Dynamic consequences of electromagnetic pull due to deviations in generator shape

Results from earlier measurements on hydropower generators have indicated relatively large eccentricities and shape deviations in the rotor and stator. These non-symmetric geometries produce an attraction force between the rotor and the stator, called unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP). The UMP force can produce large vibrations which can be dangerous to the machine. A mathematical model is developed to describe the shapes of the rotor and stator, and the corresponding UMP is obtained through the law of energy conservation. The target of the paper is to analyse the dynamics of a generator due to shape deviations in the rotor and stator. As rotor-model, a balanced Jeffcott rotor is used. A linearization of the UMP indicates the importance of considering the nonlinear effects. The stability of some attractors are analysed and the generator dynamics are further investigated by simulating the basin of attraction. The magnitudes are approximately obtained when the shape deviations become dangerous for the generator. It is concluded which shape deviations that are more dangerous than others. In hydropower generator maintenance the shapes of the rotor and stator are frequently measured. The results from this paper can be used to evaluate such measurements and estimate the stability and robustness by simulations.