Abstract: A method and system for the temperature control of superheated steam in a power plant having a boiler coupled to a turbine, and a turbine bypass valve, wherein temperature control is achieved by regulating opening of the turbine bypass valve. To this end, process quantities indicative of the superheated steam temperature at the boiler outlet, the superheated steam pressure, the turbine inlet temperature, the turbine inner wall metal temperature, and the degree of opening of the turbine bypass valve are fed into a control system in which a mismatch temperature capable of leading steam into the turbine is calculated on the basis of such received process quantities. Then the control system outputs opening or closing operation command signals to the turbine bypass valve. The method is suitable to be carried out by means of a microprocesser.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel cold source for a Rankine cycle system which employs the use of cold seasonal temperatures to form an ice bed and which allows insulation of said ice bed from warm seasonal temperatures, the cold source comprising a container having an insulated side wall and an insulated bottom; a ventilated top wall mounted above said side wall, said top wall permitting a flow of external air to said container; means associated with said top wall for controlling the flow of external air to said reservoir; an insulated cover mounted on said top wall, a grate extending across said reservoir above said bottom defining a space for containment of a body of water; and means associated with said reservoir for spraying water into said reservoir. The invention also provides a novel turbine, condenser and evaporator assembly, and a magnetically-actuated fluid pump which may also be used for Rankine Cycle Systems.

Abstract: An electric power generating system capable of absorbing a variable load comprises a boiler, and steam turbines, which are interconnected through a steam conduit including a control valve which adjusts the flow amount of the steam, an electric generator driven by the turbines, and a variable pressure operation control device. The control device maintains a constant degree of opening of the control valve at a time when a steam pressure in the steam conduit lies in a range between predetermined pressure values. The control device comprises an element for comparing an actual steam pressure in the steam conduit and a steam pressure predeterminable in accordance with load variation thereby to generate a signal to determine a variable pressure operation characteristic line. Thus, the degree of opening of the control valve can be changed in response to the compared pressure differences.

Abstract: The system comprises a series of heaters arranged in cascade and fed with steam from drawoffs at pressures which progressively decrease from the steam boiler side to the condenser side of the plant.In order to improve the efficiency of the plant with which the system is associated, the system comprises a plurality of biphase turbines arranged in cascade. The first of the turbines is fed from the drain of the heater at the highest pressure and the following turbines are each fed at least in part with the outlet liquid of the biphase turbine preceding it. These biphase turbines produce mechanical energy by recovery of the kinetic energy of the condensates of the heaters feeding them.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method and apparatus for improving the useful thermal yield of a saturated water flashed steam source over a wide range of steam turbine load. A flash tank pressure control in its simplest form maintains constant steam pressure with variable input water flow and inlet water enthalpy. This permits optimizing a design point relationship between water temperature, water flow, flash tank steam pressure and turbine stage pressure. If turbine stage pressure is used as a reference to reduce the flash tank steam pressure for part load operation, then more steam is available from a given flow of saturated water, and the throttling loss through the pressure control valve can be minimized.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a steam engine suitably constructed to serve as a prime mover. The device includes a furnace in which a liquid can be heated so as to change its phase, the thus formed gas directed to an engine whereupon its expansion within piston/cylinder arrangements provides useful work. The exhausted steam, still endowed with extractable energy, is passed through various regenerative pump mechanisms and the like for very efficient utilization of much of the inherent energy.

Abstract: A turbine system which includes a reheater upstream from a low pressure turbine which is subject to corrosive salt depositions from the steam. Conductance probes are inserted at predetermined positions within the low pressure turbine and based on the conductance signals the reheat temperature or load is varied so as to move the corrosive salt deposition zone away from a rotating blade stage of the low pressure turbine.

Abstract: An adaptive control system for controlling the temperature of desuperheated steam in a turbine bypass system. In one embodiment of the invention, redundant temperature sensors downstream of desuperheating water sprays provide an indication of the actual steam temperature after desuperheating has occurred. The highest value of temperature is automatically selected for control and to provide an error signal to a controller. The controller output, indicative of the deviation from a desired temperature, is multiplied by a factor proportional to steam flow in the bypass system. The multiplied signal is then utilized to proportionally position one or more water control valves to spray more or less water into the bypassed steam. The control system thus automatically adapts itself to variations in steam flow. Preferably, the steam flow is taken as the product of the position of a steam flow throttling valve in the bypass line and the steam supply pressure ahead of the valve.

