Control apparatus for modulating the inlet guide vanes of a gas turbine employed in a combined cycle electric power generating plant as a function of load or inlet blade path temperature

Claim 2

In association with a combined cycle electric power plant including at least one gas turbine having a variable inlet guide vane assembly and actuating means therefor, and control means for regulating overall plant operation wherein signals representative of predetermined turbine parameters are generated, control apparatus for automatically modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly, said apparatus comprising: a. first signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to the plant control means, for generating a first characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a first turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; b. second signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to the plant control means, for generating a second characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a second turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and c. signal selection means, coupled between said first and second signal characterizing means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for selecting in accordance with a predetermined criteria one of said first and second characterized inlet guide vane assembly positioning signals to the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means.

Claim 3

The control apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said first and second turbine parameter signals are respectively representative of turbine loading and a blade path temperature error.

Claim 4

The control apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a third turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said third turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said third turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 5

The control apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said first, second and third turbine parameter signals are respectively representative of turbine loading, a blade path temperature error and turbine speed.

Claim 6

The control apparatus according to claim 1 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 7

The control apparatus according to claim 3 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined value.

Claim 8

In association with a gas turbine having a variable inlet guide vane assembly and actuating means therefor, control apparatus for automatically modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly, said apparatus comprising: a. sensing means, responsively associated with the gas turbine for developing signals representative of predetermined turbine parameters; b. first signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a first characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a first turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; c. second signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a second characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a second turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and d. signal selection means, coupled between said first and second signal characterizing means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for selecting in accordance with a predetermined criteria one of said first and second characterized inlet guide vane assembly positioning signals for utilization by the inlet guide vane actuating means.

Claim 9

In association with a gas turbine having a variable inlet guide vane assembly and actuating means therefor, control apparatus for automatically modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly, said apparatus comprising: a. sensing means, responsively associated with the gas turbine for developing signals representative of predetermined turbine parameters; b. first signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a first characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a first turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; c. second signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a second characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a second turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and d. signal selection means, coupled between said first and second signal characterizing means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for selecting in accordance with a predetermined criteria one of said first and second characterized inlet guide vane assembly positioning signals for utilization by the inlet guide vane actuating means.

Claim 10

The control apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said first and second turbine parameter signals are respectively representative of turbine loading and a blade path temperature error.

Claim 11

The control apparatus according to claim 7 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a third turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said third turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said third parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 12

The control apparatus according to claim 9 wherein said first, second and third turbine parameter signals are respectively representative of turbine load, a blade path temperature error and turbine speed.

Claim 13

The control apparatus according to claim 7 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 14

The control apparatus according to claim 9 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined value.

Claim 15

In association with a combined cycle electric power plant including at least one gas turbine having a variable inlet guide vane assembly and actuating means therefor, and control means for regulating overall plant operation wherein signals representative of predetermined turbine parameters are generated, control apparatus for modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly, said apparatus comprising: a. means for automatically modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly including, 1. first signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to the plant control means for generating a first characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a first turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly, 2. second signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to the plant control means, for generating a second characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a second turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly, and 3. signal selection means, coupled between said first and second signal characterizing means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for selecting in accordance with a predetermined criteria one of said first and second characterized inlet guide vane assembly positioning signals to the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, b. means for manually initiating and generating a signal for modulation of the position of the inlet guide vane assembly as a backup to said automatic modulating means; and c. interfacing means, responsively coupled between the outputs of said automatic and said manual modulating means, for insuring forwarding of a control signal by the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means from either of said automatic or said manual modulating means.

Claim 16

In association with a combined cycle electric power plant including at least one gas turbine having a variable inlet guide vane assembly and actuating means therefor, and control means for regulating overall plant operation wherein signals representative of predetermined turbine parameters are generated, control apparatus for modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly, said apparatus comprising: a. means for automatically modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly including, 1. first signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to the plant control means for generating a first characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a first turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly, 2. second signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to the plant control means, for generating a second characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a second turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly, and 3. signal selection means, coupled between said first and second signal characterizing means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for selecting in accordance with a predetermined criteria one of said first and second characterized inlet guide vane assembly positioning signals to the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, b. means for manually initiating and generating a signal for modulation of the position of the inlet guide vane assembly as a backup to said automatic modulating means; and c. interfacing means, responsively coupled between the outputs of said automatic and said manual modulating means, for insuring forwarding of a control signal by the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means from either of said automatic or said manual modulating means.

Claim 17

The control apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said manual modulating means is responsively coupled to the plant operating means and further includes means for characterizing said positioning signal generated by said manual actuating means in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a third turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly.

