Valve Sequencing System and Method for Controlling Turbomachine Acoustic Signature

Abstract

A system and method for controlling the acoustic signature of a turbomachine having a plurality of valves wherein an operating load is identified and an arc of admission across a plurality of nozzles is associated therewith. A valve sequencing scheme is selected and implemented to activate the arc of admission for a particular operating load so as to minimize valve noise by adjusting valves simultaneously rather than consecutively.

1 . A method of controlling a turbomachine comprising:
 identifying an arc of admission corresponding to a desired operating load, wherein turbomachine valves are either completely closed or completely open when the arc of admission is achieved; and   changing a position of at least one of the turbomachine valves using a valve sequencing scheme to expose the identified arc of admission and minimize an acoustic signature of the turbomachine valves during implementation of the desired operating load.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the valve sequencing scheme is configured to position one or more turbomachine valves simultaneously. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein a plurality of arcs of admission for the desired operating load over a period of time is identified. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the valve sequencing scheme includes simultaneously adjusting the valves in at least two different combinations over the period of time to achieve each of the plurality of arcs of admission. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein identifying the arc of admission includes identifying an arc of admission that reduces the acoustic signature of the turbomachine valves during implementation of the desired operating load. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein implementation of the desired operating load includes controlling a flow rate of a process gas through the plurality of turbomachine valves. 
     
     
         7 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of controlling a turbomachine having valves, comprising:
 identifying a first valve sequence that corresponds to a first operating load of the turbomachine, wherein the first valve sequence is configured to expose a first arc of admission;   identifying a second valve sequence that corresponds to a second operating load of the turbomachine, wherein the second valve sequence is configured to expose a second arc of admission; and   transitioning the valves from the first valve sequence to the second valve sequence such that the second operating load is achieved immediately before the second valve sequence is initiated and each of the valves is either completely closed or completely open when the second valve sequence is achieved.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first and second operating loads of the turbomachine comprise first and second flow rates of process gas, respectively, through the valves. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein transitioning the valves from the first valve sequence to the second valve sequence comprises opening a first valve and an adjacent second valve simultaneously, wherein the second valve begins to be opened before the first valve is completely open. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising manipulating the position of the valves simultaneously during transition from the first valve sequence to the second valve sequence. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising manipulating a position of each valve with a corresponding individual valve actuator. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 25 , wherein the individual valve actuators are controlled by a control system configured to reduce the acoustic signature of the valves. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , further comprising using the control system to regulate the operation of the valves based on predetermined acoustic requirements of the turbomachine. 
     
     
         28 . A turbomachine, comprising:
 a plurality of valve actuators coupled to a corresponding plurality of valves;   a valve control system adapted to control the plurality of valve actuators and implement a valve sequencing scheme by changing the position of the plurality of valves between a first valve sequence and a second valve sequence; and   a diaphragm in fluid communication with the plurality of valves, wherein the first valve sequence corresponds to a first arc of admission exposed across the diaphragm and the second valve sequence corresponds to a second arc of admission exposed across the diaphragm, and wherein transitioning from the first valve sequence to the second valve sequence minimizes an acoustic signature of the plurality of valves.   
     
     
         29 . The turbomachine of  claim 28 , wherein the valve control system is configured to position two or more of the plurality of valves simultaneously. 
     
     
         30 . The turbomachine of  claim 28 , wherein the control system is configured to identify the first and second arcs of admission. 
     
     
         31 . The turbomachine of  claim 30 , wherein the control system regulates the operation of the plurality of valves based on predetermined acoustic requirements of the turbomachine. 
     
     
         32 . The turbomachine of  claim 28 , wherein the plurality of valves comprise adjacent first and second valves, and transitioning from the first valve sequence to the second valve sequence comprises opening the first and second valves simultaneously, wherein the second valve begins to be opened before the first valve is completely open. 
     
     
         33 . The turbomachine of  claim 28 , wherein the diaphragm comprises a plurality of partitions defining a corresponding plurality of nozzle bowls. 
     
     
         34 . The turbomachine of  claim 33 , wherein each nozzle bowl comprises a plurality of nozzles.