Hydro generators installed in Itaipu Binacional power plant with 824/737 MVA rated output power （50/60 Hz） belong to the largest ones in the world. Among many unique features, the generators are equipped with the la...Hydro generators installed in Itaipu Binacional power plant with 824/737 MVA rated output power （50/60 Hz） belong to the largest ones in the world. Among many unique features, the generators are equipped with the largest hydrodynamic thrust bearings ever built （external diameter 5,200 mm, axial load equals approximately 3,600 t）. This paper is an attempt to propose a new thrust bearing design with the use of the state-of-the-art technologies and simulation techniques that demonstrate a reduction of friction power losses generated by the thrust bearing. This paper is divided into two parts. Within the first one, the original thrust bearing design which was implemented in the generators is described. Related calculation results based on a TEHD （thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic） calculation software used by Alstom will be presented. A comparison between measurement results gathered in the 1980s is given. In the second part, a potential solution of a more beneficial bearing design is described. The proposed thrust bearing design modification is an implementation of Alstom＇s PolypadTM coating. This modern polymer （PEEK） coating material has already been used by Alstom in projects around the world for many years. This coating allows pushing the operating parameters limits toward higher temperatures and lower oil film thicknesses far beyond the limits known for the conventional bearing materials.展开更多
With the growing energetic need present in the world, it is increasingly necessary for the researches and facilities to seek a better use of renewable natural resources. This paper is applied in the study of the perfo...With the growing energetic need present in the world, it is increasingly necessary for the researches and facilities to seek a better use of renewable natural resources. This paper is applied in the study of the performance of the aeration system of the Francis turbines present in Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant. When a Francis turbine operates off its optimal conditions, a vortex is formed inside the draft tube that, besides produces cavitation and pressure fluctuations, can pulse at frequencies with risk of resonance with hydraulic system, producing efforts and vibrations that may cause structural failures in the turbines, generators and civil parts of the power house. These damaging effects can be reduced using atmospheric aeration of the turbines. Because of this, the availability and effectively of the aeration system is fundamental to smooth the behavior of the turbines, helping preserve the health of the power plant. An analysis of the performance of the aeration system will be done using maintenance records and disturbances analysis reports （RAP）, allowing verification of the operating conditions of the turbine and fatality of water inlet in air pipes. Through the improvements detected, it is possible to reduce machine stoppages by tripping, thus increasing the availability of the turbines.展开更多
文摘Hydro generators installed in Itaipu Binacional power plant with 824/737 MVA rated output power （50/60 Hz） belong to the largest ones in the world. Among many unique features, the generators are equipped with the largest hydrodynamic thrust bearings ever built （external diameter 5,200 mm, axial load equals approximately 3,600 t）. This paper is an attempt to propose a new thrust bearing design with the use of the state-of-the-art technologies and simulation techniques that demonstrate a reduction of friction power losses generated by the thrust bearing. This paper is divided into two parts. Within the first one, the original thrust bearing design which was implemented in the generators is described. Related calculation results based on a TEHD （thermo-elasto-hydrodynamic） calculation software used by Alstom will be presented. A comparison between measurement results gathered in the 1980s is given. In the second part, a potential solution of a more beneficial bearing design is described. The proposed thrust bearing design modification is an implementation of Alstom＇s PolypadTM coating. This modern polymer （PEEK） coating material has already been used by Alstom in projects around the world for many years. This coating allows pushing the operating parameters limits toward higher temperatures and lower oil film thicknesses far beyond the limits known for the conventional bearing materials.
文摘With the growing energetic need present in the world, it is increasingly necessary for the researches and facilities to seek a better use of renewable natural resources. This paper is applied in the study of the performance of the aeration system of the Francis turbines present in Itaipu Hydroelectric Power Plant. When a Francis turbine operates off its optimal conditions, a vortex is formed inside the draft tube that, besides produces cavitation and pressure fluctuations, can pulse at frequencies with risk of resonance with hydraulic system, producing efforts and vibrations that may cause structural failures in the turbines, generators and civil parts of the power house. These damaging effects can be reduced using atmospheric aeration of the turbines. Because of this, the availability and effectively of the aeration system is fundamental to smooth the behavior of the turbines, helping preserve the health of the power plant. An analysis of the performance of the aeration system will be done using maintenance records and disturbances analysis reports （RAP）, allowing verification of the operating conditions of the turbine and fatality of water inlet in air pipes. Through the improvements detected, it is possible to reduce machine stoppages by tripping, thus increasing the availability of the turbines.
