For continuous effective monitoring and control over gas turbines, special automated control systems are used. These systems are required due to the complexity and variety of the processes that occur in the turbine unit and its auxiliary systems.
Purpose of control systems
Control systems are a combination of software and hardware designed to control, maintain, and optimize the operation of processing facilities. When used with gas turbins, these systems perform a number of important functions, without which it would be impossible to fully and safely operate turbine units. These functions include:
- monitoring of key process parameters and signaling in case of their deviation from the norm;
- activation of protective systems, switching to backup equipment, if necessary;
- prevention of human errors;
- evaluation of the efficiency of using equipment at a specific point in time;
- control of the turbine speed and other parameters;
- remote control of the processes occurring during the gas turbine operation;
- event logging and archiving of normal operation, pre-emergency and emergency situations, generation of event reports;
- calculation of fuel consumption;
- protection against unauthorized access to system functions;
- provision of data to operators in real time in an easy-to-use format;
- and much more.
Principles of control syst
Modern control systems are distributed, hierarchical programmable systems open for further development. They include a set of elements operating at different levels:
- At the lower level there are sensors, electric drives, actuators and other devices interacting directly with the components of the gas turbine unit.
- The middle level (the level of technological subsystems) provides interaction between the lower and upper levels. Algorithms for automatic control, protection and blocking of the turbogenerator are also implemented here. This level includes programmable controllers of process protection, safety interlocking, automatic control, remote control, information and more. The controllers perform most of the tasks autonomously.
- The upper level is needed so that operators could receive information in a user-friendly form, as well as give commands and set operating parameters to the turbine equipment. This level includes workstations, databases, engineering stations, etc.
The communication between the level and their components is conducted via Industrial Ethernet or similar networks.
Blocking devices are often installed in pairs to increase reliability. If one fails, the second will perform its function.
Why upgrade the outdated gas turbine control systems?
As old gas turbines are often operated beyond their original expected life, new control systems become a necessity. A gas turbine control system tends to wear out faster than the equipment it controls, which is likely to have a negative impact on the turbine itself. Complete or partial control system upgrades minimize gas turbine failures.
Timely automated control system upgrade will allow you to use the capabilities of turbine equipment, get more information about the ongoing processes, minimize the probability of errors and prevent emergencies in more effective ways. Our specialists will help you purchase modern hardware and software to optimize the gas turbine unit operation. Working with Stanberg means moving with the times.