Method and apparatus for real-time rotor balancing of generator and device connected with generator

Abstract

To provide methods or techniques for rotor balancing that can facilitate reducing vibrational energy generated within a generator rotor in real-time.SOLUTION: A generator rotor shaft balancing system includes a generator 104 that includes a rotor 116 and a rotor shaft. A weight is coupled to the rotor shaft. The weight is dynamically movable, while the rotor is operating, to facilitate reducing vibrations in the rotor shaft.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In modern industries, when generating electricity using a generator, the rotating part or rotor of the generator rotates using a gearbox connected to a gas turbine for a specific application. The gas turbine converts energy from fuel or natural gas into mechanical energy to rotate the rotor, match the speed of the synchronous condenser, or provide the function of engaging or disengaging the gearbox connected to the rotor of the generator. While the rotor of the generator is rotating at a high speed, vibrations may occur due to unbalanced forces within the generator rotor. If the vibrations are large, the tip portion of the unit may be affected during operation, or cracks may occur in the components of the rotor and / or rotor shaft over time. Furthermore, cracks in the rotor shaft may cause an imbalance in the mass distribution of the rotor shaft, thereby potentially inducing an increase in vibrations.

[0003] To reduce vibrations within the rotor shaft, balancing weights are coupled to the rotor shaft. However, in known systems, the weights are fixed and physically attached to the rotor, so they can be changed when the unit is stopped. Furthermore, it takes time to change the weights physically attached to the rotor, and in some cases, additional tests are required.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a method or technique for rotor balancing that can easily reduce the vibration energy generated within the generator rotor in real time.

[0005] In one aspect, a balancing system for a rotor shaft of a generator including a rotor and a rotor shaft is disclosed. A weight is coupled to the rotor shaft. The weight coupled to the rotor shaft is dynamically movable to reduce vibration of the rotor shaft while the rotor is operating.

[0006] In another aspect, a method for balancing a rotor shaft of a generator is disclosed. The method includes coupling a movable weight to the rotor shaft of a generator assembly, monitoring vibration of the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating. The method includes transmitting vibration data to a controller, and the controller selectively moving the weight relative to the rotor shaft so that vibration of the rotor shaft is reduced while the generator assembly is operating.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2D

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] When describing the elements of various embodiments disclosed herein, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” mean that there is one or more of such elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that additional elements other than the recited elements may exist.

[0009] Unless otherwise indicated, the language used herein to represent approximations (such as “substantially,” “essentially,” and “approximately”) indicates that the term so modified in that language applies not to an absolute or complete degree but to an approximate degree as would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, a value modified by one or more of the terms such as “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” is not limited to the specified exact value. In at least some instances, the language representing an approximation can correspond to the accuracy of the instrument used to measure the value. Further, unless otherwise indicated, terms such as “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels and are not intended to impose any sequential, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items they represent. Further, for example, referring to an item as “second” does not require, nor does it preclude, the existence of, for example, a “first” or lower-numbered item or a “third” or higher-numbered item.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The embodiments described herein relate to various methods and systems that can be used for continuous or real-time rotor balancing to reduce the vibration of a generator's rotor shaft. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary turbine system 100 in which a gas turbine (or turbine assembly) 102 is coupled to a generator (or generator assembly) 104 through 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 couples a low-speed shaft 110 coupled to a plurality of turbine blades (not shown) to a high-speed shaft 114 of a rotor 116 of the generator 104. The generator 104 and the gearbox 106 form a drive train of the gas turbine 102. The gearbox 106 includes a series of gears (not shown) of various sizes that convert the rotation of a plurality of turbine blades (not shown) to the high revolutions per minute required for the generator 104 to generate electricity.

