TITLE:
New Robotic Technologies for Inspecting Two Pole Electric Generators while the Rotor Remains in Place
AUTHORS:
Mark Savenkov, Michael Turner
KEYWORDS:
Generator, Condition Based Maintenance, Robotic Inspection, Retaining Rings
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Power and Energy Engineering,
Vol.3 No.4,
April
14,
2015
ABSTRACT: The electric generator is a highly stressed
plant component requiring periodic inspection and maintenance to reduce the
risk of a costly forced outage. This paper briefly introduces two new robotic
technologies for performing fast and reliable inspections of two pole electric
generators with minimal mechanical disassembly requirements. The first robotic
system is designed to inspect within the generator rotor and stator air gap,
while the second robotic system is designed to inspect the generator retaining
rings. An overview of the design and construction of each system is provided,
along with an explanation of the capabilities and benefits they bring to the
power station owner.