GE Power Systems

GAS TURBINE OPERATOR COMMANDS

INTRODUCTION ET OFF command. If at zero speed, the unit can be

placed “ON COOLDOWN” by using the COOL-
Issuing the command to start a unit generally in- DOWN ON or RATCHET ON command.
volves selecting a fuel, selecting a mode of opera-
tion, initiating a unit start, synchronizing and
loading the unit. After selecting an operating mode “OFF” OPERATING MODE
and initiating a unit start, the unit can be synchro-
nized manually or automatically and loaded manu- The “ OFF” mode is usually selected by the operator
ally or automatically. after a unit stop has been initiated or completed and
there is no anticipated need to start the unit; the OFF
After the unit has reached full speed no load (FSNL),
command prevents “inadvertently” starting of the
the unit may be transferred from operation on one
unit. OFF cannot be selected while the unit is start-
fuel to another. Some units have the option of operat-
ing or running. A unit start cannot be initiated from
ing on a fuel mix, though mixed fuel operation must
the OFF mode; this is an unalarmed start–check per-
be done within certain parameters.
missive. When OFF mode is selected, the status
Before or after the unit has been started, one of sev- message field will display either “ON COOL-
eral automatically controlled load setpoints can be DOWN” or “OFF COOLDOWN”.
selected, e.g., BASE, PEAK, PRE–SELECT.

“CRANK” OPERATING MODE

OPERATING MODE
COMMANDS The “CRANK” mode is usually selected when the
unit is to be rotated at or near its purge speed without
admitting fuel to the combustion chambers. Exam-
MODE OF OPERATION ples of such instances include axial–compressor
OFF cleaning, “forced” cooling of the unit or heat recov-
ery steam generator or shaft rotation after a failure of
CRANK the unit to go on cooldown after a shutdown or trip.
FIRE With the CRANK mode selected and the unit at zero
speed, the status message field will display either
AUTOMATIC “READY TO START” or “NOT READY TO
START”. If the unit is “READY TO START”, a unit
REMOTE
start must be initiated in order for the unit to be
A normal unit shutdown is initiated by selecting the cranked. After a unit start has been initiated, the sta-
STOP command, after which the unit will be un- tus message field will display “CRANKING” while
loaded automatically and decelerated in a manner the unit remains in CRANK mode. CRANK mode
which reduces the turbine’s thermal stresses gradu- cannot be selected any time after the unit has fired.
ally; this is a “fired shutdown”. The unit will then be Exercise caution if it is necessary to crank the unit
placed “ON COOLDOWN” automatically. for extended periods of time or several times in suc-
cession so as not to damage the starting means. After
If desired, the unit can be taken “OFF COOL- starting the unit in CRANK mode it can be acceler-
DOWN” after an appropriate period of time has ated to full speed no load (FSNL) by selecting
passed by using the COOLDOWN OFF or RATCH- AUTO, or FIRE and then AUTO.
A00052 REV A 1 GAS TURBINE OPERATOR COMMANDS
 “FIRE” OPERATING MODE “CABLE REMOTE” OPERATING
MODE
The “FIRE” mode is selected when it desired to
“fire” the unit (admit and ignite fuel) but not bring it Selecting the “CABLE REMOTE” mode allows the
to full speed. This may be useful to dry the unit after plant’s central control system (DCS or SCADA) to
a water wash if it is not going to be operated within send certain commands to the SPEEDTRONIC
the next 12 hours, to do start checks, or to straighten Mark V panel. If “CABLE REMOTE” has not been
a bowed rotor. When a unit start is initiated after the selected, the plant control may only monitor the
FIRE mode has been selected, the status message Mark V, not issue commands. Information displayed
field will display “STARTING”, then “FIRING”, in the status message field will be the same as that for
and after flame has been initiated, “WARMING AUTO mode operation. The CABLE REMOTE
UP”. Once flame has been initiated, fuel flow will mode may be selected at any time and operation may
remain at the pre–set warm–up value. Since the unit be switched back and forth from CABLE REMOTE
is not self–sustaining at low speeds, the starting to AUTO while the unit is running. The switching
means will continue to provide torque to the unit. from CABLE REMOTE to AUTO and back must be
Exercise caution if it is necessary to run the unit at done from the local panel. Personnel must remem-
FIRE for extended periods of time so as not to dam- ber that when CABLE REMOTE is selected, the lo-
age the starting means. After starting the unit in cal <I> is still able to issue commands to the control
FIRE mode it can be accelerated to full speed no load panel; control does not transfer to the plant control.
(FSNL) by selecting AUTO.

