurable Frame Rates: Supports 10, 20, and 40 ms software frame rates for flexible control loop tuning.
• Redundancy Support: Compatible with simplex and TMR architectures for high-reliability applications.
• Diagnostic Monitoring: Built-in diagnostic tools and status LEDs for rapid fault detection and troubleshooting.
• Rugged Environmental Design: Conformal coating and wide operating temperature range ensure reliable performance in harsh wind farm environments.
• ToolboxST Compatibility: Fully integrated with GE ToolboxST for configuration, real-time monitoring, and firmware updates.

Application Scenarios

• Mark VIe Wind Turbine Control: Core pitch axis control module in Mark VIe systems for onshore and offshore wind turbines.
• Wind Farm Installations: Deployed in utility-scale wind farms to control blade pitch angles, optimizing energy production and ensuring grid stability.
• Blade Pitch Axis Control: Manages pitch drive units to adjust blade angles based on wind conditions, maximizing energy capture and preventing overspeed.
• TMR Control Architectures: Used in TMR systems for critical wind turbine applications requiring high reliability and fault tolerance.
• Offshore Wind Turbines: Rugged design withstands salt spray, high humidity, and extreme weather conditions typical of offshore installations.
• Wind Turbine Retrofits: Compatible with older GE wind turbine models for upgrade to Mark VIe control systems, extending operational lifespan and improving performance.

Compatibility

• GE Platforms: Mark VIe Speedtronic wind turbine control systems, compatible with simplex and TMR architectures.
• Rack Configurations: Standard 13- or 21-slot VME racks for Mark VIe systems.
• Pitch Drive Units: Communicates with GE pitch drive systems via RS-485 serial ports for pitch control.
• Communication Protocols: RS-485, Ethernet (10BaseT/AUI), and COM ports for configuration and diagnostics.
• Power Supplies: 125 VDC power input with ±10% voltage tolerance; internal +5 V DC and +24 V DC power rails.
• Software: Fully compatible with GE ToolboxST for configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics.

Installation Notes

1. VME Rack Mounting: Install in a standard 13- or 21-slot VME rack, align with bus connectors, and secure with locking clips to prevent vibration-induced disconnections.
2. Power Connection: Supply 125 VDC to power terminals, verify correct polarity to avoid component damage; ensure power supply meets ±10% voltage tolerance requirement.
3. Communication Wiring: Use shielded twisted-pair cables for RS-485 connections to minimize electromagnetic interference; connect Ethernet port using shielded cable.
4. Encoder Interface: Connect incremental encoder to dedicated input port for rotor speed and blade position monitoring.
5. Configuration: Use GE ToolboxST to set software frame rates, I/O parameters, and control logic according to specific wind turbine model and site requirements.
6. Diagnostic Check: After installation, perform self-inspection and diagnostic test via ToolboxST to verify CPU, memory, communication interfaces, and I/O channel operation.
7. Environmental Protection: Ensure installation enclosure has IP54 or higher rating to complement conformal coating and protect against dust, moisture, and salt spray in offshore environments.
8. Post-Installation Testing: Conduct full system test including blade pitch control, data communication, and fault simulation to confirm board functionality before turbine operation.

Key Advantages

• Precise Pitch Control: Executes real-time blade pitch angle adjustments based on wind and rotor speed data, optimizing energy capture and preventing overspeed.
• Multi-Protocol Communication: Supports RS-485 and Ethernet interfaces for seamless integration with pitch drive units and main controllers.
• Configurable Frame Rates: Flexible software frame rates (10, 20, and 40 ms) for precise control loop execution in diverse wind conditions.
• Redundancy Support: Works with simplex and TMR architectures, providing flexibility for different application requirements.
• Rugged Environmental Design: Conformal coating and wide operating temperature range ensure reliable performance in harsh wind farm environments.
• ToolboxST Integration: Compatible with GE ToolboxST for easy configuration, monitoring, and diagnostics, reducing maintenance time and costs.