Method and device for real-time rotor balancing of generator and connection device

Abstract

A generator rotor shaft balancing system is disclosed. The generator rotor shaft balancing system includes a generator including a rotor and a rotor shaft. A counterweight is coupled to the rotor shaft. While the rotor is working, the counterweight can move dynamically to facilitate reduction of vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to methods and systems for achieving real-time rotor balancing of generators and connecting devices, and more particularly to methods and systems for achieving real-time rotor balancing using closed-loop control algorithms.

[0002] In modern industry, when generating electricity using a generator, a gearbox connected to a gas turbine is used for some applications to rotate the stator or rotor of the generator. The gas turbine converts energy from fuel or natural gas into mechanical energy to rotate the rotor, and to match the synchronous condenser speed or to enable engagement or disengagement of the gearbox connected to the generator rotor. While the generator rotor rotates at a high rotational speed, unbalanced forces within the generator rotor generate vibrations. High vibrations may drive the unit tip during operation, or over time cause cracks in components of the rotor and / or rotor shaft. Additionally, cracks in the rotor shaft may cause an imbalance in the mass distribution of the rotor shaft, resulting in increased vibrations.

[0003] To mitigate the vibrations generated within the rotor shaft, balance weights are coupled to the rotor shaft. However, in known systems, the weights are fixed and physically fastened to the rotor; any changes can be made when the unit is stopped. Additionally, making any such changes to the weights physically fastened to the rotor takes time and sometimes requires additional testing.

[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for methods or techniques for rotor balancing that enable real-time reduction of the vibration energy generated within the generator rotor. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect, a generator rotor shaft balancing system is disclosed, wherein the generator includes a rotor and a rotor shaft. Balance weights are coupled to the rotor shaft. While the rotor is operating, the balance weights coupled to the rotor shaft are capable of moving dynamically to facilitate reduction of vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

[0006] In another aspect, a method of balancing a generator rotor shaft is disclosed. The method includes coupling a movable balance weight to the rotor shaft of a generator assembly and monitoring vibrations generated within the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating. The method includes transmitting vibration data to a controller and selectively causing the balance weight to move relative to the rotor shaft by the controller while the generator assembly is operating to facilitate reduction of vibrations generated by the rotor shaft. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 Schematic illustration showing an exemplary gas turbine and generator connected to a gearbox.

[0008] Figures 2A to 2DAn exemplary scheme is shown for dynamically moving a counterweight to facilitate reducing vibration energy generated by the shaft of a rotor of a generator.

[0009] Figures 3A to 3B An exemplary advanced motor configuration is shown for dynamically or in real-time moving or displacing a counterweight of a rotor balancing system.

[0010] Figure 4 A block diagram of an exemplary computing device that can be used to implement a rotor balancing system is shown.

[0011] Figure 5 An exemplary flowchart of a method for balancing a generator rotor shaft is shown. Detailed Description

[0012] When introducing elements of the various embodiments disclosed herein, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there is one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

[0013] Unless otherwise indicated, approximate language, such as "substantially," "essentially," and "about," as used herein, indicates that, as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art, the term so modified may apply only to an approximate degree, rather than an absolute or perfect degree. Thus, values modified by one or more terms, such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," are not limited to the specified exact values. In at least some instances, the approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Additionally, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used herein only as labels and are not intended to impose an order, position, or ranking requirement on the items to which these terms refer. Further, for example, a reference to a "second" item does not require or preclude the existence of, for example, a "first" or lower-numbered item or a "third" or higher-numbered item.

