GE Power Systems

TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE CONTROL & OPERATION

Basic Concept in load or ambient conditions, the control system

Control of the gas turbine is done by the start–up,
low–pressure shaft speed, exhaust temperature,
low–pressure shaft acceleration, high–pressure
shaft acceleration and manual control functions il-
lustrated in Figure 1. Sensors monitor turbine speed,
exhaust temperature, compressor discharge pres-
sure and other parameters to determine the operating
conditions of the unit. When it is necessary to alter
the turbine operating conditions because of changes
modulates the flow of fuel to the gas turbine. For ex-
ample, if the exhaust temperature is exceeding its al-
lowable value for a given operating condition, the
temperature control system reduces the fuel sup-
plied to the turbine and thereby limits the exhaust
temperature.
Operating conditions of the turbine are monitored
by various sensors and utilized as feedback signals
to the SPEEDTRONIC control system. There are

TO CRT DISPLAY

FSRN FUEL
LP
SPEED

FSR ACL

FSR MAN
MANUAL MINIMUM
VALUE
SELECT
FSR ACC GATE
FSR
TO CRT DISPLAY
FUEL
SYSTEM

START FSRSU
UP

TO CRT DISPLAY

TO
FSRT TURBINE
TEMPERATURE

SECOND
TTRX STAGE
TSRNZ NOZZLE

HP TNH MIN
SPEED SEL

TTXM

Figure 1
Simplified Two–Shaft Control Schematic
A00150 1 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION

three major control loops – startup, speed and tem-
perature – which may be in control during turbine
operation. The output of these control loops is con-
nected to a minimum value gate circuit as shown in
Figure 1. The secondary control modes of accelera-
tion and manual FSR control operate in a similar
manner.
Fuel Stroke Reference (FSR) is the command signal
for fuel flow. The minimum value select gate con-
nects the output signals of the six control modes to
the FSR controller; the lowest FSR output of the six
control loops is allowed to pass through the gate to
the fuel control system as the controlling FSR. The
controlling FSR will establish the fuel input to the
turbine at the rate required by the system which is in
control. Only one control loop will be in control at
any particular time and the control loop which is
controlling FSR will be displayed at the operator in-
terface.
FUEL
COMPRESSOR
HP SET
FIRE
ACCELERATE
SELF SUSTAINING
GOVERNING MIN
MAX
Two–Shaft Turbine
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
GE Power Systems
Two–shaft gas turbines have two mechanically in-
dependent turbines and rotors. Refer to Figure 2.
The first–stage, or high–pressure (HP) turbine,
drives the axial–flow compressor and the shaft–
driven accessories; the second–stage, or low–pres-
sure (LP) turbine, drives the load. The use of two
mechanically–separate turbines allows the two
shafts to operate at different speeds to meet the vary-
ing load requirements of the driven equipment while
allowing the high–pressure shaft to run at the design
speed of the axial–flow compressor.
A variable–area second–stage nozzle separates the
high–pressure and low–pressure turbines. The total
energy level/fuel flow is established by the load de-
mands on the low–pressure shaft, while the energy
split between the high pressure and low pressure tur-
bines is determined by the pressure drop across the
respective turbines. Opening the variable–area se-
cond–stage nozzle decreases the back pressure on
SECOND STAGE NOZZLE
TURB TURB
1st 2nd
STG STG LOAD
LP SET
16% BREAKAWAY DEPENDS UPON LOAD
45% GOVERNING MIN 50%  MAX 105%
80%
80%
100%
Figure 2
2 A00150
 GE Power Systems

PROCESS SETPOINT

FUEL

DISPLAY
STATUS
LOAD LP FSR
MINIMUM
SETPOINT SPEED FUEL
VALUE
SYSTEM
SELECT
DISPLAY GATE
AUTO/ STATUS
MANUAL
SELECT START SECOND STAGE NOZZLE
UP
DISPLAY
STATUS

TURB TURB
COMPRESSOR 1st 2nd LOAD
STG STG

DISPLAY TSRNZ
MINIMUM
STATUS
SELECT

HP
SPEED NOZZLE
TEMPERATURE

EXHAUST TEMPERATURE

Figure 3
Gas Turbine Two–Shaft Control Schematic

the high–pressure turbine, resulting in greater pres-
sure drop and more torque being generated by the
high–pressure turbine. This is the manner in which
the speed of the high–pressure shaft is controlled.
Refer to Figure 3 which shows the relation of the
control modes to the gas turbines.
GE two–shaft turbines incorporate another control
loop to control high–pressure (HP) shaft speed. This
is done by the second–stage turbine nozzle control.
The second–stage nozzle control loop modulates se-
A00150
cond–stage nozzle angle to maintain HP shaft speed
at or above a minimum value (the Low Speed Stop
speed), increasing HP rotor speed as exhaust tem-
perature increases until the rotor is at full speed
(High Speed Stop speed).
The Inlet Guide Vane control loop (not shown) mod-
ulates the inlet guide vanes between their minimum
full speed angle, a nominal 56 degree angle and their
full open position, a nominal 85 degree angle, de-
3 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
 GE Power Systems

