3.4.1 Main characteristics
A number of different Distributed Processing Units (DPU) are available for different tasks. The main functions of the Distributed Processing Units are to monitor analogue or digital sensors and to provide analogue and digital output to different devices. All units have the same mechanical construction and are built using the same electronic design principles.
The main characteristics of the Distributed Processing Units are:
• LED indicators on the housing for Watch-Dog, Run, General information, unit initialised and power polarity
• Three-way isolation between I/O and power, I/O and process-bus, power and process-bus
• Single printed circuit board design
• Easy service replacement without setting trimmers, dip switches, jumpers or sockets
• No additional EMC protection required (only IP)
• Time synchronisation
• Non-volatile memory
• Remote alarms function
• Dual CAN-bus interfaces
• Software can be downloaded into the unit
• Built In Self-Test (BIST) monitoring temperature, power and sensor excitation overload
• All parameters are stored in each unit
• Each unit is remotely configurable
• No serviceable parts inside
• All connections are pluggable
Each Distributed Process Unit contains its own microprocessor.
These are programmed for a number of different tasks such as detecting when a monitored signal move outside set limits.
Unwanted alarms are inhibited during start-up and shut-down of the machinery. Status information is continuously monitored by the K-Chief 500 Operator Stations through the system network.
When an unacceptable condition is detected, the Distributed Process Unit and K-Chief 500 generates an alarm signal, identifies the responsible sensor, and provides information about
3.4.2 Remote Analogue input (RAi-16)
This unit has 16 analogue input channels. Each channel is selectable as voltage, current and resistance input in different ranges and has free technical units scaling. It also incorporates a 5 to 500Hz counter channel.• 16 analogue or digital input channels
• Scaled in technical units
• 1 counter 5 to 500 Hz
• Limit check
• Alarm and monitoring for all channels
• Trend
• Time stamp of alarms and events (0.001 seconds)
• Self checking
• Sensor excitation power overload
• CAN net status, error handling
Figure 15 Remote Analogue input (RAi-16)
3.4.3 Remote Analogue input (RAi-10tc)
This unit has 10 analogue input channels. It is used fortemperature measurements with Thermo Coupler (TC) elements of different types. It is particularly suited to monitor engine exhaust temperatures. A large variety of temperature elements can be connected, with ranges ± 50, ± 200, 0 to + 600 °C. A Cold Junction Compensation function is included. If external compensation is needed, the use of external Thermo Coupler amplifiers and RAi-16 is recommended.
• 10 thermo-coupler input channels
• Scaled in technical units
• Limit check
• Alarm and monitoring for all channels
• Trend
• Time stamp of alarms and events
• Self checking
• Sensor excitation power overload
• CAN net status, error handling
Figure 16 Remote Analogue input (RAi-10tc)
3.4.4 Remote Digital Input (RDi-32, RDi-32a)
These units have 32 digital input channels/dry contacts and include LED status indicators.
• 32 digital input channels with LED status indicators
• Input dry contacts
• Alarm and monitoring for all channels
• Trend
• Time stamp of alarms and events
• Self checking
• Sensor excitation power overload
• CAN net status, error handling
Figure 17 Remote Digital Input (RDi-32)
Figure 18 Remote Digital Input (RDi-32a)
3.4.5 Remote Analogue Output (RAo-8)
This unit has 8 analogue output channels. Each channel is selectable for voltage or current output in different ranges and almost free technical units scaling. This module is suited to drive analogue indicators. By placing the module close to instruments, long cables can be avoided.• 8 analogue output channels
• ± 10 VDC / ±20 mA
• CAN net status, error handling
Figure 19 Remote Analogue Output (RAo-8)
3.4.6 Remote Digital Output (RDo-16)
The RDo-16 module has 16 digital output channels and includes LED status indicators. The maximum output current for each channel is 3 Amperes (resistive load). The maximum voltage is 230 VAC.• Change over, brake before make relay-contacts
• Pulse on output
• Pulse off output
• CAN net status, error handling
Figure 20 Remote Digital Output (RDo-16)
3.4.7 Remote Input/Output (RIO-C1)
The RIO-C1 is a highly flexible input/output Distributed Processing Unit. It is particularly suited for electric generator control, main engine or auxiliary engine safety systems.The unit is equipped with four input channels, which can be individually configured to handle both analogue and digital signals. Each channel has an electronic fuse to protect the electronics against damage.
The unit can connect to single-phase AC voltage and a current signal. Based on these signals the following values can be measured and calculated:
• AC voltage available from generator and busbar
• AC current supplied from the generator
• AC frequency of generator and busbar
• Phase angle between AC voltages, for synchronising circuit breakers
• Phase angle between AC voltage and current, for calculating reactive load, kVAr
• Active load calculation based on AC voltage, current and phase angle
The unit can be connected to dual pick-ups, measuring rotating speed of any machinery, in the speed range of 0 – 1500 Hz. The two analogue output channels can drive any indicator by either voltage or current. The unit can further control six digital output channels; 2-pole relay (normal open/normal closed) or solenoid valve driver with built-in loop fail detection facilities.