[0014] The embodiments described herein relate to various methods and systems that can be used to achieve continuous or real-time rotor balancing to facilitate reducing vibration generated by a rotor shaft of a generator. Figure 1An exemplary turbine system 100 is shown, in which a gas turbine (or turbine assembly) 102 is coupled to a generator (or generator assembly) 104 via a gearbox 106 and a clutch 108. A shaft 110 of a rotor 112 of the gas turbine 102 is coupled to the gearbox 106. Thus, the gearbox 106 connects the low-speed shaft 110, which is coupled to a plurality of turbine blades (not shown), to the high-speed shaft 114 of the rotor 116 of the generator 104. The generator 104 and the gearbox 106 form a driveline of the gas turbine 102. The gearbox 106 includes a series of gears of different sizes (not shown), which convert the rotation of the plurality of turbine blades (not shown) into a higher number of revolutions per minute required for the generator 104 to generate electricity.

[0015] The gas turbine 102 with a driveline (e.g., the generator 104 and the gearbox 106) may be referred to herein as a powertrain. When the powertrain includes a clutch such as the clutch 108 and the gearbox 106, depending on the relative positions of the clutch 108 and the gearbox 106, different vibration modes may occur each time the clutch 108 is engaged or disengaged. Thus, a fixed rotor balancing system (i.e., a known balancing system that fastens one or more counterweights of various masses at one or more fixed positions around the shaft 114) may not reduce the vibrations generated by the shaft 114 that may occur during the engagement and / or disengagement of the clutch 108. Different from known systems, various embodiments described in the present disclosure may facilitate reducing the vibrations generated by the shaft 114 during the engagement and / or disengagement of the clutch 108 via a system that enables the counterweights to selectively move around the circumference of the shaft 114 and within multiple axes along the shaft 114 while the powertrain remains in operation. In some embodiments, and by way of non-limiting example, the turbine system may not include the gearbox 106 and / or the clutch 108, and the gas turbine 102 may be directly coupled or connected to the generator 104.

[0016] More specifically, over time, the geometric center and the mass center of the rotor shaft 114 may shift and not coincide due to, for example, wear, damage, or accumulation of rotor components within a known rotating assembly. Such offsets may cause the shaft 114 to vibrate. In known systems, to reduce the vibrations of the shaft 114, a trial counterweight (or balancing counterweight) may be added to the shaft 114 to intentionally offset the mass center of the shaft 114 of the rotor. However, additional trial counterweights are typically required to balance the vibration energy and to roughly coincide the mass center of the shaft with the geometric center of the shaft. Such a process may be time-consuming and requires additional adjustment of the balancing counterweights, during which additional counterweights are added to the shaft and / or the position of the balancing counterweights is changed.

[0017] Figures 2A to 2Dillustrates different scenarios in which a counterweight can be selectively moved to facilitate reducing the vibrations generated by the shaft 114 of the rotor 116 of the generator 104 (shown in Figure 1 ). More specifically, Figure 2A illustrates an exemplary scenario 200a in which a counterweight 202 and / or 204 can be selectively and dynamically added or moved eccentrically around the perimeter of the rotor shaft 208 to different positions in real time. The counterweight 202 and / or 204 can "reside" until selectively moved on a planet wheel 206 mounted on the shaft 208. The planet wheel 206 can be axially translated along the shaft 208 and / or can rotate simultaneously with the shaft 208. The counterweight 202 and / or 204 can be dynamically moved in real time based on the detected vibration pattern such that it facilitates eliminating the vibrations induced within the shaft 208 or reducing them below a specific threshold. In some embodiments, one or more sensors can be used to detect vibrations and / or vibration patterns, such as but not limited to accelerometers, velocity sensors, and / or proximity sensors (none shown in Figure 2A ). The sensor data received from the sensors can be transmitted to a controller of a closed-loop control system (shown as 404 in Figure 4 ), which is used to continuously determine the appropriate positions for each movable counterweight 202 and / or 204. However, in alternative embodiments, more or fewer than two counterweights can be used.