Abstract: Various control methods and means are disclosed for varying the temperature of vaporization of a solar-powered system so that the instantaneous power delivered by the heat engine of this system, or by a device driven by this engine, is a maximum for given conditions external to the power system, or to the power system and the driven device, respectively, while ensuring that dry saturated vapor, or vapor with a preselected amount of superheat is supplied to the heat engine.The power system uses a Rankine power cycle whose working fluid is either vaporized in the absorber of a solar collector, or in a heat exchanger by a separate fluid which absorbs heat by flowing through the solar collector absorber.Also, various methods and means are disclosed for controlling the foregoing separate heat-transfer fluid so that it absorbs sensible and latent heat in the absorber of the solar collector in essentially the same ratio as the power-cycle working fluid absorbs sensible and latent heat from this heat-transfer fluid.

Abstract: Control device for a steam turbine having a high-pressure and a medium or low-pressure turbine part, includes a reheater, at least one live steam control valve disposed upstream of the high-pressure turbine part, at least one intercept control valve disposed upstream of the medium or low-pressure turbine part and downstream of the reheater, a control device having at least one turbine controller for simultaneously acting on the live steam control valve in accordance with a predetermined live steam valve characteristic and acting on the intercept control valve in accordance with a predetermined intercept valve characteristic, the live steam control valve and the intercept control valve having a normal characteristic correlation therebetween determining a correlation of high-pressure and medium or low-pressure steam mass flow, a limit detecting device associated with the high-pressure turbine part for responding when a predetermined thermal stress is reached in the high-pressure turbine part, and a positioning

Abstract: A fluidic turbine control system provided to interrelate and control first and second turbine operating conditions, has fluidic computing means operable to proportionally combine fluidic input signals which are representative of the differences, if any, between the actual and desired values of said first and second turbine operating conditions and provide therefrom first and second fluidic control signals for control of said first and second turbine operating conditions. In the preferred form the fluidic turbine control systems as applied to a Steam Turbine and extraction pressure to control turbine operation as a function of the extraction pressure and extraction pressure as a function of the turbine operation.

Abstract: In a power plant, a deaerator is a feedwater conditioning device which provides direct contact feedwater heating as well as providing for oxygen removal to inhibit corrosion. Under some conditions, called transients, rapid depressurization could occur in the deaerator which might result in damage to internal deaerator parts. By limiting the condensate flow into the deaerator, the rate of depressurization can be reduced. A control system is described which will react to a reduction in turbine load by reducing the flow of condensate to the deaerator.

Abstract: In a power plant which includes a steam turbine with main control valves for admitting steam into the steam turbine and a steam bypass with bypass control valves for diverting steam around the steam turbine directly into a condenser, it is necessary to coordinate the operation of the respective valves so that the steam turbine can be started, brought up to speed, synchronized with a generator and then loaded as smoothly and efficiently as possible. The present invention provides for such operation and, in addition, allows for the transfer of power plant operation from the so-called turbine following mode to the boiler following mode through the use of the sliding pressure concept. The invention described is particularly applicable to combined cycle power plants.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating a steam turbine comprising at least one resuperheater arranged between a high pressure section and a low pressure section and in which a reference-actual valve comparison of the rotational speed is performed to produce an adjustment signal derived from the reference-value actual-value difference which is delivered to a regulation valve arrangement and wherein a delayed feedback signal is derived from only one vapor pressure high pressure side measuring pressure, between the inlet valves of the high pressure section and the inlet of the resuperheater, and which at least approximately decreases to null during steady-state operation; and said signal is coupled into the regulation circuit opposite to the adjustment signal.

Abstract: A closed cycle, hydraulic-turbine heat engine for providing a steady electrical or mechanical power source from any available or created relative heat source comprising an evaporation chamber, a vapor conduit connected to the evaporation reservoir and extending vertically therefrom, a condensing reservoir at the upper end of the gas conduit, and a liquid conduit between the condensing reservoir and the evaporation chamber. The liquid conduit, vapor conduit, evaporation chamber, and condensing reservoir form a closed system for containing a refrigerant. A heat exchanger coupled to an external heat source is arranged to provide heat to the refrigerant in the evaporation reservoir, and a condenser, coupled to a heat sink, condenses refrigerant vapor entering the condensing reservoir from the vapor conduit.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the operational efficiency of a steam turbine power plant by governing the adjustment of the throttle steam pressure of a steam turbine at a desired power plant output demand value. In the preferred embodiment, the impulse chamber pressure of a high pressure section of the steam turbine is measured as a representation of the steam flow through the steam turbine. At times during the operation of the plant at the desired output demand value, the throttle pressure is perturbed. The impulse chamber pressure is measured before and after the perturbations of the throttle pressure. Because changing thermodynamic conditions may occur possibly as a result of the perturbations and provide an erroneous representation of the steam flow through the turbine, the impulse chamber pressure measurements are compensated for determined measurable thermodynamic conditions in the steam turbine.

