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Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller - Legacy
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Manufacturing for this product has been discontinued. As an alternative, please refer to KVGC.

The Multilin DGCV Voltage Regulator Controller enables a utility to optimize operational planning, enables short and long-term load for forecasting, and asset tracking through Power Quality monitoring. This is accomplished through the monitoring of feeder voltages and issuing Raise/Lower commands to a connected Voltage Regulator to increase or decrease the downstream voltage, when required.

Key Benefits

Increases grid efficiency

Through deployment of the Volt/VAR system, the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller:
- Enables up to a 6% reduction in energy demand
- Improves load management and power quality

Enhances and optimizes asset utilization

Lowers operational costs

Performs real-time control from remote or local locations

 

Integrates with industry leading voltage regulator manufacturers

Rugged construction for use in harsh environments (-40°C to +60°C)

Reduces time associated with setup and commissioning

Local Raise/Lower control

Advanced logic engine using FlexLogic™

Common platform with other Multilin Distribution Automation (DA) controllers

Applications    

Regulator control for pole-top or pad mounted voltage regulators for Distribution and Industrial feeders

Integrated into centralized or decentralized Volt/VAR systems

 

Ideal for medium and small size Distribution transformers with On-Load Tap Changer (OLTC)


Voltage regulationAutomationMetering & monitoringCommunicationsSoftware

  Key Features
 

Auto/Manual or Local/Remote control

Adjustable Voltage Bandwidth

Configurable Voltage ratio correction

Tap change time delay

Voltage runback limits

3 stage Voltage reduction

Line Drop Compensation
(forward & reverse)

Reverse Power Operation & Override

Tap change inhibits

 

Tap position limits

Sequential and non-sequential type

Bi-directional mode of operation

Drag hands operation

3 setting groups

Volt/Var Block Diagram
Volt/VAR control
Voltage regulator controllers and Capacitor bank controllers can operate as part of an integrated Volt/VAR Control (IVVC) scheme or as a Centralized Volt/VAR control (CVVC) system. The IVVC or CVVC system works to achieve two key objectives:

Optimize Voltage - through ‘Conservation of Voltage’ that leads to reduced demand, that may result in decreased generation up to 6%.

Increased efficiency- through improved power factor and reduced VAR which helps to reduce power line losses.

Voltage regulator control

Robust Design
Based on GE’s proven controller platform with tens of thousands of units installed globally, the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller underwent extensive Accelerated Life Testing (ALT) and Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) to validate accurate functionality under specified conditions and to ensure accurate performance in extreme operating conditions and harsh environments.

Mode of Operation
To provide optimal application flexibility, the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller offers two modes or methods of operation in which the device can be implemented to control the voltage regulator: a) Manual Mode (Local Control or Remote Control). b) Automatic Mode

Manual Mode – Local Control
In this mode, it is possible to Raise or Lower the tap locally from the Push buttons that are available on the front panel of the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller. For added operational reliability and operator safety, inhibit functions configured in the unit continue to operate as defined.

Manual Mode – Remote Control
In this mode, the commands for Tap Raise and Lower are received from SCADA or the Integrated Volt/VAR systems via communications. This communications channel can be provided via optional radio or cellular communications.

Automatic Mode
In automatic mode, the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller compares the measured voltage to the set voltage level, and if the difference exceeds the set bandwidth (voltage limits), the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller issues a Raise or Lower tap commands to maintain the desired voltage levels.

Key Features to Optimize Voltage Regulation:

Voltage Level (Bandcenter)

Voltage Bandwidth

Voltage Reduction

Computation Time Delay

Line Drop Compensation (LDC)

Reverse Power LDC

Reverse Power

Reverse Power Override

Voltage Runback Limits

Inhibit Operations

Overcurrent Inhibit

Overvoltage Inhibit

Under-Voltage Inhibit

  Key Features
 

Multiple setpoint groups

Expandable inputs and outputs for advanced applications

Customized automation schemes using FlexLogic™

  Automation
The Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller offers powerful I/O and programmable logic (FlexLogic™) options for advanced automation control, reducing the need and costs associated with additional programmable controllers or discrete control devices.

Set point group control
The Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller has three identical set point groups. The activation of the group can be done either from the HMI or via a Digital Input.

