LEFT
Advances have been made in
the design and construction
of the high voltage stator coils
used within the generator,
which can provide improved
efficiency and reliability
this technology and is offering free
thermographic surveys to both new
and existing customers.
pump and turbine. One cost
effective alternative approach is to use
a reverse-running centrifugal pump,
which can improve the efficiency of
the pumping cycle and thus reduce
operating costs.
Maintaining these pumps and the
associated generators requires
expertise and experience as well as
access to the latest in pump design
innovations, which Sulzer, as one of the
world’s leading pump manufacturers,
can provide.
Preventative maintenance
A power station needs to optimise
output in order to meet demand as
efficiently as possible, but, inevitably
there comes a time when maintenance
repairs, either electrical or mechanical,
will be required. Therefore, a
programme of periodic, preventative
maintenance can be combined with
condition monitoring techniques to
improve the reliability and longevity of
the equipment.
Employing a range of condition
monitoring equipment, combined
with suitable analysis techniques, can
provide an accurate assessment of
the status of turbines and generators,
allowing operators to ensure continued
production. One of the most useful
tools is vibration analysis, which
can indicate potential problems with
bearings and large rotating parts;
combined with thermal imaging, it can
produce an accurate indication of the
overall status of the plant.
Additional testing of the electrical
windings, especially partial discharge
(PD) analysis, can also provide very
useful information on the overall
RIGHT
The resin rich
coil uses a
thermosetting
epoxy resin infused
mica tape for the
slot
36
PECM Issue 14
condition of the generator. PD can
cause insulation degradation, which
if not remedied, can lead to reduced
output of the generator and premature
failure of the insulation system causing
stator failures. The appropriate use
of condition monitoring provides an
excellent m aintenance tool and can
ensure efficient generator output.
Thermographic surveys
The use of infra-red cameras
for predictive and preventative
maintenance is becoming more
common, especially when assessing
high value equipment or where
an unexpected failure could cause
considerable disruption. These cameras
can be used to analyse the running
temperatures of bearings, motors,
electrical connections and other
equipment and, as such, can indicate
potential areas for concern without
having to stop any of the machinery.
By applying infra-red technology,
engineers are only required to carry out
maintenance procedures when they are
required, rather than on a fixed basis,
which improves efficiency and reduces
maintenance costs. Sulzer believes
that more clients can benefit from
Complete Hydropower solutions
Sulzer is a leading provider of
engineering solutions for the power
generation sector, from on-going
condition monitoring to complete
turnkey projects. The company has
developed a large network of service
centres capable of maintaining all
rotating equipment such as turbines,
generators, motors and pumps as well
as employing experienced engineers,
equipped to complete projects on site
if necessary.
The high voltage coil manufacturing
facility based at the Birmingham
Service Centre, employs an in-house
copper rolling mill to enable roundthe-clock coil production to meet even
the tightest deadline. Using the latest
CAD systems, precise quality control
and extensive testing, modern coil
production can significantly improve
the performance and efficiency
of any generator which is due for
refurbishment.
Employing the latest materials
technology and manufacturing
processes enables the hydropower
sector to maximise the efficiency and
reliability of the existing infrastructure
as well as develop new opportunities.
Sulzer has the expertise, tools and
equipment to provide engineering
support to its clients for any scale of
project, from engineering supervision
to completion of the largest repairs to
turbines, generators and pumps.
Author: Graeme Robertson,
Head of Operations
UK for Sulzer