[0018] Figure 2B illustrates an exemplary scenario 200b in which a counterweight 210, 212, 214, and / or 216 can be selectively and dynamically added or moved radially to different positions perpendicular to the rotor shaft 218 in real time. The counterweights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216 can "reside" until selectively moved on a planet wheel 220 mounted on the rotor shaft 218. The planet wheel 220 can be axially translated along the rotor shaft 218 and / or can rotate simultaneously with the rotor shaft 218. The counterweights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216 can be dynamically moved radially and perpendicular to the shaft 218 in real time based on the detected vibration pattern such that it facilitates eliminating the vibrations caused by the rotor shaft 218 or reducing them below a specific threshold.

[0019] In some embodiments, one or more sensors, such as but not limited to accelerometers, velocity sensors, and / or proximity sensors (none shown in Figure 2B ), can be used to detect vibrations and / or vibration patterns. The sensor data from the sensors is transmitted to a controller of a closed-loop control system (in Figure 4shown as 404), the controller is used to continuously determine the appropriate positions for the counterweights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216. The counterweights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216 each move along separate axes such as 228, 230, 232, and / or 234. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, there are a total of four axes for the counterweights 210, 212, 214, and 216. However, in an alternative embodiment, more or fewer than four counterweights may be used, and thus, the total number of axes may be more or fewer than four axes. As Figure 2B shown, each axis is separated from each adjacent axis by 90°. The angular spacing of each axis will depend on the number of counterweights in the embodiment such that they are evenly distributed.

[0020] Figure 2C An exemplary embodiment 200c is shown, in which the counterweight 222 on the satellite wheel 224 can be moved dynamically in real time by rotating to different rotational positions relative to the shaft 226. The counterweight 222 and the satellite wheel 224 can be moved and / or rotated dynamically in real time based on the detected vibration pattern such that it is beneficial to eliminate the vibration or reduce it below a specific threshold. In some embodiments, one or more sensors such as, but not limited to, accelerometers, velocity sensors, and / or proximity sensors (none shown in Figure 2C ) can be used to detect the vibration and / or vibration pattern. The sensor data from the sensors can be transmitted to the controller of the closed-loop control system (shown as 404 in Figure 4 ), and the controller is used to continuously determine the appropriate position for the counterweight 222. In an alternative embodiment, the system may include more than one counterweight capable of rotational movement.

[0021] In some embodiments, in addition to the counterweights described herein with reference to Figures 2A to 2C , a permanent magnet generator (PMG) associated with the motor can be used to displace, move, and / or rotate the counterweight as determined by the controller of the closed-loop control system.

[0022] Figure 2D An exemplary embodiment 200d is shown, in which the counterweight 228 coupled to the rotor shaft 230 is selectively moved or displaced by the motor 232. In such embodiments, the counterweight 228 is thus an externally motorized counterweight coupled to the rotor shaft 230. The counterweight 228 coupled to the shaft 230 can be a rubber wheel, and the satellite wheel 224 can move the counterweight 228 dynamically in real time based on the detected vibration pattern to be beneficial to eliminating the vibration or reducing it below a specific threshold. In some embodiments, one or more sensors such as, but not limited to, accelerometers, velocity sensors, and / or proximity sensors (none shown in Figure 2Done or more sensors, such as accelerometers (not shown in Figure 4 ), to detect vibrations and / or vibration patterns. Sensor data from the sensors can be transmitted to a controller of the closed-loop control system (shown as 404 in

[0023] Figures 3A to 3B An exemplary advanced motor configuration is shown for selectively moving or displacing the counterweight dynamically or in real time to facilitate rotor balance. In motor configuration 300a, one or more motor displacement devices 304 are coupled to the planet gear 302. As the motor gear 310 offsets its position along the guide rail 306 and / or along the motor gear track 308, one or more motor displacement devices 304 on the planet gear 302 can move or change their relative positions on the planet gear 302. The motor displacement device 304 can move based on a signal received by the motor displacement device 304 transmitted from the transceiver 312. The transceiver 312 can be communicatively coupled to the motor displacement device 304 via a connection cable 314. As a non-limiting example, the transceiver 312 can be a wireless transceiver that can receive an input transmitted from a controller of the closed-loop control system (shown as 404 in Figure 4 ) to cause the motor displacement device 304 to move.