Abstract: A system for regulating the rate of closing of the turbine intake valve of a steam turbine plant is disclosed. A steam turbine is supplied from a steam generator through a turbine intake valve. A branch line conducts the steam to a bypass valve which is normally closed. In the event of conditions making it necessary to close the turbine intake valve rapidly, a regulator is provided to control the rate of closing of the turbine intake valve and the opening of the bypass valve so that the pressure conditions in the steam generator do not exceed the limits established by the manufacturer. Pressure measuring instruments are placed in the system to sense the pressure immediately upstream from the turbine intake valve and the bypass valve as well as the initial steam supply pressure. These pressure signals are transmitted to a computer which produces a control signal in accordance with predetermined conditions.

Abstract: Some power plants may produce both power and process steam as output products and may be referred to as cogeneration power plants. This type of power plant may include at least one extraction type steam turbine in order to conveniently output process steam. Sometimes the available power plant steam supply is insufficient to satisfy both load demand and process steam requirements whereupon it may be desirable to prefer load demand over process steam requirements. The present invention is a control system for electronically implementing that preference.

Abstract: A system and method of operating a turbine power plant utilizing a digital computer to transfer automatically between a single valve mode and sequential valve mode of operation and vice versa without disturbing the load or steam flow demand to the turbine, is disclosed. Selecting the other mode of valve operation when operating automatically in one valve mode results in the generation of physical representations corresponding to the desired flow through each of the valve means in such other mode at the operating load or flow level. The flow in the one mode and the desired flow in the other mode is used to generate a representation based on flow change for each valve means. A number of increments of valve flow change for each valve means is determined in accordance with the largest valve flow change and a predetermined limit. The size of each incremental change is determined in accordance with the respective valve flow change.

Abstract: Steam flow and pressure conditions needed in a turbine to satisfy the speed and load demand of an electric power generating system are controlled by a programmed digital computer system during start-up, synchronization and load operation. Manual backup control is provided for the computer control. Throttle valve tests are provided under digital control and transfers are made to manual backup control if predetermined task errors occur.

Abstract: A programmed digital computer control system determines the turbine steam flow changes required to satisfy the speed and load demand made on the operation of a large electric power stream turbine for which substantially constant throttle pressure steam is generated. Load control is directed to plant electric power generation and it is based on feedforward valve positioning operation with feedback multiplication calibration for plant load and/or turbine speed error. Changes in the turbine operating level are limited by dynamic constraints applied by the computer.

Abstract: A two-phase thermal energy conversion system employs an evaporable liquid such as water, and a gas which is not liquefiable within the operating temperature and pressure ranges, such as air. The water and air are mixed and one of the two or both are heated so that the water evaporates and is absorbed by the air to result in a pressure increase. The increase of pressure or volume can be converted into mechanical energy by a prime mover such as a turbine or reciprocating piston engine. The heat of condensation is utilized and converted into mechanical power while the temperature and pressure are reduced. The liquid, such as water, may be below its boiling point. If the water consists of salt water, fresh water is derived as a condensation product from the prime mover.

Abstract: In a system and method for automatically starting, synchronizing and operating a steam turbine, turbine control including valve position limiting and means for generating a reference control signal representative of desired turbine operation, the reference control signal being limited corresponding to the valve position limit. The reference signal is limited by calculated valve position limits, such that the reference signal is not permitted to rise above such limits. Desired system changes result in reference signal changes which are more quickly reflected in valve position changes, thereby enabling improved system response.

Abstract: A throttle valve test system for a large steam turbine functions in a turbine control system to provide throttle and governor valve test operations. The control system operates with a valve management capability to provide for pre-test governor valve mode transfer when desired, and it automatically generates feedforward valve position demand signals during and after valve tests to satisfy test and load control requirements and to provide smooth transition from valve test status to normal single or sequential governor valve operation. A digital computer is included in the control system to provide control and test functions in the generation of the valve position demand signals.

