How many units does WOODWARD Vertex's load distribution function support linkage, and what are the characteristics of configuration and communication?

How many units does WOODWARD Vertex's load distribution function support linkage, and what are the characteristics of configuration and communication?

Product Overview

Core positioning: An integrated control and protection system designed specifically for industrial axial/centrifugal compressors, integrating control, performance optimization, and fault protection functions without the need for additional external equipment, reducing system complexity.

Architecture selection:

|Architecture Type | Core Features | Applicable Scenarios|

|Simplex | Single Controller Working Independently | Scenarios with General Continuity Requirements|

|Dual Redundancy | Main Controller (SYSCON)+Backup Controller (ACKUP), automatic fault switching | Critical production process, requiring high availability|

Key advantages:

Integrated design: integrating anti surge, performance control, load distribution, operation panel, and fault indication functions;

On site configurable: supports on-site modification of core functions, minor adjustments can be completed online;

Hazardous environment adaptation: certified by ATEX, CSA, etc., suitable for Class I, Div 2 and other hazardous areas;

Usability: 8-inch graphical panel with first out fault indication for simplified troubleshooting.

Detailed explanation of core functions

（1） Control function

Anti surge control (ASC)

Support 1-2 loop circuits and adapt to complex compressor structures;

Core logic: Early intervention is achieved through Boost backup line and Surge Control Line, with 7 surge detection methods (flow derivative, minimum flow, etc.);

Protection action: When surge occurs, execute Surge Recovery (valve quick opening) and Surge Minimum Position (SMP) to avoid secondary surge.

Performance Control (PFC)

Control objects: compressor suction pressure, discharge pressure, process flow rate, etc;

Auxiliary components: Performance PID+Limiter 1/2 PID (limit protection), sequential Ramp control (valve position during start/blow/stop phases);

Flexible adjustment: Supports remote analog set point (4-20mA).

Load distribution control

Supports up to 5 compressors running in parallel without the need for additional main controller hardware;

Communication method: Realize data synchronization between units through UDP protocol and automatically balance load;

Configuration features: Plug and Play, simplifying deployment.

Other control functions

Independent PID: can be used for independent control circuits such as shaft seal steam and auxiliary processes;

Sequence control: covering the entire process of position control such as starting, blowing, stopping, and zero speed.

（2） Protection function

Fault monitoring and alarm

Key parameter monitoring: bearing temperature, compressor vibration (supporting 4-20mA acceleration sensor), alarm/shutdown threshold can be set;

Equipment fault protection: CPU/memory fault detection, I/O signal fault diagnosis;

Event recording: First out fault indication, recording alarm/shutdown events with timestamps.

Surge special protection

Prevention: Surge Intervention Logic, Boost open-loop backup response;

Recovery: Surge Recovery operates quickly, responds within 50ms, and minimizes device impact;

Testing: Online anti surge valve (ASV) health testing, without affecting production operation.

Hardware and interface specifications

（1） Input/output parameters

Category specification details expandable capability

Power input LV: 18-36Vdc; HV: 88-264Vac/90-150Vdc (maximum 50W)-

Speed input: 2-channel passive MPU or active proximity probe (0.5-32000Hz)-

Discrete input 19 channels, configurable contact input added 16 channels (RTCNet DI module)

Analog input 8 channels 4-20mA configurable input, adding 16 channels (RTCNet AIO module)

2 actuator outputs (4-20mA or 20-200mA)-

Relay output 7-way Form-C contacts（ 24Vdc@2A ）Add 16 channels (RTCNet DO module)

Analog output 6 channels 4-20mA output, 4 channels added (RTCNet AIO module)

Special input 8-channel RTD signal (RTCNet RTD module)-

（2） Communication interface

Number and specifications of interface types support protocols/functions

Ethernet single redundancy: 3 customer ports+1 service port; Dual redundancy: 2 customer ports+1 service port Modbus TCP, OPC, SNTP time synchronization

Serial port 1 RS-232/485, ASCII/RTU Modbus

CAN port 4-channel RTCNet protocol, used for distributed I/O expansion

Load allocation communication - UDP protocol (inter unit synchronization)

（3） Extension Module (RTCNet)

Module type, number of functional interfaces

AIO module simulates input/output of 8 AI+2 AO/modules, with a maximum of 2 modules

RTD module temperature signal acquisition 8-channel RTD/module

DI module discrete input extension with 16 DI channels/module

DO module relay output extension with 16 channels of DO/module

Operation and software tools

local operation

Operation panel: 8-inch graphical display, supporting parameter viewing, start stop control, and mode switching;

Permission management: Password grading (Monitor/Operator/Service/Configure), protecting program settings.

remote tool

RemoteView software: installed on computer/touch screen, enables remote operation, configuration, monitoring, and supports permission management;

Control Assistant software: Upload/download configuration files, view real-time/historical trends, export alarm/shutdown logs.

Application scenarios and compliance

Typical Applications

Motor driven compressor (1-2 circulation circuits);

Turbine driven compressor (1 loop);

Dual redundancy configuration (critical production processes requiring high availability);

Replace and upgrade the old anti surge controller.

Compliance and Environmental Standards

Regulatory compliance: CE (EMC/LVD/ATEX), CSA (Common Area/Hazardous Area) IECEx；

Environmental adaptability: salt spray resistance (MIL-STD-810), impact/vibration resistance (Lloyd's ENV2), pollution level 2 (IEC 60664-1).