[0011] A gas turbine 102 having a drive train (e.g., a generator 104 and a gearbox 106) can be referred to herein as a power train. When the power train includes a clutch (such as clutch 108) and a gearbox 106, different vibration modes may occur each time the clutch 108 is engaged or the engagement of the clutch 108 is released, depending on the relative position of the clutch 108 and the gearbox 106. Thus, a fixed rotor balancing system, i.e., a known balancing system that fixes one or more weights of various masses at one or more fixed positions with respect to the shaft 114, may not be able to reduce the vibrations of the shaft 114 that may occur during and / or during the release of the engagement of the clutch 108. Different from the known systems, various embodiments described in the present disclosure can easily reduce the vibrations generated by the shaft 114 during and / or during the release of the engagement of the clutch 108 by a system that can selectively move the weights around the shaft 114 along a plurality of axes with respect to the shaft 114 while the power train is operating. In some embodiments, by way of non-limiting example, the turbine system may not include a gearbox 106 and / or a clutch 108, and the gas turbine 102 may be directly coupled or directly connected to the generator 104.

[0012] More specifically, for example, when known components of the rotor shaft wear, are damaged, or deposits accumulate over time, the geometric center of the rotor shaft 114 and the mass center of the rotor shaft 114 deviate and no longer coincide. This deviation induces vibration in the shaft 114. In known systems, in order to reduce the vibration of the shaft 114, a test weight (or balancing weight) may be added to the shaft 114 to intentionally shift the mass center of the rotor shaft 114. However, in order to balance the vibration energy and essentially align the mass center of the shaft with the geometric center of the shaft, additional test weights are often required. Such a process is time-consuming and requires further adjustment of the balancing weight, with additional weights being added to the shaft and / or the position of the balancing weight being changed.

[0013] Figures 2A - 2D show different mechanisms that can selectively move weights to reduce the vibration of the shaft 114 (shown in FIG. 1) of the rotor 116 of the generator 104. More specifically, FIG. 2A shows an exemplary mechanism 200a that can selectively and dynamically add weights 202 and / or 204 to different positions around the rotor shaft 208 in real - time or move them eccentrically. Weights 202 and / or 204 can "reside" until they are selectively moved relative to the satellite wheel 206 attached to the shaft 208. The satellite wheel 206 can translate axially along the shaft 208 and / or rotate simultaneously with the shaft 208. Weights 202 and / or 204 can move dynamically in real - time based on the detected vibration pattern to remove the vibration induced in the shaft 208 or reduce it to a value less than a specific threshold. In some embodiments, the vibration and / or vibration pattern can be detected using one or more sensors (such as accelerometers, velocity sensors, and / or proximity sensors, none of which are shown in FIG. 2A, but are not limited thereto). The sensor data received from the sensors can be sent to a controller (shown as 404 in FIG. 4) of a closed - loop control system that is used to continuously determine the appropriate positions of each movable weight 202 and / or 204. However, in alternative embodiments, more or fewer than two weights may be used.

[0014] FIG. 2B shows an exemplary mechanism 200b that can selectively and dynamically add weights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216 to different positions perpendicular to the rotor shaft 218 in real time or move them radially. The weights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216 can "reside" until they are selectively moved relative to the satellite wheel 220 attached to the rotor shaft 218. The satellite wheel 220 can translate axially along the rotor shaft 218 and / or rotate simultaneously with the rotor shaft 218. The weights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216 can move dynamically in real time in a radial direction perpendicular to the shaft 218 based on the detected vibration pattern to remove the vibration induced in the rotor shaft 218 or reduce it to a value less than a specific threshold.

[0015] In some embodiments, the vibration and / or vibration pattern can be detected using one or more sensors (e.g., accelerometers, velocity sensors, and / or proximity sensors, none of which are shown in FIG. 2B). The sensor data from the sensors can be sent to a controller (shown as 404 in FIG. 4) of a closed-loop control system that is used to continuously determine the appropriate positions of the weights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216. Each of the weights 210, 212, 214, and / or 216 moves along a separate axis (such as 228, 230, 232, and / or 234). Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, there are a total of four axes for the weights 210, 212, 214, 216. However, in alternative embodiments, more or fewer weights can be used, and thus the total number of axes can be more or less than four axes. As shown in FIG. 2B, each axis is offset by 90° from each adjacent axis. The angular separation of each axis depends on the number of weights in the embodiment, and the weights are evenly distributed.

