Using PC-based data acquisition to prevent turbine blade damage from cycling service and for on-line performance monitoring on an 81-megawatt steam-cycle electric power generating unit

A unique data acquisition system has been effectively used to set operating limits which prevent expensive turbine blade damage on a cycling 81 MW steam generating unit. An analysis of system operating data is given, and implementation obstacles are addressed. A load limit has been established to avoid costly turbine blade damage from wet steam conditions due to cycling service. Economical methods are illustrated for overcoming physical instrument limitations, data management and interpretation of system parameters. Potential instrumentation problems and performance codes are addressed