THOMSON MEC 310 - WITH OPTION A AUTOMATIC MAINS... User manual

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MEC 310
GENSET CONTROLLER
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Option A – Automatic Mains Failure
& Island Mode
PM090 Rev 2 10/02/09

This description of options covers the following products:
MEC 310 SW version 1.2X.X

MEC 310 GENSET CONTROLLER with AMF – OPERATORS MANUAL
PM090 REV 2 10/02/09 THOMSON TECHNOLOGY
Table of Contents
1. ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT................................................................................................................1
GENERAL PURPOSE .......................................................................................................................................1
INTENDED USERS ..........................................................................................................................................1
CONTENTS/OVERALL STRUCTURE .................................................................................................................1
2. WARNINGS AND LEGAL INFORMATION ....................................................................................2
LEGAL INFORMATION AND RESPONSIBILITY ..................................................................................................2
ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE AWARENESS ....................................................................................................2
SAFETY ISSUES .............................................................................................................................................2
FACTORY SETTINGS ......................................................................................................................................2
DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................................2
3. PUSH-BUTTONS, LEDS AND DISPLAY ..........................................................................................3
DIMENSIONS .................................................................................................................................................3
PUSH-BUTTON FUNCTIONS - ISLAND CONTROLLER ......................................................................................3
LED FUNCTIONS ..........................................................................................................................................5
AMF CONTROLLER OPTION (AUTO MAINS FAILURE)...................................................................................6
AMF PUSH-BUTTON/LED TERMS & FUNCTIONS .........................................................................................7
AMF LED FUNCTIONS.................................................................................................................................7
DISPLAY FUNCTIONS ............................................................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.
DISCLAIMER ...............................................................................................................................................9
4. BASIC OPERATION..........................................................................................................................10
INITIAL POWER UP AND FAULT CLEARING .................................................................................................. 10
MANUAL OPERATION MODE....................................................................................................................... 11
AUTOMATIC OPERATION MODE..................................................................................................................11
AMF - MANUAL OPERATION (OPTIONAL FEATURE)....................................................................................12
AMF - AUTOMATIC OPERATION.................................................................................................................13

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1. About this document
General purpose
This document is the Operator’s Manual for THOMSON TECHNOLOGY’s generator controller
MEC 310. The document includes information about push-buttons, LEDs, display readings, icon list
and basic operational theory.
The general purpose is to give the operator important information to be used in the daily operation
of the unit.
Intended users
This Operator’s Manual is mainly intended for the daily user. On the basis of this document the
operator will be able to carry out simple day-to-day procedures.
Contents/overall structure
The document is divided into chapters, and in order to make the structure simple and easy to use,
each chapter will begin from the top of a new page.
Please make sure to read this manual before working with the MEC 310
controller and the gen-
set to be controlled. Failure to do this could result
in damage to the equipment or human injury.

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2. Warnings and legal information
Legal information and responsibility
THOMSON TECHNOLOGY takes no responsibility for installation or operation of the engine/generator
set. If there is any uncertainty regarding how to install or operate the engine controlled by the MEC
310, the company responsible for the installation or the operation of the engine/generator set should
be contacted.
Electrostatic discharge awareness
Sufficient care must be taken to protect the terminals against static discharges during the
installation. Once the unit is installed and connected, these precautions are no longer necessary.
Safety issues
Installing the MEC 310 controller implies work with dangerous currents and voltages. Therefore,
authorized personnel, who understand the risks involved in working with live electrical equipment,
should only undertake the installation.
Factory settings
The unit is delivered with certain factory settings. Given the fact that these settings are based on
generic values, they are not necessarily the correct settings for matching the individual engine.
Therefore precautions must be taken to ensure the suitability of the settings before running the
engine. In some cases protection settings may be disabled in an effort to allow the commissioning
agent ease of initial startup. As such all alarm/shutdown protection settings must be reviewed to
ensure the engine generator set is adequately protected against catastrophic failure.
Definitions
Throughout this document a number of notes and warnings will be presented. To ensure that these
are noticed, they will be highlighted in order to separate them from the general text.
Notes
Warnings
The notes provide general information, which will be helpful for the reader to
bear in mind.
The warnings indicate a potentially dangerous situation, which could
result in death, personal injury or damaged equipment, if
certain
guidelines are not followed.
Be aware of the hazardous live currents and voltages. Do not touch any
AC measurement inputs as this could lead to injury or death.
The controllers are not to be opened by unauthorized personnel.
If opened / warranty seals broken, the warranty will be void.

