1. Turbine Controls Limited
SMARTStart
Gas Turbine Soft Start System
Digitally controlled gas turbine starter system to provide soft
start to DC powered starter motors
SMARTStart

2. SMARTStart Gas Turbine Starter
The TCL SMARTStart system for gas turbine DC starter motors is
designed to address the issue of aging starter systems which rely
on electro-mechanical timers and DC contactors.
Over time and continued operation these electrical devices
become unreliable causing:
• Increased start fails
• Reduced component life
• Increased down time as spares are difficult to source; particularly
those requiring 120V.dc operating voltages
Functions
The SMARTStart system includes an integrated micro-controller
to provide:
• Programmable current profile during start up
• System diagnostics, to detect starter motor faults
• Interface with the existing control system
• via hardwired inputs & outputs
• Serial communications interface, via Ethernet
System Design
In a traditional DC starter electro-mechanical contactors control
the motor speed by switching resistors in and out. This causes
high current peaks and mechanical stress during the start cycle.
The TCL SMARTStart system uses solid state components to
control the current through the starter motor and provide a more
progressive increase in the current). This soft start greatly reduces
the stresses on the starter motor, increasing life and reliability.
To provide an operator interface with the equipment a HMI is
mounted on the front panel, providing the following features:
• Monitoring of system parameters
• Adjustment of set-points, ramp rates, etc.
• Graphical indication of motor current
• Real time trending of motor current
• Status of digital and analogue signals
• Alarm indication
• Viewing of PID loop
The SMARTStart system provides a reliable and cost effective
solution for gas turbine DC starter systems, increasing starter
motor life and improving system reliability.
Pulse Width Modulated Start Cycle
Installation
The SMARTStart system is assembled in a cubicle sized
1,200x800 and is designed to occupy a smaller footprint than
the existing starter controls. The cubicle includes termination
points for all field cables and can be installed in a floor or wall
mounted position.
Digital Inputs & Outputs
Pre-programmed
Digital Inputs Digital Outputs
Start Remote Enable
Stop Remote Charge By Pass
Start Permissive Ready
Start Local Ignition Permissive
Stop Local Fire Permissive
Remote Selected Tripped
Local Selected
Emergency Stop
Reset
16 inputs & outputs for user configuration
Quality Control
TCL have the following quality control accreditations
• ISO 9001:2008
• ISO 14001:2004
• BS OHSAS 18001:2007
• CSA Z299.2-85 Quality control developed for CANDU
nuclear plant
The system software is produced using rigorous quality control
procedures developed during TCL’s experience with developing
software for nuclear power plants.
Specification
Operating temperature -20oC to 70oC
Storage temperature -40oC to 85oC
Heat dissipation 3.1kW max
Weight 7.7kg
Shock operating 30g
Shock not operating 50g
Turbine Controls Limited
52, Kenilworth Drive T +44 (0)116 271 7248
Oadby, Leicester F +44 (0)116 271 7250
LE2 5LG UK sales@tcluk.net
Or visit us at www.tcluk.net