COOLDOWN CYCLE
“AUTO” OPERATING MODE
COMMANDS
The “AUTO” mode is the normal mode of operation
selected when a unit is to be started from the local TURBINE COOLDOWN
operator interface and brought to full speed. After
selecting the AUTO mode, the status message field
COOLDOWN ON (RATCHET ON)
will display either “READY TO START” or “NOT COOLDOWN OFF (RATCHET OFF)
READY TO START”, indicating whether or not all
the unit start–check permissives have been satisfied.
After a unit start has been initiated, the status mes- “COOLDOWN ON”
sage field will display “STARTING”, “FIRING”,
“WARMING UP”, “ACCELERATING”, and then COOLDOWN ON or RATCHET ON is used during
“FULL SPEED NO LOAD” or “SYNCHRONIZ- unit cooldown to prevent rotor bow. If the rotor was
ING” and “LOADING”, depending on whether au- to remain stationary after being shutdown, the upper
tomatic synchronization has been selected. When half of the rotor would tend to get warmer than the
AUTO is selected and the generator panel is in the lower half and the rotor would bow. This could cause
Auto Synch mode, the unit will crank, fire, acceler- a vibration problem during a subsequent start–up or
ate, synchronize automatically, and load to Spinning might prevent the rotor from turning at all. The larg-
Reserve if no other load command is given. Spin- er units, Model Series 7 and 9, utilize the COOL-
ning Reserve is a pre–selected load level stored as a DOWN ON command which puts the units on “slow
control constant in the SPEEDTRONICΕ Mk V roll”, a constant rotation at low rpm. Model Series 5
software. Once the unit attains full speed, no mode and 6 units utilize the RATCHET ON command
below AUTO may be selected unless a unit STOP which rotates the shaft 565 every three minutes. The
has been initiated. major difference between the large and small Model
 GE Power Systems

