General system and method for operating a steam turbine with independent overspeed protection especially adapted for a nuclear reactor powered steam turbine

Claim 2

An electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine section, a generator rotated by said turbine, means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine system, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means, first means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, first means for deactivating said valve moving means upon the exceeding of a predetermined speed, means connecting said first sensing means and said first deactivating means, second means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, second means for deactivating said valve moving means independently of said first deactivating means, such that, said valving means stops said flow of said steam through said steam turbine with greatly improved reliability upon the exceeding of a second predetermined speed upon the failure of said first deactivating means from preventIng said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined speed, means connecting said second sensing means and said second deactivating means.

Claim 3

The system of claim 1 wherein said valve position determining means includes means for computing valving means position to operate said turbine at a predetermined load and/or speed.

Claim 4

The system of claim 2 wherein said computing means is connected to and receives signals from said first sensing means, whereby a representative magnitude of said signals from said first sensing means are used by said computing means in determining a position for said valving means.

Claim 7

The method as defined in claim 4 including the additional step of: j. calculating the position of a valve in said steam turbine generating system utilizing the determined valve position and said speed of step (b); k. moving the valve of the previous step (j) to the position calculated in said previous step (j).

Claim 8

An electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine section, a generator roJated by said turbine, valving means including at least a throttle-stop valve and a governor valve whereby the flow of steam through said steam turbine is controlled, means for moving said throttle stop and said governor valve from one position to another, first means for sensing the speed of said turbine, first means for deactivating said turbine, said sensing means connected to said deactivating means, means for measuring the magnitude of the electric power delivered by said generator to an electric load, means for determining throttle and governor valve position as a function of power and speed, said determining means connected to and receiving signals from said first speed sensing means and said power measuring means, said first deactivating means deactivating said turbine system upon detection of a first predetermined value representing an overspeed condition, second means for independently sensing the speed of said turbine, second means for deactivating said valve moving means, said second deactivating means connected to and receiving signals from said second speed sensing means whenever the speed exceeds a second predetermined value upon failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined value.

Claim 9

An electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine section, a generator roJated by said turbine, valving means including at least a throttle-stop valve and a governor valve whereby the flow of steam through said steam turbine is controlled, means for moving said throttle stop and said governor valve from one position to another, first means for sensing the speed of said turbine, first means for deactivating said turbine, said sensing means connected to said deactivating means, means for measuring the magnitude of the electric power delivered by said generator to an electric load, means for determining throttle and governor valve position as a function of power and speed, said determining means connected to and receiving signals from said first speed sensing means and said power measuring means, said first deactivating means deactivating said turbine system upon detection of a first predetermined value representing an overspeed condition, second means for independently sensing the speed of said turbine, second means for deactivating said valve moving means, said second deactivating means connected to and receiving signals from said second speed sensing means whenever the speed exceeds a second predetermined value upon failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined value.

Claim 10

An electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine, a generator rotated by said turbine, means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine including at least one throttle-stop valve, at least one governor valve and at least one interceptor valve, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means including means for computing a desired valve position, firsT means for sensing the magnitude of the speed of said turbine system, means for measuring the magnitude of the flow of energy from said generator to an electric load, means for measuring a pressure of said steam in said steam turbine system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals by said computing means from said first rotational sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the direction of motion and the position of said throttle stop valve are determined during the startup of said turbine, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals from said first sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the positions of said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve are determined during synchronization and power generation phases of said electric power generating system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve and said governor valve to a closed position and said interceptor valve to a position determined by said computing means whereby said positions and directions of movements, speeds of movement, changes in position of said valves are determined by said computing means during a shutdown of said electric power generating system, first means for deactivating said means for moving said valving means to stop said flow of steam to said turbine, second deactivating means, second speed sensing means, means connecting said second deactivating means and said second sensing means, said second sensing means independently sensing the magnitude of the speed of said steam turbine system whereby a signal from said second sensing means is used to determine within said second deactivating means whether said second deactivating means deactivates said means for moving said valving means, to stop the flow of steam through said steam turbine.

