Trip Manifold Assembly for Turbine Overspeed Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine overspeed protection systems (EOPS) face slow response times and contamination issues within hydraulic systems, and are operational only within limited pressure ranges, necessitating an improvement in hydraulic EOPS systems.
Innovation Solution
An advanced electro-hydraulic trip manifold assembly (TMA) with a triple modular redundant (TMR) design, configurable in block-and-bleed, remote pilot, and local pilot configurations, incorporating parallel solenoid valves, block valves, dump valves, and relay valves to provide fast response times, increased contamination tolerance, and operational flexibility across various pressure ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional hydraulic EOPS systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The trip manifold assembly is divided into multiple independent flow paths (first, second, and third flow paths) that operate in parallel. Each flow path contains its own solenoid valves, block valves, and dump valves, allowing independent operation and faster response times without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (single flow path operation, dual flow path operation, and triple flow path operation) based on system conditions and contamination levels, optimizing response time while managing complexity adaptively
2Reliability
If traditional hydraulic EOPS systems are used, then the system is easy to operate, but contamination tolerance is low
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into three independent flow paths, so contamination in one path does not affect the others. This modular segmentation provides contamination tolerance while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized path configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes preliminary filtration and contamination monitoring mechanisms in each flow path, along with pre-configured dump valves that can isolate contaminated sections before they affect the entire system, maintaining ease of operation through automated protection
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional hydraulic EOPS systems are used, then the system has limited pressure range operation, but the device complexity is low
Solution Approach 1:
Each flow path is designed with universal components (solenoid valves, block valves, dump valves) that can handle multiple pressure ranges and operational modes. The identical design of all three paths provides adaptability across pressure ranges while managing complexity through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts to different pressure ranges by activating appropriate combinations of flow paths and adjusting valve operations, providing pressure range flexibility without requiring multiple specialized system configurations
4Reliability
If triple modular redundant design is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The TMR design segments the emergency shutdown function into three independent but identical flow paths, each capable of performing the complete shutdown function. This segmentation improves reliability through redundancy while managing complexity by using identical standardized components in each path
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses three copies of the same flow path configuration, each with identical solenoid valves, block valves, and dump valves. This copying approach improves reliability through redundancy while simplifying design and maintenance by eliminating the need for unique components in each path
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The TMA ensures rapid and reliable emergency shutdown of turbines with improved contamination resistance and operational flexibility across a wide pressure range, enabling full on-line testing and maintenance, and reduced system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of solenoid valves configured to admit the flow of fluid to actuate the plurality of block valves, a plurality of relay valves, and a plurality of dump valves
Implementation Method 2
a hydraulic power unit (HPU) configured to deliver a flow of fluid to the plurality of stop valves to regulate the turbine system
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a trip manifold assembly (TMA). The TMA includes a plurality of block valves configured to receive a flow of fluid from a hydraulic power unit (HPU), and a plurality of solenoid valves configured to admit the flow of fluid to actuate the plurality of block valves, a plurality of dump valves, and a plurality of relay valves of the TMA. The plurality of solenoid valves is configured to admit a respective portion of the flow of fluid. The plurality of dump valves is configured to depressurize a trip header of the TMA as an output to operate a plurality of stop valves coupled to a turbine system. The TMA is configured to regulate the flow of fluid to control the operation of the plurality of stop valves as a mechanism to interrupt an operation of the turbine system.