Description
Detailed Parameter Table
| Parameter Name | Parameter Value |
| Product Model | GVC736CE101 |
| Manufacturer | ABB |
| Product Category | Generator Voltage Controller |
| Input Voltage | 100-130 VAC (phase-to-phase) |
| Excitation Output | 125 VDC, 20 A continuous (300 A peak) |
| Control Algorithms | PID + PSS2B (Power System Stabilizer) |
| Protection Functions | Over/Under Voltage, Loss of Field, V/Hz Protection |
| Communication Protocols | Modbus TCP, IEC 61850, DNP 3.0 |
| Response Time | <15 ms for 95% voltage step change |
| Cybersecurity | IEC 62443-3-3 compliant, Role-Based Access |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +70°C |
| Certifications | IEEE C37.90, IEC 60255-27, UL 508 |
| Dimensions (H×W×D) | 265 × 170 × 200 mm |
| MTBF | > 200,000 hours |
Product Introduction
The ABB GVC736CE101 is a digital excitation controller engineered for precise voltage and reactive power regulation in synchronous generators up to 500 MVA. Part of ABB’s REG-DA series, this device integrates advanced control algorithms with robust protection functions to maintain grid stability during transients like motor starts or fault clearance. The GVC736CE101 features dual ARM Cortex-R5 processors executing parallel calculations for real-time adaptive PID tuning and PSS2B-based damping of power oscillations.
Designed for hydro, gas, and steam turbine applications, it supports black start capability through its built-in field flashing circuit. Native IEC 61850 GOOSE messaging enables sub-cycle coordination with breakers and relays, while IEEE C37.118.1-2011-compliant PMU (Phasor Measurement Unit) functionality provides grid operators with synchronized phasor data for wide-area monitoring. The ABB GVC736CE101 serves as the intelligence behind ABB’s UNITROL® 6800 excitation systems, ensuring compliance with NERC/FERC grid codes.
Core Advantages and Technical Highlights
Adaptive Grid Compliance: Auto-detects grid connection states (islanded/parallel) and switches control modes instantly. Self-tuning PID maintains voltage within ±0.25% during load rejection.
Transient Performance: Achieves 300 A field forcing current for 10 seconds – critical for transient stability during nearby faults. PSS2B algorithm dampens inter-area oscillations below 0.1 Hz.
Cyber-Hardened Design: Hardware-enforced secure boot with TPM 2.0. Configuration changes require physical key + biometric authentication. Audit trails meet NERC CIP-010.
Seamless Redundancy: Parallel hot-standby architecture with <5 ms switchover. Dual-channel analog inputs with voting logic eliminate single-point sensor failures.
Diagnostic Depth: Continuous monitoring of thyristor health, field winding insulation (via EL-CID), and bearing currents. Predictive analytics forecast exciter rectifier degradation 30+ days in advance.
Typical Application Scenarios
In hydropower plants, the ABB GVC736CE101 manages excitation during rapid load changes caused by water hammer effects. Its PSS2B function suppresses 0.2–2.0 Hz oscillations in long transmission lines, preventing generator trip during grid disturbances.
For industrial cogeneration, the controller enables “black start” of gas turbines without external power sources. Its integrated field flashing circuit energizes the exciter using residual generator voltage, allowing plants to function as grid-forming assets during outages.
Offshore windfarm collector platforms utilize the GVC736CE101 for synchronous condensers, where it regulates reactive power to maintain ±1% voltage stability despite fluctuating wind generation. GOOSE messaging coordinates capacitor bank switching within ¼ cycle.
Related Model Recommendations
GVC750BE101: 75 A excitation controller for larger generators (800+ MVA).
AEX510: Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) expansion module for GVC736CE101.
FEX520: Field Excitation Unit with thyristor bridges.
HMI827: Touchscreen interface for local GVC736CE101 commissioning.
CI854A: Communication module adding Profibus to GVC736CE101.
RER670: Protection relay interfacing via IEC 61850.
UCR100: Redundancy controller for dual-channel configurations.
Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance Instructions
Installation Preparation: Mount vertically on vibration-damped panels (IEC 60068-2-6). Maintain 100 mm clearance above/below for airflow. Use ABB-shielded CT/PT cables (min. 2.5 mm²). Ground chassis directly to generator frame (≤0.01 Ω). Pre-configure settings via PCM600 software before energizing.
Maintenance Regimen:
Monthly: Verify heat sink temperature (<65°C) and cooling fan operation.
Quarterly: Perform online step response tests (±5% Vref change).
Annually: Calibrate analog I/O using ABB Calibrator 640; test field forcing capability.
Critical Faults: Red “ALARM” LED indicates loss of regulation – check PT fuses first. Flashing “WARNING” suggests comms loss – validate fiber-optic links. Always maintain a pre-loaded “golden configuration” backup.
Service and Guarantee Commitment
ABB guarantees the GVC736CE101 for 3 years, extendable to 15 years via Generator Care Agreement. Includes:
24/7 global support with 1-hour critical response SLA
On-site firmware updates during planned outages
Lifetime access to Grid Code Compliance Packs
Repair-or-replace service (5-day global turnaround)
Exhaustive diagnostic training via ABB University
Cybersecurity penetration testing upon request
SIL 2 certification documentation (IEC 61508)
Note: All specifications subject to ABB Technical Guide REG-DA
