ASCO Power Technologies L.P.

- ASCO PowerQuest

ASCO PowerQuest ®
Monitoring & Control Management for
Emergency/Standby Generator Paralleling System

User’s Guide for

Level 3 Communications
Lima, Peru

Catalog #: 94612663P

07/05/2017
ASCO Power Technologies L.P. - ASCO PowerQuest

Table of Contents
Warnings...........................................................................................................................................................3

Who Should Use This User’s Guide ...............................................................................................................4

System Startup .................................................................................................................................................5

One Line Diagram ................................................................................................................................. 5

Master Monitoring and Control .....................................................................................................................6

Master Status Panel ............................................................................................................................... 6
Master Control Station .......................................................................................................................... 7
Load Demand ........................................................................................................................................ 8
Generator Settings ................................................................................................................................. 9
Bus Optimization ................................................................................................................................ 10
System Load Priorities ........................................................................................................................ 11
System Test ......................................................................................................................................... 12

Generator Switch Gear Section ....................................................................................................................13

Generator Status Panel ........................................................................................................................ 13
Generator Control Station ................................................................................................................... 14

Metering ..........................................................................................................................................................15
Generator DSLC-2 Controller ............................................................................................................. 15
Generator Genset Controller ............................................................................................................... 16
Generator Protective Relay ................................................................................................................. 17
Generator Trip Unit............................................................................................................................. 18

Alarm and Communication Status ...............................................................................................................19

Alarm Summary .................................................................................................................................. 19
Communication Status ........................................................................................................................ 20

Trending .........................................................................................................................................................21
Historical Trending Chart ................................................................................................................... 21
Historical Trend Devices .................................................................................................................... 22
Tags Trended....................................................................................................................................... 23

Security ...........................................................................................................................................................24
Login ................................................................................................................................................... 24
Access Levels ...................................................................................................................................... 25

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Warnings
ASCO PowerQuest Monitoring and Control Management software allows a user, after successfully logging
on with the proper access, to control load transfer, retransfer, and generator operation. All users must follow
these precautions:

WARNING
Be sure that Users to whom access are given are knowledgeable enough to have control of load
transfer and of the generator(s).

WARNING
Verify that conditions are safe for load transfer before a user transfers or retransfers an
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS).

WARNING
Verify that conditions are safe for initiating any control operation from the ASCOPQ
Monitoring and Control system.

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Who Should Use This User’s Guide

This user’s guide for the ASCO PowerQuest Monitoring and Control Management System has been
prepared to assist the individuals who will:

♦ Use the software to monitor and control the Emergency Generator Paralleling System.
♦ Use the software to prepare graphs of the data collected.

Prerequisites  A working knowledge of Windows 7® is required to use this software and to

properly archive the data so that it is not lost. Use of a mouse is assumed:

Click means to press and release the left mouse button once when the cursor is on the
appropriate location on the screen.

Double Click means to quickly press and release the left mouse button twice when cursor
is on the appropriate location on the screen.

Right Click means to press and release the right mouse button once when the cursor is on
the appropriate location on the screen.

↵ Enter means to press the Enter key (can also be used for OK).

Important Information The ASCO PowerQuest Monitoring and Control Management System is
specifically designed to be exclusive to each Engine-Paralleling System it
controls. Each ASCO PowerQuest system is custom designed to meet the
needs of the users.

Other Reading Technical Bulletin 1186 provides a detailed explanation of ASCO ATS Communications
Products. It is available from the local ASCO Power Technologies, LP source.

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System Startup
One Line Diagram
With the ASCO PowerQuest software installed, an illustration of the system appears. This is the One Line
Diagram view of the system. The generator icons, breakers, and one-line representation are animated to
show the actual status of the system bus, generators, and breakers.
From this screen the user can monitor and control all functions of the system, as follows:

Parts of the image are linked to smaller pop-up screens. Simply click on that item. Any user can view:
• Status Panels (status indication lights)
• Power Monitoring (current, voltage, frequency, power)
• Controllers (positions of control switches)
• Engine Load Demand and Load Priority Set Points

When logged in with operator level of 6000 or more, a user can adjust the Load Name below each breaker.

Status Panel
To display status light
tiles with text.

Power Monitors
To display Amp, Volt,
Hz, & kW readings.

