GE IC3600SVSA1 Speed Sensor Card

The GE part number IC3600SVSA1 is a Speed Sensor Card. This is a specialized electronic circuit board used in GE Speedtronic Mark I and Mark II series turbine control systems. Its primary function is to measure the rotational speed of a turbine or generator and convert this measurement into an electrical signal that the control system can use.

Function and Key Features

A speed sensor card like the IC3600SVSA1 is a crucial component for both the control and safety of a turbine. It works by:

• Signal Processing: The card receives a raw signal from a speed sensor, which is typically a magnetic pickup or proximity sensor. The sensor is mounted near a rotating component, such as a toothed gear on the turbine shaft, and generates a pulse for every tooth that passes. The card processes this stream of pulses.
• Speed Conversion: It converts the pulse rate (pulses per second) into a calibrated electrical signal that is proportional to the turbine’s speed (e.g., a voltage or frequency). This signal is then used by the main control system to regulate fuel flow and maintain the desired speed.
• Safety: In addition to control, the card provides a crucial safety function. It’s often part of the overspeed protection system, where it continuously monitors the speed and can trigger an emergency shutdown if the turbine exceeds a safe speed limit.
• Robust Design: Like all GE industrial control boards, it is built to withstand the harsh conditions of a power plant, including vibrations, temperature fluctuations, and electromagnetic interference.

Applications

The IC3600SVSA1 is a legacy component, so it is primarily used in power generation facilities that still operate GE’s older Mark I and Mark II turbine control systems. It is an essential component for:

• Speed Control: It provides the feedback necessary for the control system to maintain the turbine at a stable operating speed.
• Load Regulation: It helps to ensure that the generator’s speed is synchronized with the grid’s frequency, which is vital for safe and efficient power generation.
• Safety Systems: It is a core component of the turbine’s overspeed protection system, preventing catastrophic failure.