Series is the type of torque convertor used. The unit “START” COMMAND
will be on COOLDOWN or RATCHET any time it
is at zero speed, unless COOLDOWN OFF or The START command is used to initiate the starting
RATCHET OFF has been selected. When the 14HR sequence when the CRANK, FIRE, AUTO, or RE-
zero speed relay picks up after a unit shutdown, the MOTE mode is selected. With auto–synch selected
unit goes on slow roll or ratchet automatically, no and the unit in AUTO mode, a START command
operator initiation required. While on slow roll or will bring the unit from zero speed to Spinning Re-
ratchet, the ac–powered lube oil pump will operate, serve with no other operator input; if BASE is se-
providing both lubrication and the “muscle” needed lected, the unit will go from zero speed to base load
for rotor rotation. A unit should remain on the cool- with no other operator input. If the generator breaker
down cycle, slow roll or ratchet, for a minimum of has opened for some reason, automatic synchroniza-
12 hours after a shutdown. It is preferable to leave tion may be re–initiated by selecting START again.
the unit on the cooldown cycle continuously unless a
lengthy shutdown is anticipated. It is suggested the
unit be put on the cooldown cycle prior to a start–up “FAST LOAD START” COMMAND
after an extended period of no rotation.
When a FAST LOAD START is used to start the unit
in AUTO with automatic synchronization selected
at the generator panel, the unit will come up to full
speed at its normal rate of acceleration, but once the
“COOLDOWN OFF” generator breaker closes, the machine is loaded at a
much higher rate than normal, approximately eight
“COOLDOWN OFF” or “RATCHET OFF” will times the automatic loading rate. This makes mega-
terminate the cooldown cycle. Model Series 7 and 9 watts available very quickly but subjects the unit to
will not accept a COOLDOWN OFF until 12–14 high levels of thermal stress. FAST LOAD START
hours after the unit has been shutdown. should be used only when necessary as it has a nega-
tive impact on the machine’s maintenance intervals.
If FAST LOAD START has been selected mistaken-
ly when initiating a start, it may de–selected by se-
lecting the normal START command.
GAS TURBINE UNIT
COMMANDS “FAST START, FAST LOAD”
COMMAND
UNIT START When a FAST START, FAST LOAD is used to start
the unit in AUTO with automatic synchronization
START selected at the generator panel, the unit will come up
FAST LOAD START to full speed at an accelerated rate and, when the
breaker is closed, the machine will load at a higher
FAST START, FAST LOAD rate. The fast start results from a shorter warm–up
(MS5001, MS6001 OPTION) period from the diesel engine starting device, if so
equipped, a shorter warm–up period for the gas tur-
bine after firing and a steeper acceleration curve
UNIT STOP bringing the unit to full speed. The unit then loads at
the fast load rate. The FAST START, FAST LOAD
STOP has even more of a negative impact on the machine’s
A00052 REV A 3 GAS TURBINE OPERATOR COMMANDS
maintenance intervals than FAST LOAD START gawatts, that is used by the control system as a refer-
and should be used judiciously. If FAST START, ence in the absence of any other setting. The unit will
FAST LOAD has been selected mistakenly when remain at SPINNING RESERVE until another load
initiating a start, it may de–selected by selecting the command is given or until a RAISE or LOWER load
normal START command. The FAST START, command is given. SPINNING RESERVE is a site–
FAST LOAD is an option available only on Model adjustable setting determined by control constant
Series 5 and 6 machines. LK90SPIN.

LOAD SELECTION
“STOP” COMMAND PRE–SELECT
A “STOP” command will initiate a unit shutdown BASE
sequence. The turbine speed reference will be re- PEAK
duced at the normal automatic loading, and, hence
unloading, rate. This will unload the unit until, in the
case of a generator drive application, the generator PRESELECTED LOAD
breaker opens on “reverse power”. The unit will then
be at approximately 100% speed and a fired shut- When “PRESELECTED LOAD” is selected, the
down sequence will be initiated. A fired shutdown unit will automatically load or unload at the auto-
sequence reduces fuel flow at a set rate and causes matic loading rate until the preselected load output is
the unit to decelerate. The unit is decelerated until attained. The preselected load is a megawatt setting
the flame becomes unstable at which point fuel flow that is site–adjustable by changing control constant
is stopped; this occurs at approximately 30% speed. LK90PSEL. Once the preselected load level is at-
The fired shutdown sequence reduces the thermal tained, fuel flow will be controlled to maintain that
stresses on the unit which would be caused by stop- megawatt output until another load command is giv-
ping fuel flow abruptly. On machines equipped with en or until a RAISE or LOWER load command is
the hydraulic ratchet cooldown, when the rotor given.
reaches zero speed (14HR), the hydraulic ratchet se-
quence is automatically initiated. On machines BASE LOAD
equipped with the slow roll cooldown, when the ro-
tor reaches approximately 30–50 rpm the slow roll When “BASE LOAD” is selected, the unit will load
sequence is automatically initiated. A STOP com- (or unload from PEAK) at the normal loading rate
mand may be aborted prior to high speed relay until the unit goes on exhaust temperature control; at
L14HS drop–out by giving a START command. this point, the unit is at its nominal rated power out-
put for the ambient conditions. When the unit is on
exhaust temperature control, fuel flow is regulated
GAS TURBINE LOAD to provide the maximum power for the ambient
conditions without “overfiring” the machine. It is
COMMANDS important to note that as ambient conditions change,
primarily compressor inlet temperature, the unit’s
In the absence of having selected either of the com- power output will change. Once at BASE LOAD,
mands listed below, if the gas turbine is started in the unit will remain there until another load com-
AUTO with automatic synchronization selected at mand is given or a LOWER load command is given.
the generator panel, the unit will automatically load After selecting BASE LOAD, the automatic loading
to a point known as “SPINNING RESERVE”. This or unloading of the unit may be aborted by giving a
is usually a nominal megawatt setting, e.g., four me- RAISE or LOWER load command.
 GE Power Systems

