Generation &
transmission (G&T) cooperatives with significant wind penetration in their service
territories or the markets in which they operate may need to cycle their
fossil-fuel fired plants in response to wind ramping. It is important for co-op engineering staff to understand the
new operating regimes, common failure modes, appropriate test and inspection
methods, and how to apply this knowledge when faced with major repair
decisions.
This Surveillance article is
the first in a two-part series to provide a summary of the recent CEATI Generator Maintenance and Condition Assessment Guide and provides concise information on the fault mechanisms
of turbine/generators and the damage they can cause. The second article provides guidance on
the types of off-line and on-line tests and monitoring systems that can be used
to detect and correct generator fault mechanisms.
