PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE USING THE ROTORDYNAMIC MODEL OF A HYDRAULIC TURBINE-GENERATOR ROTOR

A use of rotordynamic models in predictive maintenance is described in which variables characterizing the state of a deterioration mechanism are determined from on-line measurements. These variables are trended to determine the rate of deterioration and to perform a simulation to predict either the machine life or the maintenance period. Some usefu l terms for using models in predictive maintenance are defined and the prediction procedure is described. The procedure is demonstrated with a simple two degree-of-freedom example and the numerical model of an actual hydraulic turbine-generator rotor. Some benefits and problems a ssociated with the implementation of the procedure are then discussed. It is considered that this procedure brings the possibility of a bett er understanding of deterioration processes and a resulting better lif e prediction.