Patent GB-1289030-A (GB)
IPC: F01D21/02
Filed: 1970-09-07
Abstract: 1289030 Programmed control WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP 7 Sept 1970 [16 Oct 1969] 42738/70 Heading G3N [Also in Division F1] A method of preventing overspeed resulting from partial or total load loss in a steam turbine plant comprising in flow series an admission control valve 17, high-pressure turbine 10, reheater 18, intercept valve 22 and low-pressure turbine 12 consists of automatically closing the intercept valve 22 for a predetermined time period when the ratio of input steam pressure to the L. P. turbine 12 to the power output of an electrical generator 14 exceeds a given value and additionally automatically closing the admission valve 17 when said given value is exceeded and an open circuit exists between the generator 14 and the load. The valves 17, 22 are maintained closed so long as the rotational speed of the turbines exceeds a given value. During normal operation admission valve 17 is controlled by a speed governing system 9 and the generator output passes to the load through a circuit breaker 24. A sensor 36 measures the input steam pressure to the L. P. turbine 12, the pressure being representative of the power input to generator 14, whilst the power output of the latter is measured by a wattmeter 38. The ratio of pressure to power output is monitored and should the ratio rise above a value indicative of at least partial load loss then, providing the pressure exceeds a value corresponding to 30% rated load, flip-flop 34 acts to energize solenoid 32 to close intercept valve 22. If detector 42 indicates that the circuit breaker 24 is closed, then after a time delay of 0À6 to 1À2 secs a signal is given to reset flip-flop 34 to de-energize solenoid 32 and open intercept valve 22. During the time that the latter is closed action should be taken to stabilize the system by the addition of extra load. If such action is not immediately taken intercept valve 22 continues to be closed and reopened until the additional load is provided. However if detector 42 indicates that circuit breaker 24 is open, i.e. a total load loss, a command is given to set flip-flop 30 which causes loss of load anticipator 28 to energize auxiliary governor solenoid 26 and thus close admission valve 17. A check is then made to determine if circuit breaker 24 is still open and if so, after a delay of from 1 to 10 secs, a further check is made to determine whether the turbine speed sensed at 44 is less than 103% of rated speed. If so both flipflops 30, 34 are reset to de-energize solenoid 32 and open intercept valve 22. In addition to the load loss overspeed protection system the plant includes means operable to activate the load loss anticipator 28 and close valves 17, 22 whenever the turbine speed exceeds 103% of rated value, regardless of other plant conditions. A test system is provided, Fig.3 (not shown), for checking during plant operation that the pressure sensor 36 and wattmeter 38 are operating correctly and for energizing an alarm if a fault is detected. Operation of the overspeed protection system is represented by a flow chart, Fig.2 (not shown), which may be utilized in the form of wired digital logic circuitry or a programme for a digital computer system, Fig.4 (not shown). Such a system includes control and related programmes as well as house-keeping programmes directed to internal control of the functioning of the computer system itself.