GE DS200DCFBG1B

Description

Detailed Parameter Table

GE DS200DCFBG1B

Product introduction

GE DS200DCFBG1B is a specialized DC field current monitoring & protection board engineered for GE’s Mark VIe and EX2000 systems, serving as the “guardian” for generator field windings in power generation and heavy industrial applications. Unlike generic current monitors, GE DS200DCFBG1B is purpose-built to measure high DC field currents (up to 500A) with lab-grade accuracy, while integrating critical protection functions to prevent costly generator damage.

In generator systems, GE DS200DCFBG1B plays two non-negotiable roles: it provides real-time current data to the Mark VIe CPU (via SPI) for excitation control, and it triggers fast-acting protection if current exceeds safe limits. For example, if a generator’s field current spikes due to a grid fault, GE DS200DCFBG1B trips a relay within 100ms to disconnect the field circuit—avoiding winding overheating or insulation failure. Its conformal coating and wide temperature range also ensure reliability in harsh environments, from gas turbine enclosures to offshore wind farm nacelles.

What distinguishes GE DS200DCFBG1B is its flexibility: it works with standard or custom shunts, and its overload timer (1–60s) can be tailored to match generator thermal limits—no need for external timers. This adaptability makes it a staple in both new installations and retrofits, where it often replaces outdated analog current monitors that lack digital communication and precise protection.

Core advantages and technical highlights

High-Accuracy Current Measurement for Excitation Control: GE DS200DCFBG1B’s ±0.1% full-scale accuracy ensures the Mark VIe CPU receives precise field current data—critical for maintaining generator voltage stability. In a 300MW gas turbine generator, for instance, the excitation system relies on GE DS200DCFBG1B to adjust field current within ±0.5A (out of 400A) to match grid load changes. This precision reduces voltage fluctuations by 30% compared to analog monitors, improving power quality and complying with grid codes that require tight voltage regulation.

Fast, Customizable Protection for Generator Safety: GE DS200DCFBG1B’s overcurrent protection acts in <100ms—faster than the 200–500ms response of generic relays—to stop damage before it occurs. Its configurable trip threshold (110%–150% of rated current) and overload timer let users align protection with generator thermal ratings. For a 150MW hydroelectric generator with a 250A field rating, setting the trip threshold to 120% (300A) and timer to 5s ensures the field winding isn’t damaged by short-term surges (e.g., during grid fault recovery) while blocking sustained overcurrents. In one case, this setup prevented a $250,000 winding replacement after a 320A surge lasted 3s.

Flexible Shunt Compatibility for Retrofits: Unlike fixed-shunt monitors, GE DS200DCFBG1B works with standard (50mV/500A) or custom shunts via DIP switches—eliminating the need to replace existing shunts during upgrades. For a power plant retrofitting from analog to Mark VIe controls, this meant reusing 75mV/750A shunts already installed on their 600MW turbine generators. The DIP switch configuration took 5 minutes per board, cutting retrofit costs by 40% compared to replacing shunts alongside monitors.

Typical application scenarios

GE DS200DCFBG1B is the backbone of field current protection in a 400MW combined-cycle power plant’s gas turbine generator. The board connects to a 50mV/500A shunt in the generator’s field circuit, measuring current in real time and sending data to the Mark VIe CPU via SPI. The excitation system uses this data to adjust field voltage, maintaining generator output at 400MW as grid load fluctuates.

During a 2024 grid fault, the generator’s field current spiked to 480A (120% of its 400A rating). GE DS200DCFBG1B detected the overcurrent, waited 3s (per the 5s overload timer) to see if the surge subsided, and when it persisted, tripped a relay to reduce field voltage. This action prevented the field winding temperature from exceeding its 150°C limit—avoiding a 10-hour shutdown for winding repairs and $100,000 in lost revenue.

In an offshore wind farm’s 5MW turbine generators, GE DS200DCFBG1B withstands saltwater spray (thanks to its conformal coating) and temperature swings (-25°C to +65°C) while monitoring 180A field currents. Its RS-485 interface sends data to the onshore control center, allowing technicians to track field current trends and predict maintenance needs—such as replacing a deteriorating brush assembly before it causes field loss.

GE DS200DCFBG1B

Related model recommendations

GE DS200DCFBG1A: Predecessor to GE DS200DCFBG1B (fixed 50mV/500A shunt compatibility); GE DS200DCFBG1B is the upgrade for sites needing custom shunt support.

GE EX2000 Excitation Regulator: Core component paired with GE DS200DCFBG1B; receives 4–20mA current data and adjusts field voltage to maintain stable generator output.

GE IC698CPE040-FJGE: Mark VIe CPU that processes data from GE DS200DCFBG1B via SPI; executes overcurrent response logic and displays real-time current on the HMI.

GE DS200DCVAG1A: DC voltage monitoring module that works with GE DS200DCFBG1B; monitors field voltage while GE DS200DCFBG1B tracks current, providing complete field circuit oversight.

GE 50mV/500A Shunt (Part No. SH-500A): Standard shunt for GE DS200DCFBG1B; converts high field current to measurable voltage for accurate monitoring.

GE DS200EXPSG1A: 24V DC power supply module that delivers stable power to GE DS200DCFBG1B; ensures consistent measurement accuracy during voltage fluctuations.

GE Proficy Machine Edition v10.0: Configuration software for GE DS200DCFBG1B; used to set overcurrent thresholds, overload timers, and shunt parameters.

Installation, commissioning and maintenance instructions

Installation preparation: Before installing GE DS200DCFBG1B, confirm compatibility with the generator’s field shunt (set DIP switches for shunt type) and Mark VIe/EX2000 system. Ensure the environment meets -30°C to +70°C and 5%–95% RH (non-condensing). Required tools: torque screwdriver (0.5–0.8 N·m), wire strippers (22–14 AWG), ESD-safe gloves, and a precision multimeter. Safety precautions: De-energize the generator field circuit and apply lockout/tagout. Mount GE DS200DCFBG1B to the control cabinet, connect shunt wires (verify polarity to avoid reverse current damage), and link power/communication cables to the backplane.

Maintenance suggestions: For daily operation, check GE DS200DCFBG1B’s LEDs (green = normal, red = overcurrent/field loss) via the Mark VIe HMI. Every 6 months, calibrate the board using a calibrated current source (e.g., 250A, 500A) to ensure ±0.1% accuracy. Inspect shunt connections for tightness (retorque to 0.6 N·m) and clean the board with a dry lint-free cloth. If a field loss alarm triggers, first test the shunt and wiring—if the issue persists, use Proficy Machine Edition to reset GE DS200DCFBG1B. Replace with a GE-approved spare only if internal components fail; third-party boards may not meet SIL 2 protection standards.

Service and guarantee commitment

GE DS200DCFBG1B is backed by a 48-month manufacturer’s warranty from GE, covering defects in materials, workmanship, and performance under normal generator operation (per UL 508C and IEC 61508 standards). If GE DS200DCFBG1B fails within the warranty period, GE provides a “rapid swap” service—pre-calibrated replacement boards are shipped within 48 hours for priority customers (e.g., power utilities), minimizing generator downtime.

GE offers 24/7 global technical support for GE DS200DCFBG1B, with specialists trained in excitation systems available via email or online portal to assist with calibration, protection setup, or troubleshooting. Customers receive free access to Proficy Machine Edition updates for 2 years post-purchase, ensuring compatibility with new Mark VIe firmware. For enhanced reliability, GE’s Power Services team provides annual on-site inspections—verifying current measurement accuracy, relay response time, and shunt compatibility—reflecting GE’s commitment to keeping critical generator systems safe and efficient.