[0024] In motor configuration 300b (shown in Figure 3B ), the motor displacement device 304 is a counterweight 304 that is externally coupled to the rotor shaft (not shown in Figure 3B ) or the planet gear 302. As the motor gear 310 changes its relative position along the guide rail 306 and / or the motor gear track 308, the motor displacement device 304 on the planet gear 302 can selectively move or change the position of the counterweight 304 on the planet gear 302. The motor displacement device 304 can selectively move based on a signal received by the motor displacement device 304 from the transceiver 312. The transceiver 312 can be communicatively coupled to the motor displacement device 304 via a connection cable 314. Additionally or alternatively, the transceiver 312 can be wirelessly coupled to the motor displacement device 304. As a non-limiting example, the transceiver 312 can be a wireless transceiver that can receive an input transmitted from a controller of the closed-loop control system (shown as 404 in Figure 4 ) to cause the motor displacement device 304 to selectively move.

[0025] Figure 4A block diagram of an exemplary computing device or exemplary computer system 400 that can be used to implement the closed-loop control system described in this disclosure is shown. In an exemplary embodiment, computer system 400 includes a bus 402 or other communication mechanism for passing information, and a hardware processor 404 coupled to bus 402 for processing information. The hardware processor 404 can be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor.

[0026] Computer system 400 also includes a main memory 406, such as random access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to bus 402 for storing information and instructions to be executed by processor 404. The main memory 406 can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of instructions to be executed by processor 404. When such instructions are stored in a non-transitory storage medium accessible by processor 404, computer system 400 becomes a special-purpose machine customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions.

[0027] Computer system 400 further includes a read-only memory (ROM) 408 or other static storage device coupled to bus 402 for storing static information and instructions for processor 404. A storage device 410, such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, flash memory storage device, etc., is provided and coupled to bus 402 for storing information and instructions.

[0028] Computer system 400 can be coupled via bus 402 to a display 412, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), for displaying information to a computer user. An input device 414, including alphanumeric keys and other keys, is coupled to bus 402 for passing information and command selections to processor 404. Another type of user input device is a cursor control 416, such as a mouse, trackball, or cursor direction keys, for passing direction information and command selections to processor 404 and for controlling cursor movement on display 412. Such an input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes (a first axis (e.g., the X axis), a second axis (e.g., the Y axis)), which allows the device to specify a position in a plane.

[0029] The computer system 400 can implement the techniques described herein using custom hardwired logic components, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), firmware, and / or program logic components that in combination with the computer system cause the computer system 400 to be a special purpose machine or program it to be a special purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by the computer system 400 in response to the processor 404 executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory 406. Such instructions can be read into the main memory 406 from another storage medium such as the storage device 410. Execution of the sequence of instructions contained in the main memory 406 causes the processor 404 to perform the processing steps described herein. In an alternative embodiment, hardwired circuitry can be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0030] As used herein, the term "storage medium" refers to any non-transitory medium that stores data and / or instructions that cause a machine to operate in a particular manner. Such storage media can include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, flash memory storage devices, etc., such as the storage device 410. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as the main memory 406. Common forms of storage media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, solid state drives, magnetic tape, or any other magnetic data storage medium, CD-ROM, any other optical data storage medium, any physical medium with hole patterns, RAM, programmable ROM (PROM), and electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), flash EPROM, non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), any other memory chip or cartridge, content addressable memory (CAM), and ternary content addressable memory (TCAM).

