Turbine-generator torsional stress relay (TSR)

Power systems can include equipment that can interact with torsional vibrations of turbine-generators at the shaft natural frequencies, including stimulation or resonance. The amplitude of these vibrations can be large enough to cause cumulative fatigue damage to turbine-generator shaft components. In several cases these adverse interactions have led to sustained or growing torsional vibrations that caused severe damage (cracks, etc.) to rotors or couplings, resulting in long repair outages for those units. The known equipment of concern includes:

SSR due to series capacitors is the most usual situation that may need torsional protection.  An SSR study should be performed if transmission line series capacitors (fixed or TCSC) are being added, the amount of compensation is being changed, or if other system (or shaft) changes will be done that may affect a turbine-generator's exposure to SSR.  The study evaluates the risk of damage due to SSR for normal and contingency system conditions. 

Depending on the level of risk it may be prudent to add torsional protection (TSR).  In some cases the risk is high enough to justify redundant protection. Large rated power electronic converters near to turbine generators are the next most common situation that may need torsional protection.  HVDC is especially of concern, due to its typically very large power rating. 

The GE TSR is a cabinet, suitable for generating station relay room or other room with a reasonably controlled environment. Versions of the TSR are available that can protect more than one turbine-generator, for combined cycle plants or smaller units.  For applications that need Supplementary Excitation Damping Control the TSR/SEDC cabinet is available that provides both functions, the SEDC output signal is connected to a properly equipped static exciter.