The ELCOS CEM-370 is a control and protection unit designed for irrigation motor pumpsets. Its primary function is to safeguard the motor pump by automatically stopping it in response to various critical conditions, thereby preventing damage and ensuring reliable operation. The unit features a comprehensive display that provides real-time information and allows for monitoring of several key parameters.
Function Description
The core function of the CEM-370 is to protect the motor pump from operational anomalies. It achieves this by continuously monitoring critical engine and pump parameters and initiating a shutdown sequence if any of these parameters fall outside safe operating limits. The unit is designed to intervene and stop the motor pump in the event of:
- Low oil pressure: A critical indicator of engine health, low oil pressure can lead to severe engine damage if not addressed promptly.
- Over-temperature: Excessive engine temperature can cause overheating and mechanical failure.
- Belt breakage: A broken belt can disrupt essential engine functions, such as charging or cooling, leading to further issues.
- Minimum fuel level: Ensures the pump does not run dry, which can be detrimental to both the engine and the pump itself.
- General fault A1: A configurable input for an external anomaly.
- Low diesel fuel pressure (A2): Critical for diesel engines to ensure proper fuel delivery.
- Low coolant level: Insufficient coolant can lead to engine overheating.
- Insufficient pump water pressure: Protects the pump from dry running or cavitation, which can cause significant wear and damage.
The unit's display serves as a central interface for monitoring these functions and provides visual feedback on the status of the motor pump. It can show various parameters, including:
- Pump protection exclusion status: Indicates whether pump protection is active or temporarily excluded.
- Battery and oil lights: Visual indicators for the status of the battery charge and engine oil pressure.
- Protections intervention: Alerts the user when a protection mechanism has been triggered, leading to a shutdown.
- Hour-meter: Tracks the total operating hours of the motor pump, useful for maintenance scheduling.
- Timer: Allows for setting a specific operating duration for the pump.
- Fuel level indicator: Displays the current fuel level.
- Tachometer: Shows the engine's rotational speed (RPM).
- Battery voltmeter: Monitors the battery voltage.
The CEM-370 is designed for robust performance and can be assembled directly on the machine or in open-air environments, making it versatile for various irrigation setups. Its fixing system allows for installation with two or three clamps, or, upon request, with vibration dampers fitted on the top part of the control unit for enhanced stability and protection against vibrations.
Usage Features
The CEM-370 offers intuitive controls and a clear display for ease of use.
- Start Key Operation: The unit is operated via a start key with distinct positions:
- OFF: Turns the unit off.
- MANUAL STOP: Allows for manual stopping of the motor pump.
- RESET: Resets protections, cancels protection exclusion and timer, and deactivates instruments.
- AUT. (Automatic): Supplies power to the control unit and activates glow plugs control.
- AVV. (Start): Initiates the motor pump start-up sequence.
- Display Navigation: A dedicated button allows users to cycle through the various displayed functions (timer, fuel level, tachometer, etc.). Holding this button down silences the general alarm (buzzer).
- Timer Setting: Users can set a desired working time (up to 96 hours) using a push-button. The display shows the remaining work time, and the pump automatically stops at the end of the set period. The timer can be zeroed by holding the push-button until it reaches zero.
- Pump Protection Exclusion: For specific operational needs, pump protection can be temporarily excluded by pressing a push-button for at least 3 consecutive seconds. This function is indicated by two intermittent lights and can be cancelled by pressing the button again or by turning the start key to "ZERO."
- Emergency Stop: The unit supports an emergency stop function, which can be activated by one or more click-down push-buttons. When activated, "EMERGENCY STOP" is reported on the display.
- General Alarm: An external optical and/or acoustic signaller can be connected to indicate protection intervention. This alarm is reset by turning the starter key back to "ZERO."
- Preheating: If configured, the unit can activate glow plugs preheating, indicated by a phrase on the display, to assist with cold starts.
- Language Selection: The unit allows users to select the display language from Italian, English, French, German, Spanish, and Portuguese.
- Tachometer Setting: The tachometer can be calibrated by starting the engine and bringing it to a constant known speed, then adjusting the display to match.
Maintenance Features
The CEM-370 is designed with maintenance considerations to ensure its longevity and reliability.
- Fuse Replacement: The fuses are located inside the control unit. To access them, the front panel must be removed by unscrewing four screws. Fuses should be replaced with those of the same value.
- Regular Checks: The manual recommends weekly maintenance operations to ensure optimal performance:
- Check indicator functions: Verify that all display indicators are working correctly.
- Check batteries: Ensure the batteries are in good condition.
- Check conductors and terminals: Verify that all conductors are tight and that the terminals are in good condition.
- Wiring Diagram: A detailed wiring diagram is provided in the manual to assist with proper installation and troubleshooting, emphasizing the importance of following it closely for all connections.
- Technical Interventions: All technical interventions must be performed with the engine stationary and terminal 50 of the starter motor disconnected to ensure safety.
- Environmental Considerations: The unit is designed for external use within a specified temperature range and is built to withstand various environmental conditions. However, it is important to avoid extreme conditions such as rapid temperature variations causing condensation, high levels of pollution (dust, smoke, vapor, salts, corrosive/radioactive particles), high heat radiation, mold attacks, or strong vibrations/knocks.
- Electromagnetic Compatibility: The unit conforms to CE marking standards and meets EN61326-1 requirements for electromagnetic compatibility. Installers are responsible for ensuring disturbance levels are within standard requirements.
The CEM-370 is a robust and user-friendly control unit that provides essential protection and monitoring capabilities for irrigation motor pumpsets, contributing to their efficient and safe operation.