GE HYDRO
TURBINE SPEED GOVERNING SYSTEM
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

GE HYDRO CONTROL SOLUTIONS
GE Hydro, the world’s hydropower
market leader, ac t s as a PL A N T  
INTEGRATOR™, providing both com-
plete power plant solutions and separ-
ate products from the overall range, in
response to specific customer needs.
 
Hydro plant control solutions cover all
plant control requirements including:
• Integrated control systems
• Turbine governing systems
• Generator excitations
• Protections
• Condition monitoring
THE MAIN FUNCTIONS OF THE GOVERNING SYSTEM
• Control of the turbine start-up and
shutdown sequences
• Synchronisation of the turbine with
the grid
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• Hydro process application software
In order to guarantee safe, reliable and
optimized power plant operations,  
GE Hydro has developed and
qualified specific turbine speed gov-
erning systems. With over 100 years’
experience in the field of turbine speed
regulation, GE Hydro proposes
cost-effective, reliable, innovative,
customized governing solutions to
its customers. The governing system
is an essential part of the overall
plant control system. It provides the
• Control of the active power supplied
by the generator to an interconnect-
ed network
• Control of network frequency on an
turbine with the feedback mechanism
to control its speed under all circums-
tances.
By regulating the f low of water
passing through the turbine, the
governor adjusts the power output
being sent to the grid. This is done
by opening and closing the wicket
gates of Francis and Pump turbines,
the wicket gates in conjunction with
the blades of Kaplan and Bulb turb-
ines, or the injectors and deflectors of
Pelton turbines.
isolated electrical network
• Protection of the unit against over-
speed in case of load rejection
• Control of advanced sequences

ELECTRICAL NETWORK
 
RESERVOIR
 
GENERATOR
  RUNNER
GUIDE VANES /
INJECTORS
THE GOVERNING SYSTEM
The governing system is comprised
of electronic and oleo-hydraulic parts
including:
• The turbine speed load governor
(T.SLG) controller with the hydro  
process application software
• The oil pressure unit
 
THE NEYRPIC® T.SLG
One of GE Hydro’s latest innova-
tions is the NEYRPIC T.SLG, which
has been installed in a large number
of power plants worldwide over a
very short period of time.
 
The NEYRPIC T.SLG is a state-of-the-
art controller, capable of performing a
large number of additional functions  
compared to standard systems, in
order to optimize plant operations,
increase safety, and simplify main-
tenance.  
 
This universal controller is designed for
use on all types of hydro turbines, with
an unlimited power range, for both
PLANT DISTRIBUTED
CONTROL SYSTEM
SHAFT SPEED
SERVOMOTOR POSITION
SERVOMOTOR
new and refurbished power plants.
Moreover, it is capable of working
under all conditions and is easy to
update and maintain.
Its proven application software  
includes a large set of advanced
functions covering virtually all pro-
cess requirements. This software
was specifically designed to facili-
tate parameterisation and diagnosis,
making it quick-and-easy to use
without necessitating software-
programming expertise. Parameters
only need to be configured in the
system once during the installation
phase of the project.
In addition, its plug-n-play hardware
is compact and modular and extremely
easy to operate and maintain.
THE OIL PRESSURE UNIT
GE Hydro’s complete solution for
the oleo-hydraulic part of the govern-
ing system is the oil pressure unit.
SPEED GOVERNOR
OIL PRESSURE UNIT
ACTUATOR
PRESSURE TANK
Governing system architecture
The unit includes actuators, sump
tanks, pressure tanks, a compressed
air station, sensors and safety sys-
tems and it is critical for overall power
plant availability.
As the actuator is one of the key
hydraulic components, GE Hydro
developed a complete range that is
better adapted to customer needs.
GE Hydro actuators have a
reduced number of individual parts
compared to other products available
on the market. They are extremely
reliable and capable of withstanding
harsh turbine operating conditions
such as vibration levels, water
content, and low oil filtration (up to
150 μm).
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THE NEYRPIC T.SLG DESIGN CONCEPT
 
The NEYRPIC T.SLG has a modular figuration is obtained by combining
system designed to operate in the several modules for each type of
most extreme operating conditions. It turbine. The system can therefore
is characterised by its robustness, high control:
level of adaptability, and simplicity. • up to 24 independent wicket gates
  for Francis and Pump turbines
The system is made up of two • Both blades and wicket gates for
dedicated, optimized modules, the Kaplan and Bulb turbines
unit processing controller (UPC) and • From 1 to 8 deflectors and 1 to 8
the servo positionning controller injectors for Pelton turbines
(SPC), which when combined meet
all turbine governing application
requirements. It can be interfaced
with all types of control systems via
a digital bus and/or wired inputs/
outputs (I/O’s).
 
