Air gap tool reduces hours

The Static Air Gap Tool (AGT) is a portable measurement device that helps reduce downtime by providing a fast, repeatable and reliable means of measuring one of the most critical aspects of hydro-generator operation – the installed static air gap between the generator rotor and stator. Operating the AGT is designed to be simple: insert the device into the air gap to display and record measurement data, ensuring alignment of the generator rotor and stator. The AGT significantly reduces the number of overhaul technician hours required to inspect and analyze this critical operating parameter. Recent field tests have proven that a reduction in hours of 90% is achievable.

Generator Air gap 101

An air gap is the distance between the rotor and stator of a large-scale hydroelectric generator. This gap is a very small distance in relation to the size of the rotor. Its measurement to tight tolerances is critical to prevent damage to and maintain efficiency of the generator. Static measurement of the air gap is required during initial installation, periodic maintenance checks and again at reassembly of the generator following major maintenance operations.

Figure 1 is a cut-away view of a representative generator model. The arrow points to the air gap between the rectangular stator winding on the left, and the rotor on the right. This gap is typically measured at individual poles from above and again from the underside.

Figure 2 shows the upper side of a typical 100 KVA generator with the cover plate removed. Air gap measurements are taken between the black rotor poles on the left and red stator windings on the right.

Functionality of the AGT

There are many sensors available for dynamic monitoring of the air gap when the generator is rotating. However, typical tools for static measurement of the air gap prior to generator rotation called “parallels” take the measurement mechanically, which is a time-consuming process. The new AGT has been developed to make this static measurement electronically simply by sliding the spring end of the robust measurement paddle into the gap between the rotor and stator. Compression of the springs to match the gap is measured in real time by an eddy current sensor coil located between the springs. The compression springs are wide enough to account for variability in different rotor and stator windings. This permits the tool to be used with different winding sizes and patterns without adjustment.

Signal conditoning electronics

Signal conditioning electronics at the handle end of the paddle accurately translate the inductance change in the sensor coil to distance — available in imperial or metric units - and wirelessly transmit to the operator’s handheld device. The AGT is user friendly and accurate. Like the parallels, the AGT can be used in any orientation, horizontally or vertically depending on the design of the generator. The AGT is powered by a long-life rechargeable battery permitting up to eight hours of operation between charges. The compression springs are located at the bottom and signal conditioning electronics at the top of the device. It is equipped with adjustable wedges in the middle to provide a consistent insertion depth if the rotor and stator design permit. They are easily user removed or adjusted depending on the depth required.

A complete, connected solution

Measured distances are displayed and stored in a user-friendly app available for both iOS and Android devices. Instructions for download are included with purchase of the tool (mobile device not included). During typical use, operator A positions the tool between the rotor and stator poles. Operator B then records data via the mobile app; this can be done either by voice command or touching the “Write Point” button on the mobile device. The app then sequentially numbers the data points and stores them, leaving no need for an operator to record manually. Data can be viewed in the app and downloaded to a PC for storage and analysis. This download feature is a major time saver for operators and eliminates possible manual data entry errors. More information on using the app is detailed below.

Simplifying real-world complexities

Recent testing at a large-scale U.S. hydro-generating facility reported reduced measurement time over previously used parallels. Measurements with the parallels required two hours to check every third pole, whereas measurements with the AGT required only 30 minutes to take measurements of every pole. Since data was required for both above and below the rotor, the AGT was able to realize a time savings of three hours.

At this same facility, the operator quickly downloaded data from the app into an Excel spreadsheet and generated the radar plot shown on the left side. The data is displayed with the actual pole number. Two sets of data were taken by two different operators to verify repeatability of the measurements. As can be readily seen, results are consistent. A quick review of the data can reveal inconsistencies or potential problem locations that should be verified.