Patent ID: 8479522

Claim:
A method of starting a powerplant, the method comprising: providing a powerplant machine configured for generating power; accelerating the powerplant machine to a purge speed to start a purging process; determining whether a plurality of powerplant systems are prepared to support the operation of the powerplant machine; and starting and accelerating the powerplant machine to a full speed if the plurality of systems are prepared for powerplant machine operation; wherein the step of determining whether the plurality of systems are prepared to support the operation of the powerplant machine occurs during the purging process and before the starting of the powerplant machine, reducing the possibility of a shutdown occurring before the powerplant machine reaches the full speed, further comprising the steps of: enabling an operating permissive if the plurality of systems are prepared to support the operation of the powerplant machine; and determining whether a purge ventilation timer is satisfied, wherein the purge timer is configured for ensuring that a sufficient purge of the powerplant machine occurs.