What is the primary purpose of a speed-limiting governor in auxiliary turbines?

The primary purpose of a speed-limiting governor in auxiliary turbines is to prevent overspeed conditions. This safety device is essential because if a turbine were to exceed its designed rotational speed, it could suffer catastrophic mechanical failure, leading to damage to the turbine and associated systems, as well as posing a risk to personnel. The governor continuously monitors the turbine's speed and adjusts the fuel supply to the turbine in response to changes in load and speed, ensuring that it operates safely within its specified limits.

While factors like efficiency, fuel consumption, and steady-state operation are important considerations in turbine performance, the governor’s foremost role is to safeguard against excessive speeds, which could lead to dangerous situations and equipment damage. This makes the function of the speed-limiting governor fundamentally crucial in maintaining operational safety and reliability in turbine systems.