[0016] Figure 2C shows an exemplary mechanism 200c in which the weights 222 of the satellite wheel 224 can rotate to different rotational positions relative to the shaft 226 and thus move dynamically in real time. The weights 222 and the satellite wheel 224 can move dynamically and / or rotate in real time based on the detected vibration pattern such that vibrations are removed or reduced to a value less than a specific threshold. In some embodiments, the vibration and / or vibration pattern can be detected using one or more sensors (such as, but not limited to, accelerometers, velocity sensors, and / or proximity sensors, none of which are shown in Figure 2C). The sensor data from the sensors can be sent to a controller (shown as 404 in Figure 4) of a closed-loop control system that is used to continuously determine the appropriate position of the weights 222. In an alternative embodiment, the system may include a plurality of weights that are rotatable.

[0017] In some embodiments, in addition to the weights described herein with reference to Figures 2A - 2C, a permanent magnet generator (PMG) associated with the motor can be used to displace, move, and / or rotate the weights as determined by a controller of a closed-loop control system.

[0018] Figure 2D shows an exemplary mechanism 200d in which a weight 228 coupled to the rotor shaft 230 is selectively moved or displaced by a motor 232. In such an embodiment, the weight 228 is thus an external electric weight coupled to the rotor shaft 230. The weight 228 coupled to the shaft 230 can be a rubber wheel, and the satellite wheel 224 can dynamically move the weight 228 in real time based on the detected vibration pattern to remove the vibration or reduce the vibration to a level below a specific threshold value. In some embodiments, the vibration and / or vibration pattern can be detected using one or more sensors (such as accelerometers, velocity sensors, and / or proximity sensors, none of which are shown in Figure 2D, but are not limited thereto). The sensor data from the sensors can be transmitted to a controller (shown as 404 in Figure 4) of a closed-loop control system used to continuously determine the appropriate position of the weight 222.

[0019] Figures 3A - 3B show an overview of an exemplary motor configuration used to selectively move or displace weights dynamically or in real time to perform rotor balancing. In the motor configuration 300a, one or more motor displacement devices 304 are coupled to the satellite wheel 302. One or more motor displacement devices 304 in the satellite wheel 302 can move or change the relative position of the motor displacement device with respect to the satellite wheel 302 as the motor gear 310 moves along the guide rail 306 and / or along the motor gear rail 308. The motor displacement device 304 can move based on a signal transmitted from the transceiver 312 and received by the motor displacement device 304. The transceiver 312 can be communicably coupled to the motor displacement device 304 through the connection cable 314. As a non-limiting example, the transceiver 312 can be a wireless transceiver, and the wireless transceiver can receive an input transmitted from a controller (shown as 404 in Figure 4) of a closed-loop control system to move the motor displacement device 304.

[0020] In the motor configuration 300b (shown in FIG. 3B), the motor displacement device 304 is a weight 304 externally coupled to a rotor shaft (not shown in FIG. 3B) or a satellite wheel 302. The motor displacement device 304 of the satellite wheel 302 can selectively move or change the position of the weight 304 relative to the satellite wheel 302 as the motor gear 310 changes its relative position along the guide rail 306 and / or the motor gear rail 308. The motor displacement device 304 can move selectively 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 through a connection cable 314. Additionally or alternatively, the transceiver 312 may be wirelessly coupled to the motor displacement device 304. As a non-limiting example, the transceiver 312 can be a wireless transceiver, and the wireless transceiver is transmitted from a controller (shown as 404 in FIG. 4) of a closed-loop control system and receives an input for selectively moving the motor displacement device 304.