Claim 11

An electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine, a generator rotated by said turbine, means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine including at least one throttle-stop valve, at least one governor valve and at least one interceptor valve, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means including means for computing a desired valve position, firsT means for sensing the magnitude of the speed of said turbine system, means for measuring the magnitude of the flow of energy from said generator to an electric load, means for measuring a pressure of said steam in said steam turbine system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals by said computing means from said first rotational sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the direction of motion and the position of said throttle stop valve are determined during the startup of said turbine, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals from said first sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the positions of said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve are determined during synchronization and power generation phases of said electric power generating system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve and said governor valve to a closed position and said interceptor valve to a position determined by said computing means whereby said positions and directions of movements, speeds of movement, changes in position of said valves are determined by said computing means during a shutdown of said electric power generating system, first means for deactivating said means for moving said valving means to stop said flow of steam to said turbine, second deactivating means, second speed sensing means, means connecting said second deactivating means and said second sensing means, said second sensing means independently sensing the magnitude of the speed of said steam turbine system whereby a signal from said second sensing means is used to determine within said second deactivating means whether said second deactivating means deactivates said means for moving said valving means, to stop the flow of steam through said steam turbine.

Claim 14

The method of claim 8 including the additional steps of: k. calcuating the position of a valve in said steam turbine generating system utilizing a desired rate of flow of said steam, the steam pressure and the measured magnitude of the electric load;

Claim 15

A nuclear electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine section, a generator rotated by said turbine, means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine system, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means, first means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, first means for deactivating said valve moving means upon the exceeding of a predetermined speed, means connecting said first sensing means and said first deactivating means, second means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, second means for deactivating said valve moving means independently of said first deactivating means, such that, said valving means stops said flow of said steam through said steam turbine with greatly improved reliability upon the exceeding of a second predetermined speed upon the failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined speed, means connecting said second sensing means and said second deactivating means.

Claim 16

A nuclear electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine section, a generator rotated by said turbine, means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine system, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means, first means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, first means for deactivating said valve moving means upon the exceeding of a predetermined speed, means connecting said first sensing means and said first deactivating means, second means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, second means for deactivating said valve moving means independently of said first deactivating means, such that, said valving means stops said flow of said steam through said steam turbine with greatly improved reliability upon the exceeding of a second predetermined speed upon the failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined speed, means connecting said second sensing means and said second deactivating means.

Claim 17

A nuclear electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine section, a generator rotated by said turbine, valving means including at least a throttle-stop valve and a governor valve whereby the flow of steam through said steam turbine is controlled, means for moving said throttle stop and said governor from one position to another, first means for sensing the speed of said turbine, first means for deactivating said turbine, said sensing means connected to said deactivating means, means for measuring the magnitude of the electric power delivered by said generator to an electric load, means for determining throttle and governor valve position as a function of power and speed, said determining means connected to and receiving signals from said first speed sensing means and said power measuring means, said first deactivating means deactivating said turbine system upon detection of a first predetermined value representing an overspeed condition, second means for independently sensing the speed of said turbine, second means for deactivating said valve moving means, said second deactivating means connected to and receiving signals from said second speed sensing means whenever the speed exceeds a second predetermined value upon failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined value.

Claim 18

A nuclear electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine section, a generator rotated by said turbine, valving means including at least a throttle-stop valve and a governor valve whereby the flow of steam through said steam turbine is controlled, means for moving said throttle stop and said governor from one position to another, first means for sensing the speed of said turbine, first means for deactivating said turbine, said sensing means connected to said deactivating means, means for measuring the magnitude of the electric power delivered by said generator to an electric load, means for determining throttle and governor valve position as a function of power and speed, said determining means connected to and receiving signals from said first speed sensing means and said power measuring means, said first deactivating means deactivating said turbine system upon detection of a first predetermined value representing an overspeed condition, second means for independently sensing the speed of said turbine, second means for deactivating said valve moving means, said second deactivating means connected to and receiving signals from said second speed sensing means whenever the speed exceeds a second predetermined value upon failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined value.

