Description
Product Overview
The Woodward 9905-016 is the enhanced “Revision L” of the 2301A series—designed to address the limitations of the base 9905-003 model in extreme operating conditions. As a ruggedized successor, it combines the core speed/load control functionality of the 2301A platform with upgrades for durability, environmental resilience, and compliance with hazardous-area standards.
Unlike the base 9905-003 (optimized for standardindoor/protected environments), the 9905-016 targets applications where temperature extremes, moisture, dust, or explosive atmospheres are present. It is widely used in offshore oil rigs, arctic remote power stations, high-temperature cogeneration plants, and marine vessels operating in polar regions—where reliability under stress is non-negotiable.
At its core, the 9905-016 retains the 2301A’s mission: precise speed regulation (isochronous/droop modes) and automatic load sharing for parallel generator sets. However, its enhancements ensure consistent performance when the base model would fail (e.g., frozen sensors in arctic cold, dust ingress in deserts).
Key Technical Specifications
The 9905-016 builds on the 2301A base architecture but adds critical upgrades for harsh environments (per Woodward’s 2301A Series Manual, Rev. L):
|
Parameter
|
9905-016 (Enhanced)
|
9905-003 (Base)
|
|---|---|---|
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Operating Temperature
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-50°C to +85°C (-58°F to +185°F)
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-40°C to +85°C (-40°F to +185°F)
|
|
Protection Rating
|
IP54 (dust/water jet resistant)
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IP20 (basic dust protection)
|
|
Cold-Start Compensation
|
Yes (prevents sensor freeze-up at sub-zero temps)
|
No
|
|
Hazardous Area Certification
|
ATEX/IECEx (Zone 2/22)
|
None
|
|
Input Voltage
|
10–40 Vdc (nominal 24 Vdc)
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10–40 Vdc (nominal 24 Vdc)
|
|
Control Modes
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Isochronous (±0.1% speed accuracy) + Droop (0–10% adjustable)
|
Same
|
|
Actuator Compatibility
|
Woodward EG-3P/EG-6P proportional actuators
|
Same
|
|
Certifications
|
CE, UL, CSA, ATEX, IECEx
|
CE, UL, CSA
|
|
Dimensions/Weight
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~280 mm × 210 mm × 90 mm / ~4.2 kg (9.3 lbs)
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~280 mm × 210 mm × 90 mm / ~4.0 kg (8.8 lbs)
|
Field Application & Problem Solved
In harsh environments, the base 9905-003 fails due to:
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Temperature Extremes: Frozen speed sensors (arctic) or overheating circuits (deserts) cause erratic speed control.
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Moisture/Dust: IP20 rating allows ingress, leading to short circuits or corrosion.
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Explosive Atmospheres: Lack of ATEX certification prohibits use in oil/gas zones.
The 9905-016 solves these with:
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Extended Temperature Range: Operates down to -50°C (with cold-start compensation for sensor activation) and up to +85°C (via improved heat dissipation).
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IP54 Protection: Seals against dust and water jets—critical for offshore platforms or dusty mines.
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ATEX Compliance: Safe for use in Zone 2 (gas) and Zone 22 (dust) hazardous areas (e.g., oil refinery generator sets).
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Robust Signal Processing: Enhanced analog circuitry resists electromagnetic interference (EMI) common in industrial plants.
Typical Harsh-Environment Use Cases:
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Offshore Oil Rigs: Synchronizing generators for emergency power (ATEX-certified for explosive gas zones).
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Arctic Remote Mines: Maintaining generator speed in -40°C winters (cold-start compensation prevents sensor lockup).
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Desert Cogeneration Plants: Withstanding 50°C+ ambient temps (IP54 keeps dust out of internal components).
WOODWARD 9905-016
Installation & Maintenance Pitfalls (Expert Tips for Harsh Environments)
To maximize 9905-016 reliability:
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Pre-Installation Environmental Audit: Confirm the site meets IP54 requirements (e.g., install in a NEMA 4X cabinet for added protection).
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Cold-Weather Startup: For arctic use, preheat the module with a thermostatically controlled heater (avoid direct exposure to wind).
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Dust/Moisture Checks: Quarterly inspect seals and gaskets for wear; replace if cracked (use Woodward-approved parts).
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ATEX Zone Compliance: Ensure wiring is rated for Zone 2/22 (e.g., armored cables) and avoid spark-generating tools during maintenance.
Technical Deep Dive & Comparison to 9905-003
The 9905-016 shares the 2301A analog control platform with the 9905-003 but adds three key enhancements:
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Temperature-Compensated Circuits:
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Adds a thermistor-based feedback loop to adjust sensor gain at sub-zero temps (prevents “frozen” magnetic pickups).
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Improves voltage regulator stability in high-heat environments (avoids drift).
-
-
Enhanced Physical Design:
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Gasket-sealed enclosure (IP54) vs. the 9905-003’s open-frame design.
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Conformal coating on circuit boards to resist moisture/corrosion.
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-
Hazardous-Area Readiness:
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ATEX-certified intrinsically safe (IS) inputs for speed/load sensors.
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Spark-resistant terminals and reduced surface temperatures.
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Core Control Logic (Same as 9905-003):
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Receives inputs from magnetic pickups (speed), current transformers (load), and operator pots (setpoint).
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Uses PID algorithms to calculate fuel/steam flow adjustments.
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Outputs 0–200 mA signals to actuators (e.g., EG-3P) for real-time control.
Final Notes
The Woodward 9905-016 is the go-to choice for harsh-environment prime mover control—it retains the 2301A’s precision while adding the durability needed for arctic, offshore, or high-temperature applications.
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Choose 9905-016 if: Your site has extreme temperatures, dust/moisture, or explosive atmospheres.
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Choose 9905-003 if: You operate in a standard indoor/protected environment (cost-effective alternative).
Always refer to Woodward’s 2301A Series Manual (Rev. L, Document # 2301A-OM-002) for installation guidelines. For hazardous-area use, consult a certified ATEX technician.