pending on measured exhaust temperature and IGV
Temperature Control selection (On or Off).
Start–up Control
The start–up control loop is an open–loop control
and is connected through the minimum value select
gate to the fuel control system along with the other
control loops. Start–up control is designed to safely
bring the gas turbine from zero speed to operating
speed by providing the proper amount of fuel to es-
tablish flame and accelerate the turbine rotors to
their minimum operating speeds. This is done in a
manner as to minimize the low cycle fatigue of the
hot gas path parts during the sequence. This involves
proper sequencing of command signals to the acces-
sories, starting device and fuel control system. Since
a safe and successful start–up depends on proper
functioning of the gas turbine equipment, it is im-
portant to verify the state of selected devices in the
sequence. Much of the control logic circuitry is
associated not only with actuating control devices,
but enabling protective circuits and obtaining per-
missive conditions before proceeding.
General values for control settings are given in this
description to help in the understanding of the oper-
ating system. Actual values for control settings for a
particular machine are given in the Control Specifi-
cations.

FSRMAN
MANUAL

START FSRSU FSR1 FUEL

UP MINIMUM PUMP
VALUE
SELECT
GATE
TNL LP FSRACL
ACC.

TNL LP FSRN FSR

SPLITTER
SPEED

TTXM FSRT
TEMP.

GAS
FSR2
CONTROL
VALVE
CPD P
2

TNH HP FSRACC
GAS
ACC. GAS FPRG
RATIO
RATIO
VALVE
TNH
NOZZLE
HP SPEED TSRNZ
EXH TEMP SECOND
STAGE
NOZZLES
Figure 4
Two–Shaft Turbine Simplified Control Loops
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE 4 A00150
CONTROL & OPERATION

During the starting mode, some minor differences
are found in the sequencing checks for various de-
vices. For example, in compressor drive applica-
tions, the station and compressor valves must be
sequenced before the load compressor is permitted
to turn. These checks are usually required as a per-
missive to energize the starting means.
Speed Detectors
An important part of the starting sequence in start–
up control of the turbine is proper speed sensing.
This is necessary for the logic sequences during the
start–up and shutdown of the gas turbine. The fol-
lowing speed sensors and speed relays are used on
two–shaft turbines:
• 14HR Zero Speed – HP rotor
• 14HM Minimum Firing Speed – HP rotor
• 14HA Accelerating Speed – HP rotor
• 14HS Full Speed – HP rotor
• 14LR Zero Speed – LP rotor
• 14LS Full Speed – LP rotor
• 14SR Starting Turbine Zero Speed (Not used on
diesel or motor started units)
• 14ST Starting Turbine Full Speed (Not used on
diesel or motor started units; also certain turbine
started units)
Zero–speed detector logic L14HR indicates when
the high–pressure shaft starts or stops rotating.
When the shaft speed is below 14HR, or at zero–
speed, L14HR picks–up (fail safe) and the permis-
sive logic initiates ratchet operation during the
automatic start–up/cooldown sequence of the tur-
bine. The ‘L’ in L14HR represents ‘logic’; logic sig-
nals, or pseudo–relays, are contained in the
sequencing software and are either a 1, ‘picked–up’,
or a 0, ‘dropped–out’.
Minimum speed detector logic L14HM indicates
that the high–pressure turbine has reached the mini-
mum firing speed and initiates the purge cycle prior
to the introduction of fuel and ignition. The dropout
A00150
GE Power Systems
of L14HM provides several permissive functions in
the restarting of the gas turbine after shutdown.
Accelerating speed detector logic L14HA pick–up
indicates when the HP turbine has reached approxi-
mately 50 percent speed; this indicates that turbine
start–up is progressing and keys certain protective
features.
Full–speed detector logic L14HS pick–up indicates
the high–pressure turbine is approaching its mini-
mum operating speed and that the accelerating se-
quence is almost complete. This signal provides the
logic for various control sequences such as stopping
auxiliary lube oil and hydraulic oil pumps.
Zero–speed detector logic L14LR indicates when
the low–pressure shaft starts or stops rotating. Speed
level detector logic L14LS indicates the low–pres-
sure turbine is approaching its minimum operating
speed and indicates that the unit is ready for loading.
Two detectors are used for the starting turbine se-
quencing (if applicable): 14SR to show that the start-
ing turbine has stopped which is a permissive to start
and 14ST to indicate the starting turbine has reached
its maximum operating speed.
The start–up control operates as an open loop con-
trol using preset levels of the fuel command signal
FSR. The levels are: “ZERO”, “FIRE”, “WARM–
UP”, “ACCELERATE” and “MAX”. The Control
Specifications provide proper settings calculated for
the fuel anticipated at the site. The FSR levels are set
as Control Constants in the SPEEDTRONIC control
start–up loop.
The fuel command signals are sequenced by the
SPEEDTRONIC control start–up software. The
start signal energizes the Master Control and Protec-
tion circuit (the “L4” circuit) and starts the necessary
auxiliary equipment. The “L4” circuit permits pres-
surization of the trip oil system and engages the
starting clutch. With the “L4” circuit permissive and
the starting clutch engaged, the starting device starts
turning.
When the HP rotor ‘breaks away’ (starts to rotate),
the L14HR signal de–energizes starting clutch sole-
noid 20CS and shuts down the hydraulic ratchet.
5 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION

