GE IS215WETAH1A

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: General Electric (GE) Energy, GE Boards & Turbine Control
• Product Series: Mark VIe Wind Turbine Control Series
• Module Type: Wind Energy Top Box A (WETA) Module
• Part Number: IS215WETAH1A
• PCB Coating: Conformal coating for environmental protection against dust, moisture, and corrosion
• 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)
• Power Supply: +24 V DC (power input), +5 V DC (internal logic)
• Analog Inputs: 8 analog inputs (12-bit resolution) for sensor data acquisition
• Digital Inputs: 16 discrete inputs (24 VDC sinking) for status monitoring and safety interlocks
• Digital Outputs: 8 discrete outputs (24 VDC sourcing) for control and alarm functions
• Relay Outputs: 4 relay contact outputs (5 A/250 VAC) for high-power switching and interlocks
• Communication Interfaces: 1 × 10BaseT/100BaseTX Ethernet port (RJ-45), 2 × RS-485 serial ports for main cabinet and pitch system communication, CAN bus for internal subsystem communication
• Software Frame Rates: Configurable at 10, 20, and 40 ms for control loop execution
• Dimensions: 233.35 mm × 100 mm × 25 mm (single-slot VME form factor, 6U VME size)
• Weight: 0.45 kg (0.99 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)
• 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
• Redundancy Support: Compatible with simplex and TMR architectures for high-reliability applications

Functional Features

• Turbine Operation Management: Executes control logic for turbine startup, shutdown, and power output regulation based on real-time wind and grid conditions.
• Real-Time Data Processing: Collects and processes data from wind speed sensors, rotor speed encoders, generator output monitors, and safety relays for accurate turbine operation control.
• Safety Interlock Functions: Implements overspeed protection, overvoltage protection, emergency shutdown, and grid fault ride-through protocols to safeguard turbine assets and personnel.
• Multi-Protocol Communication: Supports Ethernet, RS-485, and CAN bus communication for seamless integration with main cabinets, pitch control systems, and SCADA networks.
• Configurable Frame Rates: Supports 10, 20, and 40 ms software frame rates for flexible control loop tuning to match turbine dynamics.
• Redundancy Capability: Works with TMR systems for critical wind turbine applications requiring high reliability and fault tolerance.
• Diagnostic Monitoring: Built-in diagnostic tools and status LEDs for rapid fault detection and location, reducing maintenance time and costs.
• 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: Key control module in Mark VIe systems for onshore and offshore wind turbines, managing top box functions and safety interlocks.
• Wind Farm Installations: Deployed in utility-scale wind farms to control and monitor multiple turbines, optimizing energy production and ensuring grid stability.
• Wind Turbine Top Box: Central component for top box assemblies, processing sensor data and executing control logic for turbine operation.
• 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 wind turbine control systems, compatible with simplex and TMR architectures.
• Rack Configurations: Standard 13- or 21-slot VME racks for Mark VIe systems.
• Main Cabinets: Communicates with WEMA (Wind Energy Main Cabinet) modules via RS-485 serial ports for system coordination.
• Pitch Control Systems: Interfaces with WEPA (Wind Energy Pitch Axis) modules to manage blade pitch adjustments based on wind conditions.
• Communication Protocols: Ethernet (10BaseT/100BaseTX) for SCADA integration, RS-485 for main cabinet and pitch system 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, 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 +24 V DC 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 and CAN bus connections to minimize electromagnetic interference; connect Ethernet port using shielded cable.
4. Sensor Interfacing: Connect wind speed sensors, rotor speed encoders, and safety relays to analog and digital input channels for data acquisition.
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 turbine operation control, data communication, and fault simulation to confirm module functionality before turbine operation.

Key Advantages

• Turbine Operation Control: Optimizes energy capture and ensures safe operation through precise control logic based on real-time sensor data.
• Safety Interlock Functions: Implements robust protection mechanisms to safeguard turbine assets and personnel during abnormal operating conditions.
• Redundancy Support: Works with TMR architectures for critical applications requiring high reliability and fault tolerance.
• 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.