MC200 Technical Manual: File Name: EAAM058702EN - Docx Rev. 02 Date: 20/04/2018 ID Document: EAAM0578EN Product: MC200
MC200 Technical Manual: File Name: EAAM058702EN - Docx Rev. 02 Date: 20/04/2018 ID Document: EAAM0578EN Product: MC200
MC200 Technical Manual: File Name: EAAM058702EN - Docx Rev. 02 Date: 20/04/2018 ID Document: EAAM0578EN Product: MC200
Manual
00 05/06/2017 214 First version of the manual for the version 01.00 of
the controller.
01 06/11/2017 214 Update paragraph: 6.5.5.1, 6.5.5.2, 7, 7.9.3.1, 7.11,
7.12, 7.15, 8.8
02 20/04/2018 214 Update paragraph: 5.6.2, 5.11.2
[5] CANopen – Cabling and Connector Pin Assignment – CiA Draft Recommendation DR-
303-1
[6] BOSCH CAN Specification – Version 2.0 – 1991, Robert Bosch Gmbh.
1.2
For the appropriate use of this manual, it is required knowledge of the use and of the
installation of generator groups.
WARNING!!!
Every intervention must be carried out by skilled personnel. There are dangerous voltages on
the terminals of the device; before carrying out any operation on them, make sure to open the
MCB and MGCB circuit breakers or to open the related fuses.
Do not remove or change any connection while the gensets are running (or more generally,
while the plant is operating).
Do not disconnect for any reason the terminals of the current transformers (CT)
Wrong operations on the connections can cause the disconnection of the loads from the mains
or the gensets.
In this document, there is not a detailed description of all the programming parameters: to this
purpose, see documents [1]. Consider that document as part of this manual.
SICES S.r.l provides the devices with a generic “default” configuration; is at the
installer’s care to adjust the operating parameters to the specific application.
SICES S.r.l carries out a great effort to improve and update its products; therefore, they are
subject to both hardware and software modifications without notice. Some of the features
described in this manual may therefore differ from those present in your device.
1.3
Although most of the parameters and features can be accessed and configured by directly
operating on the device, some features or configurations, due to their nature, can only
be set or changed through the PC program SICES Board Programmer3 (hereinafter called
It simplifies a lot the configuration of the device and we strongly suggest its use. It also allows
you to save the current configuration of the device on a file and to reuse it on other identical
devices.
The program also allows the configuration, saving or loading of the characteristic curves of
non-standard analogue sensors with resistive or voltage output.
BoardPrg3 supports all SICES devices; the connection to the PC can be direct via serial
RS232 or USB, or by remote via modem, serial RS845 or Ethernet. For the use of the program,
refer to the document [2].
1.4
This document uses the words “ALARM” and “UNLOAD” to indicate a fault that makes the
genset operation impossible; the MGCB circuit breaker or the GCBs circuit breakers are
immediately opened (without any power unload). The genset controllers will turn off the
engines with standard procedure (with cooling cycle).
This document uses the word “WARNING” to indicate a fault that requires an operator action
but does not require the opening of MGCB (or GCBs) circuit breakers, and that does not
require the shutdown of the gensets.
1.4.1 Acronyms
AIF It identifies a function for the configuration of the analogue inputs (“Analogue
Input Function”). The number that follows the caption “AIF.” is the code to set in
the parameter that configures the function of the desired analogue input.
AOF It identifies a function for the configuration of the analogue outputs (“Analogue
Output Function”). The number that follows the wording “AOF.” is the code to
be set in the parameter that configures the function of the desired analogue
output.
DIF It identifies a function for the configuration of the digital inputs (“Digital Input
Function”). The number that follows the caption “DIF.” is the code to set in the
parameter that configures the function of the desired digital input.
DOF It identifies a function for the configuration of the digital outputs (“Digital Output
Function”). The number that follows the caption “DOF.” is the code to set in the
parameter that configures the function of the desired digital output.
DTC It indicates a diagnostic code received from the engine control unit (ECU) via
CAN bus (“Diagnostic Trouble Code”).
ECU It indicates the engine electronic control unit (“Engine Control Unit”).
EVT It identifies an event stored within the historical records. The number that follows
the caption “EVT.” is the numeric code of the event.
GCB This term identifies the circuit breaker that connects the genset to the load (or
to the parallel bars in case of plants with more gensets) (“Genset Circuit
Breaker”).
MCB This term identifies the circuit breaker that connects the mains to the load
(“Mains Circuit Breaker”).
MGCB It indicates the circuit breaker that connects the parallel bars of the gensets to
the load (“Master Genset Circuit Breaker”).
PMCB It identifies the communication bus (by SICES) that allows all devices exchange
information to manage the parallel functions described in the document [8]
(“Power Management Communication Bus”).
1.5
In this manual, a vertical bar on the right of the paragraphs signals the modifications, with
respect to the previous version. The modifications on the fields of a table are highlighted with
a grey background.
1.6
Several parts of this manual refer to the controller's software revisions. These revisions are
marked with the assigned SICES code (shown on the rear panel of the controller). The format
of the code is EB0250270XXYY, where “XX” is the main version and “YY” is the minor version.
Thus, the code EB02502700100 refers to the controller software release "1.00". The page
“S.03” of the TFT display also shows the software revision.
• EB0250270XXYY: for the main processor that deals with the operation management
and the user interface (System controller).
• EB0250252XXYY: for the minor processor that deals with the electrical measurements
and the related protections (Measure Engine).
3.1
Mains and generators’ bars
1Vrms.
voltages.
Currents. Min. 0.1A (it depends on the CT ratio).
Mains and generators’ bars
0.1Hz ± 50ppm, 35ppm/C typical.
frequencies.
Powers Min. 0.1 kW/kVA/kvar (it depends on the CT ratio).
Power Factors. 0.01.
Energies. 1 kWh/kvarh.
The mounting dimensions for the installation are 218x159mm. Four hooks with screws carry
out the mounting: once the device is positioned, insert the hooks in the holes on the sides and
tighten the screws. Pay attention not to tighten excessively the screws in order not to damage
the hook on the device.
4.2
Due to the high voltages connected to the measurement circuits of the controller, all
conductive parts of the electrical panel should be connected to the protective earthing
through permanent connections.
The installation of an overcurrent protection device is required for each phase of the mains
and generator’s bars voltage inputs. You can use 1A fuses.
For CAT.IV applications, the maximum phase-to-neutral voltage allowed is 300Vac, while the
phase-to-phase voltage is 520Vac. The maximum voltage related to the protective earthing is
300 Vac.
For CAT.III applications, the maximum phase-to-neutral voltage allowed is 345Vac, while the
phase-to-phase voltage is 600Vac. The maximum voltage related to the protective earthing is
600 Vac.
The device can operate in CAT.IV or CAT.III only if the supply negative terminal of the device
and the neutral terminal of the mains and generator’s bars are connected to the protective
earthing.
5.1
5.2
The connection to the functional earth JB is mandatory to guarantee the proper operation of
the device and the compliance with the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulation.
The connection is functional and not protective; therefore, the cross-section of the wire can be
smaller. Connect the other end of the wire to a metal screw of the electrical panel (which must
be grounded) next to the JB or to a grounding line, using the shortest cable possible.
The JC connector is the supply connector: connect a DC supply (usually the engine starter
batteries) to the 1-GND terminal (negative) and to the 2-+BATT terminal (positive).
The minus terminal 1-GND is the reference and the common return of the digital inputs, outputs
and current and voltage measurements. It must be connected to the protection earth. The
systems that require insulation between the battery negative and the protection earth can be
used but can generate operating problems and may require care, as the use of insulation
transformers for the voltage measurements of the mains and of the generators’ bars.
Although a built-in self-resetting fuse protects the device, we recommend using a fuse for the
protection of the positive line 2-+BATT. The power supplied by the JD static outputs flows
through the 2 +BATT positive input, so you must pay attention to the fuse dimension.
At power on, the controller automatically detects if the supply nominal voltage is 12 or 24V for
managing the related logics and alarms. In addition, the controller repeats the detection each
time you switch to the OFF/RESET mode.
NOTE: when installing, connect the supply voltage positive only after opening all fuses
available in the panel.
5.4
The controller is equipped with a series of 18 opto-insulated digital inputs, which are fully
configurable.
Besides these 18 inputs, it is possible to use the analogue inputs JK and JU as digital inputs,
if not used as measurement inputs (see par. 5.6) and, with different modes, the JJ-4 terminal
too (see par. 5.6.3).
It is possible to share the same command signal of an input with different devices (for example,
one signal for three MC200). If you use the inputs of the JO and JP connectors (positive
common), it is necessary to separate them with diodes, as in the figure below. This avoids the
wrong activation of the input when one of the devices is switched off. If the JL connector inputs
are used, the diode can be omitted as it is already provided internally.
There are also 16 “virtual” digital inputs, which do not exist on the controller or on the
expansion modules, but they are represented by the result of the logic combination of physical
or virtual inputs, outputs, alarms or logical statuses, by means of the proper programming by
BoardPrg3 or through the internal PLC. The virtual inputs can be configured as functions and
used as physical inputs; see par.5.4.4.
The status of the digital inputs, virtual inputs and inputs available through DITEL modules is
displayed at pages S.11 and S.12 (0=output not active, 1=output active).
5.4.1 JL - Digital inputs 1-8
They are a group of eight opto-insulated digital inputs with common terminal internally
connected to the positive supply terminal of the device +Vbatt. It is possible to activate the
inputs by connecting them to the battery negative (GND). When it is left floating, the input
brings itself to +Vbatt. Avoid situations where intermediate or undefined voltage levels can
occur.
These inputs already have a series diode that allows connecting them directly among them.
By default, the functions of the JL input on the MC200 controller are the following:
They are a group of five opto-insulated digital inputs with common available on the terminal. It
is possible to activate the inputs by connecting the terminal to the battery negative: in this way,
the common terminal JP-6 must be connected to the battery positive and the selector S3 must
be set on common positive.
Alternatively, it is possible to activate the inputs by connecting them to the battery negative: in
this case, the common terminal JP-6 must be connected to the battery negative and the
selector S3 must be set on common negative.
The five inputs are wholly configurable (see par. In fact, every digital input can have an
AND/OR logic associated, which determines its status (see par. 5.4.5).
By default, the functions of the JP input on the MC200 controller are the following:
They are a group of five opto-insulated digital inputs with common available on the terminal. It
is possible to activate the inputs by connecting the terminal to the battery negative: in this way,
the common terminal JO-6 must be connected to the battery positive and the selector S2 must
be set on common positive.
Alternatively, it is possible to activate the inputs by connecting them to the battery negative: in
this case, the common terminal JO-6 must be connected to the battery negative and the
selector S2 must be set on common negative.
The five inputs are wholly configurable (see par.5.4.5).
The status of the virtual inputs is displayed at pages S.11 (0=output not active, 1=output
active).
Example of the use of an AND/OR logic. Let us suppose we would like to activate a warning if
the mains exceed the tolerance thresholds while the MGCB is closed. Let us use the virtual
digital input #1 (as example).
Therefore, the virtual digital input will be active when the MGCB is closed and the
mains is out of tolerance.
Let us set the DIF.4001 function (“Generic warning”) within the P.2151 parameter.
Let us set the desired delay (for example 0.5 s) within the P.2152 parameter.
Let us set the alarm message (for example “mains voltage warning”) within the P.2153
parameter.
5.4.5 Digital inputs configuration
The digital inputs 9-18 (JO and JP) are by default configured as inputs with common plus and
therefore with activation status equal to the digital inputs 1-8 (JL). It means that all the digital
inputs are considered “active” only when the related terminal is connected to the supply
negative of the controller; they are considered “not active” when the related terminal is left
open.
The logic status of the input can be reversed with respect to the physical status by
ticking the “Reversed polarity” box in the input configuration page on BoardPrg3.
The box is only visible if the function selected is other than DIF.0000 – “Not used”.
It is also possible to reverse the logic status (always individually for each input), directly by the
controller, using the parameters:
Parameter Inputs
P.2000 01...16
P.2050 17...18
P.2100 Analogue inputs used as digital ones
P.2200 DITEL #01
P.2250 DITEL #02
A bit set to zero means that the related input is “active” when it is connected to the
negative supply of the controller.
A bit set to one means that the related input is considered “active” when it is not
connected to anything (it will become “not active” if it is connected to the supply
negative terminal of the controller).
Each input (both physical and virtual) has three parameters associated:
One parameter that configures its function (P.2001 for input 1).
A parameter that configures the delay time (P.2002 for the input 1).
A parameter that configures a message to show on the display (P.2003 for the input
1).
The management of the physical and virtual inputs is the same, except that the virtual inputs
cannot be inverted.
The status of the digital inputs, virtual inputs and inputs available through DITEL modules is
displayed at pages S.11 and S.12 (0=output not active, 1=output active).
The controller uses the parameters that configure the delay and the message for an input only
for certain features of that input. The following table highlights when they are used.
NOTE: in BoardPrg3, the boxes for the delay and the message are always displayed,
even if they are not used by the controller.
The input functions that start with 3xxx are related to the functioning status; those that start
with 4xxx activate alarms (alarms, unloads or warnings).
The following function, not directly linked to the operation sequences of the controller, are
selectable for any digital output:
• DIF.0101 - “Used by PLC”. It is possible to use the digital inputs of the controller only
for the PLC logics, without the controller normal operation sequence using them. In
these cases, it is possible to leave the inputs configured with the function DIF.0000
(“Not used”). Therefore, there is the risk to reuse the input for other purposes, as it
seems to be available: for this reason, there is the DIF.0101 function (to indicate the
input used, even if not directly by the controller).
Input function
Name Delay Message Description
xx.
DIF.0000 Not used. Input not used.
DIF.0101 Used by PLC. Input used by the internal PLC logic.
DIF.1001 Request for MGCB closure. It only acts in MAN mode, used to control the manual closing
of the circuit breaker. If there is no input configured with the
function DIF.1002, this input works as toggle: it commands
the closure of the breaker when the same is open and
commands the opening when the same is closed. The
controller closes the circuit breaker when the input becomes
active.
DIF.1002 Request for MGCB opening. It only acts in MAN mode, used to control the manual opening
of the circuit breaker. The controller opens the circuit breaker
when the input becomes active.
DIF.1003 MGCB controlled externally. It indicates to the controller that an external logic temporarily
controls the circuit breaker: the controller will acknowledge it
without activating faults.
5.5
The controller has eighteen digital outputs: four relay outputs (JJ and JH), four positive static
outputs (JD) and ten negative static outputs (JQ and JR). It is possible to add two DITEL
modules 16 IN, each of which manages up to two DITEL 8 OUT relay modules, for 32
additional outputs, in addition to the one on the controller.
5.5.1 JJ - Digital outputs 15-16
The outputs of the JJ connector are free (not configured) as default, and can be freely
configured by means the parameter of the controller.
The status of these outputs is displayed at pages S.13 (0=output not active, 1=active output).
In detail:
5.5.1.1 JJ-2 COMMON PLUS Common positive
Positive input common for outputs 15 and 16, internally protected by self-reset fuse: it is
therefore suggested to protect it with a correct range external fuse. It must be connected to
the positive of the power supply by means of a contact of the emergency button: that is, this
connection must be interrupted by keeping the emergency button pressed. Several emergency
buttons may be used by series connecting them to each other.
Without voltage on that input (that is, pressing the emergency button,), in operational
modes (MAN, AUTO, TEST, etc.) the device generates the alarm AL.048 “A048
Emergency Stop”. It is not possible to configure the controller to deactivate the alarm
for emergency stop.
The voltage at terminal JJ-2 is measured for the management of the relative alarm and is
displayed on page S.15 at EM-S
Attention: do not use the terminal as common negative for the two relays outputs. Inside, in
effect, are damper diodes for the opening over voltages that would enter in conduction and
could be immediately damaged.
5.5.1.2 JJ-1 Digital output 15
Positive relay output, with maximum capacity of 3A @30VDC. Integrated internal diode for
damping opening over voltages. This terminal shows the battery voltage present on connector
JJ-2; although one is already present inside, with particularly inductive loads (remote control
switches, electromagnets, etc.) it is advisable to use a damper diode for opening over voltages.
The output can be freely configured by means of parameter P.3015, see paragraph 5.5.6 and
document [1] for the parameters list.
5.5.1.3 JJ-3 Digital output 16
Positive relay output, with maximum capacity of 3A @30VDC. Integrated internal diode for
damping opening over voltages. This terminal shows the battery voltage present on connector
JJ-2; although one is already present inside, with particularly inductive loads (remote control
switches, electromagnets, etc.) it is advisable to use a damper diode for opening over voltages.
Attention: for currents over the nominal one use an external restart relay.
The output can be freely configured by means of parameter P.3016, see paragraph 5.5.6 and
document [1] for the parameters list.
5.5.2 JH - Digital outputs 17-18: outputs for the command on the loads switching
The controller uses two 10A@250Vac relays in clean contact for the switching commands of
the loads. On JH connector, a clean contact in exchange for each of the two relays is available.
The output 17 is necessary to (as default) connect the loads to the generator. The output 18
is necessary to (as default) connect the loads to the generator. Both the relays can be used
for other functions.
The normally closed contact of output 18 and the normally open contact of output 17 should
be used; in this way, even with deactivated controller, however the loads remain connected to
the electric mains.
If there is only one circuit breaker, the MCB output (terminals 4... 6 of JH) is not used, it can
be therefore associated to a different function (see par. 5.5.6).
They are four digital outputs, wholly programmable. When activated, they bring themselves to
the positive supply voltage which is on the JC-2 supply terminal. The nominal capacity of each
single output is 500mA: the total current is therefore 2A. Do never overpass these values.
The outputs are independent and individually protected from overloads, short circuits, polar
inversion and overheating. The protection of overload intervenes limiting the current peak at
an instantaneous value of 4A, to allow the activation of loads which need a higher transitory
current than the nominal. When this condition is lasting, after 150us the gradual intervention
of the thermal protection begins, until the output is turned off.
With inductive loads (power relays, electro-magnetic actuators), although already internally
present, it is advisable to use damping diodes of the opening over voltages.
All the current supplied by the outputs must be kept available by means of JC-2 +BATT;
ensure that the eventual protection fuse on the supply positive have adequate capacity
and intervention time to protect both the outputs and the device in any usage condition.
The default functions of these outputs are:
Type of Default function
Terminal Digital output
output
JD-1 01 DOF.0000 - “Not used”.
JD-2 02 Static output DOF.0000 - “Not used”.
at battery
JD-3 03 positive DOF.0000 - “Not used”.
JD-4 04 DOF.0000 - “Not used”.
They are four digital outputs, wholly programmable. When activated, they bring themselves to
the negative supply voltage which is on the JC-1 GND supply terminal. Through this terminal,
all current supplied by the active outputs flows. The nominal capacity of each output is of
280mA, while the total current with all active outputs of JR and JQ (Outputs 5-14) must be
maintained below 2A. Do never overpass these values.
The outputs are independent and individually protected from overloads, short circuits, polar
inversion and overheating. The overload protection intervenes limiting the current peak at an
instantaneous value of 2.2A. When this condition is lasting, the intervention of the thermal
protection starts, which gradually reduces the current to keep the temperature of the output
driver within its maximum limit.
With inductive loads (power relays, electro-magnetic actuators) it is advisable to use damping
diodes of the opening over voltages.
They are four digital outputs, totally programmable. When activated, they bring themselves to
the negative supply voltage which is on the JC-1 GND supply terminal. Through this terminal,
all current supplied by the active outputs flows. The nominal capacity of each output is of
280mA, while the total current with all active outputs of JR and JQ (Outputs 5-14) must be
maintained below 2A. Do never overpass these values.
The JQ-5 terminal can be used, alternatively to the function of output 14 as independent
hardware watch-dog output. The activation happens through the S4 selector which, if set to
ON, connects the output to the internal watch-dog circuit. If the device works properly, the
output always remains in operation (output connected to battery negative). If the device is
blocked and/or does not refresh the watch-dog circuit for a time higher than 5 seconds, the
output automatically fails. If the device is turned off, the output immediately falls without waiting
the 5 seconds’ time-out. The output is on after about 1 sec, from the controller starting. If the
watch-dog is disabled (S4=OFF) the status of the output 14 on JQ-5 terminal depends on its
configuration. In case the output 14 is programmed with a specific function and the selector
S4 is anyway set to ON (watch-dog output active), the output remains connected to the watch-
dog circuit and it will never be activated by the chosen function.
Using the output as watch-dog the functionality of output 14 is lost.
All outputs are independent and individually protected from overloads, short circuits, polar
inversion and overheating. The overload protection intervenes limiting the current peak at an
instantaneous value of 2.2A. When this condition is lasting, the intervention of the thermal
protection starts, which gradually reduces the current to keep the temperature of the output
driver within its maximum limit.
With inductive loads (power relays, electro-magnetic actuators) it is advisable to use damping
diodes of the opening over voltages.
The status of the digital outputs is displayed at pages S.13 and S14 (0=output not active,
1=output active).
Using BoardPrg3 it is possible to invert the activation by simply selecting the box “Inverted
polarity”, on the top of the configuration page of each output.
However, operating directly on the controller it is possible to invert the outputs logics (still
individually for each outputs) using the parameters:
Parameter Outputs
P.3000 01...16
P.3020 17...18
P.3200 DITEL #01
P.3250 DITEL #02
A bit to zero means that the output is normally at rest. It operates when it is required by the
associated function.
A bit to one means that the output is normally activated. It goes at rest when it is required by
the associated function.
While the map for the outputs on the four DITEL 8 OUT modules is:
Bit Hexadecimal value Digital output
1 0001 Output 01
2 0002 Output 02
3 0004 Output 03
4 0008 Output 04
5 0010 Output 05
6 0020 Output 06
7 0040 Output 07
Basically, if you want to invert the logic of an output it is necessary to add in the relative
parameter its corresponding value: e.g. If you want to invert the outputs 3 and 4 on the
controller, it is necessary to set P.3000 = 000C (thus 0004+0008); if you want to invert the
outputs 5 and 10 of the DITEL (16 IN + 16 OUT) second group, it is necessary to set P.3250
= 0210 (thus 0010+0200).
The digital outputs can be used directly as command for external devices of the controller or
as signalling of operation conditions.
The following three function, not directly linked to the operation sequences of the controller,
are selectable for any digital output:
• DOF.0101 - “Used by PLC”. This function matches the digital output to the PLC
program inside the device; in this way, it is the PLC logic which commands the output,
and not the normal operation logics of the controller. Note: if the PLC program uses
some outputs, but those are not configured with function DOF.0101, the outputs will
not be commanded (but the controller signals this situation with a warning).
• DOF.0102 - “Commanded by the serial ports”. The controller does not command the
output with own internal logics, but with the commands received by means of the serial
ports.
First, the operator must decide whether the conditions list must be evaluated as AND (they
must be all verified) or as OR (at least one condition verified). It is not possible to have
mixed AND/OR logics (it is possible to do it using virtual digital inputs, see below).
Up to 30 conditions can be added. Each condition can be individually denied: in the previous
picture, for example, the controller will check the digital input 2 and the digital output 17 to be
both not active. The following conditions can be added:
The following chart shows the list of the internal statuses available for the AND/OR logics.
Status Description
ST_000 OFF_RESET.
ST_001 MAN.
ST_002 AUTO.
ST_003 TEST.
ST_004 AVVIAMENTO REMOTO.
ST_006 Acknowledgment of anomalies in progress.
ST_007 Reset of anomalies in progress.
ST_008 Warnings.
ST_009 Unloads.
ST_011 Alarms.
ST_012 Not recognized warnings.
ST_013 Not recognized unloads.
ST_015 Not recognized alarms.
ST_016 Mains present (voltages/frequency).
ST_017 Mains absent or out of thresholds.
ST_018 Delay for mains in thresholds.
ST_019 Mains in thresholds.
ST_020 Delay for mains absent or out of thresholds.
ST_048 Load bus-bars live (voltages).
ST_049 Generators bus-bars live (voltages).
ST_051 Protection 27Q activated.
ST_052 Mains fault protections activated (mains absent).
ST_053 Protection 27 activated (U<<, 1° threshold).
ST_054 Protection 59 activated (U>>, 1° threshold).
ST_055 Protection 81< activated (f<<, 1° threshold).
ST_056 Protection 81> activated (f>>, 1° threshold).
ST_057 Protection ROCOF activated.
ST_058 Protection VECTOR JUMP activated.
Using the virtual digital inputs, it is possible to create mixed AND/OR logics (composed by
AND or OR together). Let’s suppose we want to activate the digital output #1 when the digital
inputs #1 and #2 are active, or if the digital input #3 is active.
Fist, we must associate to the virtual digital input #1 e.g. an AND/OR logic configured as AND,
which checks that the first two inputs are both active. Then we must associate to the digital
output #1 an AND/OR logic configured as OR, which checks that the virtual digital input #1, or
the digital input #3 are active. Basically, we should use the virtual digital input #1 as “support”
for the AND condition. In this case, it is not necessary to associate any function to the virtual
digital input.
5.6
The device is equipped by two differential 0...10V voltage analogue inputs available on
terminal JU, four inputs in voltage available on terminal JK and one in voltage available on
terminal JJ-4.
All these inputs can also be configured individually as digital inputs (function AIF.0100 in
parameter P.4001 or equivalent). In this case, the analogue inputs from 1 to 7 will be additional
digital inputs from 19 to 25. The status of the virtual inputs is displayed at page S.11 (0=output
not active, 1=output active). The inputs not configured as digital will be displayed with a dash.
If set as digital (function AIF.0100 in parameter P.4001 or equivalent), the inputs are
considered active when the measured voltage is higher than 4.0Vdc; they are considered not
active when the measured voltage is lower than 3.5Vdc. They cannot therefore be activated
as the other inputs by connecting it to the mass:
They are two inputs for the measure of voltage signals for 0...10Vdc signals.
The two ANALOGUE inputs INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 are not galvanically isolated, but it is
possible to measure the signal in differential, so that they can compensate eventual
differences of measure negatives compared to the negative of GND controller. The
compensation range is -10 /+6Vdc.
The terminals REF.IN1 (JU-4) and REF.IN2 (JU-6) are internally connected to GND by means
of 1KΩ resistors; this allows to avoid their connection with the masses of the sources of voltage
signals for connections which are short and inside the control panel.
On the same connector JU, there are also one regulated +5Vdc output (JU-1) and one output
connected to the mass inside the device (JU-2). This voltage is specific for the use of
potentiometers. The total minimum resistance applicable between JU-1 and JU-2 is 10KΩ.
The device is equipped with four programmable inputs (0...10Vdc) JK-2, JK-3, JK-4, JK-5.
The voltages are measured respect the negative power supply JC-1 GND. The four voltage
values measured on the terminals are displayed on page S.15.
This input acquires a voltage with measurement range from 0 to 32Vdc compared to the supply
negative of the controller (GND). Page S.15 shows the measured voltage.
5.6.4 Configuration of digital inputs (AI_CONTROLLER)
The analogue inputs can be used for the acquisition of several predefined values or to acquire
generic sensors (therefore user-adjustable). Some values can be only acquired by some
inputs (see following chat in this paragraph).
It is possible to apply to all physical analogue inputs (JU, JK, JJ e DIVIT) a conversion curve
(not to the virtual analogue inputs and to DIGRIN and DITHERM).
To each analogue input (JU, JK, JJ, DIGRIN, DITHERM, DIVIT and virtual) a set of 8
parameters is associated, to define the function type, an alternative denomination and a series
of generic thresholds and configurations usable for different functions. Following are listed, as
examples, those relative to the JK-2 input. For parameters of other inputs, refer to document
[1] or to configuration page I/O of BoardPrg3.
NOTE: On BoardPrg3 the parameters are all displayed only when the input is configured as
analogue, and not as digital. The analogue inputs of the expansion modules are only displayed
if the module is configured.
One parameter which configures its function (P.4017 for input JK-2).
A parameter that configures a message to show on display (P.4018 for the input JK-
2).
▪ A parameter which configure the threshold value (P.4019 and P.4022 for input
JK-2).
▪ A parameter which configure the checking options and the actions in case of
“out of threshold” (P.4021 e P.4024 for the input JK-2).
The parameter which contains a message for a given analogue input (in the example
parameter P.4018), it is displayed by the controller each time the thresholds are used to
activate alarms and/or warnings (see after). It is also used for the following functions of the
analogue inputs AIF.2001, AIF.2003 e AIF.2005. In this case, the measurement acquired will
be displayed on pages M.14, M.15 and M.16, preceded by the configured message. NOTE: it
is also possible to use function AIF.2051 instead of the three preceding ones. In this
case, the measurement acquired will be not displayed; it can be used with the
thresholds to manage digital outputs and activate warnings/alarms.
Bit 0. If this bit is “OFF”, the controller checks if the measurement is higher than the
threshold. If this bit is “ON”, the controller checks if the measurement is lower than the
threshold.
Bit 1. If this bit is “OFF”, the controller sets to OFF the internal status related to this
analogue measurement, if the measurement is out of threshold. If this bit is “ON”, the
controller sets to ON the internal status related to this analogue measurement, if the
measurement is out of threshold.
Bit 3. If this bit is “ON”, the controller transmits the anomaly to generators also.
Bit 4. If this bit is “ON”, the controller activates a warning if the measurements is out
of threshold.
Bit 5. If this bit is “ON”, the controller commands an unload if the measurements is out
of threshold.
Bit 7. If this bit is “ON”, the controller activates an alarm if the measurements is out of
threshold.
Bit 8. If this bit is “ON”, the controller checks that MCB is closed to activate eventual
warnings/alarms configured with the preceding bits.
Bit 9. If this bit is “ON”, the controller checks that MGCB is closed to activate eventual
warnings/alarms configured with the preceding bits.
Bit 13. If this bit is “ON”, to activate eventual warnings/alarms configured with the
preceding bits, the controller checks the status of eventual digital inputs configured
with function “DIF.2705 – Disable the protections on analogue measurements”. The
warnings/alarms will be activated if no digital input is configured like that, or if they are
all OFF.
Bit 15. If this bit is “ON”, the anomaly is subject to override of the protections.
Using together the two thresholds and the AND/OR logics, it is possible to activate a digital
output related to the value of an analogue measurement, with hysteresis. See the example in
the next chapter for the virtual analogue inputs.
