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Woodward GC-3400XT Group Controller (8440-2267) – Scalable Master Controller for Large Genset Fleets
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Published time: 2026-06-26
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Woodward GC-3400XT Group Controller (8440-2267) – Scalable Master Controller for Large Genset Fleets
Product Overview
Woodward GC-3400XT Group Controller, part number 8440-2267, is a high-capacity multi-master fleet management master control designed for ultra-large-scale distributed power generation systems. When deployed as a complete three-part control ecosystem paired with easYgen-3400/3500XT genset controllers and easYgen | LS-6XT circuit breaker controllers, the GC-3400XT delivers centralized, unified orchestration for up to 496 generator sets across 16 independent control groups (31 gensets per group).
This integrated trio covers full-cycle power system operation: individual genset regulation, bus tie & group breaker synchronization, cross-unit load balancing, dead bus arbitration, automatic load-dependent start/stop and multi-segment power partitioning. The platform adopts standardized, user-friendly configuration software with flexible custom logic to match unique site requirements, while layered redundant peer-to-peer communication architecture eliminates single points of failure and guarantees fail-safe continuous power operation.
Scalable Multi-Master Group Architecture
The GC-3400XT is built on a modular multi-master distributed control framework, isolating each genset group to maximize system stability:
Single Group Capacity: One GC-3400XT manages a maximum of 31 easYgen-3000XT series gensets within its dedicated group. Intra-group data transmission runs via CAN bus, Ethernet, or dual redundant CAN+Ethernet load-sharing networks to collect real-time genset operating data, status and fault signals.
Cross-Group Expansion: Up to 16 GC-3400XT units can be networked together to form a full fleet system, supporting a total of 496 gensets. Inter-group communication relies on independent secondary Ethernet buses (Ethernet B, Ethernet C, or dual redundant Ethernet B+C) to separate group internal data and fleet coordination data.
Decoupled Data Flow Safety Design: By physically separating intra-group and inter-group communication channels, bus bandwidth congestion is avoided. If one group controller fails or loses connection, all individual gensets within that group maintain independent stable operation without cascading system outages. The GC-3400XT acts as a virtual “large single genset” when communicating with other group controllers, simplifying cross-group synchronization and load distribution logic.
This integrated trio covers full-cycle power system operation: individual genset regulation, bus tie & group breaker synchronization, cross-unit load balancing, dead bus arbitration, automatic load-dependent start/stop and multi-segment power partitioning. The platform adopts standardized, user-friendly configuration software with flexible custom logic to match unique site requirements, while layered redundant peer-to-peer communication architecture eliminates single points of failure and guarantees fail-safe continuous power operation.
Scalable Multi-Master Group Architecture
The GC-3400XT is built on a modular multi-master distributed control framework, isolating each genset group to maximize system stability:
Single Group Capacity: One GC-3400XT manages a maximum of 31 easYgen-3000XT series gensets within its dedicated group. Intra-group data transmission runs via CAN bus, Ethernet, or dual redundant CAN+Ethernet load-sharing networks to collect real-time genset operating data, status and fault signals.
Cross-Group Expansion: Up to 16 GC-3400XT units can be networked together to form a full fleet system, supporting a total of 496 gensets. Inter-group communication relies on independent secondary Ethernet buses (Ethernet B, Ethernet C, or dual redundant Ethernet B+C) to separate group internal data and fleet coordination data.
Decoupled Data Flow Safety Design: By physically separating intra-group and inter-group communication channels, bus bandwidth congestion is avoided. If one group controller fails or loses connection, all individual gensets within that group maintain independent stable operation without cascading system outages. The GC-3400XT acts as a virtual “large single genset” when communicating with other group controllers, simplifying cross-group synchronization and load distribution logic.
Core Group Control Functionalities
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Group & Mains Breaker Management
Controls group breaker (GGB) synchronization and dead busbar closing priority logic for each genset group;
Executes seamless synchronization and soft loading/unloading for utility tie breakers and mains breakers (MCB);
Supports phase angle vector compensation for sites with distribution transformers, ensuring accurate paralleling across voltage transformation stages.
Controls group breaker (GGB) synchronization and dead busbar closing priority logic for each genset group;
Executes seamless synchronization and soft loading/unloading for utility tie breakers and mains breakers (MCB);
Supports phase angle vector compensation for sites with distribution transformers, ensuring accurate paralleling across voltage transformation stages.
Full-Fleet Power Management
Global active & reactive power load sharing across all gensets and groups;
Intelligent Load Dependent Start/Stop (LDSS) algorithm to optimize fuel consumption, reduce idling loss and extend engine service life;
Built-in PC-based LDSS emulation tool for offline sequence simulation before site commissioning, accelerating on-site setup efficiency.
Global active & reactive power load sharing across all gensets and groups;
Intelligent Load Dependent Start/Stop (LDSS) algorithm to optimize fuel consumption, reduce idling loss and extend engine service life;
Built-in PC-based LDSS emulation tool for offline sequence simulation before site commissioning, accelerating on-site setup efficiency.
Redundant Communication for Maximum Reliability
Redundant CAN/Ethernet load-sharing bus between GC-3400XT and easYgen genset controllers;
Dual redundant Ethernet communication between multiple GC-3400XT group controllers;
Redundant Ethernet links connecting GC-3400XT and LS-6XT breaker controllers;
Independent Modbus TCP Ethernet port for external connection to PLC, SCADA, DCS and remote monitoring systems;
SNTP time synchronization to unify timestamps across all networked controllers for consistent fault logging and data recording.
