GE EX2100e and EX2100 Excitation Controls Comparison

The EX2100e Excitation system is GE Energy’s advanced

platform for generator excitation controls.  The EX2100e

builds on the EX2100 experience of over 700 units in gas,

steam, and hydro applications (for new units and upgrades) in

addition to GE’s 50 years of experience with over 6.000

excitation systems in 70 countries.

The EX2100e has enhanced technology, including a new

controller from the Mark* VIe control line and the current

ControlST* software suite.  In addition, the EX2100e offers a

35A brushless dual redundant regulator option for cost

effective reliability.

Controllers

Now, excitation shares the same controller with Mark VIe

application-based turbine and plant controls. These single

board controllers offer flexible, compact packaging and more

computing power for advanced control features to enhance

grid dynamics and generator performance. In addition, the

stand-alone controllers can be easily upgraded for better life

cycle support of the equipment.

I/O Interface

The controllers communicate to the I/O interface through a

100 MB Ethernet I/O network that can be extended for

remote I/O modules. The large, inflexible I/O cables of the

EX2100 are eliminated. Since there are less electronics in an

EX2100e, a smaller spare parts inventory is needed. Similarly,

less active electronics increases the mean-time-between

failure (MTBF) and improves system reliability.

Controllers, I/O interface, and the bridge(s) are mounted

inside the EX2100e cabinet. Only an optional touchscreen

panel remains on the door for local control and display of

generator parameters along with alarm history and alarm/

fault help.

Software

The EX2100e uses the ToolboxST* application for

configuration and diagnostics and retains all attributes for

high-speed analysis of rotating machinery and the enhanced

look-and-feel of plant-level Distributed Control System

software. For example, the ToolboxST application can analyze

and configure I/O modules, controllers, networks, and

operator stations for generator controls, turbine controls, and

balance-of-plant controls to simplify maintenance.

Proven Technology

While controllers, networks, I/O modules, and software tools

are upgraded, the heart of the system remains the same.

Proven control and protection algorithms remain unchanged.

Similarly, mission-critical power bridge technology is carried

over from the EX2100 power conversion assemblies.

In addition, control cabinet footprints are unchanged and

compliance to international regulations and standards is

retained.

Benefits

 Cost effective 35A brushless dual redundant regulator

configuration

 Improved reliability and less spare parts inventory

 Less maintenance and on-going training costs with

common software tools

 Better life-cycle support with more compute power for

upgrades and simplified controller replacement

 Risk mitigation of new technology with proven algorithms

and power bridges