GE IS230TNSVH3A Replacement Signal Interface Card Product Overview

The GE IS230TNSVH3A​is a specialized Voltage Input Signal Card designed for the GE Speedtronic™Mark VIe turbine control system.It functions as a high-voltage analog input interface,responsible for safely acquiring,isolating,and scaling high-level AC or DC voltage signals from the plant’s electrical system.This module is essential for monitoring critical parameters like generator output voltage,bus voltage,and exciter field voltage,providing the data needed for automatic voltage regulation(AVR)and generator protection.

Application Scenario

In a 400 MW combined-cycle power plant,precise control of the generator’s output voltage is paramount for grid stability and protection of the generator itself.The generator’s terminal voltage,a signal exceeding 100V AC,cannot be directly connected to the sensitive control electronics.A GE IS230TNSVH3A​card performs this critical interface.It connects via potential transformers(PTs)to the 13.8 kV generator leads.Inside the module,the high-voltage signal is stepped down,isolated,filtered,and converted to a precise,low-level analog signal for the Mark VIe controller.During a grid disturbance causing a rapid voltage dip,the IS230TNSVH3A​captured the transient with high fidelity.Its fast sampling and high noise immunity provided a clean,accurate signal to the AVR logic.The controller,receiving this reliable data,was able to command the exciter to boost the field current appropriately and support the grid,rather than issuing an unnecessary generator protection trip.The module’s robust isolation also ensured the high-voltage transient on the primary side was completely blocked from the sensitive control rack,protecting the entire system.This event demonstrates the module’s dual role:providing the high-fidelity data needed for precise grid support and acting as a fail-safe isolation barrier to protect the control system.

Key Parameters

Main Parameters

Value/Description

Product Model​

GE IS230TNSVH3A​

Manufacturer​

General Electric(GE)

Product Category​

High-Voltage Analog Input Module(Signal Card)

Compatible System​

GE Speedtronic Mark VIe Turbine Control System

Input Type​

AC Voltage(e.g.,0-150 VAC)or DC Voltage input.

Input Impedance​

High impedance(e.g.,>1 MΩ)to minimally load the measured circuit.

Isolation​

High-voltage isolation(typically 1500 Vrms or greater)between field inputs and system electronics.

Accuracy​

High accuracy(e.g.,±0.1%of reading)suitable for revenue metering and protection.

Output to System​

A conditioned,scaled analog or digital value sent to the controller via the VME backplane.

Mounting​

Installs in a designated slot in the Mark VIe VME rack.

Status Indicators​

Front-panel LEDs for power and fault indication.

Technical Principles and Innovative Values

High-Fidelity Signal Acquisition with Precision Scaling:​The IS230TNSVH3A​utilizes precision resistor dividers,instrument-grade isolation amplifiers,and high-resolution analog-to-digital converters.This chain ensures the high-voltage input(e.g.,120V AC)is accurately represented as a low-voltage signal(e.g.,0-10V)or a direct digital value with minimal phase shift and distortion.This precision is critical for applications like power calculation(Watts,VARs)where voltage and current signals must be perfectly aligned,and for protection relays that rely on precise magnitude measurement.

Robust Isolation and Transient Immunity for System Protection:​The module’s most critical function is safety isolation.It provides reinforced insulation between the hazardous high-voltage plant signals and the low-voltage control system.This isolation barrier is designed to withstand high-voltage transients,surges,and continuous overvoltages that are common in electrical switchyards.Additionally,the input circuitry includes filtering to reject high-frequency noise from switching events and radio frequency interference(RFI),ensuring the signal delivered to the controller is a true representation of the power system fundamental frequency.

Seamless Integration with Mark VIe Diagnostics and Control:​The card is an intelligent component of the Mark VIe system.It reports its health status and detailed diagnostic information(e.g.,signal validity,over-range,loss of input)to the Turbine Control Processor(TCP)via the VME backplane.This data is integrated into the plant’s HMI and asset management system,enabling predictive maintenance.For example,a gradual drift in the measured value could indicate a failing component in the external potential transformer circuit,allowing for intervention before it impacts control or protection.

Application Cases and Industry Value

Case Study:Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant Governor Control Upgrade

A large pumped storage facility upgraded its vintage governor and excitation control systems to a modern GE Mark VIe platform.The new system required precise measurement of generator voltage for both motoring and generating modes.Multiple GE IS230TNSVH3A​cards were installed to interface with the generator and line potential transformers.The plant’s chief electrical engineer highlighted the results:”The IS230TNSVH3A​cards provided the measurement stability we desperately needed.The old system had significant drift,causing hunting in the voltage regulator.The new cards are rock-solid.Their integration allows us to perform online calibration verification against our master meter.More importantly,during a recent rapid mode transition from pumping to generation,the voltage signals remained clean and stable,allowing the new digital governor to execute a seamless transition.The improved voltage control has increased our unit’s responsiveness to grid dispatches,making it a more valuable asset in the frequency regulation market.”This demonstrates the module’s value in modernizing critical infrastructure,providing the measurement integrity needed for advanced,high-speed control algorithms that directly translate to improved grid service and revenue generation.

Installation,Maintenance,and Full-Cycle Support

Installation requires strict adherence to high-voltage safety procedures.The control rack must be powered down.The card is inserted into its designated slot,and the field wiring from the terminal board is connected.Correct configuration in ToolboxST is essential to match the PT ratio and desired engineering units.Due to the critical nature of the signals,verification against a known standard(portable calibrator)during commissioning is a best practice.

Routine maintenance is primarily monitoring via the system’s diagnostic pages,watching for any alerts from the card.The solid-state design typically offers long life.Our support provides genuine,factory-tested GE IS230TNSVH3A​signal cards.We ensure compatibility with your Mark VIe rack and controller firmware.We can provide technical documentation outlining the specific input ranges and wiring requirements.We understand the critical role of these measurements in power generation and are committed to supplying reliable components that help maintain the stability and safety of your electrical control systems.