Abstract: A system for controlling a centrifugal gas compressor (108) in an HVAC, refrigeration or liquid chiller system (100) in which flow of gas through the compressor is automatically controlled to maintain desired parameters within predetermined ranges so as to prevent stall and surge conditions within the system. A variable geometry diffuser (119) in the compressor controls the refrigerant gas flow at the discharge of the compressor impeller wheel (201). This arrangement reduces mass flow, decrease/eliminate flow-reducing stall, and increases the operating efficiency of the compressor at partial load conditions. The variable geometry diffuser control in combination with a variable speed drive (VSD) (120) increases the efficiency of the compressor at partial system loads, and eliminates the need for pre-rotation vanes at the inlet of the centrifugal compressor.

Abstract: A gas turbine includes a compressor, a turbine downstream of the compressor having stators, and a rotor connecting the compressor to the turbine. The rotor includes rotor cavities. A supply plenum containing a process by-product gas and a control valve is connected to at least one of the rotor cavities to supply the process by-product gas to at least one of the rotor cavities. A process for operating a gas turbine having a compressor and a turbine includes connecting the compressor to the turbine by a rotor, creating cavities in the rotor, and injecting a process by-product gas into at least one of the cavities. The process further includes regulating the flow of the process by-product gas into at least one of the cavities according to a pre-programmed parameter.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a gas turbine engine (20) to predict maintenance requirements. Particles suspended in a gas flow (24, 32) of the engine (20) are monitored and quantified to predict a particle accumulation rate. Monitoring may be done using particle flow sensors (61-63) in a diverted portion (33) of the working gas flow (24), such as in the cooling gas flow (32). Particle sampling (S1-S3) may be done to determine particle size and composition distributions. Particle mass flow rates may then be continuously monitored per engine operating condition, and compared to predetermined values such as a normal upper limit per engine operating condition. An integrated particle mass flow may be used in conjunction with an instantaneous mass flow rate to predict a maintenance requirement. Multiple locations (L1-L3) may be monitored to recognize a maintenance requirement by flow section or component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a fluid level and/or output flow during operation of a centrifugal pump, are provided, which may be used for production of gas and/or oil from a well, and include a vector feedback model to derive values of torque and speed from signals indicative of instantaneous current and voltage drawn by the pump motor, a pump model which derives values of the fluid flow rate and the head pressure for the pump from torque and speed inputs, a pumping system model that derives, from the estimated values of the pump operating parameters, an estimated value of fluid level and other pumping system parameters. Controllers responsive to the estimated values of the pumping system parameters control the pump to maintain fluid level at the pump input, near an optimum level, or within a safe operating range and/or output flow from the pump.

Abstract: A system for controlling the clearance between a turbine blade and the turbine casing that includes an impingement cooling manifold attached to a turbine casing, a temperature sensing device for determining the temperature of the turbine casing, a blower, a control system logic for determining the setting temperature of the casing, and a controller for controlling the blower, wherein the blower forces air onto the impingement cooling manifold to cool the casing towards the setting temperature and control the clearance.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a system includes a controller configured to obtain an inter-stage pressure measurement between stages of a multi-stage compressor. The controller is also configured to identify actual damage in the multi-stage compressor based at least in part on the inter-stage pressure measurement.

