Modern grid issues, old age and flex-ops has brought numerous new problems to the hydropower industry. One of these is generator rim float. Hydroelectric assemblies are rather stout and can run with minor float issues but as the problem worsens it can lead to an irregular air-gap, key fretting, accentuated magnetic forces between the rotor poles and the stator winding, fatigue, loss of rotor center, balance issues and further deterioration. Given the astronomical cost of unscheduled outages, plant operators need to know if they can keep running safely until the next scheduled outage.
Here, Chris demonstrates our rim float displacement sensor and installation methodology.
For more information on our Hydropower monitoring technology, click here: https://suprocktech.org/hydropower/