DEIF PPM 300 Ship Power Generation Management Controller

DEIF PPM 300 Ship Power Generation Management Controller

In the field of modern shipbuilding and ocean engineering, the stability, reliability, and intelligence level of the power system are directly related to navigation safety, operational efficiency, and operating costs. With the continuous improvement of ship electrification, complex power generation networks, load management, and strict redundancy requirements have posed unprecedented challenges to power management systems. The PPM 300 (Power Plant Management 300) platform launched by DEIF is a multifunctional and intelligent controller designed to address these challenges. This article is based on official technical materials and provides an in-depth analysis of the architecture, core functions, protection mechanisms, and application value of PPM 300 in various ship and marine engineering scenarios.

System Overview and Design Philosophy

PPM 300 is a highly flexible and intelligent controller platform tailored for the fields of ship and ocean engineering. Its design goals cover from basic control and protection of generator sets to complex power management solutions, which can be widely applied in scenarios such as diesel generator sets (including emergency units), inverters with power sources, shaft generators, shore power connections, and bus tie circuit breakers.

Multi host redundant architecture

In traditional power management systems, the failure of a single main controller may lead to the paralysis of the entire power system. PPM 300 adopts an innovative multi host redundancy design: all controllers within the system are connected through a closed-loop communication network to jointly participate in decision-making. When a unit falls out, its host functionality will automatically migrate to another functioning controller, ensuring that the system not only continues to operate but also remains safe and reliable at all times. This design completely eliminates the risk of single point failure and greatly enhances the survival capability of ship power stations.

Modular hardware and on-site maintainability

The hardware of PPM 300 adopts modular construction, and the processor module, communication module, measurement module, and input/output module all support on-site replacement. The controller has automatic recognition function. When a module is replaced or upgraded, the system can automatically recognize the new module and complete the configuration without complex programming. This feature is particularly critical for maritime navigation or remote site maintenance, as it can significantly reduce downtime and lower maintenance costs. All modules are installed in sturdy metal chassis to meet the harsh requirements of marine environments.

Intuitive human-machine interface

The standard DU 300 display unit is equipped with a 5-inch color graphic screen, which guides operations through intuitive icons and sequences. Users can access real-time data, process alarms, and adjust parameters based on their permission level. Each controller can connect up to two display units (with interlock function), support multilingual display, and facilitate operation by crew members of different nationalities.

Controller types and typical applications

The PPM 300 platform provides six types of dedicated controllers based on the different controlled objects, covering various key nodes of ship power stations:

Generator Set Controller

Used to control and protect diesel engines, generators, and their outlet circuit breakers. Realize functions such as automatic start stop, synchronous parallel operation, active/reactive load distribution, and comprehensive electrical protection.

Emergency Generator Set Controller

Specially designed for emergency generator sets, in addition to conventional control protection, it also manages emergency generator circuit breakers and emergency bus tie circuit breakers to ensure rapid start-up and reliable power supply in emergency situations.

Hybrid Power Controller (HYBRID Controller)

Used to control inverters with power supply and their circuit breakers, suitable for hybrid power systems containing energy storage or new energy. Support reverse power protection and other functions in power take-off mode (PTI).

SHAFT Generator Controller

When the shaft generator is connected to the power grid, the controller manages the system to achieve power distribution and stable parallel connection with the diesel generator.

Shore Connection Controller

Manage the connection circuit breakers of ships when using shore power to ensure safe switching and avoid reverse power transmission.

Bus TIE Breaker Controller

Each busbar circuit breaker is equipped with an independent controller to achieve segmented management, fault isolation, and parallel operation of the busbar.

These controllers can operate independently or form a collaborative system through a DEIF dedicated network to manage the entire ship's power.

Core functions and technical features

The PPM 300 integrates numerous advanced features to meet all requirements from basic control to advanced strategies.

Plug and Play and Automatic Configuration

The system supports automatic network configuration (using static IPv6), and the controller automatically recognizes and synchronizes parameters and I/O configuration after connecting to the network. The date and time are automatically synchronized through NTP, greatly simplifying debugging work.

Flexible Communication Capability

Network redundancy: The controller forms a ring network through the DEIF network, and any disconnection at any point does not affect communication.

Multi protocol support: Built in 5 RJ45 ports, supporting display unit connection, PC tool (PICUS) access, Modbus TCP communication. Simultaneously supporting communication between CAN bus and engine ECU (electronic control unit), following the universal J1939 protocol to read engine data.

Network security: Supports IPv6/IPv4 dual stack, with authentication mechanism to prevent unauthorized devices from interfering with the network.

