Abstract: A pump turbine includes a runner connected to a generator motor, a water discharge controller for adjusting the quantity of water passing through the runner and a governor for detecting a rotational speed of the runner and controlling the water discharge controller to get a predetermined rotational speed of the runner. Upon a load rejection which shuts off the generator motor from an electric power system, the governor is controlled to make a target speed value of the runner after a load rejection higher than a target speed value before the load rejection. The target speed value is a reference speed to be compared with actual speed so that the governor determines when or how to open or close a water discharge controller in response to a balance between the two speeds.

Abstract: A turbocharger assembly has a housing (1) in which is formed a turbine volute inlet duct (4) having a butterfly valve (8) disposed therein and a bypass duct (6) which contains a swing valve (15), the valves being operable to control the flow of exhaust gas through each duct. A link member (30) is mounted for rotation about the pivot axis (21) of the swing valve (15) and has an opening in which an actuating pin (20) engages with a tolerance fit so as to non-rotatably connect the swing valve (15) to the link plate (30). The link plate also has an elongated channel (34) along which an actuating pin (13) of the butterfly valve travels upon rotation of the link plate (30) about the pivot axis (21). The elongated channel has a first portion (34a) which extends along an arc centred on the axis of rotation (21) and a second portion (34b) which extends along an arc whose centre is offset from said axis (21).

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a steam turbine having a speed-loop droop governor with two load-frequency error gains (droops). The first gain (fast change) may be a conventional high gain that is used for power loads that have a constant frequency. When using only the first gain, the high rate of the first gain causes the droop governor to shut off steam to the turbine if the speed of the turbine drifts above a narrow speed range centered on the rated speed set-point. The second gain (slow change) is a low gain that causes the droop governor to tolerate a wide range of turbine speeds about the rated speed set-point.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for use with a gas turbine engine receive a signal indicative of an engine operating condition, generate signals representative of thermal conditions of a rotor, blades, and a case, and in response to each of the signals above, determine a signal indicative of a difference between a instantaneous clearance for the thermal conditions and a steady state clearance for the engine operating condition. The determination includes effects related to a temporary difference that results from a difference between the steady state clearance for the engine operating condition and a steady state clearance for a preceding engine operating condition, but does not require computation of the actual temperatures or the steady state temperatures of the rotor, the blades, and the case. A signal indicative of the difference between a instantaneous clearance for the thermal conditions and a steady state clearance for the engine operating condition may be provided to various augmentation schedules.

Abstract: The method enables a turbine to be used at varying speeds and powers. An injector (15) is placed in a channel (3) downstream from a turbine (4); it creates a Venturi effect and converts pressure control into control of the mass flow rate of a mixed fluid. Sensors (18) and a regulator (17) enable the speed of the turbine (4) to be matched to a reference speed. A variant consists in placing a suction generator at the outlet of the section (5) of the channel (3).

Abstract: A cooling control apparatus controls a plurality of cooling members. The apparatus has a monitor which monitors states of predetermined combinations of the cooling members and a controller which controls the cooling members based on the states monitored by the monitor.

Abstract: A stator apparatus for mounting upstream of an intake to a rotating machine which blows pressurized air, or other media, from discharge orifices at a pressure and velocity to minimize velocity defects or turbulence in the wake of the stator prior to the plane of rotation of a rotating member of the machine. The rotating member then encounters a substantially uniform velocity medium at the plane of incidence, which substantially reduces uneven loading on the rotating member, thereby reducing noise and reducing high-cycle failure of that rotating element. The distribution and size of the orifices is determinable by placing the stator apparatus in a wind tunnel, or on the intake of a apparatus simulating the intake of the rotating machine, measuring the turbulence or velocity defects in the stator wake, and modifying the distribution and size of the orifices until the turbulence is minimized.

Abstract: The operation of quickly taking a turbocompressor off-line from a parallel configuration, of a gas pipeline compressor station, may encounter increased mechanical action (in particular, vibration) upon recycle piping and the additional risk of compressor surge. For these reasons, this invention relates to a method and apparatus for decreasing vibratory loads and for increasing surge prevention effectiveness, while initiating an off-line operation, by (1) altering the surge control line's location, at a preset rate, from its initial location to a predetermined new location; and (2) decreasing the turbocompressor's deceleration rate when the operating point intercepts the surge control line before the control line reaches its new location. Upon completion of the off-line activity, the control line returns to its initial location; and the reduction of compressor speed will cease on reaching a preset value.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a centrifugal compressor in a water chiller system. The compressor's capacity is variable by modulating its speed of rotation or by modulating its inlet guide vane's position. The water chiller includes an evaporator having a leaving water temperature. The method comprises the steps of: monitoring the leaving water temperature; determining if the leaving water temperature is in a steady state; modulating the compressor capacity by modulating speed of rotation if the leaving water temperature is in a steady state; and modulating the compressor capacity by modulating inlet guide vane position if the leaving water temperature is not in a steady state.