[0021] FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an exemplary computing device or an exemplary computer system 400 that can be used to implement the closed-loop control system described in the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the computer system 400 includes a bus 402 or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware processor 404 coupled to the bus 402 for processing information. The hardware processor 404 can be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor.

[0022] Computer system 400 also includes a main memory 406 (such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device) coupled to bus 402 and storing information and instructions executed by processor 404. Main memory 406 can also be used to store temporary variables or other intermediate information while instructions to be executed by processor 404 are being executed. When such instructions are stored on a non-transitory storage medium accessible to processor 404, computer system 400 becomes a dedicated machine customized to perform the operations specified by the instructions.

[0023] Computer system 400 further includes a read only memory (ROM) 408 or other static storage device coupled to bus 402 and 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 is coupled to bus 402 and can store information and instructions.

[0024] Computer system 400 can be coupled through 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 and other keys is coupled to bus 402 and can transfer 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) that transfers direction information and command selections to processor 404 and controls cursor movement on display 412. This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes (a first axis (e.g., the X axis) and a second axis (e.g., the Y axis)) that can specify positions within a plane.

[0025] Computer system 400 can implement the techniques described herein using customized hardwired logic, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), firmware, and / or program logic, which can be combined with the computer system to make or program computer system 400 as a special purpose machine. According to one embodiment, the techniques herein are performed by computer system 400 in response to one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in main memory 406 being executed by processor 404. Such instructions can be read into main memory 406 from another storage medium (such as storage device 410). When the instruction sequence contained in main memory 406 is executed, processor 404 performs the process steps described herein. In alternative embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used instead of or in combination with software instructions.

[0026] As used herein, the term "storage medium" represents any non-transitory medium that stores data and / or instructions for operating a machine in a particular manner. Such storage media can include non-volatile media and / or volatile media. Examples of non-volatile media include, for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, flash memory storage devices, etc. (such as storage device 410). Examples of volatile media include dynamic memory (such as main memory 406). Common forms of storage media include, for example, floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, solid state drives, magnetic tapes, or other magnetic data storage media, CD-ROMs, other optical data storage media, physical media having patterns of holes, RAM, programmable ROM (PROM), and electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), FLASH-EPROM, non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), other memory chips or cartridges, associative memory (CAM), and ternary associative memory (TCAM).

[0027] A memory medium is different from a transmission medium, but can be used in combination with a transmission medium. A transmission medium is involved in transferring information between memory media. For example, transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wires, optical fibers, including the wires that make up bus 402. Also, a transmission medium can take the form of radio waves or light waves such as those generated during radio and infrared data communications.

[0028] To transmit and cause one or more instructions to be executed by processor 404, various forms of media can be involved. For example, an instruction can first be carried on the magnetic disk or solid state drive of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instruction into the dynamic memory of the remote computer and transmit the instruction through a telephone line using a modem. A modem connected to computer system 400 can receive data on the telephone line and convert the data into an infrared signal using an infrared transmitter. An infrared detector can receive the data transmitted in the infrared signal, and an appropriate circuit can transmit the data to bus 402. Bus 402 transmits the data to main memory 406, and processor 404 fetches and executes the instruction from main memory 406. The instruction received by main memory 406 can optionally be stored in storage device 410 before or after being executed by processor 404.

[0029] Computer system 400 also includes a communication interface 418 coupled to bus 402. Communication interface 418 provides a two-way data communication coupling to network link 420 connected to local network 422. For example, communication interface 418 can be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or any type of modem for providing a data communication connection over a telephone line, cable line, and / or fiber optic line of a type that supports the data communication connection. As another example, communication interface 418 can be a local area network (LAN) card for providing a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. A wireless link can also be implemented. In any such embodiment, communication interface 418 transmits and receives electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0030] Network link 420 typically data communicates with other data devices through one or more networks. For example, network link 420 can connect through local network 422 to host computer 424 or to a data device operated by Internet service provider (ISP) 426. ISP 426 currently generally provides data communication services through a worldwide packet data communication network commonly referred to as the Internet 428. Both local network 422 and Internet 428 use electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals that carry digital data streams. Signals through various networks, signals on network link 420, and signals through communication interface 418 carry digital data transmitted to computer system 400 and digital data transmitted from computer system 400, and are exemplary forms of transmission media.