Redundant CAN/Ethernet load-sharing bus between GC-3400XT and easYgen genset controllers;
Dual redundant Ethernet communication between multiple GC-3400XT group controllers;
Redundant Ethernet links connecting GC-3400XT and LS-6XT breaker controllers;
Independent Modbus TCP Ethernet port for external connection to PLC, SCADA, DCS and remote monitoring systems;
SNTP time synchronization to unify timestamps across all networked controllers for consistent fault logging and data recording.
Diagnostics & Fast Commissioning Tools
Comprehensive real-time monitoring of communication bus status, redundancy loss alarms, breaker feedback plausibility checks and equipment fault diagnosis;
One-click system batch update function for all networked controllers to shorten maintenance and upgrade cycles;
Full configuration via Woodward ToolKit software, accessible through USB or network connection for remote parameter editing and troubleshooting.
Matching Partner Controllers Introduction
easYgen-3400XT / easYgen-3500XT Genset Controllers
As the bottom-layer unit control for each generator, the easYgen-3400/3500XT delivers complete engine & generator protection, genset breaker synchronization, dead bus arbitration and isochronous/droop load sharing capability.
Two hardware variants (P1 and P2) available for the easYgen-3500XT, both fully compatible with GC-3400XT;
Display-less rugged metal back-panel mounting housing for compact switchgear integration;
Optional RP-3000XT touchscreen remote operator panel for local on-site monitoring and manual control;
Direct 690Vac high-voltage bus sensing, multi-channel CAN and Ethernet communication ports for redundant parallel operation.
easYgen | LS-6XT Circuit Breaker Controller
Dedicated multi-breaker synchronizer and decoupling control unit, supporting coordination with group breakers, mains tie breakers and bus segment switches. It works collaboratively with GC-3400XT to manage multi-utility feeders, multiple bus segments and dead bus paralleling scenarios, with built-in full electrical protection functions including ROCOF, phase shift and reverse power protection. Up to 64 LS-6XT controllers can be integrated into one full GC-3400XT fleet networkWoodward.
Typical Application Scenarios
Large-scale industrial multi-generator power plants
Data center critical backup power systems
Offshore oil & gas platform distributed generation
Mining remote island power grids
Multi-unit CHP cogeneration facilities
Commercial campus centralized standby power systems
Utility peak shaving and independent island parallel generation
Key Product Advantages Bullet Points (Sidebar Quick Specs)
Part Number: GC-3400XT | 8440-2267
Max System Capacity: 16 groups × 31 gensets = total 496 generator sets
Architecture: Scalable multi-master distributed control, decoupled dual communication bus
Redundancy: Layered redundant CAN/Ethernet load-sharing network, no single point of failure
Core Functions: Fleet load sharing, LDSS auto start/stop, group/mains breaker synch, dead bus prioritization
Supporting Devices: easYgen-3400/3500XT genset controllers, LS-6XT breaker controllers, RP-3000XT touch HMI
Software: Woodward ToolKit configuration, offline LDSS simulation, one-click system batch update
Communication: CAN bus, dual redundant Ethernet, Modbus TCP for SCADA integration, SNTP time sync
Comprehensive real-time monitoring of communication bus status, redundancy loss alarms, breaker feedback plausibility checks and equipment fault diagnosis;
One-click system batch update function for all networked controllers to shorten maintenance and upgrade cycles;
Full configuration via Woodward ToolKit software, accessible through USB or network connection for remote parameter editing and troubleshooting.
Matching Partner Controllers Introduction
easYgen-3400XT / easYgen-3500XT Genset Controllers
As the bottom-layer unit control for each generator, the easYgen-3400/3500XT delivers complete engine & generator protection, genset breaker synchronization, dead bus arbitration and isochronous/droop load sharing capability.
Two hardware variants (P1 and P2) available for the easYgen-3500XT, both fully compatible with GC-3400XT;
Display-less rugged metal back-panel mounting housing for compact switchgear integration;
Optional RP-3000XT touchscreen remote operator panel for local on-site monitoring and manual control;
Direct 690Vac high-voltage bus sensing, multi-channel CAN and Ethernet communication ports for redundant parallel operation.
easYgen | LS-6XT Circuit Breaker Controller
Dedicated multi-breaker synchronizer and decoupling control unit, supporting coordination with group breakers, mains tie breakers and bus segment switches. It works collaboratively with GC-3400XT to manage multi-utility feeders, multiple bus segments and dead bus paralleling scenarios, with built-in full electrical protection functions including ROCOF, phase shift and reverse power protection. Up to 64 LS-6XT controllers can be integrated into one full GC-3400XT fleet networkWoodward.
Typical Application Scenarios
Large-scale industrial multi-generator power plants
Data center critical backup power systems
Offshore oil & gas platform distributed generation
Mining remote island power grids
Multi-unit CHP cogeneration facilities
Commercial campus centralized standby power systems
Utility peak shaving and independent island parallel generation
Key Product Advantages Bullet Points (Sidebar Quick Specs)
Part Number: GC-3400XT | 8440-2267
Max System Capacity: 16 groups × 31 gensets = total 496 generator sets
Architecture: Scalable multi-master distributed control, decoupled dual communication bus
Redundancy: Layered redundant CAN/Ethernet load-sharing network, no single point of failure
Core Functions: Fleet load sharing, LDSS auto start/stop, group/mains breaker synch, dead bus prioritization
Supporting Devices: easYgen-3400/3500XT genset controllers, LS-6XT breaker controllers, RP-3000XT touch HMI
Software: Woodward ToolKit configuration, offline LDSS simulation, one-click system batch update
Communication: CAN bus, dual redundant Ethernet, Modbus TCP for SCADA integration, SNTP time sync
Environment: Rugged industrial design for switchgear back-panel installation, compliant with global EMC & safety standards.
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