Abstract: A system that provides reliable blade damping with the capability to limit vibration in the blade tips to inconsequential amplitudes. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises configurations of stationary electromagnets placed on a turboengine in three groups of three magnets, each separated circumferentially by 120 degrees, and each being powered and controlled by one central electronics module. The module can turn on the magnetic fields when the rotor is at a known critical speed or passing through a range of speeds that are known to cause large vibrations. Each blade tip enters the magnetic field of each electromagnet which is turned on once in a complete rotation. The electromagnets are located on or embedded in the casing surrounding the blade disk assembly. The blades may be of either magnetic or nonmagnetic material, but must be able to conduct an electrical current.

Abstract: A system for determining shaft load parameters including shaft windup angle per unit length, torque output and power output in a generally cylindrical rotating shaft having an outer surface and a longitudinal axis extending through the center thereof includes a plurality of probes spaced apart from each other. Each probe has a first end and a second end, the first end of each probe being in facing relationship with the rotating shaft. A rigid frame commonly supports all of the probes at a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the shaft. The frame is supported in such a manner that the frame may vibrate or displace relative to the rotating shaft essentially as a rigid body. Targets on the outer surface of the rotating shaft are located for triggering a probe output response each time during shaft rotation that a target passes the first end of one of the probes.

Abstract: A speed governor for a pneumatic power tool which comprises a housing (10) with pressure air supply means (16-18) and an air turbine (20) including a turbine wheel (22) drivingly coupled to an output spindle and a number of air nozzles (25) for directing motive pressure air onto the turbine wheel (22), wherein the speed governor comprises a flow controlling valve element (43) associated with an activation piston (44) for adjusting the valve element (43) in response to a control pressure obtained in a pressure sensing opening (34) located opposite an idle running nozzle (28) downstream of the turbine wheel (22).

Abstract: A system and method for regulating the speed of a steam turbine by operating a steam valve rack assembly to adjust the flow of steam to the turbine by controlling the position of the turbine valve rack actuator in response to high pressure oil fed, reacting to signals from a speed control system, through a proportional valve to the valve rack actuator. High pressure oil is fed to the proportional valve from a hydraulic oil accumulator, charged with an inert gas, in which high pressure oil is stored. A source of low pressure oil directed to a pressure intensifying device increases the oil pressure to a high pressure and circulates the high pressure oil to the hydraulic oil accumulator and the proportional valve to stroke the turbine valve rack actuator in response to signals from the speed control system. The system further includes an emergency stop valve system which operates to close the turbine valve rack assembly very rapidly in the event of a serious turbine condition.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first rotational speed detecting device provided on a stub shaft at a position closer to a turbine than a pump, a second revolution speed detecting device provided at the other end of the stub shaft, a comparator for continuously comparing values detected by these first and second rotational speed detecting devices, and a device for tripping the turbine when a difference is determined between the values compared by the comparator.

Abstract: The deflection angle of a gas turbine stator is adjusted in proportion to the difference between two parameters computed from N.sub.2 and TT2 using the same function generator. One parameter is a reference adjustment under standard conditions for measured N.sub.2 adjusted to sea level and standard temperature. The second parameter is an adjustment for actual altitude conditions. The parameters manifest the clearance between the engine case and the turbine blade tips.

Abstract: Stall margin in a gas turbine compressor is controlled during acceleration by synthesizing the thermal enlargement of critical compressor stages to synthesize the temporary increase in blade-case clearance during acceleration. The change in clearance is used to produce an augmenting stator vane deflection signal which is summed with a steady state vane deflection signal to increase deflection during acceleration until the clearance returns to a nominal level when the expansion of the compressor parts stabilize.

Abstract: The axial forces imposed on a rotor of a fluid machine such as a compressor is controlled by modulating the pressure supplied to a piston and cylinder device acting between the rotor shaft and housing. A parameter indicative of axial force on the rotor during operation is monitored and changes in the magnitude and direction of the axial forces countered by varying the pressure in the cylinder. The net axial forces imposed on the shaft may thus be controlled in a predetermined range.