The following chart shows the list of functions matchable with the analogue inputs of the
controller.
Analogue
Thres Controller DIV DIGRIN /
Input function Name Message
holds (JU, JK, JJ-4) IT DITHERM
xx.
AIF.0000 Not used. X X X
AIF.0100 Used as digital input. X
AIF.2001 Generic sensor (page 1). X X X X X
AIF.2003 Generic sensor (page 2). X X X X X
AIF.2005 Generic sensor (page 3). X X X X X
AIF.2051 Generic sensor. X X X X X
AIF.2101 Speed offset. X X
AIF.2103 External synchronizer. X X
AIF.2105 External MCB synchronizer. X X
AIF.2107 External MGCB synchronizer. X X
AIF.2201 Voltage offset. X X
AIF.2303 Power on the mains. X X
AIF.2307 Setpoint for system BASE LOAD. X X
AIF.2309 Setpoint for system IMPORT/EXPORT. X X
AIF.2405 Setpoint for system power factor. X X
All the AIF.XXXX odd functions require the use of program BoardPrg3 for the definition or the
load of the characteristic curve of the sensor (see par. 0). The measures acquired from
To activate digital outputs based on the value of the internal available measurements.
It is possible to operate in two ways to assign a value to the virtual analogue inputs:
• Using the internal PLC. In this case, it is necessary to assign a standard function to
the virtual analogue input (function lower than AIF.4001).
For example, we can use the PLC program to modify the power setpoint for the parallel
with the mains based on a temperature acquired from an external sensor. It is
necessary:
o To set parameter P.4051 (function for virtual analogue input #1) to value 2309
(AIF.2309 – Setpoint for system BASE LOAD). The controller will therefore
use the value of virtual analogue input #1 as power setpoint for the parallel
with the mains.
o Using the internal PLC, create a logic which writes into the virtual analogue
input #1 the power setpoint corresponding to the external temperature
acquired.
The following chart shows the list of functions matchable with the analogue inputs of the
controller.
Virtual Analogue
Name Message Thresholds
Input function xx.
AIF.0000 Not used
AIF.2001 Generic sensor (page 1). X X
AIF.2003 Generic sensor (page 2). X X
AIF.2005 Generic sensor (page 3). X X
AIF.2051 Generic sensor. X X
AIF.2101 Speed offset.
AIF.2103 External synchronizer.
AIF.2105 External MCB synchronizer.
AIF.2107 External MGCB synchronizer.
AIF.2201 Voltage offset.
AIF.2303 Power on the mains.
AIF.2307 Setpoint for system BASE LOAD.
AIF.2309 Setpoint for system IMPORT/EXPORT.
AIF.2405 Setpoint for system power factor.
It is not possible to use functions major than 4000 for the configuration of physical
analogue inputs.
Using together the two thresholds and the AND/OR logics, it is possible to activate a digital
output related to the value of an analogue measurement, with hysteresis. Let’s assume to
activate a digital output if the mains frequency goes over 50.5 Hz. It is first necessary to
manage a minimum hysteresis on the threshold. Otherwise when the mains frequency is next
to the threshold, the output would keep on activating and deactivating for minimum variation
of the frequency itself. Let’s assume to activate the output if the frequency goes over 50.5 Hz
and turn off the output if the frequency is lower than 50.3 Hz. To do so, we use for example
the virtual analogue input #1 which has been configured to contain the mains frequency.
The first threshold is used to activate the internal status associated to the analogue input.
Having a look to the configuration parameter, we can see that:
Bit 0 OFF (checks that the measurement is higher than the threshold).
The second threshold is used to deactivate the internal status associated to the analogue
input. Having a look to the configuration parameter, we can see that:
Using AND/OR logics (see par. 5.5.7), it is possible to “copy” the internal status on a physical
output.
5.6.6 Conversion curves
The conversion curves are a tool which allows to convert a numeric value in another numeric
value. They can be used for analogue inputs and for the analogue outputs, for two purposes:
To convert the acquired value from an analogue input (physical) which is on the
controller or on the optional expansion modules from electric value to real unit of
measure of the sensor.
Note: the configuration of the AND/OR logics cannot be carried out directly from the
controller display, but it must be carried out by PC with the BoardPrg3 software.
The curves, once created, can be saved on a file to use them later even on other
controllers.
The figure above shows a conversion curve associated to an analogue output. The analogue
output has been configured with function AOF.3101 (“Frequency of the generators/bus”). With
this configuration, the output will be 10% for a generators frequency lower than or equal to 45
Hz, 90% for a frequency higher than or equal to 55 Hz; for frequency values included between
45 Hz and 55 Hz, the output will take a value between 10% and 90%.
You can add up to 32 points in the graph, thus creating also non-linear curves. Note, in the
example, that the configured curve has two horizontal segments at the beginning and at the
end, obtained inserting two equal values in column “After”, corresponding to two different
values in column “Before”. This is not mandatory, but it allows you to set a saturation limit on
The BoardPrg3 software allows you (by means of the first buttons on top left) to save the curve
on file to be able to use it again in other applications. It is therefore possible to make an archive
of the conversions associated to the sensors used.
In case the curve is associated to a physical analogue input configured with functions
AIF.2001, AIF.2003 e AIF.2005 (“generic sensor”), the measurement converted will be
displayed on pages M.14, M.15 and M.16: in this case, it is also possible to specify (through
the conversion curve) how many decimal digits the displayed value and its unit of measure
must have.
5.7
The analogue outputs 1 and 2 are provided for interfacing external devices equipped with
analogue input in voltage or current.
The output voltage can be controlled through TR1 and TR2 potentiometers, between a
minimum of ±1VDC and a maximum of ±10VDC. These potentiometers, therefore, define the
maximum of the analogue outputs.
The outputs can be positive or negative (symmetrical type) if connected VOUT+ and VOUT-,
or only positive (asymmetrical type) if connected between VOUT+ and 0V.
The following functions, not directly linked to the operation sequences of the controller, are
selectable for any digital output:
• AOF.0101 - “Used by PLC”. This function matches the analogue output to the PLC
program inside the device; in this way, it is the PLC logic which commands the output,
and not the normal operation logics of the controller. Note: if the PLC program uses
some outputs, but those are not configured with function AOF.0101, the outputs will
not be commanded (but the controller signals this situation with a warning).
• AOF.0102 - “Managed by serial ports”. The controller does not command the output
with own internal logics, but with the commands received by means of the serial ports.
The following chart shows the list of functions matchable with the analogue outputs:
Analogue output function
Name
xx.
AOF.0000 Not used.
AOF.0101 Used by the PLC.
AOF.0102 Managed by serial ports.
AOF.1000 Speed governor.
AOF.1001 Speed governor (with curve).
AOF.1002 Voltage regulator.
AOF.1003 Voltage regulator (with curve).
AOF.3101 Frequency of the generators/bus.
AOF.3111 Voltage of the generators/bus.
AOF.3121 Active power of the generators/bus.
AOF.3201 Frequency of the mains.
AOF.3211 Voltage of the mains.
AOF.3221 Active power of the mains.
When functions AOF.3101 and following are used, you must configure the proportion between
the selected measure (voltage, frequency, etc.) and the % value by means of the conversion
curves (see par. 5.6.6).
5.8
Using the connection CAN bus-0 EXBUS (JM) it is possible to connect the following optional
additional modules to the device:
• 3 DITHERM/DIGRIN modules:
• 2 DITEL 16IN modules: 16 digital inputs optoinsulated (total 32 inputs). To each DITEL
16IN module it is possible to connect 2 DITEL modules 8 OUT relays for a total of 32
digital outputs. It is not possible to use the output modules without their relative input
module.
Below we use the name DITEMP to refer to a temperature measurement module (DITHERM
or DIGRIN).
To use the modules on it is necessary to set the number of modules which are with the
parameters.
• P.0142 the number of DITEMP modules (i.e. DITHERM or DIGRIN) (maximum 3).
Once configured the presence of the modules, they look like digital or analogue inputs or
outputs and are managed as those present on the controller.
In program BoardPrg3, once the presence of a module is configured, it appears on menu I/O
in the left column, with single inputs/outputs ready to be configured.
It is necessary, though, to clarify about DIVIT modules. They can measure any value: it is
necessary to convert the measure done (Volt or mA) to the real unit of measure of the acquired
value. Such a conversion can be done directly in the module (DIVIT), or on the MC200. Ensure
you don’t have a double conversion.
It is suggested to:
• Configure the module DIVIT to transmit a percentage value. In the example below, a
channel configured to acquire a signal 0-10 mA, will transmit “0” at 0 mA and “100” at
10 mA.
• On the MC200, use a conversion curve to convert from a % value to the real unit of
measure.
The controller uses phase L1 (terminals JG-3/JF-3) and L2 (terminal JG-2/JF-2) to measure
the frequency.
For CAT.III use, the maximum working voltage is 300Vac (phase-neutral) and 520Vac
(phase to phase). The maximum voltage compared to the protection earth is 300Vac.
If working voltages are greater than these values, step-down transformer must be used to
respect the specified limits. The nominal voltages on the primary and secondary of the VT are
configurable with parameters P.0117 and P.0118 for the mains and parameters P.0103 and
P.0104 for the generators bus. It is suggested to use voltage transformers having a nominal
voltage of 400V on the secondary (this solution can preserve the best available measurement
precision of the board).
In alternative, it is possible to use VT, with secondary sides of 100V. In this case, it is
necessary to configure parameter P.0152 (for the mains) and P.0151 (for the generators bus)
for the operation at 100V. The controller will adapt the internal gain to optimize the voltage
measurement on the nominal value set in these parameters.
It is also possible to use the Aron insertion of the VTs, which uses only two transformers,
instead of three (see par. 5.9.4). In this case, it is necessary not to use the neutral connection.
Attention! Do not connect JG/JF measurement input to TA with 400V secondary sides
or directly to the voltage 400V when the device is configured to read at 100V nominal
voltage (parameters P0.152/P.0151 set to 1). The device could be damaged.
The following chapters show all the possible wirings for the alternator. In the example, it is
supposed that each internal winding provides 115 Vac. The possible connections are:
5.9.1 Star or Wye (three phases, four wires)
This kind of wiring assumes the presence of the Neutral line. If the alternator is Wye-wired but
the neutral line is not distributed, leave terminal JF-4 / JG-4 unconnected: the controller
internally creates a virtual Neutral point; in this case, if the L-N voltage measures are not
required, set P.0129 or P.0128 to zero.
Parameters:
Measure Nominal value Page for mains Page for generators bus
Parameters:
Measure Nominal value Page for mains Page for generators bus
Parameters:
Measure Nominal value Page for mains Page for generators bus
Parameters:
Measure Nominal value Page for mains Page for generators bus
Parameters:
115 × 2
Parameters:
115
Measure Nominal value Page for mains Page for generators bus
5.10
To these terminals, external current transformers with 5Aac or 1Aac secondary can be
connected: internally, the controller guarantees the same measurement precision with both
types of transformer.
Each current measurement requires a power of about 1VA: however, 5VA CTs are suggested
to compensate the losses along the connection cables.
The maximum current measurable directly from the device is 7Aac. Over this threshold the
measure circuit saturates. The controller can measure (with progressively decreasing
precision) up to 15Aac though, e.g. to measure overcurrents or short circuit currents on the
plant, using an algorithm of compensation of saturation of the circuits of measurement.
For one-phase connections, JE-3, JE-4, JE-5, JE-6 terminals can be left free.
Normally, JE connector is used for the measurement of the currents (and the powers) on the
mains; its use is however configurable by means parameter P.0124:
Parameters P.0107 and P.0139 allows to configure the transformation ratio of the external
current transformers. For example, if we use 50/5 current transformers, set P.0107=50 and
P.0139=5.
5.10.1.1 Aron insertion of current transformers
It is possible, independently from the connection of the voltmeter transformers, to connect
current transformers configured as Aron insertion. This allows to use only two current
transformers instead of three.
JI input type varies depending on the controller has been ordered with or without the toroid
option (code E620215011000). This option is only on demand.
5.10.2.1 Controller without option E620215011000
Parameter P.0109 must be set to “0 - CT”.
The current measurement must happen only by means of external current transformers (CT).
Do not connect voltage conductors to JI. The measurement happens through current
transformers inside the device.
To these terminals, external current transformers with 5Aac or 1Aac secondary can be
connected: internally, the controller guarantees the same measurement precision with both
types of transformer.
The current measurement requires a power of about 1VA: however, 5VA CTs are suggested
to compensate the losses along the connection cables.
The maximum current measurable directly from the device is 7Aac. Over this threshold the
measure circuit saturates. The controller can measure (with progressively decreasing
precision) up to 15Aac though, e.g. to measure overcurrents or short circuit currents on the
plant, using an algorithm of compensation of saturation of the circuits of measurement.
Parameters P.0108 and P.0135 allows to configure the transformation ratio of the external
current transformers. For example, if we use 50/5 current transformers, set P.0108=50 and
P.0135=5.
5.10.2.2 Controller with option E620215011000
Parameter P.0109 must be set to “1 - Toroid”.
The current measurement must happen only by means of an external toroid. Do not connect
voltage conductors to JI and JE.
The maximum current measurable directly from the device is 0,1Aac. Over this threshold the
measure circuit saturates. Use one toroid with a transformation ratio which guarantees
currents lower than this threshold on the secondary.
Parameters P.0108 and P.0135 allows to configure the transformation ratio of the external
toroid. For example, if we use 500/1 toroid, set P.0108=500 and P.0135=1.
The cold pole of the toroid (JI-2) must also be connected to the supply negative of the
controller.
5.10.2.3 Use of the fourth current
Parameter P.0130 allows to tell the controller where is located the transformer which acquires
this measurement.
The most important parameter to be configured is parameter P.0131 though, that allows to
establish which use of current measurement you want to do:
• P.0131 = 0 (“Not used”) The controller disables the measurement of the fourth current,
which will not be shown on display.
• P.0131 = 2 (“Neutral”). The controller displays the current measurement done on page
M.04 identifying as “An”.
• P.0131 = 4 (“Power measure”). The controller interprets the measurement like the
current circulating on L1 phase of the selected source (P.0130) and shows it on page
M.04 with the lettering “Ax”. The controller also calculates the active power (kW)
circulating on L1 phase of the selected source. Finally, for three-phase systems, it
multiplies the calculated power by three, assuming that the load is uniformly shared
on the three phases. If it was not like this, it is possible to apply a correction factor
(P.0132), which allows to increase the calculated power (if P.0132 > 1) or to decrease
it (if P.0132 < 1), to let it the closest to real. The calculated active power is shown on
page M.01.
Settings 1 and 2 allow to establish a threshold on the auxiliary current (P.0367 e P.0368). It is
possible to configure a digital input with function DIF.2704 - “Disable protections on fourth
current”. If the input is active, the thresholds, even if set, are ignored and do not activate
anomalies in case of overpassing.
• One USB 2.0 serial port not insulated, which can be used in Function or Host mode:
o Host (JNB, USB A connector): Pen Drive management (up to today not
available)
• One RS232 (JA) serial port with DB9 male connector usable for the interfacing with
an external device equipped with RS232 interface. The maximum length of the cable
is 12 mt.
• One RS485 serial port (JW) with galvanic insulation; the maximum connection length
in optimal conditions is 1200 mt. The 120ohm terminal resistor is integrated and can
be inserted through S5 selector. The use of a shielded cable with 120ohm impedance
is required (e.g. BELDEN 3105A Multi-conductor-EIA Industrial RS-485PLT/CM).
• One CAN bus port (JM) with galvanic insulation for the communication with additional
optional modules (DITEL, DITHERM, DIGRIN e DIVIT). The 120ohm terminal resistor
is integrated and can be inserted through S1 selector. The specific use of the shielded
cable is required (e.g. HELUKABEL 800571).
• One CAN bus port (JX) with galvanic insulation for the communication with other
devices for genset/mains/tie breaker control. The 120ohm terminal resistor is
integrated and can be inserted through S6 selector. The specific use of the shielded
cable is required (e.g. HELUKABEL 800571).
• One Ethernet port (JY) with RJ45 connector for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet nets
connections.
For details related to the communications see specific paragraphs and document [3].
RS232 JA connector (serial port 1) can be used for the interfacing with an external device
equipped with RS232 interface, e.g. a modem or a PC. The maximum distance of the
connection is 12 mt.
The connection can be used for the device parameter programming through BoardPrg3
program or for the connection to a supervision program as SicesSupervisor3.
• JA_02 RXD
• JA_03 TXD
• JA_04 DTR
• JA_05 GND
• JA_06 DSR
• JA_07 RTS
To configure the use of the serial port 1 it is necessary to set the following parameters:
For the use of a GSM modem it is necessary that the operator inserts a SIM card of any phone
operator. It is important that on the SIM card the PIN code is disabled: insert the SIM into
a phone and disable the PIN code before inserting it into the phone.
• If you want to use the data exchange with a pc through an analogue modem (classic
modem 56k for example), it is necessary a SIM which allows that kind of data. The
data exchange happens through the phone channel, but the mobile operators can
enable/disable the passage of the data on phone both on the calls done and on those
received. Normally, the passage of the data on phone is available on SIM M2M
(machine to machine), but it is better to check with your own operator anyway.
Attention: if you talk about data with your phone operator, he would mean the
data on TCP/IP protocol (those of the Smartphone), but they are not the data
needed, though.
For the use of SMS or data transmission through phone see document [3].
The device is equipped with a RS485 serial port (serial port 2) galvanically insulated and
independent from serial port 1 (RS232), usable to connect via Modbus to a PC or other
devices.
For details on RS485 connections, its usage and its parameter programming, refer to
document [3].
Connections:
The RS485 connection needs a 120Ohm termination resistor on both ends of the cable. The
device has integrated resistor; to insert it, it is necessary to act on selector S5. The galvanic
insulation guarantees the operation security of the connection also among distant devices and
with different mass potentials compared with the controller. The maximum connection length
is 1200m: it is also function of the set transmission baud rate, though. The use of a special
shielded cable is provided (see 4.2) with shielded filter connected to earth.
To configure the use of the serial port 2 it is necessary to set the following parameters:
On serial port 2 cannot be connected a modem; for the rest, it is possible to use it for the same
connections possible from RS232 serial port using RS485/RS232 adaptors or RS485/USB
when necessary.
5.11.3 JNA - USB Serial port: function mode
The USB protocol specifications don’t allow its use in the permanent industrial field due to the
limited length of the cable and of the elevated sensibility to electric disturbs also on PC side.
For this reason, the USB connection cable must be inserted only when it is necessary
to operate on the device and can be removed from the JNA connector when the
operation has finished.
• Firmware upgrade.
• Parameter configuration.
Upgrading the device firmware is a specific operation of SICES srl; besides the FW to be
inserted, it requires a procedure and special programs. Also, it must not be done by the
installator, except for specific cases previously agreed with Sices.
The USB port can be used for the programming of parameters with BoardPrg3 program, in
alternative to the RS232/RS485 serial connection or Ethernet.
Once installed the driver, the PC will detect the controller as a new serial port, to be used
exactly as it was a RS232 serial port.
The Ethernet port with RJ45 connector is provided for data connection via LAN. For details on
net connection and protocol, refer to document [3].
It is possible to connect the device inside a LAN or directly to a PC (point to point connection).
The connection makes possible the use of SicesSupervisor3 supervision SW, BoardPrg3
configuration and all available functionalities through the TCP/IP Modbus protocol.
The connection of the device inside a LAN also allows to maintain updated the internal
calendar with UTC, besides the possibility to assign a public IP address (static or dynamic)
directly to the device itself.
To reach the device inside a LAN net, it is necessary to configure at least parameters P.0500,
P.0501 e P.0502. It is possible to proceed in two ways:
• It is possible to dynamically acquire from the network the values for the three above
mentioned parameters. To do so, it is necessary that the controller can connect to a
DHCP server (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol). To proceed this way, it is
necessary that parameter P.0514 is set to 255.255.255.255 and that parameter
P.0513 is set to 67 (67 is the standard port for the DHCP server, if your server uses a
different port, set it in P.0513). Also, parameter P.0456 must contain the name to
which server DHCP will match the IP address (see after DNS description).
Once the controller has valid values for parameters P.0500, P.0501 and P.0502 (see page
S.05), can be contacted through Modbus-TCP protocol on the assigned IP address and on
TCP port configured with P.0503, for example with the supervision SW (SicesSupervisor3)
and of configuration (BoardPrg3). When using DHCP protocol, the controller will be reachable
through the Modbus-TCP protocol both on IP address and on the configured name, on P.0503
port.
• If you don’t use a DHCP server (see above), it is necessary to set the IP address of
the DNS server in P.0510 (it is possible to set the address of a secondary DNS server
in P.0511).
• If you use a DHCP server (see above), the IP address of the DNS server is acquired
by the controller directly from the DHCP server.
Parameters P.0508 and P.0509 allows to set the IP address and the port to be used to connect
to a NTP server (Network Time Protocol), in such way to keep synchronized and updated the
internal calendar with date and time of the reference time zone (that is, of the UTC time).
Setting one or both parameters to zero the function will be disabled. For more details refer to
the document 9.3.1.
The real IP addresses (those configured manually or those obtained by DHCP server) are
visible on page S.05.
5.12
For the connections below mentioned, use a cable suitable for CAN bus (see documents [5]
[6]).
5.12.1 JM - CAN bus port 0
This interface is used for the connection to expansion modules DITHERM, DIGRIN, DIVIT,
DITEL, DANOUT.
Connections:
Connect the shielding mesh of the shielded cable to the protective earth or to signal on both
sides.
For the configuration of the additional expansion modules, see par. 5.8.
5.12.2 JX - CAN bus port 1
This CAN bus interface must be used to connect among themselves all SICES
genset/mains/bus coupler controllers): through this communication channel (PMCB – Power
Management Communication Bus), the controllers exchange all necessary data to manage
the parallel functions (see document [8]).
Connections:
Connect the shielding mesh of the shielded cable to the protective earth or to signal on both
sides.
The CAN bus connection needs a 120Ohm termination resistor on both ends of the cable. It
is therefore necessary to insert such resistance only on the first and on the last SICES
controller. Note: the connection of the controllers can never be star but it must be daisy chain.
The terminal resistor is integrated in our controller; to insert it, you need to act on switch S6.
Use the parameters of menu 8 for the parallel functions (parameter P.0800 enables/disables
this CAN bus interface).
Pushbutton Function
The controller is disabled; all anomaly signals are disabled. The MGCB circuit
OFF/RESET breaker is opened (if it exists and is managed by the controller). The MCB
PROGRAM circuit breaker is closed (if it exists and is managed by the controller).
You can program the parameters.
The controller is set for manual generators control.
MODE UP
Press the START button to start the generators (if MGCB circuit breaker exists
and is opened, the generators close their GCB and work in parallel).
Press the STOP button to stop the generators (that will stop after GCB has
MAN been opened and the engine has been cooled).
Press the MCB button for manual opening/closing of the circuit breakers that
connects the mains to the loads.
Press the MGCB button for manual opening/closing of the circuit breakers that
connects the generators bus to the loads.
MODE The controller automatically manages the gensets operation, so they will be
DOWN started if required by the operating conditions.
By pressing the START button it is possible to activate/deactivate the TEST
AUTO TEST mode. If not otherwise configured, it does not close the MGCB circuit breaker.
The STOP button, if not otherwise configured, causes the stop of the gensets
and the activation of an alarm.
In programming mode, it cancels the changes made to a variable value, brings
up the previous menu level, or exits programming mode. If it is pressed for at
least two seconds in any menu, you exit the programming mode retaining the
current menu position for further programming access.
If it is pressed in any window, it displays the status information on the upper
line (displaying them cyclically).
Depending on the selected page, if pressed together with the ENTER button
for at least 5 seconds while in OFF/RESET mode, it can reset counters to
zero, reload default values of the programming parameters or cancel history
logs, force exit from BUS OFF mode of the CAN bus.
When used during the keyboard regulation function, it aborts the function.
Navigation buttons of the multifunction display. These buttons let you select
the previous or next page on the display in all modes, except in the
PROGRAM AND HISTORY LOG mode.
Horizontal navigation buttons: in PROGRAM mode, they are used to
position the cursor when entering the strings. Used in combination with the
ESC/SHIFT button, they allow to adjust the contrast:
ESC/SHIFT + LEFT: to decrease the contrast (lighten).
ESC/SHIFT + LEFT: to increase the contrast (darken).
Vertical navigation buttons: in PROGRAM and HISTORY LOG they allow
to scroll the menus and the variables / registrations. You can
increase/decrease the value of the variable. Used in combination with
ESC/SHIFT button, they allow to scroll through the menus ten entries at a time
or increase/decrease the variables ten units at a time.
Signalling Function
The controller is in the OFF/RESET operating mode.
Flashing at 50% on: it indicates that you are accessing the
PROGRAMMING menu.
The controller is in another operating mode.
Using parameter P.0493 it is possible to force the lamp always on when at least one generator
is running.
6.4.2 Contrast adjustment
Depending on the environmental temperature conditions, the contrast may require adjustment
to correctly view the display.
Press in sequence the ESC/SHIFT + LEFT buttons to reduce the contrast (lighten), press the
ESC/SHIFT + RIGHT buttons to increase it (darken).
6.4.3 Colours scheme
As a default, the controller shows all information on the display using a blue background. It is
possible to modify this logic, though, using parameter P.0499:
The colour of the messages depends on the background colour and on the type of information
displayed.
6.4.4 Mode navigation
The display has different visualization modes composed by different pages.
To view the pages inside the mode, use the LEFT and RIGHT buttons.
In some modes (P.XX and H.XX), to view the pages press the ENTER button first, and then
use the UP and DOWN buttons to navigate between pages.
If the UP and DOWN buttons must be used to manage the functions within the page, the
ENTER button must be pressed to activate the said functions, and the ESC/SHIFT button to
deactivate them.
6.4.5 Display area layout (ref. to fig. 4)
0 kvarh
2 Total: 0 kWh
0 kvarh
Exported energy
Pressing the ESC/SHIFT button, the controller replaces the title (while the button is held) with
a status message. By double clicking the ESC/SHIFT button, the title is replaced with a status
message so long as you remain on that page. If the bit 6 of parameter P.0495 is activated, the
controller automatically replaces the title with a status message if there is at least one pending
status message with a waiting time (countdown); if the operator selects a new page, the
controller shows the title for two seconds, then it shows the status message again.
To access the parameter modification mode, select page P.02 with UP and DOWN vertical
scroll buttons, then press ACK/ENTER to activate it.
To exit the programming menu and go back to the main window, press button ESC/SHIFT.
P.05 PROGRAMMING _
KEY:
1 - Status bar
1
2 - Current menu 2.1 Mains sensor ____________ _4/12
3 - Current parameter 2
4 - Parameter value 5 – Access
level 0236-Mains low frequency threshold (%)
3 [90.0]
4
(45.00 Hz)
5 ______________________________________
Access level: maker
6
Fig. 6 - Display areas
The first line under the top status bar identifies the current menu (2) with the menu number
and the relevant text. A pair of numbers is displayed on the right of this line (4/12 in the
example). The first indicates which entry of the menu is selected or which page is displayed,
the second indicates how many entries or pages can be displayed in the present
menu/submenu.
Each programming parameter (3) has a 4-digit numeric code (e.g. P.0236) to identify the
variables regardless of the language used. The current value of the parameter is displayed
below the description (4), between brackets. If the parameter configures a value that is a
percentage of another item, the controller shows the equivalent value in the measurement unit
of the reference item (5).
The last row shows the access level currently acknowledged to the operator (6).
6.5.1.2 Protection password
Access to the programming mode can be controlled by 4 different password levels, which are
listed in order of priority.
• SICES password.
• MAKER password.
• INSTALLER password.
Each parameter of the controller is associated to a protection level (in document [1] this
association is indicated in column “ACC” with a letter “S” to indicate SICES level, “C” for
constructor, “I” for installator and “U” for final user).
The general rule says that the parameters are modifiable only when the controller is in
“OFF/RESET” mode. Some parameters are an exception and can be modified regardless of
the status of the controller board, including when the generators are running. Generally, if a
parameter cannot be modified, its value will be between “<” and “>”, whilst if modifiable, it is
between “[” and “]”: this is valid also for the password restrictions.
The operator who should modify a parameter, must first let the controller recognise him as
“SICES”, “maker”, “installer” or “user”, dialling the right password in parameter P.0000 (menu
“1.1.1 - Authentication”). After this operation, he will be able to modify the parameters. The set
access code remains in P.0000 memory for about 10 minutes after programming has been
completed. After this time, it will be automatically reset and it should be set again to enter a
new programming.
It is possible to customize the password through parameters P.0001 (maker), P.0002 (installer)
and P.0003 (user), available on menu “1.1.2 Password configuration”. The value “0” for these
parameters indicates password not set. The SICES password instead, it is a special password,
pre-assigned and supplied together with the controller. The password supplied with the
controller is always valid. On demand, SICES can provide a second password, only valid for
2 hours’ operation, though. After this time, a new password must be asked to SICES.
To obtain the password, the operator should ask SICES, indicating the “Serial number” of the
controller, together with the “Internal code” displayed on page S.03, as shown below:
Any operator is considered “maker”, without setting anything in P.0000. Therefore, all
parameters, except for the special ones, can be changed by anyone (this is the default
mode).
No parameter is modifiable. When the user enters the “UUU” code in P.0000, he would be
considered “user”, but as no password is associated to the “installer” and the “maker”, the
controller considers him as “maker”. After entering this code, all parameters, except for the
special ones, can be modified.
No parameter is modifiable. When the user enters “UUU” in P.0000, he is considered “user”
and can modify only the parameters associated to “user”. If user enters “III” the board
considers it “maker” because there is no password for “maker”. After entering this code, all
parameters, except for the special ones, can be modified.
No parameter is modifiable. When the user enters “UUU” in P.0000, he is considered “user”
and can modify only the parameters associated to “user”. If the user enters “III”, he can
modify all parameters associated to “installer” and “user”. When entering “CCC”, the
operator is identified as “maker” and can modify all parameters, excluding the critical ones
of the controller.
No passwords are associated to the user and the installer. The parameters associated to
user and installer are free programmable, without entering any code in P.0000. To modify
maker associated parameters you must enter “CCC” in P.0000.
