Power Increasing Magnetic Bearing for Hydropower Generators
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | LEMBKE ELEKTROMEKANISKA VERKSTAD LEV AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 500 000 |
| Project duration | December 2012 - June 2013 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The purpose of the project is to investigate how large the energysavings will be, and which environmental benefits that can be achieved if a magnetic bearing is installed in a hydropower plant to help unoad the gravitaional load from the rotor. If the result is positive, and Vattenfall and Porjusstiftelsen are interested, then a preplanning will commence and continued funding from Forska & Väx will be applied for to manufacture and install a magnetic bearing in the experimental plant Porjus U8.
Results and expected effects
It turns out that every installed bearing in the largests plants can save up to 3 400 MWh electricity per year, which then can be sold. The environmental benefits, except from the energy related ones, are mainly about lubrication oil which today leaks out into the rivers. According to Vattenfall, this oil might then be exchanged for organic oil.
Approach and implementation
Measurements on a small prototype of a magnetic bearing especially designed for a hydropower station have been performed. Vattenfall Vattenkraft AB have provided necessary data to be able to design a coresponding bearing for the research plant Porjus U8. This bearing has been simulated electromagnetically using the finite element method, FEM. Futhermore Vattenfall has performed a rotordynamic study. Preparation of drawings and mounting instructions has commenced in cooperation with Porjusstiftelsen.