Using diagnostic technology for identifying generator winding maintenance needs

Journal Article · Tue Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Hydro Review; (United States)

OSTI ID:6234301

Lyles, J F; Goodeve, T E; Stone, G C

Detecting deterioration in generator winding insulation can help hydro O M staff plan needed maintenance. One approach is analyzing the partial discharge (small electrical sparks) activity in the insulation; the more of this activity, the closer the winding is to failure. Instruments are available for measuring partial discharge during normal generator operation. Ontario Hydro is saving millions of dollars in avoided rewinds using this approach. By performing stator winding maintenance on an as-required but planned basis-based on data from partial discharge analysis (PDA)-Ontario Hydro has experienced a net savings of $4.2 million per year in rewind costs. (This savings is based on 150 hydraulic generators where the average rating is 40 MW). The savings are achieved through timely preventive maintenance practices such as rewedging and repair to extend the life of a generator and avoid premature rewinding. Ontario Hydro also has reduced its number of outages owing to confidence that maintenance personnel have in PDA analysis of the generator winding condition.

• OSTI ID: 6234301
• Journal Information: Hydro Review; (United States), Journal Name: Hydro Review; (United States) Vol. 7:4; ISSN HYREE8; ISSN 0884-0385
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130700* -- Hydro Energy-- Power-Conversion Systems
COMPUTER GRAPHICS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
ELECTRICAL INSULATION
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
MAINTENANCE
MEASURING METHODS
ON-LINE MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS
ON-LINE SYSTEMS
POWER PLANTS