No parameter is modifiable. When the user enters the “UUU” code in P.0000, the controller
considers him “user”, but as no password is associated to “installer”, it considers him
“installer”. He can modify all parameters associated to the end user and the installer. When
entering “CCC” in P.0000, the operator is identified as “maker” and can modify all
parameters, excluding critical ones.
The parameter value can always be read, but the modification can be carried out only if
P.0000 contains a proper password. Parameters P.0001, P.0002, P.0003 and P.0469 are
excluded: they are not displayed in case P.0000 does not contain a proper password.
Parameter P.0469 (password for serial ports) is viewable and/or modifiable only from
operator panel and, at least, with installer rights.
6.5.1.3 Operating procedure
This procedure will describe the keyboard and display use.
1 System
2 Sequence
3 Protections
4 Auxiliary functions
5 Communication
_______________________________________
Access level: maker
1 (SYSTEM). The menu 1-SYSTEM allows first to indicate how the controller is connected
to the mains and to the generator bus, and the plant type. It is most important to correctly
set these parameters as nearly all thresholds for the protection activation are expressed
in percentage compared to them.
4 (AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS). All that is not about the configuration of the system, the
sequence and protections is configurable from menu 4-AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS. In this
menu are other menus which configure calendars and history logs.
5 (COMMUNICATION): In this menu are the communication settings for the serial ports,
for the ETHERNET port, for the USB port and the configuration for the modem.
6 (PLC): The menu 6 - PLC Shows the setpoints defined in the currently loaded PLC
program. If no PLC program is loaded, or if it does not define any setpoint, this menu is
hidden.
8 (PARALLEL): The menu 8-PARALLEL allows to configure all the functions related to
the parallel with the mains or among gensets.
6.5.1.3.1 Access to programming
The programming is accessible in any operation status of the controller, while the parameter
modification is generally possible only with the controller in OFF/RESET. To enter in
programming mode, it is required to act on ▲ and ▼ pushbuttons until the programming
screen appear (P.02).
If you are in a mode which puts some limitation in the use of the vertical scroll pushbuttons, it
might be necessary to press one or more times the ESC/SHIFT pushbutton (e.g. when viewing
history logs or during operations).
At the start of the procedure, the menu o the variable used at the last exit from programming
is shown (at first entrance the main menu is shown). This is true if the programming procedure
has been previously abandoned changing the operation mode of the controller in MAN or
AUTO or after a maximum time of permanence without operating in programming or keeping
ESC/SHIFT pressed for more than two seconds.
The name of the current menu is always shown in the first line, followed by the numeric ID of
the selected item and the number of menu items. The further lines of the display are used to
view the menu items, that is, the submenus. The item selected is drawn in REVERSE. Using
▲ and ▼ pushbuttons, the menu scrolls respectively towards the top or bottom index items,
in a cyclical way (that is, pressing ▲ from the first item you pass to the last and vice-versa).
Pressing ACK/ENTER button, you enter a selected submenu (the one highlighted), pressing
ESC/SHIFT you leave the menu (going back to the previous menu or leaving the programming
to the basic screen if you were already on the main menu).
6.5.1.3.3 Parameters selection
The name of the current menu is always shown in the first line, followed by the numeric Id of
the selected item and the number of menu items. The next display lines are all used to view a
single parameter:
• Fourth and fifth rows show the univocal parameter code (four decimal digits) followed
by the description in the current language.
• The seventh line shows, aligned on the right, the value of the variable, enclosed
between square brackets or “< >”.
• For some parameters, on the ninth line, a value someway connected to the current
value of the parameter is shown. For example, in the case of the low mains frequency
threshold (P.0236), the equivalent voltage is shown, calculated from the mains
nominal voltage (P.0116) and by the parameter itself (%). This additional value is often
displayed when the parameter is expressed as percentage compared to some other
value to show the absolute value.
• The last line of the display shows the protection level given to the operator (SICES,
maker, installer or user).
Using ▲ and ▼ buttons, the menu scrolls respectively towards the top or bottom index items,
in a cyclical way (that is, pressing ▲ from the first item you pass to the last and vice-versa).
Pressing ACK/ENTER button, the modification procedure of the parameter activates (see next
paragraph), pressing ESC/SHIFT button you leave the menu (going back to the previous
menu).
6.5.1.3.4 Modification of a parameter
A parameter can be modified only if shown between squared brackets ([]); if between “<>”, it
cannot be modified. In this case, it could be necessary to set a suitable password or to put the
controller in OFF/RESET mode.
Once visualized a parameter, to start modifying it, it is necessary to press the ACK/ENTER
pushbutton. To confirm the new value, it is necessary to press ACK/ENTER; to cancel the
modification and go back to the original value just press ESC/SHIFT.
• Bits: Some parameters are managed in bit. Each bit at 1 enables a function and each
bit at 0 disables a function. Up to 16 bit can be used. A hexadecimal value is attributed
to each bit. The parameter must be set with the result of the sum of the hexadecimal
values linked to the functions to be enabled. The setting happens as described for the
strings, with the exception that it is possible to select only hexadecimal characters
(0...9, A....F).
In the description of these parameters, there will be a chart like the following:
Bit Value Description
1 0001 Enable function 1
2 0002 Enable function 2
3 0004 Enable function 3
4 0008 Enable function 4
Enable the functions from 1 to 8: the value to be set is given by the hexadecimal
sum 0001+0002+0004+0008+0010+0020+0040+0080 = 00FF.
Enable e.g. functions 3, 4, 6 and 8: the value to be set is given by the sum of
0004+0008+0020+0080 = 00AC.
Numerical with selection among a default list (e.g. the number of phases of the
mains): it is valid what said for the numerical parameters, considering that the ▲▼
buttons allows to pass to the following /previous value in the default list (pressed with
ESC/SHIFT button, allow to pass to the value which follows/precedes the current one
of ten positions).
Time: it is valid what said for the numeric parameter, except for the fact that the
controller manages the increasing/decreasing keeping valid values (e.g. increasing
from 00.59” to “01.00” and not to "00.60").
Strings (e.g. phone numbers): in this case the visualizer highlights (in reverse) the
character selected on the string. The ▲▼ pushbuttons work on the selected character
(passing to next/previous character of the ASCII table or jumping by ten positions
ahead/back if ESC/SHIFT is pressed too), whereas ◄► pushbuttons allow selecting
the character to modify. Characters ASCII from 32 (space) to 127 (escape) are
settable. Characters ASCII (over 127) and those of control (from zero to 31) are
not settable.
Hexadecimal strings (e.g. the bit polarity of the outputs): as for string parameters,
but the selectable parameters are only “0-9” and “A-F” (these last in capital letters
only).
6.5.1.3.5 Set up limits
The operator does not have to worry about verifying that the set value is acceptable for the
controller since it is not possible to set not acceptable values.
This is valid for each single parameter; it is possible, though, to set two or more parameters in
contradictory or incompatible way. The operator must verify that this does not happens.
• Press ESC/SHIFT n times to climb up again to the main menu and then press it again
to exit the programming. Coming a next time into programming, it will be show main
menu.
• Keep ESC/SHIFT pressed for two seconds from any position: you will exit immediately
the programming and you will find yourself exactly at the same point at the next
entrance.
• Changing the controller mode to AUTO or MAN: next entry will be exactly in same
point.
6.5.1.4 Loading default values
In certain situations, it can be useful to reload the default parameters. To do so, it is necessary
to select first the OFF/RESET mode, enter programming, then keep the ACK/ENTER and
ESC/SHIFT buttons pressed at the same time and consecutively for five seconds. A message
on the display will indicate to the operator the happened reloading of the default values. The
default values are only reloaded for those parameters for which you have access rights.
L.01 PLC _
This page contains information of the PLC program installed in the device, as:
• The version of the PLC firmware, of the compilator and of the editor.
• The medium/maximum time of execution. These times are reset automatically when
the PLC program is sent to the controller, or it is possible to force the reset by pressing
ACK/ENTER + ESC/SHIFT buttons at the same time for five seconds.
6.5.2.2 L.02 PLC LOGIC
In the second row on the right the selected block is shown, with format “TYPE-NUMBER”. To
select the PLC block, press ACK/ENTER, then use ▲▼ buttons to search for the PLC block
wanted; confirm by pressing ACK/ENTER again.
All parameters of the PLC block selected are shown in the following lines (one line for each
parameter):
• The second column identifies the resource associated to the parameter. The
resources are normally shown with SICES codification (e.g. the digital input 1 is
identified as DI_CONTROLLER_01). In the PLC program, it is possible to associate
symbols (nicknames) to the resources. It is possible to view the symbols in the second
• The third column shows the current value of the resource. For digital resources, if the
viewed value is in REVERSE, it means that the relative parameter is denied.
6.5.2.3 L.03 VIRTUAL INPUTS
| 1 8 9 16___________
|
PLC: | 00000000 00000000
|
|
|
|
|
|
This page shows to status of all virtual digital inputs (that is, those inputs the status of which
has not been acquired by the hardware, but is determined by the PLC program).
6.5.2.4 L.04 DIGITAL FLAGS
This page shows the status of all temporary digital variables (DT_XXX) available for the PLC
program. Many pages which alternate every 2 seconds are available to view all digital flags.
Keeping ESC/SHIFT pressed, you can stop the rotation of the pages (keeping on the display
the page currently viewed).
6.5.2.5 L.05 DIGITAL STATUSES
#1: --------.--
#2: --------.--
#3: --------.--
#4: --------.--
#5: --------.--
#6: --------.--
#7: --------.--
#8: --------.--
This page shows to value of all virtual analogue inputs (that is, those inputs the heat of which
has not been acquired by the hardware, but is determined by the PLC program).
6.5.2.7 L.07 NUMERICAL SUPPORT
#01: 0 #02: 0
#03: 0 #04: 0
#05: 0 #06: 0
#07: 0 #08: 0
#09: 0 #10: 0
#11: 0 #12: 0
#13: 0 #14: 0
#15: 0 #16: 0
#17: 0 #18: 0
This page shows the status of all temporary numeric variables (AT_XXX) available for the PLC
program. Many pages which alternate every 2 seconds are available to view all numeric
supports. Keeping ESC/SHIFT pressed, you can stop the rotation of the pages (keeping on
the display the page currently viewed).
The status of the operation sequence (idle, starting the gensets etc.).
For many information, a time is also shown; for example, during the generators stopping cycle
the lasting time is shown at the end of that cycle.
6.5.3.2 S.02 ANOMALIES
The page S.02 (ANOMALIES) is automatically displayed in case a new anomaly arises. For
every anomaly, it is shown:
o “A”: alarm.
o “U”: unload.
o “W”: Warning.
A three-digit numeric code that uniquely identify the anomaly. This code flashes if the
anomaly has not been acknowledged yet with ACK/ENTER.
Each anomaly uses two lines of the display. The anomaly shown on the top is the more recent
in chronological order. If space is not sufficient to show all the pending anomalies, only the
most recent ones are shown. To see also the other, you must:
Some anomalies can show additional diagnostic information. This information is automatically
viewed if an anomaly is active: if there are many anomalies active, use the procedure
described above to select the single anomalies and see the eventual additional diagnostic
information regarding the selected anomaly. The anomalies with additional diagnostic
information are:
• 273 (Parameters not coherent or not set). It shows an additional message helping to
understand the problem.
• 253: (EXBUS: some measures are missing). It shows an additional message that
identifies the acquisition channel and the expansion module from which we expect to
receive a measure, which is lacking instead.
• 254 (EXBUS: duplicated address). It shows an additional message that identifies the
type and the address of the expansion module that is connected twice to MC200.
• 255 (EXBUS: sensor disconnected). It shows an additional message that identifies the
channel of acquisition and the expansion module which is sending the information of
“broken wire”.
• 900 (PLC parameters not coherent or not set). It shows an additional message helping
to understand the problem.
6.5.3.3 S.03 BOARD STATUS
This page is dedicated to the information of the device and contains:
The current date and hour in extended format (flashing is the clock is not valid).
The codes of the software currently uploaded on the controller (see par. 1.6).
The internal code necessary to obtain a temporary SICES level password (see 6.5.1.2).
The language currently used by the device. It is also possible to select a different
language: press ACK/ENTER button, select the language with buttons ▲ and ▼ and
confirm with ACK/ENTER button. Note: MC200 is supplied only with ENGLISH, ITALIAN
and PORTUGUESE languages. With BoardPrg3 program it is possible to transfer other
languages to the controller.
6.5.3.4 S.04 SERIAL COMMUNICATION
This page is dedicated to the status of the communication towards the serial ports and the
USB port. In the case of operating problems, check the information in this page.
For each port the status (stand-by, communicating, etc.) and the counter of receiving errors
are displayed. To reset an error counter, you must:
Press ACK/ENTER: the controller highlights the error counter of the serial port
COM1.
Press ACK/ENTER + ESC/SHIFT for 5 seconds: at the end, the controller resets the
counter.
Press ESC/SHIFT.
The IP address of the controller, the address of the router/gateway, the Subnet-mask
and the DNS server address. Those values can be the ones set with the parameters
of the controller, or those dynamically acquired by server DHCP (see 5.11.4).
6.5.3.6 S.07 CAN bus
This page displays the status of the CAN bus interfaces of the controller. MC200 has two
interfaces. Each interface displays
The communication status of the bus. There are three possible signalling:
o BUS-OFF: Gen-set has interrupted the connection to the bus due to too many
errors.
The page uses one line for each configured input. If more than 6 inputs are configured, the
controller will display all of them in rotation (6 at a time) every 2 seconds: keeping ESC/SHIFT
button pressed you stop the rotation. If there are no configured inputs on a page, the page is
not displayed.
On each line, the controller shows the configured text for the digital input and the logical status
of it.
If you use functions DIF.3202, DIF.3204 and DIF.3206, when the input changes from non-
active to active, the controller forces the view of the relative page.
6.5.3.8 S.11 DIGITAL INPUTS
This page shows the status of:
Analogue inputs used as digital (if they are not used as digital they are displayed with
dashes).
LOGICAL STATE: the controller shows the input’s logic level (active or inactive) used
in the management of the operating sequence.
PHISICAL STATE: the controller shows the electrical level (active or inactive, or high
or low) present on the input; this can be the opposite in comparison to the
corresponding logic state. Displayed in REVERSE.
FOR FUNCTION: the controller shows a list of functions associated to the digital
inputs, showing the logic status (1/0) relative to each function, independently from the
input associated to the functions. If more than 9 functions are configured, the controller
will display all of them in rotation (9 at a time) every 2 seconds: keeping ESC/SHIFT
button pressed you stop the rotation.
6.5.3.9 S.12 DIGITAL INPUTS
This page is only shown if some DITEL modules have been configured (see 5.8). It displays
the status of the digital inputs acquired from DITEL digital modules. If a DITEL module does
not communicate correctly, the controller will display some dashes in place of the input’s
status. Pressing ACK/ENTER button, it is possible to change (cyclically) the ways the
controller shows the inputs:
LOGICAL STATE: the controller shows the input’s logic level (active or inactive) used
in the management of the operating sequence.
PHISICAL STATE: the controller shows the electrical level (active or inactive, or high
or low) present on the input; this can be the opposite in comparison to the
corresponding logic state. Displayed in REVERSE.
6.5.3.10 S.13 DIGITAL OUTPUTS
This page shows the status of the digital outputs of the controller. Pressing the ACK/ENTER
button, it is possible to change (cyclically) the ways the controller shows the outputs:
LOGICAL STATE: the controller shows the output’s logic level (active or inactive)
used in the management of the operating sequence.
PHISICAL STATE: the controller shows the electrical level (active or inactive, or high
or low) present on the output; this can be the opposite in comparison to the
corresponding logic state. Displayed in REVERSE.
FOR FUNCTION: the controller shows a list of functions associated to the digital
outputs, showing the logic status (1/0) relative to each function, independently from
the output associated to the functions. If more than 9 functions are configured, the
controller will display all of them in rotation (9 at a time) every 2 seconds: keeping
ESC/SHIFT button pressed you stop the rotation.
6.5.3.11 S.14 DIGITAL OUTPUTS
This page is only shown if some DITEL modules have been configured (see 5.8). It displays
the status of the digital outputs acquired from DITEL digital modules. If a DITEL module does
not communicate correctly, the controller will display some dashes in place of the output’s
status. Pressing ACK/ENTER button, it is possible to change (cyclically) the ways the
controller shows the outputs:
LOGICAL STATE: the controller shows the output’s logic level (active or inactive)
used in the management of the operating sequence.
PHISICAL STATE: the controller shows the electrical level (active or inactive, or high
or low) present on the output; this can be the opposite in comparison to the
corresponding logic state. Displayed in REVERSE.
FOR FUNCTION: the controller shows a list of functions associated to the analogue
inputs, showing the real acquired value, independently from the input associated to
the functions. If more than 9 functions are used for the analogue inputs, the controller
will display all of them in rotation (9 at a time) every 2 seconds: keeping the
ESC/SHIFT button pressed you stop the rotation.
6.5.3.13 S.16 ANALOGUE INPUTS
This page is only shown if some DITHERM or DIGRIN modules have been configured (see
5.8).
On the left side, the type of module connected is shown ((DIGRIN, DITHERM or DITEMP if
the module does not communicate correctly). On the right side, it shows the temperatures
acquired by the modules. They can be replaced by:
“------“: if the expansion module does not transmit the measurement.
“OPEN”: if the module signals that the sensor is disconnected.
“+OVER”: if the module signals that the input signal has a too high value, symptom of
a fault.
“-OVER”: if the module signals that the input signal has a too low value, symptom of
a fault.
6.5.3.14 S.17 ANALOGUE INPUTS
This page is only shown if some DIVIT modules have been configured (see 5.8).
On the right side, it shows the measures acquired by the modules (without any conversion).
They can be replaced by:
“------“: if the expansion module does not transmit the measurement.
“OPEN”: if the module signals that the sensor is disconnected.
“+OVER”: if the module signals that the input signal has a too high value, symptom of
a fault.
“-OVER”: if the module signals that the input signal has a too low value, symptom of
a fault.
6.5.3.15 S.18 ANALOGUE OUTPUTS
This page shows the percentage value currently associated to the two analogue outputs of the
controller.
Pressing ACK/ENTER you arrive to a view per function: the controller shows a list of the
functions associated to the analogue outputs, displaying the analogue value relative to each
function, independently from the output associated to the functions. If more than 9 functions
are used for the digital outputs, the controller will display all of them in rotation (9 at a time)
every 2 seconds: keeping the ESC/SHIFT button pressed you stop the rotation.
6.5.3.16 S.19 ANALOGUE OUTPUTS
This page is only shown if some DANOUT modules have been configured (see 5.8).
It shows the percentage value currently associated to the four analogue outputs of each
DANOUT module (the real corresponding electrical measure depends on the configuration
done inside the module DANOUT). The values are shown in reverse if the DANOUT module
is not communicating correctly.
It displays the status of all protections of parallel with the mains. The disabled protections are
not displayed. For each protection enabled, the controller displays the initial (for example
“27<<”): it is displayed in reverse if the protection has trip (mains out of tolerance).
Possible codes are: “27<<”, “27<”, “27T”, “27Q”, “59>”, “59>>”, “81<<”, “81<”, “81>”, “81>>”,
“81R”, “VJ”, “DI” (by contact). See document [8].
The mains, the generators bus and the loads. The background colour of the symbols
indicated the status of the voltage on the mains, on the generators bus or on the loads:
The GCB, MCB and MGCB circuit breakers. The symbol of the circuit breaker shows:
o The discrepancy between the status and the circuit breaker command (in this
case, the two circuit breaker’s points of contacts flash).
o The possibility to use the synchronization to close the circuit breaker (if the
synchronization can be used, the two circuit breaker’s points of contacts are
empty squares, otherwise they are full).
The power flows, displayed as arrows, in all the parts of the plant. Each arrow points
to the power direction. The arrow flashes (to indicate an anomaly) of negative power
on the loads and on the generators bus.
The active power measurement and of the power factor in the different parts of the
plant.
The active power and the power factor setpoints for the operation in parallel with the
mains.
With parameter P.0494 it is possible to customise the page, hiding one or more of the previous
information.
6.5.4.2 M.02 MAINS
In this page are displayed the voltages, the frequency and the rotation sense of the mains
phases. The information displayed depends on the configuration.
Three phase system (P.0119=3) with neutral connected to the controller (P.0129=1).
The controller displays the three concatenated voltages, the frequency, the sense of
rotation and the neutral-battery voltage. Pressing the ACK/ENTER button, in place of
the concatenated voltages, the phase voltages are displayed (press the ACK/ENTER
button again to go back to concatenates).
Single-phase system (P.0119=1). The controller displays the phase voltage, the
frequency and the neutral-battery voltage.
Under each concatenated or phase voltage, the controller also displays a bar showing
graphically the current voltage with respect to the nominal voltage: on the bar are also
represented eventual thresholds. The colour with which the bar is filled is green if the voltage
is in tolerance, yellow if it is out of tolerance.
On the right bottom an icon is shown which immediately permits to identify that the page is
relative to the MAINS measurements.
Three phase system (P.0101=3) with neutral connected to the controller (P.0128=1).
The controller displays the three concatenated voltages, the frequency, the sense of
rotation and the neutral-battery voltage. Pressing the ACK/ENTER button, in place of
the concatenated voltages the phase voltages are displayed (press the ACK/ENTER
button again to go back to the concatenated).
Single-phase system (P.0101=1). The controller displays the phase voltage, the
frequency and the neutral-battery voltage.
Under each concatenated or phase voltage, the controller also displays a bar showing
graphically the current voltage with respect to the nominal voltage: on the bar are also
represented eventual thresholds. The colour with which the bar is filled is green if the voltage
is in tolerance, red if it is out of tolerance.
On the right bottom an icon is shown which immediately permits to identify that the page is
relative to the GENERATORS BUS measurements.
6.5.4.4 M.04 CURRENTS
In this page, phase currents are displayed (one or three) measured by the controller. At the
bottom-right corner, the controller shows one symbol which immediately permits to identify the
real source of the currents (mains, loads or generators bus).
Under each phase current, the controller also displays a bar showing graphically the current
measure with respect to the nominal current: on the bar are also represented eventual
thresholds. The colour with which the bar is filled is green if the current is in tolerance, red if it
is out of tolerance.
If the fourth current is suitably configured, the controller will also display:
At the bottom-right corner, the controller shows one symbol which immediately permits to
identify the real source of the powers (mains, loads or generators bus).
6.5.4.6 M.06 POWERS
The apparent and reactive powers are shown, total and phase by phase (for single-phase
systems only the total values are shown).
At the bottom-right corner, the controller shows one symbol which immediately permits to
identify the real source of the powers (mains, loads or generators bus).
6.5.4.7 M.07 ENERGY METERS
In this page the active and reactive energy counters (partial and total) exported by the plant
to the mains are shown.
On this page, you can reset to zero the partial counters individually. To do so, it is necessary
to:
Use the vertical scrolling UP and DOWN buttons to select the counter to be reset.
At the bottom to the right, the display shows an icon which identifies the mains, to allow you
to easily distinguish this page from the next, which have an identical structure.
6.5.4.8 M.08 ENERGY COUNTERS
In this page the active and reactive energy counters (partial and total) imported from the
mains to the plant are shown.
On this page, you can reset to zero the partial counters individually. To do so, it is necessary
to:
Press the ACK/ENTER button: one of the counters will result highlighted.
Use the vertical scrolling UP and DOWN buttons to select the counter to be reset.
At the bottom to the right, the display shows an icon which identifies the mains, to allow you
to easily distinguish this page from the next, which have an identical structure.
6.5.4.9 M.09 ENERGY METERS
In this page the active and reactive energy counters (partial and total) exported by the
generators to the plant are shown.
On this page, you can reset to zero the partial counters individually. To do so, it is necessary
to:
Press the ACK/ENTER button: one of the counters will result highlighted.
Use the vertical scrolling UP and DOWN buttons to select the counter to be reset.
At the bottom to the right, the display shows an icon which identifies the generators, to allow
you to easily distinguish this page from the previous, which have an identical structure.
6.5.4.10 M.10 ENERGY METERS
In this page the reactive energy counters (partial and total) imported by the generators from
the plant are shown.
On this page, you can reset to zero the partial counters individually. To do so, it is necessary
to:
Press the ACK/ENTER button: one of the counters will result highlighted.
At the bottom to the right, the display shows an icon which identifies the generators, to allow
you to easily distinguish this page from the previous, which have an identical structure.
Using the ACK/ENTER button or ◄► buttons, you select the other value (cyclically).
Using ▲ and ▼ buttons, it is possible to modify the selected value (if pressed together
with ESC/SHIFT the modification is quicker).
The modification is automatically interrupted if you don’t press any digits for 10 seconds.
Note: some of these setpoints can be acquired from the analogue inputs: in this case
on this page they are shown, but it is not possible to modify them.
6.5.4.12 M.12 SYNCHRONISATION
This page shows the necessary information for the synchronization.
On the right side, the controller displays a gauge which graphically shows a synchronoscope,
indicating the current phase through a needle.
On the left side, the controller displays the current phase difference through a horizontal bar,
which act as a synchronoscope. Usually it shows phase angles between -180° and +180°.
When the phase error falls below 20°, the bar is reduced to show angles between -20° and
+20° (in this case the bar is on black background). Under the bar 5 small rectangles are shown.
The first three indicate if the voltage, frequency and phase differences allow the closure of the
circuit breaker (if the rectangle is grey, the difference is too high and the circuit breaker cannot
be closed, if it is green the difference is in tolerance). The fourth one indicates a possible
mismatch of phase-rotation direction (also in this case the grey rectangle indicates that the
circuit breaker cannot be closed). When all the first four rectangles are entirely “green”, the
status of the system is correct to close the circuit breaker: so, the fifth rectangle becomes
green and the board controls the closing of the circuit breaker.
Still on the left side, the controller displays numerically the difference of phase, frequency and
voltage between gensets and mains.
On the bottom of the page there are offsets for the speed and voltage. If these values are not
related to an analogue input, it is possible to directly modify them from this page (see previous
paragraph). In this way, it is possible to make a manual synchronization.
6.5.4.13 M.13 SETPOINTS
This page shows and allows to modify (in a unique point) all the applicable setpoints for the
plant, relative to the frequency, to the voltage, to the active power and to the power factor. It
is useful because on page M.01 are instead shown only the significant setpoints in a given
moment. For example, if a plant can operate both in BASE LOAD mode and in
IMPORT/EXPORT mode, on page M.01 only the setpoints relative to the active operation
mode will be shown, while on page M.13 they will all be shown: in this way, the operator can
set the setpoints before changing the operation mode. The displayed and modifiable setpoints
(if not acquired from analogue inputs) are:
Setpoint of active power for the SYSTEM BASE LOAD (P.0858) and for the SYSTEM
IMPORT EXPORT (P.0859) modes.
Setpoint of power factor for the SYSTEM BASE LOAD and for the SYSTEM IMPORT
EXPORT modes (P.0860).
The division of the measures on the different pages is done via the function configured in the
analogue inputs:
The controller shows one measurement per line: it shows the text configured for the analogue
input (P.4002 for the analogue 1), followed by the unit of measure and by the measure itself.
If more than 9 measurements are associated to one of these pages, the controller shows them
all, rotating them every 2 seconds: keep the ESC/SHIFT button pressed to stop the rotation
on the current view.
On the top, the PMCB addresses of all mains controllers (MCxxx) are displayed. In the middle,
the PMCB addresses of all gensets controllers (GCxxx and DSTxxxx) are displayed. On the
bottom, the PMCB addresses of all tie breaker controllers (BTBxxx) are displayed.
The board shows the message "Mains controllers on the PMCB" in “reverse” if is working on
MC200 mode (P.9606 = 1).
6.5.5.2 B.02-03-04-05 GENSETS
These pages show the significant data of each genset controller that operates on the PMBC
CAN bus. Each page shows up to 8 gensets. Only the relevant pages are shown. It is used
one line for each genset, which contains:
• The PMCB address of the genset. MC200 shows the PMCB address in “reverse” if,
now, it is not able to manage this genset (for example if the related genset controller
is in OFF_RESET mode or has some alarms).
If the parameter P.9606 is set to zero, MC200 acts as the old MC100 controller:
In AUTO mode, MC200 starts and stops the generators as required by the loads. Using
these pages, the operator can modify this behaviour. For each generator, the operator can
select one of these operating modes:
• Generator always working. Whatever the load is, this generator must work. In this
case, a “full square” is shown on the display between the genset address and the
nominal power of the selected genset.
• Generator always stopped. Whatever the load is, this generator must be stopped.
In this case, an “empty square” is shown on the display between the genset
address and the nominal power of the selected genset.
It is possible to choose the desired operating mode for each generator directly from these
pages:
Note: if no buttons are pressed for 60 seconds, the selecting procedure is automatically
finished.
The total active energy (kWh, sum of energy counters of all genset control boards).
The total reactive energy (kvar, sum of energy counters of all genset control boards).
6.5.5.4 B.07 LOAD FUNCTION
This page is dedicated to the functions of “load management” (see [8]). By the term “load
management” is intended the capacity of the system to start/stop the gensets to only have the
strictly necessary gensets running to supply the load (with a small margin, but not too much).
This page shows some information relevant for this function.
The “load management” mode currently selected (it establish the criteria with which
the genset to be started are chosen).
The “master” (it is the primary genset, the one which would not be ever stopped). For
some “load management” modes this information is not displayed.
Based on the selected mode, the controller can show in how many hours (or at which
time) the system will select a new “master” genset.
The list of the genset controllers, ordered based on the priority (first the genset with
major priority, the last to be stopped). For some “load management” modes this
information is not displayed.
It is possible to manually select the “master” genset directly from this page:
The power supplied by the gensets (percentage with respect to the maximum power
the gensets currently running can afford).
The threshold (%) to compare with the power calculated at the previous point, over
which a new genset must be started (or it is necessary to pass to a combination of
gensets with a higher nominal power).
The power supplied by the gensets (percentage relative to the maximum) calculated
in case the less priority genset is stopped (or combination of gensets with less nominal
power).
When possible, the controller displays also the remaining time to the start of a new genset or
to the stop of one of the running gensets.