Claim 19

A nuclear electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine, a generator rotated by said turbine, means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine including at least one throttle-stop valve, at least one governor valve and at least one interceptor valve, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means including means for computing a desired valve position, first means for sensing the magnitude of the speed of said turbine system, means for measuring the magnitude of the flow of energy from said generator to an electric load, means for measuring a pressure of said steam in said steam turbine system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals by said computing means from said first rotational sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the direction of motion and the position of said throttle stop valve are determined during the startup of said turbine, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals from said first sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the positions of said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve are determined during synchronization and power generation phases of said electric power generating system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve and said governor valve to a closed position and said interceptor valve to a position determined by said computing means whereby said positions and directions of movements, speeds of movement, changes in position of said valves are determined by said computing means during a shutdown of said electric power generating system, first means for deactivating said means for moving said valving means to stop the flow of steam to said turbine, second deactivating means, second speed sensing means, means connecting said second deactivating means and said second sensing means, said second sensing means independently sensing the magnitude of the speed of said steam turbine system whereby a signal from said second sensing means is used to determine within said second deactivating means whether said second deactivating means deactivates said means for moving said valving means, to stop the flow of steam through said steam turbine.

Claim 20

A nuclear electric power generating system comprising: means for generating steam, a steam turbine having at least one high pressure and at least one low pressure turbine, a generator rotated by said turbine, means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine including at least one throttle-stop valve, at least one governor valve and at least one interceptor valve, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means including means for computing a desired valve position, first means for sensing the magnitude of the speed of said turbine system, means for measuring the magnitude of the flow of energy from said generator to an electric load, means for measuring a pressure of said steam in said steam turbine system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals by said computing means from said first rotational sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the direction of motion and the position of said throttle stop valve are determined during the startup of said turbine, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals from said first sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the positions of said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve are determined during synchronization and power generation phases of said electric power generating system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve and said governor valve to a closed position and said interceptor valve to a position determined by said computing means whereby said positions and directions of movements, speeds of movement, changes in position of said valves are determined by said computing means during a shutdown of said electric power generating system, first means for deactivating said means for moving said valving means to stop the flow of steam to said turbine, second deactivating means, second speed sensing means, means connecting said second deactivating means and said second sensing means, said second sensing means independently sensing the magnitude of the speed of said steam turbine system whereby a signal from said second sensing means is used to determine within said second deactivating means whether said second deactivating means deactivates said means for moving said valving means, to stop the flow of steam through said steam turbine.

Claim 23

An independent overspeed protection system for a steam turbine comprising: means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine system, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means, first means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, first means for deactivating said valve moving means upon the exceeding of a predetermined speed, means connecting said first sensing means and said first deactivating means, second means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, second means for deactivating said valve moving means independently of said first deactivating means, such that, said valving means stops said flow of said steam through said steam turbine with greatly improved reliability upon the exceeding of a second predetermined speed upon the failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined speed, means connecting said second sensing means and said second deactivating means.

Claim 24

An independent overspeed protection system for a steam turbine comprising: means for valving a flow of steam through said steam turbine system, means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means, first means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, first means for deactivating said valve moving means upon the exceeding of a predetermined speed, means connecting said first sensing means and said first deactivating means, second means for sensing the speed of at least one of said steam turbine sections, second means for deactivating said valve moving means independently of said first deactivating means, such that, said valving means stops said flow of said steam through said steam turbine with greatly improved reliability upon the exceeding of a second predetermined speed upon the failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined speed, means connecting said second sensing means and said second deactivating means.

Claim 25

An independent overspeed protection system for a steam turbine comprising: valving means including at least a throttlestop valve and a governor valve whereby the flow of steam through said steam turbine is controlled, means for moving said throttle stop and said governor from one position to another, first means for sensing the speed of said turbine, first means for deactivating said turbine, said sensing means connected to said deactivating means, means for measuring the magnitude of the electric power delivered by said generator to an electric load, means for determining throttle and governor valve position as a function of power and speed, said determining means connected to and receiving signals from said first speed sensing means and said power measuring means, said firsT deactivating means deactivating said turbine system upon detection of a first predetermined value representing an overspeed condition, second means for independently sensing the speed of said turbine, second means for deactivating said valve moving means, said second deactivating means connected to and receiving signals from said second speed sensing means whenever the speed exceeds a second predetermined value upon failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined value.

