Wards Marine Electric has been utilizing the DEIF PPU-300 controller for paralleling and protection of generators in a contract with the US Navy to refit its Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) fleet. The US Navy approached our team seeking replacements for the obsolete PPU-2 controllers that were initially installed across the INLS platform. Upon informing them of the PPU-2's discontinuation, we proposed an upgrade to the PPU-3. However, due to established protocols, the Navy was required to issue a public Request for Quotes (RFQ). In response, our team contacted DEIF to negotiate special pricing for the PPU-3, given the project’s scale, but they recommended to us a new controller that would better satisfy the project's requirements: the PPU-300.

In our RFQ, we presented both the PPU-3 and the PPU-300 controllers, with the latter clearly emerging as the superior choice. The PPU-300 specifications not only fulfilled but exceeded the requirements to replace the existing End-of-Life controller.

The PPU-300 controller features a card rack with either four or seven slots per rack. With DEIF's extensive selection of cards, the configuration possibilities are virtually limitless, allowing for the controllers to be tailored to any project’s specifications. The PPU-300 cards perform all functions necessary for the paralleling and protection of a vessel’s AC power system, including, but not limited to, voltage and current measurement, engine control, digital and analog signaling, and network communications. Up to 9 expansion racks may be connected, providing a total of 58 module slots (4 in the main rack and 6 in each expansion). The modular design of the PPU-300 enhances field serviceability, in contrast to the PPU-3, which required the unit to be returned to DEIF for repairs. Additionally, the advanced built-in custom logic enables the integrator to create unique functions that retrofit smoothly into the existing switchboard.

Upon acceptance of our proposal by the Navy, DEIF provided our team with prototype PPU-300 controllers to assist in the development of our proposed system. We subsequently received the first production PPU-300 controllers for the initial installation. Although the commissioning process encountered delays of approximately one month due to various challenges, our engineering team closely collaborated with DEIF’s engineers to address these issues, and, ultimately, exceeded the US Navy’s expectations.

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