Abstract: A method for using an aerodynamic stability management system is disclosed. The method includes placing at least one pressure sensor in a compressor, the at least one pressure sensor communicating with an aerodynamic stability management system controller and monitoring gas turbine engine performance using the aerodynamic stability management system controller. The controller includes a memory, an input/output interface and a processor. The method also includes defining a correlation threshold value and calculating a correlation measure using a plurality of pressure signals generated by the at least one pressure sensor and comparing the correlation measure with the correlation threshold value. When the correlation measure is less than the correlation threshold value a corrective action is implemented.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating the impact of compressor fouling in a combined cycle power block. The current performance of the combined cycle power block is determined and normalized to one or more reference conditions. A baseline performance of a gas turbine of the combined cycle power block is also determined. A predicted performance of the combined cycle power block is then determined by substituting the baseline performance of the gas turbine for the current performance of the gas turbine. A recoverable impact to the combined cycle power block due to compressor fouling is then determined by subtracting the normalized current performance from the predicted performance and a recoverable impact to the fuel consumption of the combined cycle power block is determined from the recoverable impact.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine valve is disclosed. In one form the valve includes two inlets in fluid communication with an outlet. The valve can include a spool having two lands capable of selectively closing either of the two inlets. The valve can include energy storage devices that initially position the spool within a valve housing. A temperature motor is provided to position the spool based upon a temperature of a mixture of working fluid from the two inlets. A working fluid flowing into the first inlet can be in fluid communication with a second end of the valve; and a working fluid flowing into the second inlet can be in fluid communication with a first end of the valve. A relatively high pressure condition at one or the other of the inlets can be used to alter a position of the valve.

Abstract: A vertical-axis wind turbine which has a central rotary tower upon which are fixed substantially vertical blades. The blades are capable of rotating and moving radially relative to the central tower, the movement of each blade being independently controlled based on the conditions to which it is constantly subjected so as to optimize the overall performance of the wind turbine.

Abstract: A method for controlling at least two turbocompressors (1.1, 2.1), each having a control device (1.2, 2.2) for maintaining a distance relative to a surge limit curve (P1, P2) of the respective turbocompressor; wherein a first distance (A1.1, A2.1) is determined for each turbocompressor from its surge limit curve; wherein the distance to be maintained can be trimmed relative to this first distance in the control devices; and wherein the distance (A2.2) of a control device (2.2) to be maintained is trimmed relative to its first distance (A2.1) based on a trimming (A1.1?A1.2) of another control device (1.2) in such a way that a total process variable (dV/dt) remains substantially constant.

Abstract: A torque-based sensor and control method for detecting varying gas-liquid fractions of a fluid entering a turbomachine that operates a fluid of varying liquid phases and compositions and using information about the actual gas-liquid fraction to set a control algorithm so that it can change the torque and therefore the rotation speed of the turbomachine to operate at safer conditions or conditions with higher efficiency or higher power output.

Abstract: A fuel cell system having an adaptable compressor map and method for optimizing the adaptable compressor map is provided. The method includes the steps of establishing an initial operating setpoint for an air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map; monitoring a surge indicator; adjusting the adaptable compressor map based on the monitored surge indicator; determining a desired operating setpoint based on the adjusted adaptable compressor map; and establishing an adapted operating setpoint for the air compressor based on the adaptable compressor map following the adjustment thereof. The steps are repeated until the adaptable compressor map for the air compressor is optimized.

Abstract: A method of establishing a wheel space temperature alarm in a turbomachine includes calculating an expected wheel space temperature based on operating conditions, measuring an actual wheel space temperature, and signaling an over temperature condition if the actual wheel space temperature exceeds the expected wheel space temperature.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards improved systems and methods for the delivery of urea to an exhaust gas treatment system. In one exemplary embodiment, a urea pump assembly for an exhaust treatment system is provided. The pump assembly includes a housing comprising: a housing chamber, a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, the first fluid inlet being in fluid communication with the first fluid outlet through a first conduit. The housing also comprises a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet, the second fluid inlet being in fluid communication with the second fluid outlet through a second flexible conduit. The second flexible conduit is located within a portion of the housing chamber and in thermal communication with the first conduit. The pump assembly also includes a pump located within the housing chamber, the pump being engaged with the second conduit and configured to move fluid between the second fluid inlet and the second fluid outlet.

