GE IS215WEMAH1A

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE) Energy, GE Boards & Turbine Control
• Product Series: Mark VIe Wind Turbine Control Series
• Board Type: WEMA and BPPS Board Assembly
• Functional Acronym: WEMA (Wind Energy Main Cabinet), BPPS (Blade Pitch Position System)
• Processor: 32-bit embedded microcontroller optimized for wind turbine 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)
• PCB Technology: Surface-mount technology (SMT) for enhanced mechanical robustness
• PCB Coating: Conformal coating for environmental protection against dust, moisture, and corrosion
• Dimensions: 233.35 mm × 100 mm × 25 mm (single-slot VME form factor, 6U VME size)
• Weight: 0.5 kg (1.1 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 (50 g, 11 ms duration)
• Power Requirements: +24 V DC, typical current 2 A, maximum current 3 A
• Communication Interfaces: 1 × 10BaseT/100BaseTX Ethernet port (RJ-45), 2 × RS-485 serial ports for pitch drive communication, CAN bus for internal subsystem communication
• Digital Inputs: 27 digital inputs (24 VDC sinking) for sensor and status monitoring
• Relay Outputs: 9 relay contact outputs (5 A/250 VAC) for control and interlock functions
• Solid-State Relay Outputs: 3 solid-state relay outputs for high-speed switching applications
• Analog Inputs: 2 analog thermistor temperature sensor inputs for temperature monitoring
• Connectors: RJ-45 Ethernet port, screw terminals for power and I/O, DB-9 serial port for configuration
• 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
• Hot-Swap Support: Yes, for hot-swappable installation and replacement

Functional Features

• Blade Pitch Position Control: Executes precise blade pitch angle adjustments based on wind speed and rotor speed data to optimize energy capture and prevent overspeed.
• Real-Time Data Processing: Collects and processes data from wind speed sensors, rotor speed encoders, blade angle sensors, and generator output monitors for accurate turbine operation control.
• Safety Interlock Functions: Implements overspeed protection, overvoltage protection, and emergency shutdown protocols to safeguard turbine assets and personnel.
• Grid Integration Management: Regulates generator output voltage and frequency to meet grid requirements, ensuring stable integration of wind energy into the power grid.
• Multi-Protocol Communication: Supports Ethernet, RS-485, and CAN bus communication for seamless integration with main controllers, pitch drive units, and SCADA systems.
• Diagnostic Capabilities: Built-in diagnostic tools and status LEDs for rapid fault detection and location, reducing maintenance time and costs.
• Hot-Swappable Installation: Allows replacement without system shutdown, minimizing operational downtime during maintenance.
• Rugged Environmental Design: Conformal coating and wide operating temperature range ensure reliable performance in harsh wind farm environments.
• Configuration Flexibility: Configurable I/O channels and communication settings adapt to diverse wind turbine models and control requirements.

Application Scenarios

• Mark VIe Wind Turbine Control: Core control component in Mark VIe systems for onshore and offshore wind turbines, managing blade pitch positioning and turbine operation.
• Wind Farm Installations: Deployed in utility-scale wind farms to control and monitor multiple turbines, optimizing energy production and ensuring grid stability.
• Blade Pitch Position System (BPPS): Central component for blade pitch control, adjusting blade angles to maximize energy capture and prevent turbine damage during high wind conditions.
• 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.
• SCADA Integration: Interfaces with SCADA systems for remote monitoring and control of wind turbine fleets, enhancing operational efficiency and maintenance management.

Compatibility

• GE Platforms: Mark VIe Wind Turbine Control Series, compatible with both onshore and offshore wind turbine models.
• 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 blade pitch control.
• Communication Protocols: Ethernet (10BaseT/100BaseTX) for SCADA integration, RS-485 for pitch drive communication, CAN bus for internal subsystem communication.
• Power Supplies: +24 V DC industrial power systems with ±10% voltage tolerance.
• Software: Fully compatible with GE ToolboxST for configuration, real-time monitoring, and firmware updates.

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 +24 V DC to power terminals, verify correct polarity to avoid component damage; ensure power supply meets ±10% voltage tolerance requirement.
3. Communication Wiring: Connect Ethernet cable to RJ-45 port using shielded cable to minimize electromagnetic interference; use twisted-pair cables for RS-485 and CAN bus connections.
4. Hot-Swap Installation: Follow GE Mark VIe hot-swap procedures for module replacement without system shutdown.
5. Configuration: Use GE ToolboxST to configure I/O parameters, communication settings, 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

• Blade Pitch Control Precision: Optimizes energy capture and prevents overspeed through accurate blade angle adjustments based on real-time wind and rotor speed data.
• Safety Interlock Functions: Implements robust protection mechanisms to safeguard turbine assets and personnel during abnormal operating conditions.
• Hot-Swap Capability: Minimizes downtime during maintenance by allowing module replacement without system shutdown.
• Rugged Environmental Design: Conformal coating and wide operating temperature range ensure reliable performance in harsh wind farm environments.
• Seamless Mark VIe Integration: Compatible with other Mark VIe modules, simplifying system design and integration for wind turbine control applications.
• Diagnostic Monitoring: Built-in diagnostic tools enable rapid fault detection and troubleshooting, reducing maintenance costs and improving turbine availability.