Method And System For Verifying The Configuration Of An Overspeed System For A Shaft

Abstract

Disclosed herein are systems and methods method of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. The method comprises determining a first rotational speed of a shaft using an overspeed system. The overspeed system comprises a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft. The method further comprises determining a second rotational speed of the shaft using a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft. The method further comprises comparing the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system.

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] Machinery having rotating shafts such as turbines, automobiles, trains, electric motors and the like utilize overspeed systems to prevent and/or warn of dangerous overspeed conditions of the shaft and vibration sensing systems to monitor/warn/prevent dangerous vibration conditions. Overspeed systems typically utilize a proximity sensor sensing passage of teeth on a toothed wheel. The number of teeth on the wheel is a manual data entry in the overspeed system, subject to entry error. The vibration sensing system is located on the same shaft as the overspeed system, and typically includes a keyphasor, which senses, for example, a protrusion on the shaft once per revolution. The invention is using the information on shaft speed from the vibration system to check the configuration of the overspeed sensing system.

[0002] Manual errors can occur during configuration of the overspeed system and/or a control system, wherein the incorrect number of teeth on the toothed wheel can be entered into the control system for turbine overspeed. This can result in incorrect speed sensing, which can lead to the overspeed of and damage to the rotating machinery.

[0003] Therefore, what is desired are systems and methods where configuration errors can be detected and corrected before initial full speed run of rotating machinery without adding additional hardware, complexity, or cost to the overall control system.

SUMMARY

[0004] Disclosed herein is a method of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. The method comprises determining a first rotational speed of a shaft using an overspeed system. The overspeed system comprises a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft. In one aspect, the overspeed system may further comprise a proximity sensor that detects each tooth of the toothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor. The method further comprises determining a second rotational speed of the shaft using a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft. In one aspect, the vibration sensing system may further comprise a keyphasor on the shaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasor passes by the sensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasor signal each time the keyphasor passes by the sensor. The method further comprises comparing the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system.

[0005] In one aspect, verifying the configuration of the overspeed system comprises determining whether a previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system to determine the speed of the shaft is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothed wheel. If the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system can be set to the count of teeth on the toothed wheel.

[0006] In various aspects, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the overspeed system and/or the vibration sensing system. In another aspect, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a machine utilizing the shaft is prevented from operating.

[0007] In various aspects, the machine utilizing the shaft may comprise a gas turbine, steam turbine, wind turbine, a liquid-driven turbine, an automobile, a train, an electric motor or any other machine having a rotating shaft.

[0008] Also disclosed and described herein is a system of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system. The system comprises a machine having a shaft; an overspeed system, wherein the overspeed system determines a first rotational speed of the shaft using a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to a speed of the shaft. In one aspect, the overspeed system further comprises a proximity sensor that detects each tooth of the toothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor. The system further comprises a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft, wherein the vibration sensing system determines a second rotational speed of the shaft. In one aspect, the vibration sensing system further comprises a keyphasor on the shaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasor passes by the sensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasor signal each time the keyphasor passes by the sensor. Further comprising the system is a processor, wherein the processor: receives the first rotational speed of the shaft from the overspeed system; receives the second rotational speed of the shaft from the vibration sensing system; and compares the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system for the machine.

[0009] In one aspect, verifying the configuration of the overspeed system for the machine comprises determining whether a previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system to determine the speed of the shaft is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothed wheel. If the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system can be set by the processor to the count of teeth on the toothed wheel.

[0010] In various aspects, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the overspeed system and/or through the vibration sensing system and/or by the processor. In one aspect, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the machine is prevented from operating by the processor. It is to be noted that in various aspects the processor may comprise a part of one or more of the overspeed system, the vibration sensing system or a control system for the machine.

[0011] Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows or may be learned by practice. The advantages will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive, as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the methods and systems:

[0013] FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations of exemplary systems for verifying the configuration of an overspeed system;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft; and

[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary computer that can be used for verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Before the present methods and systems are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that the methods and systems are not limited to specific synthetic methods, specific components, or to particular compositions. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0017] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[0018] "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

[0019] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the word "comprise" and variations of the word, such as "comprising" and "comprises," means "including but not limited to," and is not intended to exclude, for example, other additives, components, integers or steps. "Exemplary" means "an example of" and is not intended to convey an indication of a preferred or ideal embodiment. "Such as" is not used in a restrictive sense, but for explanatory purposes.