Abstract: A surge control system for a compressor comprising a bypass passage controlled by a bypass valve to return flow to the compressor inlet for avoiding surge in the compressor. The bypass valve is controlled through a sensing of a compressor speed and flow. The compressor speed and the square root of the flow signal, which is proportional to the actual flow, are presented as a ratio for comparison with an empirically established constant. When the conditions of the compressor system are such that the ratio approaches the constant, the bypass valve is opened and the compressor experiences increased flow therethrough.

Abstract: Blood flow rate in a motor driven centrifugal blood pump is measured indirectly and non-invasively by sensing a first parameter representative of pump RPM and a second parameter representative of motor torque. The blood flow rate is computed as a function of the first and second parameters. By measuring the second parameter in a zero flow condition while the motor is being driven at a known RPM, a viscosity calibration factor is determined which is used, together with the first and second parameters in the calculation of flow rate.

Abstract: A surge control system for dewatering press felts on a papermaking machine which includes a suction pipe, a variable speed drive motor, a centrifugal exhauster driven by the variable speed drive motor and connected to the suction pipe to provide vacuum to a felt passing over a slot for dewatering thereof. A surge valve is provided and is opened to admit air to the centrifugal exhauster so as to prevent surge when the centrifugal exhauster is operating at a predetermined level at which the centrifugal exhauster will surge.

Abstract: A governing mode change-over apparatus of a steam turbine comprising a switching arrangement between a throttle governing mode and a nozzle governing mode, and an arrangement for controlling a load by selectively subjecting one of the steam control valves to load control during the governing mode switching, whereby the turbine is switched from one of the throttle and the nozzle governing modes to another with a limited fluctuation of the load.

Abstract: A turbine shutdown control system for controlling a turbine powering two load groups. Upon loss of one load group, a first control valve will close to interrupt the fluid flow to the turbine. A second modulating valve in parallel with the first valve remains open to provide sufficient fluid flow to the turbine to power the second load group.

Abstract: A control system for a steam turbine which system includes apparatus for adjusting steam flow to regulate turbine shaft speed and a transducer for providing signals indicative of turbine shaft speed, is provided with a feedback control system which modifies the shaft speed as a function of torque of the turbine. The feedback control system regulates a speed command signal which modifies the operation of the steam flow adjusting apparatus to thereby limit torque. The torque signal is developed by measurement of first stage shell pressure in the steam turbine and conversion of a signal representative of pressure to a signal representative of torque. In one embodiment, the conversion process involves utilization of plural look-up tables in a microprocessor implemented control system. The look-up table data is provided from characteristic curves of the steam turbine.

Abstract: A vacuum control system and method for dewatering felts or fabrics on a papermaking machine including a suction pipe and a centrifugal exhauster connected to the suction pipe to supply a variable vacuum level. The fabric is passed over a slot in the suction pipe so that suction applied therethrough will dewater the fabric. A variable drive device is connected to the centrifugal exhauster for its operation with the variable drive device being responsive to an increase in the vacuum level in the suction pipe as fabric permeability decreases to correspondingly increase the speed of the centrifugal exhauster so as to increase the vacuum level in the suction pipe as a function of the decrease in felt permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the operation of a hydraulic machine such as a multi-stage pump turbine having a plurality of runners mounted on a common shaft and guide vanes arranged around respective runners to adjust the flow rate of water supplied to respective runners.

Abstract: A speed governor for engines which comprises a rotary hollow shaft receiving exhaust fluid at one end, a conduit and nozzle assembly connected at the other end of the rotary hollow shaft and including a needle valve, a turbine housing in which at least one turbine disposed on after another in the flow path of said exhaust fluid, a turbine drive shaft associated with said turbine, respectively, a movable annular member disposed about said rotary hollow shaft for movement in the axial direction of the rotary hollow shaft and a spring-loaded link connected to said needle valve at one end and engaging said annular member at the other end.

Abstract: A centrifugal governor comprises a bar member pivotally mounted on a rotatable bearing member. The bar member is provided with an inclined ramp against which a follower bears which is connected to a device which is to be regulated. First and second resilient forces, which may be overcome by the centrifugal force generated by rotation of the bar member, urge the bar member into its rest position and the follower member into contact with the bar member. The governor is generally applicable, one of the preferred fields of application being the control of the flow through a channel associated with a ventilator.

Abstract: A speed governor for a hydroelectric unit includes an error sensing means, an integrator and a gate opening control means connected to the output of the integrator for controlling the degree of opening of the turbine gate apparatus. The governor further comprises a limiter connected between the output of the error sensing means and the input of the integrator for limiting the maximum value of the integrator input signal to a limit value equal to the minimum integrator input signal value which insures the maximum permissible rate of change of the degree of opening of the gate apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating electricity from wind energy, wherein a wind wheel is connected to drive an energy converter which effects a torque reaction on the wind wheel proportional to the square of the rotational speed of the wheel, so that the wheel may be operated at fixed blade pitch and the blade tip speed will be proportional to the wind speed. The wind wheel may be connected to drive an electric generator to generate electrical energy in synchronism with mains supply.

