Voltage regulator achieves cybersecurity approval.

Classification society DNV has granted ABB UNITROL® 1000 excitation system Cyber Security Type Approval - becoming the first automatic voltage regulator to achieve it. This facilitates maritime operators in meeting the new IACS UR E26 requirements more efficiently and contribute to the security of their vessels against cyber threats.

In the maritime sector, ABB UNITROL 1000 excitation system is used for a variety of applications on synchronous machines ranging from 100 kVA to 80 MVA. To help ensure resilience in the face of potential cyber threats, UNITROL 1000 has been certified as of November 2024 for compliance with the DNV Cyber Security Profile 1 (IACS UR E27), which is based on industry standard IEC 62443-3-3 security level 1. DNV, also known as Det Norske Veritas, is headquartered in Norway and is the world’s leading classification society, as well as a recognised advisor to the maritime industry.*

The primary purpose of a synchronous generator on a vessel is to supply the necessary electrical power for various on-board systems, including lighting, machinery, navigation, communication and propulsion. The UNITROL 1000 excitation system ensures stable control of the synchronous generator voltage, providing rapid response to load changes and maintaining required voltage levels, even in harsh environments. This reliability makes it a crucial component for efficient and consistent power generation, and safety of the vessel.

DNV type approval speeds up ship specific certification.
UNITROL 1000 is the first automatic voltage regulator to comply with the IACS UR E27 requirements, which involves “Cyber Resilience of On-Board Systems and Equipment”. The new certification is especially relevant for the maritime sector, which is currently accelerating its digitalization with more connectivity to onboard equipment. Digitalization brings many benefits but, at the same time, it can expose vessels to new cyber threats.

To reduce cyber risk, it has been mandatory for all new ships contracted from 1 July 2024 to comply with IACS UR E26 for “Cyber Resilience of Ships”. Having assets certified according to IACS UR E27 for the on-board systems provides important support for vessel owners, designers and yards in achieving full compliance with IACS UR E26.

Werner Pretorius, UNITROL 1000 Global Product Manager at ABB Energy Industries, explains the situation. “The main purpose of these standards is to lower the risk of cyber security threats and reduce downtime in case of potential cyber-attacks. To ensure compliance with regulations, each vessel must undergo a system evaluation by the classification society. With a Cyber Security Type Approval certificate, ABB simplifies the certification process for their customers, allowing them to focus on configuration and installation rather than re-testing pre-approved security barriers."

In line with IMO safeguards.
With the DNV certification ABB mitigates the occurrence of, and downtime caused by, cyber incidents due to potential cyber-attacks. Moreover, DNV accreditation supports vessel operators, offshore operators and marine OEMs in demonstrating the resilience of their systems. This not only streamline the certification processes but also enhances overall cyber security awareness. Additionally, DNV recognition aligns well with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) resolution MSC.428(98), which focuses on safeguarding power and automation systems on board ships, as well as ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of data in remote connections.

Jarle Coll Blomhoff, DNV Head of Section for Digital Ship Systems, comments on the importance of gaining this security classification. “Adhering to IACS UR E27 and IEC62443 contributes to safer and more secure on-board systems and equipment, thus reducing the risk of power outages and other safety threats due to malicious attacks. We appreciate that ABB takes lead with ABB UNITROL 1000 system being the first of its kind to be DNV Cyber Secure compliant according to IACS UR E27 and supporting a more efficient certification process.”

---

* More about DNV Cyber Secure Class Notation.

@ABBgroupnews @ABBMeasurement @abb_automation  @admiralpr #Marine #Cybersecurity

Digital voltage regulator.

Leroy-Somer and Kato Engineering have introduced the D700, an automatic digital voltage regulator specially designed to meet the challenges of energy production in the digital age. It includes all necessary regulator functions, outstanding smart grid capabilities, and numerous additional functions and options that make it one of the most versatile products on the market.

Along with network synchronization management, the D700 features multiple regulation modes, including regulation based on the power factor at the point of delivery or at generator output (especially for networks operating in parallel). Profile monitoring and various Grid Code regulation specifications can thus potentially be programmed directly into the D700.

For the first time, all excitation types are supported up to 25 A in continuous operation (50 A in the event of short circuit). In addition, the D700 can control an external power module that makes it possible to offer static excitation systems up to 1500 A. A special double regulation board is also available to ensure total system redundancy.

