DEIF AGC-3 Automatic Generator Set Controller

DEIF AGC-3 Automatic Generator Set Controller: Operation Guide and Detailed Function Explanation

DEIF AGC-3 (Automatic Genset Controller) is an intelligent controller designed specifically for the control and management of generator sets, widely used in scenarios such as single machine operation, multi machine parallel connection, grid connected power generation, and emergency backup power supply. As an important member of the Multi line 2 product family, AGC-3 integrates comprehensive measurement, protection, control, and communication functions, providing operators with a convenient human-machine interaction interface through intuitive LCD display screens and button operations.

This article is based on the AGC-3 operation manual and systematically introduces the display interface, button functions, LED indicator meanings, menu navigation, operation mode selection, alarm processing mechanism, and log list usage of the controller. The aim is to help daily operators quickly grasp the essentials of equipment operation and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the generator set.

Product Overview

1. Product positioning

AGC-3 is an automatic generator set controller in the DEIF Multi line 2 series, which adopts a microprocessor architecture and has a built-in three-phase true RMS measurement circuit. All measured values and alarm information are displayed on an LCD screen. This controller is suitable for medium to large generator sets that require automation control and protection.

2. Main functions

Automated control: supports automatic start, synchronization, grid connection, disconnection, and shutdown

Multiple operating modes: including manual, semi-automatic, automatic, testing, and blocking modes

Comprehensive protection: reverse power, overcurrent, overvoltage, undervoltage, overclocking, underflocking and other protection functions

Event record: 150 event logs for easy fault tracing

Communication interface: Supports industrial communication protocols such as CANopen, Modbus, Profibus, etc

3. Applicable scenarios

Single machine operation (island mode)

Parallel operation of multiple machines

Grid connected operation (parallel with mains power)

Emergency backup power supply (AMF mode)

Fixed power output

Peak shaving operation

Load transfer operation

Operating interface and hardware layout

1. Display screen specifications

AGC-3 is equipped with a backlit LCD text display screen, measuring 115mm in height and 220mm in width, with a display area of 4 lines and 20 characters. The display screen has no brightness adjustment function, and all measured and calculated values can be selected and displayed through PC configuration software.

2. Display layout (based on optional features)

The display layout of AGC-3 varies depending on the selected circuit breaker control function:

Option Y1 (Island Mode): Only controls the generator circuit breaker

Option Y3 (grid connected mode): Control the generator circuit breaker and main circuit breaker

Option Y4 (Dual Circuit Breaker): Control the generator circuit breaker and main circuit breaker (with different layouts)

Option Y5 (Bus Union Circuit Breaker): Control Bus Union Circuit Breaker

Under different configurations, the button layout and LED indicator function on the display screen remain consistent, with only differences in circuit breaker control logic.

Detailed explanation of button functions

The AGC-3 front panel has 14 buttons located on both sides of the display screen, used for menu navigation, parameter adjustment, and device control.

Key Function Description

Up and down arrows move the cursor in the settings menu; Long press for 2 seconds to switch to the main display screen (when multiple displays are connected)

Move the cursor to the left in the left arrow menu

The up arrow (increase) increases the selected setting value; Used for scrolling the second line display of generator values on the daily display interface

SEL (Select) confirms the item selected by the fourth line cursor

Move the cursor to the right in the right arrow menu

The down arrow (decrease) reduces the selected setting value; Used for scrolling the second line display of generator values on the daily display interface

The fourth line of the MODE switch is displayed as the mode selection menu

BACK: Return to the previous menu or to the entrance window

LOG switches between displaying event and alarm lists (150 events, cleared after power failure)

Manual closing in GB ON semi-automatic mode

Manual disconnection in GB OFF semi-automatic mode

STOP: Stop the generator set in semi-automatic or manual mode

Start the generator set in START semi-automatic or manual mode

Jump: Enter a specific menu number to directly jump to the corresponding setting item

INFO switch to display alarm list

LED indicator light function

The AGC-3 front panel is equipped with 10 LED indicator lights, which indicate the device's operating status through color and flashing status.

LED color function description

Power green auxiliary power supply has been connected

Unit OK, green device status is normal

Alarm Inh. The red constant light alarm has been enabled but suppressed

Auto green automatic mode has been selected

Mains green/red green: mains power is normal; Red: mains power failure; Green flashing: After the mains power is restored, it is in the "normal delay of mains power" state

MB On green main circuit breaker closed

GB On green generator circuit breaker closed

On Green Voltage/Frequency Normal

Run green generator in operation

Alarm flashing red indicates an unconfirmed alarm

The red light is constantly on, and all alarms have been confirmed, but some alarms still exist

Menu Structure and Navigation

1. Classification of menu systems

AGC-3 includes two main menu systems:

View menu: For daily use, it includes 15 configurable windows and can be navigated through the directional keys

Settings menu: Used for parameter configuration, requires password access, and operators usually do not need to use it

2. Entrance window

After the device is powered on, the entrance window is displayed, which is the starting point of the menu structure. Press the BACK key three times to return to the entrance window. If there is an alarm when powered on, the alarm list will be displayed directly.

