Sequential tripping of steam turbine generators: Working Group report

The practice of tripping generator breakers immediately following a boiler/turbine trip exposes a steam turbine-generator to a potentially damaging overspeed operating condition. This paper describes the use of the sequential trip mode as a means of minimizing the exposure to possible unit damage following a boiler/turbine trip. Included is a comparison of the application of devices used by several major steam turbine-generator manufacturers in accomplishing sequential tripping of the unit. This paper also discusses the differences in the devices used in implementing the tripping scheme and those applied as backup motoring protection. Additionally, the paper provides guidance in the selection of which functions should and should not be used to initiate sequential tripping.