Kongsberg C3-GP | Generator Protection Module | Revision B

The Kongsberg C3-GP Revision B is a sophisticated, high-reliability generator protection module designed for marine and industrial power generation systems. Part of the Kongsberg K-Chief or AutoChief control architectures, the C3-GP provides comprehensive monitoring and protective functions to prevent damage to the alternator and prime mover. This module is specifically engineered to handle the rigorous demands of maritime environments, featuring high vibration resistance and robust electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) for shipboard power management systems (PMS).

Product Specifications (Datasheet)

Model Identification Model Name: C3-GP Revision: B Manufacturer: Kongsberg Maritime System Category: K-Chief 500 / 600 / Power Management

Protection Functions Overcurrent Protection: Definite time and inverse time characteristics Reverse Power Protection: Prevents the generator from acting as a motor Under/Over Voltage: Supervision of busbar and generator voltage levels Under/Over Frequency: Protection against speed fluctuations of the prime mover Overload Protection: Prevents thermal damage to the generator windings

Technical Data Power Supply: Dual 24V DC (Redundant inputs) Current Input: 1A or 5A (via External CTs) Voltage Input: Up to 690V AC (Direct or via PTs) Communication: Dual CAN-bus interface for system integration Binary Outputs: Relay contacts for Trip and Alarm signals

Physical Attributes Dimensions: 144 mm x 144 mm x 100 mm (Standard DIN cutout) Weight: 1.15 kg Protection Class: IP20 (Rear) / IP54 (Front when panel mounted) Housing: Corrosion-resistant aluminum/plastic composite

Logistics Country of Origin: Norway HS Code: 85371091 Environmental: Marine Type Approved (DNV, ABS, LR, GL)

Application Fields

The C3-GP Rev. B is the primary safety layer for various power generation setups:

  • Marine Power Management: Protecting diesel-generator sets on tankers, cruise ships, and offshore vessels.

  • Emergency Power Systems: Supervision of emergency generators for critical infrastructure.

  • Offshore Platforms: Integrated into the PMS of oil rigs for stable power distribution.

  • Industrial Co-generation: Used in small-to-medium land-based power plants for grid-parallel operation.

Product Instructions

  1. Mounting: The C3-GP is designed for flush mounting in a console or switchboard door. Ensure the gasket is properly fitted to maintain the front-panel IP rating against dust and moisture.

  2. Wiring Configuration: Connect the Current Transformers (CTs) to the designated terminals. Ensure that the CT secondary is never open-circuited while the primary is energized to prevent high-voltage spikes.

  3. Redundant Power: Connect both 24V DC supplies to the independent “Power A” and “Power B” inputs. This ensures the module remains operational even if one power circuit fails.

  4. Commissioning: Set the protection parameters (e.g., Trip levels for Reverse Power) according to the generator’s nameplate and the vessel’s electrical coordination study. Settings can be adjusted via the local display or the Kongsberg configuration tool.

  5. Testing: Use a secondary injection test set to verify the trip curves. Revision B includes improved internal logging, allowing you to review the last 10 trip events directly from the HMI.

Q&A – Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I replace a Revision A module with a Revision B? A: Yes. Revision B is designed to be backward compatible in terms of physical dimensions and electrical connections. However, you should verify that the internal software mapping in the K-Chief system is updated to recognize the newer hardware version.

Q: What is the significance of the “GP” in the model name? A: “GP” stands for Generator Protection. While it looks similar to the C3-PP (Parallel Protection) module, the GP variant is specifically optimized for individual alternator supervision.

Q: How do I clear a “Latched Trip” alarm? A: After resolving the fault condition, press the “Reset” button on the front panel. If the fault persists, the module will prevent a reset to ensure the generator is not reconnected to a faulty circuit.

Q: Does this module support Ethernet communication? A: The C3-GP Rev. B primarily utilizes redundant CAN-bus for system-level communication. For Ethernet connectivity, it usually communicates via a Kongsberg RIO or Gateways module.

Recommended Similar Models

  • Kongsberg C3-PP (Parallel Protection Module)

  • Kongsberg C3-LD (Load Distribution Module)

  • Kongsberg RIO-411 (Remote I/O Unit)

  • Deif AGC-4 (Advanced Gen-set Controller)

  • Kongsberg C3-SG (Synchronizing General Module)

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