Abstract: An electronic speed error signal processing circuit is provided which attenuates rapid fluctuations ocurring in the speed error signal used to control the fluid inlet valve of a fluid driven prime mover. Such fluctuations contribute greatly to valve wear by causing "valve flutter," the continual rapid opening and closing of the inlet valve as the speed control system of a prime mover instantaneously responds to any small speed error signal fluctuation. By attenuating these rapid fluctuations, valve flutter is reduced.

Abstract: 1.

Abstract: A wind driven power plant for the generation of electric power comprising a rotor, a shield, and a fin mounted on a vertical, central shaft, the fin and shield adjustably interconnected via a cog and gear track arrangement affording variable relative alignment of the fin and shield to position the shield relative to the wind. A constant rotor rotation rate is achieved by varying the masking thereof by the shield to compensate for wind speed variations. A hydraulic rotation rate control system senses the rotation rate of the rotor and generates a signal permitting the adjustment of the relative orientation of the fin and the shield. The rotor is coupled to a conventional electric generator for the generation of electric power.

Abstract: At the point of time to when the turbine speed has come up to a first speed N.sub.1, a thermal stress expected in the turbine when the speed is increased to a second speed N.sub.2 at a rate .alpha..sub.1 is presumed. Thermal stress .sigma..sub.s(t) -.sigma..sub.sT1 at the point of time t.sub.o1 for commencing acceleration to the second speed N.sub.2 is then obtained, which point of time t.sub.o1 would never cause the maximum value of the presumed thermal stress to exceed a predetermined limit .sigma..sub.sl of the thermal stress when the turbine speed is increased at that rate. Then, a length of time T.sub.w1, referred to as a warming time, is determined which is required for the thermal stress .sigma..sub.s(t) to decrease to the level of (.sigma..sub.s(t) -.sigma..sub.sT1) when the warming is continued after the point of time t.sub.o. Subsequently, a length of time (N.sub.2 -N.sub.1)/.alpha..sub.1 required for increasing the turbine speed from N.sub.1 to N.sub.2 at the rate .alpha..sub.1 is calculated.

Abstract: A magnetic pickup for sensing the speed of a rotor disc having a nosepiece affixed to the disc containing one or more magnets. The magnets are contained within blind openings passing inwardly from the back of the nosepiece and arranged to position the magnets within an embossed section extending axially from the outer surface thereof. A stationary sensing probe is mounted adjacent to the embossed section which is capable of generating a voltage signal as the magnets are passed in close proximity with the sensing element.

Abstract: A speed measurement system for converting signal pulses directly into a 13 bit binary number for input to a digital processor is disclosed. The signal pulses are generated as a function of incremental shaft rotation. A plurality of additional pulses are injected in the pulse train between successive displacement or signal pulses, such that a stream of equally spaced pulses is produced at a predetermined speed. The number of generated displacement and injected pulses are counted during predetermined time intervals for providing a direct speed measurement.

Abstract: An electric power plant having dual turbine-generators and a steam source which includes a high temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor. Each turbine includes a high pressure portion driven by superheat steam and a lower pressure portion driven by reheat steam. A turbine bypass system permits minimum flows of superheat and reheat steam from the source at times when the turbines require flows of such steam that are less than the minimum flows. Before it is reheated, steam that has passed through the high pressure portions and their bypass lines drives auxiliary steam turbines that rotate means for propelling the coolant gas through the reactor. During acceleration of a turbine-generator to its synchronous speed, one of the steam flows through its high and lower pressure portions is varied to govern the shaft speed, while the other flow is held relatively constant, that one of the flows which is varied being determined by the shaft speed.

Abstract: A speed control system for a fluid driven prime mover, for example, a turbine wherein the speed of the prime mover is controlled by the positioning of at least one fluid inlet valve. The inlet valve is positioned by a valve operator responsive to an output voltage from the speed control system. The output voltage is directly proportional to the phase difference (error) between a variable reference digital pulse train input representing a desired speed and a feedback digital pulse train input representing the actual prime mover speed. During steady-state operation, prime mover load changes will first cause a phase difference between the reference input and the feedback input whereupon a corrective output voltage is immediately applied to the inlet valve operator prior to the occurrence of an actual speed error.