WOODWARD 8404-7208

The Woodward 8404-7208 is a specific part number within the L-Series of integrated engine control systems. Like its counterpart, the 8404-7207, it’s a highly integrated solution designed for precise speed control of engines, particularly those using gaseous fuels, and features an Integrated Throttle Body (ITB).

WOODWARD 8404-7208: L-Series Integrated Throttle Body (ITB) with Speed Control (43mm)

The Woodward 8404-7208 represents a configuration within Woodward’s L-Series, combining an electric actuator, an embedded speed controller, and an Integrated Throttle Body (ITB) into a single, compact unit. This design is ideal for precise engine speed and air/fuel mixture control.

Product Overview

• Product Type: Integrated Electric Actuator, Speed Controller, and Throttle Body (ITB)
• Manufacturer: Woodward
• Series: L-Series
• Function: Controls engine speed by precisely managing air/fuel flow via the integrated throttle body.
• Throttle Body Size: Often associated with a 43 mm diameter, indicating the size of the throttle plate for specific engine airflow requirements.
• Key Features: Microprocessor-based speed control, integrated diagnostics, and a compact design. It’s listed as a RoHS Compliant version of the 8404-2008, suggesting an updated, environmentally compliant model.

Detailed Description

The Woodward L-Series is known for delivering advanced engine control in a compact and integrated package. The 8404-7208 streamlines engine management by incorporating multiple critical functions into one unit:

• All-in-One Integration: This unit combines the electric actuator (the mechanical component that moves the throttle), the electronic speed controller (the “brain” that senses speed and commands adjustments), and the throttle body (the mechanism that regulates air intake). This integration simplifies installation, reduces wiring complexity, minimizes potential failure points, and saves valuable engine space.
• Precise Speed Control: The embedded microprocessor enables sophisticated speed sensing and control algorithms. This ensures highly stable and accurate engine speed regulation, which is essential for consistent power generation (maintaining grid frequency) or for industrial machinery that demands precise operational speeds.
• Integrated Throttle Body (ITB): The direct integration of the throttle body allows for highly accurate control over the air flowing into the engine. This is particularly advantageous for gaseous-fueled engines or those requiring stringent air/fuel ratio management to optimize performance and meet emissions standards. The 43 mm size is tailored for a specific range of engine displacements and airflow needs.
• RoHS Compliance: The mention of RoHS Compliance indicates that this version meets specific European Union directives restricting the use of certain hazardous substances in electronic equipment, making it suitable for global markets and environmentally conscious applications.
• Robust and Responsive Actuation: The electric actuator component utilizes a high-efficiency torque motor, providing consistent and responsive control over the throttle plate’s position, allowing for quick and accurate adjustments.
• Comprehensive Diagnostics: Built-in diagnostic capabilities facilitate troubleshooting, often providing fault codes or signals via a relay output to indicate operational issues.

Applications

The Woodward 8404-7208 is ideally suited for:

• Gaseous Engine Control: Providing precise speed and air/fuel management for engines running on natural gas, LPG, or other gaseous fuels in a variety of industrial settings.
• Power Generation: Controlling engine-generator sets to maintain stable electrical frequency, especially in distributed generation, standby power, or cogeneration systems where efficiency and reliable performance are key.
• Industrial Equipment: Regulating the speed and output of engines driving pumps, compressors, fans, and other machinery where accurate control of air/fuel mixture is critical.
• OEM Engine Solutions: It’s often chosen by engine manufacturers looking for a compact, high-performance, and integrated control solution for their product lines.
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Related Products/Series

The Woodward 8404-series encompasses various configurations of the L-Series, including standalone actuators, position controllers, and ITB units. Some related part numbers you might encounter include:

• 8404-2008: The 8404-7208 is explicitly listed as a RoHS Compliant version of this model, suggesting very similar core functionality but with updated environmental compliance.
• 8404-7207: Another L-Series ITB with Speed Control, which also features a 43mm throttle body. The difference between -7207 and -7208 might be a minor revision, specific software version, or regional compliance.
• 8404-71XX series: These typically refer to L-Series standalone speed control actuators (without the integrated throttle body), like the 8404-7101.