The clutch then requires torque from the starting de-
vice to maintain engagement. Turbine speed relay
logic L14HM indicates that the turbine is turning at
the speed required for proper purging and ignition in
the combustors; purge timer L2TV is initiated with
the L14HM signal. The purge time is set to allow
three to four changes of air through the unit and ex-
haust system to ensure that any combustible mixture
has been purged from the system. Units which have
extensive exhaust systems may have a fairly long
purge timer, but simple–cycle units usually only re-
quire two minutes time.
The completion of the purge cycle (L2TVX) ‘en-
ables’ fuel flow, ignition, sets firing level FSR and
initiates the firing timer (L2F). When the flame de-
tector output signals indicate flame has been estab-
lished in the combustors (L28FD), the warm–up
timer (L2W) starts and the fuel command signal is
reduced to the “WARM–UP” FSR level. The warm–
up time is provided to minimize the thermal stresses
of the hot gas path parts during the initial part of the
start–up.
If flame is not established by the time the firing timer
times out, typically 60 seconds, fuel flow is halted.
The unit will remain on CRANK and can be given
another start signal, but firing will be delayed by the
L2TV timer to avoid fuel accumulation in succes-
sive attempts.
At the completion of the warm–up period (L2WX),
the start–up control ramps FSR at a predetermined
rate to the setting for “ACCELERATE LIMIT”. The
start–up cycle has been designed to moderate the
highest firing temperature produced during accel-
eration. This is done by programming a slow rise in
FSR. As fuel is increased, the turbine begins the ac-
celeration phase of start–up. The clutch is held in as
long as the starting device provides torque to the gas
turbine. When the turbine overruns the starting de-
vice the clutch will disengage, shutting down the
starting device. Speed relay logic L14HA indicates
the turbine is accelerating. The low–pressure turbine
will break away and start accelerating sometime
during this phase; the actual point at which it breaks
away depends on the load.
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
GE Power Systems
Other control modes are also able to reduce and
modulate FSR to perform their control functions
during the start–up phase. In the acceleration phase
of start–up, it is possible to reach the temperature
control limit or shaft acceleration rate limits. The
speed and temperature control systems will not per-
mit these limits to be exceeded by controlling FSR
as required. The Operator Interface always displays
which mode is in control. When the turbine is
started, the second–stage nozzle requires maximum
nozzle area because speed and temperature are be-
low their set points. The nozzle will open to place
maximum energy into the high–pressure set. This
sequence can be followed in Figure 5.
As the HP rotor speed increases, the axial–flow
compressor pumps more air and exhaust tempera-
ture will stop rising and start decreasing. At approxi-
mately 60–65% TNH, the turbine will pull away
from the starting device, disengaging the clutch and
causing the starting device to shutdown. Accelera-
tion control detects whether the high–pressure or
low–pressure turbine rotors attempt to increase in
speed faster than the allowable acceleration rate of
1% per second and will reduce FSR to hold that rate.
In Figure 3A–5 observe how FSR is cut back as the
HP and LP become more efficient towards the end of
the start–up. The acceleration phase of start–up ends
when both HP and LP rotors are at their low speed
stop speeds and Complete Sequence is reached. At
this phase, the second–stage nozzle maintains high–
pressure shaft speed at its low speed stop point and
the auxiliary pumps shut down. The LP turbine goes
on speed control and is ready for loading.
Acceleration Control
Acceleration control compares the present value of
rotor speed with the last sampled value. The differ-
ence between these two numbers is a measure of the
acceleration and is done for both the HP and LP ro-
tors. Both rotors use an allowable acceleration refer-
ence of 1% increase in rotor speed per second. If the
actual acceleration of the HP rotor is greater than the
acceleration reference, FSRACC is reduced; if the
actual acceleration of the LP rotor is greater than the
6 A00150
 GE Power Systems

NOZZLE
ANGLE
(TSRNZ)

HP
TURBINE TURBINE
SPEED SPEED
REF. (TNH)
(TNR)

FUEL
EXHAUST
STROKE
TEMP
REF
(TTXC)
(FSR)

LP
TURBINE
SPEED
(TNL)