[0020] Disclosed are components that can be used to perform the disclosed methods and systems. These and other components are disclosed herein, and it is understood that when combinations, subsets, interactions, groups, etc. of these components are disclosed that while specific reference of each various individual and collective combinations and permutation of these may not be explicitly disclosed, each is specifically contemplated and described herein, for all methods and systems. This applies to all aspects of this application including, but not limited to, steps in disclosed methods. Thus, if there are a variety of additional steps that can be performed it is understood that each of these additional steps can be performed with any specific embodiment or combination of embodiments of the disclosed methods.

[0021] The present methods and systems may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of preferred embodiments and the Examples included therein and to the Figures and their previous and following description.

[0022] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the methods and systems may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects. Furthermore, the methods and systems may take the form of a computer program product on a computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program instructions (e.g., computer software) embodied in the storage medium. More particularly, the present methods and systems may take the form of web-implemented computer software. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized including hard disks, CD-ROMs, optical storage devices, or magnetic storage devices.

[0023] Embodiments of the methods and systems are described below with reference to block diagrams and flowchart illustrations of methods, systems, apparatuses and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, respectively, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be loaded onto a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create a means for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0024] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including computer-readable instructions for implementing the function specified in the flowchart block or blocks. The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart block or blocks.

[0025] Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations support combinations of means for performing the specified functions, combinations of steps for performing the specified functions and program instruction means for performing the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based computer systems that perform the specified functions or steps, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0026] FIGS. 1A and 1B are illustrations of exemplary systems for verifying the configuration of an overspeed system. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in one aspect the system can comprise a machine 102, wherein the machine 102 further comprises a shaft 104 that can rotate. For example, the machine 102 can be a turbine such as a gas, steam, wind or liquid-driven turbine. It also can be any other rotating machine such as a vehicle (e.g., train, automobile, etc.) having an axle or drive shaft or an electric motor having a rotating shaft. Further comprising the illustrated system is an overspeed system 106. Generally, the overspeed 106 system is an electronic overspeed detection system that is typically used on rotating machinery. Overspeed systems 106 comprise tachometer modules that are used to monitor the speeds of the rotating shaft of rotating machinery and provide warnings and/or trip signals if the shaft is rotating outside of a desired speed or at a speed that could damage the machine or create a safety hazard. Such overspeed systems are available from, for example, Bently Nevada Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of General Electric Company (Minden, Nev.), such as the Bently Nevada 3500/53 Electronic Overspeed Detection System. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the overspeed system 106 determines a first rotational speed of the shaft 104 using a toothed wheel 108 that rotates in relation to a speed of the shaft 104. While the toothed wheel 108 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B is mounted directly to the shaft and therefore rotates in a 1:1 relationship with the shaft 104, it is to be appreciated that in other instances the toothed wheel 108 may be a part of a geared system such that the toothed wheel rotates faster or slower than the shaft 104, but the rotation of the toothed wheel 108 is always in relation to and corresponds with the rotation of the shaft 104. In one aspect, the overspeed system 106 further comprises a proximity sensor 112 that detects each tooth of the toothed wheel 108 as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor 112. The proximity sensor 112 provides an electronic signal to the overspeed system for each tooth of the toothed wheel 108 that passes near the proximity sensor. The signal from the proximity sensor 112 is received at an interface of the overspeed system 106 and is processed by a processor associated with the overspeed system 106. As used herein, processor refers to a physical hardware device that executes encoded instructions for performing functions on inputs and creating outputs. Exemplary processors for use in this disclosure are described herein in relation to FIG. 3.

[0027] Further comprising the systems of FIGS. 1A and 1B is a vibration sensing system 110 for monitoring vibration of the shaft 104. Generally, a vibration sensing system is used to monitor vibration of the shaft 104 during operation of the machine. If vibrations exceed predefined limits, the vibration sensing system 110 can issue warnings and/or trip signals to shut down operation of the machine. Vibration sensing systems also generally monitor the rotational speed of the shaft 104. This is because vibrations at some speeds (e.g., lower speeds) may be acceptable while the same or similar vibrations at higher speeds may not be acceptable. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the vibration sensing system 110 determines a second rotational speed of the shaft 104. Vibration sensing systems are available from Bently Nevada Inc., among others. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the vibration sensing system 110 further comprises a keyphasor 114 on the shaft and a sensor 116 used to determine when the keyphasor 114 passes by the sensor 116. In this way, the vibration monitoring system 110 can monitor the speed of the shaft 104. The vibration sensing system 110 receives a keyphasor signal each time the keyphasor 114 passes by the sensor 116.

