Gas turbine control system retrofit

This report describes the results of the retrofit of combustion turbine control systems at the Allen B. Wilson Plant of the Georgia Power Company. An investigation of the retrofit was performed by ARINC Research Corporation under Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Research Project RP2101-7 to document major elements of the project that will be useful to other companies planning or considering a retrofit of their turbine controls. The retrofit was to replace the Westinghouse P-50 control system with two TRI-SEN TS500 digital microprocessor-based control systems. One objective of this study was to assess the performance of the new class of retrofit control systems as they affect the reliability and operation of the W501 combustion turbines. Another objective was to document the aspects of the physical retrofit as well as the general lessons learned during the project for the benefit of other utilities considering similar projects. The investigation of this retrofit consisted of interviews with the Wilson Plant Manager and review of historical reliability data. In addition, discussions were held with a TRI-SEN representative to obtain background information on that company's turbo-machinery controls product line. As a result of the evaluation, it was concluded that the retrofit was successful, with allmore » original customer objectives met. On the basis of nearly two years of operating experience, it is concluded that the new control systems are an improvement over the original systems from the standpoint of both reliability and maintainability. 12 figs., 11 tabs.« less