Operation Manual

for the
AUR Starting Converter D3

ALSTOM Power Conversion GmbH

Culemeyerstr. 1, D-12277 Berlin, Tel.: +49 30 7622-0, Fax: +49 30 7622-25 91, email: postoffice.de@powerconv.alstom.com

029_950819_00.DOC

Subject to protection pursuant to DIN 16016 !

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Operation Manual for the D3 Starting Converter

ALSTOM
Power Conversion GmbH

Issued by:
ALSTOM
Power Conversion GmbH
APCG/D22
Culemeyerstrae 1
12277 Berlin, Germany
Fax:

+49 30 7622-2591

Revision history
Rev. Pages
concerned
00
all

Remarks
Issued

Date
27.07.05

Issued
Department/Author
APCG/D22 Tillmann

Checked
Department/Author
APCG/ D22 Nesper

Approved
Department/Author
APCG/ D22 Haase

Protection note pursuant to DIN 16016:

Unless explicitly stated to the contrary, it is not permitted to pass on or copy this document, nor to make use of
its contents or disclose its contents. Any violation is treated as an act liable for damages. All rights from patent
or utility model registrations reserved.

029. 950 818-

Subject to protection pursuant to DIN 16016 !

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Operation Manual for the D3 Starting Converter

ALSTOM
Power Conversion GmbH

CONTENTS
1.

Operation of the equipment

1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5

Modes of operation
Mode selection
Preparing the converter
Activating the starting converter
Conditions for switching off

2.

Control panel

2.1

Measured-value display

3.

Parameterization of the equipment

4.

Reading error messages

5.

Date storage

6.

Safety and application instructions

029. 950 818-

Subject to protection pursuant to DIN 16016 !

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Operation Manual for the D3 Starting Converter

1.
1.0

ALSTOM
Power Conversion GmbH

Operation of the equipment

General
A starting converter can, in principle, be used to start or decelerate multiple synchronous machines. It must thus
be possible to address the starting converter from different control points and/or by different control systems or
function controllers, and to send plant status information to such control points, control systems or function
controllers. The excitation equipment which belongs to the synchronous machine serves as communication
interface. The term "local control" as used herein refers to the control of the starting converter from such
excitation equipment, with all excitation equipment units connected to the starting converter having equal rights.
Once a starting, operating or braking process has been initiated for one of the synchronous machines
connected, the starting converter is blocked for all other synchronous machines until this process is completed.
A starting, operating or braking process is completed when the internal disconnector of the starting converter
and the disconnector at the stator leads of the corresponding synchronous machine has opened.
For commissioning and fault-finding of the starting converter, the synchronous machine should be used the
excitation equipment of which belongs locally to the starting converter.

1.1

Modes of operation
The starting converter is designed for the following standard operating modes:
a)
Turning
Operation of a gas turbine set at a low frequency (with reduced excitation current, if necessary) in lieu of a shaft
turning device. Only one turbine set can be turned per inverter.
b)
Washing
Operation of a gas turbine set with constant or variable frequency for cleaning the compressor blades.
Variable frequency here means that an additional setpoint (delta) which is variable over the time can be
modulated upon a basic setpoint which is constant over time.
c)
Purging
Operation of a gas turbine set with constant or variable frequency in order to inject fresh air through the
downstream boiler before the gas turbine starts. Variable frequency: refer to "washing".
d)
Ignition
Acceleration to and maintaining a constant frequency for the firing of the burners and heating up of the gas
turbine.
e)
External start
Starting a gas turbine set for mains operation. The starting converter is automatically switched off at a
machine frequency of 7085% of the nominal frequency.

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Operation Manual for the D3 Starting Converter

ALSTOM
Power Conversion GmbH

f)
Black start
Same as external start, however, with the difference that only limited power is available in the mains feeding the
starting converter. For example, a black start diesel generator feeds the auxiliary grid.
g)
Synchronous condenser start
Starting of a synchronous machine to above mains frequency. The starting converter is switched off above the
mains frequency. The synchronous machine can be subsequently synchronized with the mains on running
down.
h)
Braking
Braking of a machine set with a synchronous machine from any frequency to a standstill. This mode of
operation should only be applied in conjunction with machine sets which include the phase shifter mode.
-

1.2

Direct changing from the "turning" mode is possible to the "purging", "ignition", "washing", "external start",
"black start" and "phase shifter" modes.
The "ignition", "external start" and "black start" modes can be directly activated from within the "purging"
mode.
The "external start" and "black start" modes can be directly activated from within the "ignition" mode.

Mode selection
The operating mode can be selected at a local control desk, a remote control desk, the higher-level control
equipment or the local control panel -S112. In the case of selection via the control panel, the key-operated
switch of keypad S111 must be set at local, i.e. in the horizontal position.
The control screen of the starting converter can be accessed from the start screen by pressing the corresponding
buttons via the main menu.