Main Menu
Allows the user to
navigate to and from
any window.

Load Name
Allows the user to
adjust the load name
that each breaker
feeds.

Off Running Online Failure

The menu buttons at the bottom of the screen take a user to other screens, which perform specific functions,
including:
• Alarms (summary of system alarms)
• Network Communication Status (summary of devices and communication status)
• Bus Optimization
• Trends (historical data trends)
• ATS Summary (control and monitoring of all system Transfer Switches)
• Security (various security levels)

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Master Monitoring and Control

Master Status Panel
On the One Line click on the Master Status Panel button to display the Master Status screen. Then click
the Lamp Test button (lower right corner) to display the status light tiles (text and colors).

Any user can monitor any normal condition or alarm from the Master Status screen. If a condition occurs on
the System for an alarm, the Alarms menu button flashes and the appropriate status indicator continuously
reflects the current condition of the alarm.

The lamp test feature allows a user to look at the annunciation to become familiar with each tile. These tiles
and the layout are identical to the tiles on the Master Section of the System.
Tile Legend
Color ondition
Green Normal
White Normal
Yellow Pre-Alarm
Red Alarm

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Master Control Station

On the Master Status Panel click on the Control Station button to display the Master Control Station.

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Load Demand
On the Main Menu at the bottom of the screen click the Load Demand button to display the System Load
Demand screen. This screen shows the system’s Load Demand status and controls. All items in BLUE are
for entry of operational values. Only operators with 6000 level access and above can make modifications.
After logging in, System Operators must press the “Entry to Actual” button to finalize any setting changes.
All values in BLACK are display values. Generator Load Demand Control operates during emergency mode
control only. For a detailed description of Load Demand, please see the Sequence of Operation.

Called to Start: Indicates whether that Priority kW: Shows the instantaneous Start, Pick Up, and Drop Out kW set points
Generator has been called to provide power. entered in the OIT. Pick up and Drop Out arrow pushbuttons can be used
to adjust these values for system operators with the proper access level.
Activation Time Delay: Shows the stabilization
time delay entered in the OIT and used by the Update Entry to Actual: The Entry column shows the value entered by
system to operate Load Demand. the System Operator. The Actual column shows the operating value. Press
the “Update Entry to Actual” button to finalize a change.
Time Delay Settings: Shows the Pick Up and
Drop Out set points entered in the OIT and used Load Demand Status: Indicates the Load Demand switch position and the
by the system to operate Load Demand. The current Load Demand Mode.
pushbuttons in the entry column can be used to
adjust these values for system operators with the
Bus kW: The total real power on the bus (Master) and the total available
proper access level.
power on the bus (Headroom).
Elapsed Time: Shows the duration from the time
Generator Cooldown Priorities & Runtimes: Shows the entry and actual
when the generator was requested to start or
Generator Priorities with the proper access level. The Generator Priority
stop.
Entry column shows the value for that load entered by the System
Operator. The Actual column shows the operating value for that load.
SCADA Control: Allows system operator
enable/disable control from the OIT screen.

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Generator Settings
On the Load Demand screen click the Generator Settings button to display the Generator Settings
screen. This screen allows users to view and adjust generator cooldown time delays, priority settings, and
run times for each generator. After logging in, a user can adjust the Cooldown Time Delay, Priority setting,
and Gen Run Time for each generator. In order for any changed settings to be updated, the user must press
the “Entry to Actual” button.

The Cooldown Time Delay
column shows the current
time delay value in
minutes.
The Entry Priority
column shows the current
priority for that generator
entered by the ASCOPQ
System Operator.
The Actual Priority The Gen Run Time
column shows the section shows the current
current priority for that time each generator has
generator entered in the been running.
OIT.

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Bus Optimization
On the Main Menu at the bottom of the screen click the Bus Optimization button to display the Bus
Optimization screen. This screen shows the system’s bus optimization status and controls. All items in
BLUE are for entry of operational values. Only operators with 6000 level access and above can make
modifications. All values in BLACK are display values. For a detailed description of Bus Optimization,
please see the Sequence of Operation.

