Description

Woodward   2301A   controller module

Performance characteristics:
Working mode: It offers two working modes: Isoch. (no difference adjustment) and Droop. Differential regulation is used for the constant speed control of prime movers, and is suitable for single-machine operation or multiple prime movers acting together in isolated power grids, as well as the basic load control of wireless grids (municipal power grids), etc. The differential regulation mode can be achieved by connecting an external potentiometer and can play a role in some scenarios where the load needs to be proportionally distributed.
System composition: The single-machine operation speed load control system is usually composed of a 2301A controller, an external power supply (low-voltage type 20~40Vdc or high-voltage type 88-132Vac or 90-150Vdc), a rotational speed sensor, and a proportional actuator for fuel or gas metering control. It is composed of current (CT) and voltage (PT) converters used to measure the load of the generator.
Functional features: It has a speed adjustment function and can precisely control the engine speed according to the set value. The load distribution of the generator set can be achieved by adjusting the supply of fuel or gas, ensuring a reasonable load distribution when multiple units are operating in parallel. It can also provide starting fuel limit adjustment, limiting the maximum fuel setting when the engine starts, which helps to reduce pollution and engine wear. In addition, some models have functions such as idle speed adjustment, acceleration slope adjustment, gain adjustment, and stability adjustment, which can be adjusted through the potentiometer on the panel.
Performance advantages: As an electronic governor, it features a simple structure and high regulation accuracy. It is convenient to achieve synchronous parallel operation of multiple units and is also easy to be combined with the engine protection system, enabling full automation of the power unit.
Appearance and structure: It is composed of a double-sided printed circuit board and an iron casing. There are multiple potentiometers on the housing, such as those for adjusting the starting fuel and rated speed, which facilitate on-site debugging. At the same time, there are multiple terminal blocks for connecting power input, speed signal input, etc.

The working principle is as follows:
Rotational speed signal detection: The speed sensor senses the rotational speed of the engine and converts it into an electrical signal. This electrical signal reflects the actual rotational speed of the engine.
Signal comparison: The electrical signal generated by the speed sensor is compared with the set speed electrical signal to obtain the deviation electrical signal between the actual rotational speed and the set rotational speed. If the actual rotational speed is higher than the set rotational speed, the deviation electrical signal is in a certain direction. If the actual rotational speed is lower than the set rotational speed, the deviation electrical signal will be in the opposite direction.
Signal amplification and output: The deviated electrical signal is amplified by the amplifier and then output to the actuator of the engine. The function of the amplifier is to enhance the deviation signal so that it can effectively drive the actuator to act.
Actuator action and speed regulation: The actuator acts based on the received amplified signal. When the actual rotational speed is greater than the set speed, the actuator receives a deceleration signal and will reduce the throttle of the engine, lowering the engine speed until the actual speed is consistent with the set speed. When the actual rotational speed is lower than the set speed, the actuator receives an acceleration signal and will increase the throttle of the engine to raise the engine speed and reach the set speed.

Application scenarios
Generator sets: They can be used for diesel generators, gas generators, etc. When operating as a single machine, it can achieve constant speed control through the differential regulation mode to ensure that the generator outputs stable electrical energy. When multiple generators are operating in parallel in an isolated power grid, the load distribution among the generators can be reasonably distributed through the load distribution control system, in combination with equipment such as Woodward’s power automatic transfer device, to ensure the stable operation of the power grid. Meanwhile, it is also applicable to the basic load control of generating units connected to the municipal power grid.
Compressor system: For compressors driven by diesel engines, gas engines, etc., the 2301A controller can precisely control the speed of the prime mover according to process requirements, thereby controlling the operating speed and output power of the compressor to meet the requirements of gas transportation or compression, ensuring the stable and efficient operation of the compressor system.
Pumping station: In a pumping station, when diesel engines, gasoline engines, etc. are used as power sources to drive water pumps, this controller can adjust the speed of the prime mover in real time according to the changes in water consumption, thereby controlling the flow and pressure of the water pump and achieving energy-saving operation and stable water supply.
Marine power system: It can be applied to diesel engines or gas engines of ships to control the engine speed, ensuring that the ship can maintain stable power output under different navigation conditions, such as acceleration, deceleration, and cruising. Meanwhile, in the ship power station, the load distribution of multiple generator sets can be achieved to ensure the stable power supply of the ship’s power system.
In the field of locomotives: On some locomotives powered by diesel engines and the like, the 2301A controller can precisely control the engine speed, meeting the different speed requirements during locomotive operation. Moreover, when multiple locomotives work in coordination or when the generator set installed on the locomotive supplies power, it can achieve reasonable load distribution and stable speed control.