GE EX2100e Data Sheet

GE Energy 
 

EX2100e and EX2100 
Excitation Controls Comparison 
  

The EX2100e Excitation system is GE Energy’s advanced 
platform for generator excitation controls.  The EX2100e 

builds on the EX2100 experience of over 700 units in gas, 

steam, and hydro applications (for new units and upgrades) in 
addition to GE’s 50 years of experience with over 6,000 

excitation systems in 70 countries. 

 
The EX2100e has enhanced technology, including a new 

controller from the Mark* VIe control line and the current 

ControlST* software suite.  In addition, the EX2100e offers a 
35A brushless dual redundant regulator option for cost 

effective reliability. 

 

Controllers

 

Now, excitation shares the same controller with Mark VIe 

application-based turbine and plant controls. These single-

board controllers offer flexible, compact packaging and more 
computing power for advanced control features to enhance 

grid dynamics and generator performance. In addition, the 

stand-alone controllers can be easily upgraded for better life-
cycle support of the equipment. 

I/O Interface

 

The controllers communicate to the I/O interface through a 
100 MB Ethernet I/O network that can be extended for 

remote I/O modules. The large, inflexible I/O cables of the 

EX2100 are eliminated. Since there are less electronics in an 
EX2100e, a smaller spare parts inventory is needed. Similarly, 

less active electronics increases the mean-time-between-

failure (MTBF) and improves system reliability.

 

 

Controllers, I/O interface, and the bridge(s) are mounted 

inside the EX2100e cabinet. Only an optional touchscreen 
panel remains on the door for local control and display of 

generator parameters along with alarm history and alarm/ 

fault help. 
 

Software

 

The EX2100e uses the ToolboxST* application for 

configuration and diagnostics and retains all attributes for 

high-speed analysis of rotating machinery and the enhanced 
look-and-feel of plant-level Distributed Control System 

software. For example, the ToolboxST application can analyze 

and configure I/O modules, controllers, networks, and 
operator stations for generator controls, turbine controls, and 

balance-of-plant controls to simplify maintenance. 

 
 

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Proven Technology

 

While controllers, networks, I/O modules, and software tools 

are upgraded, the heart of the system remains the same. 
Proven control and protection algorithms remain unchanged. 

Similarly, mission-critical power bridge technology is carried 
over from the EX2100 power conversion assemblies. 

 

In addition, control cabinet footprints are unchanged and 
compliance to international regulations and standards is 

retained. 

 

Benefits

 

  Cost effective 35A brushless dual redundant regulator 

configuration 

  Improved reliability and less spare parts inventory 
  Less maintenance and on-going training costs with 

common software tools 

  Better life-cycle support with more compute power for 

upgrades and simplified controller replacement 

  Risk mitigation of new technology with proven algorithms 

and power bridges 

 

 

 
 

 

 
 

For further assistance or technical information, contact the 

nearest GE Sales or Service Office, or an authorized GE Sales 
Representative

 

 

© 2010, General Electric Company, All rights reserved. 

 

* Trademark of General Electric Company. 

 

GEA-S1256 Issued: 

100813

 

fact sheet