[0031] Storage media is different from transmission media, but can be used in combination with transmission media. Transmission media participates in transferring information between storage media. For example, transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including the wires that make up the bus 402. Transmission media can also take the form of radio waves or light waves, such as radio waves or light waves generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

[0032] Various forms of media may be involved in carrying one or more instructions to the processor 404 for execution. For example, initially the instructions may be carried on a magnetic disk or solid state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer may load the instructions into the dynamic memory of the remote computer and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the computer system 400 may receive the data on the telephone line and convert the data to an infrared signal using an infrared transmitter. An infrared detector may receive the data carried in the infrared signal, and appropriate circuitry may place the data on the bus 402. The bus 402 carries the data to the main memory 406, where the processor 404 retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received by the main memory 406 may optionally be stored on the storage device 410 before or after being executed by the processor 404.

[0033] The computer system 400 also includes a communication interface 418 coupled to the bus 402. The communication interface 418 enables a two-way data communication coupling to a network link 420 that is connected to a local network 422. For example, the communication interface 418 may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, a cable modem, a satellite modem, or any type of modem to enable a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line, cable line, and / or fiber optic line. As another example, the communication interface 418 may be a local area network (LAN) card for enabling a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. A wireless link may also be enabled. In any such implementation, the communication interface 418 transmits and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0034] The network link 420 typically communicates data with other data devices through one or more networks. For example, the network link 420 may enable a connection to a main computer 424 or to a data device operated by an Internet service provider (ISP) 426 through the local network 422. The ISP 426 in turn provides data communication services through a worldwide packet data communication network currently commonly referred to as the Internet 428. Both the local network 422 and the Internet 428 use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals on the network link 420 through the communication interface 418 and the signals through the various networks are exemplary forms of transmission media that carry digital data to and from the computer system 400.

[0035] The local network 422 may also include a network of sensors such as, for example, vibration sensors that monitor the vibrations generated by the rotor shaft. The processor 404 may determine the displacement of the counterweight required to reduce the vibration to zero or within a specific threshold limit based on data received from the network of sensors. The network of sensors may continuously or periodically measure the vibrations generated by the rotor shaft and send the data to the processor 404. The processor continuously or periodically generates and sends signals to move the counterweight to a specific position so as to keep the vibration within a specific threshold limit or at zero. Thus, the computer system 400 characterizes the closed-loop control system described in the present disclosure.

[0036] The computer system 400 is capable of transmitting messages and receiving data including program code via a network, network link 420, and / or communication interface 418. In an embodiment including the Internet, the server 430 may transmit the code requested for the application via the Internet 428, ISP 426, local network 422, and / or communication interface 418. The received code may be executed by the processor 404 upon receipt of the code and / or the received code may be stored in the storage device 410 or other non-volatile storage device for later execution.

[0037] Figure 5 A flowchart 500 showing an exemplary method that may be implemented to facilitate balancing of the generator rotor shaft 114. As shown in flowchart 500, the exemplary method includes coupling (502) a movable counterweight to the rotor shaft of the generator assembly. The generator assembly may be as shown in Figure 1 104, and the movable counterweight may be coupled to the rotor shaft 114, as shown in any of Figures 2A to 2D . Additionally or alternatively, the movable counterweight may be coupled to a planet wheel that is coupled to the rotor shaft 114. The planet wheel may move simultaneously with the rotor shaft. In some embodiments, coupling (502) the movable counterweight to the rotor shaft 114 may include coupling an external motorized counterweight to the rotor shaft, as shown in Figure 2D , and coupling a drive motor to the external motorized counterweight, as shown in Figure 3B . The drive motor or motors may cause the external motorized counterweight or the movable counterweight to move along at least one of a guide rail or a gear track, as shown in Figure 3A and / or Figure 3B .

[0038] The method includes monitoring (504) the vibrations generated within the rotor shaft 114 while the generator assembly 104 is operating. The vibrations may be monitored using a network of one or more sensors coupled to the rotor shaft 114. As a non-limiting example, the network of one or more sensors may include at least one of an accelerometer, a velocity sensor, and / or a proximity sensor. The method includes sending to the Figure 4The controller, shown as 404, transmits (506) vibration data.

