Turbine Valve Control with Fast-Slow Task Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbine control systems face delays in response times due to the execution of control logic within the main DCS controller and communication interfaces with valve positioner I/O modules, particularly in systems with numerous valves, leading to slow governor response times.
Innovation Solution
The system splits valve control functions into fast and slow tasks, executing critical functions at the I/O module level and delegating less critical tasks to reduce the burden on the controller, utilizing a fast and slow cycle processing approach with multicasting of signals to valve positioning modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all valve control functions are executed by the main DCS controller, then centralized control is maintained, but response time increases and controller burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments valve control functions into two categories: critical functions (valve position control) executed by I/O modules at high speed, and non-critical functions (support tasks) executed by the main DCS controller. This segmentation allows critical control to occur independently at the I/O module level, reducing governor response time while maintaining centralized oversight for less time-sensitive operations.
2Loss of time
If control logic is executed at the I/O module level, then response time decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts critical control logic from the main DCS controller and places it directly into the I/O modules. This extraction enables fast execution of valve control functions at the I/O module level without burdening the main controller, while the extracted logic remains relatively simple and focused solely on critical time-sensitive operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication interfaces with numerous valve positioner I/O modules are used, then valve control capability is enhanced, but controller execution time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication functions by having I/O modules handle critical valve control communications independently through local execution, while the main DCS controller handles non-critical support function communications. This segmentation reduces the communication burden on the main controller, allowing it to manage numerous valve positioners without excessive execution time increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A turbine control system is provided for decreasing the response time between readings of the speed of the turbine and changing a valve position in response thereto. The speed control system includes a speed probe that detects the speed of the turbine and a turbine valve that controls the flow of fluid or gas from or to the turbine. A controller receives a speed signal from the speed probe and sends valve position commands to the turbine valve. The controller also sends support functions to the turbine valve. The controller sends the valve position commands at a faster rate than the support functions.