6.5.5.6 B.09 LOAD SHEDDING
This page is dedicated to the functions of “load shedding”. By the term “load shedding” is
intended the capacity of the system to disconnect/re-connect part of the loads if the generators
are not able to supply them. This page shows some information relevant for this function:
The power (%) supplied by the gensets, related to the thresholds for the disconnection
and re-connections of the groups of loads.
When possible, the controller displays also the remaining time to the disconnection or the re-
connection of a group of loads.
6.5.5.7 B.10 PEAK SHAVING
This page is dedicated to the functions of “peak shaving” or “peak lopping”. By these terms is
intended the capacity of the system to start/stop the gensets when the consumption of the
loads from the mains is too high, in a way to limit the loads consumption from the mains. This
page shows some information relevant for this function:
The power (%) of the loads, related to the thresholds for starting/stopping the
generators.
When possible, the controller displays also the remaining time to the start of a new genset or
to the stop of one of the running gensets.
1. Events.
2. Analogue measures.
3. Maximum peaks.
These archives can be accessed in any function mode and status of the controller. To select
the function, use the buttons ▲ and ▼ until the HISTORY ARCHIVE (H.01) base page is
shown.
If you are in a mode which limits the use of vertical scrolling buttons, it might be
necessary to press ESC/SHIFT button one or more times.
Then press the ACK/ENTER button to activate the mode (pass to page “H.03”). At the starting
of the procedure, the menu with the different archive function is shown.
6.5.6.1 Archive selection
1 Events
2 Trend
3 Peaks
The second line always shows the numeric indication of the function selected and the number
of functions in the menu. The next lines are all used to show the selectable functions. The
selected item is highlighted in negative (REVERSE).
Using ▲ and ▼ buttons, the menu scrolls respectively towards the top or bottom index items,
in a cyclical way (that is, pressing ▲ from the first item you pass to the last and vice-versa).
Pressing ACK/ENTER button the selected function activates (the one highlighted in negative),
pressing ESC/SHIFT you go back to page “H.01”.
6.5.6.2 Pages for events
In the moment in which some events happen (previously configured), the controller adds a
registration in this archive. The registration always contains date/hour, numeric code which
identifies the event and the controller status. Through BoardPrg3 program, it is possible to
select which other information must be registered at every event. It is possible to add maximum
44 information. The capacity of the archive depends on how many information are memorized
at every event: with default configuration, by the way, the total capacity is 523 registrations. If
the archive is full and a new event occurs, the less recent is overwritten.
The column “even if blocked” indicates which events are anyway recorded even if the records
are blocked (see 6.5.6.4)
All the anomalies are recorded into the events log. They are recorded with their own numerical
code, added to:
For example, anomaly 273 will be recorded as "2273" when it is activated as a warning, as
"5273" if it is activated as an alarm. By viewing the event directly from the controller, the event
code "2273" is automatically displayed as "W273", the code 5273 is displayed as "A273".
With the default configuration, each time that an event is recorded, the controller also records
the following info (this list can be modified by means of the BoardPrg3 program):
• Date/Time.
• Event code.
• Mains status.
• The total (apparent, active and reactive) powers and the total power factor.
• The nominal power, the active power and the reactive power of the generators with
GCB closed (totals).
Using the ▲▼ buttons to scroll cyclically trough all recordings. Each event has many
information pages (depending on the configuration). Pressing the ◄► buttons allows you to
scroll through the pages related to the event.
The structure of the upper part of the pages is the same for all pages. The following figure
shows the first page.
• The second line shows which event is currently displayed, the total number of
recorded events and the maximum size of the archive. The most recent event is
associated to the highest number.
• The next line shows the numeric code of the event and its description (variable
depending on the selected language).
The content below the dashed line depends on the information configured for the record; with
the default configuration, five pages are used:
Page 1. It shows the statutes of the system at the time when the event was recorded: the
controller operating mode and the statutes of the generators, of the mains and of the circuit
breakers.
Page 2. It shows the frequency and the voltages of the mains. It also shows the frequency and
the L1-L2 voltage of the generators bus.
Page 3. It shows the L2-L3 and L3-L1 phase-to-phase voltage of the generators bus, the phase
currents and the total apparent power (kVA).
Page 4. It shows the total active power (kW), the total reactive power (kvar) and the total power
factor. It also shows the nominal power, the active power and the reactive power of the
supplying generators.
The information that were not available at the time of recording are displayed with dashes.
6.5.6.3 Pages for analogues
MC200 records a series of analogue measurements and statuses at regular intervals. The
recording interval is configurable, and different intervals can be configured for when at least
one generator has its GCB closed and for when all generators have their GCB opened:
• P.0442: interval (in seconds) for the recording into the archive of analogue
measurements, used when at least one generator has its GCB closed.
• P.0443: interval (in seconds) for the recording into the archive of analogue
measurements, used when all generators have their GCB opened.
Each record always contains the date/time and the status of the controller. By means of the
BoardPrg3 program, it is possible to select which information must be recorded. It is possible
to add 44 information max. The capacity of the archive depends on the information recorded
on event: however, with the default configuration the full capacity is 523 records. If the archive
is full and a new event occurs, the oldest is overwritten.
• Event code.
• Mains status.
• The total (apparent, active and reactive) powers and the total power factor.
• The nominal power, the active power and the reactive power of the generators with
GCB closed (totals).
Using the ▲ and ▼ buttons to scroll cyclically trough all recordings. Each record has a variable
number of information pages (based on the configuration). By pressing ◄► buttons it is
possible to navigate on the pages related to recording.
The structure of the upper part of the pages is the same for all four. The following figure shows
the first page.
OFF-RESET
Generators: absent
Mains: present
MGCB opened
MCB closed
• The second line shows which record is currently displayed, the total number of
recorded registrations and the maximum size of the archive. The most recent record
is associated to the highest number.
The content below the dashed line depends on the information configured for the record; with
the default configuration, 5 pages are used:
Page 1. It shows the statutes of the system at the time when the event was recorded: the
controller operating mode and the statutes of the generators, of the mains and of the circuit
breakers.
Page 2. It shows the frequency and the voltages of the mains. It also shows the frequency and
the L1-L2 voltage of the generators bus.
Page 4. It shows the total active power (kW), the total reactive power (kvar) and the total power
factor. It also shows the nominal power, the active power and the reactive power of the
supplying generators.
The information that were not available at the time of recording are displayed with dashes.
6.5.6.4 Locked recordings
The controller does not perform recordings in the archive of analogues and in the archive of
events if it is in OFF/RESET mode and when a shutdown or an unload have been activated.
Exceptions are some event codes (highlighted by the wording “Yes” in the column “even if
blocked” of the table in 6.5.6.2) and all anomalies. When the recordings are locked, all the
windows of the History logs display an intermittent “Locked” message. To unlock the
recordings, it is necessary cancel all anomalies and set the board in MAN or AUTO.
6.5.6.5 Pages for peaks
The controller makes a series of maximum and minimum peaks for some significant values.
Total active power: the maximum peak is recorded, having the date/time and the
measure of the engine coolant temperature (if available) associated.
Currents: the maximum peaks of individual phases are recorded, having the date/time
and power factor of that phase associated.
Controller temperature: the minimum and the maximum peaks are recorded, with
date/time associated.
To display all records, the controller uses only one page of the display.
Maximum power
The second line shows the record currently displayed, out of the total number of records (the
maximum number of records is 6).
The fourth line shows a description of the peak record currently displayed.
• Maximum power.
• The power factors on single phases are recorded together with the currents.
The information that were not available at the time of recording are displayed with dashes.
Using the ▲ and ▼ pushbuttons it is possible to scan all the records. The buttons ◄
and ► are not used because the controller uses only one page of the display.
6.5.6.6 Exit from archives visualization
There are two ways to exit from archive visualization:
In both cases, it will be shown the page H.01, from which it is possible to pass to the status
and measurements visualization with ▲ and ▼ pushbuttons.
6.5.6.7 Reset of archives
To reset an archive, it is first necessary to show it and then keep ACK/ENTER and ESC/SHIFT
pressed for 5 seconds up to when the controller shows a message of happened reset on the
display. The archive of maximum peaks does not reset: when ACK/ENTER and ESC/SHIFT
are pressed for 5 seconds on this archive, the controller forces as maximum peak the current
value of the measurements.
MC200 can send some commands (via CAN bus PMCB) to the gensets controllers. Almost
these commands are sent to the genset controllers only if they are “managed by MCxxx”.
MC200 uses a different way (respect the old MC100) for starting and stopping the generators
through the PMCB CAN bus. The new system provides more functionalities, but requires an
updated firmware also an all the genset controllers (GCxxx or DSTxxxx). For this reason,
MC200 can emulate the old MC100.
• It does not have requests of “inhibition for supply the loads” (by contact or by
communication ports).
• It does not have the contact to enable the REMOTE START mode, or it is
active.
To request the start of a genset, MCxxx sends a “REMOTE START” request to the
related genset controller (for this reason a controller must have the “REMOTE START”
function enabled to be “managed by MCxxx”).
To request the stop of a genset, MCxxx removes the request of “REMOTE START” to
the related controller. The controller will stop the genset if:
The two previous conditions are necessary to get the genset controller “managed by
MCxxx”.
In some conditions, and only if MGCB is present, MCxxx can request the opening of
the GCB circuit breakers of the gensets controllers. To do this, MCxxx sends a
command of “load inhibition” to the genset controllers. When the opening of the GCB
circuit breakers is not required, MCxxx removes the request of “load inhibition”: the
genset controllers will close the GCB circuit breakers only if there are no requests of
“load inhibition” (necessary condition to get the genset controller “managed by
MCxxx”).
• P.9506 = 0. In this configuration, MC200 uses the new command system, that
provides enhanced functionalities.
• It does not have requests of “inhibition for start” (by contact or by Modbus).
To request the start of the gensets (all controlled ones), MC200 sends an “automatic
start request” over the CAN bus. In the same way, to stop the gensets (all controlled
ones), it removes the “automatic start request” from the CAN bus. The genset will stop
if:
In some conditions, and only if MGCB is present, MC200 can request the opening of
the GCB circuit breakers of the gensets controllers. To do this, MC200 sends a
command of “inhibition for supply the loads” to the genset controllers. When the
opening of the GCB circuit breakers is not required, MC200 removes the request of
“inhibition for supply the loads”: the genset controllers will close the GCB circuit
breakers only if there are no requests of “inhibition for supply the loads”.
7.1
Five modes are available for the device management.
OFF_RESET: the MGCB is open to disconnect the gensets from the loads and/or the
mains (if it exists and if it is commanded by MC200). The MCB is closed to connect
the loads to the mains (if it exists and if it is commanded by MC200). MC200 removes
all the requests of gensets start. All anomalies are cancelled and it is possible to
access the programming to modify the parameters.
MAN: the start and the stop of the gensets are managed by the operator. The
opening/closing of the two circuit breakers (if they are present and commanded by
MC200) are managed by the operator. The controller automatically activates the
synchronization procedure (if required) following the manual command of a circuit
breaker closing by the operator. The protections are active: MC200 is always able to
open the MGCB circuit breaker (if present) and remove the requests of gensets start.
The access to programming is allowed, but only some parameters can be modified.
AUTO: the start and the stop of the gensets and the opening/closing of the MGCB
and MCB circuit breakers are managed by the controller (the operator cannot
intervene). All the protections are enabled. The access to programming is allowed, but
only some parameters can be modified.
TEST: this operating mode differs from AUTO, as MC200 still requires the start of the
gensets, without considering that the conditions of the plant require the automatic
intervention of the gensets or not (the “automatic intervention inhibition” are ignored
in this mode). By parameter P.0222, it is possible to choose if the controller has or has
not to connect the load to generators. When the controller goes back to AUTO (when
the test ends), the loads are automatically switched on the mains and the gensets are
stopped with the normal procedure. If possible, the switch of the loads between mains
and gensets is carried out by avoiding their black-out. The controller will pass
automatically from TEST to AUTO if the conditions for an automatic gensets
intervention are verified. The access to programming is allowed, but only some
parameters can be modified.
REMOTE START: this operating mode differs from AUTO, as MC200 still requires the
start of the gensets, without considering that the conditions of the plant require the
automatic intervention of the gensets or not (the “automatic intervention inhibition” are
ignored in this mode). If there are no requests of “inhibition to take the load”, the loads
are switched on the gensets. The operator cannot command the circuit breakers
manually. When this operating mode is deactivated, the controller goes back to AUTO
and, if the automatic intervention of the gensets is not requested, the controller opens
the MGCB circuit breaker and removes the start requests of the gensets. The access
to programming is allowed, but only some parameters can be modified.
The operation mode can be selected in three different ways:
By Modbus commands. The commands are only managed if none of the above
described inputs is active. The commands can be protected by a password (P.0004)
which must be entered before any command, and they can be deactivated through a
digital input (DIF.2706). To send the command it is necessary to write in sequence
(within 5 seconds):
▪ HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter
P.0004.
When a digital input configured with function DIF.2031 “Request of Test mode”
activates, the controller shifts to TEST and returns to AUTO when it deactivates.
Parameter P.0222 establishes if the generators are connected to the loads or not.
By using a digital input configured with the function DIF.2029 (“Request for the test
mode without load - impulse”). The controller evaluates the input activation moment
(impulse): the controller switches to TEST when this input activates and goes back to
AUTO at the end of the time configured in P.0420 (if P.0420 is set to zero, the test is
not carried out). If there is a second activation of the input during the test, the test is
By using a digital input configured with the function DIF.2030 (“Request for the test
mode with load - impulse”). The controller evaluates the input activation moment
(impulse): the controller switches to TEST when this input activates and goes back to
AUTO at the end of the time configured in P.0420 (if P.0420 is set to zero, the test is
not carried out). If there is a second activation of the input during the test, the test is
immediately stopped. During this test, the controller connects the generators to the
loads, independently from the value configured in P.0222.
They allow selecting the days of the week and a time slot within which the working
mode switches from AUTO to TEST. In this case, the passage to TEST is automatic
in the scheduled days and hour. The controller returns to AUTO when the TEST time
interval ends. Parameter P.0222 establishes if the generators are connected to the
loads or not.
By means of a proper command via SMS (see [3]). To use this feature, the parameter
P.0420 “Test duration” shall not be set to zero (it indicates in effect the duration of the
test). In this case, the controller shifts from TEST after receiving the SMS and returns
to AUTO after the time P.0420. Parameter P.0222 establishes if the generators are
connected to the loads or not.
From a Modbus command. The controller shifts to TEST when it receives the
command, returns to AUTO when it receives the opposite command or when it
considers the connection interrupted (60 seconds without messages). The commands
can be protected by a password (P.0004) which must be entered before any
command, and they can be deactivated through a digital input (DIF.2706). To send
the command it is necessary to write in sequence (within 5 seconds):
▪ HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter
P.0004.
To activate the REMOTE START mode, the controller must be in AUTO or in TEST mode.
Moreover, it is possible to configure an input with DIF.2701 function ("enable remote start
request"): if the input exists, it should be active. This mode can be activated in one of the
following modes:
By means of the digital input configured with the function DIF.2032 (“remote start
request”). If input is active, the REMOTE START mode is entered and it is leaved
deactivating the input.
By means of a proper command via SMS (see [3]). In this case, the controller shifts to
REMOTE START as soon as it receives the SMS and returns to AUTO when it
receives the opposite command. In this case, it is mandatory to configure an input with
function DIF.2701 (“enable remote start request”): the input must be active (normally
wired on a switch at control panel front to enable the remote commands).
By a Modbus command. The controller shifts to REMOTE START once it receives the
command, returns to AUTO when it receives the opposite one (it remains in REMOTE
START if the connection interrupts before receiving the opposite command). In this
case, it is mandatory to configure an input with function DIF.2701 (“enable remote
start request”): the input must be active (normally wired on a switch at control panel
front to enable the remote commands). The commands can be protected by a
password (P.0004) which must be entered before any command, and they can be
deactivated through a digital input (DIF.2706). To send the command it is necessary
to write in sequence (within 5 seconds):
▪ HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter
P.0004.
Some functions are available for the configuration of the digital outputs related to the operation
mode of the controller:
DOF.3002 - “Man”. The board activates this output when in MAN mode.
DOF.3003 - “Auto”. The board activates this output when in AUTO mode.
DOF.3004 - “Test”. The board activates this output when in TEST mode.
DOF.3005 - “REMOTE START”. The board activates this output when in REMOTE
START mode.
DOF.3011 - “Not in OFF/RESET”. The board activates this output when in AUTO or
MAN mode.
ST.001 - “manual”
ST.002 - “Automatic”.
ST.003 - “Test”.
The controller can detect the presence of voltage on the generators bus through its three-
phase sensor (JF) or through an external sensor.
Note: if the controller must synchronize the gensets with the mains, it is necessary to
use the internal sensor (or an external synchronizer).
The gensets bus status is displayed by means of the led GENERATORS BUS LIVE.
• P.0102: gensets nominal voltage. Its value must be the nominal phase-to-phase
voltage for three-phase systems and phase–to–neutral voltage for single-phase
systems.
For three-phases system, the previous tests are performed on the phase-phase voltages. If
enabled with P.0328 (<> 0) the same tests are performed on the phase-nutral voltages also.
The following functions, for the configuration of the digital outputs, are related to the generators
bus voltage:
7.3
The controller needs to know if there are voltages on loads bus to enable or not the
synchronization when it must close the circuit breakers. The following terms are used:
The controller is not able to directly detect voltages on the loads (except when MGCB is not
used or always closed). Usually, it recreates this status according to the voltage detected on
the mains and on the generators bus, and to the circuit breakers status.
If preferred (and for safety reasons also), it is possible to use one digital input configured with
the function DIF.3104 (“No voltage on loads”) to acquire this information. Loads bus is “live” if
this input is “not active” (logical state).
The loads status is displayed by means of the signal led BUS LIVE.
7.3.1 Signalling
The following functions for the configuration of the digital outputs are related to loads bus
voltage:
• DOF.3030 (“Voltage on loads”): the output is active when there are voltages on the
loads.
• “AMF”. The controller must detect all anomalies about the mains to start the
generators and make them supply the loads. In the same way, the controller detects
when mains voltages and frequency are back to their operating values to connect
loads to mains and stop the generators.
• “Protections for the parallel with the mains (PPR)”. The controller must detect the
“loss of mains” while generators are in parallel with mains, to disconnect them from
the mains (generator can in this case supply loads or not depending on plant
configuration). In the same way, when generators are disconnected from the mains,
the controller detects when mains voltages and frequency are back to their operating
values to put generators in parallel with mains again.
Normally, the controller uses its internal sensor (JG) to measure the mains. For the first two
functions, it’s possible to use an external sensor alternatively (for the synchronization you must
use the internal sensor).
There are some parameters for the configuration of the internal sensor that do not depend on
its use:
• P.0152: it indicates if the full scale for the inputs is 400V or 100V.
• P.0116: nominal voltage. Its value must be the nominal phase-to-phase voltage for
three-phase systems and phase–to–neutral voltage for single-phase systems.
• P.0129: it indicates whether the neutral line is connected to the JG connector or not.
The mains status is displayed by means of the signal led MAINS LIVE.
Usually, this function is not used if the gensets are in parallel with the mains, Anyhow, if the
parallel protections trip while the gensets are in parallel with the mains, the mains is considered
“off” for AMF purpose too.
The parameter P.9504 allows to set whether to use the internal sensor (”0”) or the external
one (”1”).
7.4.1.1 External sensor
To use an external mains sensor, P.9504 must be set to 1.
• Upwards the low frequency threshold (so, with parameters default values, between
45.00 Hz and 46.25 Hz).
• Downwards the high frequency threshold (so, with parameters default values,
between 53.75 Hz and 55.00 Hz).
If the frequency is in the B or D bands, the controller maintains its previous status (hysteresis).
For example, if the voltage was in C band and now it is in D band, it is considered “in tolerance”
anyway. If instead, the frequency was in A band and now it is in B band, it is considered “off”.
7.4.1.2.2 Voltages check
• Upwards the mains presence threshold (so, with parameters default values, between
70 Vac and 80 Vac).
• Upwards the low voltage threshold (so, with parameters default values, between 320
Vac and 330 Vac).
• Upwards the high voltage threshold (so, with parameters default values, between 430
Vac and 440 Vac).
If the voltages are in the B, D or F bands, the controller maintains its previous status
(hysteresis). For example, if the voltage was in E band and now it is in D band, it is considered
“in tolerance” in any case. If instead, the voltage was in C band and now it is in D band, it is
considered “low”.
For three-phases system, the previous tests are performed on the phase-phase voltages. If
enabled with P.0244 (<> 0) the same tests are performed on the phase-nutral voltages also.
7.4.1.2.3 Asymmetry check
On three-phase systems, it is possible to consider the mains “out of tolerance” if the three
phase-to-phase voltages differs from each other (in absolute value) more than the threshold
set. The check is disabled for single-phase systems.
Note: MC200 does not carry out any check on the phase angles, but only on the phase-to-
phase voltages.
This threshold does not use any hysteresis. With the parameters default values, if the
difference between two phase-to-phase voltages in absolute value is higher than 40 Vac, the
mains is considered out of tolerance; otherwise, it is considered in tolerance.
7.4.1.2.4 Cycling sense
In three-phase systems, it is possible to consider the mains “out of tolerance” if the phases
cycling sense is different from what specified in the parameter P.0239. In single-phase system,
this control is disabled.
With the parameter P.0239, it is possible to select the cycling sense required by the mains: “1-
Clockwise” or “2-Counter-clockwise” The mains is considered “out of tolerance” if the cycling
sense is different from the one set.
7.4.1.2.5 Internal sensor status
To diagnose the mains “global” status, the following algorithms are utilized, shown in their
computing order:
• If frequency and all voltages are in the “Off” status, the general status is “Off” too.
• If frequency or at least one voltage is in the “High” status, the general status is
“High” too.
Mains in
tolerance
Mains out of tolerance
The time set with
P.0205 is elapsed (0
seconds in MAN)
Mains in tolerance
Delay mains
Delay mains failure
presence Mains in tolerance
7.4.1.4 Events
The controller records the following events if the mains status changes (if enabled with bit 1 in
P.0441):
7.4.2
This function must detect an anomaly on the mains voltage while the gensets are in parallel
with the mains, to disconnect the gensets from the mains.
• Check for differences in phase, frequency, voltages and phase sequence between
generators and mains, to allow a safe closure of the circuit breaker.
The controller can handle both functions, but, if needed, allows one or both to be managed
externally.
7.5.1 Synchro-check
Before closing a circuit breaker, this function checks the differences in voltages, frequency,
phase and cycling sense between the mains and the gensets are within the thresholds
configured; if yes, the circuit breaker can be closed in safety, otherwise it cannot be closed.
• Frequency and phase regulations are managed externally, but the parameter P.0846
forces MC200 to manage the synchro-check.
In these cases, the circuit breaker closure command (MCB o MGCB) is issued only when the
“synchronized” status is detected.
The controller does not perform these checks if frequency and phase regulations are managed
externally, and parameter P.0846 configures the controller not to manage the synchro-check.
In this case, the circuit breaker closing command is immediately issued, as MC200 supposes
that an external synchro-check inhibits the physical closing of the circuit breaker if not
synchronized.
Obviously, synchronization will never start if one or both side of the circuit breaker are “dead”
(without voltages).
Parameter P.0846 allows forcing the use of the MC200 synchro-check with externally
managed frequency and phase regulations (its value is ignored if the controller manages the
regulation processes). It allows to force the MC200 synchro-check of the circuit breakers (MCB
or MGCB) individually or together (if preferred). By default, MC200 synchro-check is always
forced by the parameter P.0846.
If the internal synchro-check is forced, but the controller cannot perform it, the warning W273
(incoherent parameter) is issued.
MC200 performs six different checks before allowing the circuit breaker closure: only when all
checks are correct, the circuit breaker will be closed.
Voltages (both mains and generators ones) must be inside configured thresholds. For
example, if we have 200 V on both mains and generators, but nominal voltages are 400 V, the
circuit breaker will not be closed, even if voltage difference is zero. This check can be
configured with:
These thresholds are displayed in percentage. These thresholds are percentage of P.0116 for
mains voltages, and of P.0102 for genset voltages).
If all voltages are inside the configured thresholds, the controller calculates the differences
between generators and mains voltages and allows the closure of the circuit breaker only if
the differences are below the threshold P.0841. This parameter allows to set the maximum
voltage difference (%).
The controller analyses the differences between the voltages measured (mains phase L1 -
genset phase L1, etc.) and it displays them in percentage with respect to the gensets voltage.
The circuit breaker can be closed only if all differences (%) are below the threshold configured
by parameter P.0841 (with a fixed hysteresis of 1%). If at least one difference is higher than
the threshold, the closing is not allowed. Obviously, in a single-phase system, the controller
will consider the existing one only.
The controller can work also with different nominal voltages between mains and generators
(this happens when a transformer is placed between them). In this situation, both voltages
(mains and generators) are converted into percentages of their own nominal, and the controller
makes the comparison between those percentages: if the mains voltages are 95% of their
nominal, also the generators voltages should be 95% of their nominal.
The result of this check (and of the one described above) is displayed in page M.12 by the
rectangle that indicates the voltage difference:
Frequencies (both mains and generators ones) must be inside configured thresholds. For
example, if we have 40 Hz on both mains and generators, but nominal frequencies are 50 Hz,
the circuit breaker will not be closed, even if frequency difference is zero. This check can be
configured with:
Mains and generators frequency are compared with these thresholds: if at least one of them
is out of thresholds, the circuit breaker cannot be closed (this situation is shown on display
page M.12 by an empty rectangle).
If all frequencies are in tolerance, the controller calculates the frequency differences between
mains and generators and it allows the closing only if lower than the threshold configured with
the parameter P.0843. This parameter allows to set a max difference in Hz.
The controller analyses the differences between the frequencies measured, and it compares
them with the threshold P.0843 (with a fixed 0,1Hz hysteresis): if the difference is higher than
the threshold, the closing is not allowed.
The frequency status (the results of this check and of the previous one) is shown on the display
page M.12, by the second small rectangle from the left (the one identified by the “Hz” label):
The result of this check is shown on the display page M.12, by the third small rectangle from
the left (the one identified by the “°” label):
Sometimes, the plants do use transformers. These transformers can introduce a phase error
in voltages. So, it is possible that synchronizing on their primary side, we have a phase error
on the secondary side. If the controller regulates for 0° on secondary side, voltages on the
circuit breaker may be not synchronized. Parameter P.0845 allows setting a fixed phase offset.
If different from zero, the controller regulates for x° on the secondary side, to have 0° on
primary side. The parameter P.0845 allows to set (with a sign) the compensation of the
transformers phase error (+/-180°).
Only for three-phase plants, the controller checks for the same phases sequence on
generators and mains. The circuit breaker can be closed only if the same phases sequence is
detected. No parameters are provided for this check.
The result of this check is shown on the display page M.12, by the forth small rectangle from
the left (the one identified by two arrows):
MC200 detects a “synchronized” status only when all previous checks (or all the ones
applicable) give correct results, consecutively for the time configured by parameter P.0844.
When MC200 removes its consent, it does not reactive it for at least one second.
The “closure enable” condition is shown on the display page M.12, by the fifth small rectangle
from the left (the one identified by two arrows):
Note: circuit breaker closure is enabled only when the controller first detects a “not
synchronized” status and then a “synchronized status”. This protects the plants from wiring
errors. If MC200 directly manages frequency and phase regulations, it automatically forces
generators to go in a “not synchronized” status first, and then in a “synchronized” status.
7.5.1.1 Signals
It’s possible to configure an output to signal the synchronism condition externally. This output
will be activated during synchronization only, when the controller activates the internal “closure
enable” status. The output is configured with the function DOF.3094 (“Synchronized”).
• On generator voltages, to make them equal to mains: this avoids current circulation
(reactive) when the circuit breaker will be closed. Normally, the gensets voltages
should be a little bit higher than mains voltages, to supply (little) reactive power from
gensets while closing.
The controller can manage both voltage and frequency regulations on generators, by the CAN
bus link. Thus, it can minimize differences in voltages, frequency and phase between mains
and generators, to allow a safe closure of the circuit breaker.
Note: the gensets controllers always accept these commands, even if they are “not
managed by MCxxx”.
Note: these commands are transmitted on CAN bus only during the synchronization.
It is not mandatory using MC200 for this function: if preferred (or if it is needed because, for
example, mains voltages are not acquired by MC200), an external analogue synchronizer can
be used (GAC or other).
7.5.2.1 Using external synchronizer
Analogue synchronizers act on generator frequency by a command signal. It is possible to
connect this signal directly to an analogue input of all genset controllers. Alternatively,
(suggested option), it is possible to connect this signal to an analogue input of the controller,
which will transfer it via CAN bus to the genset controllers.
Each synchronizer has its own signal type. MC200 can interact only with signals in direct
voltages 0-10 Vdc. Some synchronizers have different command signals:
• Current signals (4-20 mA, +/-10 mA). It is simple to convert these signals in Volts DC
applying a resistor on them.
Within the 0-10 Vdc range, MC200 is fully configurable: for example, MC200 can acquire a 3
to 6 Vdc signal and convert it to -4 to +4 Hz change on gensets. MC200 can be also configured
to decrease generators frequency when the synchronizer signal increases (and vice-versa).
• P.4001 - “Function of analogue input 1”. This parameter allows selecting the analogue
input function. For external synchronizers, three functions are available:
o AIF.2105: if the external synchronizer should be used for the MCB closing
only (MGCB synchronization is managed by MC200).
o AIF.2107: if the external synchronizer should be used for MGCB closing only
(MCB synchronization is managed by MC200).
o AIF.2103: if the external synchronizer should be used for the closing of both
MCB and MGCB circuit breakers.
• P.1842 - “Analogue input 1 minimum value”. GAC synchronizer works between 0 and
10 V, so this parameter must be set to 0%.
• P.1843 - “Analogue input 1 maximum value”. GAC synchronizer works between 0 and
10 V, so this parameter must be set to 100%.
In this way, we configured the input. Now, we must configure the conversion of the
measurement from Vdc to Hz. The speed regulation command over CAN bus is a percentage
value: 0% corresponds to 4 Hz less then nominal frequency, 100% corresponds to 4 Hz over
nominal frequency (so 50% corresponds to nominal frequency). So, it is necessary to convert
the signal 0-10 Vdc in a percentage value. GAC synchronizer decreases its command signal
In the previous example, the GAC synchronizer can change generators frequency of +/- 4 Hz.
