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.

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