Online partial discharge and condition monitoring systems for turbine generators
Turbine generator monitoring systems combine online partial discharge monitoring (PDM) in the stator winding and remote online monitoring of the machine condition. They detect insulation defects and operating deviations at an early stage. The aim is to move from scheduled preventive maintenance to condition-based maintenance.
- Method
- reception of the electromagnetic emission of PD by microstrip antennas
- Sensor installation
- in the generator casing on earthed parts, without removing the rotor
- Coverage
- large area of the stator winding, from line to neutral terminals
- Remote monitoring
- IoT data collection, Big Data / AI analysis, detection of anomalous trends below setpoints
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
PDM continuously and with high sensitivity records the electromagnetic emission of partial discharges in the stator winding. Discharges appear long before breakdown, so their dynamics show the degradation of the stator insulation while the machine still runs without complaints. The system can be applied on generators of different sizes and ratings.
The signal is received by microstrip antennas. They are easily installed inside the turbine generator casing without removing the rotor, on earthed structural elements, and the installer does not come close to parts at high potential. The antennas cover a large area of the winding and pick up signals from the high-voltage to the low-voltage side, that is, from the line to the neutral terminals. The sensors can be installed during a scheduled outage without dismantling the machine, and for a generator that is already in operation this is the least costly way to continuous insulation monitoring.
To determine the source of a discharge accurately, the manufacturer studied and classified the characteristic PD patterns on models with artificial defects. On the basis of the finite element method (FEM) a methodology has been developed that estimates the location and nature of a discharge. The operator receives not just a signal level but a hint as to which part of the winding and what type of defect is developing. Combining online PDM with diagnostic insulation tests on a stopped machine makes it possible to assess its condition earlier and plan the repair correctly.
The remote monitoring system collects data by IoT technology and analyzes large data sets using AI. The turbine generator and the electrical equipment connected with it are under monitoring. Hybrid analysis compares current data with a reference of healthy condition, evaluates changes in time series and the correlation of several parameters. The system sees an anomalous trend even when no signal has yet exceeded its setpoint.
For the plant this means faster troubleshooting and fewer forced outages. Monitoring data help to set overhaul intervals on a sound basis and to keep a stock of spare parts matched to the actual condition of the machines rather than to the calendar. Personnel receive early warnings and prepare the repair in advance, without an emergency shutdown of the unit. From 1 April 2024 the generator business has been transferred to a subsidiary company.
Technical specifications
| Method | reception of the electromagnetic emission of PD by microstrip antennas |
|---|---|
| Sensor installation | in the generator casing on earthed parts, without removing the rotor |
| Coverage | large area of the stator winding, from line to neutral terminals |
| Remote monitoring | IoT data collection, Big Data / AI analysis, detection of anomalous trends below setpoints |
Request a price and lead time
Online partial discharge and condition monitoring systems for turbine generators. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Customs codes
| UKTZED (Ukraine) | 9030 89 00 00 |
|---|---|
| HS, 6 digits | 9030 89 |
| CN (EU) | 9030 89 90 |
| HTSUS (USA) | 9030 89 60 00 |
| China customs tariff | 9030 89 00 90 |
Codes are for reference: the final code is determined at declaration for the specific model.
Questions and answers
Does the rotor have to be removed to install the PDM sensors?
No, the microstrip antennas are installed inside the generator casing on earthed parts without removing the rotor.
Which part of the winding does the system monitor?
The antennas cover a large area of the stator winding and pick up signals from the line to the neutral terminals.
How does remote monitoring detect faults earlier than setpoints?
Hybrid analysis compares current data with a reference of healthy condition, evaluates time series and the correlation of parameters, and records an anomalous trend before a setpoint is exceeded.
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