If in the previous table we replace the 100% with 75% and the 0% with 25%, the maximum
change of frequency should be +/- 2 Hz. By setting the curve in an asymmetric way, it is
possible to compensate electrical offsets (GAC should give a 5 Vdc signal to request the
nominal frequency, it may be 5.1 or 4.9).
During the synchronization phase, the controller will change the gensets frequency as required
by the external synchronizer.
Note: now, there is no support for the genset voltage regulation by an external synchronizer.
This function, if it is enabled, is always managed by MC200.
Note: it is possible to use two different external synchronizers for MCB and MGCB, by wiring
them to two different analogue inputs configured with codes DIF.2105 and DIF.2107. For each
input is possible to set a specific conversion curve.
7.5.2.2 Using internal synchronizer
Phase/Frequency regulation
The controller regulates the gensets frequency to equalize the two frequencies and reset the
phase difference between gensets and mains.
A PI regulator is used to manage the frequency and reset the phase error. It works on phase
difference, and can be configured with the following parameters:
These parameters must be adapted to get the best response from the system. They have the
same functions of trimmers on analogue synchronizers.
Note: when you are setting these parameters, be sure the circuit breaker cannot be closed.
Do that by opening fuses (if available) or by setting parameter P.0842 to zero.
Voltage regulation
The same concepts explained in the previous paragraph are valid also for voltage regulation.
Parameters provided for the voltage PI regulator are:
The controller uses two PI regulators internally to regulate the voltage and the speed of the
gensets for the synchronization operations. All internal PI regulators can be configured with
two parameters:
• The factor proportional to the current error (P) is also called “gain”.
• The factor related to the integral in the error delay (I) is also called “integrative factor”.
In the previous paragraph, there are the parameters associated to each PI regulator.
These two parameters for each PI regulator should be “adjusted” during the installation
procedure. In fact, they depend on different factors: the type of engines, the alternator powers,
the type of alternators; different parameters could be necessary for similar systems.
The definition of these parameters is not particularly critical if carried out with method.
Unfortunately, the empirical adjustment (called Ziegler-Nichols) requires to measure the
oscillation period of the measurement (frequency, voltage), which is not always possible (or
simple) to do.
For this reason, besides the empirical method, we suggest a simplified method that should
help carrying out in a valid way the parameters choice.
The PI regulator parameters can be modified even if the plant is working, by the user panel. It
is suggested to carry out the modifications by using the BoardPrg3 program, which is available
for free on our SICES website.
7.5.2.2.1.1 Complete method
2) Increase “P” until the adjusted measurement start to oscillate (for example, if you are
adjusting the PI that manages the speed during the synchronization, increase “P” until
it seems to hear that the engines accelerate / slow down). Decrease/increase the
value “P” until an oscillation point is determined (a good estimate is sufficient).
3) Measure the oscillation period (the time between two consecutive peaks of speed).
4) Set “P” at a slight lower value than the one resulted by the division of the current value
by 2.2.
5) Set “I” at the value calculated by dividing 1.2 for the period of oscillation measured
before (in seconds). A lower value can be set at a lower value, decreasing its
performance but increasing the stability range.
6) Further adjustments could be necessary. Check how the system reacts in case of low,
medium or high load. In case there still is a system instability, reduce the “P” value
again.
7.5.2.2.1.2 Simplified method
To avoid the problem of measuring the oscillation period, you can proceed by referring to what
has been described before, up to the point 6 included, except for the point 3 and 5. At point 5,
increase/decrease “I” (after having adjusted “P” at point 4) until getting the best performances.
7.5.2.2.1.3 General notes
The parameter “P” is not able to guarantee a good adjustment alone. To reduce the error, “P”
should be increased, but over a set threshold, the systems becomes unstable. The value “P”
defined with the described method usually is the best relation between stability and
performance.
For a good adjustment, it is necessary to set the factor “I”. Even little values of the parameter
“I” change the system performance. The value, obtained by the procedure described, usually
supplies the best performances. Anyhow, it is not critical and it can be set in a greater range
of values.
Once you found the value that supplies a good performance, try to decrease it until the
performance decreases under the waited minimum. Then select an intermediate value in this
range.
In some case, it would be necessary to start a procedure with a minimum value of “I” to
guarantee a level of adjustment suitable with the operation of the system. A very low value of
“I” (0.01) can be used with light effects on the procedure.
These inputs must be used when the related circuit breaker is not managed by MC200, but
you want to use PI regulators of MC200 for synchronization. When the input is “active” (logical
state), if all necessary conditions for synchronization are present, MC200 starts the
synchronization process and signals it to external devices using up to four digital outputs (see
next paragraph).
If the internal synchronizer is used, the controller regulates voltage and frequency to get the
“synchronized” status: if the “synchronized” status persists for 10 seconds and the circuit
breaker doesn’t close, MC200 changes generators frequency to force a “not synchronized”
status, then starts to synchronize again. This avoids problems when using external synchro-
checks in addition to the MC200 one: it is possible that some external synchro-checks don’t
allow the closure because they haven’t detected any “unsynchronized” status before.
MC200 allows configuring the maximum duration of synchronizations for the two circuit
breakers:
The duration of the synchronization phase on a circuit breaker is managed only in automatic
mode (not MAN) and if the related delay is different from zero; in this case an anomaly is
activated:
The user must manually regulate the gensets voltage and frequency until the “synchronized”
status is detected (this check is always carried out by the controller).
MC200 provides two parameters that allow voltages and frequency regulations on the
generators:
Both are expressed as percentage (between 0 and 100%). The first allows changing
generators voltages of +/-20 Volt; the second allows changing generators frequency of +/- 4
Hz (the real voltages and frequency ranges depend on single genset controller settings).
Setting both to 50%, generators work to their nominal voltages and frequency.
These parameters can be directly changed on display page M.12 (provided for
synchronization). It is possible to simplify the procedure using two potentiometers instead of
the parameters. The following is needed:
Voltage
• Configure an analogue input with the function AIF.2201 (“Voltage offset”) (parameter
P.4001 for analogue input 1).
• Associate the input to a conversion curve, which converts the voltage of the analogue
input into a voltage correction (%).
After these configurations, you can change the voltage offset between 0 and 100% by
moving the potentiometer between 0 and 10 Vdc (the current voltage offset is shown on
page M.12), and consequently you can change the gensets voltage. Note: once you have
Frequency.
• Configure an analogue input with the function AIF.2101 (“Speed offset”) (parameter
P.4001 for analogue input 1).
• Associate the input to a conversion curve, which converts the voltage of the analogue
input into a speed correction (%).
After these configurations, you can change the speed offset between 0 and 100% by
moving the potentiometer between 0 and 10 Vdc (the current speed offset is shown on
page M.12), and consequently you can change the gensets frequency. Note: once you
have configured an analogue input with the function AIF.2101, the parameter P.0840 is
no more used.
• Start the gensets (by pressing the START button on the panel).
• Select the page M.12 on the display (this can be carried out also by giving a manual
closing command of the circuit breaker – MCB/MGCB pushbutton or digital inputs
configured for MCB/MGCB).
• Use parameters P.0868 and P.0840 (or the related potentiometer, if configured) to
synchronize the gensets to the mains. When MC200 signals a synchronism status,
send a new closing command (pushbutton or related digital input): the circuit breaker
will be closed.
• “0 – No blackout”. By setting this value, you configure the controller to avoid any
blackout on the loads (in AUTO modes). After having activated the warning of MCB
synchronization failure (W272), the controller keeps the loads connected to the
gensets. When the operator will acknowledge the warning, MC200 will try again to
close MCB through the synchronization.
• “1 – Short blackout”. By setting this value, you allow a short blackout on the loads
when the mains is back. Basically, after having activated the warning of MCB
synchronization failure (W272), the controller opens the MGCB circuit breaker (or it
forces the opening of the GCB circuit breakers) to be able to close MCB without
synchronization. Once MCB is closed, if the gensets intervention is still required,
MC200 will try to close MGCB with synchronization (or it will allow again the GCB
closing - with synchronization).
This internal function, once activated, takes priority over any other function: the generators will
be shut down and it will not possible to restart them. The function operates in AUTO mode,
but not in TEST and REMOTE START modes. The activation of this function does not result
in the activation of anomalies.
It is possible to activate this function in different ways, described in the following paragraphs.
The “INHIBIT” lock symbol ( ) is shown on the up right corner of the display, when an inhibition
is active.
7.6.1 Inhibition from contact
The controller can use a digital input programmed for inhibiting the gen-sets automatic
operation (function DIF.2501 – “Inhibition of start”). In case of an “active” input, the generators
are never automatically started, not even if the plants condition requires it.
Use parameter P.0207 to set a delay between input's physical activation and this function's
logic activation: the delay can only be applied if the controller is in AUTO mode, otherwise the
delay is null.
Use parameter P.0208 to set a delay between input's physical de-activation and this function's
logic de-activation: in case at least one generator is already running, the delay is two seconds
(fixed); in case at least one GCB is closed, the delay is null.
When function DIF.2501 is configured for a digital input, the acquisition of this input is
subordinated to the set time in P.0207and/or P.0208; the acquisition time related to the
digital input is ignored.
The board records any status variation of this inhibition to start in the event log (if enabled with
bit 6 of P.0441 parameter):
• ST.083: it’s not possible to work in island mode and mains failure.
7.7
In automatic mode, once the generators have been started, the controller normally tries to
close the MGCB circuit breaker (if it exists). In these conditions, it is possible to force the
opening of the MGCB by using the “inhibition to supply the loads” function. Note: if the MGCB
circuit breaker is not present in the plant, these inhibitions will act on the GCBs of the
generators.
This internal function acts in all automatic modes (AUTO, TEST and REMOTE START). The
activation of this function does not result in the activation of anomalies.
If the "inhibition to supply the loads" is activated when MGCB is already closed, the controller
tries to open it, by carrying out generators power discharge first (if possible).
It is possible to activate this function in different ways, described in the following paragraphs.
The controller records an event when the "inhibition to supply the loads" is deactivated:
• HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter P.0004.
o “31” or “32” inhibition to supply the loads (it forces MGCB open).
The control remains active for 30 seconds from the time it is received by the controller: it is
therefore necessary to repeat it about every 25 seconds until the inhibition to power load
should be kept active.
• ST.089: it’s not possible to work in island mode and mains failure.
• P.0124: it selects the electrical lines to which the three main channels are connected.
• P.0130: it selects the electrical line to which the auxiliary channel is connected.
The controller can perform power measurements, using all four channels. For the auxiliary
channel, the controller assumes that it is connected to the line L1 of the source selected by
the parameter P.0130; if such source is three-phases, the controller multiplies the calculated
powers by 3, assuming the loads are correctly shared among the electrical lines. If it is not,
the operator can correct the calculations using parameter P.0132:
total kW = L1 kW * 3 * P.0132.
Depending on what configured by means parameters P.0124 and P.0130, the controller
assigns the calculated powers to the mains, to the loads or to the generators (MGCB).
7.8.1 Power measurements on the generators
The controller calculates (from the data received through the CAN bus link) the total active
and reactive powers supplied by the generators. Then, it calculates the power factor and the
load type from these powers. This information is shown on page M.01 under the icon of the
GCB circuit breaker (if closed).
7.8.2 Power measurements on the mains
The controller can acquire the active power measurement of the mains in different ways,
evaluated in that order:
• From an analogue input configured with the function AIF.2303 (“Power on the mains”).
The controller can acquire the reactive power measurement of the mains in different ways,
evaluated in that order:
The controller can acquire the power factor and the load type measurement of the mains in
different ways, evaluated in that order:
• Measured by the controller using the three main current measurement channels, if
P.0124 is set to 2.
• Calculates from the active and reactive power on the mains (if both available).
This information is shown on page M.01 under the icon of the MCB circuit breaker (if closed).
7.8.3 Power measurements on MGCB
The controller can acquire the active and reactive power measurements on the MGCB in
different ways, evaluated in that order:
• By the auxiliary current measurement channel, if P.0130 is set to 2. In this case the
controller calculates the power factor and the load type from the active and reactive
power on the MGCB (if both available).
This information is shown on page M.01 under the icon of the MGCB circuit breaker (if closed).
7.8.4 Power measurements on the loads
The controller can acquire the active and reactive power measurements on the loads in
different ways, evaluated in that order:
• By the three main current measurement channels, if P.0124 is set to 1. In this case,
the controller also measures the power factor and the load type.
• By the auxiliary current measurement channel, if P.0130 is set to 1. In this case the
controller calculates the power factor and the load type from the active and reactive
power on the MGCB (if both available).
This information is shown on page M.01 near the icon of the loads.
7.8.5 Calculated powers
The controller can so manage up to four power measurements (mains, loads, MGCB and
generators) but it can measure only two of them (one more is calculated from the data received
from the CAN bus link). So, the forth one must be calculated from the others.
If the controller cannot acquire the powers on the MGCB, it can “copy” them from the powers
supplied by the generators, if MGCB is closed and no other MCxxx controller has its own
MGCB closed (thus, all the power supplied by the generators is flowing through this MGCB).
If the controller cannot acquire the powers on the loads, it can get them in the following ways:
• If MCB is opened and MGCB is closed: the powers on the loads is the same as the
power on the MGCB.
• If MCB is closed and MGCB is opened: the powers on the loads is the same as the
power on the mains.
• If MCB is closed and MGCB is closed: if the powers on the mains and on the MGCB
are both available, the controller can calculate the power on the loads as their sum. It
can then calculate the power factor and the load type from the calculated active and
reactive power.
• If it does not exist, the controller considers it existent, externally managed and always
closed. In this case, the related lamp is always switched on.
• For “island” only plants (“MPM”) it is not managed. The related lamp is always
switched off.
• For all other plant types, MCB always exists, and the related lamp shows its status. If
it is configured as not existing, the controller signals a wrong configuration by the
warning 237 and it considers it existent, externally managed and always opened. In
this case, the related lamp is always switched off.
Both circuit breakers can be managed by the controller or by external devices. If they are
managed by external devices, their statuses must be connected to MC200 (otherwise, it will
signal again a wrong configuration by the warning 273).
Through the P.0854 parameter it is possible to configure the way MC200 must manage the
MGCB circuit breaker:
• 0: not managed.
• 0: the circuit breaker is managed by the controller, that cannot use synchronization to
close it.
• 1: the circuit breaker is managed by the controller, that can use synchronization to
close it
• 2: the circuit breaker is controlled by an external device, and the controller cannot use
synchronization to close it.
• 3: the circuit breaker is controlled by an external device, and the controller can use
synchronization to close it.
At the same way, through P.0855 parameter, it is possible to configure the way the controller
must manage MCB circuit breaker (see previous description).
7.9.1 Digital outputs
7.9.1.1 Circuit breakers commands
Four different commands can be used for the management of the MCB breakers:
DOF.2001 - “Minimum voltage coil for MCB (NC)”. This function can be used to supply
the minimum voltage coil (if any) of the circuit breaker. The controller enables this
output when it wants to open the breaker, and disables it when it wants to close the
breaker: the real closing command will be activated with at least 0.5 seconds after the
disabling of this output. A contact which is normally closed should therefore be used,
so that when the controller is not supplied, the minimum voltage coil is enabled and
the breaker can be closed. If the breaker should open without any explicit command
from the controller (for example for the trip of its protections), it is possible to configure
a delay between the breaker opening and the activation of this command (P.0246, for
default set to zero): this function is useful for some small size breakers to acquire the
TRIP contact (which resets immediately as soon as the breaker is commanded in
opening).
DOF.2003 - “Coil for closing MCB”. The controller enables this output when it wants
to close the circuit breaker (ensuring that the function DOF.2001 has been active for
at least 0.5 seconds): the output goes back in standby once the circuit breaker
indicates that it is closed (or when the closing time-out expires, or the synchronism
condition no longer exists).
DOF.2004 - “Stable opening command for MCB”. The controller activates this output
when it wants to open the circuit breaker: the output remains activated even with the
circuit breaker is opened. The controller disables this output when it wants to close
the breaker (by assuring that the possible DOF.2001 function is active for at least 0.5
seconds): the output remains disabled even when the circuit breaker is closed.
Therefore, for the MCB breaker to close with the controller unpowered, the normally
closed contact must be used. Use this function with contactors, not with the motorized
breakers.
Four different commands can be used for the management of the MGCB breakers:
DOF.2031 - “Minimum voltage coil for MGCB”. This function can be used to supply
the minimum voltage coil (if any) of the circuit breaker. The controller enables this
output when it wants to close the breaker, and disables it when it wants to open the
breaker: the real closing command will be activated with at least 0.5 seconds after the
enabling of this output. If the breaker should open without any explicit command from
the controller (for example for the trip of its protections), it is possible to configure a
delay between the breaker opening and the activation of this command (P.0247, for
default set to zero): this function is useful for some small size breakers to acquire the
TRIP contact (which resets immediately as soon as the breaker is commanded in
opening).
DOF.2032 - “Coil for opening of MGCB”. The controller enables this output when it
wants to open the circuit breaker: the output goes back in standby once the circuit
breaker feedback indicates that it is open (or when the opening time-out expires).
DOF.2033 - “Coil for closing MGCB”. The controller enables this output when it wants
to close the circuit breaker (ensuring that the function DOF.2031 has been active for
at least 0.5 seconds): the output goes back in standby once the circuit breaker
indicates that it is closed (or when the closing time-out expires, or the synchronism
condition no longer exists).
DOF.2034 - “Stable closing command for MGCB”. The controller activates this output
when it wants to close the circuit breaker (by assuring that the possible DOF.2031
function is active for at least 0.5 seconds): the output remains activated even with the
circuit breaker is closed. The controller disables this output when it wants to open the
breaker: the output remains disabled even when the circuit breaker is opened. Use
this function with contactors, not with the motorized breakers.
Of course, it is not necessary to use all possible commands for the circuit breakers. It is
important that the controller, if it must command the circuit breaker, manages both the opening
and the closing command. The possibilities are:
The following table shows the statuses of all commands, during each phases of the circuit
breaker management. It is referred to MGCB circuit breaker: remember that “minimum voltage
coil” and “static command” works in the opposite way for MCB circuit breaker.
Circuit Minimum Opening Closing Stable
breaker voltage coil coil command
coil
Opened
Closing X X X
Closed X X
Opening X
As in the previous table, the controller activates different commands when the circuit breaker
is “open” or “closed”. If the circuit breaker status changes, the controller should change some
of its commands to follow the new status. This is dangerous because the circuit breaker status
is acquired by a digital input, and so possible problems could bring to faulty statuses:
• If circuit breaker status changes from “closed” to “opened”, the controller can follow
the new status without big problems. In fact, even if the “opened” status is a “wrong”
information (due to disturbs, broken wires and so on), the only problem is an
unnecessary opening of the circuit breaker: in AUTO mode, the controller will re-close
the circuit breaker if required by plant status. In this case, the controller does not
activate anomalies.
• If the controller detects the status of closed circuit breaker while it is open, the actions
depend on the fact that there is an output for “stable command”.
o “Stable command” not used. To adjust the commands, the controller would
only have to activate the “minimum voltage coil”. This operation alone does
not generate the circuit breaker closing, so it can be carried out without
problems. In this case, the controller does not activate anomalies.
The controller grants that the following delays between commands are respected:
• Half second between minimum voltage coil and any closure commands.
• The delay configured by parameter P.0219 (“Contactors swap delay”) between the
opening command of one circuit breaker and the closure command of the other circuit
breaker.
DOF.3082 - “Ready to open MCB”. This function is used only when the opening of the
circuit breaker will result in a blackout on the loads, and allows an external logic to
prevent or to delay the circuit breaker opening. This output is activated before the
opening of the circuit breaker only if one input is configured as “MCB opening allowed”
(DIF.1036): it is deactivated (and so the circuit breaker will be opened) when that input
is active or after the delay configured for the input elapses.
Two functions are provided, related to the MGCB circuit breaker management:
DOF.3083 - “Ready to close MGCB”. This function allows an external logic to prevent
or to delay the circuit breaker closure. This output is activated before the closing of
the circuit breaker only if one input is configured as “MGCB closure allowed”
(DIF.1005): it is deactivated (and so the circuit breaker will be closed) when that input
is active or after the delay configured for the input elapses.
DOF.3084 - “Ready to open MGCB”. This function is used only when the opening of
the circuit breaker will result in a blackout on the loads, and allows an external logic
to prevent or to delay the circuit breaker opening. This output is activated before the
opening of the circuit breaker only if one input is configured as “MGCB opening
allowed” (DIF.1006): it is deactivated (and so the circuit breaker will be opened) when
that input is active or after the delay configured for the input elapses.
7.9.1.3 Request for synchronization
If a circuit breaker is managed by the controller, but an external synchronizer should be used,
it is possible to use some digital outputs of the controller to enable the external synchronizer.
The following functions are available for the configuration of the digital outputs:
On the contrary, if a circuit breaker is externally managed but the internal synchronizer should
be used, the following function can be used to signal the “synchronized” status:
DOF.3094 - “Synchronized”.
• DIF.3002 - “Status of MCB circuit breaker”. Use this function to get the feedback of
the circuit breaker (active input when the circuit breaker is closed).
• DIF.3003 - “Status of MGCB circuit breaker”. Use this function to get the feedback of
the circuit breaker (active input when the circuit breaker is closed).
It isn’t always mandatory to connect the feedback of the circuit breakers to the controller: it
depends on the type of plant (see the document [8]). If the controller gets the feedbacks, it will
use them to:
It is also used to detect the status of the circuit breakers when they are commanded
by external devices.
To show the status of the circuit breakers on the front panel LEDs.
The delay associated to the input (P.2002 for input 1 or equivalent parameter for the other
inputs) is used as maximum time for opening or closing the breaker.
In theory, for those plants that don’t do the parallel with the mains, the controller might also
operate without these feedbacks. In this case, the controller considers that the breaker is
closed as soon as the closure command is activated; it considers that it is open as soon as
the opening command is activated. As a matter of facts, it is always better to connect the
feedback.
Through parameter P.0847 it is possible to define if the MCB breaker is supplied by mains
voltage. In this case, with mains off, MCB opens, but the controller does not activate the
relative warning of MCB closure failed. In the same way, through parameter P.9503 it is
possible to define if the MGCB breaker is supplied by the generators bus voltage. In this case,
with generators bus off, MGCB opens, but the controller does not activate the relative warning
of MGCB closure failed
7.9.2.2 Temporary override of the management of the circuit breakers
It is possible to use some digital inputs to communicate to the controller that the management
of one or both circuit breakers is temporarily managed by an external device (even if P.0854
and P.0855 parameters indicate that the circuit breaker is controlled by the controller):
Until the input is active, the board never tries either to open or close the circuit breaker: but, if
the circuit breaker is externally opened/closed, the controller will adapt its own commands to
the new status of the circuit breaker, in order not to cause any unwanted opening/closure when
the input is deactivated.
7.9.2.3 Manual controls for the circuit breakers
It is possible to connect to the digital inputs of the controller some external buttons to
open/close the circuit breakers. The controller will use these inputs (only in MAN) exactly in
the same way as the MCB and MGCB buttons present on the panel.
The closing of MCB is possible only if all the following conditions are checked:
o The mains must be live and in tolerance per the AMF thresholds.
o If the plant requires the parallel with the mains and it is configured as interface
device, the mains must be in tolerance per the parallel thresholds.
The parameter P.0248 allows to select the timing for MCB opening, when the controller is in
AUTO mode (for the emergency service to the mains):
• P.0248=0.
o Plant without MGCB: following a mains failure, the controller will open MCB
when at least one generator is “ready to supply”.
o Plant with MGCB: following a mains failure, the controller will open MCB just
before closing MGCB.
• P.0248=1: following a mains failure, the controller will open MCB as soon as the
“mains failure delay” is elapsed.
If the MCB closing is possible, the controller can carry it out in three ways, as described below.
With synchronization. This happens if all the following conditions are checked:
• If the plant requires the parallel with the mains (P.0802 >= 7).
• If the mains is in tolerance per the parallel thresholds. Note: in MAN, it is enough that the
mains is in tolerance; in AUTO, it must be in the time configured in P.0903.
• If MCB is externally managed (P.0855 = 4), the digital input that requires the
synchronization must be active (function DIF.1034).
• If the gensets are not in parallel with the mains by another MCxxx (MC200 does not allow
the simultaneous parallel with two mains).
Directly without synchronization. This happens if all the following conditions are checked:
• If it is not possible to close the circuit breaker with the synchronization (see above).
o If the plant requires the parallel with the mains (otherwise, the controller does
not allow the simultaneous closing of MCB and MGCB).
With changeover (opening MGCB). This happens if all the following conditions are checked:
• If it is not possible to close the circuit breaker with the synchronization (see above).
• If it is not possible to close the circuit breaker without synchronization (see above).
o If P.9506 is set to one, all controllers with GCB closed must be “managed by
MCxxx”, so that MC200 can force the opening of GCB.
o There shouldn’t be gensets with GCB closed, managed by controllers that are
not connected to CAN bus PMCB.
The closing of MGCB is possible only if all the following conditions are checked:
If the MGCB closing is possible, the controller can carry it out in three ways, as described
below.
With synchronization. This happens if all the following conditions are checked:
• If the plant requires the parallel with the mains (P.0802 >= 7).
• If MCB is closed.
• If an external synchronizer has not been configured, at least one GCB circuit breaker must
be closed.
• If MGCB is externally managed (P.0855 = 4), the digital input that requires the
synchronization must be active (function DIF.1004).
• If the gensets are not in parallel with the mains by another MCxxx (MC200 does not allow
the simultaneous parallel with two mains).
Directly without synchronization. This happens if all the following conditions are checked:
• If it is not possible to close the circuit breaker with the synchronization (see above).
• If there is no voltage on the loads bus, or on the generators bus and there are no
gensets with GCB closed.
• If MCB is closed:
o If the plant requires the parallel with the mains (otherwise, the controller does
not allow the simultaneous closing of MCB and MGCB).
o The protections for the parallel with the mains must not be active.
• If MCB is open:
o If the plant allows to supply the loads in island mode (P.0802 <> 8).
With changeover (opening MGCB). This happens if all the following conditions are checked:
• If it is not possible to close the circuit breaker with the synchronization (see above).
• If it is not possible to close the circuit breaker without synchronization (see above).
• If the plant allows to supply the loads in island mode (P.0802 <> 8).
• There must be no voltage on the bus of both loads and mains; otherwise, it’s
impossible to close without synchronization.
• If there is not a MGCB circuit breaker, or it is closed but it is externally managed, all
GCB circuit breakers must be open.
The controller removes the request of start for the gensets: this usually causes the immediate
opening of the GCB circuit breakers. This opening may happen after the phase of fast unload
of the power if the following condition are met:
• MGCB does not exist, or it is closed (externally managed or in case of opening failure):
the load is still connected to the gensets.
• There are some gensets “not managed by MCxxx” with GCB closed, which must stay
in parallel.
7.9.3.4 Management logic in MAN mode
The command of all circuit breakers is possible only if there are no active alarms and unloads
(otherwise, the controller acts as in OFF/RESET).
If the MCB circuit breaker exists and it is managed by the controller, it is possible to request
its manual opening and closing in different ways:
• By using the MCB button on the controller panel. This command works as a toggle: it
commands the opening if the circuit breaker is closed, it commands the closing if the
circuit breaker is open.
• By using the digital inputs of the controller (to connect external buttons that allow the
manual opening/closing of the circuit breakers). It is possible to use the following
functions to configure the digital inputs:
These commands act on shifting the input from “not active” to “active”, not on the
steady “active” state. It is possible to use both opening/closing commands or just the
closing one. If only the closing command is used, it acts as “toggle”: it commands the
breaker opening if it is closed, or its closing if it is open.
o HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter
P.0004.
▪ “42”: it requires the opening of MCB (with the loads transfer from the
mains to the generators).
If the MGCB circuit breaker exists and it is managed by the controller, it is possible to request
its manual opening and closing in different ways:
• By using the MGCB button on the controller panel. This command works as a toggle:
it commands the opening if the circuit breaker is closed, it commands the closing if the
circuit breaker is open.
• By using the digital inputs of the controller (to connect external buttons that allow the
manual opening/closing of the circuit breakers). It is possible to use the following
functions to configure the digital inputs:
These commands act on shifting the input from “not active” to “active”, not on the
steady “active” state. It is possible to use both opening/closing commands or just the
closing one. If only the closing command is used, it acts as “toggle”: it commands the
breaker opening if it is closed, or its closing if it is open.
o HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter
P.0004.
▪ “32”: it requires the opening of MGCB (with the loads transfer from
the generators to the mains).
Note: if MGCB does not exist, or if it is managed by the controller, the manual
commands described previously works on the GCB circuit breakers of the controllers
that are “managed by MCxxx” (if enabled by bit 3 of parameter P.0495).
If the MCB opening is required while the gensets are in parallel with the mains, the controller
tries to transfer the loads from the mains to the gensets, then opens MCB. If, during the loads
transfer, the opening of the circuit breaker is required again (button or active digital input for a
second), the MCB circuit breaker is immediately open.
If the MGCB opening is required while the gensets are in parallel with the mains, the controller
tries to transfer the loads from the gensets to the mains (by setting 0 kW as power setpoint),
then opens MGCB. If, during the unload ramp, the opening of the circuit breaker is required
again (button or active digital input for a second), the MGCB circuit breaker is immediately
open.
The controller activates some warnings for opening or closing failure of the circuit breakers if
it acquires their feedback. In case of MCB circuit breaker opening failure, the controller
activates the warning W023. In case of MGCB circuit breaker opening failure, the controller
activates the warning W024. If the controller commands the closing of MCB without
synchronization, and MCB does not close, the controller activates the warning W013. If the
controller commands the closing of MGCB without synchronization, and MGCB does not close,
the controller activates the warning W013.
7.9.3.5 Management logic in AUTO mode
In automatic modes, the controller autonomously decides if it should start/stop the gensets
and open/close the circuit breakers, according to the type of plant, the mains voltage and the
status of the digital inputs.
In the automatic management of the circuit breakers (not in manual), even if the circuit
breakers are managed by the controller, it is possible to limit the opening/closing externally. In
details:
• If there is a digital input configured with the function DIF.1036 (“MCB opening
allowed”), normally the controller waits for this digital input to be activated before
opening the circuit breaker.