Fig. 1

029. 950 818-

Fig. 2

Subject to protection pursuant to DIN 16016 !

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Operation Manual for the D3 Starting Converter

ALSTOM
Power Conversion GmbH

Fig. 3
The button of the active operating mode appears against a blue background on the control screen.

1.3 Preparing the converter

The 'Prepare' command just like the selection of the operating mode can be entered via the local control
desk, the remote control desk, the higher-level control equipment or locally at the control panel.
For this purpose, the "Prepare" button is pressed on the control screen (Fig. 3 ) of the starting converter. As a
result of this command, the internal disconnector (option) and the pertinent external disconnector are closed.
The power section of the inverter is thereby connected to the stator terminals of the synchronous machine.
When the disconnectors are closed, i.e. when the converter is prepared, the "Prepare" button is shown against a
blue background. The 'Starting converter is not prepared' and 'Starting converter is prepared' messages are
also sent to the control desks and displayed there. The 'Prepare' command can only become effective if no "off"
command and no fault message which would lead to a shut-down are pending for the starting converter and
the excitation equipment belonging to the machine.
Any faults which may be pending must first be cleared. The control panel includes an error description for each
error message.
When an error occurs during the starting phase, the process is discontinued.

1.4 Switching the converter on

As a precondition for switching the starting converter on, the disconnectors must be closed and the release
signal must have been made available by the control system. If the function of the release signal is not
activated, the operator is responsible to ensure that all necessary conditions (interlocking with lifting oil pumps
and bearing lubrication) are fulfilled.
The 'starting converter "on"' command can once again be entered via the local control desk, the remote control
desk, the higher-level control equipment or locally at the control panel. For this purpose, the "On" button (refer
to Fig. 3 above) must be pressed.
The "On" command closes the power circuit breaker of the starting converter at the mains end and the pertinent
excitation equipment receives the "Starting or braking excitation 'on'" command. A feedback signal "Starting

029. 950 818-

Subject to protection pursuant to DIN 16016 !

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Operation Manual for the D3 Starting Converter

ALSTOM
Power Conversion GmbH

converter in 'on'" is sent to all the units connected. The "Off" button is no longer displayed against a color
background on the control panel, and the "On" button is shown against a blue background.

1.5 Switching the converter off

The converter is immediately switched off when a 'Protection off' signal comes from the machine protection, an
'Off' command from the local control desk, from the remote control desk, from the higher-level control system
or from the local control panel. If the converter, after preparation, is not switched on within 6 minutes, the
disconnectors are opened again.
Under regular operating conditions, the converter is automatically switched off in the 'External Start' and 'Blackstart' modes on reaching of a speed of 2100 rpm (in the case of 50-Hz systems) or 2600 rpm, respectively (in
the case of 60-Hz equipment) when the system detects that the DC link current has become zero.
In the 'Sync.Cond.Start' mode, the converter is switched off at 3150 rpm in the case of 50-Hz equipment or
3780 rpm, respectively, in the case of 60-Hz equipment.
In all other modes, the converter expects an 'off' command for switching off. Automatic switching off does not
take place.
All modes include a start monitoring function.
The converter must reach the following speeds within a given time:
1. Around 30 rpm after 10s
2. Around 75 rpm after 20s (not in turning mode)
3. Around 210 rpm after 45s (not in turning mode)
If the converter fails to reach these speeds within the specified time, the equipment is switched off.
The 'starting converter off"' command can once again be entered via the local control desk, the remote control
desk, the higher-level control equipment or locally at the control panel. The "Off" button is pressed for this
purpose. The "On" button is no longer displayed against a blue background, and the "Off" button is once again
displayed against a blue background.
When the (internal and external) disconnectors have then opened too, the "Prepare" button is then no longer
displayed against a blue background either.

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Subject to protection pursuant to DIN 16016 !

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Operation Manual for the D3 Starting Converter

2.

ALSTOM
Power Conversion GmbH

Control panel

2.1 Measured-value display

The control screen of the starting converter (Fig. 3) displays the most important up-to-date values of the starting
converter. Pressing the 'Further actual values' button displays further measured values and switching states.

Fig. 3

3.

Fig. 4

Parameterization of the equipment

Refer to the "Parameter menu" chapter of the description titled "Control screens on the control panel".

4.

Reading error messages

Refer to the "Diagnosis function" chapter of the description titled "Control screens on the control panel".

5.

Date storage
Refer to the sub-chapter "Loading and storing parameters" of the "Parameter menu" chapter of the description
titled "Control screens on the control panel".

6.

Safety and application instructions

The relevant information are the same as those applicable to the excitation equipment. Please refer to chapter 5
of the operating manual for the SEMIPOL excitation equipment ERR.

029. 950 818-

Subject to protection pursuant to DIN 16016 !

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