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3. Push-buttons, LEDs and Display
Dimensions
Front dimensions H x W 160 x 220 mm (6.30” x 8.66”)
Unit depth 54 mm (2.13 “)
Push-Button Functions - Island Controller
The push-buttons on the unit have the following functions:
RUN:
Permits local
engine Start/Run.
Operation Mode
must be in MAN
to enable this
Push-button.
OFF:
Stops the engine
immediately.
If the unit is running in
AUTO, the operation
mode will change to
MAN and the engine
will immediately stop.
AUTO:
Automatic Operation
Mode selector.
Requires a Remote
Start Input to Initiate
Start/Run Sequence.
MAN:
Manual Operation Mode
selector.
Requires RUN Push-button
be depressed to initiate
Start/Run Sequence
▲:
Normal Display: Scrolls
the display up once.
Program Menu:
Increases set point
value.
▼:
Normal display: Scrolls the
display down once.
Program Menu: Decreases
set point value.
ESC:
Escape\Exit from Parameter
Menu, Alarm Lists or Event
Logs to the Normal Display.
TEST:
Activates the programmed timed
test (i.e. timed based off load test).
LAMP TEST:
Activates all LEDs for
3 seconds.
ENTER:
Enters value or
acknowledges alarm.
:
Silences Local Horn and
resets horn relay output.
Hold for 2 seconds to
display alarm list.

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RUN: Permits local engine start and run. Mode Selection must be in MAN to enable this push-
button.
OFF: Stops the engine instantaneously. If the unit is in AUTO mode, the mode will change to
MAN and the engine will immediately stop.
Note: For Shutdown fault clearing the OFF button must 1st be depressed before pressing
the ENTER button. If the condition is still present the shutdown is acknowledged and will
self–clear when the field device or programming logic permits a return to the none-fail
state.
AUTO: AUTO running mode selector.
MAN: Manual Operation Mode selector. Requires RUN Push-button be depressed to initiate
Start/Run Sequence
TEST: Initiates the test sequence selected for the push-button. Test type only programmable
using TPS300 utility software.
LAMP TEST: Lamp test. One push will illuminate all LEDs for 3 seconds.
ESC: Escape\Exit from Parameter Menu, Alarm Lists, Event Logs or Fault Banner to the Normal
Display. Hides pop-up messages.
: Resets horn relay. Extra function: Press and hold button 2 sec. to see alarm list.
▲: Normal display: Scrolls the display up once. Programming: Increases set point value.
▼: Normal display: Scrolls the display down once. Programming: Decreases set point value.
ENTER: Enters value/acknowledges alarm.

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LED Functions
The LEDs provide the following status:
Power: Power OK indicator.
Alarm LED: Flashing: Active, non-acknowledged alarm(s) present.
Steady: Active, acknowledged alarm(s) present.
Amber: Alarm only condition
Red: Shutdown condition present, alarm condition may be present but
shutdowns have higher precedent.
Additional alarm
Indication LEDs: Flashing: Active, non-acknowledged alarm(s) where output A or B is
configured to LED 1, 2, 3 or 4.
Steady: Active, acknowledged alarm(s) where output A or B is configured to
LED 1, 2, 3 or 4.
Running Feedback: Provides crank disconnect or backup means and visual indication of engine
running. More than type one can be used at the same time.
Generator Volts/Hz Ok: Illuminates once generator voltage & frequency have been within
acceptable limits for a programmed period of time.
Power LED
:
Power OK
Alarm LED:
Flashing: Active, non-acknowledged alarm(s) present.
Steady: Active, acknowledged alarm(s) present.
Red = Shutdown / Amber = Alarm
Generator Voltage and Frequency OK
• Illuminates after Voltage & Frequency
are within limit for programmed delay
(channel 6221)
Running feedback present
(selectable in program)
• Oil Pressure
• Magnetic Pickup
• DC Charging Alternator
• AC Voltage
• AC Frequency
LED ON – Auto Mode selected
LED ON – Manual Mode selected
Additional alarm indication LEDs:
LED on when the configured alarm
or condition is present
(For more information, see relay
configuration in the “Installation and
Operators Manual”).