Figure 5
Two–Shaft Turbine Start–up Curve

acceleration reference, FSRACL is reduced. Either Speed Control

of these may reduce total fuel flow to the gas turbine
(FSR). If, during start–up, the low–pressure rotor
accelerates too quickly, FSRACL will cut back on
fuel and the unit may not come up to operating
speed.
A00150
Two–shaft speed control regulates fuel flow (FSR)
to maintain LP rotor speed at the desired setpoint;
high–pressure shaft speed is controlled by the vari-
able area second–stage nozzle.
7 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION

LP Speed Signal – TNL
Low–pressure turbine speed is measured by mag-
netic sensors 77NL–1, 77NL–2 and 77NL–3. These
magnetic pick–up sensors are high output devices
consisting of a permanent magnet surrounded by a
coil in an hermetically sealed case. The pickups are
mounted in a ring around a 60–tooth wheel on the
low–pressure rotor. With the 60–tooth wheel, the
frequency of the voltage output in hertz is equal to
the speed of the turbine in revolutions per minute.
For example, 6000 rpm divided by 60 seconds in a
minute is 100 revolutions per second. One hundred
revolutions per second times 60 teeth per revolution
is 6000 cycles per second. This frequency signal is
fed into a pulse rate to digital converter. See Figure
6. The signal then is compared to the LP turbine
speed reference (TNR). If there is any error between
FSRMAX
FSRMIN
TNL –
+
TNR
FSKNG
Figure 6
LP Speed Control
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
GE Power Systems
these signals, FSR will be changed to eliminate that
error. This is an isochronous–type governor control.
Clearance between the outside diameter of the
toothed wheel and the tip of the magnetic pickup
should be kept within the limits specified on the
Control Specifications. If the clearance is not main-
tained within the specified limits, an erroneous
speed signal could be generated and the turbine
speed control will then operate in response to the in-
correct speed feedback signal.
Turbine Speed Reference – TNR
The Turbine Speed Reference (TNR) signal repre-
sents the reference point for the LP speed control
loop. See Figure 6. Thus, by changing the speed ref-
erence, or ‘called–for speed’, the actual speed of the
LP turbine and thus load, can be changed. The opera-
tor can control this raising and lowering of TNR via
MEDIAN FSRN
SELECT
8 A00150
 GE Power Systems

raise/lower commands at the operator interface.
Since load is a function of speed on a pumping com-
pressor, the TNR may also be considered roughly
proportional to load.
A block diagram of the Turbine Speed Reference is
shown in Figure 7. TNR comes from a Median Se-
lect Gate whose inputs are:
1. Maximum limit control constant TNKR3 which
is normally 105% (high speed stop speed). This
limit is automatically raised during mechanical
overspeed testing, but must be changed for elec-
tronic overspeed testing.
2. Minimum limit control constant TNKR4 (low
speed stop speed) which can be between 50%
and 85% depending on the type and require-
ments of the driven load.
3. Raise/Lower signal which adds or subtracts
TNKR1_n to the last sampled value of TNR.