Abstract: Steam flow and pressure conditions needed in a turbine to satisfy the speed and load demand of an electric power generating system are controlled by a programmed digital computer system during start-up, synchronization and operation. Manual backup control is provided for the computer control. An operator interface is provided with the computer through a panel and various communication devices.

Abstract: In a combined cycle power plant comprising a steam turbine and gas turbine connected through a heat recovery steam generator, the start-up mode for a steam turbine is based upon the shell metal temperature of the steam turbine. In some combined cycle plants, the output of the gas turbine is reduced so as to more closely match the output steam temperature of the heat recovery steam generator to the steam turbine metal temperature. This arrangement can be disadvantageous for several reasons and so it is proposed that a spray attemperator or desuperheater be incorporated between the heat recovery steam generator outlet and the steam turbine inlet. Moreover, control means are indicated for controlling the fluid input into the attemperator.

Abstract: Monitoring device for steam-turbine valves having respective electrohydraulic servocontrol devices for directly controlling the valves individually, including means for monitoring operability of the respective servocontrol devices, the operability monitoring means including means for comparing a value of a variable of each one of the servocontrol devices determining a setting of the respective valve with a mean value of corresponding variables of others of the servocontrol devices determining respective settings of valves associated with the other servocontrol devices and for establishing from the comparison if a permissible deviation from the mean value is exceeded by the variable value of the respective one of the servocontrol devices, and means for controlling a valve drive associated with the respective valve controlled by the respective one of the servocontrol devices for driving it in closing direction thereof when the permissible deviation from the mean value is exceeded.

Abstract: A governing system for use in a sliding-pressure type turbine power plant, in which a target level for a main steam pressure is automatically set in response to a load demand, while two or more regulating valves are controlled according to a valve-positioning signal so as to eliminate a deviation of an actual load from a load demand, whereupon a target level for the main steam pressure is corrected, based on the diviation of the actual opening from the target opening of each regulating valve, whereby the main pressure generated in a boiler is regulated to a corrected target level. This governing system includes a valve driving mechanism functioning such that all regulating valves be opened at a time in a range up to a given opening, and thereafter the regulating valves be opened one after another, commensurate to the magnitude of a control signal, after entering a range beyond the aforenoted given opening.

Abstract: A combined cycle electric power plant includes two gas turbines, a steam turbine, and a digital control system with an operator analog or manual backup. Each of the gas turbines has an exhaust heat recovery steam generator connected to a common header from which the steam is supplied by one or both of the steam generators for operating the steam turbine. The control system is of the sliding pressure type and maintains a predetermined steam pressure as a function of steam flow according to a predetermined characterization depending on the number of steam generators in service to limit the maximum steam velocity through the steam generators, and reduce the probability of water carryover into the steam turbine. Such control is always maintained by the bypass valve. The turbine control valve responds to the speed/load demand only, except when the bypass valve is closed and the rate of steam generation is insufficient to maintain a predetermined pressure flow relationship.

Abstract: A control apparatus and method for a steam turbine plant comprising supply pressure control, to be used in particular in conjunction with a turbine plant drawing its steam from a boiling water reactor, wherein there is provided rpm control with subordinated power output (rpm - power output control) and that the rate of steam flow through the turbine is controlled by reference to a continuous comparison between the controller output quantities of the supply pressure control device, on the one hand and the rpm - power output control device, on the other hand, exclusively or predominantly, as the case may be, by the smallest one, in terms of rate of steam flow, of said controller output quantities (minimum value selection).

Abstract: A method and system for effecting control governing of a steam turbine wherein the steam chamber of a first stage nozzle is divided into a plurality of steam compartments, control valves each connected to one of the steam compartments are individually operated for controlling the flow rate of steam introduced into the turbine, and the governing of the nozzle is effected by adjusting the flow rate of steam in accordance with a load. At low load, the degree of opening of the control valves is kept constant and the turbine is driven by steam of a reduced pressure by reducing the pressure of the steam at the inlet of the turbine so as to maintain, in a low load region, the volume flow rate of steam for a high load region. To cope with a change in the value of the load, the degree of opening corresponding to a predetermined change in the value of the load is set beforehand for each control valve.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, regulating a resuperheated steam turbine wherein there is carried out a reference value-actual value comparison of the rotational speed and there is derived an adjustment or control magnitude from the reference value-actual value difference, this adjustment magnitude being infed to a regulation valve arrangement. There is derived from the resuperheated pressure a feedback magnitude which, as a function of time, yields to null and is coupled into a regulation circuit opposite to the adjustment magnitude.