Abstract: A method of operating a compressor of a compressor system is disclosed. The method uses three models. Each model of the three models describes a surge line of the compressor as a function of any two of three operating parameters of the compressor. The three operating parameters include head H, flow Q, and speed N. The method includes measuring operating characteristics of the compressor system using sensors, and determining a current value of the three operating parameters based on at least some of the measured operating characteristics. The method also includes locating operating points of the compressor on each of the three models based on the current value of the operating parameters, and identifying a sensor fault that affects the determination of at least one of the operating parameters. The method further includes avoiding surge of the compressor using one model of the three models. The one model being a model that is a function of two operating parameters unaffected by the sensor fault.

Abstract: A wireless sensing device for use in a wind turbine having a sensor capable of measuring one or more parameters for wind turbine operation. The sensing device also include a transmission device capable of wirelessly transmitting one or more signals corresponding to the one or more measured parameters to a controller. An independent power source is included to power the transmission device and the sensor. A method for system for operating and monitoring wind turbine operation are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for predictive control of a turbocharger. The method includes interpreting a compressor performance model for a turbocharger, and interpreting at least one current operating parameter. The method further includes calculating a performance margin, calculating a performance margin derivative, and calculating a response value. The performance margin comprises a choke margin or a surge margin according to the position of an operating point in the compressor performance model. The performance margin is implemented in a first sigmoid function, and the performance margin derivative is implemented in a second sigmoid function. The response value is determined by applying a MIN function to the output of the product of the sigmoid functions in the choke margin case, and by applying a MAX function to the product of the sigmoid functions in the surge margin case.

Abstract: The present invention includes an inflow quantity regulating means 5 for regulating the inflow quantity of a fuel gas to a compressor 1; a recycle valve 7 for returning the fuel gas discharged from the compressor 1 to the inlet side of the compressor 1; and a control means which sets a control operating value for operating the compressor 1 at a predetermined operation point, and controls the inflow quantity regulating means 5 and the recycle valve 7 based on the control operating value. The control means has a first control signal generating means 27 which generates a signal increasing with an increase in the operating value as a control signal for the inflow quantity regulating means 5 when the control operating value is a predetermined value or larger and a second control signal generating means 29 which generates a signal decreasing with an increase in the operating value as a control signal for the recycle valve 7 when the control operating value is smaller than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A fan cooling device and a method of controlling a fan rotation speed are provided. The fan cooling device includes a thermo sensor, a thermo monitor unit, a processing unit, a driving unit, and a fan. The thermo monitor unit compares the sensed result from the thermo sensor with at least one threshold, and decides whether or not to send an interrupt event according to the compared result. The processing unit executes an interrupt service according to the interrupt event, and then sets and outputs a value of the fan rotation speed. The driving unit drives the fan and controls the rotation speed of the fan according to the value of the fan rotation speed. The fan sends out a wind flow to reduce the internal temperature of a computer system or a CPU.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for monitoring the performance of a gas turbine engine. A counter value Indicative of the comparison between the engine condition and the threshold condition is adjusted. The aircraft operator is warned of an impending maintenance condition based on the counter value and determines an appropriate course of action.

Abstract: Provided is a compressor control unit with a high response ability to changes of gas condition of a compressor (compressor suction temperature, pressure, gas specific gravity, pressure ratio of suction pressure and discharge pressure). In the control unit for a compressor that supplies gas into a gas turbine through a header tank, an inlet gas condition is measured and a load command value from a gas turbine controller is corrected to be increased or decreased corresponding to the measured inlet gas condition.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a limit exceedance of an operating parameter in a steam turbine system. Measurement data associated with the operating parameter is received, and a limit exceedance is determined when the rate of change in the received data over a predefined period of time exceeds a predefined limit. A control action is taken when a limit exceedance has been determined.

Abstract: In a fluid flow network including a centrifugal pump, a system and kit for monitoring said centrifugal pump and relieving the pump of fluid when the pump is operating at no-flow conditions. The system comprises a fluid conduit connected to the pump, at least one sensor for indicating when the pump is operating at no-flow conditions. The sensor is selected from the group consisting of: temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and motor current sensors. The system has a fluid control means located in the fluid conduit. An electric snap-action valve is included that has an inlet connected to the fluid conduit and an outlet and a diaphragm. The diaphragm is movable between a first position and a second position. A power supply is included.