Claim 18

The control apparatus according to claim 14 wherein said automatic modulating means further includes means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said interfacing means, for constantly tracking the value of the positioning signal forwarded by said interfacing means to the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means and for forcing the output of said automatic modulating means to be driven thereto.

Claim 19

The control apparatus according to claim 15 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a fourth turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 20

The control apparatus according to claim 16 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 21

The control apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said first and second turbine parameter signals are respectively representative of turbine loading and a blade path temperature error.

Claim 22

The control apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said automatic modulating means further includes means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said interfacing means, for constantly tracking the value of the positioning signal forwarded by said interfacing means to the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means and for forcing the output of said automatic modulating means to be driven thereto.

Claim 23

The control apparatus according to claim 19 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a fourth turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 24

The control apparatus according to claim 20 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 25

The control apparatus according to claim 19 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 26

The control apparatus according to claim 14 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a fourth turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 27

The control apparatus according to claim 15 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 28

The control apparatus according to claim 13 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a fourth turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 29

The control apparatus according to claim 25 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 30

The control apparatus according to claim 13 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 31

In association with a gas turbine having a variable inlet guide vane assembly and actuating means therefor, control apparatus for modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly, said apparatus comprising: a. sensing means, responsively associated with the gas turbine for developing signals representative of predetermined turbine parameters; b. means for automatically modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly including, 1. first signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a first characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a first turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly, 2. second signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a second characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a second turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly, and 3. signal selection means, coupled between said first and second signal characterizing means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for selecting in accordance with a predetermined criteria one of said first and second characterized inlet guide vane assembly positioning signals for utilization by the inlet guide vane actuating means, c. means for manually initiating and generating a signal for modulation of the position of the inlet guide vane assembly as a backup to said automatic modulating means; and d. intefacing means, responsively coupled between the outputs of said automatic and said manual modulating means, for insuring forwarding of a control signal by the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means from either of said automatic or said manual modulating means.

Claim 32

In association with a gas turbine having a variable inlet guide vane assembly and actuating means therefor, control apparatus for modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly, said apparatus comprising: a. sensing means, responsively associated with the gas turbine for developing signals representative of predetermined turbine parameters; b. means for automatically modulating the position of the inlet guide vane assembly including, 1. first signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a first characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a first turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly, 2. second signal characterizing means, responsively coupled to said sensing means, for generating a second characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a second turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly, and 3. signal selection means, coupled between said first and second signal characterizing means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for selecting in accordance with a predetermined criteria one of said first and second characterized inlet guide vane assembly positioning signals for utilization by the inlet guide vane actuating means, c. means for manually initiating and generating a signal for modulation of the position of the inlet guide vane assembly as a backup to said automatic modulating means; and d. intefacing means, responsively coupled between the outputs of said automatic and said manual modulating means, for insuring forwarding of a control signal by the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means from either of said automatic or said manual modulating means.

Claim 33

The control apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said manual modulating means is responsively coupled to the plant operating means and further includes means for characterizing said positioning signal generated by said manual actuating means in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a third turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly.

Claim 34

The control apparatus according to claim 29 wherein said automatic modulating means further includes means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said interfacing means, for constantly tracking the value of the positioning signal forwarded by said interfacing means to the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means and for forcing the output of said automatic modulating means to be driven thereto.

Claim 35

The control apparatus according to claim 30 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a fourth turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 36

The control apparatus according to claim 31 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 37

The control apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said first and second turbine parameter signals are respectively respresentative of turbine loading and a blade path temperature error.

Claim 38

The control apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said automatic modulating means further includes means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said interfacing means, for constantly tracking the value of the positioning signal forwarded by said interfacing means to the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means and for forcing the output of said automatic modulating means to be driven thereto.

Claim 39

The control apparatus according to claim 34 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a fourth turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 40

The control apparatus according to claim 35 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 41

The control apparatus according to claim 34 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 42

The control apparatus according to claim 29 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a fourth turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 43

The control apparatus according to claim 30 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 44

The control apparatus according to claim 28 which further comprises: a. third signal characterizing means, responsively coupled between the plant control means and the inlet guide vane assembly, for generating a third characterized inlet guide vane positioning signal in accordance with a predetermined correspondence between values of a fourth turbine parameter signal and positions of the inlet guide vane assembly; and b. switching means, responsively coupled to said first, second and third signal characterizing means, for enabling said third signal characterizing means and disenabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is below a predetermined value and for a disenabling said third signal characterizing means and enabling said first and second signal characterizing means whenever said fourth turbine parameter signal is above said predetermined value.

Claim 45

The control apparatus according to claim 40 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and said tracking means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.

Claim 46

The control apparatus according to claim 28 which further comprises damping means, responsively coupled between said signal selection means and the inlet guide vane assembly actuating means, for reducing to a predetermined value the rate of change of any signal selected by said signal selection means which exceeds a predetermined rate.