Abstract:
This invention comprises a control system for electrically controlled, mechanically actuated mechanisms of large power rating. Such mechanisms normally include mechanical actuating devices such as control valves for controlling the output operating condition of the mechanism. The control system of the invention includes electric power modulation circuit means having its input coupled to a source of electric control signals for controlling the operation of the mechanism and for producing output modulated controlled electric power signals. These output modulated controlled power signals are applied to an electromechanical positioning device such as a servomotor which has its output mechanically coupled to and controlling the position of the mechanical actuating means (valve) of the mechanism. The input of the servomotor is coupled to and controlled by the output from the electric power modulation circuit. The electric power modulation circuit preferably comprises a pulse width modulation circuit having a source of constant period pulsed clock signals supplied thereto and two output terminals. The input control signal selectively controls the width at the clock rate of the output signal pulses produced at the output of the modulation circuit as well as selects the output terminal to which the pulse width modulated pulses are supplied. As a result, the pulse width modulated output signals from one output terminal will serve to adjust the servomotor in one direction while the signals from the remaining output terminal serve to adjust the servomotor in the other direction. By reason of this arrangement, the last adjusted position of the mechanical actuating means by the servomotor serves as a memory for the overall control system until the next adjustment of the operating condition by the control system. The control system of the invention is particularly intended for use with turbinegenerator sets and for controlling the startup and initial loading of the turbine-generator set until such time that it has attained its optimum operating condition.