Ben Adams Presents to the PCPUG

The requirement for testing a generator rotor following maintenance varies substantially across the industry, with different methodologies applied depending on the Owner/Operator, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and geographical location of the equipment. For example, some OEMs wouldn’t consider a high-speed balance necessary for a full rewind, as long as the winding copper is reused, whereas some would recommend testing in a balance facility should the retaining rings be removed for inspection.

Electrical Engineer, Ben Adams, addressed this topic in his presentation Do You Need to Balance Your Rotor? at the Philippine Coal Plant User Group’s (PCPUG) 28^th Technical Forum. Ben discussed the requirements for balancing following work on the rotors, the associated risks and mitigation strategies. He explained that determining whether high-speed testing is required is not straightforward and usually depends on a combination of factors, one of the most significant being access to a balance facility.

Ben discussed the basics of generator rotors, including types of high-speed testing after manufacture, such as mechanical testing, electrical testing and balancing. He concluded by addressing common questions regarding cost and on-site testing, and discussing the different philosophies and approaches worldwide.

Ben is a power plant electrical engineer and internationally recognised generator expert who has investigated major and complex losses in over 40 countries since joining Hawkins. He specialises in consultancy failure analysis on turbo generators and other large electrical equipment.

He was joined by Materials Expert, Stephen Rowbotham and Mechanical Engineer, Albert Law at the Hawkins stand who were available to discuss industry insights and how our Power & Energy team can support your organisation to investigate the root causes of equipment failures in power generator systems.