Why is speed regulation essential in industry?
In an industrial context where reliability, safety, and performance are major challenges, speed control and Woodward speed governors play a decisive role. Whether for diesel or gas engines, steam, hydraulic, or gas turbines, speed control ensures operational stability, optimal energy efficiency, and dynamic response to load variations.
At Normandy Control Group, we have made speed control our core business. As an official Woodward partner in France and French-speaking Africa, we support manufacturers in the optimization, maintenance, and security of their control systems.
What is a speed governor ?
A Woodward speed governor is a device designed to maintain a constant speed of a motor or turbine, regardless of the applied load. It is an automatic control system capable of adjusting the power supplied to the machine in real time to ensure it meets the setpoint defined by the operator or the monitoring system.
This system is essential in many critical applications:
- Power generation (generators, turbines)
- Marine propulsion
- Industrial pumps
- High-dynamic compressors and fans
- Nuclear or renewable energy production facilities
Mechanical vs. Electronic Governors
1. Mechanical Governor
The mechanical governor operates on the principle of centrifugal force. It uses flyweights, springs, and levers to adjust the machine’s power supply. This robust and autonomous system requires no electronic sensors or power supply. It is still widely used in simple or isolated environments, and on older machines.
Advantages:
- Total autonomy
- Less sensitive to electronic interference
- Simple maintenance with the right tools
Limitations:
- Less accurate
- Slower response time
- Delicate manual adjustments
2. Electronic Governor
Conversely, the electronic governor incorporates a digital control loop. It relies on:
- A speed sensor (often magnetic)
- Signal processing via a PID-type algorithm
- An electric or hydraulic actuator
Closed-loop operation of Woodward regulators
Woodward controllers, recognized worldwide for their reliability, operate according to the closed-loop control principle:
- Measurement: A sensor continuously sends the actual speed of the machine.
- Comparison: The controller compares this measurement to the set speed.
- Deviation calculation: An algorithm determines the magnitude of the deviation.
- Control: A signal is sent to the actuator to adjust the energy flow.
This process is extremely fast and repeats several dozen times per second, ensuring stable control even under extreme conditions.
Maintenance: anticipate to secure your production
Quality control relies on reliable and properly maintained equipment. At Normandy Control Group, we recommend a proactive approach to maintenance:
- Weekly: Check the oil level
- Every 9 months or 6,000 hours: Replace the oil charge
- Every 3 years or 15,000 hours: Complete overhaul of the unit
- Continuously: Check the linkage system, the coupling, and detect signs of wear
A Woodward speed governors failure can have serious consequences: production shutdown, machine safety, or even equipment damage. This is why our teams provide rapid, certified, and documented interventions, both in the workshop and on-site.
How to identify your Woodward governor?
Before any work, it is essential to properly identify your equipment. Each regulator has two key numbers:
- Part Number (P/N): exact model reference
- Serial Number (S/N): unique serial number for traceability
Where are Woodward regulators found?
Woodward equipment is used in critical environments where reliability is essential:
- Maritime industry: ship propulsion, auxiliary power units
- Heavy industry: chemicals, petrochemicals, waste recovery
- Power generation: thermal, hydraulic, and nuclear power plants
- Food industry: generator sets for safety or continuous production
Normandy Control Group: authorized Woodward distributor and service provider
We are currently the only company in France with an official contract with Woodward for speed control. This unique status allows us to guarantee:
- Authentic parts
- Maintained worldwide manufacturer’s warranty
- Compliant service
- Access to official training and documentation
We also operate in several French-speaking African countries (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, etc.) with the same high standards and quality.
Our services related to speed control
- Complete overhaul of your governors with original parts
- Supply of Woodward-certified equipment
- Technical training for your teams on-site or in the classroom
- Analysis of technical needs by our design office
- Installation and commissioning of your equipment in France and abroad
Why do call on Normandy Control Group/NCG ?
By contacting Normandy Control Group, you’re choosing a trusted partner for the maintenance and repair of your industrial equipment. As an official Woodward and Parker Meggitt (vibro-meter) distributor in France and French-speaking Africa, particularly in Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, we offer recognized expertise in the field. We also have two workshops in France, in Le Havre and Marseille, as well as workshops in Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal.