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AMF Controller (Auto Mains Failure) Optional Feature
The AMF controller has the following push-buttons in addition to the those on the Island Controller:
The AMF breaker control push-buttons are only active in the Manual Operation Mode.
GCB = Generator Circuit
Breaker
UCB = Utility Circuit
Breaker
AMF Status LEDs
The GCB and UCB breaker status LEDs are only illuminated when the breaker close output
contact is closed. When either of the trip push-button is depressed its associated the LED
is immediately extinguished.
Utility Supply Status LED
Flashing Red LED = Utility out of limits
delay, inhibit engine start.
Solid Red LED
= Utility out of limits delay
complete, engine start sequence and
transfer blocks removed.
Flashing Green LED = Utility healthy
and in Transfer Return Delay.
Solid Green LED = Utility healthy and
transfer to generator initiated or complete
GCB CLOSE, only permitted once Gen Volts & Hz Ok
LED illuminates (delay programmable - channel 6221)
GCB Close Push-button
• Active only when the generator
voltage & Hz are within programmed
limits, associated delays expired
and USB close removed.
UCB Close Push-button
• Always active when the manual mode
is selected, not dependant on voltage
and Hz within programmed limits
GCB Trip Push-button
• Always active when in
Manual Operation Mode.
UCB Trip Push-button
• Always active when the manual mode
is selected, not dependant voltage &
Hz within programmed limits

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AMF Push-button/LED Terms & Functions
GCB = Generator Circuit Breaker
UCB = Utility Circuit Breaker
GCB Trip: Generator or automatic transfer switch breaker trip/open push-button. This push-button
is always active when the Manual Operation Mode is selected.
GCB Close: Generator or automatic transfer switch breaker close push-button. This push-button is
only active if the generator is running, its voltage and frequency are within acceptable
limits for the set delay time as defined in programming and the USB Close has been
removed (press UCB Trip to remove GCB close inhibit condition).
UCB Trip: Utility or automatic transfer switch breaker trip/open push-button. This push-button is
always active when the Manual Operation Mode is selected.
UCB Close: Utility or automatic transfer switch breaker close push-button. This push-button is
always active when the Manual Operation Mode is selected. GCB close must be
removed to permit operation.
Changing the operating mode from Manual to Auto will not cause opertional errors. Making
this change will only revert automatic breaker and generator control to the MEC 310. Mode
changes can be made at anytime, however if changing from Automatic to Manual all
operational sequences must be carried out manually. Automatic generator starting and
transferring of essential loads will not occur.
AMF LED Functions
GCB LED: Green LED illuminates when generator circuit breaker is closed.
UCB LED: Green LED illuminates when utility circuit breaker is closed.
Utility Supply Status LED: Provides at a glance health status of the utility supply, these are:
Flashing Red LED = Utility out of limits delay, inhibit engine start.
Solid Red LED = Utility out of limits delay complete, engine start sequence and
transfer blocks removed.
Flashing Green LED = Utility healthy and in Transfer Return Delay.
Solid Green LED = Utility healthy and transfer to generator initiated or complete

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Display functions
The display indicates both readings and alarms. Illustrated below are examples with icons and
English language.
Type and software version.
Battery voltage, RPM and running hours counter.
Service timer 1 and 2.
Date and time.
Press to enter the list of active alarms.
Active alarm list. The alarm list pops up
automatically, when an alarm appears. When the
arrow is present, more alarms are active. Press ▼
to scroll through the list. Exit the list by pressing
ESC.
Press to enter the parameter setting.
Parameter example: D+ delay setting. Use ▲or ▼
to scroll through the settings list. If change of
settings is necessary, press and enter the
password. Then use ▲or ▼to change values.
Use ESC to leave settings.
Min. value Actual value Max. value
The available parameters depend on the set options. Some parameters can only
be changed using the TPS 300 software. The parameter list will automatically be
abandoned, if no button is pressed during a 30 sec. period.
MEC 310
version
Battery 24.0 V
RPM 0
Alarm list
2 alarm(s)
2 alarm(s)
High Battery
Ack
Parameter
D+ delay
0.0 s 10.0 s 100.0 s
00000.h
1 0 d 0 h
2 0 d 0 h
27/11 2006 14:30:55
00000.h

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Disclaimer
Disclaimer
The Product is delivered with certain factory setting. The factory settings are based on
typical values and not to be considered acceptable for the equipment it is intended to
operate and protect. Thus precautions must be taken to confirm all settings meet the
requirements of the equipment being put into service.
Thomson Technology takes no responsibility for the installation or operation of the engine-
generator set controls. If there is any doubt about how to install or operate the engine-
generator set controlled by this unit, the company responsible for the installation or the
operation of the equipment must be contacted.
To better understand the programming and methods of programming please refer to the
MEC310 Installation and Operation manual.