Abstract: A system for intelligently governing the selection of one of a boiler follow or turbine follow mode of control of a steam turbine power plant is disclosed. Boiler and turbine master controllers are concurrently operative in one of the boiler follow and turbine follow modes for controlling the firing rate of the plant boiler or positioning the steam admission valves of the steam turbine, respectively. Each of the boiler and turbine master controllers are operative to respectively generate a first and second plurality of signals which are representative of plant control status. A selecting means is disposed as an integral part of the plant controls for switching between the turbine follow and boiler follow control modes.

Abstract: An efficient valve position controller adapted for use in a steam turbine power plant for efficiently positioning a plurality of steam admission valves to substantially effect a desired power generation level is disclosed. The power plant includes a boiler for generating steam to the turbine at a boiler throttle pressure that is governed by a pressure set point; a valve control means which is governed by a reference signal corresponding to the desired power generation level to position the plurality of steam admission valves in a state according to a predetermined valve positioning pattern based on the value of the reference signal; and an electrical generator driven by the steam turbine to generate electrical energy. A plurality of values of the reference signal are predetermined as being related to efficient valve position states for regulating steam admission to the turbine.

Abstract: A system which integrates the controls of a steam turbine power plant for minimizing power plant energy losses substantially caused by steam flow valve throttling is disclosed. The steam turbine power plant includes boiler pressure controls for controlling the boiler throttle pressure of a steam producing boiler and turbine-generator controls for positioning a plurality of turbine steam admission values to regulate the steam flow conducted through a steam turbine which governs the electrical energy generated by an electrical generator at a desired power generation level. The turbine-generator controls predetermines a plurality of valve position states to establish a predetermined valve grouping sequential positioning pattern for the steam admission valves to regulate steam flow through the steam turbine across the range of power generation, each predetermined state substantially corresponding to a minimum of valve throttling losses.

Abstract: An electrohydraulic control system and method are disclosed for operating valves controlling the admission of steam to a steam turbine. The system includes a mode transfer unit for effecting a transfer between a full arc mode of valve operation to a partial arc mode of operation such that the temperature of the steam turbine varies in a controlled manner, thus permitting control of turbine stresses. Apparatus is described for generating mode flow signals, combining the signals using time ratio switching such that during a mode transfer the signals vary linearly with an admission reference factor characteristic of each mode, and generating valve lift signals from a combined flow signal using multi-slope, piecewise linear approximations to the flow-lift characteristics of the full arc mode of valve operation. The system permits mode transfers wherein total steam flow is held substantially constant and first stage turbine temperature is caused to vary linearly with admission reference factor.

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates a turbocharger wastegate valve comprising a cylindrical chamber connected through a radial inlet to the gas stream upstream of the turbine. High pressure air is selectively directed across the inlet through a nozzle to prevent or permit flow into the chamber which is connected to a point downstream of the turbine. The pressure of the air delivered to the nozzle may be varied to proportion the gases bypassed around the turbine.

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 process for the conversion of geothermal heat energy into electrical power by advantageously combining direct and indirect heat exchange systems and other systems to maximize the power production is presented herein. More specifically, a process and system is presented for the utilization of geothermal heat from flashed geothermal hot fluids composed of hot liquid and vapor. The heat from the hot liquid is advantageously exchanged with a working fluid in a direct contact heat exchanger, while the hot geothermal vapor is used in a boiler for heating, boiling and vaporizing the working fluid. The vaporized working fluid thus formed is fed into a power extraction device which may advantageously form a liquid mist upon expansion. The working fluid vapor is then condensed at the exhaust side of the power extraction device, and returned to the direct contact heat exchanger, thus closing the power cycle.

Abstract: A steam turbine control system comprising a primary and an auxiliary manual turbine controller, each said turbine controller including a set of valve position setpoint controllers for close-loop control of the turbine steam admission valves, is disclosed. Each valve position setpoint controller operates, at times, on a position error signal to generate a valve position control signal which controls the rate of valve position movement of a corresponding turbine steam admission valve. The steam admission valves are closed-loop controlled by a selected set of said primary and auxiliary valve position setpoint controllers. The set of valve position control signals corresponding to the selected set of position setpoint controllers are coupled to their respective turbine steam admission valves for controlling the rate of position movement therein. The valve position error and position control signals of the unselected set of said controllers are maintained at approximately zero potential.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for controlling the set point for steam temperatures for cold start-up of a steam generator-turbine unit wherein inlet steam temperature and turbine load absorption are steadily and substantially simultaneously increased in accordance with a predetermined relationship so as to reach their final values substantially synchronously.

