Automatic Startup Sequence

The automatic startup sequence for the Siemens V84 combustion turbine can be broken down
into three major sequences:
 Preparations for startup
 Startup and run-up to synchronous speed
 Synchronizing and loading
 Preparations for Startup Sequence
 The preparation for the startup sequence places support systems in service to support
the startup of the combustion turbine generator.

The first portion of the sequence places the Shaft Lift Oil System, the Main Lube Oil System,
and the Control Oil System in service.
The second portion of the sequence operationally checks the bearing oil pump.

The third step in the preparation for startup sequence is verification that the compressor 5th
stage and 10th stage extraction valves are open.
In addition to placing support systems in service, the preparation for startup sequence also
prepares the static frequency converter (SFC) for startup, and issues commands to open the
ignition gas main supply shutoff valve. This valve is opened to pressurize the ignition gas
header up to the second solenoid operated shutoff valve.

Once the preparation for the startup sequence is complete, the startup and run-up to
synchronous speed program is initiated.

Startup and Run-up to Synchronous Speed Sequence

The startup and run-up to synchronize speed sequence establishes main flame, accelerates the
unit using the SFC, and makes preparations for closing the unit generator breaker. The block
diagram shows the startup and run-up to synchronous speed sequence.
During the startup and run-up to synchronous speed sequence, the first command issued is to
start the CTG using the SFC. The SFC then provides a variable frequency to the generator to
accelerate the unit as a synchronous motor.

Once the unit accelerates to ignition speed, the ignition gas solenoid-operated shutoff
valve opens and ignition gas is supplied to the pilot burners. At the same time, the
ignition transformers are energized.
When a flame is detected, the primary fuel valves supplying the combustion chambers are
opened.

As the unit accelerates, the startup and run-up to synchronous speed program removes
the turning gear from service at approximately 288 RPM by closing the turning gear
valve. At the same time, the standby main oil pump is automatically stopped.

During the acceleration sequence when unit speed increases to approximately 20% of rated
speed (720 RPM), the fuel gas emergency stop valve is opened. This allows the selected fuel
to flow through the fuel gas control valve (fuel gas) to establish the main flame.
The controller then verifies that the turbine has accelerated to approximately 900 RPM, the fuel
emergency stop valve has opened, and the main flame has been detected by the flame
monitors.

With the turbine at approximately 900 RPM and the main flame is detected, the controller
automatically removes the ignition gas system from service. The unit is now accelerated using
the SFC and the fuel gas supplied to the diffusion gas burners.
At approximately 33% of rated speed (1200 RPM), the EHC system is placed in service to
provide the control signals to regulate the flow of fuel gas through the fuel gas control
valve.

During this portion of the run-up sequence, the CTG is operating in the speed control mode
(speed of the CTG is controlled by circuitry instead of load). Speed control of the turbine is in
effect from about 1200 RPM up to 95% of rated speed, or 3420 RPM.

At approximately 70% of rated speed (2520 RPM), the controller automatically removes
the static frequency converter from service.
The unit now accelerates up to synchronous speed in the speed control mode. Once the
unit speed has increased to 95% of rated speed (3420 RPM), the controller switches to
the synchronizing and loading sequence

Synchronizing and Loading Sequence

The synchronizing and loading sequence satisfies the requirements for synchronizing the unit,
closes the output breaker, and loads the unit to a minimum load setpoint of approximately 20
MW.

The first command issued at 95% of rated speed (3420 RPM) is to place the excitation system
and automatic synchronizer in service. During this portion of the sequence, the voltage
regulator automatically adjusts generator terminal voltage to match grid voltage, and unit speed
is increased to match system frequency.

The three requirements for synchronizing the combustion turbine generator to the grid
are:
  Frequency matched
 Voltage matched
 Phase angle matched

Once the requirements for synchronizing are met, the automatic synchronizer issues a
command to close the generator output breaker. When the output breaker closes, the unit is
automatically loaded to approximately 20 MW.

At the same time, the program automatically switches from the speed control mode to
the load control mode. At this point in time, the startup sequence is complete and the unit is
loaded to the desired load.

For a simple cycle plant, the normal load mode consists of the following load rates:
 30 MW/sec up to 18% load
 10 MW/min between 18% and 100% load
 3 MW/min between 100% and 108% load