A gas turbine control system is an essential component of a gas turbine power plant. It is responsible for monitoring, regulating, and controlling various aspects of the gas turbine's operation to ensure safe and efficient performance.

The control system interfaces with sensors and instruments placed throughout the gas turbine to gather real-time data on parameters such as temperature, pressure, rotational speed, and fuel flow. It continuously analyzes this data and adjusts the turbine's operating parameters accordingly to maintain optimal performance.

Basic Functions of Gas Turbine System

The primary functions of a gas turbine control system include:

• Start-up and Shutdown: The control system manages the sequence of events required to start up or shut down the gas turbine safely. It controls the ignition process, monitors critical parameters during start-up, and ensures a controlled shutdown procedure.

• Load Control: The control system regulates the amount of power generated by the gas turbine to meet the demands of the electrical grid. It adjusts the fuel flow rate, maintains the desired speed, and controls the compressor inlet guide vanes and variable stator vanes to optimize power output.

• Safety and Protection: Gas turbines operate in extreme conditions, and the control system incorporates numerous safety features. It continuously monitors parameters like temperature, pressure, and vibration to detect any abnormalities. If a parameter exceeds predetermined limits, the control system initiates protective actions such as reducing load, shutting down the turbine, or activating emergency systems.

• Fuel Control: The control system manages the delivery of fuel to the gas turbine. It regulates the fuel flow rate, maintains the proper air-to-fuel ratio for efficient combustion, and adjusts fuel composition to meet environmental regulations.

• Monitoring and Diagnostics: Gas turbine control systems provide real-time monitoring and diagnostics capabilities. They collect data on turbine performance, trends, and alarms, allowing operators to identify potential issues, perform maintenance, and optimize operational efficiency.

Modern Gas Turbine Control Systems 

Modern gas turbine control systems use augmented technologies rather than traditional ones such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), distributed control systems (DCS), and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). These systems have made operational control and situational awareness easy as it allows operators to reliably interact with and control the gas turbine with the help of intuitive graphics.