GE EX2100e Excitation Control System

HMI Options

• The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) options for the EX2100e Excitation Control system can be tailored to meet the specific needs of operational and engineering staff at any site. This flexibility ensures that users can interact with the system in the most effective way possible, enhancing productivity and usability.
• Users can choose from a range of interface configurations, including local desktop versions that provide immediate access to system controls and monitoring features, as well as remote touch screens that enable operators to manage the system from various locations within the facility. This remote capability is particularly beneficial for real-time monitoring of equipment, facilitating quick decision-making and response to any issues that arise.
• Additionally, GE offers Windows 7-based systems that can be seamlessly incorporated into any cybersecurity environment, ensuring both functionality and security. These HMI options are designed with user experience in mind, allowing customization that adapts to the specific operational needs of each facility, thereby improving workflow and operational efficiency.

Software Tools

GE’s ControlST software, integrated with the CIMPLICITY Advanced Viewer, provides operators and engineers with a powerful suite of tools for system configuration, maintenance tasks, and diagnostics, all accessible through a single interface. This advanced platform enhances operational efficiency by consolidating various functionalities into one easily navigable system.

EX2100e Excitation Control system Features

• Data Visualization: The system offers enhanced graphical representations of real-time and historical data, allowing operators to analyze system performance and identify trends quickly. This capability aids in making informed decisions to optimize plant operations.
• Alarm Management: The EX2100e Excitation Control system features sophisticated alarm management tools that streamline the handling of alerts and notifications. By categorizing and prioritizing alarms, operators can improve response times and minimize potential downtime, ensuring smoother operations.
• Integrated Oscillography: Continuous monitoring and recording of electrical waveforms are critical for diagnosing and troubleshooting issues within the system. The integrated oscillography feature allows engineers to access detailed waveform data for comprehensive analysis, contributing to better maintenance practices.
• Guided Help: The user assistance feature provides operational guidance and troubleshooting support, simplifying complex tasks for operators. This ensures that users can navigate the system efficiently, even if they encounter unexpected issues.

Security Features

• Built on the Mark VIe control platform, the hardware and software architecture of the EX2100e is meticulously designed and tested to meet today’s stringent cybersecurity standards. This focus on security is crucial, given the increasing threats faced by industrial control systems in the modern landscape.
• The EX2100e is Achilles certified, which signifies that it has undergone rigorous testing to ensure robust protection against potential cyber threats. This certification not only safeguards the system but also protects critical plant operations, providing peace of mind to operators and stakeholders. By integrating advanced cybersecurity measures, the EX2100e helps maintain the integrity of operational data and the overall safety of the power generation process.

EX2100e Excitation Control System Connectivity

• The EX2100e Automatic Voltage Regulator (AVR) integrates seamlessly into virtually any plant environment, making it a versatile choice for power generation facilities. This seamless integration is essential for maintaining operational continuity and maximizing system performance.
• Whether operating as part of an integrated GE Mark VIe control system or interfacing with third-party systems, the EX2100e supports various protocols such as OPC® Data Access (DA) and Modbus. This compatibility allows for versatile connectivity and communication across different systems and devices within the plant, ensuring that operators can manage and monitor all aspects of the power generation process effectively.
• The flexible connectivity options also facilitate data sharing and collaboration among different plant departments, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Networks and Communications

The EX2100e Excitation Control System uses an Ethernet-based communication architecture and can communicate seamlessly with GE Mark VIe turbine control systems. The integrated network enables peer-to-peer data exchange between control systems, supporting critical functions such as VAR control and power factor regulation, while simplifying plant-level integration.

The system provides advanced alarm and event management capabilities with high-resolution time stamping, including 1 ms sequence of events (SOE) reporting. A network time server can be integrated to synchronize the excitation control system with local time sources or GPS-based timing systems, providing accurate time synchronization with up to ±1 ms controller-to-time-source accuracy and ±2 ms time coherence between control systems.

For integration with third-party distributed control systems (DCS), the EX2100e supports widely used industrial communication protocols, including:

• OPC Data Access (OPC DA)
• OPC Alarms and Events (OPC AE)
• Modbus communication protocol

These communication options enable seamless connectivity with existing plant automation systems and improve operational visibility.

Door Mounted Operator Interface Options

The GE EX2100e Excitation Control System offers optional door-mounted touchscreen operator interfaces designed for efficient system monitoring, control, and diagnostics. Both interface options include password protection to enhance operational security.

