IC3603A278A - Thermocouple Module

SPECIFICATIONS

Part No: IC3603A278A
Manufacturer: General Electric
Function: Thermocouple Module
Series: Mark I and II
Repair: 3-7 Day
Availability: In Stock
Country of Manufacturer: United States (USA)

Functional Description

IC3603A278A is a Thermocouple Module developed by GE. It is a part of Mark I and II control systems. Designed to interface with thermocouples, which are sensors used to measure temperature. It converts the voltage produced by the thermocouples into a readable temperature format, allowing for accurate monitoring of the turbine's operating conditions.

System Temperature Control

• The temperature control system in gas turbines is designed to regulate fuel flow to prevent the turbine from exceeding safe operating temperatures during both startup and normal operation. This system ensures that fuel is limited whenever maximum safe temperatures are reached to protect the turbine components and maintain optimal performance.
• Operation of the Temperature Control Loop: When the temperature limit is engaged, the control loop operates as follows,
  • The turbine’s exhaust temperature is continuously monitored and compared against a predefined setpoint temperature.
  • If the exhaust temperature deviates from this setpoint, the difference is amplified within the control loop.
  • This amplified signal adjusts the fuel control to bring the temperature back to the setpoint, thus maintaining stable operation.
  • Temperature Setpoint Generation:
  • The temperature setpoint itself is determined by adding a bias to the exhaust temperature based on the compressor-discharge pressure. This allows the system to
  • calculate the maximum allowable exhaust temperature, helping to maintain a constant firing temperature across varying operating conditions. The setpoint is capped at an upper limit, around 1000°F, to safeguard the exhaust system and related hardware.
• Unique LM2500 Temperature Control Mechanism:
  
  • The LM2500 gas turbine applies a slightly different approach. It measures temperature between the gas generator and the load turbines and maintains a constant temperature limit at this point, allowing for a more specific control over the operating conditions.
• Control System Implementation:
  • Two-Shaft Turbine Control Systems: These use analog electronic circuits for temperature regulation.
  • Single-Shaft Turbine Control Systems: In these systems, a microprocessor-based control system called the Integrated Temperature System (ITS) is used. This advanced computation system not only manages temperature control but also incorporates additional functions such as:
  • Combustion Monitoring: Ensures stable and efficient combustion.
  • Water Injection Control: Modulates water injection to manage emissions and control turbine temperature.
  • Modulated Inlet Guide Vanes (IGVs): Adjusts airflow for optimal combustion and exhaust temperatures.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is IC3603A278A?
It is a thermocouple module developed by GE.

How does the temperature control loop operate?
The control loop constantly compares the turbine’s exhaust temperature with a setpoint temperature. If the exhaust temperature differs from the setpoint, the control loop adjusts the fuel flow to bring the temperature back to the target level, maintaining stability and preventing overheating.

What factors influence the temperature setpoint?
The setpoint is determined by adding a bias to the exhaust temperature, based on compressor-discharge pressure. This allows the control system to calculate an optimal exhaust temperature for a constant firing temperature, with an upper safety limit (around 1000°F) to protect the exhaust system.

How does the LM2500 temperature control system differ?
In the LM2500 gas turbine, temperature is monitored between the gas generator and load turbines, with a constant temperature limit applied at this point. This unique approach provides specific control over the operating conditions of the LM2500.