SPECIFICATIONS
Part No.: IC3600TCBA1
Manufacturer: General Electric
Product Type: PCB Board
Availability: In Stock
Series: VersaMax
Functional Description
IC3600TCBA1 is a PCB Board developed by GE. It is a part of GE Mark I and II series. These control systems provide essential functions such as startup sequencing, speed regulation, temperature monitoring, and safety shutdowns to ensure optimal and safe turbine operation.
System Features
- A frequency signal equal to the turbine RPM is generated, which is a highly useful feature in many respects. The turbine rotor is designed with 60 teeth, meaning it produces 60 electrical pulses per revolution.
- This high-frequency signal is then fed into a pulse rate-to-analog converter. The converter transforms the pulse frequency into an analog voltage, which is subsequently sent to the speed amplifier (as shown in Fig. 5). The output voltage of the speed amplifier is directly proportional to the turbine speed and is used for several purposes: speed control, speed indication, speed level sensing, and deriving the acceleration signal for acceleration control.
- The analog speed signal is then directed to the summing junction of the speed loop operational amplifier. At this point, it is summed with the speed set-point (typically 100% speed reference), feedback signals, and other control parameters. The use of a high-frequency signal enables better analog quality and allows the system to respond more quickly and accurately to transient conditions.
- In a generator drive configuration, the speed reference is typically fixed at 100%. However, the digital set-point can be adjusted to values slightly above or below the synchronous speed of 50 or 60 Hz. In most common applications, the set-point is kept slightly above synchronous speed to allow fast synchronization, enabling the generator to come online within a few seconds of reaching full speed. This also ensures immediate power generation after breaker closure.
- The VCE (Voltage Control Error) signal is fed back through droop resistors to the summing junction, helping to determine the gain of the speed loop. Additionally, the full-speed no-load (FSNL) bias is set in such a way that it cancels the effect of FSNL fuel flow on the system’s range and set-point.
- When all five inputs - speed, speed reference, FSNL bias, VCE feedback, and set-point—sum to zero at the operational amplifier’s summing junction, the system is considered stable and operating under proper speed control. At 100% speed and no load, the inputs cancel each other in pairs, and the set-point maintains a zero input, confirming that the unit is balanced and ready for load or synchronization.
The WOC team is always available to help you with your Mark I and II requirements. For more information, please contact WOC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IC3600TCBA1?
It is a PCB Board developed by GE.
Why is a high-frequency signal important in turbine speed control?
Using a high-frequency signal results in better analog signal quality and allows the control system to respond more quickly and accurately to changes or transient events in turbine speed.
How is the pulse frequency converted to a usable control signal?
The pulse frequency from the rotor teeth is converted into an analog voltage signal by a pulse rate-to-analog converter. This analog voltage is proportional to turbine speed and used in control and monitoring systems.
What role does the speed amplifier play in the control system?
The speed amplifier receives the analog voltage signal and amplifies it. Its output voltage is proportional to the turbine speed and is used for speed control, speed indication, sensing, and calculating acceleration.
