Microprocessor-based control system for gas turbine electric powerplant

A microprocessor-based control system for a gas turbine electric powerplant having an aeroderivative gas turbine engine, comprising:

• a plurality of sensors for monitoring various gas turbine electric powerplant conditions;
• a compression relief system comprising a means for rapidly removing air from a combustion portion of said gas turbine engine during operation thereof, in response to a signal from said microprocessor;
• an air directing system for altering the angle at which incoming air impinges a set of compressor blades located within said gas turbine engine;
• software in communication with said microprocessor, said sensors, said compression relief system, and said air directing system;
• a fuel control valve for controlling the supply of fuel to said turbine engine, said fuel control valve in communication with said software and having an integrated microprocessor that compares demand signals from said software with actual fuel flow, and makes adjustments to said valve accordingly;
• and
• a means of inputting setpoint data to said software;
• wherein, said software reads said setpoint data, determines appropriate control actions, and directly activates one or more appropriate control devices, thereby allowing said control system to automatically operate said gas turbine electric powerplant;
• and
• wherein said compression relief system, said air directing system, and said fuel control valve are manipulated substantially simultaneously by said control system in response to detection of an overspeed condition of said gas turbine engine;
• whereby said overspeed condition is automatically controlled even when said gas turbine electric powerplant is operating in an unattended state.