Detailed Explanation of DEIF Delomatic Generator Control System Architecture

Analysis of the Architecture and Engineering Application of DEIF Delomatic Generator Control System

In the fields of ship electric propulsion, distributed energy stations, and cogeneration, the Delomatic multifunctional generator control and protection system launched by DEIF has become the preferred solution for control of medium and large power plants due to its modular, high reliability, and flexible networking capabilities. The system is based on the DEIF Generator Unit (DGU) unit, with one DGU configured for each generator set and the ability to connect up to three control panels (CP) as needed. All core parameters are stored in the DGU, and even if the CP fails, it does not affect the operation of the protection logic. This article is based on the Delomatic system data manual, which systematically outlines its hardware composition, module functions, ARC net communication network, and engineering installation points, providing comprehensive technical references for power system design and operation personnel.

System Overview and Design Philosophy

The Delomatic system is designed specifically for power plants (including ship power stations, regional power supply, and cogeneration) and adopts a distributed architecture. Each generator set is equipped with an independent DGU rack, which can flexibly combine multiple specialized modules to achieve protection, control, measurement, input/output, and communication functions. The system supports up to 8 DGUs working together in the same ARC.net network, with each DGU carrying up to 3 control panels, achieving seamless integration of local monitoring and remote program control.

The core advantage of the system lies in "customization" - users can choose different module combinations according to application needs, avoiding functional redundancy. All modules use pluggable connectors for easy maintenance. At the same time, the system achieves high-speed data exchange between DGUs, between DGUs and CPs, and between DGUs and the upper monitoring system (through CM-2 module) through the ARC net token ring LAN, ensuring real-time performance and reliability.

DGU rack structure and installation selection

The DGU rack adopts a frame structure that complies with the BN 411002/411003 standard, with 64 pin bus connectors and flat cable communication buses embedded in the backplane. Each slot corresponds to a PCB guide rail. There are two sizes of racks:

84 TE rack: Available width A=426.7mm, total width C=483.0mm, total depth B=465.1mm, empty rack weight 3.5kg.

60 TE rack: usable width A=304.8mm, total width C=361.1mm, total depth B=343.2mm, empty rack weight 3.0kg.

Both types of racks can be installed on a base or flush to accommodate different distribution cabinet layouts. Vibration reduction kits (with a weight increase of 1.2kg for 84TE and 0.9kg for 60TE) need to be installed in vibration environments such as ships. These kits are standard equipment in marine applications and can be optionally selected for land power stations as needed.

Unused slots must be equipped with cover plates to maintain an IP20 protection level (both front and rear reaching IP20). All plastic components comply with the UL94-V0 self extinguishing standard. The system has obtained CE mark and type approval from mainstream classification societies such as LR, GL, DNV, ABS, BV, RINA, CCS, CNK, etc.

Installation precautions: To ensure maintenance space, the distance from the inside of the cabinet front door to the front end of the rack (including the ARC net connector) must be greater than the specified minimum value (B), and the distance from any fixed object in front to the rack when the cabinet door is opened must not be less than the specified value (C). These spacing requirements are intended to ensure that operators have sufficient workspace during debugging and maintenance.

Detailed explanation of core module functions

Each DGU can accommodate multiple specialized modules, each module responsible for specific functions, combined to form a complete generator control unit.

1. PSM-1 power module

Power all Delomatic modules within DGU. Some safety function modules require an external independent power supply. Each DGU must be configured with a PSM-1.

2. CM-2 control module

The 'brain' of the system executes all control logic based on the application program, such as start/stop, synchronization, load allocation, and protection actions. Each DGU must be configured with a CM-2, where all parameter settings are stored. Even if CP fails, CM-2 can still independently operate its protection function.

3. IPM-1 input module

16 channel input module, each channel can be independently configured as current input, voltage input, or binary input. A single DGU can install up to 8 IPM-1, providing up to 128 inputs to meet the needs of a large number of switch and analog signal acquisition.

