CONTROL PHILOSOPHIES

Introduction : This Philosophy has developed based on the practical experiences on peculiar phenomenon. Without giving the start command the drive starts on some other occasions even after giving a stop command the drive does not stop. In some cases DCS input contact is observed to Burn frequently on control signal input System study and analysis proven that the physical parameters such as ,control voltage level , Type of cable and length of cable etc are responsible for the behaviour.

Causes : 1. Larger the distance between the field control and MCC : Capacitance of cable increases in proportion to the control cable length, Due to this even if stop command is given, voltage is still appears across the contactor coil, if this voltage is more than the drop off voltage ,contactor does not drop off , Similarly due to cable capacitance start command is experienced if the accumulated charged voltage is higher than the pickup value. 2. Higher control voltage like 240V : The capacitance between the pair of cable shunts the remote signal contact , This provided an alternate path to the coil current and if the capacitance is high enough will prevent the contactor dropping off Even if the switch is opened. 3. Unused conductors in the Multicore cable : In a Multicore cable unused conductor will increase the capacitance effect to overcome this effect unused conductor in multicore cable is earthed to reduce the capacitance effect.

Recommendation for Plant Control Supply system :

1. Use of Lower control voltage : Using 110V AC instead of 240V AC in the control circuit allows the Higher cable length.

2. Earthing of Unused cores : In Multi core cable the unused cable conductors to be earthed to over come the capacitance effect. 3. Use of Resistance in parallel with the contactor coil : The voltage drop across the contactor coil reduces which helps in deenergizing the contactor. 4. Cables with Low dielectric Constant : The cable with low dielectric constant can significantly reduce the capacitance to a very lower value. 5. Seperate Route for Power and Control Cables : Normally power and control cables are routed together ,the surges in power cable induce voltage in the control cable , to reduce the effect power and control cables shall be routed in a separate cable tray. 6. Use of Shielded Twisted wire : Some times magnetic interference induce voltage in the control wire ,the effect can be nullified by use of Shielded twisted wire as compared to Normal PVC Wire. 7. Layout to restrict the control cable length to 250 -300 Mtrs.

Standard Control Voltage Levels : Slno 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 Description of Equipment HT Board LT Switchboard IMCC APFC GRR/LRS Load Break Switch MLDB Trafo Cooler control panel Trafo RTCC Panel Energy Saver Sub control Panel Local Control Panel Solenoid/other Switches DCS Interrogation Supply Monitoring and Signalling Control Voltage Level 110V DC as well as 110VAC 110V DC as well as 110VAC 110V AC 110V AC 110VAC 110VDC 110VAC 110VAC 110VAC 220VAC 110V AC 110V AC 110V AC 110VAC 110VAC