Digital Synchroscope Controller

UCI's microprocessor-based Digital Synchroscope controller is used by many utilities' training departments to produce voltage and frequency to simulate the operation of diesel and turbine generators.

The UCI Synchroscope simulator's output is controlled by the host computer using an analog control voltage and is variable for 57.5 to 62.5 Hertz. It compares its frequency to the line voltage frequency and produces a contact closure when the two frequencies are both between a programmable phase window of up to +\-30 degrees.

A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides phase, frequency and voltage measurements for monitoring purposes. Programmable options are configured through the front panel switches and all set-up data is retained in a nonvolatile memory when power is removed from the unit.

The A.C. Line voltage and Simulated Line voltage are both transformer isolated and have their neutrals tied to system ground. This allows the differential voltage developed between the two waveforms to be measured, or monitored by a light bulb. Although this differential voltage will not usually go to zero volts, it can be used as a course indicator of the phase relationship.

Through the TB1 terminal block, the AC Line and the simulated line can be completely disabled simulating loss of the line or the generator. A ground applied to the TB1-9 will disconnect the A.C. line from the synchroscope, while ground applied to TB1-10 will disconnect the Simulated line.

The polarity of the inputs and outputs at TB1 can be changed via jumpers on the controller board. The default jumper positions provide signal polarity as indicated in the set-up configuration.

For information contact Steve McElhanon at (770) 496-1406 ext. 108

UCI's STAR Self Check Panel

United Controls International has introduced its 'STAR' Self-Checking Panel. (Stop, Think, Act, Review.) The device was developed for the utility industry to check operator performance and teach procedure adherence. The self-checking panel consists of a set of switches and lamps mounted in a mobile steel cabinet and controlled by I/O boards in a personal computer contained within the cabinet. A custom program defines and enforces the sequence of switch operations needed to complete a prescribed procedure. If all steps are completed correctly and in the proper sequence, a fan on the panel will start. If an error in the sequence is made, an alarm sounds immediately.

Terry Bacon, Shift Supervisor and recently Senior Technical Instructor for Northern States Power Prairie Island Nuclear Plant purchased one of the United Controls STAR panels. Bacon stated, "We needed to reinforce procedure discipline and scheduling all of our people on our control room simulator presented real problems. It was clear we needed a cost-effective, portable device to teach STAR habits. I talked to other utilities that built their own systems at great trouble and expense. They suggested that I look into buying an existing unit. I investigated all the STAR systems available and found the UCI STAR panel met our needs and was thousands less than the others. We can afford to use the UCI STAR panel to train categories of employees who previously were not trained in procedure adherence. I & C, maintenance people and electricians are now trained to follow the Stop, Think, Act, Review disciplines with excellent results. We use the UCI STAR panel with teams of two trainees to teach a higher standard of communications. One trainee reads the procedure, the other repeats it, the first acknowledges and the second takes action. The STAR panel reinforces the correct action. The result has been a dramatically improved standard of communication through out the operation."

The STAR panel is one of several PC-controlled training simulators developed by UCI for the utility industry and other applications that require strict adherence to procedures. For additional details contact Steve McElhanon (770) 496-1406 ext. 108.