US 4,280,060 A · Dedicated microcomputer-based control system for steam turbine-generators

Abstract

A dedicated supervisory control system for a steam turbine-generator comprising a hierarchy of microcomputer subsystems interactive with a conventional analog electrohydraulic control system to provide control and monitoring capabilities during all operating phases of the turbine-generator. The separate microcomputer subsystems are programmed for coordinated interaction and communication through shared, dual-port read/write memory units and each microcomputer subsystem is programmed and configured to handle a separate group of control responsibilities in a distributed control system. The microcomputer hierarchy includes an input and calculations computer having means for interfacing with analog input data sources and sensors which report on various operating parameters of the turbine-generator and from which thermal and mechanical stress and other derived quantities are calculated; a display and communications computer adapted to interface with a plant computer and with an operator control panel and other display and readout devices whereby operating personnel may interact with the control system; and a control computer, standing at the top of the hierarchy, for receiving information from the other computers, for making decisions based on that information and, through input/output ports, for providing the electrohydraulic control system with directions for optimal control of the turbine-generator within its thermal and mechanical limitations. The dedicated supervisory controller provides a plurality of operating modes.

Claims22

Dependent claims

In combination with a turbine-generator set having a feedback control system operative in a manual mode and in a remote supervisory mode for operational control of said turbine-generator, a supervisory control system for providing direction to the feedback control system whereby the turbine-generator is controlled through all phases of operation to provide the quickest turbine-generator response without exceeding allowable levels of thermal or mechanical stress, said supervisory controller comprising:

an analog interface subsystem for receiving from said turbine-generator analog signals representing operating parameters thereof and for converting said analog signals to digital data signals;
a hierarchy of microcomputer subsystems wherein there is a distribution of function between such microcomputer subsystems, said hierarchy including an input and calculations microcomputer for receiving said digital data signals and for deriving therefrom other turbine generator operating parameters including thermal and mechanical stress values imposed on component parts of said turbine-generator, a display and communications microcomputer for inter-communication with peripheral equipment and operating personnel, and a control microcomputer for receiving information from other microcomputers of the hierarchy, for making decisions based on said information, and for providing said feedback control system with control directions;
and
a plurality of shared memory units, each unit of which is shared between at least two microcomputers of the hierarchy and through which information is exchanged and shared between microcomputers of the hierarchy.

1 more element

A control system for a turbine-generator, comprising:

means for sensing operating parameters of said turbine-generator to produce signals representative of said operating parameters;
an electrohydraulic control system for feedback control of said turbine-generator according to set point values of turbine-generator operating parameters, said electrohydraulic control system having a remote supervisory control mode of operation and a manual mode of operation;
and
a dedicated microcomputer based supervisory control system comprising a hierarchy of microcomputers providing distributed control functions between microcomputers of said heirarchy, said supervisory control system having a stored program of operation for determining thermal and mechanical stress on said turbine-generator from said operating parameter signals and from a stored data-base of other turbine-generator parameters to derive set point values for said electrohydraulic control system according to which said turbine-generator is controlled to produce the most rapid response during all phases of turbine-generator operation without exceeding predetermined levels of said thermal and mechanical stress, said supervisory control system being operatively connected to said electrohydraulic control system and operative in a control mode to automatically transfer said set point values to said electrohydraulic control system and operative in a monitor mode to present operating personnel with said set point values for manual transfer to said electrohydraulic control system.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Dedicated microcomputer-based control system for steam turbine-generators

Life of this patent

Dedicated microcomputer-based control system for steam turbine-generators

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22