Detailed On-Site Measurements to Validate Generator Numerical Modeling

摘要

Over the last decade the arrival of powerful and affordable computers and improved numerical techniques has triggered several simulation studies of power generators and opened up entirely new research programs. However, although modeling offers a significant leap in the understanding of generator's behaviour, numerical results must always be validated before they can be used with confidence. At present, this is done by carrying out detailed onsite measurements (temperature, airflow velocity, magnetic field, vibration and strain) on generators operating at different load conditions. The true generator's behaviour will arise from the combination of the two partial sets of data: simulation and measurements. Instrumentation on generator is currently a huge task but should decrease with time as we can rely more on the models as they improve. This paper presents the extent of what is currently done at Hydro-Quebec to get the necessary information to validate numerical models. Example of temperature (optic fiber, thermocouples, thermistors) and flow rate measurements (from differential air pressure and indirect global cooling airflow) will be presented herein.