Abstract: A highly supercharged gas-turbine generation system include a gas turbine power plant that is supercharged to a high inlet pressure, preferably over about 1.15 pressure ratio and preferably includes a transmission system with refrigerated transformers for increased output. The gas turbine power plant includes a precompressor that supercharges to a design pressure ratio of about 1.20 to 10, with a preferred pressure ratio of about 2. For high supercharging pressures, a pressure-reducer is located downstream of the gas turbine to maintain turbine outlet pressure that is close to the inlet pressure. The pressure-reducer is preferably an expander, but can alternatively be an orifice. A torque-limiting coupling on the shaft between the gas turbine and the generator prevents transient overload of the shaft. Capacity of the gas turbine plant is preferably controlled by varying supercharging pressure. The expander preferably has variable-pitch blades to allow efficient variation of turbine outlet pressure.

Abstract: A control circuit is electrically connected to at least one fan device. The fan device has a motor and generates a sensing signal. The control circuit receives a power-source signal and the sensing signal and includes a power converting unit, a control unit and a switch unit. The power converting unit receives the power-source signal and thus respectively outputs a first power-source signal and a second power-source signal according to the power-source signal. The control unit receives the first power-source signal and the sensing signal and thus generates a control signal according to the sensing signal. The switch unit receives the control signal and generates at least one switch signal according to the control signal. The fan device receives the second power-source signal and the switch signal and drives the motor according to the switch signal.

Abstract: A system and a method for implementing capacity control in a screw compressor, said system comprising; a screw compressor, said compressor driven by a multi-capacity (speed and power) motor to compress air or gas medium, a bypass inlet member with a bypass valve, extending from the high pressure zone to the low pressure zone of the screw compressor to recirculate the gaseous medium, a bypass valve controller functionally connected to said bypass valve, a motor controller functionally connected to the motor to effect multi-capacity (speed and power) operations, a main processing control unit disposed to control the bypass valve and multi-capacity (speed and power) operations, measuring means disposed on the compressed medium passage for measuring the changes in the pressure and/or temperature changes in the form of signals, a signal converter functionally connected to the main processing unit and the measuring means to receive the signals, and said motor controller and bypass valve controller are functionally

Abstract: A system air fans integrated control apparatus for a computer system which has a plurality of heat sources and a plurality of air fans corresponding to the heat sources includes a plurality of detection units to detect the heat sources and output a plurality of temperature alteration parameter signals, a signal integration and determination circuit to receive and interpret the temperature alteration parameter signals to determine a rotation speed regulation signal, and an air fan driving circuit which is linked to the signal integration and determination circuit and an external driving power source. Upon receiving the rotation speed regulation signal the driving power of the external driving power source to the air fans is regulated synchronously. Thereby multiple heat sources are detected at the same time and multiple air fans are integrated to perform heat dissipating to reduce accumulating heat in the system environment.

Abstract: A sensing system for monitoring a property of an electrically conductive moving element of turbomachinery. The sensing system includes a sensing system housing. A magnetic core is contained within the sensing system housing. A coil is positioned about at least a portion of the core. The coil is electrically connectable to a property data analysis device. A first magnet and a second magnet are positioned about the coil and positionable proximate a moving element of turbomachinery to be monitored. A primary magnetic field is generated by the first and second magnets. When the moving element enters the primary magnetic field a current is induced in the moving element, thus generating a time-variable magnetic field and commensurate voltage signal generated in the coil. The voltage signal is amplified by the magnetic core and provides an indication of a property of the moving element.

