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one of our 6B gas turbines uses the <I>, need to update to <HMI>. I want to know if we update <I> to <HMI>, what will be change? Only add a computer? Or need to change the EEPROMS at MarkV? If need to change the EEPROMS at Mark V, what is the difference between the old EEPROM and the new EEPROM?

It make a big difference when u convert <I> to <HMI>,

1.There may be a need of changing eeproms on the<C>,<Q>.

2.Depend on the version of the panel type your MKV have...A-type or B-type.

3.Needs the HMI software configured as per your requirement.

4. It needs TCI, Cimplicity software programs to communicate with MKV.

5.Transfer your I-dos program to be configured with HMI program the screens for different displays.

Best advice is to contact the OEM for further clarifications and system upgrades.

Mambo

Mambo brings up some good points, and I concur. However, there is at least one other vendor that can provide GE Mark V <I> and HMI replacement operator interfaces that communicate directly over StageLink without the need for obtaining new OEM EPROMs and offer users an alternative to the OEM's offering.

If you would like to know more, I can elaborate further in a more commercial forum. Please write back if interested.

Good success to you.

My company (Global Controls) manufactures a replacement for the <i> and <hmi> that DOES NOT require EEPROM changes for the Mark V. In fact, during the upgrade process, we can install our product in parallel with the <i> on the arcnet and the transition is seamless. You don't even have to reboot the Mark V or even shut the turbine down!

Our product is called the GCI, and it is built around an industry standard Intel P4 with Windows XP. We use the standard Contemporary Controls PCI20U Arcnet interface card, which GE does not have a chokehold on. Basically, if the computer fails, best buy could probably locate the parts required to fix it, but we also include the hardware under warranty.

The key to the GCI is the software. We have developed the software package in-house that initializes the Arcnet and communicates with the Mark V. All features of the <i>, (IO cfg, Rung browser, Point Browser, Logic Forcing, ArcWho, etc.) have been remade in a windows interface and optimized to made your troubleshooting faster. The GCI server software can poll the Mark V for points at a rate up to 1/8sec. These points can be made available to other services via Modbus (TCP/IP and RS-232), GSM, and Cimplicity. We even feature the ability to have a custom Backup Operator's Interface directly in the GCI in case that the client(Cimplicity, Modbus) crashes.

We sell the GCIServer with Cimplicity 7, and the initial screens are included in the price. The purchase/install process moves like this:

1. Intial Quote and Work Scope
2. Customer sends Global Controls the unit directories from a current <i>.
3. Global Controls assembles GCI and develops Cimplicity screens.
4. Installation date is scheduled.
5. Installation is performed and plant operators are trained as necessary.

The whole process could be completed in 4-6 weeks.

For more information, please look at our website, www.global-controls.com

...or contact me at eric.miller@global-controls.com for a complete quote.

Can sequencing changes and control constant changes and LVDT calibrations be done with the GCI? Does it have any kind of real-time rung display to monitor sequencing?

In other words, does one have to keep the <I> or HMI to perform these functions?

Sorry for the delay...

The GCI has a point browser/logic forcing function that allows you to browse the points, force some, and then sort the list to find forced points. All logic forcing is logged by the operator's sign-on.

The rung browser that we have is real time, color coded, and uses hyperlinks to jump between signals and rungs. For instance, looking at L4T, from the first screen, I can see the rung, the points, and their current values. If I click on one of the points, I immediately jump to that point's rung, and so forth, until I eventually get to the I/O.

The GCI contains the I/O configurator for performing the calibrations.

The GCI is designed to be a total replacement for the <I> and <HMI>.

So, the GCI can perform logic forcing, and has a rung browser to allow real-time viewing of CSP elements and it's a little better than the Real-time Rung Display on the <I> or the GE Mark V HMI in that you can more easily go forwards and backwards from an element.

I'm a little unclear about LVDT calibration. Even using the AutoCalibrate feature of an <I> or a GE Mark V HMI, one still has to enter the 0- & 100% values into the I/O Configurator, but with AutoCalibrate one can obtain those values easier and there are no regulator changes requiring two download and two re-boots plus another re-boot to verify the accuracy of the calibration. How does one perform calibration, say, of the SRV, using the GCI? Is it necessary to change regulator types, use some kind of logic forcing and analog setpoint targets to bypass the CSP reference in the regulator output block, measure voltages with a voltmeter, input the information into the I/O Configurator, change the regulator type, and then verify calibration accuracy? How is it done with the GCI compared to AutoCalibrate of the <I> or the GE Mark V HMI?

And, what about sequencing modifications and EEPROM Downloads? How are they performed using a GCI? How does one change a Control Constant?

Do you have a website where we can see some typical screenshots for various GCI functions?

Please email me and I can get you all the information you need. Our product, the <GCI> is very very powerful and allows for many many function no <I> or <HMI> currently perform. Example, you don't have to have a trend setup up previously to capture points, all points roll through a circular buffer, you can at anytime just enter the points you wish to trend and you will automatically get history and plotting 'previous' to the the time requested! The system is not only based on the concept of graphical user interface, but with heavy emphasis on troubleshooting to decrease downtime and reduce the need to call in 'experts' to help your plant personnel. My email is Ron.Anderson at global-controls. com. Please visit our web site http://www.global-controls.com and see our product. Please bear in mind that we offer much much more. The <GCI> is only one of our products and capabilities, we also offer field services and emergency call out on not just our systems but all Speedtronic platforms, GE Fanuc PLC systems and are an authorized GE Fanuc Solutions Provider. And of course... tell all your friends!!

Dear Wanggefei,

No sure whether you have implemented your <I> upgrading?

We have managed to do upgrading for <I> successfully without the need to shutdown plant in Europe and part of Asia.

In one of the sites in Malaysia, our customer has 9 Frame 6B and we did the upgrading without the need to have the plants shutdown, in 3 weeks' record time.

If you are interested to know more, please feel free to write to me. My e-mail address is sebastianneumann@turbineservices.at

Thank you and regards.

Cheers,
Sebastian Neumann