Investigation of Oil Vapours in Hydro-Generator

The article discusses engineering approaches to solving the problem of oil vapours in generators. Due to the design characteristics of each power plant, it is difficult to find a typical solution. Nevertheless, the article suggests ways to reduce the amount of oil mist. For their implementation, a calculation methodology based on the substitution scheme of the hydraulic path of the bearing support unit is created which takes into account the design features of the bearing and the parameters of the environment around the oil bath. The methodology employed is presented. The numerical method of modelling the aerodynamic fields of the entire hydro generator is used to estimate the air flows and pressures in the oil bath zone of the thrust bearing. Additionally, the method made it possible to track suspected oil particles that could get from the thrust-bearing bath into the surrounding area of the generator. Measures are proposed to reduce the level of oil mist through the competent design of the oil vapour removal system from the bearing bath.