The controller ignores the approval if at least one of the following conditions is
checked:
o The MGCB circuit breaker does not exist, or it exists but it is closed.
o The MCB circuit breaker must be opened immediately after the trip of the
protections for the parallel with the mains.
o It waits that the configured digital input with the function DIF.1036 becomes
active; this wait lasts for the time configured for the input (P.2001 for input 1).
If the time configured is 0, the wait lasts forever.
• If there is a digital input configured with the function DIF.1035 (“MCB closing allowed”),
normally the controller waits for this digital input to be activated before closing the
circuit breaker.
The controller ignores the approval if at least one of the following conditions is
checked:
o The intervention of the gensets is not required and MCB has not been opened
by the controller (so MC200 should close it again).
o It waits that the configured digital input with the function DIF.1035 becomes
active; this wait lasts for the time configured for the input (P.2001 for input 1).
If the time configured is 0, the wait lasts forever.
• If there is a digital input configured with the function DIF.1006 (“MGCB opening
allowed”), normally the controller waits for this digital input to be activated before
opening the circuit breaker.
The controller ignores the approval if at least one of the following conditions is
checked:
o The MGCB circuit breaker must be opened immediately after the trip of the
protections for the parallel with the mains.
o The intervention of the gensets is not required and MGCB has not been closed
by the controller (so MC200 should open it again).
o It waits that the configured digital input with the function DIF.1006 becomes
active; this wait lasts for the time configured for the input (P.2001 for input 1).
If the time configured is 0, the wait lasts forever.
• If there is a digital input configured with the function DIF.1005 (“MGCB closing
allowed”), normally the controller waits for this digital input to be activated before
closing the circuit breaker.
The controller ignores the approval if at least one of the following conditions is
checked:
Notes MCB
If this circuit breaker exists and is managed by the controller, it is normally kept closed. The
controller opens it only in some cases, depending on plant configuration:
• Parallel to mains. MCB is opened only if the mains fails and if MCB is configured as
interface device. Additionally, it can be opened if the “transfer to gensets” mode is
selected after the loads are entirely moved to the gensets.
• Stand-by supply. MCB is opened before the MGCB closing (or GCB closing in case
MGCB does not exist), to manage the load switch between mains and gensets. In the
same way, MCB is closed after MGCB has been opened (or GCB if MGCB does not
exist); if configured as “synchronizable”, the controller will try to close it with
synchronization, before opening MGCB.
Notes MGCB
If this circuit breaker exists and it is managed by the controller, the controller closes it (if
required) with different time, depending on conditions and plant configuration.
o For any reason, at least one GCB is already closed when the controller must
close MGCB.
o The operator has selected to close GCB before MGCB by parameter P.9513.
• Stand-by supply. The controller closes MGCB (without synchronization) after the
gensets GCB are closed. Parameter P.0806 allows configuring the timings for MGCB
closure:
• By setting it to 0, the controller closes MGCB after the first circuit breaker GCB
has been closed (“immediate supply”).
• By setting it to 30000, the controller waits the closing of GCB of all the available
gensets “managed by MC200”, then it closes MGCB (“end parallel supply”). In this
case, the nominal power of generators is not checked.
• By setting it to an intermediate value, the controller waits that the nominal power
of all gensets with GCB closed is greater than the set value, and then closes
MGCB. Note: if all GCB are closed, the available power is lower than the threshold,
the controller activates a warning (W008) and then closes MGCB.
• It is also possible to use a digital input configured with the function DIF.2181
(“Immediate supply”), to force the MGCB closing after the first GCB, whatever is
the value set in parameter P.0806.
7.11
The controller does not implement any regulations on active power. No PI regulators are
provided for active power: the controller selects the power setpoint for generators, and the
power regulation task is performed by each genset controller.
The controller can adjust the active power setpoint for generators through the CAN bus link.
This setpoint is used by the genset controllers only when generators are in parallel with mains.
When they are in “island mode”, the genset controllers automatically manage load sharing
(without MC200) between available generators, as a percentage of their nominal power.
Important note:
• P.9506 = 1: only the controllers “managed by MCxxx” use the power setpoint
transmitted by MC200. The controllers not “managed by MCxxx” use the proper local
setpoint. The controller considers this info when calculating the power setpoint
transmitted to the genset controllers.
• P.9506 = 0: the MC200 controller transmits its power setpoint as “SYSTEM BASE
LOAD”. It is automatically managed by the genset controllers, taking care of the ones
that are working in a different mode.
Important note: if a plant is composed by more MCxxx, the system allows the parallel with
the mains only on one of them. If the circuit breakers would be all managed externally, there
could be more MCxxx managing the parallel with the mains: in this case, the power setpoint
used by the gensets is the one transmitted from the MCxxx controller with minor PMCB
address.
There are three different operating modes for the parallel with the mains, described in the
following.
Important note: whatever is the mode selected on the controller, it corresponds to a power
setpoint for the genset controllers.
7.11.1 BASE LOAD
This term is used to indicate the working mode where the power setpoint for generators is
selected by the operator and it is not influenced by the local loads.
In this mode, the operator selects the power setpoint for the plant using parameter P.0858,
directly as kW. Values up to 30 MW can be selected. The parameter can be modified also in
MAN o AUTO modes, and directly from display page M.01.
Alternatively, it is possible to use a controller analogue input to configure the setpoint. This
input can be connected to a potentiometer, or any external device that should adjust the power
setpoint of the plant.
• Configure an analogue input with the function AIF.2307 (“Setpoint for system BASE
LOAD”) (parameter P.4001 for analogue input 1).
• Associate a conversion curve to the analogue input, to convert the acquired voltage
to a kW setpoint. For example:
Otherwise you can set the parameter P.0880 to “1” (“BASE LOAD”) and use a digital input to
switch the working mode between “BASE LOAD” and “IMPORT/EXPORT”. The input must be
configured with the function DIF.2093 (“Selects the import-export mode”): when the input is
“active” (logical status) the working mode is “IMPORT/EXPORT”, when it is “not active” the
working mode is “BASE LOAD”.
The operator can select the power setpoint on mains by using parameter P.0859, directly as
kW. It allows setting values up to +/-10 MW. A positive value means that the plant should
import power from mains, while a negative value indicates that power should be exported to
mains. A setpoint equal to zero selects no power transfers over mains: generators should
supply only local loads. The parameter can be modified also in MAN o AUTO modes, and
directly from display page M.01.
Alternatively, it is possible to use a controller analogue input to acquire the setpoint. This input
can be connected to a potentiometer, or any external device that must adjust the power
setpoint of the plant. To use the analogue input, do the following:
• Configure an analogue input with the function AIF.2309 (“Setpoint for system
IMPORT/EXPORT”) (parameter P.4001 for analogue input 1).
• Associate a conversion curve to the analogue input, to convert the acquired voltage
to a kW setpoint. For example:
The power setpoint for the gensets depends on the loads connected. So, it may happen that
with few loads, the gensets should supply a very low power. In this case, the engines do not
work well and if the situation does not change for a long time, they can get damaged. With the
parameter P.0904, it is possible to configure a minimum value of power that the controller
should require from gensets when they are in parallel with the mains in IMPORT/EXPORT
mode.
7.11.3 Transfer to generators
This term indicates a temporary mode that consists in configuring the power currently
consumed by the loads as power setpoint for the gensets. Once the gensets reach the setpoint
(so the mains is no more supplying the loads), the controller opens the mains circuit breaker
(MCB) and the loads are supplied by the gensets.
To select this mode, set parameter P.0880 to “3”. Otherwise you can set this parameter to “1”
(“BASE LOAD”) or “2” (“IMPORT/EXPORT”) and use a digital input to switch the working mode
to “Transfer to generators”. This input must be configured with the function DIF.2096 “Transfer
to gensets”: when the input is “active” (logical status) the working mode is “Transfer to
generators”, when it is “not active” the working mode is the previous one.
This working mode is different if the controller acquires the power on mains or not:
• If the controller acquires the power on mains, the power setpoint for the generators is
calculated as in “IMPORT/EXPORT” mode, assuming 0 kW setpoint on mains. When
generators reach the setpoint no power is flowing on the mains: the MCB circuit
breaker can be opened without load transients on generators.
• If the controller does not acquire the power on mains, the operator must set the power
value required by the loads with the parameter P.0858 (or act on the related analogue
input). This setpoint will be transmitted to the gensets. Once generators reach this
setpoint, MCB circuit breaker will be opened: if setpoint is near actual loads, no load
transients will happen on generators.
Note: if generators are not able to reach the setpoint (because too loads are applied) MCB
circuit breaker will never be opened.
This temporary phase ends when the gensets reach the setpoint or after the configured
maximum delay (unless the gensets cannot supply the power required): the duration of the
ramp (P.0879) is considered as maximum delay for this management (anyhow, MCB is open
only if the gensets can take the load). It is also possible to add a delay by means parameter
P.9517: the controller opens MCB only when the power supplied by the generators reached
the setpoint continuously for this delay. The default value for this parameter is zero.
When the gensets are supplying in parallel with the mains and the MGCB circuit breaker
should be opened, the controller commands the unloading process to gensets (if no alarms
are activated).
The command consists in setting a power reference to the gensets. This reference is
calculated in different ways for the two following conditions:
• There is another MCxxx with MGCB closed. In this case, the gensets are supplying
the loads of more than one MCxxx simultaneously. So, the controller cannot bring the
gensets power to zero, because it would connect the loads of all MCxxx with MGCB
closed to only one mains transformer, which could be overcharged. The controller can
proceed in two ways:
o The controller measures the power that flows through its own MGCB. In this
case, the controller calculates the power setpoint for the gensets to bring to
zero the power that flows through the MGCB. When the power is close to
zero, the controller opens the MGCB, avoiding load transfers on both gensets
and mains transformers.
o The controller does not measure the power that flows through its own MGCB.
In this case, it simply opens its own MGCB: anyhow, this leads to a load
transfer on both gensets and mains transformers.
• There are no other MCxxx with MGCB closed. In this case, the controller requests to
gensets an active power reference equal to 0%. When the gensets power is close to
zero, the controller opens the MGCB, avoiding load transfers on both gensets and
mains transformers.
Then the generator control devices manage by itself the unload ramp for their generators. The
controller waits for the end of the unloading process and then opens the MCB circuit breaker.
The unloading process is terminated when:
• In case there are other MCxxx with MGCB closed and this MC200 does not measure
the power on the MGCB circuit breaker. In this case, the unload ramp is not carried
out.
• In case there are no gensets with GCB closed, the controller stops the unload ramp.
• If the parallel with the mains is not allowed: the unload ramp can last maximum 0.5
seconds.
• If you have configured a maximum duration for the parallel with the mains (parameter
P.0890): the unload ramp is immediately stopped after the gensets are in parallel as
per the time configured.
• If the power supplied by the gensets “managed by MCxxx” is lower than the threshold
set in P.0878 (the power is calculated as sum of the active powers divided by the sum
of the nominal powers of all gensets supplying). The power supplied by the gensets
not “managed by MCxxx” is ignored. In case the controller measures the power on
MGCB and there are other MCxxx with MGCB closed, the controller checks that the
power on MGCB is lower than P.0878. It is also possible to add a delay by means
parameter P.9517: the controller opens MGCB only when the power supplied by the
generators reached the setpoint continuously for this delay. The default value for this
parameter is zero.
Note: if P.9605 is set to 1, the active power setpoint for the unloading procedure is
managed through the SYSTEM BASE LOAD mode. The genset controllers manage
this setpoint by themselves, taking care of the ones that are working in different
modes; however, the setpoint is probably near to zero and, if there are gensets
working in a different mode, it is possible that the system can’t reach it: this is the
• After the time configured with parameter P.0879 is elapsed from the start of the
process (this is only a timeout, normally MGCB is opened early for the reaching of
power setpoint).
The controller does not change the setpoint for the reactive power (see paragraph below)
during the unload ramp. Whatever is the cos(ɸ) required to the controllers, this corresponds in
a null value of reactive power when the active power supplied by a genset tends to zero: so,
the reactive power unload is indirectly managed by the genset controllers.
7.12
The controller does not implement any regulations on reactive power. No PI regulators are
provided for reactive power: the controller selects the reactive power setpoint for generators,
and the voltage and reactive power regulation tasks are performed by each genset controller.
The reactive power setpoint is not expressed as kvar, it is set as a “power factor”, called also
cos(Φ).
The controller can select the cos(Φ) setpoint for generators through the CAN bus link. This
setpoint is used by the genset controllers only when generators are in parallel with mains.
When they are in “island mode”, the genset controllers automatically manage reactive power
sharing (without MC200) between available generators, as a percentage of their nominal
power.
The setpoint sent by MC200 over the CAN bus is the same for all generators: each genset
controller will convert this setpoint to kvar (based on current active power of that generator);
then it will provide voltage control loop to move generator reactive power to the required kvar.
On MC200, operator selects the setpoint for cos(Φ) using parameter P.0860 (“Reference for
system cos(Φ)”). It allows selecting values between “0.7 inductive” and “0.9 capacitive”. The
parameter can be modified also in MAN o AUTO modes, and directly from display page M.01.
To set a capacitive cos(Φ), the formula “2 - cos(Φ)” must be used. For example, to select a
cos(Φ) equal to 0.95c, the real number is 2.00 – 0.95 1.05.
Alternatively, it is possible to use a controller analogue input to configure the setpoint. This
input can be connected to a potentiometer, or to any external device that must adjust the
cos(Φ) setpoint of the plant. To use the analogue input, do the following:
• Configure an analogue input with the function AIF.2405 (“Setpoint for system power
factor”) (parameter P.4001 for analogue input 1).
• Associate a conversion curve to the analogue input, to convert the acquired voltage
to a kW setpoint. For example:
After this configuration, by moving the potentiometer between 0 and 5 Vdc the cos(Φ) setpoint
varies between 0.70 inductive and 0.90 capacitive (the setpoint is displayed on page M.01 but
Important note:
• P.9506 = 1: only the controllers “managed by MCxxx” use the cos(Φ) setpoint
transmitted by MC200. The controllers not “managed by MCxxx” use the proper local
setpoint.
• P.9506 = 0: MC200 transmits the cos(Φ) setpoint for the SYSTEM BASE LOAD mode.
The genset controllers manage this setpoint by themselves, taking care about the
ones that are working in a different mode. In this way, the total system cos(Φ) will be
the one required by MC200.
• DOF.1005 (“Request to start”). The controller activates this output each time the
intervention of the gensets is required (both in MAN and AUTO). It deactivates this
output when the intervention of the gensets is no longer required. It is possible to wire
this output on the digital inputs of the gensets controllers to command the start/stop
of the engines.
• DOF.3062 (“Ready to supply”). The controller activates this output to signal that it is
possible to connect the loads to the gensets. The output activates only in AUTO, TEST
and REMOTE START, if there are no “load inhibitions” in the following cases:
▪ If MGCB is open, the output is active when the nominal power of the
gensets with GCB closed is enough to supply the loads.
▪ if no GCB is closed:
Usually, the controller can modify the speed and voltage of the gensets through commands
on the CAN bus PMCB line. It is possible to use also some analogue outputs for this purpose.
The controller has the following functions for the configuration of the analogue outputs:
• AOF.1000 (“Speed regulator”). The controller manages this output for sending speed
commands to the genset controllers. The output can be adjusted by the following
parameters:
o P.0856: it allows to specify the minimum value for the output (%).
o P.0857: it allows to specify the maximum value for the output (%).
• AOF.1001 (“Speed regulator (with curve)”). The controller manages this output for
sending speed commands to the genset controllers. The output can be adjusted by
means a conversion curve.
o P.0862: it allows to specify the minimum value for the output (%).
o P.0863: it allows to specify the maximum value for the output (%).
• AOF.1003 (“Voltage regulator (with curve)”). The controller manages this output for
sending voltage commands to the genset controllers. The output can be adjusted by
means a conversion curve.
• See paragraph 7 for the list of the conditions, so that a genset controller is considered
“managed by MCxxx” (remember that, in any case, the genset controllers should be
at least in AUTO to be “managed by MCxxx”).
• The gensets “managed by MCxxx” can be started only if MC200 is not in OFF/RESET
and if there are no blocks and/or unloads.
• In MAN, the operator can start/stop the gensets “managed by MCxxx” with the buttons
START and STOP. To start/stop the gensets not “managed by MCxxx”, use the
related controllers.
• See paragraph 7.9 for a list of the minimum conditions that allow the closing of the
MCB circuit breaker.
• See paragraph 7.9 for a list of the minimum conditions that allow the closing of the
MGCB circuit breaker.
• See paragraph 7.9 for the description of the manual commands for the circuit
breakers.
• See paragraph 7.9 for the anomalies of the circuit breakers opening/closing failure.
• See paragraph 7 for the anomalies of the circuit breakers synchronization failure.
The plants are divided according to the necessary conditions for the automatic intervention of
the gensets. From this point of view, there are three types of plant:
• “Island mode” production plant. The term “island mode” indicates the situation in which
one or more gensets supply a load, without being in parallel with the mains. The
automatic intervention of the plant is always required, independently from the mains
status. The parallel with the mains is not allowed.
• Plant for the production “in parallel with the mains”. The automatic intervention of the
plant is required only if the mains is live and in tolerance. The supply in “island mode”
is not allowed.
The following table shows a recap of all types of plant, according to what has been said:
Production Parallel
Production Supply in
in parallel with the
P.0802 in island AMF island mode
with the mains
mode allowed
mains allowed
MPM X No Yes
MSB X No Yes
MSB + MSTP X X Yes Yes
MPtM X Yes No
MPtM + MSB X X Yes Yes
The acronyms indicated in the first column will be described in detail below. It is important to
understand well the difference between the plants “MSB + MSTP” e “MPtM + MSB”: they
• The plant “MSB + MSTP” is an “emergency” plant and so the gensets will be started
(automatically) only in case of mains anomaly. To put the gensets in parallel with the
mains, you need to force the start when the mains is live (through the REMOTE
START or TEST mode).
• The plant “MPtM + MSB” is both a “supply in island” and production “in parallel with
the mains” plant. Automatically, the gensets are started when the mains is in tolerance
and when it is out of tolerance or off: in the first case, the plant will be “in parallel with
the mains”, in the second case, it will be “in island mode”.
The different types of plant will be described in detail below. Gensets automatic start inhibition
7.14.1 MPM (Multiple Prime Mover)
This type of plant requires the production in “island mode”. They are the typical gensets of the
building sites, where the operator decides when the gensets must supply or not. The parallel
with the mains is not allowed.
In this type of plant, the controller ignores the mains and MCB status. It is not possible to close
the MGCB circuit breaker with synchronization: this means that the controller does not allow
the MGCB closing if, in case of wrong wiring, it detects the simultaneous presence of voltage
on both sides of the circuit breaker.
Automatic sequence
When there are gensets ready to supply, the controller must decide if closing the MGCB circuit
breaker or not (if it exists). The circuit breaker should be always closed, except for the following
cases:
If the opening of MGCB is not required, the controller must decide in which moment to close
the circuit breaker: see the description of the parameter P.0806 at paragraph 7.9.3.5.
The logic of normal operation in AUTO (if the controller manages the MGCB circuit
breaker) will be:
3. MGCB opened. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms or unloads, or if the automatic
intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips to point 8. If there are requests
of “inhibition to supply the load”, the procedure stays at this point. Otherwise, it
continues:
• Stay in this point if there is voltage on the loads bus (rare, as MGCB is opened
and MCB does not exist).
4. MGCB open, waiting for gensets. The controller checks if the number of gensets
with GCB closed and their nominal power correspond to what has been configured in
parameter P.0806. If they correspond (or if there are no other genset “managed by
MCxxx” that could close their GCB), the procedure skips to point 5. During the waiting,
in case of alarms or unloads, or if the automatic intervention is no longer required, the
procedure skips to point 8.
7. Opening of MGCB (three attempts): if MGCB opens, the procedure skips to point 3.
If MGCB does not open, the alarm A024 is activated (MGCB not closed) and the
procedure skips to point 8.
8. Stopping. The controller removes the start request for the gensets “managed by
MCxxx”. If there are other MCxxx requiring the use of the gensets, the procedure ends
at point 1. Otherwise, the controller waits for the gensets stopping. It is possible to set
a maximum duration for this waiting: if the parameter P.9512 is set to a value different
from zero, the controller waits in this status for the time configured. If the gensets do
not stop within this time, the controller activates a warning W021 and the procedure
ends at point 1. If the automatic intervention of the genset is required again, the
procedure continues from point 2.
The logic of normal operation in AUTO (if the controller does not command the MGCB
circuit breaker) will be:
4. Stopping. The controller removes the start request for the gensets “managed by
MCxxx”. If there are other MCxxx requiring the use of the gensets, the procedure ends
at point 1. Otherwise, the controller waits for the gensets stopping. It is possible to set
a maximum duration for this waiting: if the parameter P.9512 is set to a value different
from zero, the controller waits in this status for the time configured. If the gensets do
not stop within this time, the controller activates a warning W021 and the procedure
ends at point 1. If the automatic intervention of the genset is required again, the
procedure continues from point 2.
7.14.2 MSB (Multiple Stand By)
This type of plant requires one or more gensets to carry out the emergency to mains service.
The controller starts the gensets if the mains is “out of tolerance” with respect to the time
configured; it stops them if the mains is “in tolerance”. If configured by means parameter
P.9514, the controller can require the intervention of the gensets even in case of closing failure
of the MCB circuit breaker. The parallel with the mains is not allowed.
Parallel functions Available
It is not possible to close MCB and MGCB with synchronization: this means that the controller
does not allow the circuit breaker closing if the other is closed. Moreover, it does not allow the
closing of any circuit breaker if, for a wrong wiring, it detects the simultaneous presence of
voltage on both sides of the circuit breaker.
Automatic sequence
o The mains is live but the controller is not able to close the MCB circuit breaker
(if configured by means parameter P.9514).
When there are gensets ready to supply, the controller must decide if let the gensets supply
the load. This should be always done except when:
The logic of normal operation in AUTO (if MC200 manages both MCB and MGCB circuit
breakers) will be:
2. MCB closed, MGCB open, gensets “managed by MCxxx” starting. If there are no
gensets “managed by MCxxx”, the procedure skips to point 3. Otherwise, the
controller waits that at least one genset “managed by MCxxx” is ready to supply and
then the procedure skips to point 3. It is possible to set a maximum duration for the
gensets starting with the parameter P.9511. If this parameter is different from zero,
and the starting phase lasts more than the value configured, the controller activates
the warning W022. During the waiting, in case of alarms or unloads, or if the automatic
intervention is no longer required, the procedure skips to point 12.
3. MCB closed, MGCB open. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms or unloads, or if
the automatic intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips to point 12. If
there are requests of “inhibition to supply the loads”, the procedure stays at this point.
Otherwise, the procedure continues to point 4.
4. Gensets wait. The controller checks if the number of gensets with GCB closed and
their nominal power correspond to what has been configured in parameter P.0806. If
they correspond (or if there are no other genset “managed by MCxxx” that could close
their GCB), the procedure skips to point 5. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms or
unloads, or if the automatic intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips to
point 12.
5. MCB opening (three attempts) In case of opening failure, the alarm A023 is activated
(MCB not opened) and the procedure skips to point 12. Otherwise, the procedure
continues to point 6.
6. MCB open, MGCB closed. The controller waits for the time configured with
parameter P.0219, then it continues to point 7. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms
or unloads, or if the automatic intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips
to point 11. If there is an inhibition to supply the loads, the procedure skips to point
11.
7. MGCB closing (three attempts). In case of closing failure, the alarm A014 is activated
(MGCB not closed) and the procedure skips to point 11. Otherwise, the procedure
continues to point 8.
9. Opening of MGCB (three attempts): if MGCB opens, the procedure skips to point 10.
If MGCB does not open, the alarm A024 is activated (MGCB not opened) and the
procedure skips to point 12.
10. MCB open, MGCB closed. The controller waits for the time configured with
parameter P.0219, then it continues to point 11.
11. MCB closing (three attempts) In case of closing failure, the alarm A013 is activated
(MCB not closed) and the procedure skips to point 12. Otherwise, the procedure
continues to point 3.
12. Stopping. The controller removes the start request for the gensets “managed by
MCxxx”. If there are other MCxxx requiring the use of the gensets, the procedure ends
at point 1. Otherwise, the controller waits for the gensets stopping. It is possible to set
a maximum duration for this waiting: if the parameter P.9512 is set to a value different
The logic of normal operation in AUTO (if MC200 manages the MCB circuit breaker only)
will be:
3. MCB closed. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms or unloads, or if the automatic
intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips to point 8. If there are requests
of “inhibition to supply the loads”, the procedure stays at this point. If MGCB is closed,
the procedure continues to point 5 to open the MCB circuit breaker immediately
(otherwise, the controllers cannot close GCB because the plant does not require the
parallel with the mains). Otherwise, the procedure continues to point 4.
4. Gensets waiting (MGCB open). The controller checks if the number of gensets with
GCB closed and their nominal power correspond to what has been configured in
parameter P.0806. If they correspond (or if there are no other genset “managed by
MCxxx” that could close their GCB), the procedure skips to point 5. If the external logic
closes MGCB, the procedure immediately skips to point 5. If the gensets must be
stopped (alarms or unloads, or if the automatic intervention is no longer required), the
procedure skips to point 8.
5. MCB opening (three attempts) In case of opening failure, the alarm A023 is activated
(MCB not opened) and the procedure skips to point 8. Otherwise, the procedure
continues to point 6.
7. MCB closing (three attempts) In case of closing failure, the alarm A012 is activated
(MCB not closed) and the procedure skips to point 8. Otherwise, the procedure
continues to point 3.
8. Stopping. The controller removes the start request for the gensets “managed by
MCxxx”. If there are other MCxxx requiring the use of the gensets, the procedure ends
at point 1. Otherwise, the controller waits for the gensets stopping. It is possible to set
a maximum duration for this waiting: if the parameter P.9512 is set to a value different
from zero, the controller waits in this status for the time configured. If the gensets do
not stop within this time, the controller activates a warning W021 and the procedure
ends at point 1. If the automatic intervention of the genset is required again, the
procedure continues from point 2.
Note: the described sequences are valid if the parameter P.0248 is set to zero. If it is set to 1,
the MCB circuit breaker will be opened as soon as the mains become steadily “out of
thresholds”, to protect the loads against wrong voltages/frequency.
With respect to the MSB plant, the controller allows the parallel with the mains.
Usually, the parallel with the mains is temporary (P.0880=0): it is used to avoid a black-out on
the loads during their switch from gensets to mains (when it is back) or from mains to gensets
(in case of forced intervention in TEST or REMOTE START). In this case, the maximum
duration for the parallel with the mains is 1 second: anyhow, it can be configured with the
parameter P.0890. Please read the description of the warning W207 that is related with this
parameter.
This type of plant allows also the parallel with the mains (if P.0880 is different from zero).
Usually, you use this function to test the gensets (TEST) without disconnecting the loads from
the mains. In this case, there is no limit in the parallel duration.
Function Available
Automatic sequence
o The mains is live but the controller is not able to close the MCB circuit breaker
(if configured by means parameter P.9514).
When there are gensets ready to supply, the controller must decide if let the gensets supply
the load. This should be always done except when:
If the supply of the loads from the gensets is required, the controller must decide when to carry
out the switch. The controller never closes MGCB before GCB. Parameter P.0806 allows
configuring when to close the circuit breaker (see 7.9.3.5).
The logic of normal operation in AUTO (if MC200 manages both circuit breakers) will be:
2. MCB closed, MGCB open, gensets “managed by MCxxx” starting. If there are no
gensets “managed by MCxxx”, the procedure skips to point 3. Otherwise, the
controller waits that at least one genset “managed by MCxxx” is ready to supply and
then the procedure skips to point 3. It is possible to set a maximum duration for the
gensets starting with the parameter P.9511. If this parameter is different from zero,
and the starting phase lasts more than the value configured, the controller activates
the warning W022. During the waiting, in case of alarms or unloads, or if the automatic
intervention is no longer required, the procedure skips to point 17.
3. MCB closed, MGCB open. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms or unloads, or if
the automatic intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips to point 17. If
there are requests of “inhibition to supply the loads”, the procedure waits in this point.
Otherwise, it continues:
4. MCB closed, MGCB open, genset waiting. The controller checks if the number of
gensets with GCB closed and their nominal power correspond to what has been
configured in parameter P.0806. If they correspond (or if there are no other genset
“managed by MCxxx” that could close their GCB), the procedure skips to point 5 and
it is not possible to close MGCB with synchronization; otherwise, to point 12. If the
gensets must be stopped (alarms or unloads, or if the automatic intervention is no
longer required), the procedure skips to point 17. If there are inhibitions, the procedure
skips to point 3.
5. MCB opening, MGCB open (three attempts). In case of opening failure, the alarm
A023 is activated (MCB not opened) and the procedure skips to point 17. Otherwise,
the procedure continues to point 6.
6. MCB open, MGCB closed. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms or unloads, or if
the automatic intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips to point 10. If
there is an inhibition to supply the loads, the procedure skips to point 10. Otherwise,
the controller waits for the time configured with parameter P.0219, then it continues to
point 7.
8. MCB open, MGCB closed. If there are alarms or unloads, requests of inhibition to
supply the loads or the automatic intervention of the gensets is no longer required, the
procedure continues:
9. Opening of MGCB, MCB open (three attempts): if MGCB opens, the procedure skips
to point 6. If MGCB does not open, the alarm A024 is activated (MGCB not opened)
and the procedure skips to point 17.
10. MCB closing without synchronization (three attempts) In case of closing failure,
the alarm A013 is activated (MCB not closed) and the procedure skips to point 17.
Otherwise, the procedure continues to point 3.
11. MCB closing with synchronization. This phase lasts maximum P.0853 seconds. If
during this time MCB closes, the procedure skips to point 13. Otherwise, the controller
activates the warning W272 (“synchronization failure on MCB”): the controller will not
12. MGCB closing with synchronization This phase lasts maximum P.0852 seconds. If
during this time MGCB closes, the procedure skips to point 13. Otherwise, the
controller activates the warning W271 (“synchronization failure on MGCB”): the
controller will not allow the synchronization for the MGCB closing if the operator does
not “acknowledge” this warning. The procedure goes back to point 3.
