First time generator use the dos and don’ts

from Renew Magazine - Quarter 3, 2022. Hazardous area focus

Thinking outside the gearbox

When the power goes out, a generator can be a lifesaver. However, it’s essential to know how they work before using them for the first time. Bellwood Rewinds, a leading supplier of generators, looks at the dos and don’ts of first-time generator use.

Generators are an excellent option for many industries, and they don’t need to break the bank; from new and used generators to generator hire, there is a wide range of options. But in all cases, safe and effective generator use requires some key steps.

DO’S Study – If you are using a generator for the first time, it’s essential to know how they work so you are prepared when you need to use one.

Study what your unit is capable of doing and whether or not it will meet your needs. Then take some time to test run the equipment before you need it. It’s also essential to determine how much power your generator will need in case of a break.

Make a plan – It is essential to have a generator that provides enough power for your appliances. Don’t overload the unit by plugging in items you do not need or do not use regularly.

If any devices will likely be plugged into the generator during a power outage, it’s a good idea to test them before the lights go out.

Know your limits – You need to understand how long your generator should last so that nobody gets caught off guard by its limitations.

It’s also wise to consider how long your other devices and appliances might last on a generator before you run out of fuel. This leads us to our next point.

Stock up on fuel – Make sure you have enough fuel on hand to refill your generator. This is important as you can be left without power if you run out.

Do exercise caution when refuelling and avoid anything that might cause ignition.

Use quality extension cords – It’s essential to use heavy-duty extension cords for your electric and diesel generator, and it is wise not only when charging things but also if you want a safe outing.

Grounded connections will keep the electricity from streaming out of control so that there are no accidents while using this power source.

DON’TS Refill your gasoline generator when it’s on – Don’t forget to turn off your generator when you are done. If there is still gas left in it, the heat source could cause an explosion and injure anyone nearby. Store your gas tank at least ten feet away from the generator.

If you need more than what’s in there, turn off and wait for it to cool down first before refilling again. Let your generator run out of gas – Generators should always be kept full to avoid breakage or overheating.

If you don’t have enough fuel, your generator may overheat and even catch fire. This can cause a lot of damage, so make sure not to let this happen to your generator.

Leave your generator exposed – If you live in an area that experiences rain or snow, make sure not to let your generator run when exposed.

If it starts getting wet and if stormy weather comes up too quickly, then cover the unit with a tarp so as not to cause any damage – generators should always be kept dry. Overrun your generator – It is important to remember that generators can only handle so much before they need to be refuelled. If you overload your generator, it could cause an explosion or even damage the equipment.

It’s best not to use too many appliances at once when using a device for the first time. Use it with a broken fuel filter – If you

Do exercise caution think your generator’s when refuelling and engine is running fine, but there’s no avoiding anything that electricity, make sure you check out the might cause ignition. fuel system first. A clogged filter can cause problems and dirt and debris that might have gotten into the device from being used outdoors. FINAL THOUGHTS Electric and gasoline generators are a great way to power your business during a blackout. Be sure that if this is not something you’ve done before that you follow the instructions carefully and ensure safety at all times. If required, don’t be afraid to ask for help from someone with more experience with this type of machinery. TIMES-CIRCLE

www.bellwoodrewinds.co.uk

BEARING PROTECTION FOR EVERY INDUSTRY

Protect your motors against bearing damage

Variable frequency drives (VFDs) are true miracles of efficiency. VFD-controlled motors often save more than 30% energy. They also have other advantages, such as higher machine availability and more precise process control, but their operation can have one serious disadvantage: VFDs also generate voltages on the motor shaft. Electric discharge machining (EDM) can then cause localized corrosion (pitting) and corrugations on the motor bearing.

VFDs can save a lot of money. However, without bearing protection, motor failures can quickly wipe out savings, often in less than three months.

AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings protect motor bearings against damage

AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings are already protecting over two million motors against damaging shaft voltages worldwide – safely and over the long term. Well-known manufacturers rely on motors with integrated shaft grounding rings.

AEGIS® Shaft Grounding Rings are available for motors with shafts up to 800 mm in diameter. Full rings or split rings allow simple retrofitting to almost any motor.

