Turbine Flow Valve Control via Unit Value Commands
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost associated with converting raw data into percent values for controlling steam turbine systems increase development, commissioning, and calibration time, and introduce opportunities for calculation errors.
Innovation Solution
Converting flow commands from percent values to unit values, using a control algorithm that determines unit value stroke commands to control the position of the flow valve, simplifying the process and reducing the number of calculations required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If raw data is converted into percent values for controlling flow valves, then the valve position control can be implemented, but the system complexity and implementation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the percent value conversion step from the control system. Instead of converting raw flow data to percent values, the system directly uses raw flow data (in kg/s or lbsm/hr) to control the flow valve, removing the unnecessary normalization layer and simplifying the overall control architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional control approach by not normalizing data to percent values before control, but rather using the actual physical units directly. This inversion eliminates the need for range normalization and associated complexity while maintaining full control functionality
2Ease of operation
If raw data is converted into percent values for valve control, then the valve position can be controlled, but calculation errors may be introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the percent value conversion and normalization calculations from the control system, eliminating the sources of calculation errors that arise from data transformation. By using raw flow data directly, the system avoids normalization errors and maintains higher reliability
3Ease of operation
If percent value normalization is implemented in the control system, then valve control is achieved, but development and calibration costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the percent value normalization infrastructure from the control system, reducing development effort, calibration requirements, and implementation costs. The system achieves valve control using raw flow data without requiring complex normalization routines or associated calibration procedures
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for controlling fluid flow in a turbine that includes at least one flow valve configured to regulate fluid intake through the turbine. The system further includes a control system operatively coupled to the at least one flow valve. The control system includes at least one processor configured to receive a percent value flow command. Convert the percent value flow command to a unit value flow command. Determine a unit value stroke command based on the unit value flow command. The processor is further configured to control a position of the at least one flow valve to the unit value stroke command.