Abstract: A method for determining an approximate value for a parameter characteristic of the fatigue state of a component as a result of a time-varying stress to which it is subjected by means of a number of load cycles should, itself, during comparatively lengthy stress cycles, enable a prognosis concerning the current fatigue state of the component, this prognosis being, in particular, adapted to the needs and suited for the real-time determination of maintenance intervals. To this end, in addition to optionally already fully completed load cycles, a first partially completed load cycle is also taken into consideration during the determination of the parameter, whereby temporary stress values for phases that have not yet been run through of the partially completed load cycle are, together with a predetermined fixed value, taken into consideration.

Abstract: Centrifugal compressor flow stabilizing devices and methods of operation thereof are disclosed that act upon the flow field discharging from the impeller of a centrifugal compressor and modify the flow field ahead of the diffuser vanes such that flow conditions contributing to rotating stall and surge are reduced or even eliminated. In some embodiments, shaped rods and methods of operation thereof are disclosed, whereas in other embodiments reverse-tangent air injection devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A turbo chiller that can accurately determine the existence of surging occurring in a centrifugal compressor is provided. In a centrifugal compressor of a turbo chiller, which includes an impeller for compressing refrigerant, a resistance temperature sensor for detecting the refrigerant temperature is provided at the upstream side of the impeller. Accordingly, a temperature rise caused by surging can be detected and the existence of surging can be accurately determined.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling exhaust gas recirculation flow. The apparatus and method uses a pressure-bleeding device, such as a wastegate valve, to change the pressure in an internal combustion engine in order to alter the flow rate of the exhaust gas through an exhaust gas recirculation conduit. In one form, the invention includes an inlet conduit connected to an intake manifold of an internal combustion engine and an exhaust conduit connected to exhaust manifold of an internal combustion engine. The pressure-bleeding device is operatively coupled to the intake conduit. Altering the pressure in the intake conduit changes the pressure across the entire system. This change in pressure in the entire system results in a change in pressure across the exhaust gas recirculation conduit. Therefore, a flow is created through the exhaust gas recirculation conduit and can be controlled using the intake side pressure bleeding device.

Abstract: A turbo-compressor being driven by an electric motor has an inlet guide vane and a blow-off valve. The surge limit line of the compressor is amended depending upon seasonal changes of temperature and pressure of a working gas to be sucked into the compressor. Upon the basis of the surge limit line amended, the minimum opening of the inlet guide vale is altered, thereby reducing the driving power or force of the compressor.

Abstract: A trip manifold assembly is disclosed which includes a manifold body connected to a header shaft. The header shaft passes through a plurality of rotary valves. Each rotary valve is connected to a pressure transmitter. The header shaft comprises two passages including a transmitter input passage and a drain passage. The rotary valves each comprise a through passage. A manifold body provides fluid communication between an input source and the transmitter input passage of the header shaft. The manifold also provides communication between the drain passage of the header shaft and a drain vent. The rotary valves are each independently rotatable between two positions including a transmit position where the through passage of each valve provides communication between the transmitter input passage of the header shaft and their respective pressure transmitters.

Abstract: A system for determining whether a centrifugal pump assembly is degraded as operating outside of acceptable operating limits and includes a processor adapted by software to perform the steps of automatically characterizing the pump characteristics at a predetermined operating level and testing for degradation using the automatically acquired pump characteristics.

Abstract: In a method for determination of a surge limit warning (W) for a turbocompressor, or a warning of blade damage, at least two measurement signals (p1, p2; {tilde over (p)}1, {tilde over (p)}2), are determined, a periodicity value (W1; {tilde over (W)}1) is calculated from at least one of the measurement signals (p1, p2; {tilde over (p)}1, {tilde over (p)}2), indicating a measure for the occurrence of periodic signal level changes in the at least one measurement signal (p1, p2; {tilde over (p)}1, {tilde over (p)}2) for a predetermined first time offset (t1), a correlation value (W2; {tilde over (W)}2) is calculated from the at least two measurement signals (p1, p2; {tilde over (p)}1, {tilde over (p)}2), indicating a measure for the similarity of the at least two measurement signals (p1, p2; {tilde over (p)}1, {tilde over (p)}2) to one another for a predetermined second time offset (t2), and the surge limit warning (W) or the warning of blade damage (W) is determined from the periodicity value (W1; {tilde over (

