US4118635A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Synchronization system for a combined cycle electric power plant
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1974-08-08
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Granted: 1978-10-03
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Expires: 1994-08-08
Abstract
Abstract A combined cycle electric power plant includes gas and steam turbines and steam generators and a digital/analog control system. In the control system, an automatic digital computer control generates position setpoints for the gas turbine fuel valves and the steam turbine inlet valves to control speed and load. A synchronizer system includes a sequencer which is largely embodied in the digital computer as an element of the automatic control and it further includes a synchronizer which is external to the automatic control. The sequencer connects the synchronizer to synchronize the three generators in a sequence which depends on the startup and loading operation of the turbines, the synchronization operation of the synchronizer and the operation of the breakers. Turbine speed changes are initiated by the speed/load control under synchronizer control.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph F. Barrett
- 👤 Roy W. Kiscaden
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:31
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J3/00; H02J3/38; H02J3/40; H02J3/42; F; F01; F01D; F01D17/00; F01D17/20; F01D17/22; F01D17/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 28
Claim 1
Independent Claim
186 words
A combined cycle electric power plant comprising at least one gas turbine, means for generating steam in response to heat energy from said gas turbine, a steam turbine driven by steam supplied to it from said steam generating means, an electric generator driven by each of said turbines, means for controlling the operation of said turbines and steam generating means, said controlling means including a speed control for said gas turbine and a speed control for said steam turbine, means for regulating the field voltage of each of said generators, a circuit breaker means for connecting each of said generators to a power system line, means for generating signals representing each generator voltage and each line voltage, means for responding to the generator and line voltage signals to generate voltage change and turbine speed change outputs needed for synchronization and to generate a breaker close signal when line and generator matching occurs, and means for selectively coupling said responding means to the generator and line voltage signals and the speed control and voltage regulator and breaker means associated with one of said turbines at a time.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
186 words
A combined cycle electric power plant comprising at least one gas turbine, means for generating steam in response to heat energy from said gas turbine, a steam turbine driven by steam supplied to it from said steam generating means, an electric generator driven by each of said turbines, means for controlling the operation of said turbines and steam generating means, said controlling means including a speed control for said gas turbine and a speed control for said steam turbine, means for regulating the field voltage of each of said generators, a circuit breaker means for connecting each of said generators to a power system line, means for generating signals representing each generator voltage and each line voltage, means for responding to the generator and line voltage signals to generate voltage change and turbine speed change outputs needed for synchronization and to generate a breaker close signal when line and generator matching occurs, and means for selectively coupling said responding means to the generator and line voltage signals and the speed control and voltage regulator and breaker means associated with one of said turbines at a time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein the responding means is a synchronizer circuit and said speed control includes a digital computer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
50 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein means are provided for delaying the breaker close signal for each breaker means by an amount characteristic to the breaker means so as to equalize the anticipated breaker close time for all breaker means in said responding means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
72 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein said coupling means includes respective sets of switch means for the generator and line voltage signals and the turbine speed controls and the voltage regulators and the breaker means for the respective turbine-generators, and means for operating said sets of switch means in a predetermined sequence to obtain sequenced synchronization of the turbine-generators during a plant or multiple turbine startup.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 4 wherein said switch operating means operates said switch means in accordance with the order in which the turbines reach synchronous speed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 4 wherein means are provided for rejecting any turbine-generator from sequenced synchronization that fails to satisfy predetermined process conditions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 6 wherein the rejection conditions include a failure of a turbine to reach synchronous speed in less than a predetermined time period.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 6 wherein the rejection conditions include a failure of a turbine-generator to be synchronized within a predetermined time period.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 6 wherein the rejection conditions include a failure of a closed breaker to remain closed for more than a predetermined time period.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 6 wherein the rejection conditions include a failure of a turbine to drive its generator to a predetermined minimum load level.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 7 wherein the rejection conditions include a failure of a turbine-generator to be synchronized within a predetermined time period.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 11 wherein the rejection conditions include a failure of a closed breaker to remain closed for more than a predetermined time period.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
43 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 4 wherein an operator panel is provided and means are provided on said panel for generating signals which are coupled to said switch operating means to function as permissives for automatic sequenced synchronizations.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
35 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 4 wherein said responding means is a synchronizer circuit and said speed controls include a digital computer, and said computer includes said switch operating means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
38 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 2 wherein said computer includes means for generating outputs to operate said coupling means so that the turbine-generators are synchronized in a sequence dependent on real time events.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
68 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 15 wherein said synchronizer circuit applies speed change signals to said computer means and provides for speed generating signals representing the turbine speeds, said computer generates a fuel and steam valve position references for said turbines as a function of the speed signals during speed control and as a function of the speed change signals during synchronizer operation.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
31 words
A combined cycle electric power plant as claimed in claim 1 wherein said controlling means includes a digital computer and said computer at least functions as part of said speed controls.