Bus Optimization Status: Indicates the Bus
Optimization switch position and the current Bus
Optimization Mode.
Time Delay Settings: Shows the Step Add and
Activation set points entered in the OIT and used
by the system to operate Bus Optimization. The
pushbuttons in the entry column can be used to
adjust these values for system operators with the
proper access level.
Update Entry to Actual: The Entry column
shows the value entered by the System Operator.
The Actual column shows the operating value.
Press the “Update Entry to Actual” button to
finalize a change.
kW Derate: Shows the operator set kW loading values used to re-add shed
loads.
Elapsed Time: Shows the current duration of time for each item. The
elapsed time will reset itself once it reaches its actual time setting.
Next Load to be Added: Shows the next load to be added, along with the
priority value and estimated kW of the load.
Bus kW: The total real power on the bus (Master) and the total available
power on the bus (Headroom).
SCADA Control: This control switch allows for Bus Optimization control
from the OIT screen.

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System Load Priorities

On the Main Menu click the Load Priorities button to display the System Load Priority screen. This
screen shows the priority, kW setting, Time Delay setting, Engine Start status, Load Shed status, and
Hand/Off/Auto Mode for each Load. After logging in, System Operators must press the “Entry to Actual”
button to finalize any setting changes.

Users with greater than 7000 level access can
modify ATS names by clicking here. This will
change screen representations but not
descriptions shown in the Alarm Summary
screen.
The Priority Entry column shows the
value for that load entered by the
System Operator. The Actual column
shows the operating value for that load.
The Step Entry column shows the
value for that load entered by the
System Operator. The Actual
column shows the operating value
for that load.

The Approximate kW column shows the
value for that load entered by the System
Operator. The Actual column shows the
operating value for that load.
The Engine Start light shows if the ATS is calling The HOA Mode enables
for Emergency Power. The Load Shed light shows operators with 6000 level and
if that load has been shed due to excessive Power above access to adjust the
Demand or Engine Malfunction. Hand/Off/ Auto mode of the
load.

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System Test
On the Main Menu click the System Test button to display the System Test screen.

This screen shows the physical and SCADA switch positions. From this screen, users with proper access can
control System Test. When this switch is placed in the “On” position, the system issues an automatic start
signal to all generators, as the system enters System Test Mode.

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Generator Switch Gear Section

Generator Status Panel
On the One Line click on the Generator Icon to display the Generator Status screen for the selected
generator. Click Lamp Test button (lower right corner) to display the status light tiles (text and colors).

Any user can monitor any normal condition, pre-alarm, or shutdown for each individual generator section. If
a condition occurs on a specific engine generator for pre-alarm or shutdown, the Alarms menu button flashes
and the appropriate status indicator continuously reflects the current condition of the alarm. This feature
makes it so the user can constantly be aware of what the system is doing.

The lamp test feature allows the user to look at the annunciation to become familiar with each tile. These
tiles are identical to the tiles on the selected Generator Section.

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Generator Control Station

On the Generator Status Panel click on the Control Station button to display the Generator Controls.

From this window, an operator with the appropriate access level can operate the PQ generator controls. If the
Generator Control or Synchronization Control is selected from the control switches on the screen, the “PQ in
Control” status tile on the generator status panel will become active for the respective generator and the OIT
will record the event.

In order to exit “PQ in Control”, a user must restore the PQ’s settings to what the physical gear has for that
specific generator. If there is a PQ failure when the “PQ in Control” is active, then an operator will have to
go to the gear and perform a Lockout/Reset. This will override the PQ’s control of the generator and restore
control to the physical gear.

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Metering
Generator DSLC-2 Controller
On the OneLine click on the Generator Circuit Breaker.

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Generator Genset Controller

On the Generator Status Panel, click the GENSET Controller button.

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Generator Protective Relay

On the Generator Circuit Breaker, click the Protective Relay button.

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Generator Trip Unit

On the Generator Circuit Breaker, click the Trip Unit button.

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Alarm and Communication Status

Alarm Summary
On the Main Menu click on the Alarms button to display the Alarm Summary screen. The Alarm
Summary screen summarizes all current alarm events based upon the configuration set by the operator.
These alarms are listed chronologically and are stored on the system’s hard drive.

