Wind Powertrain with EMPATH

Kevin Alewine of Shermco and I presented at the American Wind Energy Association Operations and Maintenance Conference (AWEA O&M). The EMPATH data on just under 400 generators and powertrain resulted in 772 findings on a specific manufacturer’s generators. The general industry findings for these generators are: The findings from the EMPATH evaluations: The generator findings…

Evaluation of Stator and Rotor Interturn Stress with Electrical Signature Analysis in Variable Frequency Drive and Wind Generator Applications

Abstract— Electrical Signature Analysis is the application and analysis of Voltage and Current data collected on electrical machinery systems.  The measurements are converted to amplitude modulated Fast Fourier Transforms that can be evaluated for power, machine and powertrain conditions.  Electrical and mechanical conditions are determined through their effects on the airgap magnetic field.  One of…

Evaluation of Offline Partial Discharge in Vacuum Environments

An evaluation of several insulation types at various degrees of vacuum using repetitive discharge inception and extinction voltage offline testing will be presented.  Insulation systems were evaluated in atmosphere and compared to values to 1mmHg using a commercial partial discharge surge tester.  The insulation systems evaluated include unvarnished windings, dip and bake epoxy, epoxy trickle…