Acoustic and Mechanical Measurements of an Hydraulic Turbine’s Generator in Relation to Power Levels and Excitation Forces

Abstract

Recent measurements were performed on the existing generator of an hydraulic turbine to carry out a power increase diagnostic. These measurements were performed on the rotor and stator of the generator includes mechanical, thermal and air flow instrumentation. This paper will analyze the acoustic and mechanical measurements relative to the power level produced. Frequency analysis of noise, vibration and stress levels will be presented. The multi-channel analysis will enable us to make correlation analyses between signals and to link the different excitation frequencies to the electromagnetic or mechanical sources.