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4. Basic Operation
Basic Operational Theory
The operation instructions provided are based on the assumption the controller has been
previously reviewed, programs modified and the controls and engine generator set
commissioned as acceptable for it’s intended use. It is also assumed the engine
generator set is ready to operate and all necessary house keeping has been completed
such as, checking oil and coolant levels, all mechanical and electrical fundamentals
proven to be in good working order.
Initial Power up and Fault Clearing
On initial power up of the controller it is probable that various alarms or shutdowns may be
presented. These will need to be cleared prior to placing the equipment into service or operation.
Fault alarms can only be cleared if the alarm message appears on the display, the field device
causing the fault has returned to the non-fail state or the associated alarm is programmed to be
ignored during initial start up (bypassed on start) and the ENTER push-button depressed. If the
field device remains in its fault state during the reset process and its fault condition is not
programmed to be ignored during initial start up pressing the ENTER push-button will only result in
acknowledging the alarm.
Shutdown states require the OFF push-button be depressed prior to the ENTER push-
button to allow fault clearing. This ensures the engine generator set cannot unintentionally
restart after the fault is cleared if an automatic start is being requested.
Previously acknowledged alarms or shutdowns will clear automatically when its associate
field device returns to its non-fail state.
Shutdown conditions differ from Alarm conditions in that only one shutdown can exist at a time, 1st
shutdown in locks out subsequent shutdowns. If multiple shutdowns were permitted it would be
impossible to determine which state was the actual cause making troubleshooting a nearly
impossible task.
The controller provides a quick reference as to the alarm state level. The alarm LED on the
controller can change between an amber or red state. If both alarms and a shutdown are present
the LED will be red indicating the highest level of alarm, this being a shutdown condition. When
there are only alarms present, the alarm LED will be amber. Multiple alarms are permitted and will
be displayed on the alarm list with an up/down arrow advising to scroll through the list to view all.
Only the displayed alarm can be cleared, unviewed alarms cannot be cleared unless displayed or
previously acknowledged.
A flashing alarm LED is an indication of a new alarm/shutdown, which is unacknowledged.
Pressing the ENTER push-button will acknowledge and/or clear the alarm if the associated field
device or program permits. If not permitted the alarm LED will change to a solid state, if multiple
new alarms are present the LED will continue to flash until all new alarms are acknowledged or
cleared.

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The Horn Silence push-button only silences the local controller horn and reset the horn
relay output, it will not acknowledge or clear alarm states. The MEC310 internal alarm horn
must be enabled using M-Logic if desired.
The Horn Silence push-button provides a secondary function, by holding this push-button
for greater than 2 seconds the alarm list is displayed.
Manual Operation Mode
Pressing either the MAN or OFF push-buttons will select Manual Operation Mode.
In the Manual Operation Mode the remote start input is ignored, starting and stopping of the engine
generator can only be achieved with the RUN and OFF push-buttons on the left side of the
controller.
Once a manual RUN is initiated the engine generator set will continue to operate until
manually requested to stop by pressing the OFF push-button (immediately stops without
cooldown) or by pressing the AUTO push-button (the cooldown sequence will be initiated
prior to the engine stopping), the fuel supply blocked/exhausted or a shutdown action
resulting from a protection setting.
With the Manual Operation mode selected, pressing the RUN push-button initiates the start
sequence.
The start sequence is as follows:
1. Preheat delay is posted if programmed (also pre-start delay for preheat, prelube, etc…)
2. Initiate starter motor engagement and cranking of engine.
3. Disengages the starter motor automatically once the speed of the engine rises above the
run setpoint. Additional crank and rest cycles are added if the engine fails to start in its first
attempt. Fail to Start shutdown protection is activated should the engine not start after the
programmed number of attempts has been exceeded.
4. All protection and alarm functions, which were bypassed when not running, are enabled
after the engine starts (generally within 10 – 20 seconds of the starter motor being
disengaged).
5. Engine generator set continues to operate until requested to stop.
The stop sequence is as follows:
1. Press the OFF push-button. The engine generator set stops immediately without a
cooldown sequence.
2. Press the AUTO push-button. The engine generator continues to operate and will include
a cooldown sequence before stopping the engine generator set. The stop/cooldown
sequence is not initiated until the remote start input is removed.
Automatic Operation Mode
Pressing the AUTO push-button selects Automatic Operation Mode.
The start sequence is as follows:
1. When a remote start contact is closed to a binary input configured for remote start the
Preheat delay is posted (if programmed).