Resin-rich HV coils for class H applications

UK-based Preformed Windings, has launched QualCoil H, the first resin-rich diamond coil specification suitable for class H motors and generators.

The cutting-edge QualCoil H specification has been developed in-house within the Preformed Windings lab, and in collaboration with a leading insulation manufacturer, large OEM and industry thought leaders.

Commenting on the launch, James Stevens, Global Sales and Marketing Director, said: “We are very excited to announce the launch of QualCoil H, the first resin-rich HV coils specification suitable for class H applications. This specification offers all the benefits of resin-rich technology and is proving hugely popular in industries such as hydro, nuclear and critical industrial applications where reduced maintenance and longevity are key. Preformed Windings is very proud to be thought leaders in HV diamond coil design and manufacturing with a position as independent product manufacturers allowing us to collaborate with the most respected individuals and organisations in the industry”.

QualCoil H has successfully passed 2,000 hours of voltage endurance testing, where a pass criteria is typically 250 hours or 400 hours. The lab testing the coils had to ask permission to turn the test off as there were sets of coils queued behind the QualCoil H coils that required testing. The test coils were in exceptional condition despite the 2,000 hours of extreme testing and passed all typical type testing along with giving exceptional partial discharge and tan delta results.

Preformed Windings and its partners want to explore the capabilities of QualCoil H, and the specification is currently undergoing stringent through-life testing to include cyclic thermal cycle, voltage endurance, vibration and extreme temperature testing at a leading European test facility along with other QualCoil specifications.

While QualCoil H is suitable for Class H applications, it offers significant benefits to machines at lower temperature classes. The delta between a machine’s actual operating temperature and the maximum allowable operating temperature of the insulation is typically a good indicator of the life of the coils insulation system. If this delta is larger, the insulation system will last longer, and therefore QualCoil H is offering longer service life to Class F motors and generators. This benefit is being experienced in the industry with GE Renewables saying: “Preformed Windings has supplied many sets of high voltage coils to GE Renewables over the years. The quality of product and service is exceptional, and it is a trusted partner in our supply chain. We enjoy collaborative and cutting-edge research and development with Preformed Windings, which positions both organisations as thought leaders in the hydro industry. Its products offer significant benefits such as very low partial discharge and long service life".

SUPPORTING SUSTAINABILITY Preformed Windings is passionate about sustainability, and QualCoil H was initially designed as a coil specification for the hydro repair market. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says there is a need to double hydropower capacity by 2050 to meet the Paris climate targets. However, the development of new hydro facilities is slow and expensive. Many of the hydro facilities in North America and Europe are approaching the service life of their generators, and there is a huge opportunity not only to repair existing assets but improve them to offer longer service life and increased output.

Through the careful redesign of the HV diamond coils and the utilisation of cutting-edge specifications such as QualCoil H, Preformed Windings can offer the industry a viable solution to utilise existing assets while increasing renewable energy outputs.

Another industry expert, Sidewinders LLC, said: “Preformed Windings’ engineers listen to each client’s needs and study the specific requirements of each project to provide precisely tailored solutions. Preformed Windings uses its position as a trusted thought leader in the industry not simply to manufacture replacement coils, but to improve coil designs substantially. Preformed Windings’ process and focus on continuous improvement results in superior machine performance that will endure for many years to come.”

As a member of the Association of Electrical and Mechanical Trades (AEMT), the Electrical Apparatus Service Association (EASA), and the National Hydropower Association (NHA), Preformed Windings is looking to collaborate further on developing this key product for the service industry and is inviting industry experts to open a dialogue and collaboration industry-wide to contribute to the circular economy and sustainability goals. TIMES-CIRCLE

Coil Manufacturing Winding & Taping

Ridgway Machines manufactures a full range of Coil Manufacturing Equipment, including Rotor Winders, Loop Winders and ancillary equipment such as Capstan Tension Units, Winding Beams and Drum Stands.

Ridgway Machines also manufacture a range of BCT Coil Taping Machines designed for the fast, precision application of tape insulation systems to a wide variety of components – including motor and generator stator coils and bars.