Generator Amortisseur-Spring Axial Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrical generators, especially those in combined cycle systems, the amortisseur-spring assembly components tend to migrate axially over time due to cyclic and thermal operations, leading to issues like blocked ventilation and electrical ground faults, which compromise the insulation of the charged windings and reduce reliability.

Innovation Solution

An amortisseur-spring assembly with a locking mechanism, comprising a pin extending through the amortisseur, spring, and creepage block, is installed to prevent axial migration by radially locking these components, utilizing a pin with a stepped configuration and positioning it away from ventilation holes to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to prevent axial migration, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial retentionVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate components: a locking element with engagement features that can be inserted through aligned apertures in the amortisseur, spring, and creepage block. This segmentation allows for modular assembly and disassembly while maintaining reliable axial retention of all components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is implemented, then component migration is prevented, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent retentionVSAvoidassembly installation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Apertures are pre-formed through the amortisseur, spring, and creepage block at locations that will align when components are in their correct axial positions. The locking element is designed with predetermined engagement features that mate with these pre-positioned apertures, simplifying the final assembly step while ensuring proper component retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If thermal force restraint is used to prevent migration, then component retention is achieved, but the system requires massive force application

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaxial retentionVSAvoidthermal force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism replaces the need for massive thermal force restraint with a mechanical interlocking system. The locking element with its engagement features creates physical constraints that prevent axial migration through direct mechanical contact and geometric interlocking, eliminating the need to rely on thermal forces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11289964B2Generator field amortisseur and spring axial locking mechanism

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 GE INFRASTRUCTURE TECH LLC

AI summary

The present application provides an amortisseur-spring assembly for use about at least one of a wedge and a retaining ring of a generator. The amortisseur-spring assembly may include an amortisseur, a spring, a creepage block, and a locking mechanism extending through the amortisseur, the spring, and the creepage block.