Woodward 8444-1063 MFR300 Multifunction Relay

Description

Product Introduction & Engineering Value

The Woodward 8444-1063 MFR300-71M is designed to monitor electrical power systems by measuring three-phase voltage and current and calculating key electrical quantities. Its digital processing provides true-RMS measurement, allowing the device to continue measuring electrical parameters in systems where harmonics, transients, or other waveform disturbances are present.

The MFR300-71M goes beyond basic metering. It combines measurement with configurable protection and grid-decoupling functions, including frequency, voltage, phase-shift, reverse-power, and rate-of-change-of-frequency monitoring. Measured and calculated values can be transmitted to a supervisory system through CANopen or Modbus.

Technical Specifications

The MFR300 measures phase-to-neutral or phase-to-phase voltage, three-phase current, frequency, active power, reactive power, apparent power, power factor, and active/reactive energy.

Measured and Calculated Values

The documented measurement set includes:

• Phase voltage: VL1N, VL2N, VL3N
• Line voltage: VL12, VL23, VL31
• Frequency: fL123
• Phase currents: IL1, IL2, IL3
• Average, minimum, and maximum voltage
• Average, minimum, and maximum current
• Total and phase active power
• Total reactive power
• Apparent power
• Power factor
• Positive and negative active energy
• Leading and lagging reactive energy

Field Application & “Trench” Experience

A typical application for 8444-1063 is a generator or switchgear panel where the control system needs both electrical measurement and protection information. The MFR300 can acquire the three-phase voltage and current signals, calculate power-related values, and transmit those values to a higher-level controller or supervisory system.

The protection side becomes particularly useful in generator-parallel and utility-interconnection applications. The MFR300 monitors conditions such as over/under-voltage, over/under-frequency, voltage asymmetry, overload, reverse/forward power, phase shift, overcurrent, and df/dt (ROCOF).

Typical application scenarios

• Generator grid-decoupling protection
• Diesel and gas generator switchgear
• Utility-parallel generation systems
• Industrial power distribution monitoring
• Generator protection panels
• Three-phase power measurement and supervisory control
• Power systems requiring CANopen or Modbus integration

Engineering use case

In a generator-parallel installation, the MFR300 can provide the supervisory controller with real-time electrical quantities while independently monitoring programmed protection thresholds. This allows the protection and measurement layer to remain distinct from the engine governor or generator-set controller.

8444-1063

8444-1063

Transparency SOP: QA & Testing

New / New Surplus Inspection

For a New Surplus 8444-1063, verify:

• Woodward identification label
• Part number 8444-1063
• Model MFR300-71M
• Serial number and hardware revision
• Terminal block condition
• Housing and mounting condition
• Relay contacts
• Communication connectors
• Signs of moisture, oxidation, or improper storage

The part number should be checked against the complete MFR300 designation rather than relying only on the “MFR300” family name.

Functional Testing

A meaningful bench test should include:

1. 24 VDC power-up.
2. Processor initialization.
3. Three-phase voltage input verification.
4. Three-phase current input verification.
5. True-RMS measurement verification.
6. Frequency measurement.
7. Active/reactive/apparent power calculation.
8. Power-factor calculation.
9. Protection threshold testing.
10. Relay output operation.
11. Ready-for-operation relay verification.
12. CANopen communication.
13. Modbus communication.
14. Configuration retention after power cycling.

For refurbished stock, a simple power-on test should not be described as a complete functional test. Measurement accuracy and protection relay operation require appropriate calibrated test equipment.

Veteran’s Tech Trap Guide

Trap 1 — Calling it only a “power transducer”

The MFR300-71M is more than a measurement converter. It also provides configurable protection and grid-decoupling functions.

Pro tip: When replacing one in a protection panel, obtain the existing protection settings before removing the original unit.

Trap 2 — Ignoring the communication interface

The MFR300 supports CANopen and Modbus, with configuration possible through communication/service interfaces.

Pro tip: Record the existing communication protocol, node/address settings, baud rate, and register mapping before commissioning a replacement.

Trap 3 — Treating all MFR300 part numbers as identical

Woodward’s catalog lists several MFR300 variants, including -15M, , and -75M, with separate Woodward part numbers.

Pro tip: Match the complete model and part number. Do not order simply by searching for “Woodward MFR300.”

Trap 4 — Forgetting CT safety

The unit has three current-measurement inputs. CT secondary circuits require proper isolation and shorting procedures during maintenance.

Pro tip: Never open an energized CT secondary circuit. Follow the site’s approved CT isolation procedure before disconnecting the MFR300.

Dynamic FAQ

Q1: What is Woodward 8444-1063?
It is the Woodward MFR300-71M multifunction measuring transducer with protection. Woodward’s catalog directly maps 8444-1063 to MFR300-71M.

Q2: What does the MFR300-71M measure?
It measures three-phase voltage, three-phase current, frequency, and calculates active power, reactive power, apparent power, power factor, and energy values.

Q3: Does 8444-1063 provide generator protection?
Yes. Documented functions include over/under-voltage, over/under-frequency, voltage asymmetry, overload, reverse/forward power, phase shift, overcurrent, ROCOF, ground fault, and additional voltage monitoring functions.

Q4: What communication protocols does 8444-1063 support?
The supports CANopen and Modbus. Configuration can also be performed through CAN bus, RS-485, or the service interface depending on the system arrangement.

Q5: What is the measurement accuracy?
Woodward documentation specifies Class 0.5 accuracy for voltage, frequency, and current, and Class 1 for real/reactive power and energy measurements.

Q6: What documentation applies to 8444-1063?
Woodward’s catalog identifies Product Specification 37406 and Manual 37938 for the MFR300 protection/transducer family.

Q7: How should a New Surplus 8444-1063 be authenticated?
Verify the Woodward nameplate, 8444-1063 part number, model designation, serial/revision information, physical condition, and communication/measurement configuration. For critical protection applications, perform a documented functional test before installation.

Q8: Is 8444-1063 the same as 8444-1091 or 8444-1109?
The Woodward catalog associates all three part numbers with , but the existence of multiple part numbers means the complete ordering/revision information should still be checked before treating them as interchangeable.