Steam Turbine Control

S&C’s steam turbine controller is designed to operate all types of steam turbine control systems. This controller includes specifically designed algorithms and logic to start, stop, control, and protect steam turbines driving compressors, pumps, generators, or other industrial equipment.

Algorithms process multiple PID loops to control the position of the governor valve(s) to maintain the requested power turbine speed set point based on the following variables:

• Speed control
• Load control
• Load rejection protection
• Flow characterization
• Pre-warming
• Protective system testing
• Overspeed protection
• Valve testing

Additional control loops can be configured with S&C’s PID multiloop module.

For extraction turbines with high- and low-pressure stages, S&C’s control system maintains turbine speed/power and extraction pressure/flow by regulating the positions of the governor and extraction valves. To stabilize the process interaction between these two valves, algorithms calculate this control action combination based on a turbine performance map.

Modern electronic actuator technology can eliminate the need for maintenance-intensive hydraulic systems for many smaller turbines. For larger turbines that still require hydraulic actuators, microprocessor-controlled electrohydraulic actuators can provide quicker response and more accurate control. S&C offers complete turnkey design, retrofit, and control solutions for upgrading to the newest technology.

S&C typically integrates the solution into the total train control system, eliminating the need for a dedicated speed control processor, rack, and power supply. This approach results in increased train control system availability and reliability as well as reduced system costs.