Powerful Logic Programming Tool Customs Logic

For applications that require customized logic, PPM 300 provides a user-friendly logic configuration tool, CustomizaLogic. Each controller can define up to 20 input events and 20 output commands; Support communication between controllers, up to 16 input/16 output interactions; Up to 20 signals can also be connected via Modbus. This enables the system to flexibly adapt to various special working conditions, such as overload inquiries, special interlocks, etc.

Accurate communication measurement

The controller can directly measure the three-phase voltage up to 690V AC with an accuracy of 0.5 level. The measurement module has an average filtering function (200ms and 800ms optional), which can smooth out instantaneous fluctuations for display, trend recording, and Modbus transmission, while protection and adjustment values still use instantaneous values to ensure fast response.

Advanced Circuit Breaker Control

Supports multiple types of circuit breakers (pulse type, compact type, continuous type), with automatic synchronous closing, synchronous detection, and load shedding functions. The operator can also manually initiate synchronization or load shedding operations. The position detection and disconnection alarm of circuit breakers ensure the reliability of status monitoring.

Engine Interface and Safe Shutdown

The EIM3.1 module can be used as a safety shutdown module. Even if communication with the main processor card is interrupted, EIM3.1 can independently control the engine to enter a safe shutdown program, achieving a fail safe mode.

Detailed explanation of power management function

The core value of PPM 300 lies in its powerful power management algorithm, which can intelligently dispatch units and ensure the stability and economic operation of the power grid.

Load Sharing and Asymmetric Allocation

The system achieves real-time sharing of active power (kW) and reactive power (kvar) among multiple units through the DEIF network. In addition to traditional symmetric allocation, PPM 300 introduces asymmetric load distribution functionality. For example, in a hybrid system, the shaft generator bears the base load, while the diesel generator shares the remaining fluctuating load; When a unit reaches its asymmetric allocation limit, the system can automatically start the next unit and always maintain the allocation within the set range.

Overload Management

Before starting large equipment such as side thrusters and winches, PPM 300 will conduct a heavy load inquiry. Each controller can manage up to 4 fixed or variable heavy-duty devices, starting in a preset order and with a delay to avoid the impact of high-power device startup on the power grid.

Load related Unit Start Stop

Automatically increase or decrease the number of parallel units based on the current load rate, so that the operating units are always in the high-efficiency range. The system provides two independent parameters that can be used for decision-making on increasing and decreasing units, and supports priority rotation based on operating hours to balance unit wear.

Advanced Anti Blackout Startup and Recovery

PPM 300 has a built-in anti black startup strategy. During critical operations, it is allowed for the busbar to operate in a closed state. If a certain unit's governor or AVR fails, the system will immediately trip the busbar, isolate the faulty unit, and prevent the entire power grid from being affected. Meanwhile, the black start recovery process can be configured to ensure a quick and orderly restoration of power supply after a power loss.

Busbar segmentation management

For complex power distribution systems, PPM 300 supports dividing the busbar into multiple logical segments, and each segment can independently set power management rules. Each controller can control up to 4 external circuit breakers (busbars or shore switches), supporting complex topologies such as ring busbars.

Comprehensive protection function

PPM 300 integrates comprehensive electrical protection, covering generator, busbar, and system level anomalies, and is labeled with corresponding ANSI codes for engineers to understand.

Generator Protection

Overvoltage/undervoltage (27/59)

Over/under frequency (81O/81U)

Voltage imbalance (47)

Overcurrent/Quick Break (50/51)

Current imbalance (46)

Directional overcurrent (67)

Negative/zero sequence overcurrent (46/51N)

Overload (32)

Reverse power (32R)

Overexcitation/Underexcitation (40O/40U)

Simultaneous inspection (25)

Differential protection (87G) - requires cooperation with ACM3.2 differential module

Busbar protection

Overvoltage/undervoltage (27/59)

Voltage imbalance (47)

Over/under frequency (81O/81U)

Other System Protection

Locking relay (86)

Grounding inverse time overcurrent (51G)

Neutral point inverse time overcurrent (51N)

The action value and delay of the protection function can be flexibly set, and alarm or trip can be selected. All protection and measurement are independent of the main processor, ensuring reliable operation even under the worst-case conditions.

Software Tools and Ecosystem

PICUS is a free PC software tool provided by DEIF for PPM 300, with powerful features:

Single line diagram design: visually draw and configure system topology.

Parameter configuration and broadcasting: One click download of configuration to all controllers.

Application simulation: Offline simulation of control logic to verify correctness.

Real time monitoring: View I/O status, trend records, and alarm logs.

Firmware management: Upgrade controller and display unit software.

Multi language support: facilitates cross-border team collaboration.

In addition, the system supports remote diagnosis through the network, and DEIF provides 24-hour service support to ensure that users can receive timely assistance in any sea area.