The new cRIO-based Dynamic VAr controller is the 5th generation TSC controller. It provides:
- Major Speed improvements,
- Major Accuracy Improvements,
- Improved Hardware Durability,
- Additional Features for Operation and Maintenance,
- Simplified Secure Remote monitoring.
It can also be retrofit onto existing TSC systems manufactured by T-Star, PQS or AMSC™.
Some of the new controller’s capabilities are listed below.
Speed and Accuracy
- Controller scans (analog and digital) inputs at 7+ kHz, resulting in faster and more accurate controller operation.
- More digital inputs are scanned, resulting in improved feedback and performance.
- Analog inputs are measured more precisely, resulting in more accurate operation.
- Valve turn on/turn off signals are more precise and based on valve-specific feedback.
- Advanced processing power allows for more accurate algorithms, improved logging and increased flexibility.
Hardware Durability:
NI cRIO hardware was selected for it’s proven robustness (with independent certifications for hazardous, marine, and arctic use) in addition to its real-time processing capability, and its programming flexibility. National Instrument’s maintenance to long-term backwards compatibility is also important.
Operation and Maintenance Features:
The controller combines uniform, remotely upgradeable controller software with site-specific information, eliminating previously customized site-specific software. Performance reviews, adding power factor correction stages, and modifying control response are rapid, and can even be done remotely. The standard controller configuration:
- Controls up to 4 SVC stages (15 steps plus off).
- Controls up to 2 vacuum-switched power factor/ harmonic filter correction stages.
- Can “run-flat” (selectively disable) SVC or vacuum-switched stages
- Can customize multiple alarms and thresholds.
- Provides up to 5 standard IO points.
- Automatically data-logs to monitor performance and detect/record errors.
- Point-specific IO alarms allow quick diagnosis of problems.
Local Connectivity and Remote Monitoring:
Two Ethernet ports are available on the new controller.
ETH1 is connected to a customer HMI (with 3 levels of password access protection) and can also be connected to a customer’s internal Ethernet network to allow authorized users (such as operators) to watch the real-time performance.
ETH2 used for an SSL VPN embedded in the controller that automatically connects to T-Star, allowing remote monitoring, tuning, and if necessary, diagnosis of the SVC. This secure connection is accessible only to qualified T-Star personnel.
No Internet traffic is allowed between ETH1 and ETH2. This configuration provides customers with maximum internal security. Our customers find the remote VPN connection invaluable. T-Star remotely tunes (adjusts) systems, and updates software providing new features. Remote access combined with conscientious annual on-site maintenance provides the optimum combination of low maintenance cost and high reliability.