 
RANGE OF APPLICATION
The modularit y of the NE YRPIC
T.SLG makes it suitable for all turbine
models. The best cost/function con-
 
 
 
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WHY CHOOSE AN GE HYDRO GOVERNING SYSTEM?

 
• Extremely reliable and robust, designed by hydro market leader
• Design fully adapted to hydro application needs
• universal system for all turbine models, for both new and refurbished plants
• Easy to install and operate
• Improved serviceability
• Long term support
 
GE Hydro completely assembles, tests and pre-configures the electronic and oleo-hydraulic parts of the govern- ing
system at its ISO 9001:2000 manufacturing sites worldwide.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE UNIT PROCESSING
CONTROLLER MODULE (UPC)
The UPC module performs the most
complex turbine control functions
including:
• Highly accurate rotation speed
regulation for synchronisation with
the grid, using a specific integrated
electronic circuit capable of taking 3 • Specific advanced functions for each
measurements type of turbine (such as jet dispatch-
• Power/load adjustment er for Pelton, on-cam operation
• Frequency regulation for Kaplan, individual wicket gate
• Integration of 2D and 3D laws and control for Pump turbine etc.)
numerous parameters to optimize • multi-level redundancy (SPC, UPC,
turbine operating sensors).
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE SERVO POSITIONING  
CONTROLLER MODULE (SPC)  
 
The SPC module carries out servo-  
motor position control via a single or  
 
double loop position control. Equipp-  
ed with a universal amplifier, it can  
 
control all types of actuators including  
third party equipment.  
The NEYRPIC T.SLG can handle up control for Pump turbines. moreover,
to 24 independent SPC modules, the SPC has both redundancy and
therefore permitting individual gate hot swap capabilities.
 
 
 
 
 
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THE TURBINE AUXILIARY DIGITAL
TACHOMETER (T.ADT)
In addition to the standard UPC
and SPC modules, the NEYRPIC
T.SLG can also have other modules
easily added-on such as the T.ADT.
 
The T.ADT is the ideal product for for upgrading outdated mechanical The T.ADT also offers advanced funct-
customers who require a stand- systems in old plants. ions not included in the UPC module
 
alone independent tachometer for   such as:
measuring turbine output with speed The T.ADT functions cover: • Rotation direction detection
thresholds. • Speed measurement • Creep and stop detection
  • Speed signal redundancy with up to • 12 programmable speed thresholds
Designed on the same platform as the 3 sensors
T.SLG, the T.ADT can easily work in • Speed threshold programming and
combination with the NEYRPIC T.SLG control
governing system. It is a good choice
of solution for both new plants and

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THE HUMAN MACHINE
INTERFACE (HMI)
The HMI is the interface used by the
operator to manage and adjust the
NEYRPIC T.SLG parameters.
 
Using a flat-panel touch screen, the
operator can intuitively navigate
through the menus using the graph-
ical user interface. The HMI can be
customized in the user’s language.
THE T.SOFT DIAGNOSTIC TOOL
GE Hydro’s T.SOFT maintenance
software allows plant operators to
monitor and troubleshoot problems
autonomously.
 
This user-friendly tool features clear
mimics, easy access to parameters,
and produces dif ferent t ypes of
alarm and event messages with clear
instructions for resolving the problem.
 
The software runs on any standard
Windows laptop. T.SOFT commun-
icates with both the T.SLG and the
T.ADT via an Ethernet connection.
 