Table 1 RIO-C1 Process Connections
Number of channels
Function Level
6 Digital output Solenoid valve driver or relay, max 3 A resistive load
2 Analogue output mA
2 Analogue input, AC voltage
(1-phase) Max. 30 Vrms, 50/60 Hz
1 Analogue input, AC current Max. 1 A, 50/60 Hz 4 Analogue/digital input, flexible As RAi-16
2 Input from pickup 24 VDC (counter input)
4 Digital input As RDI-32
• 21 analogue or digital, input and output channels with LED status indicator
• Alarm and monitoring for all channels
• Trend
• Time stamp of alarms and events
• Self checking
• Sensor excitation power overload
• CAN net status, error handling
Figure 21 Remote Input/Output (RIO-C1)
3.4.8 Remote Input/Output (RIO-C2)
The RIO-C2 is a combination module for digital inputs and outputs. The unit is equipped with eight digital input channels which are galvanically isolated between the sensor signals. The digital input sensor can be either a potential free contact (switch) or an external 24 VDC or 24 VAC signal. Each channel has an electronic fuse to protect the electronics against damage. When the faulty sensor interface has returned to normal, the electronicfuse is automatically reset. The unit can control eight digital output channels, 2-pole relays (normal open/normal closed). It is particularly suited for control of pumps and valves.
• 8 input and 8 output channels with LED status indicator
• 8 channels relays change over, brake before make
• 8 channels digital inputs, with possibility for 24 VDC live input or dry contacts
• Alarm and monitoring for all channels
• Trend
• Time stamp of alarms and events
• Self checking
• Sensor excitation power overload
• CAN net status, error handling
Figure 22 Remote Input/Output (RIO-C2)
3.4.9 Generator Protection (RIO-C3)
The RIO-C3 module is designed for protection of marine generators. The in- and outputs are designed for interfacing to voltage and current transformers as well as switchboard equipment. The module has a 7-segment display trip indicator, to be independent of external indicators.The RIO-C3 module is available in two versions:
• C3-GP for generator protection
• C3-GDCP for generator and differential current protection The module has a dual 24 Vdc power connection to
un-interruptible power supply and generator voltage.
• Short circuit tripping of generator CB
• Over current tripping of generator CB
• Reverse power tripping of generator CB
• Optional differential current protection
• Calculation of generator load (kW, kVAr)
• Calculation of phase angle between voltage and current (cosine φ)
Figure 23 Generator Protection (RIO-C3)
3.4.10 Generator Monitoring and Control (RIO-C4)
The C4 module is designed for control of marine generators and bus-tie breakers. The in- and outputs are designed for interfacing to voltage and current transformers, as well as switchboard equipment.
• Synchronize and connect of generator CB
• Synchronize and connect of bus-tie CB
• Start and stop of auxiliary diesel engine
• RPM set point control of auxiliary diesel engine
• Optional control of primer pump for AE
• Optional control of fuel selection for AE
• Calculation of generator load (kW, kVAr)
• Driving MSB instruments (kW, kVAr)
• Load sharing between generators
• AVR set point control (optional)
Figure 24 Generator Monitoring and Control (RIO-C4)
3.4.11 Digital Governor Unit (DGU)
The DGU module is designed to communicate with external equipment on serial line or CAN, and to communicate with ROS on global CAN.
All communication ports on the module are isolated.
Main features
• 2 CAN Communication channels
• 2 CAN Communication channels, global
• 2 serial lines, RS422/485.
• Scaled in technical units.
• Limit check.
• Alarm and monitoring for all channels.
• Trend.
• Time stamp of alarms and events (0.001 seconds).
• Self checking.
• CAN net status, error handling.
Figure 25 Digital Governor Unit (DGU)
3.4.12 Multiple Serial Interface Module (MSI 12)
The MSI 12 is a module for interfacing NMEA interfaces for recording and transmission of data. It is 4 NMEA ports for receiving, 4 NMEA ports for NMEA I/O communication, 4 Digital I/O and 10 digital output on the MSI 12. The modules connections are powered and communicates using USB interface to the computer. The digital signal inputs and outputs are powered from a separate 24 VDC input. The MSI 12 is designed
Figure 26 Multiple Serial Interface Module (MSI 12)
• Self check
• Remote configurable
• No trimmers or jumpers
• No serviceable parts
• All connections plugable
• Type approved
3.4.13 Process Segment Starcoupler (PSS)
The CAN line is vulnerable to both short-circuit and non-terminal line conditions. A short-circuit or a broken line will disable the entire CAN segment. The Process Segment Starcoupler protects two sections of a CAN segment from each other.Each terminal on the Process Segment Starcoupler is based on the ISO 11898 standard, with optical isolation. The Process Segment Starcoupler also protects the terminals against dominant bits that are not part of a CAN message. Thus short-circuit or malfunction on one CAN terminal does not affect the other CAN terminals.
The maximum length of one CAN segment at 125 kBaud is 530 m. A segment going through a Process Star Coupler is limited to 515 m. This length is the maximum line length between any two nodes in the CAN segment. For that reason it is advised to use the Process Segment Starcoupler to split two sections of a process segment, where the segment is running through rough environment or fire zones.
Figure 27 Process Segment Starcoupler (PSS)
3.4.14 Voltage Converter Controller (VCC)
The VCC-440 module is designed for use in main switchboards.The module secures the installation of the power management and generator protection system by transforming the higher voltages to low and safe levels. The VCC-440 module is equipped with six voltage transformers to transform from 440 to 24 VAC.
The module handles three major tasks:
• To supply the C3 generator protection module with AC voltage from the measured three phase generator bus bars, L1-L2, L1-L3 and L2-L3, derated from 440 to 24 VAC
• To supply the C3 generator protection module with 24 VDC power (1 A), using the generator busbar (L2-L3) as source
• To supply the C4 power management module with a single phase AC voltage from the generator busbar L1-L2 and the switchboard busbar L1-L2, derated from 440 to 24 VAC As an option, the VCC module can be equipped with transformers for 690 VAC.
Figure 28 Voltage Converter Controller (VCC)