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2. Initiates starter motor engagement and cranking of engine
3. Disengages the starter motor automatically once the speed of the engine rises above the
run setpoint. Additional crank and rest cycles are added if the engine fails to start in its first
attempt. Fail to Start shutdown protection is activated should the engine not start after the
programmed number of attempts has been exceeded.
4. All protection and alarm functions, which were bypassed when not running, are enabled
after the engine starts (generally within 10 – 20 seconds of the starter motor being
disengaged).
5. The engine generator set will continue to operate until requested to stop.
The stop sequence is as follows:
1. When the remote start contact opens the engine generator set will continue to operate for
it’s programmed cooldown period and then stop.
AMF - Manual Operation (Optional Feature)
Pressing either the MAN or OFF push-buttons selects Manual Operation Mode and enables the
AMF breaker control push-buttons.
The start sequence for the generator is covered under manual operation mode as previously
described.
The following describes the AMF operation utilizing the push-buttons provided:
1. With the engine generator set operational and producing acceptable voltage and frequency
the generator volts/frequency ok LED will illuminate after a programmed time delay
(programmable in TPS300 - channel 6221). Once the V/Hz Ok LED lights and the UCB
Trip is given the GCB close push-button inhibit is removed and the GCB Close push-button
becomes operational.
2. Press the UCB Trip push-button to release the UCB and enable the GCB Close push-
button. This action may move the transfer mechanism to the off/open state or have no
effect (operation will vary based on logic design).
3. Press the GCB Close push-button. This will move the essential load from the
utility/mains supply to the generator supply. Note: The GCB LED may light prior to the
breaker closing if switch position indication is not used, typically no breaker position feed
back is incorporated and the LED follows the output contact action (breaker auxiliary
contacts can be monitored, in this case the LEDs will follow the breaker action).
4. The transfer mechanism will remain in this position even if the generator stops for any
reason.
For detailed information about changing parameters and setup, please see the
Installation Instructions in Reference Handbook on CD.
The available parameters depend on the set options. Some parameters can only
be changed using the PC utility software (USW) for MEC 310. The paramete
r list
will automatically be abandoned, if no button is pressed during a 30 sec. period.

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The stop sequence is as follows:
1. Press the GCB Trip push-button. This releases the GCB breaker and enables the UCB
Close push-button.
2. Press the UCB Close push-button. The transfer mechanism will open the generator
breaker and close the utility/mains breaker.
3. To stop the generator press OFF after the generator has operated without load for a
reasonable period of time. Alternatively the Auto Operation Mode can be selected by
pressing AUTO. With the load on the utility/mains and within proper limits the engine
cooldown will be initiated, the generator will continue to run until the cooldown timer expires
then stop.
AMF - Automatic Operation
Pressing the AUTO Mode push-button selects Automatic Operation Mode; in Auto Operation Mode
the AMF breaker control push-buttons are disabled.
The basic start/stop sequence for the generator is covered under automatic operation mode as
previously described, the only exception is, the AMF feature starts and stops the engine generator
set based on monitoring of the utility/main sensing voltage.
The following describes the automatic AMF operation:
1. On detection of utility/mains out of limits the engine generator starts, once producing
acceptable voltage and frequency for a period of time as defined in program the generator
volts/frequency ok LED will illuminate. (V/Hz delay time is programmable only using
TPS300 software - channel 6221).
2. Once the V/Hz Ok LED illuminates the UCB Closed LED will extinguish and the GCB
Closed LED will illuminate. This is the indication the transfer mechanism is in transition or
transferred to the generator supply.
Note: Breaker auxiliary contacts can be added to permit the LED indicators to only
illuminate once the breaker closes.
3. The MEC 310 will maintain generator operation until the load is retransferred to the
utility/mains.
4. When the utility/mains voltage returns within acceptable limits the retransfer to utility/mains
is inhibited is maintained until the transfer return delay timer has expired. This ensures the
load is not returned to an unstable supply. Once the transfer return timer expires, the GCB
close is removed and the UCB close permit given.
5. The transfer mechanism moves the essential load from the generator supply to the
utility/mains supply.
6. Once the load transfer has occurred the generator continues to run for the programmed
cooldown time then stops.
THOMSON TECHNOLOGY reserves the right to change any of the above.