Based on GE Hydro’s experience
and know-how, the HMI has all the
features a plant operator requires
including:
• Analogue and digital graphic indi-
cators (speed, gate, power, etc.)
• Quick access to device parameters
The main functions of T.SOFT are:
• uploading of application software
• Downloading and storing of para-
meters
• Reading and forcing of I/Os
• Diagnosing a large number of
test points using an integrated
real-time oscilloscope
• Tuning of parameters
• Data r ecording (Historian)
• Local and manual mode
• Fault recorder
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THE OIL PRESSURE UNIT
The oil pressure unit is specifically
designed to manage and regulate
large volumes and flows of oil. For
each customised unit, GE Hydro
prioritises robustness and simplicity
in order to maximise reliability and
minimise maintenance.
 
The standard oil pressure unit oper-
ates under a pressure of 64 bars,
GE HYDRO NEYRPIC ACTUATOR RANGE
The actuator is one of the key
hydraulic components required for
turbine speed control. It consists
of an electro-mechanical device
that transforms the electrical signal
coming from the NEYRPIC T.SLG into
a mechanical command, sending oil
to the servomotor to control turbine
rotation speed.  
 
In addition to using standard market
products, GE Hydro has been
developing in-house customised
actuators for over 100 years, gaining
a high level of expertise in this specific
field. The range of actuator products
it has designed is extremely reliable
and perfectly suited to the functions  
they have to fulfil. They have a proven
lifetime of over 40 years, requiring
little or no maintenance during that
time.
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GE Hydro can provide a complete
range of actuators in order to control
all types of hydraulic turbines regard-
less of the oil flow required to move
the servomotors (from a few litres
to several cubic meters per minute).  
The full range includes single-stage,
double-stage and flanged actuators.
SINGLE-STAGE (ED Series)
Single-stage actuators such as the
ED12, ED25 and ED35 are suitable for
oil flows less than 500 l/min. These
electro-hydraulic transducers convert
the electric signal from the electronic
speed governor into a hydraulic flow/
pressure signal on the servomotor.
DOUBLE-STAGE (D SERIES)  
Double-stage actuators combine a
TR10 electro-hydraulic transducer
with a main distributing valve such
however GE Hydro frequently
provides higher pressure 160 bar
units. The high pressure units are
advantageous because they require
smaller servomotors and associated
parts. In addition, they use bladder or
piston accumulators, thus eliminat-
ing the need for a compressed air
station.
as the D50, D80, D100, D150 and
D250 models. The TR10 converts the
electricsignal into a hydraulic flow (up
to 20,000 l/min) to open the main
distributing valve.
FLANGED ACTUATORS (DF Series)
GE Hydro has developed an inte-
grated all-in-one actuator range that
includes all servomotor functions and
eliminates the need to purchase and
connect several individual standard
products. These actuator models,
which include the D50F, D80F and the
D100F, are very compact and don’t
require external piping, thus ensur-
ing greater reliability and reducing
maintenance requirements.
In addition to its principal function
of connecting the electro-hydraulic
transducer to the main distributing

GE HYDRO ACTUATORS ARE BETTER BECAUSE THEY ARE:
• Reliable & robust
• Perfectly adapted to hydraulic turbines
• Fully compatible with the NEYRPIC T.SLG
• Require little or no maintenance
• Covered for service for the lifetime of the plant
ED Series
valve, the flanged actuator model
can also include a manoeuvring time
adjustment orifice, an emergency
shutdown solenoid valve, an over-
speed relay, a multi-slope closure law
GE HYDRO OLEO-HYDRAULIC ANCILLARY DEVICES
The GE Hydro product range also
includes a number of oleo-hydraulic
ancillary devices such as:
• An overspeed detector
• An accumulator insulation valve
 
These can be used as plug-n-play
devices and have the same integrat-  
ion advantages as flanged actuators.
 