[0039] The controller compares the vibration data with a predefined threshold and selectively causes (508) the counterweight to move relative to the rotor shaft 114 while the generator assembly 104 is operating. Thus, the controller helps reduce the vibration generated by the rotor shaft 114. In some embodiments, and by way of non-limiting example, the controller may selectively cause a movable counterweight to move relative to the satellite wheel and the rotor shaft. In some embodiments, as Figure 2A shown, the movable counterweight is selectively caused to move substantially eccentrically around the perimeter of the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating. In some embodiments, as Figure 2B shown, the movable counterweight is selectively caused to move substantially radially and perpendicularly relative to the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating. By way of non-limiting example, the counterweight may be caused to move along at least one of a plurality of axes, where adjacent axis pairs are separated by 90°. Depending on the total number of axes, adjacent axis pairs may be separated by an angle other than 90°.

[0040] Exemplary rotor shaft balancing systems and methods for balancing a generator rotor shaft are described herein. The exemplary rotor shaft balancing systems and methods for balancing a generator rotor shaft achieve several advantages over known systems and processes for achieving rotor shaft balance, including at least minimizing the generator downtime for additional adjustments to the balance weights, during which additional weights may be added to the shaft and / or the position of the balance weights may be changed.

[0041] The foregoing description is intended to be exemplary only, and those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. Given the review of this disclosure, modifications that fall within the scope of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art and such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. The systems described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather the various parts of the systems may be utilized independently and separately from other systems described herein.

[0042] Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some figures and not in others, this is for convenience only. Additionally, the reference to "one embodiment" in the foregoing description is not intended to be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of any figure may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other figure.

[0043] Other aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0044] A generator rotor shaft balancing system, the generator rotor shaft balancing system comprising: a generator including a rotor and a rotor shaft; and a counterweight coupled to the rotor shaft, the counterweight being capable of moving dynamically while the rotor is operating to facilitate reducing vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

[0045] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the counterweight is configured to move eccentrically around the perimeter of the rotor shaft to different positions.

[0046] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, the generator rotor shaft balancing system further comprising a satellite wheel coupled to the rotor shaft such that the satellite wheel moves simultaneously with the rotor shaft, the counterweight being movably coupled to the satellite wheel.

[0047] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the counterweight is capable of moving radially along an axis and perpendicular to the rotor shaft.

[0048] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the counterweight is capable of selectively moving along any one of a plurality of axes, each set of adjacent axes being separated by 90°.

[0049] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the counterweight is an externally motorized counterweight coupled to the rotor shaft.

[0050] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, the generator rotor shaft balancing system further comprising a motor configured to move the counterweight along at least one of a guide rail or a gear track.

[0051] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, the generator rotor shaft balancing system further comprising a controller coupled within a closed-loop control system, the controller receiving vibration data from at least one sensor coupled to the rotor shaft and selectively causing the counterweight to move based on the received vibration data.

[0052] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller compares the vibration data with a predefined threshold and selectively moves the counterweight to facilitate reducing vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

[0053] The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the controller receives vibration data from a plurality of sensors, the plurality of sensors including at least one of an accelerometer, a velocity sensor, and a proximity sensor.

[0054] A generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the generator is coupled or connected to the turbine via a gearbox and a clutch.

[0055] A method for balancing a generator rotor shaft, the method comprising: coupling a movable counterweight to the rotor shaft of a generator assembly; monitoring vibrations generated within the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating; transmitting vibration data to a controller; and selectively moving the counterweight relative to the rotor shaft by the controller while the generator assembly is operating to facilitate reducing vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

[0056] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method further comprising: coupling a planet wheel to the rotor shaft such that the planet wheel moves simultaneously with the rotor shaft; coupling a movable counterweight to the planet wheel; and selectively moving the movable counterweight relative to the planet wheel and relative to the rotor shaft to facilitate reducing vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

[0057] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method further comprising selectively moving the movable counterweight substantially eccentrically around the perimeter of the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating.