4. OPM-1 output module

16 channel relay output module, with a maximum of 8 DGUs per unit, providing up to 128 relay outputs for controlling external devices such as circuit breakers, alarms, speed controllers, excitation regulators, etc.

5. AOM-1 Analog Output Module

8-channel analog output, each channel can be configured as bipolar or unipolar, voltage or current output. Up to 8 modules, providing 64 analog outputs, suitable for driving actuators or sending process variables to external monitoring systems.

6. CRM-1 Current Relay Module

Multi functional current protection module, which can be configured as short-circuit protection, ground fault current protection, or differential current protection. A single DGU can have up to 4 CRM-1, suitable for current type protection of generators, transformers, and busbars.

7. SCM-1 multifunctional module (generator specific)

Specially designed for generators, integrating the following core functions:

Generator protection (over/under voltage, over/under frequency, reverse power, overcurrent, etc.)

Generator circuit breaker ON/OFF control

Measurement of three-phase voltage, current, power, frequency, and other total electrical quantities

High precision synchronizer (including speed control pulse output)

Each DGU can only install one SCM-1.

8. SCM-2 multifunctional module (shaft belt/bus coupling dedicated)

Used for controlling shaft generators or bus tie circuit breakers, it also has measurement, protection, synchronization, and circuit breaker control functions. The difference from SCM-1 lies in the application scenarios, such as the frequency/voltage characteristics of shaft generators and the parallel logic of busbars. A single DGU can install up to 3 SCM-2.

9. PRM-1 Advanced Protection Relay Module

Provide rich power grid protection functions, including:

Low positive sequence voltage

Over/under frequency

Overvoltage/undervoltage

High negative sequence current (used to detect asymmetric faults)

Other special protections (such as frequency change rate, etc.)

A single DGU can have up to 2 PRM-1.

All modules are connected using pluggable terminals for easy on-site replacement. The modules communicate through the backplane bus to achieve data sharing and coordinated actions.

Control panel (CP) and local human-machine interface

Each DGU can connect up to 3 control panels (CP). As a slave station of DGU, CP does not store protection settings (which are saved in CM-2), so CP failure does not affect the protection function. CP provides:

LCD display screen: displays alarm information, parameter settings, and measurement/calculation data.

16 LED indicator lights: used for status and alarm indication.

It can connect up to 16 analog instruments (such as voltage meters, current meters, power meters, etc.) to achieve the integration of traditional instrument panels and modern digital displays.

CP and DGU communicate through ARC net and can be installed on the control room or local distribution cabinet door.

ARC net communication network

ARC net is the core communication backbone of Delomatic system, using token ring LAN technology, with a physical medium of 93 Ω coaxial cable (RG-62 A/U, diameter 5mm) and BNC connector.

Main technical parameters:

Impedance: 93 Ω

Attenuation: 5.5dB/300m

Speed: 2.5 Mbit/s

Maximum segment length: 300m (without repeater), minimum distance between connection points is 1.8m.

Topology rules:

The network must have only one starting point and one ending point, and parallel branches are not allowed.

All connections are made through T-shaped plugs, and terminal matching devices (terminal resistors) need to be connected at both ends of the network.

A ferrite magnetic ring should be installed approximately 0.1m before and after each BNC connector to suppress noise.

Node capacity: The same ARC net can connect 8 DGUs (8 CM-2), 24 CPs (3 per DGU), and can also connect to other terminals (such as alarm systems and graphical monitoring systems).

Communication protocol: Through the CM-2 module, ARC net can be adapted to RS232, RS422, or RS485 serial interfaces, supporting MODBUS RTU protocol for easy access to third-party SCADA. In addition, dedicated communication protocols can also be provided for PCs or PPCs equipped with ARC net network cards.

