The GPC-3 Gas from DEIF is a microprocessor-based all-in-one controller for synchronising and protecting gas-engine generator sets in island, parallel-to-mains, and complex power management applications. It combines AC voltage and current measurement (100–690V, Class 1.0), generator and busbar protection (ANSI/IEC), engine start/stop sequencing, governor and AVR control, and load sharing in a single compact unit. The separate DU-2 LCD display mounts directly on the controller or on the switchboard door with up to 200 m cable, and up to two additional displays can be installed for multi-location monitoring.

What protection functions does the GPC-3 Gas provide?

The controller includes comprehensive generator, busbar, and mains protection per ANSI standards: over/under-voltage (27/59), over/under-frequency (81O/81U), overload (32), reverse power (32R), negative sequence (46/47), zero sequence overvoltage (59N), directional overcurrent (67), vector jump (78), and rate-of-change-of-frequency df/dt (81R). Fast response times — busbar voltage/frequency trips within 50 ms, generator fast over-current within 40 ms — ensure rapid fault isolation. Wire failure detection, emergency stop input, and a comprehensive event and alarm log (300 alarms) complete the protection package.

How does the GPC-3 Gas handle engine communication and power management?

CANbus J1939 engine communication supports electronic engines from Caterpillar, Cummins, Detroit Diesel, Deutz, Iveco, John Deere, Perkins, Scania, Volvo Penta, and Volvo, reading engine parameters directly from the ECU and transmitting speed and control commands. The M-Logic utility — a graphical programming tool included in the free DEIF PC Utility Software — allows users to create custom control logic, alarm combinations, and automation sequences without external PLC hardware. Serial communication supports Modbus RTU/ASCII (RS-485/RS-232), Profibus DP, and Modbus TCP/IP (Ethernet, Option N). CANshare digital load sharing (Option G9) provides cable-supervised load distribution across up to 5 load-share sections with dead bus closing and first-up discrimination.