13. MCB closed, MGCB closed If the gensets must be stopped for an alarm, the
procedure skips to point 16. If some unloads are activated, the automatic intervention
is no longer required, or some requests of “inhibition to supply the loads” are activated,
the procedure continues to point 15. If the parallel with the mains is not allowed (or
the maximum time allowed for the parallel with the mains expires), the procedure
continues to point 14. If the “transfer to gensets” mode is active, when the gensets
reach the power setpoint configured by MC200, the procedure continues to point 14.
14. MCB opening, MGCB closed (three attempts). In case of opening failure, the alarm
A023 is activated (MCB not opened) and the procedure skips to point 17. Otherwise,
the procedure continues to point 8.
15. MCB closed, MGCB closed, power unload If the parallel with the mains is not
allowed (or the maximum time allowed for the parallel with the mains expires), the
procedure continues to point 16. During this phase, the controller establishes a power
setpoint equal to 0 kW for the gensets. Then, it controls the active power supplied by
the gensets “managed by MCxxx”: when it goes under the threshold P.0878, the
procedure continues to point 16. In any case, the maximum duration of this phase can
be configured with the parameter P.0879: when the time is up, whatever the power
supplied by the gensets is, the procedure continues to point 16. If there are not alarms
or unloads, the requests of “inhibition to power load” are not activated and the
automatic intervention is required, the procedure continues to point 13.
Note: if P.9605 is set to 1, the active power setpoint for the unloading procedure is
managed through the SYSTEM BASE LOAD mode. The genset controllers manage
this setpoint by themselves, taking care of the ones that are working in different
modes; however, the setpoint is probably near to zero and, if there are gensets
working in a different mode, it is possible that the system can’t reach it: this is the
reason for which, to detect the end of the unload, only the generators “managed by
MCxxx” are considered.
16. Opening of MGCB, MCB closed (three attempts): if MGCB opens, the procedure
skips to point 3. If MGCB does not open, the alarm A024 is activated (MGCB not
opened) and the procedure skips to point 17.
17. Stopping. The controller removes the start request for the gensets “managed by
MCxxx”. If there are other MCxxx requiring the use of the gensets, the procedure ends
at point 1. Otherwise, the controller waits for the gensets stopping. It is possible to set
a maximum duration for this waiting: if the parameter P.9512 is set to a value different
from zero, the controller waits in this status for the time configured. If the gensets do
not stop within this time, the controller activates a warning W021 and the procedure
ends at point 1. If the automatic intervention of the genset is required again, the
procedure continues from point 2.
The logic of automatic normal operation (if MC200 manages MCB only) will be:
3. MCB closed. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms or unloads, or if the automatic
intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips to point 9. If there are requests
for “inhibition to supply the loads”, the procedure stays in this status: if MGCB is
closed, the requests of inhibition are transformed in opening commands of the GCB
circuit breakers of the controllers “managed by MCxxx”; the gensets will download the
power before opening GCB.
MGCB opened. The controller checks if the number of gensets with GCB closed and
their nominal power correspond to what has been configured in parameter P.0806. If
they correspond (or if there are no other genset “managed by MCxxx” that could close
their GCB):
• There are gensets with GCB closed. If the parallel with the mains is not
allowed (or the maximum time allowed for the parallel with the mains expires),
the procedure continues to point 4. If the “transfer to gensets” mode is active,
when the gensets reach the power setpoint configured by MC200, the
procedure continues to point 4.
• There are no gensets with GCB closed. If there are gensets ready to supply,
but the mains is out of tolerance (so, the gensets cannot close their GCB with
synchronization), the procedure continues to point 4.
4. MCB opening (three attempts). In case of opening failure, the alarm A023 is activated
(MCB not opened) and the procedure skips to point 9. Otherwise, the procedure
continues to point 5.
MGCB opened. If there are alarms or unloads, requests of “inhibition to supply the
loads” or the automatic intervention of the genset is no longer required, the procedure
continues to point 6. Otherwise, the procedure stays in this status.
MGCB closed. If there are alarms or unloads, the procedure skips to point 9. If there
are “inhibition to supply the loads”, or the automatic intervention is not required, the
controller continues to point 7 if it is possible to use the synchronization for the closing
of MCB; otherwise, it waits for MGCB or GCB to open.
7. MCB closing with synchronization This phase lasts maximum P.0853 seconds. If
during this time MCB closes, the procedure skips to point 3. Otherwise, the controller
activates the warning W272 (“synchronization failure on MCB”): the controller will not
allow the synchronization for the MCB closing if the operator does not “acknowledge”
this warning. The procedure goes back to point 5.
8. MGCB closing with synchronization This phase lasts maximum P.0852 seconds. If
during this time MGCB closes, the procedure skips to point 13. Otherwise, the
controller activates the warning W271 (“synchronization failure on MGCB”): the
controller will not allow the synchronization for the MGCB closing if the operator does
not “acknowledge” this warning. The procedure goes back to point 5.
Note: the described sequences are valid if the parameter P.0248 is set to zero. If it is set to 1,
the MCB circuit breaker will be opened as soon as the mains become steadily “out of
thresholds”, to protect the loads against wrong voltages/frequency.
7.14.4 MPTM (Multiple Parallel to Mains)
This is a plant for the production in parallel with the mains. The controller starts the gensets if
the mains status allows the parallel; it disconnects the gensets from the mains if the protections
of parallel with the mains are activated (see 7.4.2); it stops the gensets if the mains status
does not allow the parallel for P.0899 seconds.
The supply in “island mode” is not allowed: so, if the protections of parallel with the mains are
activated, the controller opens the MGCB circuit breaker anyway (if it exists), whatever is the
interface device selected with parameter P.0900. We suggest to select MGCB as interface
device (P.0900=2).
The parallel with the mains must be continue, so the parameter P.0880 must be set at a value
different from zero.
Automatic sequence
• In AUTO: if there is no “inhibition to start” and the mains status allows the parallel with
the mains.
• In TEST and REMOTE START: always, ignoring the “inhibition to start” and the mains
status.
When there are gensets ready to supply, the controller must decide if connect the gensets to
the mains. This should be always done except when:
The logic of normal operation in automatic mode (if the controller manages both circuit
breakers and if MGCB is the interface device) will be:
2. MCB closed, MGCB open, gensets “managed by MCxxx” starting. If there are no
gensets “managed by MCxxx”, the procedure skips to point 3. Otherwise, the
controller waits that at least one genset “managed by MCxxx” is ready to supply and
then the procedure skips to point 3. It is possible to set a maximum duration for the
gensets starting with the parameter P.9511. If this parameter is different from zero,
and the starting phase lasts more than the value configured, the controller activates
the warning W022. During the waiting, in case of alarms or unloads, or if the automatic
intervention is no longer required, the procedure skips to point 9.
3. MCB closed, MGCB open. If the gensets must be stopped (alarms or unloads, or if
the automatic intervention is no longer required), the procedure skips to point 9. If
there are requests of “inhibition to supply the loads”, the procedure waits in this point.
If the mains is out of tolerance, the procedure waits in this point (after P.0899 seconds,
an “inhibition to start” is activated to automatically removes the request of
intervention). Otherwise, it continues:
• To point 4, if you decided to close the MGCB circuit breaker before the GCB
one (by means of the parameter P.9513) and if there are no GCB closed.
5. MGCB closing with synchronization. This phase lasts maximum P.0852 seconds.
If during this time MGCB closes, the procedure skips to point 6. Otherwise, the
controller activates the warning W271 (“synchronization failure on MGCB”): the
controller will not allow the synchronization for the MGCB closing if the operator does
not “acknowledge” this warning. The procedure goes back to point 3. If during the
waiting the mains is out of tolerance, the procedure goes back to point 3.
6. MCB closed, MGCB closed. If alarms or the protections for the parallel with the mains
are activated, the procedure continues to point 8. If some unloads are activated, the
automatic intervention is no longer required, or some requests of “inhibition to supply
the loads” are activated, the procedure continues to point 7.
7. MCB closed, MGCB closed, power unload. During this phase, the controller selects
a power setpoint equal to 0 kW for the gensets. Then, it controls the active power
supplied by the gensets “managed by MCxxx” (expressed in percentage): when it
goes under the threshold P.0878, the procedure continues to point 8. In any case, the
maximum duration of this phase can be configured with the parameter P.0879: when
the time is up, whatever the power supplied by the gensets is, the procedure continues
to point 8. If there are no alarms or unloads, there are no requests of “inhibition to
supply the loads”, the mains is permanently in tolerance and the automatic
intervention is required, the procedure goes back to point 6.
Note: if P.9605 is set to 1, the active power setpoint for the unloading procedure is
managed through the SYSTEM BASE LOAD mode. The genset controllers manage
this setpoint by themselves, taking care of the ones that are working in different
modes; however, the setpoint is probably near to zero and, if there are gensets
working in a different mode, it is possible that the system can’t reach it: this is the
reason for which, to detect the end of the unload, only the generators “managed by
MCxxx” are considered.
8. Opening of MGCB, MCB closed (three attempts): if MGCB opens, the procedure
skips to point 3. If MGCB does not open, the alarm A024 is activated (MGCB not
opened) and the procedure skips to point 9.
• This plant is not an emergency plant; so, the request of the gensets automatic
intervention is not related to the mains status.
• The parallel with the mains must be allowed (P.0880 > 0).
As the supply in island mode is allowed, it is suggested (but not compulsory) to select MCB
as interface circuit breaker (P.0900 = 2).
Automatic sequence
When there are gensets ready to supply, the controller must decide if let the gensets supply
the load. This should be always done except when:
“Load function” is the ability of MC200 to automatically start/stop the gensets “managed by
MCxxx” according to the power required by the load or by the setpoint for the parallel with the
mains. The display pages B.07 and B.08 are related to this function.
Note: the gensets controllers have their own “load function”, but it is disabled when
they are managed by MCxxx. If, at a precise moment, the gensets “managed by MCxxx”
are in parallel with the gensets not “managed by MCxxx”, all with the load function
enabled, the two managements may conflict.
• In parallel with mains, load function starts the correct number of generators to allow
the system supplying power as requested by the setpoint, starting/stopping additional
generators if setpoint changes. Note: in “BASE LOAD” mode, the setpoint can only be
changed by the operator, while in “IMPORT/EXPORT” mode it changes also if some
loads are added or removed.
• In “island mode”, load function starts the generator as required by current loads,
starting/stopping additional generators on changes.
Load function is enabled only in AUTO and REMOTE START modes. So, in MAN or TEST
modes generators are never stopped due to load (switching from AUTO or REMOTE START
to MAN or TEST the currently started generators are kept running).
In AUTO and REMOTE START modes, load function is normally enabled. It is possible, but
not compulsory, to configure an input with the function DIF.2702 “Enables the load function” If
this input is configured, load function is disabled when the input is “not active” (logical state).
If the input is not configured or if it is “active”, load function is enabled.
If a MGCB circuit breaker exists, load function is disabled if this circuit breaker is opened: in
this situation, no loads are connected to generators and load function could stop them.
• Grant that all generators will be used, not always the same ones.
7.15.1 Starting/stopping generators to meet power requests
MC200 allows configuring two thresholds (%) related to load function:
The second threshold must be lower than the first one. They should be set to quite the same
value; the purpose of difference is only to define a hysteresis, to avoid unnecessary start/stop
if active power changes around the thresholds.
MC200 calculates the system total power % dividing the sum of active powers of each
generator by the sum of their nominal powers (both are transmitted by the genset controllers
over the can bus):
n
ADP x
DPRt xn1
MDP
x 1
x
Note: these calculations are carried out on all genset supplying, not only on those
managed by MCxxx.
When the total percentage power (DPRt) is higher than the threshold P.0826 for the time set
with the parameter P.0827 (“Activation load delay”), MC200 must start one new genset
“managed by MCxxx”.
To decide to stop one genset “managed by MCxxx”, MC200 first selects the genset to be
stopped (hereinafter identified as genset y) and then it calculates the percentage power ratio
% the system will supply if the generator would be stopped.
n
ADP x
DPRtn n
x 1
MDP MDP
x 1
x y
y: generator to be stopped.
Note: these calculations are carried out on all genset supplying, not only on those
managed by MCxxx.
When this system total power (DPRtn) is lower than threshold P.0828 for the time set by
parameter P.0829 (“Deactivation load delay”), MC200 stops the generator y.
Parameter P.0820 (“Minimum number of gensets started”) allows selecting the minimum
number of started generators, whatever is the load: MC200 never stops generators (indeed it
may start some of them) if currently started generators are less or equal to the desired number.
Note that minimum value for this parameter is “1”, so at least one generator is always running.
Note: these calculations include all genset supplying, not only on those managed by
MCxxx.
Every time a GCB circuit breaker is opened or closed, MC200 stops checking the power (and
so no genset will be started/stopped) for the time set with the parameter P.0830 (“Initial delay”):
in this way, the system has time for stabilization.
If automatic genset supply is required when all generators are stopped (for example when
mains become “absent” in emergency plants), MC200 always starts all available generators.
Note: by pressing START on MC200, the load function is temporary suspended, by forcing the
start of all available gensets “managed by MCxxx”. Once all generators are supplying, load
function will stop unnecessary ones. This possibility is useful each time the operator knows in
advance that an increase of power is needed: he can start all generators and, when all are
supplying, new loads can be added or the power setpoint can be increased. In this way, you
will have the necessary power whenever you need it, even in AUTO mode and with the load
function enabled.
Normally, instead, all generators “managed by MCxxx” are involved in load function. It is
possible to manual exclude some “managed” generators from load function (forcing them
always stopped or always running). This manual operation must be performed on display
pages from B.02 to B.05, which show details about each generator (see description in 6.5.5.2).
Note: the manually excluded generators list is not saved on non-volatile memory. At power on,
all “managed” generators are included in load function.
Note: MC200 can stop all generators involved in load function. This happens when at least
P.0820 “not managed” generators are running, and there is no power request for other
gensets.
The logics described below work only on gensets that, at a given time, are included in the load
function (and so implicitly “managed by MCxxx”).
To ensure that all generators are used (not always the same ones), MC200 assigns a priority
to them:
• Low priority generators are started for last and stopped for first.
• High priority generators are started for first and stopped for last.
MC200 implements three different techniques for assigning priorities to generators, selectable
by parameter P.0822 (“Load function mode”).
7.15.2.1
Set “1” in parameter P.0822 to select this mode.
In this mode, the operator manually selects the “master” genset using parameter P.0823
(“Master genset address”). Other gensets priorities are automatically assigned depending on
addresses. Suppose generators 1 to 8 are present on the plant. Suppose also that generators
3, 4 and 7 are excluded from load function (see previous paragraph). The remaining gensets
are:
1, 2, 5, 6, 8.
If the operator selects the genset “5” as “master”, the priority list will be:
5, 6, 8, 1, 2.
If the operator selects the genset “8” as “master”, the priority list will be:
8, 1, 2, 5, 6.
If the operator selects the genset “1” as “master”, the priority list will be:
1, 2, 5, 6, 8.
The priority list is made by following the order address of gensets (increase order) starting
from the “master” up to the highest one; then starting from the lowest to the one preceding the
“master”.
7.15.2.2
Set “2” in parameter P.0822 to select this mode.
In this mode, the operator can always manually select the “master” genset using parameter
P.0823. At the time configured by the parameter P.0824 (“Master genset change time”),
however, MC200 will select a new “master”. The new “master” selected is the one following
the old “master” in the priority list (obviously among the gensets included in the load function).
In this mode, the operator can always manually select the “master” genset using parameter
P.0823. After the number of hours configured with parameter P.0825 “Master genset batch
hours”, MC200 will select a new “master”. The new “master” is the one following the old
“master” in the priority list (obviously among the generators included in load function).
Let’s suppose that the priority list set in P.0823 is “5,6,7,1,2”; the new “master” genset will be
the genset “6”.
• In parallel to mains operations (the eventually extra loads are supplied by mains).
• If a digital input is configured with the function DIF.2721 “Enable load shedding” and
the input is “not active” (logical status). If the input is not configured, or if it is “active”,
the function is enabled.
• If no digital outputs of MC200 are configured for “load shedding”. Four functions are
available for digital outputs configuration:
It is possible to manage up to four groups of loads. Remember that the same function
(DOF.2251 - DOF.2254) can be assigned to more than one output: in this way, a single logical
group of loads can be connected/disconnected from the gensets by using more than one circuit
breaker at the same time.
Outputs are “active” when MC200 needs to disconnect loads from generators, they are “not
active” when loads can be re-connected.
If less than four outputs are used, configure them continuously starting with function
DOF.2251. For example, if you would like to use two outputs, configure them with the functions
DOF.2251 and DOF.2252. If you accidentally use the functions DOF.2251 and DOF.2253,
only the first output configured with the function DOF.2251 will be used. If you use the functions
DOF.2252 and DOF.2253, no output will be associated to the function “load shedding”
(because the function DOF.2251 is missing).
• The output configured with the function DOF.2251 should be used for lowest priority
loads: it is the first activated (to disconnect a load) and the last deactivated (to re-
connect a load).
• The output configured with the function DOF.2254 should be used for highest priority
loads: it is the last activated (to disconnect a load) and the first deactivated (to connect
a load).
If “load shedding” function is disabled and some of its digital outputs are configured, these
outputs are “not active” to avoid disconnection of loads.
7.16.1 All loads management
Normally MC200 can connect or disconnect one group of loads at a time. There are some
situations, however, where all loads are connected or disconnected at the same time. Loads
are all disconnected (independently by actual power) when:
• In “island mode”, if the MGCB circuit breaker does not exist or it is closed but no GCB
are closed, in the moment the first GCB circuit breaker closes.
In the same way, all outputs are deactivated at the same time when:
• Each time loads are separated from generators by any circuit breakers.
7.16.2 Single load management
MC200 provides two thresholds (%) related to “load shedding”:
The second threshold must be lower than the first one. P.1181 threshold must be set at the
maximum allowed power per generator (%). P.1183 threshold must be calculated depending
on loads connected/disconnected, to avoid that when a load is connected the total power
becomes greater than P.1181 and so load is disconnected again, and so on.
MC200 calculates the system total power % by dividing the sum of active powers supplied by
all the gensets (included the ones not “managed by MCxxx”) by the sum of their nominal
powers (both pieces of information are transmitted by the gensets controllers on CAN bus):
n
ADP x
DPRt xn1
MDP
x 1
x
When the system total power (DPRt) is higher than the threshold P.1181 for the time set by
parameter P.1182 (“Load disconnect delay”), MC200 disconnects the lowest priority loads (see
above for load priorities).
MC200 can be configured to automatically or manually re-connect the loads. This choice is
available by parameter P.1186 (“Load re-connect mode”):
• 0 – “Automatic”. MC200 checks system power before allowing loads connection. The
system total power (%) must be less than the P.1183 threshold, for the time set by
parameter P.1184 (“Load re-connect delay”).
• 1 – “Manual”. Note: this option needs for a digital input configured for “load connection
command” (see in the following).
Note: these inputs are managed both in MAN and AUTO modes.
The activation of input configured as DIF.2251 will result in the disconnection of the lowest
priority load (the next activation will disconnect the next load and so on until all loads are
disconnected).
The activation of input configured as DIF.2252 will result in the re-connection of the highest
priority load (the next activation will re-connect the next load and so on until all loads are
connected).
7.16.4
If “not-motorized” circuit breakers are used to connect/disconnect loads, MC200 is not able to
automatically re-connect loads. In this case parameter P.1186 must be set to “0”: when MC200
detects that a group of loads can be re-connected, it automatically deactivates its output and
the circuit breaker is no more forced “open”. The operator can then manually close the circuit
breaker.
7.16.5 Events
If it is configured with the bit 7 of the parameter P.0441, the controller records the following
events related to the unload function:
The function must be enabled by means parameter P.1171 (different from zero).
Moreover, it is possible to use a digital input (physical or virtual) to dynamically enable this
function: use the function DIF.2722 for configuring the digital input. If such an input exists, it
must be activated (logic status) to enable the “peak shaving/lopping” function.
The “peak shaving/lopping” function monitors the active power on the loads; the controller,
this, must be able to measure this power (or to calculate it, see 7.8.4). If this measure is not
available, the function is disabled.
Finally, the thresholds P.1172 and P.1174 must be carefully configured (the second one must
be greater than the first one), otherwise the “peak shaving/lopping” function is disabled,
If the function is enabled, MC200 starts the generator if the active power on the loads is higher
than the threshold P.1172 consecutively for the time P.1173. In the same way, MC200 stops
the generator if the active power on the loads is lower than the threshold P.1174 consecutively
for the time P.1175.
The page B.10 shows details for this function (the page is visible only if the function is enabled).
7.17.1 Power management
Once the gensets have been started and the MGCB has been closed, MC200 actions depend
on the “active power management” configuration (P.0880, see 7.11).
7.17.1.1
In this case, MC200 keeps the generators in parallel to the mains. The generators will provide
a fixed power (as set by parameter P.0858 or acquired by means an analogue input configured
as AIF.2307); the remaining part of the loads will be supplied by the mains. Attention: if the
SYSTEM BASE LOAD setpoint should be greater than the loads, the generators will export
active power on the mains.
7.17.1.2
In this case, MC200 keeps the generators in parallel to the mains. A fixed power will be
imported from the mains to supply the loads (setpoint set by parameter P.0859 or acquired by
means an analogue input configured as AIF.2309); this setpoint could also be 0. The remaining
part of the loads will be supplied by the generators. In this case, if the power on the loads
should be less than the setpoint, the generators will supply 0 kW.
7.17.1.3 Transfer to the generators
In this case, MC200 does not keep the generators in parallel to the mains. After closing MGCB,
MC200 will transfer the loads from the mains to the generators (see 7.11.3) and then it will
open MCB circuit breaker.
7.17.2 Events
If it is configured with the bit 6 of the parameter P.0441, the controller records the following
events related to the “peak shaving/lopping” function:
• EVT.1332: “peak shaving/lopping” function does not require the starting of the
generators.
Unloads: these anomalies require stopping the generators. As they do not create
problems for the loads and the gensets, in parallel operations opening of the power
connection is preferably performed after power unloading. This is performed by
unloading ramp. However, it is not possible to restart the generators until the anomaly
has not been acknowledged.
Alarms: these anomalies require stopping the generators. They create hazards for
the loads and/or for the generators. For this reason, the controller opens immediately
the MGCB circuit breaker (without discharging the power from the generator), and
stops the generators with standard procedure, i.e. with the cooling cycle. It is not
possible to restart the generators until the anomaly is acknowledged.
An alarm can be activated if no other alarms are already active (there are some exceptions,
which will be listed below). Unloads and warnings can be present.
For activating unloads, alarms or other unloads should not be present. Some other warnings
can be active.
For activating a warning, alarms or unloads should not be present. Some other warnings can
be active.
It activates the internal horn and, if configured, also the external one. To this purpose,
it is possible to configure an output of the controller with function DOF.3152 (“External
horn”). The output is controlled together with the internal acoustic signalling; the aim
is to use a more powerful signalling or a lamp.
Prompts the page S.02 ANOMALIES on the multifunction display. This page shows
the fault numeric code and the current language text related to the anomaly. The
numeric code flashes to indicate that the anomaly hasn't been recognized by the
operator yet.
It activates the flashing of the “ALARM” light, if the anomaly belongs to the warning
category, or it switches that light fixed on in case of unloads and alarms.
If the anomaly isn't a warning, it disconnects the generators from users or from the
parallel bars (with or without power discharge) and it stops the generators (with or
without cooling cycle).
Acknowledge it: this informs the controller that the operator has acknowledged the
event.
Reset: this informs the controller that the anomaly is no longer active.
The multifunction display shows the anomaly until the operator “acknowledges” it, even if the
relevant cause is no longer present (sequence ISA2C). The controller automatically resets all
the acknowledged warnings when their cause is no longer active.
Pressing the ACK/ENTER pushbutton. This operation does not acknowledge the
anomaly, which continues to flash on the display.
With a digital input configured with DIF.2002 function (“Command for alarm
acknowledgement”). The acoustic signalling is silenced when the input passes from
“not active” to “active”.
▪ HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter
P.0004.
If set to 999, the horn will be activated when a new anomaly arises and deactivated
through the above-described procedure.
If set to a value between 1 and 998, the horn will be activated when a new anomaly
arises and deactivated through the described procedure above, or when the
configured time has elapsed.
Silencing the horn does not mean to acknowledge the anomaly: it remains, in effect, flashing
on page S.02 ANOMALIES.
8.2
The anomaly (sequence ISA2C) can be identified in three ways:
By pressing the ACK/ENTER button on the board panel. If you push this key when the
horn is on, it stops the horn: it should be pressed a second time to “recognize” the
anomaly.
With a digital input configured with DIF.2002 function (“Command for alarm
acknowledgement”). It is acknowledged when the input passes from “not active” to
“active”.
▪ HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter
P.0004.
▪ HOLDING REGISTER 102: enter the value “52”. NB: this control also silences
the horn, in case it is active.
When the anomaly has been acknowledged, it stops flashing on page S.02 ANOMALIES. After
being identified, if it is a warning, it is automatically cancelled if the cause is no more present.
Otherwise, if the cause disappears before the anomaly has been acknowledged, it remains on
the display.
The controller automatically resets all the acknowledged warnings when their cause is no
longer active.
On the contrary, to cancel unloads and alarms, it is necessary to follow one of the below
procedures:
Using a digital input configured with the feature DIF.2001 - “Command for resetting
alarms”. When the input becomes “active”, the controller carries out a reset of all faults.
▪ HOLDING REGISTER 101: write the password configured with the parameter
P.0004.
8.4
Each anomaly is registered (with its own code) in the event log.
Some functions are available for the configuration of the digital outputs related to the
anomalies:
DOF.3151 (“Reset of anomalies”). The controller activates this output for one second when
the internal sequence for the cancellation of anomalies is carried out. With this procedure,
it is also possible to reset externally managed anomalies.
DOF.3152 (“External horn”). This output is activated and deactivated along with the
internal horn. It can be used to control a more powerful horn and/or a lamp.
DOF.3154 (“Acknowledge of the anomalies”). The controller activates this output for one
second when the internal sequence of faults acknowledgement is carried out. This
procedure can be used to acknowledge also some possible faults managed by other
devices externally.
DOF.4005: the output will be activated if at least an alarm or an unload are active.
DOF.4035: the output will be activated if at least an anomaly linked to circuit breakers is
active. What follows is the list of anomalies that activate this output:
ST.006: the output will be activated for a second after a command of faults
acknowledgement.
ST.007: the output will be activated for a second after a command of faults reset.
8.5
WARNING: the use of this function can cause serious damages to the generators.
SICES cannot be considered anyway liable due to malfunctioning and damages to
things and/or people occurred because of the utilization of the OVERRIDE function.
This term defines the capacity of the controller of temporarily disabling (in particular conditions
and on specific request) a series of protections. The OVERRIDE function, when is activated,
turns a set of alarms and unloads into simple “warnings”: in this way, the board indicates,
anyway, the presence of problems, but doesn't reduce the supplying capacity of the
generators. In some situations, in fact, supply to users is put before the preservation of the
engines. You should consider, for example, hospitals: there are situations in which it is
preferable to damage the engines, and supply power for the longest period possible, rather
than safeguarding the engines, but leaving operating rooms without light.
The board manages the protections OVERRIDE request through digital inputs. Use the
following function to configure the digital inputs:
The OVERRIDE function turns a specific set of alarms/unloads into "warnings". The document
[1] has a table indicating all the controller anomalies: the column “OVER” indicates, for each
anomaly, if it is subject to the OVERRIDE functions.
Besides what indicated in the table, the OVERRIDE function also affects "generic" anomalies
connected to analogue and digital inputs. The following functions for the configuration of digital
inputs activate anomalies that are subject to protections OVERRIDE too:
The board will show a message on “S.01” page when the OVERRIDE function is activated.
The board records an event each time an OVERRIDE request is activated (EVT.1082).
Moreover, it records an event among the records, whenever the OVERRIDE request ceases
(EVT.1083).
• Specific. They are configured with functions DIF.4261 and following. The board
knows the modes through which these anomalies should be managed, and already
has some default error messages (that cannot be configured) connected to each
anomaly.
Specific anomalies will be described in the following paragraphs: in the description, the
parameters relevant to the digital input #1 (P.2001, P.2002 e P.2003) will be always referred
to. The document [1] has a table that shows the parameters to be used for every digital input.
What stated above is true also for generic anomalies. They will not be described in the
following paragraphs, because they will be infinite repetitions of the same description for each
input. On the contrary, they are described here, by indicating parameters for input #1 of the
controller.
The board assigns numeric codes 701 through 806 to generic anomalies linked to digital inputs
(the document [1] has a table that shows the code for each input). By utilizing the parameter
that configures the function (P.2001), it is possible to select the type of anomaly (warning,
unload or alarm) and to define the conditions for the anomaly management. Warning: by
setting the delay to “0”, the anomaly is disabled. In the list below, the functions for the
configuration of digital inputs, used to manage generic anomalies, are indicated. They are
grouped three by three: the three functions for each group define the type of anomaly (see
document [1] for the list of functions).
DIF.4001, DIF.4002, DIF.4004. The board will activate this anomaly if the digital input
is uninterruptedly active for the configured (P.2002) time span.
DIF.4005, DIF.4008. The board will activate this anomaly if the digital input is
uninterruptedly active for the configured (P.2002) time span. An anomaly of the same
type is also activated by all the genset controllers connected through the CAN bus
link.
DIF.4021, DIF.4022, DIF.4024. The board will activate this anomaly if the digital input
is uninterruptedly active for the configured (P.2002) time span. These anomalies force
the opening of the MCB circuit breaker.
DIF.4062, DIF.4064. The board will activate this anomaly if the digital input is
uninterruptedly active for the configured (P.2002) time span. The anomaly is subject
to the engine protections OVERRIDE and to total OVERRIDE, too (see 8.5).
8.7
The board can manage a high number of analogue inputs, also considering those acquired by
DIGRIN, DITHERM and DIVIT expansion modules.