Claim 26

An independent overspeed protection system for a steam turbine comprising: valving means including at least a throttlestop valve and a governor valve whereby the flow of steam through said steam turbine is controlled, means for moving said throttle stop and said governor from one position to another, first means for sensing the speed of said turbine, first means for deactivating said turbine, said sensing means connected to said deactivating means, means for measuring the magnitude of the electric power delivered by said generator to an electric load, means for determining throttle and governor valve position as a function of power and speed, said determining means connected to and receiving signals from said first speed sensing means and said power measuring means, said firsT deactivating means deactivating said turbine system upon detection of a first predetermined value representing an overspeed condition, second means for independently sensing the speed of said turbine, second means for deactivating said valve moving means, said second deactivating means connected to and receiving signals from said second speed sensing means whenever the speed exceeds a second predetermined value upon failure of said first deactivating means from preventing said turbine section from exceeding said second predetermined value.

Claim 27

An independent overspeed protection system for a steam turbine, said steam turbine having valving means including at least one throttle-stop valve, at least one governor valve and at least one interceptor valve, said independent overspeed protection system comprising: means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means including means for computing a desired valve position, first means for sensing the magnitude of the speed of said turbine system, means for measuring the magnitude of the flow of energy from said generator to an electric load, means for measuring a pressure of said stem in said steam turbine system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals by said computing means from said first rotational sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the direction of motion and the position of said throttle stop valve are determined during the startup of said turbine, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals from said first sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the positions of said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve are determined during synchronization and power generation phases of said electric power generating system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve and said governor valve to a closed position and said interceptor valve to a position determined by said computing means whereby said positions and directions of movements, speeds of movement, changes in position of said valves are determined by said computing means during a shutdown of said electric power generating system, first means for deactivating said means for moving said valving means to stop said flow of steam to said turbine, second speed sensing means, means connecting said second deactivating means and said second sensing means, second deactivating means, said second sensing means independently sensing the magnitude of the speed of said steam turbine system whereby a signal from said second sensing means is used to determine within said second deactivating means whether said second deactivating means deactivates said means for moving said valving means, to stop the flow of steam through said steam turbine.

Claim 28

An independent overspeed protection system for a steam turbine, said steam turbine having valving means including at least one throttle-stop valve, at least one governor valve and at least one interceptor valve, said independent overspeed protection system comprising: means for moving said valving means from one position to another, means for determining a position for said valving means including means for computing a desired valve position, first means for sensing the magnitude of the speed of said turbine system, means for measuring the magnitude of the flow of energy from said generator to an electric load, means for measuring a pressure of said stem in said steam turbine system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals by said computing means from said first rotational sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the direction of motion and the position of said throttle stop valve are determined during the startup of said turbine, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve in a direction and to a position determined by said computing means upon the receipt of signals from said first sensing means, said electric energy flow measuring means and said pressure measuring means whereby the positions of said throttle-stop valve, and said governor valve are determined during synchronization and power generation phases of said electric power generating system, said moving means moving said throttle-stop valve and said governor valve to a closed position and said interceptor valve to a position determined by said computing means whereby said positions and directions of movements, speeds of movement, changes in position of said valves are determined by said computing means during a shutdown of said electric power generating system, first means for deactivating said means for moving said valving means to stop said flow of steam to said turbine, second speed sensing means, means connecting said second deactivating means and said second sensing means, second deactivating means, said second sensing means independently sensing the magnitude of the speed of said steam turbine system whereby a signal from said second sensing means is used to determine within said second deactivating means whether said second deactivating means deactivates said means for moving said valving means, to stop the flow of steam through said steam turbine.

Claim 31

The method as defined in claim 4 in which said predetermined condition of steps (h) and (i) is a predetermined speed.

Claim 32

The method as defined in claim 4 in which said predetermined condition of steps (h) and (i) includes a malfunctioning of an overspeed prevention system.

Claim 33

The method as defined in claim 18 in which said predetermined condition of steps (h) and (i) includes a malfunctioning of an overspeed prevention system.