Virtual Inputs and Outputs
The Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller provides 32 virtual inputs and 32 virtual outputs that provide users the ability to send commands to the device. The Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller can accept commands from SCADA, through the front HMI, or front USB port to issue commands such as Raise or Lower tap position.

Command Setting
The Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller has the ability to force commands from the menu structure. This can also be achieved via the EnerVista software that runs on a PC. This simulation ensures that the Raise and Lower commands can be safely issued from a distance without using the HMI.

Drag-Hands Reset
The Drag – Hand Reset provides the ability to reset the Drag hands to the current tap position. Commands can be sent to the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller to reset the Drag Hand position from the front HMI , from SCADA or through the front panel USB communications.

FlexLogic™
FlexLogic in the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller, provides the ability to create customized control schemes. This minimizes the need and costs associated with auxiliary components and wiring.
EnerVista DA Setup - FlexLogic customized control schemes
  Key Features
 

Metering - current, voltage, power, frequency, PF, Harmonics

Event Recorder - Up to 256 time tagged events

Enhanced system diagnostics & reporting

 

 
Metering & monitoring
 
The Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller provides high accuracy metering and recording of AC signals. The following are the parameters that are metered by the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller
 

Phase-Ground Voltages (kV)

Phase to phase Voltages (kV)

Line Voltage (kV)

Phase A, B, and C currents (A)

Line Current (A)

Ground Current (A)

3-Phase Active power (KW)

3-Phase Reactive power (KVar)

3-Phase Apparent Power

Power Factor (Lag or Lead)

2nd to 8th harmonic up to 20% – for current

2nd to 8th harmonic up to 20% – for voltage

THD in 20% – for current

THD in 20% – for voltage

 
 
These metering data can be easily integrated with a customers’ database and can also be easily viewed in their SCADA or DMS system.
 
Event recorder
To significantly reduce time and enable more effective disturbance, post fault analysis and troubleshooting, the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller provides an integrated event recorder and detailed diagnostic features.

Data Management and Diagnostics
The advanced disturbance diagnostic features included in the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller includes recording functions through an enhanced Data Logger with 10 channel RMS recorder, statistics & counters.

Statistics & Counters
Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller includes two tap changer counters which records the following information:

DAILY TAP OPERATIONS

TOTAL TAP OPERATIONS

The MIN/MAX TAP in the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller provides information on the lowest (minimum), and the highest (maximum) tap position the tap changer reached during one 24 hour day period.

Advanced Device Health Diagnostics
A comprehensive device health diagnostic test is performed by the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller during startup and continuously at runtime to test its own major functions and critical hardware. These diagnostic tests monitor for conditions that could impact the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller’s performance, evaluate the criticality of this impact and present device status via SCADA communications and front panel display.
Metered values and Event Recording
  Key Features    
 

Networking Interface
- Two Wire RS485
- Multiple Protocols (Modbus®, DNP3.0)
- Optional wireless communications
(radio or cellular)

 

 

User Interface
- Front panel USB port
- 4 line HMI Display
- 18 System status LED’s
- 6 quick setting keys

  Front panel
Front panel layout
Front panel quick keys provides direct access to key individual setting parameters
Front panel quick keys layout
  Key Features
 

4-Level device security to maintain authorized access only

Simplified device configuration software tool and industry leading suite of software tools to manage and maintain Multilin devices.

 

 
Security
 
The Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller and associated software tools provide a suite of security features that ensure only approved personnel can make changes to the device configuration or execute operational commands.

Password Security
The Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller offers multiple levels of password security to limit access control based on settings or command levels. There are four levels of password security provided:
 

Local Settings Access

Local Control Access

Remote Settings Access

Remote Control Access

 
 
Local Access refers to users making changes using the front USB serial port and the HMI. Remote Access refers to users making changes using the rear RS485 port.
 
Enervista Software
The EnerVista™ Suite is an industry-leading set of software programs that simplifies every aspect of using the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller. The EnerVista™ suite provides all the tools to monitor the status of the protected asset, maintain the controller, and integrate information measured by the Multilin Voltage Regulator Controller into SCADA or the DMS monitoring systems. The ability to easily view sequence of events is an integral part of the setup software, as postmortem event analysis is critical to proper system operation. Learn More
Setting file property, Main regulation settings, and Voltage reduction settings screens