The Woodward MicroNet Plus is a full-featured turbine and engine control system built on a VME-based modular hardware architecture. It supports simplex, duplex, and TMR (triple modular redundant) CPU and I/O configurations, making it the platform of choice for complex gas turbine, steam turbine, compressor, and industrial prime mover applications requiring high availability. MicroNet Plus is also the standard upgrade path from legacy NetCon systems.
Key Features
Architecture
- VME-based modular chassis; additional chassis for larger systems
- Simplex or redundant CPU options; upgrade from simplex to redundant by adding a second CPU
- I/O configurable in any combination of simplex, duplex, or triplex
- Hot-replaceable I/O modules without removing control power
- Redundant or simplex power supply options
Control Capability
- Speed and load control
- Temperature and process control
- Combustion control (including complex DLE fuel algorithms)
- Anti-surge control and incipient surge detection
- System sequencing and package auxiliary control
- Alarm and shutdown annunciation
- Highly accurate time synchronization
- Rigorous load rejection performance for power generation
Application code is developed using Woodward’s Graphical Application Programmer (GAP) function-block environment or a Ladder Logic programming structure. Powerful service tools interface directly to the MicroNet Plus for real-time monitoring and troubleshooting.
Applications
Prime Mover Types
- Gas turbine control
- Steam turbine control
- Hydro turbine control
- Diesel and gas engine control
Industries Served
- Power generation
- Oil and gas processing and exploration
- Marine transportation (long-term naval programs)
- Process industries
Drake Controls Services
Drake Controls supplies MicroNet Plus hardware, I/O modules, spare parts, and engineering support. We handle NetCon-to-MicroNet Plus upgrades, full retrofit projects, and custom application software development. Our repair depot services existing MicroNet Plus and NetCon systems, and our field service team supports commissioning and on-site troubleshooting worldwide.