PEAK LOAD LOWER SPEED/LOAD

When selected, a “LOWER” command will decre-
“PEAK LOAD” is an option and, when selected, the ment the turbine speed reference TNR. With the
unit will load at the normal loading rate until the unit generator breaker open, selecting LOWER will de-
goes on peak exhaust temperature control. Similar to crease the unit’s speed. With the generator breaker
operation on BASE, as ambient conditions change, closed and the unit on droop control, selecting
primarily compressor inlet temperature, the unit’s LOWER will decrease the unit’s load. Selecting
power output will change. When operating on LOWER is the manual means of decreasing the
PEAK, the unit is operating at a firing temperature unit’s speed or load.
above its design limit; unit output is increased with a
consequent reduction in the machine’s maintenance
intervals. A rule of thumb is one hour of PEAK op-
eration is equivalent to six hours of BASE operation.
GOVERNOR COMMANDS
Once at PEAK LOAD, the unit will remain there un-
til another load command is given or a LOWER load GOVERNOR
command is given. After selecting PEAK LOAD, DROOP
the automatic loading or unloading of the unit may
be aborted by giving a RAISE or LOWER load com- ISOCH
mand.

DROOP GOVERNOR
“DROOP” control is the usual governor command
SPEED/LOAD CONTROL for most generators connected to a utility grid; this is
COMMANDS a ‘load–sharing’ governor. Droop speed control is a
proportional control, changing called–for fuel flow
(FSR) in proportion to the difference between actual
SPEED/LOAD CONTROL turbine speed and the speed reference. Any change
in actual speed (grid frequency) will cause a propor-
RAISE tional change in unit load. If the entire grid system
LOWER tends to be overloaded, grid frequency (or speed)
will decrease and cause an FSR increase in propor-
tion to the droop setting. If all units have the same
droop, all will share a load increase equally. Load
sharing and system stability are the main advantages
RAISE SPEED/LOAD of this method of speed control.