[0028] Further comprising the systems of FIGS. 1A and 1B is a processor. In one aspect, the processor is a portion of the vibration sensing system 110, the overspeed system 106, or, as shown in FIG. 1B, the processor can be a part of a control system 118 for the machine 102. In one aspect, the processor may comprise a plurality of processors that are in communication with one another. For example, the processor of the overspeed system 106 may be in communication with the processor of the vibration sensing system 110. As noted herein, processor refers to a physical hardware device that executes encoded instructions for performing functions on inputs and creating outputs. Exemplary processors for use in this disclosure are described herein in relation to FIG. 3. Regardless of the location of the processor, it receives the first rotational speed of the shaft from the overspeed system 106; receives the second rotational speed of the shaft from the vibration sensing system 110; and compares the first rotational speed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104 to verify a configuration of the overspeed system 106 for the machine 102. In one aspect, verifying the configuration of the overspeed system 106 for the machine 102 comprises determining whether a previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system 106 to determine the speed of the shaft 104 is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothed wheel 108. In one aspect, if the first rotational speed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104 are not equal, the previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system 106 is set by the processor to the count of teeth on the toothed wheel 108. Also, in some aspects, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104 is not equal, a warning is provided through the overspeed system 106 and/or if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104 is not equal, a warning is provided through the vibration sensing system 110. In yet another aspect, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104 is not equal, a warning is provided by the processor. In some aspects, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft 104 and the second rotational speed of the shaft 104 is not equal, the machine 102 is prevented from operating by the processor.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a flowchart that illustrates an exemplary method of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. In FIG. 2, the method comprises 202, determining a first rotational speed of a shaft using an overspeed system. In one aspect, the overspeed system comprised a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft. In one aspect, the overspeed system that determines the first rotational speed of the shaft using the toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft comprises a proximity sensor that detects each tooth of the toothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor. At 204, a second rotational speed of the shaft is determined using a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft. In one aspect, the vibration sensing system that determines the second rotational speed of the shaft comprises a keyphasor on the shaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasor passes by the sensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasor signal each time the keyphasor passes by the sensor. At 206, the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft are compared to verify a configuration of the overspeed system. In one aspect, verifying the configuration of the overspeed system comprises determining whether a previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system to determine the speed of the shaft is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothed wheel. In one aspect, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system is set to the count of teeth on the toothed wheel. In other various aspects, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the overspeed system and/or through the vibration sensing system. In one aspect, if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a machine utilizing the shaft is prevented from operating. The machine may be, for example, a gas turbine, steam turbine, wind turbine, a liquid-driven turbine, an automobile, a train, an electric motor, and the like.

[0030] The system has been described above as comprised of units. One skilled in the art will appreciate that this is a functional description and that the respective functions can be performed by software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. A unit can be software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. The units can comprise software for verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. In one exemplary aspect, the units can comprise a computing device that comprises a processor 321 as illustrated in FIG. 3 and described below.

[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary computer that can be used for verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft. In various aspects, the computer of FIG. 3 may comprise all or a portion of the overspeed system 106, the vibration sensing system 110, and/or the control system 118, as described herein. As used herein, "computer" may include a plurality of computers. The computers may include one or more hardware components such as, for example, a processor 321, a random access memory (RAM) module 322, a read-only memory (ROM) module 323, a storage 324, a database 325, one or more input/output (I/O) devices 326, and an interface 327. Alternatively and/or additionally, controller 320 may include one or more software components such as, for example, a computer-readable medium including computer executable instructions for performing a method associated with the exemplary embodiments. It is contemplated that one or more of the hardware components listed above may be implemented using software. For example, storage 324 may include a software partition associated with one or more other hardware components. It is understood that the components listed above are exemplary only and not intended to be limiting.

[0032] Processor 321 may include one or more processors, each configured to execute instructions and process data to perform one or more functions associated with a computer for indexing images. Processor 321 may be communicatively coupled to RAM 322, ROM 323, storage 324, database 325, I/O devices 326, and interface 327. Processor 321 may be configured to execute sequences of computer program instructions to perform various processes. The computer program instructions may be loaded into RAM 322 for execution by processor 321.

[0033] RAM 322 and ROM 323 may each include one or more devices for storing information associated with operation of processor 321. For example, ROM 323 may include a memory device configured to access and store information associated with controller 320, including information for identifying, initializing, and monitoring the operation of one or more components and subsystems. RAM 322 may include a memory device for storing data associated with one or more operations of processor 321. For example, ROM 323 may load instructions into RAM 322 for execution by processor 321.