GE Hydro’s overspeed safety
detector is a completely mechanical
 
D Series
valve and redundant sensors. Design-
ed, manufactured and tested at the
GE Hydro Global Technology
Centre, these plug-and-play systems
help to increase turbine performance
device installed on the shaft line.
It uses centrifugal force to detect
excessive runner rotation speed and
sends out a hydraulic signal that can
be used to close the main distributing
valve and stop the turbine, without
using the electronic controls.
The accumulator insulation valve
separates the accumulator from the
governing circuit in order to prevent
air from entering into it.
DF series
and reliability. They also eliminate the
need for specific performance tests
that are normally carried out on site
for each project.
By maintaining the governing system
under pressure, it enables servo-
motor control in the power plant
(even when the pumps are switched
off ), ensuring faster start-up under
normal conditions and enabling black
start.
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GE HYDRO’S PLANTLIFE™ SERVICE PROGRAMME
GE Hydro can provide speed
governing system owners with a
comprehensive service programme
covering installation, training,
maintenance, spare parts and rehab-
ilitation in more than 70 countries
worldwide. Known as the Hydro
PlantLife programme, it ensures that
INSTALLATION, TRAINING, MAINTENANCE, SPARE PARTS AND REHABILITATION
Basic and advanced product training
courses are available at GE Hydro
regional training centres, to
optimise both the use of equipment
and maintenance operations. A train-
ing simulator is available and can be  
configured with each specific custom-
er application. In addition, GE
Hydro can provide plant operators
with on-site training during the
commissioning phase of projects, so
that they are ready as soon as the
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customers obtain a rapid, compre-
hensive response from experienced
local teams and dedicated customer
support centres. GE Hydro is the
leading partner for all customers
looking to optimise their investment
and to secure their control equipment
during the lifetime of their plant
plant starts operating. GE Hydro can Thanks to a modular design dedicated
also repair or replace spare parts to Hydro applications, the NEYRPIC
using different types of spare part T.SLG can address the specifications
contracts, to meet a wide range of of any hydro power plant rehab-
customer requirements. ilitation project. A large number of
worldwide references are available,
Moreover, the NEYRPIC T. SLG including emergency response within
design facilitates quicker main- a few months time frame.
t e n an c e o p e r a t i o n s. I t c an b e
initially installed in a simplex
configuration and easily upgraded
to full redundancy at a later stage.
 GE HYDRO GLOBAL PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CANADA PORTUGAL CHINA
La Grande - new: 33 turbine/generator units, 8654 MW. Alqueva - new pumped storage: 2 x 130 MW turbine/ 3 Gorges - new: 14 x 700 MW turbine/generator units,
  generator units, control system. 14 governors, control system.
US  
Huizhou, Bailianhe and Baoquan - new, 3 pumped
Shasta - refurbishment: 5 x 142 MW turbine/generator NORWAY storage plants: 16 x 306 MW turbine/generator units,
units. New Tyin - new: 2 x 220 MVA generators, BOP, control BOP, control system.
  system.  
MEXICO  
SOUTH KOREA
Chicoasen - new turnkey supply: 3 x 310 MW turbine/ SWITZERLAND
Yang Yang - new pumped storage: 4 x 250 MW turb-
generator units, control system. Chancy Pougny - refurbishment: 2 x 12 MW turbine/
ine/generator units with adjustable double-stage.
generator units.
     
BRAZIL TURKEY
INDIA
Itaipu - new: 10 x 700 MW turbine/generator units, Uzundere - new: 2 x 30 MW turbine/generator units.
Subansiri - new turnkey supply: 8 x 250 MW turbine/
control systems.  
FRANCE generator units, control system.
Tucurui - new: 11 x 370 MW turbine/generator units,  
control system. Grand Maison - new pumped storage: 12 x 157 MW
VIETNAM
  turbine/generator units.
Se San 4 - new: 3 x 120 MW turbine/generator units.
VENEZUELA
Guri 1 - refurbishment Francis: 4 x 400 MW turbine/
  Dai Ninh - new: 2 x 150 MW turbines, control system.
MOROCCO Dai Ninh - refurbishment: 4 x 40 MW control system.
generator units.
Afourer - new pumped storage and irrigation: 2 x 175  
+ 2 x 60 MW turbine/generator units, BOP, control MALAYSIA
system. Bakun - new: 4 x 315 MW turbine/generator units,
 
BOP.
SUDAN  
Merowe - new turnkey supply: 10 x 125 MW turbine/ AUSTRALIA
generator units, BOP, control system. Trevallyn - refurbishment: 4 x 30 MW turbine/gene-
 
rator units.
ZAMBIA  
Victoria Falls - refurbishment of 2 small power stations: NEW ZEALAND
108 MW turbine/generator units. Manapouri - upgrade: 7 x 135 MVA generators

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