Rare system failure to be presented at steam turbine event

Power control specialist Excitation Engineering Services (EES) will deliver a presentation at the Steam Turbine and Generator User Group (STGUG) event at the Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, Manchester, on March 13-14, 2024, to share valuable insights surrounding a rare motor failure. The presentation will highlight a case study of an incident involving a rotating diode short circuit failure during the commissioning of a new motor and excitation system.

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In an uncommon occurrence, EES encountered a rare rotating diode short circuit failure during the commissioning process. This incident provided EES with a unique dataset, offering insights into the characteristics of the infrequent failure.

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Highlighting a case study of the incident, the presentation will delve into the challenges faced and the extended timeline, emphasising the impact on commissioning. EES employed a collaborative three-pronged approach, involving on-site engineers, its own team, and the original manufacturer’s engineers, providing an effective problem-solving strategy.

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"This rotating diode failure is rare, but sharing our experience and data is crucial for industry understanding," explained Owen Crew , Graduate Electrical Engineer at EES who will be delivering the address at STGUG. "It emphasises the need for personalised approaches to enhance system reliability. A challenge like this shows the importance of using the engineering methodology. I hope sharing this information helps promote this philosophy”

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During the motor synchronisation process, EES encountered initial challenges, prompting a thorough analysis. Engineering practices and meticulous data examination played a crucial role in pinpointing the issue. The focus was on the ripple current on the exciter field, a key parameter that led to identification of the problem.

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EES confirmed the issue with the rotating diodes, addressing the complexities of accessing and rectifying them. This presented challenges, impacting the commissioning process and necessitating additional site visits for a comprehensive resolution. The team's focused efforts ensured a thorough problem-solving approach, minimising disruptions and upholding the integrity of the overall commissioning timeline.

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EES will use this event as an opportunity to emphasise a philosophy favouring bespoke approaches to enhance system reliability.

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To gain valuable insights on this incident, and more, sign up for the STGUG at imeche.org, and to explore more about EES and its bespoke excitation system design visit excitationengineering.co.uk/commissioning.