[0058] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method further comprising selectively moving the movable counterweight substantially radially and eccentrically relative to the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating.

[0059] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein selectively moving the counterweight comprises selectively moving the counterweight along at least one of a plurality of axes, wherein adjacent axis pairs are separated by 90°.

[0060] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein coupling the movable counterweight to the rotor shaft further comprises: coupling an external motorized counterweight to the rotor shaft; and coupling a drive motor to the external motorized counterweight to selectively move the counterweight along at least one of a guide rail and a gear track.

[0061] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein transmitting the vibration data to the controller further comprises transmitting the vibration data to a controller coupled within a closed-loop system.

[0062] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method further comprising: comparing the vibration data with a predefined threshold by the controller; and selectively moving the counterweight by the controller to facilitate reducing vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

[0063] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein monitoring vibrations generated within the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating further comprises coupling at least one of an accelerometer, a velocity sensor, and a proximity sensor to the rotor shaft.

[0064] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method further comprising selectively moving a counterweight along at least one of a guide rail or a gear track by a motor.

[0065] Although the invention has been described in accordance with various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced by modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A generator rotor shaft balancing system, the generator rotor shaft balancing system comprising: a generator, the generator comprising a rotor and a rotor shaft; and A counterweight is coupled to the rotor shaft and is dynamically movable while the rotor is operating to facilitate reducing vibrations generated by the rotor shaft. 2 . The generator rotor shaft balancing system of claim 1 , wherein the counterweight is configured to be eccentrically moved to different positions around the circumference of the rotor shaft.

3. The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to claim 1, further comprising a satellite wheel, wherein the satellite wheel is coupled to the rotor shaft so that the satellite wheel moves simultaneously with the rotor shaft, and the counterweight is movably coupled to the satellite wheel.

4. The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to claim 1, wherein the counterweight is movable radially along an axis and perpendicular to the rotor shaft.

5. The generator rotor shaft balancing system of claim 1, wherein the counterweight is selectively movable along any of a plurality of axes, wherein each set of adjacent axes are separated by 90°.

6. The generator rotor shaft balancing system of claim 1, wherein the counterweight is an external motorized counterweight coupled to the rotor shaft. 7 . The generator rotor shaft balancing system of claim 1 , further comprising a motor configured to move the counterweight along at least one of a guide rail or a gear track.

8. The generator rotor shaft balancing system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller coupled within a closed-loop control system, the controller receiving vibration data from at least one sensor coupled to the rotor shaft, and selectively moving the counterweight based on the received vibration data.

9. The generator rotor shaft balancing system of claim 8, wherein the controller compares the vibration data to a predefined threshold and selectively moves the counterweight to facilitate reducing vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

10. The generator rotor shaft balancing system of claim 8, wherein the controller receives the vibration data from a plurality of sensors including at least one of an accelerometer, a velocity sensor, and a proximity sensor.

11. The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to claim 1, wherein the generator is coupled or connected to the turbine via a gear box and a clutch.

12. A method for balancing a rotor shaft of a generator, the method comprising: coupling a movable counterweight to a rotor shaft of the generator assembly; monitoring vibrations generated within the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating; Transmit vibration data to the controller; as well as The counterweight is selectively moved relative to the rotor shaft by the controller while the generator assembly is operating to facilitate reducing the vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: coupling a satellite wheel to the rotor shaft so that the satellite wheel moves simultaneously with the rotor shaft; coupling the movable counterweight to the satellite wheel; as well as The movable counterweight is selectively movable relative to the satellite wheels and relative to the rotor shaft to facilitate reducing vibrations generated by the rotor shaft.

14. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The movable counterweight is selectively moved substantially eccentrically about a periphery of the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating.

15. The method according to claim 12, further comprising: The movable counterweight is selectively moved substantially radially and vertically relative to the rotor axis while the generator assembly is operating.

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