Gas turbine microprocessor control system: reliability test and analysis. Final report

This report presents the results of a program conducted under EPRI Project RP2101-1, ''Gas Turbine Control System Reliability Analysis and Verification.'' This project articulates the operational capabilities of a new SPEEDTRONIC Mark IV gas turbine control system designed to improve reliability and availability of the system. The project was divided into three phases of study, including the Mark IV control system review, a study of reliability analysis and predictions, and a field verification test conducted at the Salt River Project Santan Generating Station, for a period of one year during which 2930 operating hours were logged on a preproduction Mark IV prototype unit. Improvements in the reliability and availability of the control system were demonstrated during this period. The Mark IV control system uses microprocessor technology where the control functions are distributed among four microcomputers. Three are identical and redundant control sections while the fourth handles communications. Powerful on-line diagnostics indicate the faulty section, which includes replaceable elements, and allows panel repair to be done while the gas turbine is operating, and therefore reduces the meantime to repair. Results of this project indicate that this new control system can upon reaching maturity attain established reliability objectives. Most importantly, design improvementsmore » were identified early in the program to enable adjustments to be made in the design, and to be checked out during the program. 3 refs., 88 figs., 44 tabs.« less