Electrical Machine Black Box

Project background

The Zakučac hydro power plant was constructed in the lower flow of the Cetina River, near Omiš. Zakučac is the largest plant in Cetina River basin and the largest hydro power plant in Croatia by its installed capacity and potential power production. After the reconstruction of the plant the installed capacity will amount to 4×144 MW and is expected to be finished in late 2016.

Why this solution

Electrical machine black box was installed specifically to detect harmful working conditions of the generators. The operator of the plant, HEP Croatia, decided to use the modernization as an opportunity to install a system that will provide more information on the failure types. The suggestion from KONČAR Institute was to monitor non-standard conditions that represent a significant electromagnetic and thermal stress for the machine, which greatly reduces its lifetime.

Benefits and results for the client

The client received the system that provides data that standard monitoring systems don’t measure. This includes machine conditions such as:

  • Asynchronous operation
  • Incorrect synchronization
  • Significant asymmetry
  • Two-phase operation
  • Run-out (over-speed)
  • Overloading
  • Excessive heating of stator iron or stator winding
  • Excessive vibration of the generator housing
  • Number of machine stars

 

Zakučac / Croatia

538 MW

of installed capacity

133 mil. €

Value of last plant upgrade

2,000 GWh

annual generation

1962

Original commission year