Brushgear is the system of carbon brushes and their associated components that transfer electrical currents between stationary and rotating parts in electrical machines, particularly in motors and generators. It is often a single point of failure for a power station and can be a topic that is little understood until something goes wrong. Additionally, brushgear usually constitutes the majority of maintenance required on most generators, with maintenance often carrying some of the highest personal risks in a power station.
At the Steam Turbine and Generator User Group 2025, Electrical Engineer, Ben Adams, delivered a joint presentation with Steve Mitchell, Head of Generators Centre of Competence at RWE. In the presentation, Ben covered the basics of brushgear including why it is used, how it works, and what its limitations are. Following a review of case studies, Ben also discussed the maintenance requirements, the risks involved and how they can be mitigated.
Ben specialises in consultancy and failure analysis on turbogenerators and other large electrical equipment. He has investigated major and complex losses in over 40 countries since joining Hawkins and acted as an expert witness in international arbitration. If you would like Ben to present, or investigate the root cause of a turbine failure, please get in touch.