For each analogue input, it allows setting two thresholds on the acquired measure, and each
threshold can activate an anomaly. These are generic anomalies, since the controller doesn't
know how to manage them and hasn't default warning messages. They will not be described
in the following paragraphs, because they will be infinite repetitions of the same description
for each analogue input. On the contrary, they are described here, by indicating parameters
for input 1.
The controller assigns numeric codes 301 through 554 to generic anomalies linked to
analogue inputs (the document [1] has a table that shows the code of each input).
“High value:” if the anomaly is activated when the measure is higher than the
threshold.
“Low value:” if the anomaly is activated when the measure is lower than the threshold.
For each analogue input, there are six parameters available for the management of thresholds,
three for each threshold (P.4003, P.4004 and P.4005 for the first threshold of the first analogue
input; P.4006, P.4007 and P.4008 for the second threshold of the first analogue input).
Besides the threshold value (P.4003 or P.4006) and the delay to be managed (P.4004 or
P.4007), the operator must configure the operations connected to the threshold (P.4005 o
P.4008). The parameter that configures the actions is managed through bits (every bit
enables/disables a function connected to the threshold). For the description of these
parameter, see 5.6.4.
8.8
NOTE: as it is not possible to define either which digital or analogue inputs (of the controller
or on additional modules) will be used or which function they are going to perform, refer to the
following list as an example of the first configurable input. The presence of symbol (*) or the
indication “or equivalent for the other inputs” aside a parameter indicates that it varies
according to the configured input.
From this point on, words enabling and activation will be utilized:
Enabling an anomaly means that the minimum necessary conditions that the controller
should verify to observe the provoking cause.
Activating an anomaly means the verification of the provoking cause, after the
enabling has happened.
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.0805
To disable: -
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
MC200 activates this anomaly when it detects (from information sent over CAN bus PMCB)
that at least one genset is in a “GCB not opened” condition (GCB closed while an opening
command is active). In this situation, the parameter P.0805 selects the actions on the MGCB
circuit breaker:
• “0”. This setting forces an MGCB opening (and obviously avoids next MGCB
closures).
• “1”. This setting avoids MGCB closures (but doesn’t force MGCB opening if already
closed).
• “2”. Use this setting when you want that the “GCB not open” condition is not involved
in the MGCB management.
Note: the gensets controllers have its own equivalent parameter to configure actions
on GCB.
Typology: Alarm
The protection is enabled if bit 0 of parameter P.0495 is set to 0. It is activated when pressing
the STOP button on MC200, or if a stop command is received from Modbus.
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.0806
To disable: P.0806 = 0 o P.0806 = 30000
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
This anomaly is enabled only if MGCB circuit breaker exists, and if it is managed by MC200.
Moreover, it is enabled only when generators must supply in “island” mode. MC200 activates
this anomaly before MGCB closure, if all available generators are supplying but the sum of
their nominal powers is lower than the power requested with parameter P.0806. It signals that
generators may be unable to supply all loads. Values “0” and “30000” of P.0806 are special;
they disable this anomaly. The value “0” configures MC200 to close MGCB as soon as one
GCB is closed; the value “30000” forces MC200 to wait for all available generators are
supplying (whatever their power is).
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.2001 (or equivalent for other inputs)
To disable: P.2001 <> DIF.3002
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
MC200 activates this anomaly after three consecutive closing commands without results (in
MAN after the first attempt). It cannot be directly disabled: it can be disabled only by not
configuring an input to acquire the circuit breaker status (but this is possible only in certain
situations).
MC200 activates this anomaly after three closing commands of the circuit breaker without
result (in MAN mode after the first attempt): it is a warning in MAN mode and an alarm in the
other modes. It cannot be directly disabled: it can be disabled only by not configuring an input
to acquire the circuit breaker status (but this is possible only in certain situations).
MC200 activates this anomaly when at least one of the mains currents is higher than the
configured threshold.
The threshold (P.9521) is a percentage of the nominal current of the system, set by parameter
P.9502. The threshold can be configured between 0% and 999%, with 0.1% resolution.
• 1: Warning.
• 2: Unload.
• 4: Alarm.
The protection can work in four different ways, as selected by parameter P.9523:
1. This value selects a “fixed time” protection. The anomaly is activated when at least
one current is higher than the threshold P.9521 for the time P.9522. Note: the check
is made both on instantaneous and average current values; if one or both is higher
than the threshold the protection can be activated.
2. This value selects the same protection of the previous one: the only difference is that
the real threshold is decreased respect to the configured one if the voltages are lower
than the nominal.
120,00%
100,00%
Tensione (% della nominale)
80,00%
60,00%
40,00%
20,00%
0,00%
0,00% 20,00% 40,00% 60,00% 80,00% 100,00% 120,00%
Soglia reale (% della soglia impostata)
3. This value selects a time-related maximum current protection (it activates so much
more quickly how much higher is the overload). The used curve is named
EXTREMELY INVERSE, and implements an I2t function.
We define a maximum current threshold (P.9521), and the maximum time the
generator can work with this current (P.9522). If the current is lower than the defined
threshold, the protection is not activated. If the current become greater than the
threshold, the protection is activated with a time inversely proportional with the entity
of the over current. To correctly set the thresholds, follow the following steps:
P.9522
tI 2
I
1
P.9521
“I” is the current in the circuit.
You must keep in mind that the board calculates the integral value of the current in the
time, so all the current samples over the threshold concur to determine the intervention
time, with their instantaneous weight as defined in the previous formula. The only way
to verify exactly this formula is thus to switch instantaneously from a normal load
situation to an over load situation.
The following graph shows the used curve, with P.9522 set to 60 seconds (I is the
maximum current):
Tempo intervento
1000
100
Intervention time (seconds) I
10
0,1
1 10
Multiple of I
4. This value selects the same protection of the previous one: the only difference is that
the real threshold is decreased respect to the configured one if the voltages are lower
than the nominal (see description for value 2).
Typology: Warning
This anomaly is activated when at least one genset managed by MC200 is still running after
the delay set in the parameter P.9512 from the stop command.
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.9511
To disable: P.9511 = 0
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
This anomaly is activated when none of the gensets managed by MC200 is running after the
delay set in the parameter P.9511 from the start command.
• If MC200 manages the circuit breaker, but it is closed by an external logic (not in MAN
mode). The anomaly is set only if the “static command” is used to manage the circuit
breaker. In this case the controller activates an alarm with a delay of 0.5 seconds.
• After three opening commands of the circuit breaker without result (only one attempt
in MAN mode): in this case, it is a warning in MAN mode and an alarm in the other
modes.
It cannot be directly disabled: it can be disabled only by not configuring an input to acquire the
circuit breaker status (but this is possible only in certain situations).
• If MC200 manages the circuit breaker, but it is closed by an external logic (not in MAN
mode). The anomaly is set only if the “static command” is used to manage the circuit
breaker. In this case the controller activates an alarm with a delay of 0.5 seconds.
• After three opening commands of the circuit breaker without result (only one attempt
in MAN mode): in this case, it is a warning in MAN mode and an alarm in the other
modes.
It cannot be directly disabled: it can be disabled only by not configuring an input to acquire the
circuit breaker status (but this is possible only in certain situations).
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.0362 P.0363
To disable: P.0363 = 0
MC200 activates this anomaly when power supply voltage drops down under the threshold
P.0362 for the time set with parameter P.0363. Note: the threshold P.0362 is expressed as a
percentage of the supply rated voltage, which is configurable but it is automatically selected
by the controller between 12 and 24 Vdc. Selection is made when the controller is powered
and every time it is forced in OFF/RESET mode. A nominal voltage of 12 V is selected if power
supply voltage is lower than 17 V.
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.0364 P.0365
To disable: P.0365 = 0
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
MC200 activates this anomaly when power supply voltage grows up over the threshold P.0364
for the time set with parameter P.0365. Note: the threshold P.0364 is expressed as a
percentage of the supply rated voltage, which is configurable but it is automatically selected
by the controller between 12 and 24 Vdc. Selection is made when the controller is powered
and every time it is forced in OFF/RESET mode. A nominal voltage of 12 V is selected if power
supply voltage is lower than 17 V.
Type: Alarm
Parameters connected: P.0108 P.0135 P.0131 P.0367 P.0368
To disable: P.0368 = 0
Enabled in: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START
The protection is enabled if a valid current measure is configured. Both P.0108 and P.0135
should be different from zero, and P.0131 should be set to 1 or 2. Moreover, the protection
can be disabled through a digital input configured through DIF.2704 function (“disable
protections on the fourth current”): if the digital input exists and is activated, the protection will
be disabled.
The protection will be activated if, per the previous conditions, the measure of current stays
above P.0367 threshold uninterruptedly for the time P.0368.
Type: Alarm
It will be activated if, per the previous conditions, the input dedicated to the emergency stop
(JJ 2) remains idle, continuously for the configured time (P.0361).
Note: this anomaly can be activated also with an already active shutdown.
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.0366
To disable: P.0366 = 255.0
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
Type: Warning
Parameters connected: P.0418 P.0421 P.0422 P.0423 P.0426
To disable: -
Enabled in: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START
It is activated if the controller recognizes the clock status as not valid and the functions related
to the clock, such as the weekly test (P.0418), the time to enable operations (P.0421, P.0422,
P.0423) or the time to force intervention (P.0426) have been configured.
Type: Warning
Parameters connected: P.0141 P.0142 P.0143 P.0144
To disable: -
Enabled in: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START
The protection is enabled if the CAN bus is activated (P.0141 or P.0142 or P.0143 or P.0144
<> 0).
It activates if the internal CAN controller switches to BUS-OFF status due to bus
communication errors.
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: -
To disable: -
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
This anomaly is activated each time the CAN bus internal interface of the controller switches
to the BUS-OFF status. Normally the “BUS-OFF” condition is related to wiring problems (short
circuits between CAN-H and CAN-L lines, for example).
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.9501
To disable: -
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
This anomaly is activated when two or more MCxxx devices are connected to the same can
bus line, and they have the same address for PMCB (parameter P.9501).
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.0803
To disable: P.0803 = 0
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.0890
To disable: P.0890 = 0
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, AVVIAMENTO REMOTO.
MC200 activates this anomaly if P.0890 has been set to a value different from zero, and the
duration of the parallel to the grid was longer than this parameter. MC200 opens the MGCB
circuit breaker and doesn’t allow its closure until the operator acknowledges this warning.
MC200 can activate this warning even when the function “transfer to gensets” is enabled, if at
the end of the configured delay the power is not yet transferred to the gensets (because the
nominal power of the gensets is not enough for the loads): in this case, if the power on the
loads would decrease (or if new gensets became available), MC200 will close again MGCB
circuit breaker even if the warning has not been acknowledged.
The parameter P.0897 is a bit-field parameter, allowing the operator to select in which
conditions MCB opening as to be allowed at the end of configured time:
Type: Warning
Parameters connected: P.0141 P.0142 P.0143 P.0144
To disable: P.0141=0 and P.0142=0 and P.0143=0 and P.0144=0
Enabled in: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START
The protection is enabled if the CAN bus is activated (P.0141 or P.0142 or P.0143 or P.0144
different from zero).
It will be activated when one or more boards configured with the previous parameters isn't
communicating on the CAN bus. On page S.02, by selecting this early warning, the board
shows which module isn't communicating.
Type: Warning
Parameters connected: P.0141 P.0142 P.0143 P.0144
To disable: P.0142=0 and P.0143=0
Enabled in: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START
The protection is enabled if the CAN bus for the expansion modules is activated (P.0141 or
P.0142 or P.0143 or P.0144 different from zero).
It will be activated when the controller doesn’t receive an analogue measure from the CAN
bus. The board verifies the sole presence of the utilized analogue measures (those that have
a function different from zero in P.4001 parameter or equivalent ones for the other analogue
Type: Warning
Parameters connected: P.0141 P.0142 P.0143 P.0144
To disable: P.0141=0 e P.0142=0 e P.0143=0 e P.0144=0
Enabled in: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START
The protection is enabled if the CAN bus for the expansion modules is activated (P.0141 or
P.0142 or P.0143 or P.0144 different from zero).
It will be activated if two or more expansion modules are configured with the same address.
On S.02 page, by selecting this early warning, the board indicates which module has the
duplicated address.
Type: Warning
Parameters connected: P.0142 P.0143
To disable: P.0142=0 and P.0143=0
Enabled in: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START
The protection is enabled if the CAN bus for the expansion modules is activated (P.0141 or
P.0142 or P.0143 or P.0144 different from zero).
It will be activated when a DIGRIN, DITHERM or DIVIT module reports the status of
“disconnected sector”. On S.02 page, by selecting this early warning, the board indicates
which channel of which module has a disconnected sensor.
This anomaly is activated only during automatic synchronization, for MGCB closure. If the
circuit breaker is not closed after the P.0852 delay, MC200 activates the anomaly: it’s a
warning in MAN mode, an alarm in all other modes.
Typology: Warning
Related parameters: P.0853
To disable: P.0853 = 0
Enabled if: AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
This anomaly is activated only during automatic synchronization, for MCB closure. If the circuit
breaker is not closed after the P.0852 delay, MC200 activates the anomaly.
• The parameters which require the “SICES” password are never been set after the first
factory configuration. It’s an alarm.
• Selected plant type (P.0802) is different from “MPM”, and the MCB circuit breaker is
configured as “not managed” (P.0855). It’s an alarm.
• MCB circuit breaker is managed by MC200 without static commands, and no digital
input is configured to acquire its status (function DIF.3002). It’s an alarm.
• MGCB circuit breaker is managed by MC200 without static commands, and no digital
input is configured to acquire its status (function DIF.3003). It’s an alarm.
• The parameter P.9506 is programmed to zero, but in the plant is present at least one
controller that does not support MC200 mode. Function available by DST4602 starting
from version 00.87 and GC600 from version 1.04; but not by the MC100. It’s a warning.
Typology: Alarm
Related parameters: P.2001 (or equivalent for other inputs)
To disable: P.2001 <> DIF.4261
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
MC200 activates this anomaly if the digital input configured with the function DIF.4261
(“production line open”) is activated (even for a very small time). Note: this alarm forces the
opening of all generator circuit breakers GCB; this function is directly managed by the
genset controllers after receiving a proper message over the PMCB bus.
Typology: Alarm
Related parameters: P.0900
To disable: P.0900 = 0
Enabled if: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START.
This anomaly is used only for parallel to mains operations. MC200 activates it when the circuit
breaker configured as “interface device” (P.0900) does not open in 0.5 seconds from the “loss
of mains”. Set P.0900 to zero do disable this control: ensure some external logic can
disconnect generators from mains in case of loss of mains.
Type: Warning/Alarm
Parameters connected: -
To disable: -
The board will activate this warning before closing MGCB, if it notices a divergence between
the effective presence of voltage on parallel bars and what it expects per the statuses of the
switches, mains and any other generator control boards connected on PMCB. The anomaly is
activated only if there isn’t voltage on bars when, on the contrary, it should be present. For
example, if at least a generator has closed GCB, there should be voltage on parallel bars: if
the board doesn't detect it (through the three-phase sensor or through a contact), after two
seconds the signalling is activated. Usually the signal is a warning, it becomes an alarm (only
in case of automatic procedures) after 60 seconds if the board needs to close the MGCB.
This anomaly is activated when the active power measured on the mains is negative
(exported) and is greater (absolute value) than the threshold P.0384 continuously for the time
P.0385. The action related to the protection can be configured by P.0386:
• 1 – Warning. The controller activates the warning but keeps the generators in parallel
to the mains,
• 4 – Alarm. The controller activates the alarm, opens MGCB (when present), forces the
genset controllers to open their GCB and to stop the engines with the standard
procedure (with the cool down cycle).
• 9 – Warning (MCB). If this value is selected, when the protection trips the controller
opens MCB and keeps the gensets running for supply the load in island mode. The
controller will try to close MCB only after the warning has been acknowledged. Note:
using this value, the protection works in OFF/RESET mode also (it opens MCB). In
this way, the mains is protected against manual parallel performed on the genset
controllers when MC200 is in OFF/RESET mode.
See 8.6.
See 8.7.
Type: Warning
Parameters connected: -
To disable: -
Enabled in: MAN, AUTO, TEST, REMOTE START
The protection is enabled only when a valid PLC program has been transferred to the board.
It reports possible problems during the running of the PLC:
• The PLC program is developed with a version not supported by this board.
• The PLC program uses a resource (of any kind) not available on this board (for
example, a digital input of a non-connected expansion module).
On S.02 page, by selecting this early warning, the board shows additional information to help
solving the problem.
The PLC program, through one of its blocks, can activate anomalies. Codes 901 through 964
are connected to such anomalies. Anomalies triggered by the PLC can be alarms, unloads or
warnings.
Use “SicesPlcEditor” software to create and fulfil the PLC program. Use the “BoardPrg3”
software to transfer the compiled PLC program to MC200 or to read it again from the board
[2].
The PLC program is run every 100ms. This time span could not be adequate to manage
protections that should intervene very quickly.
9.2
This function is used for “emergency” plants (MSB or MSB+MSTP). Normally, in case of mains
live, the controller connects the load to the mains. For stand-by application, MCB must be
usually closed to connect the loads to the mains. Using this function is possible to automatically
start the gensets and supply the loads in case of MCB failure.
With such configuration, MCB status is continuously monitored. When MCB is commanded
closed but remains opened for more than the programmed time (mains should be present if
MCB is supplied by mains – P.0847), the following actions are carried out:
Now, the loads won’t be switched automatically on the mains until the operator “acknowledges”
the warning W013. After this operation, the controller will try again to close MCB: if it does not
close, the warning will be issued again and the load will stay switched on gensets.
In MAN mode (or with start inhibitions activated) the function is disabled; it is also disabled if
a “inhibition to start” is activated,
The controller starts the generators (if P.9514 is set to 1) even when is activated the generic
warning related to a digital input configured with the functions DIF.4021, DIF.4022, DIF.4024
(these anomalies force the opening of MCB). Even in this case, the controller will try to close
MCB (and then will stop the generators) only when the operator will acknowledge and reset
that warning.
9.3
The board is provided with a hardware clock. It is shown in details on page S.03. It is possible
to set the clock through 4.7.1 menu or serial ports. It is used for several functions:
Weekly planning of time intervals in which the gensets can start automatically.
Weekly plan of periods in which the gensets automatic activation must be forced
The server TNP (questioned by the controller every 5 minutes) gives the date and hour of the
reference time zone (that is UCT “Universal Coordinated Time”) from which the controller can
calculate and update the internal calendar considering its own time zone and eventual daylight
saving time. To this purpose, the follow parameters are available:
P.0408: Daylight saving offset (1=15 min.; 4=1 hour). The setting limits are from 0 to 48
and allow to manage the offset to be added/subtracted for the daylight saving time.
“1-Yes” daylight saving time in use (it adds P.0408 to the one received).
“2-Automatic (only Europe)”: It is only valid for Europe, as since 2002 has been unified
(it activates ate 01.00 of the last Sunday of March and deactivates at 01.00 of the last
Sunday of October).
P.0410: Time zone (1=15 min.; 4=1 hour). The setting limits are from -47 to + 48 and
allow to manage all time zones of the Earth by hour quarts.
9.3.2 Weekly planning for TEST.
The starting test plans is made on weekly base. That is, it is possible to indicate in which days
of the week the generators must be started in test and in which not.
P.0418: allows to specify in which days of week the TEST will be performed. It is a bit-
configurable parameter; each bit of the parameter corresponds to a day of the week.
The value you must set for the parameter is the sum of the value field of the following
table for the days needed.
Bit Hexadecimal value Day
0 01 Sunday
1 02 Monday
2 04 Tuesday
3 08 Wednesday
4 10 Thursday
5 20 Friday
6 40 Saturday
For example, if you want to perform the TEST only on Monday and Thursday, you
must set 12 (10+02).
P.0419: allows to set start time for the TEST (Hours and minutes).
P.0420 allows to configure the TEST duration (in minutes). This is because the same
parameter is used also for the TEST activated by an SMS command.
P.0421: allows to specify in which days of week the gensets can start automatically.
It is a bit-configurable parameter; each bit of the parameter corresponds to a day of
the week. The value you must set for the parameter is the sum of the value field of the
following table for the days needed.
Bit Hexadecimal value Day
0 01 Sunday
1 02 Monday
2 04 Tuesday
3 08 Wednesday
4 10 Thursday
5 20 Friday
6 40 Saturday
P.0422: allows to configure the start of the time interval during which the gensets can
start automatically (in hours and minutes).
P.0423: allows to configure the end of the time interval during which the gensets can
start automatically (in hours and minutes).
Usually P.0422 will be set to a value lower than P.0423. On the contrary, if it contains a higher
value, the controller infers that the time interval is set across midnight: in this case, the time
set with P.0422 refers to the days selected with P.0421, while the time set with P.0423 refers
to the following days.
For example, in case an automatic gensets start is required only Monday through Friday,
between 08:00 and 18:00, you must set:
P.0421 = 3E (02+04+08+10+20)
P.0422 = 08:00
P.0423 = 18:00
9.3.4 Weekly planning of intervention forcing.
The planning of intervention forcing is performed weekly. That is, it is possible to indicate on
which days of the week the generators must intervene, even if the status of the system doesn't
require the intervention. Besides the days, it is possible to specify from what time to what time
the intervention should be forced. This time interval is common to all the days selected.
• P.0426: it allows specifying on which days of the week the intervention of the
generators must be forced. It is a bit-configurable parameter; each bit of the parameter
corresponds to a day of the week. The value to be set for the parameter is the sum of
the value fields in the following table related to the days needed.
Bit Hexadecimal value Day
0 01 Sunday
For example, to configure the forcing of the intervention only on Monday and
Thursday, it is necessary to set 12 (10+02).
• P.0427: it allows setting the starting time of the forcing (in hours and minutes).
• P.0428: it allows setting the ending time of the forcing (in hours and minutes).
9.3.5 Configurable calendars
The controller provides 16 calendars fully configurable. They allow to select days and time-
slots, inside which the controller activates an internal bit. This bit could then be used by
AND/OR logics to activate a digital output or to create more complex logics. All calendars are
identical: calendars 15 and 16, however, can be used for the activation/deactivation of the
daylight save time (if parameter P.0409 is set to “3”).
The parameter must be set with the sum of the values for all the calendars that must be
selected as “weekly” (in hexadecimal notation). In fact, a bit set to “1” selects the “weekly”
mode.
Both calendar types allow to select in which months the controller activates the internal bit (at
least one month must be selected, it is even possible to select all months). Using the
parameters of the controller, this selection is done by means parameter P.1901 (for the
calendar 1 or equivalent for other calendars). This is also a bit-field parameter:
BIT Value Hexadecimal Month
0 1 0001 January
1 2 0002 February
2 4 0004 March
3 8 0008 April
4 16 0010 May
5 32 0020 June
6 64 0040 July
7 128 0080 August
8 256 0100 September
9 512 0200 October
10 1024 0400 November
11 2048 0800 December
The parameter must be set with the sum of the values of the required months (in hexadecimal
notation).
For “monthly” calendars, is then possible to select the days of the month for the activation of
the internal bit (at least one day must be selected, it is even possible to select all days). Using
the parameters of the controller, this selection is done by means parameter P.1902 (for the
calendar 1 or equivalent for other calendars). This is also a bit-field parameter:
BIT Value Hexadecimal Day of month
0 1 00000001 1
1 2 00000002 2
2 4 00000004 3
3 8 00000008 4
The parameter must be set with the sum of the values of the required days (in hexadecimal
notation).
For “weekly” calendars, is then possible to select the days of the week for the activation of the
internal bit (at least one day must be selected, it is even possible to select all days). Using the
parameters of the controller, this selection is done by means parameter P.1902 (for the
calendar 1 or equivalent for other calendars). This is also a bit-field parameter:
BIT Value Hexadecimal Day of week
16 65536 00010000 Sunday
17 131072 00020000 Monday
18 262144 00040000 Tuesday
19 524288 00080000 Wednesday
20 1048576 00100000 Thursday
21 2097152 00200000 Friday
22 4194304 00400000 Saturday
The parameter must be set with the sum of the values of the required days (in hexadecimal
notation).
Selecting a day of the week (Sunday for example), it is then possible to select if all “Sundays”
in the month must be used or only some of them. Using the parameters of the controller, this
selection is done by means parameter P.1902 (for the calendar 1 or equivalent for other
calendars). This is also a bit-field parameter:
BIT Value Hexadecimal Occurrence
0 1 00000001 First occurrence
1 2 00000002 Second occurrence
2 4 00000004 Third occurrence
The parameter must be set with the sum of the values of the required occurrences (in
hexadecimal notation). Note: for “weekly” calendars, the days of week and their
occurrences in the month are selected by the same parameter, using different bits.
If the “occurrence” bits are all “0”, then the selected days of week will be managed in any week
of the month; otherwise they will be managed for the selected occurrences only. The “last”
option is useful because, depending on the month and on the year, a certain day of the week
can be present 4 or 5 times in a month: using the “last” option you can do an action exactly in
the last occurrence in the month. A typical example is the management of the daylight save
time; in Italy, it is activated on the last Sunday of October, and deactivated on the last Sunday
of March. Those Sundays can be the 4° or the 5° occurrence in the month, depending on the
first day of the month. Using the “last” option, the problem is solved.
Finally, for both “weekly” and “monthly” calendars, it is possible to select a time-slot (valid for
all selected days). The controller will activate the internal bit only inside the selected time-slot.
Using the parameters of the controller, the time-slot can be selected by means P.1903 and
P.1904 (for the calendar 1 or equivalent for other calendars). If those parameters are set with
the same values, the full day is selected. If the start time is lower than the end time, the time-
slot is not across midnight; otherwise, the internal bit is activated after the start time of the
selected days, and it is deactivated after the end time of the day after the selected one.
Using the AND/OR logics, it is possible to activate a digital output into selected days and time-
slot (selected using a calendar):
This is an example for the configuration of the daylight save time for Italy, using calendars 15
and 16:
• Calendar 15.
• Calendar 16.
9.4
The controller is provided with a hardware thermometer, for measuring its internal
temperature. The temperature is shown at page S.03, multifunction display. It is used for many
functions:
9.5
The controller manages internally the following counters:
• Reactive energy counter (kvarh) imported from the mains (resettable to zero).
Almost all these counters and meters are displayed on the controller's front panel. However,
all can be read via the serial port (with the ModBus protocol). Some of these counters can be
reset by the operator following a proper procedure, or via the serial port (they are marked in
the list with “resettable to zero”). All these counters are saved in a non-volatile memory;
therefore, they store their values also when the controller is powered off. Since non-volatile
memories “consume” themselves writing in them, it is necessary to reduce at the minimum the
number of writings. For this reason, a counter is not immediately saved as its value changes,
and it is then important to know when values are saved and how to be sure that they are saved
before removing supply from the board.
Counters are saved (all together and in the same time) in the following conditions:
Each time the working hours counter (with MGCB closed) is increased (both total and
partial, also if the gensets have been started for instance six times for ten minutes
each time).
Furthermore, counters are saved when they are reset to zero (individually or globally) via front
panel or serial port. Note that some counters have a decimal part (for example the minutes-
counters associated to hours-counters), which is also saved in a non-volatile memory.
Powering off the controller in an uncontrolled way can cause the loss of the decimal part. You
will need to switch the key to OFF-RESET to force the controller to save data, before switching
off the power.
9.5.1 Counters reset
The reset procedure is common to all counters, but it works only on some of them based on
the page shown on the multifunctional viewer. See in par. Errore. L'origine riferimento non è
stata trovata. the description of the displayed page containing the counter to be reset
P.0108: Primary of the current transformer or toroid ratio for auxiliary power.
It is possible to change the configuration by means the following input digital functions:
DIF.2151 – “Select configuration 1”. When the input becomes "active", parameters of
alternative configuration set 1 are copied in the working configuration.
DIF.2152 – “Select configuration 2”. When the input becomes "active", parameters of
alternative configuration set 2 are copied in the working configuration.
DIF.2154 – “Select configuration 4”. When the input becomes "active", parameters of
alternative configuration set 4 are copied in the working configuration.
Remark: copying an alternative set in working configuration causes the loss of the
previous loaded parameters. The only way to restore them is to save them in another
alternative configuration and recall it.
This function is usually used with multi-voltage and/or multi-frequency panel: cabling the cams
in a panel selector on the inputs of the controller it is possible to switch manually voltages and
frequency without using the parameter of the controller.
NB. The change of parameters happens only with the controller in OFF_RESET.
9.7
The controller has a non-volatile memory inside (with no need to be supplied), used to store
different information as parameters, counters or other. The memory is divided into different
zones. When the controller is powered, it performs a check on the data stored in each area: if
even just one area is incorrect, it displays an error message. This message contains a numeric
code (hexadecimal note); each bit if this code corresponds to a non-valid memory zone. A
chart follows with the zones and relative bits.
Area Versi Bit Value Description
on
1 1.00 1 0001 Coefficients for the calibration of the measuring inputs of the
controller.
2 1.00 2 0002 Different information (selected languages, lcd display contrast,
maintenance request).
3 1.00 3 0004 Counters
4 1.00 4 0008 History log of the maximum peaks.
5 1.00 5 0010 Parameters alternative configurations.
6 1.00 6 0020 Setpoint for the PLC
7 1.00 7 0040 Parameter:
8 1.00 8 0080 Parameters in text form (E.g. Configurable messages connected
to inputs)
If for example the value between brackets was “0004”, this means that the only counter zone
is not valid. If the value was “0041”, this means that the parameters zones (0040) and the
calibration zones (0001) are not valid.
If a zone is not valid, the normal operation sequences are not performed until when the
operator does not press ACK/ENTER + ESC/SHIFT: it is, in effect, necessary that the situation
is clear also because it might cause malfunctions (e.g. If the non-valid zone was the one of
the parameters). Only when the operator presses ACK/ENTER + ESC/SHIFT, the controller
recharges the default data for the data stored in non-valid zones: this means that if you turn
off the controller without pressing ACK/ENTER + ESC/SHIFT, in a subsequent start there will
be a signalling of not valid memory.
S.I.C.E.S. SRL
Società Italiana Costruzioni Elettriche Sumirago
Via Molinello 8B
21040 - Jerago con Orago (VA) ITALY
www.sices.eu
sales@sices.eu
www.sicesbrasil.com.br
comercial@sicesbrasil.com.br
SSSTTTTTGHTY
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