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NE TIP NO. 7: Benefits accrue from observing startup, operational, shutdown sequences – Combined Cycle Journal
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Turbine Tip No. 7 from the PAL solutions library applies to General Electric Frame 5, Frame 6, and early Frame
7 gas turbines equipped with Mark V control systems.
It is common for plant O&M personnel to focus their attention on the gas turbine during engine startup,
operation, and loading. Fig 1 charts a variable called fuel stroke reference (FSR) from initiation of the start
signal up to baseload for continuous gas-turbine operation.
The loading process from FSNL to baseload or peak power follows the demand for fuel flow according to
the three curves shown in Fig 2. Since the unit is synched to the grid, speed (engine and fuel pump) has been
eliminated from the algorithm used to draw this portion of the Fig 1 chart.
For simplicity, only three sloped lines are presented in Fig 2. The one to follow depends on compressor inlet
temperature (T-amb) and the subsequent level of compressor discharge pressure—called CPD in today’s
Speedtronic nomenclature.
Keeping the turbine under proper control by the Speedtronic system always has been of paramount
importance to GE. Setting of fuel limits for fired operation is part of this and dates back to the 1950s when
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1/24/24, 2:52 PM TURBINE TIP NO. 7: Benefits accrue from observing startup, operational, shutdown sequences – Combined Cycle Journal
The gas-turbine controls are designed to determine, and to limit, turbine firing temperature (Tf ) in the space
just upstream of the first-stage buckets (at right in Fig 3); the three-stage turbine section is at the left. Note
that (Tf) is not measured but rather a calculated value using thermodynamic equations incorporating CPD,
Txa, and constants like the specific-heat values.
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1/24/24, 2:52 PM TURBINE TIP NO. 7: Benefits accrue from observing startup, operational, shutdown sequences – Combined Cycle Journal
During spin down, the time to reach rotor rest after flame is extinguished, operators should remain
observant. For example, attention should be directed to the time it takes for the rotor to spin freely to
rest. If the shaft comes to rest too quickly, it may be indicative of tight or worn bearings, seal rubs, or
misalignment of internal components. Also possible on a Frame 5 or 6B: Improper alignment of the
load device with respect to the gas turbine.
Emergency lube-oil pump (88QE) start. Does the pump turn on to assure oil flow all the way down to
rotor rest? This is necessary because the main oil pump, gear-driven off the engine rotor, does not
deliver sufficient oil at the proper pressure to help cool down the bearings and protect the Babbitt
metal against wiping. The emergency lube-oil pump generally has AC and DC motor drivers on the
same shaft. When shaft speed drops below about 1000 rpm, the motor-driven pump takes over to
provide ample cooling lubricating oil. If AC power is lost, the battery-powered DC motor is activated.
On Frame 5 and 6B gas turbines, operators should visually confirm that the ratchet cycle has started
and that the rotor is actually turning with partial strokes. For Frame 7s, operators should confirm
turning-gear start and a slow rolling of the shaft. CCJ
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1/24/24, 2:52 PM TURBINE TIP NO. 7: Benefits accrue from observing startup, operational, shutdown sequences – Combined Cycle Journal
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