Evaluating the Service Degradation of Large Hydrogen Cooled Generator Rotor Fields

The ideal operation of power plant equipment philosophically entails achieving the maximum useful life without experiencing an in service failure. Generally known testing techniques and their application to generator rotor fields are described. A course of action is proposed when degradation begins to be detected. Risks which might be encountered are discussed as are precautionary measures which can be instituted. To support the techniques discussed, a case history will be described in detail.