Developments in hydro-electric generator components

The first part of the paper describes the advantages and disadvantages of a new design concept for reducing thermal stress in, and foundation loads from, the bearing brackets of large vertical hydro-electric generators. It shows that oblique spokes and oblique flexible plates represent an optimum design compromise under all major loading conditions. The second part introduces a new, 2-component type of thrust bearing for use under very heavy bearing loads. Four of these bearings have already proven themselves in 2¿¿3 years of operation. The most modern calculation methods together with sophisticated instrumentation were required in its development.