3. View menu structure

The menu is divided into three view levels: V1, V2, and V3

V1 (Manual View Selection): Contains up to 15 windows, manually selected by the up and down arrows, displaying the measurement values selected according to the configuration

V2 (Automatic View Switching): Automatically switches according to the running status, displaying in sequence:

Start preparation

synchronization

Slope lifting

View 4

Default View (Normal Running State)

V3 (Status Display View): The first line displays the running status text, the second and third lines display the measured values, and the fourth line is the selection line

4. Status Text Description

The running status text is displayed on the first line of the V3 view, and common statuses include:

Meaning of Status Text

Island MAN/Semii/AUTO island mode, manual/semi-automatic/automatic status

AMF MAN/SMI/AUTO automatic mains power fault switching mode

FIXD POWER MAN/Semii/AUTO Fixed Power Mode

PEAK SHAVING MAN/SEI/AUTO peak shaving mode

LOAD TAKEOVER MAN/SEI/AUTO load transfer mode

MAINS P EXPORT MAN/SEI/AUTO mains power output mode

Start Preparation: Relay Activation

START RELAY ON/OFF Start Relay Status

Mains Failure: mains power failure and delay ends

COOLING DOWN # # # s Cooling Delay Countdown

After GEN-SET STOPPING cooling is completed, the unit is stopping

5. Mode menu

After pressing the MODE key, the fourth row displays the mode selection menu. Use the directional keys to move the cursor and press SEL to confirm the selection. The available modes include:

Mode Function Description

The SEMI (semi-automatic) button (start, stop, close, open) is valid; The speed regulator automatically controls the speed; Automatically synchronize when closing

TEST starts, runs, and stops the unit according to the preset testing cycle; The main circuit breaker remains closed, and the generator circuit breaker remains open

AUTO automatically operates based on the selected control type (AMF, fixed power, etc.); The button is disabled

The MAN (manual) start/stop button is valid; The speed controller does not automatically adjust; Perform synchronization check before closing the switch

BLOCK prohibits activation; Password required to exit blocking mode

There are three types of test operation modes:

Simple test: Start the unit but do not close it

Load test: parallel with the mains power and load to the preset value

Full test: Transfer the load to the generator set and open the main circuit breaker

Alarm processing mechanism

1. Alarm triggering and display

When the alarm conditions are met, the controller automatically jumps to the alarm list to display the alarm information. If you do not want to view immediately, you can press the BACK key to exit. The alarm list can be accessed at any time through the INFO key.

2. Alarm List Operation

The alarm list displays the following information:

text

G000V1230Genlow-volt1UN-ACKI 2 Alarm(s) ACK FIRST LAST

The first line displays the alarm description

The second line displays the alarm status (UN-ACK indicates unconfirmed)

The third line displays the total number of alarms

The fourth action option: ACK (confirm), FIRST (jump to the earliest alarm), LAST (jump to the latest alarm)

Operation Instructions:

Use the up and down arrows to scroll through multiple alarms

Move the cursor to ACK and press SEL to confirm the current alarm

Move the cursor to FIRST or LAST, press SEL to jump to the earliest or latest alarm

3. Alarm confirmation and clearing

After the alarm is confirmed, if the alarm condition has disappeared, the alarm will be removed from the list. If the alarm condition still exists, the alarm status changes to "confirmed" but still displays in the list. All alarms that have been confirmed and the conditions have disappeared will no longer be displayed.

Log List

AGC-3 provides three types of log records for easy operation traceability and fault analysis:

Log Type Capacity Record Content

150 operational events including circuit breaker actions, start stop, mode switching, etc. in the event log

30 historical alarm records (disappeared alarms) in the alarm log

52 battery test results (OK/failed) in the battery test log

Log operation steps

Press the LOG key

Use the up and down arrows to select the desired log type

Confirm by SEL

Use the up and down arrows to scroll through log entries

Move the cursor to FIRST or LAST, press SEL to jump to the earliest or latest record

Summary of Technical Specifications

1. Electrical parameters

Project Parameters

Auxiliary power supply 12/24V DC (8-36V continuous)

Maximum power consumption of 8W

Measure voltage 100-690V AC

Measure current -/1A or -/5A AC

Measurement frequency 30-70 Hz

Accuracy Class 1.0 (IEC/EN 60688)

2. Environmental conditions

Project Parameters

Working temperature -25 ℃ to+70 ℃

Storage temperature -40 ℃ to+70 ℃

Humidity 97% RH (non condensing)

Protection level: host IP20, display screen IP52 (optional up to IP54)

3. Security and authentication

Electrical safety: EN 61010-1

Electromagnetic compatibility: EN 61000-6-1/2/3/4

Classification society certification: major ship classification societies

UL/cUL certification: compliant with UL508 standard

Operation precautions

1. Safety Warning

Only authorized personnel are allowed to operate the equipment

It is strictly prohibited to touch the AC measurement input terminal, as there is a risk of electric shock

Pay attention to electrostatic protection during installation

The factory setting is the average value, and adjustments must be made according to the actual generator set before operation

2. Daily operation suggestions

Familiarize yourself with the button functions and menu structure before operating

Regularly check the alarm list and event logs to promptly detect anomalies

Use testing mode to verify the functionality of the unit and avoid unexpected load transfer

Confirm the current operating status during mode switching to prevent misoperation

3. Fault handling

When an alarm is triggered, first check the alarm list and confirm the alarm type

Check the generator set or external system based on the alarm information

If the alarm still exists after confirmation, further analysis of the cause is required

The log list can serve as an important basis for fault tracing