PNEUMATIC

Most gas turbine engines are started by starter power input to the main accessory gearbox. The gearbox is connected to the turbine rotor and compressor. Any gas under pressure may be used as a power source for a pneumatic starting system. A typical pneumatic starting system requires approximately 2600 scfm. Components: gas inlet strainer pilot gas filter solenoid-operated pilot valve starter motor shutoff valve lubricator starter motors Operation: The operation of the pneumatic starting system is automatically actuated by the gas turbine control system panel. When the engine is started, Start/run control system relays are energized, and the start circuit is initiated. The pre/postlube pump starts, and prelubrication begins. The prelube timer times out, and the start relay remains energized up to 66% of engine speed. The solenoid- operated pilot valve is energized, and the starter motor shutoff valve opens. Starter motors begin to crank and accelerate the gas turbine.

HYDRAULIC
The purpose of a hydraulic starting system is to supply high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic starter motor. This motor is mounted on the accessory gearbox. Components: electric motor hydraulic pump hydraulic fluid reservoir hydraulic starter motor (engine mounted) filter elements Operation: The typical hydraulic start system is a closed loop system with all return lines to the hydraulic fluid reservoir. The reservoir usually stores 40 to 50 gallons of hydraulic fluid. During starting system operation, the charge pump takes suction from the hydraulic fluid reservoir through a suction strainer. Fluid from the charge pump flows through a charge pump discharge filter and then to the main hydraulic pump. The charge pump provides over 300 psig to the main pump suction. The main hydraulic pump provides up to 55 gpm at 5000 psig to the hydraulic starter motor. When a start is initiated, the system accelerates the gas generator from static conditions to self-sustaining idle speed. The hydraulic starter motor has an overrunning clutch, which disconnects the starter shaft from the gas turbine during engine operation.

DIESEL
The purpose of a diesel starting system is to provide power to start the turbine axial flow compressor. Components: diesel engine torque converter hydraulic ratchet system Operation: When diesel engine is started, starting clutch is engaged, starting motor is energized to start the diesel engine. The diesel engine idles through a 2-minute warm-up cycle. The acceleration solenoid is energized to accelerate the diesel engine to max speed for gas turbine breakaway with hydraulic ratchet assistance. The acceleration solenoid is de-energized and the diesel engine slows to approximately 1900 rpm.

Gas turbine start systems by Dr. Walid Abdelghaffar Pg# 5,6,15,16,17,36,37,46,48,53,56,57,58