Abstract: A system and method of surge limit control for turbo compressors including a turbo compressor having an inlet and an outlet, an anti-surge valve, a variable speed drive to operate the compressor, a rotational speed transmitter, an inlet temperature transmitter, an inlet pressure transmitter, an outlet pressure transmitter and/or guide vanes, and a controller, the controller including a PID control module wherein the computer uses information from the transmitters to continuously calculate a pressure ratio of the compressor at the compressor's current operational speed and compare it to the compressor's calculated pressure ratio at surge limit conditions. A computer generates a control signal for determining when to open the anti-surge valve if the pressure ratio of the compressor at the compressor's current operational speed guide vanes are within a user defined safety margin to the calculated pressure ratio at surge limit conditions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind generator. The wind generator comprises a body installed freely rotatably at a tower, blades installed at a leading end of the body, a gearbox for receiving rotational forces from the blades, and a generator connected to the gearbox for generating electricity. The blades are coupled with a blade angle adjustment unit so that the angles of the blades can be adjusted at predetermined angles according to the directions and velocities of winds. The gearbox comprises a planet gear coupled with a rotational shaft of the blades, a ring gear which has teeth formed on a radially inner surface thereof and engages with the planet gears, and a sun gear which engages with the planet gear and is connected with the generator. Teeth are formed on a radially outer surface of the ring gear so that teeth of a stop gear can be engaged therewith.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and/or systems for controlling vibration and/or acoustic noise. An exemplary method senses noise and/or, for example, rotational speed of a rotating shaft, determines control parameters and actuates one or more actuators. An exemplary device includes a controller configured to receive information, determine control parameters and actuate one or more actuators. An exemplary system includes one or more sensors, a processor and one or more actuators. Various exemplary methods, devices, and/or systems are optionally suitable for use with turbochargers and/or other boost systems.

Abstract: A process for the reliable operation of turbocompressors with a surge limit control and a surge limit control valve is described, in which the compressor delivers gases with different compositions and the composition of the gas (molecular weight) affects the performance characteristic of the turbocompressor and hence the position of the surge limit in the performance characteristic. The different compositions of the gases are compensated here with the effect on the position of the surge limit and consequently on the position of the surge limit control line by using predetermined design values for the gas constant R, the isentropic exponent k and the compressibility number z within the surge limit control for the determination of the delivery head ?h and the volume flow V and plotting them in the form of a predetermined surge limit line (FIG. 2, FIG.

Abstract: A control for changing direction of air flow through a cooling core in response to an external signal and a purge signal includes a logic circuit and a relay assembly. The logic circuit generates a fan control signal based on the external signal, which causes the fan to turn on and operate in a cooling mode and generate an air flow through the cooling core in a first direction, or operate in a neutral mode with reduced or no air flow through the cooling core. The logic circuit also includes at least one timer that internally generates the purge signal, which is then transmitted by the logic circuit to the relay assembly. The purge signal overrides the fan control signal and causes the fan to operate in a purge mode, which causes air flow through the cooling core in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of surge or incipient surge in a centrifugal compressor is supplied. The centrifugal compressor has an inlet passage, an inlet passage wall and an impeller. When flowing a fluid through the centrifugal compressor thereby establishing a fluid flow in the inlet passage, the fluid flow is measured in the inlet passage proximate the inlet passage wall and proximate the impeller. The measurements may include detecting a reverse in the fluid flow direction, measuring a tangential component to the fluid flow, measuring a substantial decrease in the axial fluid flow, and/or measuring the fluid temperature. Fluid flow in the compressor can then be modified or controlled to prevent surge.

