On the dynamics of an hydropower generator subjected to unbalanced magnetic pull

Abstract

Eccentricity leading to unbalanced magnetic pull (UMP) in electrical machines is a significant concern in industry. The UMP is known to be composed of two components: A radial component and a tangential one. Models that are used in industry currently tend to include the radial component alone. In this paper, a Jeffcott rotor model together with a new UMP model that incorporates both radial and tangential UMP constituents is studied for an industrial hydropower generator. Characterising the UMP as springs permits the model to inherit UMP stiffness contribution. Interesting dynamics are observed with the new model for a wide range of external forcing frequencies. It is shown firstly that the new UMP model is sensitive to forcing frequency in the rotor movements. Moreover, complex dynamics in the displacements of the rotor are observed for some forcing frequencies and it is noted that the rotor does not need to be forced by frequencies above its critical speed for this less desirable motion to occur. Eigenvalue-based stability analysis is performed and shows that damping of the rotor and of the bearings are important when non-synchronous whirling of the rotor is considered. Accounting for both components of UMP is an important cornerstone in the generation of better rotor design parameters which can help to curb rotor-stator malfunction and can contribute in the design of long lasting rotors to the betterment of hydropower technology.

Analysis of unbalanced magnetic pull in eccentric interior permanent magnet machines with series and parallel windings

“…The local x-y coordinate system shown in Fig. 5b is used to decompose the net instantaneous UMP [21]. The x-axis aligns itself with the short air gap and the long air gap.…”