[0031] The local network 422 can also include a sensor network (e.g., multiple vibration sensors) that monitors the vibration of the rotor shaft. The processor 404 can determine the displacement of the weights necessary to reduce the vibration to zero or within a specific limit based on the data received from the sensor network. The sensor network can continuously or periodically measure the vibration of the rotor shaft and transmit the data to the processor 404. The processor continuously or periodically generates and transmits a signal to move the weights to a specific position to keep the vibration within a specific threshold limit or at zero. Therefore, the computer system 400 represents the closed-loop control system described in the present disclosure.

[0032] The computer system 400 can send messages and receive data including program code through a network, network link 420, and / or communication interface 418. In embodiments including the Internet, the server 430 can send the requested code of the application program through the Internet 428, ISP 426, local network 422, and / or communication interface 418. The received code can be executed by the processor 404 when the code is received, and / or the received code can be stored in the storage device 410 or other non-volatile storage device so that it can be executed later.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart 500 of an exemplary method that can be implemented to balance the generator rotor shaft 114. As shown in flowchart 500, the exemplary method includes coupling a movable weight to the rotor shaft of the generator assembly (502). The generator assembly can be of the type shown as 104 in FIG. 1, and the movable weight can be coupled to the rotor shaft 114 as shown in any of FIGS. 2A-2D. Additionally or alternatively, the movable weight may be coupled to a satellite wheel coupled to the rotor shaft 114. The satellite wheel can move simultaneously with the rotor shaft. In some embodiments, coupling the movable weight to the rotor shaft 114 (502) can include coupling an external electric weight to the rotor shaft as shown in FIG. 2D and coupling a drive motor to the external electric weight as shown in FIG. 3B. The drive motor or motor can move the external electric weight or the movable weight along at least one of a guide rail and a gear rail as shown in FIGS. 3A and / or 3B.

[0034] The method includes monitoring the vibration of the rotor shaft 114 (504) while the generator assembly 104 is operating. The vibration can be monitored using a network of one or more sensors coupled to the rotor shaft 114. By way of non-limiting example, the network of one or more sensors can include at least one of an accelerometer, a velocity sensor, and / or a proximity sensor. The method includes transmitting the vibration data to a controller shown as 404 in FIG. 4 (506).

[0035] The controller compares the vibration data with a predefined threshold and selectively moves the weight relative to the rotor shaft 114 while the generator assembly 104 is operating (508). In this way, the controller can reduce the vibration of the rotor shaft 114. In some embodiments, by way of non-limiting example, the controller can selectively move the movable weight relative to the satellite wheel and the rotor shaft. In some embodiments, while the generator assembly is operating, as shown in FIG. 2A, the movable weight selectively moves substantially eccentrically around the rotor shaft. In some embodiments, while the generator assembly is operating, as shown in FIG. 2B, the movable weight selectively moves relative to the rotor shaft substantially in the radial and vertical directions. By way of non-limiting example, the weight can be moved along at least one of a plurality of axes, and adjacent pairs of axes are offset by 90°. Depending on the total number of axes, adjacent pairs of axes may be offset by an angle other than 90°.

[0036] Described herein are exemplary rotor shaft balancing systems and methods for balancing a generator rotor shaft. Exemplary rotor shaft balancing systems and methods for balancing a generator rotor shaft provide several advantages over known systems and processes with respect to rotor shaft balancing, such as being able to minimize the off-time of the generator while additional weights are added to the shaft and / or while the position of the balancing weights is changed, at least for adjusting the balancing weights additionally.