A TNR
A=B AT
B MIN

TNKR3 A TNR
A=B AT
B MAX

TNKR4

MAX
LOWER
MEDIAN
SELECT
MIN TNR
RAISE

L83DJn
RATE SELECT

+
TNKR1_n –
+

LAST
SAMPLE

TNKR7

START
PRESET

Figure 7
Turbine Speed Reference

A00150 9 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE

CONTROL & OPERATION

This is how the operator or automatic load con-
trol changes TNR. The ‘n’ value of L83JD_n de-
cides which rate to be used. A typical rate of
change of TNR would be 9.2%/minute; during
Auto–Load, TNKR1_4, which would equal
9.2%/min, would be enabled. The Manual or
Fast–Load rate, TNKR_3, is typically
10.0%/minute.
During start–up, TNR is pre–set to the minimum
governing speed (50–85%) which is stored in
constant TNKR4. For auto loading from a station
process or remote panel, a signal is brought into the
raise/lower logic to automatically increase or de-
crease TNR which in turn changes the LP speed/
load.
Temperature Control
The Exhaust Temperature Control System will limit
fuel flow to the gas turbine to maintain the internal
operating temperatures within the design limitations
of the turbine hot gas path parts. The highest temper-
ature in the gas turbine occurs in the flame zone of
the combustion chambers. The combustion gas in
that zone is diluted by cooling air and flows into the
turbine section through the first stage nozzle. The
temperature of that gas as it exits the first stage
nozzle is known as the ‘firing temperature’ of the gas
turbine; it is that temperature that must be limited by
the control system. From thermodynamic relation-
ships and gas turbine cycle performance calcula-
tions, firing temperature can be determined as a
function of exhaust temperature and pressure ratio
across the turbine; the latter is determined by the
measured compressor discharge pressure (CPD).
The temperature control system is designed to mea-
sure and control turbine exhaust temperature rather
than firing temperature because it is impractical to
measure temperatures at the turbine inlet. This indi-
rect control of turbine firing temperature is made
practical by utilizing known gas turbine aero– and
thermo–dynamic characteristics to bias the exhaust
temperature signal, since the exhaust temperature
alone is not a true indication of firing temperature.
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
GE Power Systems
Firing temperature can also be approximated as a
function of exhaust temperature and fuel flow
(FSR); an FSR–biased exhaust temperature control
curve is used as back–up to the primary CPD–biased
temperature control curve. The two–shaft turbine
temperature control system is equipped with an
additional input, the high–pressure rotor speed
(TNH) feedback, as shown in a simplified block dia-
gram, Figure 8.
The two–shaft exhaust temperature reference
(TTRXB) is determined by output TTR of a mini-
mum select gate whose inputs are a CPD–biased
curve, an FSR–biased curve and the Base Isother-
mal. Figure 9 shows these curves. There is an addi-
tional signal generated to bias TTRXB that is a
function of high–pressure rotor speed TNH. This
signal biases the temperature control reference to a
higher value in a linear relationship with TNH and
changes the temperature reference only when the
high–pressure shaft is operating at less than 100%
rated speed. This type of control is significant only
on regenerative– or combined–cycle turbines. The
bias sets the exhaust temperature fuel control limit
higher than normal at low high–pressure rotor
speeds to attain high exhaust temperature at low
load. The exhaust temperature is higher than it
would normally be at low loads because the com-
pressor is turning at less than design speed and mov-
ing less air. As the exhaust temperature increases
beyond a certain point, HP rotor speed setpoint
TNRH is increased from its low speed stop to a max-
imum of 100% (high speed stop). The bias sets the
exhaust temperature fuel control limit higher at low
HP turbine speed condition to provide increased
load pick up capability and reduce interaction be-
tween exhaust temperature control of fuel (FSR) and
exhaust temperature control of the second–stage
nozzle. As a result of this signal, the temperature set
point is biased to a higher value in a linear relation-
ship with TNH, Figure 10. When subjected to a sud-
den load increase at partial load, the temperature
(fuel) control limit must have sufficient fuel margin
to permit acceleration of the HP turbine. The slope is
determined by the constant TTKRX4 which is typi-
cally 8°F/%TNH.
10 A00150
 GE Power Systems

FSR + –
– +

CORNER

SLOPE

ISOTHERMAL
MIN TTR
SELECT

SLOPE

CORNER

CPD

LAST
SAMPLE

MEDIAN
TTKRXR1 SELECT

TTKRXR2

100% TNH

TNH MEDIAN TTRXB

SELECT
TEMP. REF
MIN BIAS

TTKRX4

Figure 8
Two–Shaft Turbine Temperature Control With Speed Bias

A00150 11 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE

CONTROL & OPERATION

ISOTHERMAL
EXHASUT TEMPERATURE (Tx)
COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE PRESSURE (CPD)
Exhaust Temperature vs.
Compressor Discharge Pressure
Figure 9
Temperature Control Relationships
Constants TTKRXR1 and TTKRXR2 are used to
limit the rate of change of TTRXB in either the posi-
tive or negative direction. Typical values are an in-
crease of 1.5°F/second and a decrease of
1.0°F/second.
Second–stage Nozzle Control
A variable area second–stage nozzle is provided on
two–shaft gas turbines and located between the
high–pressure stage and low–pressure stage of the
turbine. The high–pressure turbine provides power
to drive the gas turbine axial–flow compressor and
the low–pressure turbine is coupled to and drives the
load.
Division of power between the low–pressure and
high–pressure turbine sections is accomplished
through modulation of the second–stage nozzle
area. In the full–open position, maximum power is
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
GE Power Systems
ISOTHERMAL
EXHASUT TEMPERATURE (Tx)
FUEL STROKE REFERENCE (FSR)
Exhaust Temperature vs.
Fuel Control Command Signal
allotted to the high–pressure turbine. Conversely, in
the full–closed position, maximum power is di-
verted to the low–pressure turbine for driving the
load. Axial–flow compressors are sensitive to
speed, going into surge if not operated in the correct
speed range. Also, the output of the gas turbine is a
function of mass airflow and pressure ratio. There-
fore the compressor has to be maintained in a prede-
termined speed range (typically 92–100% TNH)
which means that some power has to be made avail-
able for the high pressure turbine. The control sys-
tem modulates the second–stage nozzle angle (or
area) to maintain the HP rotor at the correct speed.
There are two exhaust system applications normally
used on heavy duty gas turbines – Simple Cycle or
Combined Cycle. For simple–cycle gas turbine ap-
plications, the control system is calibrated to modu-
late the second–stage nozzle to hold 99 to 100%
high–pressure turbine speed (TNH). In such ap-
plications, the gas turbine air flow is at or near maxi-
12 A00150
 GE Power Systems