Abstract: In a method of controlling steam flow through a steam turbine having a turbine rotor, a maximum heat transfer rate is determined based on thermal stress calculations in the turbine rotor. A maximum steam flow rate can be calculated based on the maximum heat transfer rate. An actual steam flow rate through the steam turbine is determined, and a turbine inlet valve is controlled based on a difference between the actual steam flow rate and the maximum steam flow rate. In this manner, steam flow can be controlled to the steam turbine in such a way as to limit thermal stress to an acceptable level while minimizing start times and maximizing operability.

Abstract: A turbine engine has a rotor shaft rotatably carried within a non-rotating support structure. A seal is carried by the support structure circumscribing the shaft and having a flexible sealing element for sealing with the shaft. A chamber is located between the seal and support structure. A fluid is carried within the chamber and damps radial excursion of a seal axis from a support structure axis. The seal may be a full annulus or may be segmented. The fluid may be contained within one or more elastomeric bladders.

Abstract: Measures of a torque and rotational speed of a pump or fan are obtained, from which a mechanical input power can be calculated. By further using predetermined relations between mechanical input power and flow rate through the pump or fan, a measure of the flow rate can be derived without use of in-line flow or pressure sensors. In preferred embodiments the torque and/or rotational speed is obtained by measuring the input current and voltage of a motor driving the pump or fan and using predetermined relations between on the one hand current and voltage and on the other hand torque and rotational speed. Furthermore, also other flow properties, such as pump head, pump efficiency and total efficiency can be determined in this manner.

Abstract: A control strategy for a gas turbine engine which exchanges future lifetime of the engine for present thrust. Gas turbine engines, such as those used in aircraft, sometimes incur damage, as when they ingest birds, or are struck with ballistic objects fired by an enemy. The invention detects the damage, and invokes a control strategy wherein the engine is operated in a more harsh manner, thereby sacrificing a significant part of the remaining lifetime of the engine, in order to obtain thrust currently.

Abstract: Wind power installations using more modern technology have long been known. Such wind power installations have rotors comprising at least one or more rotor blades. The rotors and accordingly the rotor blades carried thereby of wind power installations are subjected to a particular degree to the ambient environmental influences such as for example rain, snow, hail or also insects. In particular the leading edges of the rotor blades are heavily loaded in that respect. In that situation it can happen that the rotor blades and in particular the leading edges thereof, after some time, suffer from (mechanical) damage, for which cost-intensive repair is necessary, especially as a crane is frequently required for that purpose and the entire wind power installation is also stopped for a prolonged period due to the repair and under some circumstances even individual rotor blades have to be transported away to the repair location.

Abstract: A method for determining whether a centrifugal pump is operating within its normal flow operating range includes the steps: of determining a motor torque/TDH relationship over a range of speeds for a minimum flow rate in order to obtain a minimum flow operating range for the centrifugal pump; determining a motor torque/TDH relationship over a range of speeds for a maximum flow rate in order to obtain a maximum flow operating range for the centrifugal pump; determining the actual operating motor torque and TDH of the centrifugal pump at a given operating point; and determining whether the actual operating motor torque and TDH of the centrifugal pump fall within the minimum flow and maximum flow operating ranges of the centrifugal pump.

Abstract: Steam turbine speed-control systems often incorporate pilot valves for controlling the position of hydraulic actuators for steam valves. Operational efficiency of these pilot valves can suffer from imperfections due to manufacturing defects, wear, contaminated oil, and the like, thereby impairing the control system's overall performance. This disclosure relates to a method for improving performance accuracy by incorporating a control system (including additional controllers) dedicated to overcoming the deficiencies of pilot valves or other control system components. With such a system, the lack of adequate control response can be detected by calculating the first time-derivative of a variety of main controlled-parameters. Such parameters can be directly related to steam flow control, such as steam valve position, steam flow rate, and pressure within the steam turbine; or they may be related to the driven equipment: generator power output, flow rate through a compressor, and compressor discharge pressure.