When selected, a “RAISE” command will incre- ISOCHRONOUS GOVERNOR

ment the turbine speed reference TNR. With the
generator breaker open, selecting RAISE will in- Selecting “ISOCHRONOUS” will force the unit to
crease the unit’s speed. With the generator breaker maintain rated speed/frequency and provide as
closed and the unit on droop control, selecting much power as required up to the turbine’s firing
RAISE will increase the unit’s load. Selecting temperature limit (temperature control). The iso-
RAISE is the manual means of increasing the unit’s chronous governor setpoint is fixed at 100% speed;
speed or load. any deviation will integrate the fuel command in a
A00052 REV A 5 GAS TURBINE OPERATOR COMMANDS
direction to reduce the speed error to exactly zero. If There are also applications that use lighter liquid
there were two isochronous governor machines on fuels such as kerosene or naphtha. Kerosene is also
the same system, they would have a tendency to known as 1–D diesel fuel, 1–GT gas turbine fuel or
fight each other as each would attempt to hold a JP5, Jet A and is generally more expensive than the
slightly different speed. The isochronous governor number 2 distillates. Naphtha may also be known as
is a proportional plus reset, or integrating, controller. O–GI gas turbine fuel or JP–4, Jet B and is more vol-
The reset action allows it to integrate out any steady atile than the number 1 and 2 distillates. Naphtha
state speed error, providing a steady state droop of 0 fuel generally requires forwarding equipment or an
percent. additive due to its low lubricity.
Some gas fuel applications may be dual gas applica-
FUEL COMMANDS tions, using some sort of gas generated by an on–site
process as the secondary gas fuel. These applica-
tions are usually in processing plants such as refiner-
FUEL SELECTION ies or chemical plants.
GAS When running a dual–fuel gas/distillate machine,
DIST the machine is able to start on either fuel and switch
to the alternate fuel after full speed has been at-
MIX tained. If running on gas and the gas supply pressure
HEAVY falls below a pre–set level, the control system will
automatically switch to the liquid fuel; the transfer
For single fuel applications, there is obviously no from liquid to gas must always be initiated by the op-
fuel selection needed. However, many machines erator. Many dual–fuel machines can run at “MIX”,
come equipped for dual fuel operation, the dual fuels a combination of the two fuels. This must be done
primarily being natural gas and liquid fuel. The liq- within certain parameters such as being above a
uid fuel is usually a distillate known as Number 2 minimum load and minimum flow requirements for
burner fuel, 2–D diesel fuel, 2–GT gas turbine fuel, either fuel.
high speed diesel, etc. These are the fuels specified
by “GAS” and “DIST”, respectively.
Some applications may use heavier liquid fuels
BACKUP OPERATOR INTERFACE
known as crudes and/or residuals, e.g., 3–GT gas COMMANDS
turbine fuel, 4–D diesel fuel, marine diesel fuel (low
speed diesel), No. 4 burner fuel, light residual oil, STARTING PROCEDURE
No. 6 burner fuel, bunker C, etc. These heavier fuels
require special fuel handling equipment such as
heaters and water wash skids to make the fuel easy to Step 1: Mode Select To “AUTO”
handle and suitable for use in a gas turbine. General-
ly, the higher the fuel number, the less volatile the ω Press function key “F1” for MODE SELECT
fuel and the more on–site processing it needs before options.
it is suitable for use. Heavy liquid fuels usually re-
ω Use the arrow (< >) keys to point to “AUTO”.
quire that start–up of the gas turbine be done on
another fuel and transfer to “HEAVY” after full ω Press the “ENTER” key. An asterisk (*) will ap-
speed has been attained. pear beside “AUTO”.
 GE Power Systems

Step 2: Master Control “START” Signal AUXILIARIES CONTROL

ω Press function key “F2” for MASTER CON-
TROL options.
ω Use arrow (< >) key to point to “START”.
Cooldown On
ω Press “ENTER”. An asterisk (*) will appear be-
side “START”.
ω Press the “RAISE” key. The signal “L1X” will ω Press function key “F15” (press down on the
change to a “1”, indicating the start sequence is “SHIFT” and “F5” keys simultaneously).
in progress.
ω Press the “NORMAL” key. Check “TNH” to ω Use the arrow (< >) keys to point to “CD_ON”.
confirm that turbine speed is increasing, indicat-
ing shaft rotation. ω Press the “ENTER” key. An asterisk (*) will ap-
pear beside “CD_ON”.
Step 3: Load Selection To Base Load
ω Press the “RAISE” key. The cooldown sequence
ω Press funtion key “F5”. has been initiated. At the appropriate time the
ω Use arrow (< >) keys to point to “BASE”. necessary systems (lube oil, hydraulic oil and
ω Press the “ENTER” key. An asterisk (*) will ap- starting means systems) will be activated to sup-
pear beside “BASE”. port rotor cooldown activities.

STOP PROCEDURE
Cooldown Off

Normal Stop Command

ω Press function key “F15” (press down on the
ω Press the function key “F2”. “SHIFT” and “F5” keys simultaneously).
ω Use arrow (< >) keys to point to “STOP”.
ω Press the “ENTER” key. An asterisk (*) will ap- ω Use the arrow (< >) keys to point to “CD_OFF”.
pear beside “STOP”.
ω Press the “ENTER” key. An asterisk (*) will ap-
ω Press the “RAISE” key. The signal L94X will pear beside “CD_OFF”.
change to a “1”, indicating the stop sequence is
in progress.
ω Press the “RAISE” key. Rotor cooldown opera-
The STOP sequence is fully automatic from this tion will now stop and the support systems for
point. No other commands are required. The STOP this cooldown will be shut down automatically.
procedure may be aborted by initiating a START. This includes the lube oil going to the bearings.

A00052 REV A 7 GAS TURBINE OPERATOR COMMANDS