Hydro Turbine Monitoring

Competitive Advantage through Improved Asset Reliability.

In today’s world of partially deregulated utilities and grid systems where fish and water issues often eclipse energy issues, the operating flexibility of hydro machines has often led them to be the load-follow units with continuous load changes and partial-load operation. Running a unit at partial load brings into play considerations like rough load zone and cavitation, along with operation that is far from the unit’s peak efficiency. Further, continuous load cycling introduces thermal, mechanical, and electrical stresses on the machinery that may not have even been considered in the original design.

To address these needs, the Bently Nevada team has developed the most comprehensive system we’ve ever offered for monitoring the condition of hydroelectric turbine-generators: a 3500 series monitor module with advanced functionality uniquely tailored for hydro units; all-new transducers for monitoring generator air gap, low frequency seismic, and stator end winding vibration. New hydro-specific capabilities including partial discharge support and embedded intelligence in System 1* software based on our own knowledge and partnerships with several of the most recognized industry companies.