The Alarm Summary screen shows all current alarms that are not acknowledged in RED. Once the
operator acknowledges the alarm condition, it turns BLACK. Once the alarm condition returns to the SAFE
condition, the alarm will disappear from the screen. An alarm condition that has cleared will appear BLUE.
The Event History button allows the user to review all current and past alarm conditions and events. Events
appear GREEN. From the Alarm Group Selections section at the bottom of both the Alarm Summary and
the Event History screens, the alarms and events pertaining only to that specific group can be viewed. For
example, “Gen 1” button may be selected to view all alarms and events related to Generator 1.

To acknowledge an alarm, first select the desired alarm(s) to acknowledge, then click on “Acknowledge
Selected” or “Acknowledge All.”

If the OIT is shutdown, the alarms and events will clear from the Alarm Summary and the Event History.
Log files are created and stored stored daily on the Local Disk (C) drive in the AlmData directory. These
alarm log files will stay on the computer for 93 days before being removed. The maximum number of alarms
and events that are stored on the Alarm Summary or the Event History screen has a buffer of 500. Once
the maximum buffer size is reached, the oldest alarms and events are cleared and replaced with new alarms
and events as they come in.

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Communication Status
On the Main Menu click the Network Status button to display the Network Communication Status
screen. This screen shows the current communication status to all PLCs and metering devices in the system.

RED LEDs indicate a communication failure. GREEN LEDs indicate communication has been established.
YELLOW LEDs indicate a communication error on network A/B. The QUESTION MARK LEDs indicate
status unknown.

In the Master PLC Communication and Control block, users can monitor the control and status
information of the master PLC(s). Additionally, operators with an access level of 6000 and above can force
any Master PLC to take control of the system.

On the Network Communication Status screen click the Network Diagram Drawing button to display
the pdf version of the Network Diagram drawing. This drawing shows the current communication diagram
with how all devices should be connected in the Network.

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Trending

Historical Trending Chart

On the Main Menu click on the Trends button to display the Historical Trending screen. Analog data
from each generator, the master, and all load and bus breakers is stored in one-second increments. This
information can be utilized at any time for graphic reports and to determine system values, trends, and
percentages for voltage, amperage, frequency, and kilowatts for up to 90 days.

This screen allows the user to plot up to eight analog parameters being monitored throughout the
PowerQuest system. The user can also set the levels and time duration for this trending analysis.

Click on one of These arrows Double arrows move Single arrows go forward or These arrows adjust the
the Pen buttons adjust the start forward or backward twice backward the amount of time end time and date.
to reconfigure. time and date. the amount of time selected.
selected.

Zoom In and Zoom Out Left scooter values are displayed below and to the left of the tag.
focuses the data based on the centerline. Right scooter values are displayed below and to the right of the tag.
Click one of the 8 buttons to
select a device.

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Historical Trend Devices

On the Historical Trending screen click on one of the eight buttons to display the Historical Trend
Devices screen.

Click one of the devices to select it.

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Tags Trended
On the Historical Trend Devices screen click on devices to display the Historical Trend Tags screen.

Click one of the measured metering parameters to select it.

The following properties are trended for each device in the system:

♦ Individual Phase Current and Average Current (Amps)

♦ Real Power (kW)
♦ Apparent Power (kVA)
♦ Reactive Power (kVAR)
♦ Average Line-Line Voltage (V)

Click one of the measured engine parameters to select it.

The following properties are trended for each engine controller in the system:

♦ Speed (RPM)
♦ Coolant Temperature (°F)
♦ Oil Pressure (Psi)
♦ System Battery Voltage (V)

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Security
Login
On the Main Menu click on the Security button to display the Security Panel screen. Three levels of
security are provided: Manager, Operator, and Technician. A key hangs under the corresponding security
level.

Security provides a feature to control whether or not specific users are allowed to perform specific functions.
When any operator logs onto the application all alarms/events that occurred during the time he/she was
logged on is recorded in the Alarm History.

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Access Levels
Manager: For future customized building specific needs.
Operator: For monitoring and control of all configured devices.
Monitor: Access to monitor all the devices.

Click on USER NAME and

type in the user’s identification
name.

Click on PASSWORD and

type in the user’s password.

Click on CONFIGURE to
setup user accounts. This can only
be done by Manager level or
higher.

Click on LOGOUT to return to

monitor only access.

Click on CANCEL to return to

the previous screen.

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