TTRXB

8°F/%N
40°F
DELTA–T
REFERENCE
EXHAUST
TEMPERATURE

TTRX

TTRXB = TTRX @ 100%TNH

TTRXB controls fuel flow (FSR)

TTRX controls CSRGV and TNRH

92% TNH
100%

Figure 10
Two–Shaft Turbine Second–Stage Nozzle Control
mum and, for a given load output and site condition,
the exhaust temperature is at a minimum.
For a combined–cycle (or regenerative–cycle) gas
turbine application, the control system for the se-
cond–stage nozzle is calibrated to run the high pres-
sure turbine at reduced speed during part load
operations; the typical speed range is 92–100%
TNH. As a consequence of this lower speed opera-
tion, the resultant low–load exhaust temperature is
higher due to reduced air flow. It follows also that
exhaust temperature will increase more rapidly at re-
duced air flow as more output is demanded.
The high–pressure shaft speed will remain at the low
speed stop until the exhaust temperature reaches a
certain point. With further loading beyond this
point, high–pressure turbine speed is increased, al-
A00150
lowing increased air flow to maintain an acceptable
exhaust temperature. The net effect of this nozzle
control scheme is a higher exhaust temperature at
part–load operation, maximizing the effect of the
combined– or regenerative–cycle.
Operation
The second–stage nozzle control system is designed
to regulate two parameters: high–pressure turbine
speed and exhaust temperature. Figure 11 and 12
show the essential elements in the SPEEDTRONIC
control circuit to control high–pressure speed
(TNH). TSRNZ is the reference signal for the nozzle
actuator and TNRH is the reference signal for HP ro-
tor speed.
13 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
 GE Power Systems

MAX. ANGLE

MIN. ANGLE MEDIAN TSRNZ

SELECT

GAIN

TNRH
LAST
SAMPLE
TNH

GAIN

FSR

FSR MIN

MEDIAN
TSKRNZGM SELECT

00

Figure 11
Second–Stage Nozzle Stroke Reference

Reference signal TSRNZ will adjust the second–
stage nozzle angle to make the HP rotor speed equal
HP rotor speed reference TNRH. If the actual speed
starts to exceed the reference, the difference will
cause nozzle reference TSRNZ to decrease, closing
the nozzle and depriving the high–pressure turbine
of pressure drop until speed decreases. If TNH drops
below TNRH, TSRNZ will increase (open the
nozzle) to develop more pressure drop across the
high–pressure turbine until TNH increases to the
proper value.
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
For combined– or regenerative–cycle operation, it is
desirable to maximize exhaust temperature and
speed setpoint TNRH will vary according to exhaust
temperature. During start–up and at low loads,
TNRH is at its Low Speed Stop, TNKRHLSS. As
the the unit is loaded and exhaust temperature in-
creases, the increasing exhaust temperature causes
TNRH to increase, eventually reaching its High
Speed Stop, TNKRHHSS. TNRH is low at low
loads to maintain a minimum amount of airflow
through the unit, maximizing exhaust temperature.
14 A00150
 GE Power Systems

TNH A TNR
RAISE
A<B
TNKRHLSL A B
A B
B

TNKRHHSS

TNKRHLSS A
A B
MAX TNRH
CNCF B MIN
SELECT SELECT

TTRX

TTXM

TNKRHO LAST
SAMPLE

TNKRHG

Figure 12
HP Turbine Speed Reference

As load and exhaust temperature increase, TNRH is
raised to increase HP rotor speed and increase air-
flow through the unit to maintain an acceptable fir-
ing temperature. To accomplish this, another
algorithm is used as shown in Figure 12.
The low speed stop is typically 92% TNH and this
control constant (TNKRHLSS) is modified by a
correction factor, CNCF, which accounts for differ-
ent air densities at different ambient conditions. The
corrected signal enters a gate which selects the max-
imum of the corrected low speed stop and a second
signal derived from the temperature control refer-
ence TTRX.
A00150
To generate this second signal, exhaust temperature
feedback signal TTXM is compared to exhaust tem-
perature limit reference TTRX. The temperature ref-
erence is basically the same as that generated by the
temperature control algorithm. To ensure nozzle
control of exhaust temperature before fuel control of
exhaust temperature, temperature reference TTRX
may be offset by a constant (TNKRHO); this value is
typically 0_F. See Figure 13.
The difference between the allowable exhaust tem-
perature (reference temperature) and the actual ex-
haust temperature generates an error signal which is
added to the last sampled value of TNRH and enters
15 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION

the maximum select gate. The maximum select gate
selects the higher of the ambient temperature–cor-
rected low speed stop speed or the exhaust tempera-
ture–corrected speed setpoint TNRH. Normally, the
low speed stop speed will be selected until measured
exhaust temperature TTXM reaches reference tem-
perature TTRX. The output of the max select gate is
input to a minimum select gate where it is compared
to the high speed stop speed (control constant
TNKRHHSS). This is the maximum allowable
speed for the HP rotor. Once the high speed stop is
TTKO_S
TTXM
NOZZLE
CONTROL
CPD
Figure 13
Nozzle–Temperature Control Curve
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE 16
CONTROL & OPERATION
GE Power Systems
reached, TNRH will not go any higher. The high
pressure turbine speed reference (TNRH) is then
compared to TNH and if there is any error, the nozzle
is modulated to control the speed as previously dis-
cussed. See Figure 11.
In the event FSR should be a value less than ‘mini-
mum blow–out fuel’ FSRMIN, the nozzle is made to
go to maximum angle (15_) to prevent the axial–
flow compressor from surging. Under normal oper-
ating conditions, when actual HP rotor speed TNH
TTKO_C
TTKO_I
TNKRHO
TEMPERATURE
CONTROL
FUEL LIMIT
A00150
 GE Power Systems

EXHAUST <RST>
T.C’S. TSRNZBAK
TTXM

TNRH
LSS <I/O>

HSS
TSRNZ TANZ
HP D/A
SHAFT TO
SERVO
TNH
<RST>
77NH–123

LEGEND

ELEC. CONN.

HYD. PIPING

65NV

NOZZLE DUMP VALVE

NOZZLE
OLT DUMP
VALVE

96NC–1
NOZZLE CONTROL RING

OH

CLOSE OPEN

Figure 14
Nozzle Control Schematic

equals reference speed TNRH, nozzle reference
angle TSRNZ should be zero.
Output TSRNZ is converted to an analog signal (see
Figure 14) and compared to the position feedback
coming from two LVDTs (96NC–1 and –2). If there
A00150
is any error, a new signal is sent to servovalve 65NV
which will reposition the hydraulic actuator to open
or close the nozzle as required. A hydraulic dump
valve is provided in case of a trip to ensure the nozzle
goes to the full open position to minimize power
flow to the LP rotor.
17 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION

Two–shaft Operating Characteristics
Loading
Loading may be automatically controlled by a pro-
cess signal or manually increased using the Raise/
Lower switches. In either case, it is turbine speed
control setpoint TNR which changes, creating an er-
ror signal which causes FSR to increase or decrease
to maintain called–for speed.
Load will increase in accordance with the speed–
load characteristics of the driven compressor. De-
pending on the way nozzle control is programmed,
the unit’s high pressure turbine will operate at either
constant or variable speed during loading.
Simple Cycle
If the turbine is expected to run without a regenerator
or waste–heat recovery equipment, it will be set up
for simple cycle operation with the high–pressure
turbine always running at design speed, even at part
load. This is justified mainly because of reduced fir-
ing temperature at part load. There is no significant
difference in part load efficiency operating with
variable high–pressure set speed.
Essentially constant speed control is accomplished
by setting the HP rotor low speed stop at 99% and
high speed stop at 100%. The load characteristic for
a simple cycle unit is shown in Figure 15. Startup
will have brought the high–pressure set to the low
speed stop.
During the loading phase of operation, the speed of
the low–pressure turbine and load compressor and
the power output of the turbine are increased accord-
ing to the speed–load characteristic of the driven
load. The gas turbine uses the low–pressure turbine
speed as an indicator of load; low–pressure speed
setpoint TNR may be increased or decreased auto-
matically by the station process signal or manually
at the turbine control panel. As more load compres-
sor output is required, the low–pressure speed set-
point is increased. The other turbine parameters
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
GE Power Systems
respond to the Turbine Speed Reference (TNR) sig-
nal.
Figure 15 is intended to show the direction of param-
eter change during the load cycle only. Actual mag-
nitudes are dependent on load compressor
characteristics, pipeline pressure and flows and site
conditions.
An increase in the TNR setpoint, either automatical-
ly or manually, results in a difference between the
actual low–pressure rotor speed and the low–pres-
sure rotor speed setpoint. Fuel command FSR is in-
creased to accelerate the low–pressure turbine to the
set–point speed. The increased fuel flow causes the
high–pressure rotor speed to increase, but the se-
cond–stage nozzle operates to decrease the pressure
drop across the high–pressure turbine and maintain
high–pressure turbine speed at a constant level.
The second–stage nozzle will continue to hold the
high–pressure turbine speed constant as fuel flow in-
creases until exhaust temperature limit TTRX is
reached. The nozzle will then operate to increase the
high–pressure turbine speed from the low speed stop
speed to the high speed stop speed to hold exhaust
temperature at this level; this is “Nozzle Tempera-
ture Control”. This point will be somewhat below
the limit for exhaust temperature control of fuel. Af-
ter the HP rotor has reached full speed, continued
loading will then cause exhaust temperature to reach
temperature control limit TTRXB and fuel flow will
be stopped from increasing. The exhaust tempera-
ture control circuit will then modulate FSR to main-
tain an acceptable exhaust temperature. Once on
exhaust temperature fuel control, the TNR signal
can no longer act to increase FSR. Theoretically, the
exhaust temperature control point for fuel will be
reached as the high pressure rotor attains 100% de-
sign speed.
The same sequence occurs, in reverse, during un-
loading. See Figure 18.
Combined Cycle
For a combined– or regenerative–cycle gas turbine
application, the control system for the second–stage
18 A00150