[0037] The above description is merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. Modifications that fall within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the present disclosure, and such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims. The systems described herein are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and some of the systems can be used separately and independently of the other systems described herein.

[0038] Specific features of various embodiments of the present invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, but this is for convenience only. Further, references to "an embodiment" in the above description are not intended to be construed as precluding the existence of additional embodiments incorporating the recited features. In accordance with the principles of the present invention, features of the drawings may be referred to and / or claimed in combination with features of other drawings.

[0039] Further aspects of the present invention are provided by the following embodiments. [Embodiment 1] A generator including a rotor and a rotor shaft, and a weight coupled to the rotor shaft, the weight being dynamically movable to reduce vibration of the rotor shaft while the rotor is operating. A balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator, including the weight. [Embodiment 2] The balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator according to Embodiment 1, wherein the weight is configured to eccentrically move to different positions around the rotor shaft. [Embodiment 3] The balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator according to Embodiment 1 or 2, further including a satellite wheel coupled to the rotor shaft, the satellite wheel moving simultaneously with the rotor shaft, and the weight being movable while coupled to the satellite wheel. [Embodiment 4] The weight is movable in a radial direction and a vertical direction with respect to the rotor shaft along the axis, and is a balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3. [Embodiment 5] The weight is selectively movable along any one of a plurality of axes, and each set of adjacent axes is offset by 90°, and is a generator rotor shaft balancing system according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4. [Embodiment 6] The weight is an external electric weight coupled to the rotor shaft, and is a balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 5. [Embodiment 7] Further includes a motor configured to move the weight along at least one of a guide rail and a gear rail, and is a balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 6. [Embodiment 8] Further includes a controller provided in a closed-loop control system, the controller receives vibration data from at least one sensor coupled to the rotor shaft, and selectively moves the weight based on the received vibration data, and is a balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 7. [Embodiment 9] The controller compares the vibration data with a predefined threshold value, and selectively moves the weight so that the vibration of the rotor shaft is reduced, and is a balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8. [Embodiment 10] The controller receives vibration data from a plurality of sensors including at least one of an accelerometer, a speed sensor, and a proximity sensor, and is a balancing system for the rotor shaft of the generator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 9. [Embodiment 11] The generator is a balancing system for a rotor shaft of a generator according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 10, which is coupled or connected to a turbine through a gearbox and a clutch. [Embodiment 12] A method for balancing a rotor shaft of a generator, comprising coupling a movable weight to the rotor shaft of the generator assembly, monitoring vibrations of the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating, transmitting vibration data to a controller, and selectively moving the weight relative to the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating so that vibrations of the rotor shaft are reduced. [Embodiment 13] The method according to Embodiment 12, comprising coupling the satellite wheel to the rotor shaft so that the satellite wheel moves simultaneously with the rotor shaft, coupling the movable weight to the satellite wheel, and selectively moving the movable weight relative to the satellite wheel and the rotor shaft so that vibrations of the rotor shaft are reduced. [Embodiment 14] Selectively and substantially eccentrically moving the movable weight around the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating The method according to Embodiment 12 or 13, further comprising. [Embodiment 15] The method according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 14, further comprising selectively moving the movable weight relative to the rotor shaft substantially in the radial and vertical directions while the generator assembly is operating. [Embodiment 16] Selectively moving the weight includes selectively moving the weight along at least one of a plurality of axes, and adjacent pairs of axes are offset by 90°. The method according to any one of Embodiments 12 to 15. [Embodiment 17] Coupling the movable weight to the rotor shaft of the generator assembly further includes coupling an external electric hammer to the rotor shaft and coupling a drive motor to the external electric weight to selectively move the weight along at least one of a guide rail and a gear rail, according to any one of embodiments 12 to 16. [Embodiment 18] Transmitting the vibration data to a controller further includes transmitting the vibration data to a controller coupled within a closed loop system, according to any one of embodiments 12 to 17. [Embodiment 19] The method according to any one of embodiments 12 to 18 further includes the controller comparing the vibration data with a predefined threshold value and the controller selectively moving the weight so that the vibration of the rotor shaft is reduced. [Embodiment 20] Monitoring the vibration of the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating further includes coupling at least one of an accelerometer, a speed sensor, and a proximity sensor to the rotor shaft, according to any one of embodiments 12 to 19. [Embodiment 21] The method according to any one of embodiments 12 to 20 further includes selectively moving the weight along at least one of a guide rail and a gear rail by a motor.