The token ring mechanism of ARC net ensures the certainty of data transmission and is suitable for real-time control applications. The shielding and magnetic ring filtering of coaxial cables jointly improve the ability to resist electromagnetic interference, meeting the harsh environments of marine and industrial sites.

Environmental and electrical parameters

Working temperature: -25~+70 ℃ (nominal -10~+55 ℃), storage -40~+70 ℃.

Climate grade: HSE grade, compliant with DIN 40040 (humid heat, salt spray, etc.).

Protection level: The rack can reach IP20 after fully installing modules or covers.

Flame retardant rating: UL94-V0 for all plastic parts.

The power module PSM-1 needs to be selected according to the actual load (see module data sheet for specific data). The system power supply is usually 24V DC or 48V DC (commonly used for marine use), and specific specifications need to refer to the complete technical documentation.

Engineering Application and Configuration Suggestions

1. System capacity planning

Select the number of DGUs based on the number of generator sets (≤ 8 units).

The module slots of each DGU are limited (84TE can accommodate about 20 modules, 60TE can accommodate about 14 modules), and it is necessary to calculate the number of input/output points and protection function requirements in advance, and allocate the number of IPM, OPM, AOM, and CRM reasonably.

Each generator set must be equipped with PSM-1, CM-2, and at least one SCM-1 (or SCM-2, depending on the application). If additional grid protection is required, PRM-1 can be added.

2. ARC net wiring

Use RG-62 A/U coaxial cable to ensure impedance matching.

Strictly follow single origin and single endpoint wiring, avoiding star or branch topologies.

Install ferrite magnetic rings at all BNC joints, and the terminal matching devices at both ends cannot be omitted.

The total length of the network shall not exceed 300m, and if it exceeds, a repeater (additional equipment is required) shall be used.

3. Control panel layout

Each DGU can have up to 3 CPs, which can be set up in multiple locations such as the machine and control room as needed.

CP only displays and operates, without affecting the reliability of protection.

4. Integration with the upper system

Connect PLC or SCADA through the MODBUS RTU interface (RS232/422/485) of the CM-2 module.

It is also possible to directly connect to a PC through an ARC.net network card and use DEIF dedicated software for parameter configuration and monitoring.

5. Vibration reduction and protection

Mandatory installation of vibration reduction kits for ships; It is also recommended to choose a land-based power station if there is significant vibration.

Unused slots must be equipped with cover plates to maintain IP20 and prevent foreign objects from entering.

Typical application scenarios

Ship power station: Multiple generator sets operate in parallel, and Delomatic achieves automatic synchronization, load distribution, overload inquiry, and protection. SCM-1 provides generator protection, SCM-2 can be used for shaft mounted generators or busbars, and PRM-1 provides grid side protection.

Land based distributed energy station: Gas or diesel generator sets are connected to the grid for power supply, and Delomatic controls the start stop and power management of the units, and communicates with the higher-level energy management system through CM-2.

Combined Heat and Power (CHP): To generate electricity while providing heating, the system needs to coordinate the thermal and electrical loads. Delomatic's flexible I/O and PID regulation capabilities can meet the process requirements.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

Module replacement: All modules come with pluggable terminals and do not require rewiring during replacement, but ensure compatibility with the new module firmware version.

ARC net fault: If communication is interrupted, check whether the terminal matching device and T-plug are loose, whether the ferrite magnetic ring is missing, and whether the coaxial cable is damaged. A multimeter can be used to measure cable impedance and continuity.

CP no display: Check the ARC net connection and CP power supply (powered by DGU through communication cables? Actual confirmation is required, but the manual is not detailed. It is recommended to refer to the specific wiring diagram.

Protection against misoperation: Check if the set value is lost due to parameter modification or battery failure (CM-2 has non-volatile storage, but it is recommended to back it up regularly).

The complete set of system documentation, factory acceptance testing, and technical support before and after debugging are provided by DEIF to ensure worry free operation for users from selection to commissioning.