VERTEX

The front panel of the controller serves both as a programming station and an Operator Control Panel (OCP). Password protection is used to safeguard all settings in the device’s programming mode. The controller’s 8″ graphic display allows operators to view both actual and setpoint values on the same screen, simplifying turbine operation.

Ethernet and serial communications make it easy for users to connect the Vertex to the plant or process control system. All inputs, outputs, and controller states can be monitored, and start/stop or enable/disable commands can be given through standard Modbus TCP or OPC protocols. The Vertex controller uses the SNTP (Synchronized Network Time Protocol) over Ethernet, allowing users to synchronize the real-time clock of the controller with the plant’s distributed control system.

Access to the compressor and engine I/O interface is located on the lower rear panel of the controller. Removable terminal blocks make installation, troubleshooting, and system replacement easier. Optionally, users can expand the number of input and output signals to/from the Vertex controller by connecting RTCNet distributed I/O nodes to the controller’s CAN communication ports and configuring the controller to use the connected distributed inputs and outputs. The following additional I/O signals can be connected to the Vertex controller via CAN communications:

• (16) 4-20mA input channels and (4) 4-20mA output channels (via 2 RTCNet AIO modules)
• (8) RTD signals (via 1 RTCNet RTD module)
• (16) Digital inputs (via 1 RTCNet DI module)
• (16) Relay output drivers (via 1 RTCNet oxygen measurement module)

The Vertex controller is housed in a rugged industrial enclosure designed to be mounted in a system control panel located in a plant control room or near the compressor. The user-friendly front panel serves both as a programming station and an Operator Control Panel (OCP). This front panel allows engineers to program the unit according to the plant’s specific needs and enables operators to easily start/stop the compressor and activate/deactivate any control mode. The controller’s 8″ graphic display allows operators to view actual and setpoint values on the same screen, simplifying compressor operation.

Features

The Vertex controller includes the following PID control and protection functions:

• PID Performance Control
• PID Performance Limiter
• PID Anti-Surge Control
• PID Flow Regulation
• Boost (open-loop backup response)
• Surge Recovery
• Minimum Surge Position
• Start, Purge, Stop, and Zero-Speed Sequencing
• Alarm positions and shutdown logic
• Load sharing between 5 trains without additional hardware for the Master Controller
• Easy load sharing configuration (Plug and Play setup)

Options

Optionally, users can utilize Woodward’s RemoteView software with the Vertex controller to function as a remote control panel and/or engineering station. Once installed on a computer or remote touchscreen, this software allows the user to perform all display functions of the Vertex front panel (monitoring, control, adjustment, and configuration) on the corresponding device. Password-protected login security ensures users can manage which functions the remote panel user can access.

The Vertex controller includes a suite of service tools for the following functions:

• Download configuration files from the Vertex for backup
• Upload configuration files to the Vertex
• Download and view DataLog files
• View real-time or saved trend files.