Abstract: A system for indicating optimum positioning of steam inlet valves to minimize steam throttling losses during operation of a turbine power plant in the sequential valve mode is disclosed.

Abstract: A turbine control system incorporating a speed monitoring system for generating an actual turbine speed measurement for control of turbine speed and load is disclosed. The speed monitoring system employs two identical speed channels each of both analog and digital form and a third channel of only analog form. The two identical speed channels of digital form and the third channel of analog form are coupled to a programmed digital computer based process controller for use in controlling turbine speed and load. The two identical speed channels of analog form and the third channel are coupled to an overspeed protection controller for use in preventing turbine overspeed. Within each controller, an identical channel is selected without preference to be used as the actual turbine speed measurement. A transfer between identical speed channels will only be performed if a malfunction is detected in that identical channel utilized as the actual turbine speed measurement.

Abstract: A system and method for complete on line testing of the emergency trip system of a turbine power plant is disclosed. The mechanical trip valve and a portion of a line to drain, of the emergency trip system, are isolated from the remaining portions thereof. The testing of the valve is permitted without an opening to drain of the line, which would cause a turbine trip. A three-way solenoid valve obstructs the line to isolate an upstream portion from a downstream portion while permitting introduction of fluid into the downstream portion at a pressure distinct from that in the isolated upstream portion. Pressure sensitive switches, which operate suitable indications are provided in fluid communication with both portions of the line to drain to sense the differential pressure therebetween upon operation of the solenoid valve and, subsequently, a rapid diminishing of pressure in the downstream portion indicative of a successful test of the mechanical trip valve.

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 steam turbine system with digital computer control in which control signals are generated as a function of the actual steam conditions present in each turbine section and in a manner which maintains the sum of the instantaneous power developed in each turbine section equal to the total demand placed upon the turbine system.

Abstract: A control system is disclosed for a high temperature gas cooled reactor power plant, wherein a steam source derives heat from the reactor coolant gas to generate superheated and reheated steam in respective superheater and reheater sections that are included in the steam source. Each of dual turbine-generators includes a high pressure turbine to pass superheated steam and an associated intermediate low pressure turbine to pass reheated steam. A first admission valve means is connected to govern a flow of superheated steam through a high pressure turbine, and a second admission valve means is connected to govern a flow of reheated steam through an intermediate-low pressure turbine. A bypass line and bypass valve means connected therein are connected across a second admission valve means and its intermediate-low pressure turbine.

Abstract: A hot gas engine uses inexpensive digital solenoid type control valves to govern engine output as a function of the amount of working gas. Electrical control signals are obtained by comparing a generator voltage derived from engine speed with a control voltage to develop a set of control signals including pulse width modulated pulses which are open over a duty cycle which produces the effect of analog solenoid valve control.

Abstract: A moisture indicating apparatus for indicating the presence of moisture in a vapor flow confined within a conduit. Sonic energy generated within the conduit is detected at predetermined locations along the conduit by non-intrusively mounted detection devices. The sonic energy is converted into an electrical signal and the magnitude of the electrical signal from each detection device and the time difference therebetween are compared to predetermined magnitude and time-difference standards. If the electrical signals indicate the presence of moisture, responsive action is initiated by a suitable control arrangement connected to the apparatus. In addition to indicating moisture presence, the quality of moisture with the vapor flow is detectable.

Abstract: A system for holding a substantially constant pressure level in the medium pressure steam system of an integrated plant, despite any sudden shutdown of a high pressure steam turbine. A combination quick-opening and a control valve is provided with a hold-down operator and positioning actuator with a spring drive, the hold-down operator being connected through a changeover valve with a working pressure system. The positioning actuator is connected to an additional change-over valve and to the outlet of the pressure controller, such additional change-over valve being provided with a connecting line to the outlet of the pressure controller and to the outlet of a multiplier relay. The two change-over valves are actuated through the turbine trip system. The combination quick-opening and control valve has an operating lever mounted on a fixed fulcrum pivoted on the piston rod of another pneumatic drive.