Claim 19
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for sequentially synchronizing multiple generators in a combined cycle plant having means for generating steam in response to heat energy from said gas turbine, a steam turbine driven by steam supplied to it from said steam generating means, said synchronizing system comprising a speed control for said gas turbine and a speed control for said steam turbine, means for regulating the field voltage of each of said generators, a circuit breaker means for connecting each of said generators to a power system line, means for generating signals representing each generator voltage and each line voltage, means for responding to the generator and line voltage signals to generate voltage change and turbine speed change outputs needed for synchronization and to generate a breaker close signal when line and generator matching occurs, and means for selectively coupling said responding means to the generator and line voltage signals and the speed control and voltage regulator and breaker means associated with one of said turbines at a time.
Claim 20
Independent Claim
166 words
A system for sequentially synchronizing multiple generators in a combined cycle plant having means for generating steam in response to heat energy from said gas turbine, a steam turbine driven by steam supplied to it from said steam generating means, said synchronizing system comprising a speed control for said gas turbine and a speed control for said steam turbine, means for regulating the field voltage of each of said generators, a circuit breaker means for connecting each of said generators to a power system line, means for generating signals representing each generator voltage and each line voltage, means for responding to the generator and line voltage signals to generate voltage change and turbine speed change outputs needed for synchronization and to generate a breaker close signal when line and generator matching occurs, and means for selectively coupling said responding means to the generator and line voltage signals and the speed control and voltage regulator and breaker means associated with one of said turbines at a time.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
25 words
A synchronizer system as set forth in claim 18 wherein said responding means is a synchronizer circuit and said speed controls include a digital computer.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
46 words
A synchronizer system as set forth in claim 18 wherein means are provided for delaying the breaker close signal for each breaker by an amount characteristic to the breaker so as to equalize the anticipated breaker close time for all breaker means in said responding means.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
70 words
A synchronizer system as set forth in claim 18 wherein said coupling means includes respective sets of switch means for the generator and line voltage signals and the turbine speed controls and the voltage regulators and the breaker means for the respective turbine-generators, and means for operating said sets of switch means in a predetermined sequence to obtain sequenced synchronization of the turbine-generators during a plant or multiple turbine startup.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
30 words
A synchronizer system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said switch operating means operates said switch means in accordance with the order in which the turbines reach synchronous speed.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
27 words
A synchronizer system as set forth in claim 21 wherein means are provided for rejecting any turbine-generator from sequenced synchronization that fails to satisfy predetermined process conditions.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
A synchronizer system as set forth in claim 21 wherein said responding means is a synchronizer circuit and said speed controls include a digital computer, and said computer includes said switch operating means.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
36 words
A synchronizer system as set forth in claim 19 wherein said computer includes means for generating outputs to operate said coupling means so that the turbine-generators are synchronizers in a sequence dependent on real time events.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
66 words
A synchronizer system as set forth in claim 25 wherein said synchronizer circuit applies speed change signals to said computer means and provides for speed generating signals representing the turbine speeds, said computer generates a fuel and steam valve position references for said turbines as a function of the speed signals during speed control and as a function of the speed change signals during synchronizer operation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-10-02 | 1982-04-03 | 1982-10-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-10-02 | 1986-04-03 | 1986-10-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-10-02 | 1990-04-03 | 1990-10-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |