Product Overview: WOODWARD 8440-1713 Fuel Pump Driver

The WOODWARD 8440-1713 is a specialized Fuel Pump Driver (FPD) designed to provide precise and reliable control of the fuel pump motor on industrial and marine gas turbine engines. This unit is a critical component within Woodward’s comprehensive engine control systems, acting as the essential link between the main engine controller (such as a Woodward PLC or Governor) and the fuel pump.

Its primary function is to convert a low-power control signal (demand signal) into the high-power electrical output required to drive a three-phase AC induction motor, which in turn powers the engine’s main fuel pump. This ensures the exact amount of fuel required for the desired engine speed and load is delivered efficiently and safely.

Key Features & Benefits

Precision Motor Control:

Provides variable frequency and voltage output to control the speed of a three-phase AC induction motor with high accuracy. This precise control directly translates to exact metering of fuel flow to the engine.

Ruggedized Industrial Design:

Housed in a robust, hardened metal enclosure designed to withstand the extreme environments typical of gas turbine applications, including high temperatures, significant vibration, and potential exposure to contaminants.

Seamless System Integration:

Designed to work as a dedicated slave unit under the command of a master Woodward engine controller (e.g., a ProAct or NetCon series controller). It receives a 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC speed demand signal and executes the command precisely.

Comprehensive Protection Features:

Incorporates built-in protection for both the driver itself and the motor it controls. This includes safeguards against:

Overcurrent & Short Circuit: Prevents damage from electrical faults.

Overtemperature: Monitors internal heatsink temperature.

Phase Loss & Undervoltage: Protects the motor from operating under unsafe electrical conditions.

Heat Management:

Features an integral blower fan and a large aluminum heatsink to dissipate the significant heat generated during operation, ensuring reliability and long service life.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes status indicators and output signals for fault reporting, allowing for easier troubleshooting and integration into the engine’s overall health monitoring system.

 Technical Specifications (Representative)
Parameter
Specification
Function
3-Phase AC Motor Driver / Controller
Input Power
Typically 240 VAC, 3-Phase, 50/60 Hz
Output Power
Designed to drive motors up to a specific HP/KW rating (e.g., 15 HP / 11 kW).
Control Signal Input
Typically 4-20 mA or 0-10 VDC (Speed Reference from Master Controller)
Communication
Analog I/O; often part of a larger Woodward network via a master controller.
Enclosure
Heavy-duty metal, chassis mount
Cooling Method
Force-air cooled (integral fan)
Protections
Overcurrent, Overtemperature, Short Circuit, Phase Loss
Typical Application
Gas Turbine Engine Fuel Pump Control