Description
376-104: Product Overview
The Woodward 376-104 is a 2301A series load sharing and speed control module designed for prime mover control applications (e.g., diesel engines, gas turbines, steam turbines) in power generation, marine propulsion, and industrial cogeneration. As part of Woodward’s 2301A ecosystem, the 376-104 is engineered to provide precise speed regulation and automatic load distribution for parallel generator sets, ensuring stable power output, optimizing fuel efficiency, and complying with grid requirements.
The 376-104’s primary function is to orchestrate the operation of generator sets by adjusting their speed and load based on real-time demand. It supports two key control modes:
-
Isochronous Mode: Maintains constant generator speed (±0.1% tolerance) for standalone operation, ensuring frequency stability in isolated grids.
-
Droop Mode: Adjusts generator speed based on load (adjustable droop percentage, 0–10%), allowing multiple generators to share load evenly in parallel with the utility grid or other generators.
The module’s design emphasizes reliability and flexibility, with features tailored to harsh industrial environments (e.g., extended temperature range, vibration resistance). It is widely used in applications where generator sets must operate in parallel, such as power plants, marine vessels, and industrial facilities.
Woodward 9905-090
376-104: Technical Specifications
-
Model Number: 376-104
-
Manufacturer: Woodward (USA)
-
Product Type: Load Sharing & Speed Control Module
-
Input Voltage: 10–40 VDC (nominal 24 VDC) – compatible with global industrial power systems.
-
Output Signal: 0–200 mA (sink) – drives Woodward proportional actuators (e.g., EG-3P) for fuel/steam valve positioning.
-
Control Modes: Isochronous (constant speed), Droop (load-dependent speed).
-
Droop Adjustment: Adjustable from 0–10% (output reduction between no-load and full-load).
-
Speed Regulation Accuracy: ±0.1% (isochronous mode) – ensures grid frequency stability.
-
Load Sharing Accuracy: ±1% (droop mode) – prevents overloading individual generators.
-
Operating Temperature: -40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F) – suitable for extreme industrial environments.
-
Vibration Resistance: 4 G (5–2000 Hz, 3 hr/min/axis) – withstands vibration in mobile/marine applications.
-
Dimensions: ~280 mm × 210 mm × 90 mm (11 in × 8.3 in × 3.5 in) – compact for standard control cabinets.
-
Weight: ~4.0 kg (8.8 lbs) – lightweight for easy handling during installation.
-
Certifications: CE, UL, CSA – compliant with international industrial safety standards.
Core Features & Customer Value
The 376-104’s design focuses on precision, flexibility, and ruggedness, delivering tangible benefits to engineers and operators:
-
Dual Control Modes (Isochronous/Droop):
-
Isochronous Mode: Ideal for standalone generator sets (e.g., remote power plants), where maintaining constant frequency (50/60 Hz) is critical. The module uses a phase-locked loop (PLL) to lock onto the grid frequency and adjust the generator’s speed accordingly.
-
Droop Mode: Enables parallel operation with other generators or the utility grid. The module adjusts the generator’s speed based on load, ensuring even load distribution (±1% accuracy) and preventing overloading.
-
Customer Value: Reduces the need for multiple controllers (one for each mode), simplifying system design and lowering costs.
-
-
Precise Speed Regulation:
-
The module maintains speed within ±0.1% of the setpoint (isochronous mode), which is critical for power plants where frequency deviations of ±0.5 Hz can trigger grid penalties.
-
Customer Value: Ensures compliance with grid codes, avoiding fines and equipment damage.
-
-
Rugged Environmental Design:
-
The 376-104 is built to withstand harsh industrial environments, with an extended temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and vibration resistance. It is also tested for salt fog resistance, making it suitable for marine applications.
-
Customer Value: Minimizes downtime and maintenance costs, especially in remote or offshore sites where repairs are costly.
-
-
Integration with Woodward Ecosystem:
-
The module works seamlessly with Woodward’s synchronizers (e.g., SPM-A) and governors, providing a complete solution for generator control. It can also be networked with up to 8 modules for unmanned generator sets.
-
Customer Value: Simplifies system integration and ensures compatibility with existing Woodward equipment.
Woodward 9905-090
-
Typical Applications
The 376-104 is designed for industrial and power generation applications where generator sets must operate in parallel. Typical use cases include:
-
Power Plants:
-
In coal-fired or gas-fired power plants, the 376-104 controls generator sets that provide baseload or peak shaving power. It synchronizes the generators with the grid and distributes load evenly, ensuring compliance with grid codes (e.g., NERC PRC-002).
-
-
Marine Propulsion:
-
On commercial vessels, the 376-104 controls auxiliary generator sets that provide power to onboard systems (e.g., lighting, HVAC). It works with the ship’s synchronizers to ensure stable power for navigation and communication systems.
-
-
Industrial Cogeneration:
-
In refineries or chemical plants, the 376-104 balances electrical and thermal loads by controlling generator sets that drive compressors or pumps. It adjusts the generator’s output based on process demand, optimizing energy efficiency.
-
-
Remote Power Systems:
-
In remote mines or oil/gas sites, the 376-104 controls generator sets that provide power to remote equipment (e.g., drilling rigs, pumps). It can be networked with other modules for unmanned operation, reducing the need for on-site staff.
-