The D700 also includes multiple patented solutions based on expertise and knowledge drawn from Nidec alternators. These functions, such as redundant power bridge, curve functions, simplified load sharing, and excitation limits can be used to improve global system security.

In addition to outstanding regulation functions, the D700 also includes many components and options that make it very flexible: a data logger, programmable logic, equalisation and synchronisation, remote regulation, communications bus, current compensation, and "black start" capability (without auxiliary power supply).

The D700 is designed to integrate easily into complex systems (including networked systems). In some cases, the D700 can even control certain application processes to avoid the need for an additional system (such as an automaton). The control software supplied with the D700 is intuitive, and easy to configure no matter what the requirements are. It also includes an integrated oscilloscope function.

"We are thrilled with the way D700 has been received", declared Jean-François Paillou, Project Manager. "It's the first time that a regulator as comprehensive as this has been offered on the market. It supports all the regulation functions, even the most advanced ones. And thanks to all these integrated functions, we are in a position to offer a solution for a very wide range of situations. We have received excellent feedback from our customers and partners and every day we find more new cases where the D700 really has a competitive edge."

The D700 was also designed to be integrated in the GenOSys system (Leroy-Somer and Kato Engineering’s recently launched remote power management system). When integrated into GenOSys, the D700 is able to carry out remote installation monitoring, including a system of alerts and the use of mathematical models for predictive maintenance.

To maximize performance, the D700 has been developed based on feedback collected from the field along with the teamwork of various entities in Europe and the US. The requirements specification of the D700 was written based on actual use cases experienced by the Leroy-Somer and Kato Engineering teams. On top of the internal specifications based on the team's own regulation expertise, customer requests received in previous years were compiled and analysed, including the most demanding and exacting requests.

The result is an extremely versatile product that offers outstanding ease-of-use in operations and during installation or troubleshooting.

@Leroy_Somer #PAuto

40V, 1.5A Robust linear regulator from Linear has Current & temperature monitor outputs

Linear Technology Corporation has just released the LT3081, a rugged 1.5A wide input voltage range linear regulator with key usability, monitoring and protection features. The device has an extended safe operating area (SOA) compared to existing regulators, making it ideal for high input-to-output voltage and high output current applications where older regulators limit the output.

The LT3081 uses a current source reference for single resistor output voltage settings and output adjustability down to “0.” Output current limit can be set externally with a single resistor. This regulator architecture, combined with low millivolt regulation, enables multiple ICs to be paralleled easily for heat spreading and higher output current. The current from the device’s current monitor can be summed with the set current for line-drop compensation, where the output of the LT3081 increases with current to compensate for line drops.

The LT3081 achieves unmatched line and load regulation of under 2mV independent of output voltage and features an input voltage range from 1.2V to 40V. The device fits well in applications requiring multiple rails. Output voltage is programmable with a single resistor from 0V to 38.5V with a 1.2V dropout. The on-chip trimmed 50µA current reference is ±1% accurate. The regulation, transient response and output noise (30µVrms) are independent of output voltage due to the device’s voltage follower architecture. The LT3081 is configurable as a 2-terminal current source with just two resistors. Input or output capacitors for stability are optional in either linear regulator or current-source mode of operation.

The LT3081 provides several monitoring and protection functions. Current limit, accurate to ±10%, can be programmed with a single resistor. Monitor outputs provide a current output proportional to temperature (1µA/°C) and output current (200µA/A), allowing easy ground-based measurement. The current monitor can be used to compensate for cable drops. The LT3081’s internal protection circuitry includes reverse input protection, reverse-current protection, internal current limiting and thermal shutdown.

According to Robert Dobkin, Linear Technology’s Vice President, Engineering and CTO, “The LT3081 regulator’s robust architecture, protection and monitoring features provide designers with new tools for reliable design. A TO-220 package for high power dissipation and various surface mount packages for lower power applications are available. System power and temperature are easily checked for proper operation.”

The LT3081 is offered in a variety of thermally enhanced surface-mount compatible packages, including a low profile (0.75mm) 12-lead 4mm x 4mm DFN, a 16-lead thermally enhanced TSSOP and a 7-lead DD-Pak; all dissipate 2W in surface mount applications with no heat sink. The LT3081 is also available in a 7-lead TO-220 power package for vertical mounting to heat sinks for higher power dissipation capability. A wide variety of grades/temperature ranges are offered including: E & I grades -40°C to +125°C, H grade -40°C to +150°C and the high reliability MP grade -55°C to +150°C. 1,000-piece pricing starts at $2.60 each for the E grade