ComAp InteliSys NTC BaseBox Paralleling Controller

A TRMS-measuring paralleling controller for complex and gas-engine plants

The ComAp InteliSys NTC BaseBox (order code IS-NTC-BB) sits at the higher end of ComAp’s NT-generation range. The datasheet calls it a comprehensive paralleling gen-set controller for up to 32 gen-sets, suited to CHP and gas engines, and points out that true RMS measurement is used for voltage, current and power.

It adds an extended internal PLC on top of the timers and force values found in the InteliGen NTC, plus an analog output, Ethernet with Modbus TCP and AirGate, an isolated USB port, GPS support and active e-mail and SMS messaging. The datasheet is dated 5/4/2022 (hardware 2.0, software 3.3.0).

Technical specifications

Functions, extensions and displays

Protection functions are listed by ANSI code in the datasheet, among them 25 synchro-check, 32R reverse power, 40 excitation loss, 47 voltage unbalance, 50/51 overcurrent, 59/27 over and under voltage, 81 frequency and 81R ROCOF. Available CAN extension modules are Inteli IO8/8, AIN8, AIN8TC, AIO9/1, IS-AIN8, IGS-PTM, IGL-RA15, I-AOUT8, InternetBridge-NT and I-LB+. Related displays are InteliVision 5 and 8, 12Touch and a 17 inch touchscreen (IV17T2), plus the ECON-4 speed governor.

Choosing between the NT-generation controllers

Pick the InteliSys NTC where the application needs the extended PLC and TRMS measurement, for example CHP or gas sets; the InteliGen NTC covers the general paralleling case. For the newer gas-focused product see the InteliGen4 200 page and the group under Diesel Generator Spare Parts.

How the ComAp IS-NTC-BB controller is used

The InteliSys NTC BaseBox (order code IS-NTC-BB) is the controller that sits in the cabinet or door of a generator set and manages starting, protection, synchronising and load sharing. The datasheet calls it a comprehensive paralleling gen-set controller for up to 32 gen-sets, and it uses true RMS measurement of voltage, current and power. That matters on sets that feed distorted loads, where an average-responding meter would read incorrectly. The unit has three phase-neutral voltage inputs for the generator and for the mains or bus, three-phase generator current input and a single-phase mains current input, with 1 A / 5 A galvanically isolated inputs.

On top of the timers and force values in the InteliGen NTC, the IS-NTC-BB offers an extended internal PLC, an analog output, Ethernet with Modbus TCP and AirGate, an isolated USB port, GPS support and active e-mail and SMS messaging. The datasheet is dated 5/4/2022 and refers to hardware 2.0 and software 3.3.0.

Typical applications of the IS-NTC-BB

• Island-mode and mains-parallel generator plants that need synchronising and load sharing
• Plants of up to 32 gen-sets on a CAN bus
• CHP and gas-engine sets, which the datasheet names as suited applications
• Sets that need custom logic through the extended internal PLC
• Sites that need remote supervision by Ethernet, Modbus TCP, AirGate, e-mail or SMS

Selection checklist for the IS-NTC-BB

• Supply: 8-36 V DC, with 0.4 A drawn at 8 V, 0.15 A at 24 V and 0.1 A at 36 V.
• Inputs and outputs: 16 binary inputs, 16 binary outputs at 0.5 A (2 A per group), 4 switchable analog inputs and one switchable analog output.
• Governor output: +/-10 V DC at up to 15 mA, or PWM 500-3000 Hz, so check it against the governor on your engine. The datasheet lists the ECON-4 speed governor as a related product.
• Communication: RS232, isolated RS485, USB, Ethernet, CAN1 and CAN2.
• Environment: -40 to +70 C operating, -40 to +80 C storage, 95 percent non-condensing humidity.
• Display and extensions: choose from the InteliVision 5 and 8, 12Touch and the 17 inch IV17T2 touchscreen, and from the CAN extension modules listed in the datasheet.

Commissioning the IS-NTC-BB

Commissioning starts with the interfaces to the engine and the alternator: the engine ECU or analog senders, the governor and the AVR. Set the protections by ANSI code (for example 25 synchro-check, 32R reverse power, 50/51 overcurrent, 59/27 voltage and 81 frequency) to the values of the generator and the utility, and then test synchronising and load sharing with the other sets on the bus. Settings and PLC logic are prepared with the ComAp software described in the datasheet. Always follow the manufacturer’s manuals for wiring and configuration.

Requesting a quotation for the ComAp IS-NTC-BB

Quote the exact order code IS-NTC-BB, the display or extension modules wanted, and the engine and paralleling scheme. Seven Star LLC will reply with a quotation, and will say if a different ComAp controller such as the InteliGen NTC or InteliGen4 suits the job better.

Protections and extension options on the IS-NTC-BB

The ANSI codes in the datasheet cover the protections most gen-set plants need: 25 synchro-check, 32R reverse power, 40 loss of excitation, 47 voltage asymmetry, 50/51 overcurrent, 59/27 over and undervoltage, and 81 and 81R frequency and rate of change of frequency. The binary and analog channels can be grown with CAN extension modules such as the IO8/8 and AIN8, so a plant that outgrows the on-board 16 inputs and 16 outputs does not need a different controller. The datasheet also compares the IS-NTC-BB with the InteliGen NTC and InteliGen4 200, which helps when you are deciding between a paralleling controller and a simpler single-set one.

Documents and quotation

The ComAp datasheet is attached. Seven Star LLC supplies ComAp controllers against the exact order code. Confirm the engine ECU, governor and AVR interfaces and the paralleling scheme before ordering.