TNH
TNL
TNR
FSR
Figure 15
Two–Shaft Turbine Simple–Cycle Loading
nozzle is calibrated to run the high pressure turbine
at reduced speed during part load operations; the
typical speed range is 92–100% TNH. As a conse-
quence, for a given low–load output and site condi-
tion, the resultant exhaust temperature is higher due
to reduced air flow.
The high–pressure shaft speed will remain at the low
speed stop until the exhaust temperature reaches a
certain point. With further loading beyond this
point, the compressor speed or high–pressure tur-
bine speed is allowed to increase air flow to maintain
A00150
GE Power Systems
NOZZLE
ANGLE
(TSRNZ)
TTXC
an acceptable exhaust temperature. The net effect of
this nozzle control scheme is a higher exhaust tem-
perature at part–load operation, maximizing the ef-
fect of the regenerative– or combined–cycle.
Turbine loading begins as it did in the simple–cycle
case as shown in Figure 15. The nozzle will close
when necessary to hold the HP rotor at the low speed
stop. When the exhaust temperature reaches the
nozzle temperature control setpoint, the nozzle will
modulate HP rotor speed to avoid exceeding that
temperature setpoint. With continued loading, HP
19 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION

rotor speed increases to keep the exhaust tempera-
ture from increasing; this requires directing slightly
more power to the HP turbine. Eventually, the
nozzle control runs HP rotor speed setpoint TNRH
to its high speed stop and the HP rotor will be operat-
ing at design speed (100% TNH). As load continues
to increase after the HP rotor is at design speed, ex-
haust temperature will increase until the “Fuel Tem-
perature Control” exhaust temperature limit is
reached. At the point, FSR will not increase further.
Variable Inlet Guide Vanes
The variable inlet guide vane control loop is added
to the SPEEDTRONIC control system to provide
two functions:
1. Avoid compressor pulsation by closing the inlet
guide vanes to the low–flow position during
start–up.
2. Increase the part–load thermal efficiency of the
unit by modulating air flow to the axial–flow
compressor to maximize exhaust temperature.
This is used only for combined– or regenera-
tive–cycle operation. The 92% minimum speed
of the high–pressure shaft limits the ability of
the nozzle control to maximize part–load ex-
TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE
CONTROL & OPERATION
GE Power Systems
haust temperature by itself. Both the variable in-
let guide vanes and the variable second–stage
nozzle are controlled to maintain maximum ex-
haust temperature for part–load combined–
cycle efficiency.
A typical start–up curve is shown in Figure 16. As
can be seen, it is very similar to the previously dis-
cussed simple cycle start–up. The VIGVs will mod-
ulate open from the full closed angle of 42_ to
minimum full speed angle of 56_. The rate of change
is based on the corrected H.P. speed curve. This is to
avoid compressor pulsation. Once loading begins as
shown in Figure 3A–17 the exhaust temperature
(TTXC) will reach the IGV temperature setpoint
(usually 30_F/16.6_C below fuel temperature set-
point). The IGVs will then start to modulate to main-
tain this exhaust temperature. When the IGVs reach
their limit of 85_ angle, they stop modulating. If the
unit continues to load, the exhaust temperature then
will continue to increase to the nozzle temperature
control point. The nozzle will then start to open to
maintain this temperature. This allows the HP rotor
speed to increase and, if loading continues, to reach
the high speed stop; the nozzle will then modulate to
maintain 100% TNH. As loading continues, the ex-
haust temperature will reach the fuel temperature
control setpoint and loading will end.
20 A00150
 GE Power Systems

TNH

TNL
FSR

TTXC TNR

TSRNZ
FSR

Figure 16
Two–Shaft Turbine Simple–Cycle Unloading

A00150 21 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE

CONTROL & OPERATION
 GE Power Systems

TSRNZ

TNH
TNL

TTXC

IGV
ANGLE
FSR TNL

Figure 17
Two–Shaft Turbine Combined–Cycle Start–up

TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE 22 A00150

CONTROL & OPERATION
 GE Power Systems

TNH

TSRNZ
TTXC

TNL

IGV
ANGLE

FSR

Figure 18
Two–Shaft Turbine Combined–Cycle Loading

A00150 23 TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE

CONTROL & OPERATION
 GE Power Systems

GE Power Systems Training

General Electric Company
One River Road
Schenectady, NY 12345

TWO–SHAFT GAS TURBINE 24 A00150

CONTROL & OPERATION