Power generation unit condition monitor using frequency profile analysis

• US 7,372,279 B2
• Filed: 05/27/2005
• Issued: 05/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Siemens Energy Incorporated (Siemens AG)
• Original Assignee: Siemens Power Generation, Inc.
• Inventors: Thompson, Edward D.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hirshfeld; Andrew H.
• Assistant Examiner(s): ZHU, JOHN X
• Application Number:
  US11/140,656
• Publication Number:
  US 20060267594A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,082 Days
• Field of Search: 324/520
• US Class Current: 324/520
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/42 AC power supplies

Abstract

A power generator unit condition monitoring system can receive a frequency profile generated by a frequency generating component and can transmit the received frequency to a frequency profile analyzer. The frequency profile analyzer analyzes the transmitted frequency profile and compares the profile against a database. The database can stores normal and abnormal frequency profiles.

Claims

1. A method for frequency profile analysis condition monitoring of a power generating unit, comprising:

placing a receiver near a frequency-generating component of the power generating unit, the frequency-generating component designed to be stationary during operation of the power generating unit and producing a frequency profile due to an abnormal movement of the frequency-generating component;

receiving by the receiver the frequency profile;

transmitting the received frequency profile to a frequency profile analyzer;

comparing the transmitted frequency profile to a frequency sample stored in a database accessible by the analyzer; and

activating an alarm if the comparison indicates a fault for the frequency-generating component,

wherein the frequency sample is an abnormal frequency profile, and

wherein the database includes a first component identifier associated with a first frequency sample and a second component identifier associated with a second frequency sample, wherein the comparison only compares the transmitted frequency profile with a frequency sample associated to the frequency-generating component by using the component identifier.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the frequency-generating component is selected from the group consisting of baffle, stator end winding, stator, and gas seal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver is securely mounted inside the power generating unit near the frequency-generating component and is adapted to withstand an environment inside the power generating unit.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver is placed on or near a frame of the power generating unit near the frequency-generating component.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiver is adapted to frequently or continuously receive the frequency profile.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the received frequency profile is sent directly or indirectly to the frequency profile analyzer.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the received frequency profile is sent to the frequency profile analyzer in either an analog or a digital format.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the transmitted frequency pro file and/or frequency sample is mathematically transformed.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the alarm is selected from the group consisting of a visual alarm, audible alarm, computer signal, and combinations thereof.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the frequency sample is associated with an alarm level selected from the groups consisting of minor major and critical.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein an alarm action is based on the alarm level.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein an alarm action is based on a fault type.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the component or the power generating unit is automatically shut down in response to the comparison indicating the fault.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein the frequency sample is associated with a with a tolerance range, which is used in the comparison to determine the fault.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the power generating unit is a generator having a rotor and a stator that surrounds and sleeves the rotor.

16. A method for a generator frequency profile analysis condition monitoring, comprising:

providing the generator having;

a rotor,

a stator that surrounds and sleeves the rotor, and

a stationary-frequency-generating component that produces a frequency profile due to an abnormal movement by the frequency-generating component;

placing a receiver near the component;

receiving the frequency profile by the receiver;

transmitting the received frequency profile to a frequency profile analyzer;

comparing the transmitted frequency profile to a frequency sample stored in a database accessible by the analyzer; and

activating an alarm if the comparison indicates a fault for the component,

wherein the database includes a first component identifier associated with a first frequency sample and a second component identifier associated with a second frequency sample, wherein the comparison only compares the transmitted frequency profile with a frequency sample associated to the frequency-generating component by using the component identifier.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the frequency sample is an abnormal frequency profile.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the frequency profile analyzer is in a building separate from where the generator is housed.