[0034] Storage 324 may include any type of mass storage device configured to store information that processor 321 may need to perform processes consistent with the disclosed embodiments. For example, storage 324 may include one or more magnetic and/or optical disk devices, such as hard drives, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, or any other type of mass media device.

[0035] Database 325 may include one or more software and/or hardware components that cooperate to store, organize, sort, filter, and/or arrange data used by controller 320 and/or processor 321. For example, database 325 may store the first rotational speed of a shaft as determined using an overspeed system, the second rotational speed of the shaft as determined using a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft, and the results of a comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system. It is contemplated that database 325 may store additional and/or different information than that listed above.

[0036] I/O devices 326 may include one or more components configured to communicate information with a user associated with controller 320. For example, I/O devices may include a console with an integrated keyboard and mouse to allow a user to maintain a database of images, update associations, and access digital content. I/O devices 326 may also include a display including a graphical user interface (GUI) for outputting information on a monitor. I/O devices 326 may also include peripheral devices such as, for example, a printer for printing information associated with controller 320, a user-accessible disk drive (e.g., a USB port, a floppy, CD-ROM, or DVD-ROM drive, etc.) to allow a user to input data stored on a portable media device, a microphone, a speaker system, or any other suitable type of interface device.

[0037] Interface 327 may include one or more components configured to transmit and receive data via a communication network, such as the Internet, a local area network, a workstation peer-to-peer network, a direct link network, a wireless network, or any other suitable communication platform. For example, interface 327 may include one or more modulators, demodulators, multiplexers, demultiplexers, network communication devices, wireless devices, antennas, modems, and any other type of device configured to enable data communication via a communication network.

[0038] While the methods and systems have been described in connection with preferred embodiments and specific examples, it is not intended that the scope be limited to the particular embodiments set forth, as the embodiments herein are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0039] Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; the number or type of embodiments described in the specification.

[0040] Throughout this application, various publications are referenced. The disclosures of these publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which the methods and systems pertain.

[0041] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope or spirit. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system for a shaft comprising: determining a first rotational speed of a shaft using an overspeed system, said overspeed system comprising a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft; determining a second rotational speed of the shaft using a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft; and comparing the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein verifying the configuration of the overspeed system comprises determining whether a previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system to determine the speed of the shaft is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothed wheel.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system is set to the count of teeth on the toothed wheel.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the overspeed system.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the turbine and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the vibration sensing system.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a machine utilizing the shaft is prevented from operating.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the machine utilizing the shaft comprises one of a gas turbine, steam turbine, wind turbine or a liquid turbine.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said overspeed system that determines the first rotational speed of the shaft using the toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft comprises a proximity sensor that detects each tooth of the toothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the vibration sensing system that determines the second rotational speed of the shaft comprises a keyphasor on the shaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasor passes by the sensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasor signal each time the keyphasor passes by the sensor.

10. A system of verifying the configuration of an overspeed system comprising: a machine having a shaft; an overspeed system, wherein said overspeed system determines a first rotational speed of the shaft using a toothed wheel that rotates in relation to a speed of the shaft; a vibration sensing system for monitoring vibration of the shaft, wherein the vibration sensing system determines a second rotational speed of the shaft; and a processor, wherein the processor: receives the first rotational speed of the shaft from the overspeed system; receives the second rotational speed of the shaft from the vibration sensing system; and compares the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft to verify a configuration of the overspeed system for the machine.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein verifying the configuration of the overspeed system for the machine comprises determining whether a previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system to determine the speed of the shaft is set to accurately reflect a count of teeth on the toothed wheel.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the previously set tooth count configuration used by the overspeed system is set by the processor to the count of teeth on the toothed wheel.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the overspeed system.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is provided through the vibration sensing system.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, a warning is provided by the processor.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein if the comparison of the first rotational speed of the shaft and the second rotational speed of the shaft is not equal, the machine is prevented from operating by the processor.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the machine comprises one of a gas turbine, steam turbine, wind turbine or a liquid turbine.

18. The system of claim 10, wherein said overspeed system that determines the first rotational speed of the shaft using the toothed wheel that rotates in relation to the rotational speed of the shaft comprises a proximity sensor that detects each tooth of the toothed wheel as each tooth passes by the proximity sensor.

19. The system of claim 10, wherein the vibration sensing system that determines the second rotational speed of the shaft comprises a keyphasor on the shaft and a sensor used to determine when the keyphasor passes by the sensor, said vibration sensing system creating a keyphasor signal each time the keyphasor passes by the sensor.

20. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor comprises a part of one or more of the overspeed system, the vibration sensing system or a control system for the machine.