[0040] Although the present invention has been described from the perspective of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention can be implemented with modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0041] 100 Turbine system 106 Gearbox 108 Clutch 112 Rotor 116 Rotor 200a Mechanism 200b Mechanism 200c Mechanism 200d Mechanism 206 Satellite Wheel 210 Weight 220 Satellite Wheel 222 Weight 224 Satellite Wheel 226 Shaft 232 Motor 300a Motor Configuration 300b Motor Configuration 302 Satellite Wheel 306 Guide Rail 308 Motor Gear Rail 310 Motor Gear 312 Transceiver 314 Connection Cable 400 Computer System 402 Bus 406 Main Memory 408 Read-Only Memory (ROM) 412 Display 414 Input Device 416 Cursor Control Unit 418 Communication Interface 420 Network Link 422 Local Network 424 Host Computer 426 Internet Service Provider (ISP) 428 Internet 430 Server 500 Flowchart

Claims

1. A generator including a rotor and a rotor shaft, and A weight coupled to the rotor shaft, the weight being dynamically movable to reduce vibration of the rotor shaft while the rotor is operating. A balancing system for the rotor shaft of a generator, including the above.

2. The balancing system for the rotor shaft of a generator according to claim 1, wherein the weight is configured to eccentrically move to different positions around the rotor shaft.

3. The balancing system for the rotor shaft of a generator according to claim 1, further including a satellite wheel coupled to the rotor shaft, the satellite wheel moving simultaneously with the rotor shaft, and the weight being movable while coupled to the satellite wheel.

4. The balancing system for the rotor shaft of a generator according to claim 1, wherein the weight is movable in a radial direction and a vertical direction with respect to the rotor shaft along the axis.

5. The generator rotor shaft balancing system according to claim 1, wherein the weight is selectively movable along any one of a plurality of axes, and each set of adjacent axes is offset by 90°.

6. The balancing system for the rotor shaft of a generator according to claim 1, wherein the weight is an external electric weight coupled to the rotor shaft.

7. The balancing system for the rotor shaft of a generator according to claim 1, further including a motor configured to move the weight along at least one of a guide rail and a gear rail.

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

9. The balancing system for the rotor shaft of a generator according to claim 8, wherein the controller compares the vibration data with a predefined threshold value and selectively moves the weight so that the vibration of the rotor shaft is reduced.

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

11. The balancing system for a rotor shaft of a generator according to claim 1, wherein the generator is coupled or connected to a turbine through a gearbox and a clutch.

12. A method for balancing a rotor shaft of a generator, comprising: coupling a movable weight to the rotor shaft of the generator assembly; monitoring vibrations of the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating; transmitting vibration data to a controller; and selectively moving the weight relative to the rotor shaft by the controller so that vibrations of the rotor shaft are reduced while the generator assembly is operating A method comprising the steps of:

13. coupling the satellite wheel to the rotor shaft so that the satellite wheel moves simultaneously with the rotor shaft; coupling the movable weight to the satellite wheel; and selectively moving the movable weight relative to the satellite wheel and the rotor shaft so that vibrations of the rotor shaft are reduced The method according to claim 12, comprising the steps of:

14. selectively moving the movable weight substantially eccentrically around the rotor shaft while the generator assembly is operating The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of:

15. selectively moving the movable weight relative to the rotor shaft substantially in the radial and vertical directions while the generator assembly is operating. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of:

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