Local Keypad – Monitoring & Diagnostics (LKMD)

The 6-inch color Local Keypad – Monitoring & Diagnostics (LKMD) provides a cost-effective solution for essential excitation system operation and monitoring. It allows operators to access key system information, perform basic control functions, and review diagnostic data directly from the excitation cabinet.

GraphEX-OI Operator Interface (GOI)

For advanced monitoring and control requirements, the EX2100e supports the 15.6-inch GraphEX-OI (GOI) Operator Interface. This full-featured HMI provides:

• Intuitive excitation system control and monitoring
• Generator capability curve visualization
• Advanced alarm management displays
• Improved data visualization and system awareness
• Faster response to operational events

Based on GE’s advanced HMI technology, the GOI uses modern graphical displays to simplify complex system information and improve operator decision-making. The interface can be installed locally on the EX2100e cabinet door or remotely as a primary or secondary operator station.

EX2100e Control System Software Packages

Operates with the ControlST software suite, providing powerful engineering, maintenance, monitoring, and diagnostic tools for plant operators and service teams.

The ControlST platform includes applications such as:

• WorkstationST – Supports HMI management, historian functions, and operational data monitoring.
• ToolboxST – Provides engineering configuration, system diagnostics, troubleshooting, and maintenance capabilities.

These software tools help simplify commissioning, system maintenance, fault analysis, and long-term operation of GE excitation control systems.

World of Controls has the most comprehensive spare parts for the GE EX2100e Excitation Control System. Please contact WOC if you require further details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the GE EX2100e Excitation Control System?
The GE EX2100e Excitation Control System is a digital excitation control solution designed to regulate generator voltage, reactive power, and power factor in power generation applications. It provides advanced control, monitoring, communication, and diagnostic capabilities for reliable generator operation.

What are the main features of the System?
Key features of the  EX2100e include high-performance digital control, Ethernet-based communication, integration with GE Mark VIe turbine controls, advanced operator interfaces, alarm management, sequence of events reporting, and support for third-party DCS communication protocols.

Is the GE EX2100e compatible with GE Mark VIe turbine control systems?
Yes. It communicates on the same Ethernet network as GE Mark VIe turbine control systems, enabling peer-to-peer data exchange for functions such as VAR control, power factor control, and plant-level integration.

What communication protocols are supported?
EX2100e supports multiple communication protocols, including OPC Data Access (DA), OPC Alarms and Events (AE), and Modbus, allowing integration with third-party distributed control systems (DCS).

What operator interface options are available?
Offers optional door-mounted touchscreen operator interfaces, including the 6-inch Local Keypad – Monitoring & Diagnostics (LKMD) and the 15.6-inch GraphEX-OI (GOI) advanced operator interface for enhanced monitoring and control.

What is the purpose of the GraphEX-OI (GOI) in the EX2100e system?
The GraphEX-OI provides advanced visualization and control of the excitation system. It includes generator capability curve displays, alarm management features, improved data visualization, and enhanced operator awareness for faster response to system events.

How does the EX2100e provide time synchronization?
It can use a network time server connected to a local time source or GPS for accurate synchronization. It supports approximately 1 ms accuracy between the controller and time source and 2 ms time coherence between control systems.

What software is used for the system configuration and maintenance?
The EX2100e uses the GE ControlST software suite, including tools such as ToolboxST for engineering, configuration, diagnostics, and troubleshooting, and WorkstationST for HMI and historian functions.

How does the EX2100e Excitation Control System enhance power generation efficiency?
The EX2100e leverages advanced algorithms developed from decades of fleet experience to deliver superior performance and efficiency. These algorithms optimize voltage regulation and reactive power control, ensuring that power generation facilities can meet the increasing demands of energy production.

What are the available HMI options for the EX2100e?
The Human-Machine Interface (HMI) options for the EX2100e are customizable to meet the specific needs of operational and engineering staff. Users can choose from local desktop versions, remote touch screens, or Windows 7-based systems that can be integrated into any cybersecurity environment.

What software tools are included with the Control System?
The EX2100e comes equipped with GE’s ControlST software, integrated with the CIMPLICITY Advanced Viewer. This powerful suite includes tools for system configuration, maintenance tasks, diagnostics, data visualization, alarm management, integrated oscillography, and guided help for operational assistance.