Description
The Woodward 2301A Model 9900-431 is a 24-volt, reverse-acting electronic load-sharing and speed control module designed primarily for use with diesel or gasoline engines. It is engineered to provide precise isochronous load sharing and speed governance across multi-unit generator applications. In this reverse-acting configuration, fuel output decreases as the control voltage increases, providing reliable performance matching specific prime mover actuator dynamics. Housed in a standard sheet-metal chassis featuring a single printed circuit board, the unit includes front-accessible potentiometers for simple tuning and operational adjustments.
⚙️ Product Datasheet & Technical Parameters
• Brand: Woodward (2301A Series)
• Model Number: 9900-431
• Series: 2301A Load Sharing and Speed Control
• Product Name: 24-Volt Reverse-Acting Load Sharing and Speed Control
• Origin: United States
• Production Status: Active / Industrial Standard
• Dimensions: Standard Sheet-Metal Chassis Panel Mount Configuration
• Weight: Approximately 1.4 kg
• Country of Origin: United States
• Power Consumption: \le 15 W nominal
🔌 Operating Guidelines and Usage Methods
The 9900-431 control is intended for installation in industrial control panels or switchgear enclosures protecting generator systems. Proper installation requires shielded and grounded wiring for both the magnetic pickup (MPU) speed sensor and the low-level load-sharing lines to eliminate electromagnetic and radio frequency interference. Operators configure speed ranges, amplifier gains, and reset dynamics using internal switch settings and front-panel potentiometers. Before parallel operation, verify that speed settings and tie-line connections match across units to ensure smooth isochronous load distribution.
🔄 Power-On and Power-Off Sequence
Power-On Sequence: First, verify all external wiring, actuator hookups, MPU sensor lines, and load-sharing interconnects. Next, energize the primary 24 VDC power supply to the unit. Allow internal circuits to stabilize and monitor operational indicators. Once control readiness is confirmed, command the prime mover to start up, allowing it to accelerate smoothly from cranking speed to rated operational frequency.
Power-Off Sequence: First, safely transfer active electrical load away from the generator unit or open parallel tie breakers to prevent sudden load dumps on the remaining system. Next, command the prime mover to decelerate and shut down the fuel supply valves. Finally, cut off the 24 VDC operating power supply to the 2301A controller.
📝 Product Description and Operation Manual
The unit operates by continuously processing frequency input signals from a magnetic speed sensor, comparing them against internal frequency references to modulate the actuator output and regulate fuel delivery. For parallel operation, it utilizes an isolated load-sharing circuit that communicates via analog lines to divide active power equally among generators. Because it is a reverse-acting model, external wiring paths mimic direct-acting controls, though start-fuel limit recommendations differ. Front-accessible adjustments allow fine-tuning of speed trim, reset stability, and dynamic gain to match specific engine characteristics.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: How does a reverse-acting control differ from a forward-acting control?
A: In a reverse-acting model like the 9900-431, the fuel delivery increases as the control voltage decreases, whereas forward-acting units increase fuel as voltage rises.
Q: What is the factory-set speed range for the 9900-431?
A: The speed range is typically factory-set to 2000 Hz to 6000 Hz, but it can be adjusted using internal rocker switches for alternative frequency bands.
Q: Is position feedback required from the actuator?
A: No position feedback is required; the output signal is directly proportional to the fuel setting needed to achieve the target speed and load.
Q: Can this unit be used for single generator applications?
A: Yes, while optimized for isochronous load sharing in parallel systems, it can also function effectively on standalone generator sets.
🚀 Recommended Woodward 2301A Series Models
- 9900-430
- 9900-432
- 9900-433
- 9905-020
- 9905-021
- 9905-023
- 9905-025
- 9905-029
- 9905-031
- 9907-018
