Harmonic Signatures of Static Eccentricities in the Stator Voltages and in the Rotor Current of No-Load Salient-Pole Synchronous Generators

This paper shows that a static eccentricity makes rise a double fundamental frequency ripple in the rotor current of salient-pole synchronous machines. This ripple leads, under conditions ruled by the stator windings, to precise signatures in the no-load voltage spectrum. Both rotor current ripple and voltage harmonics can be used for diagnosis. The fault-related voltage harmonics are theoretically previewed in this paper through analysis of the windings. Simulations performed by using the winding function approach confirm the theoretical predictions. A four-pole 15-kVA generator was used for experiments, featuring an innovative flange with exact and easy regulation of mixed-type eccentricities. Rotor current monitoring has advantages of single-sensor measure and accentuate fault sensitivity. Experiments also showed an additional rotor-rotation frequency ripple in the rotor current, in case of mixed-type fault.