Rotor Dynamic Balance and Overspeed Bunker

One of REGENCO's unique capabilities is a high-speed balance and overspeed facility. Such a facility is a critical element of REGENCO's operation because it helps to assure that the heaviest generator rotors that the company repairs are properly balanced before they are restored to service. Failure to properly balance the generator rotor can result in significant rotor and bearing vibration, which may result in mechanical damage and a costly forced outage. There are currently only six comparable facilities in the United States.

The control room, located on the main floor overlooking the balancing bunker, accommodates both precision monitoring instrumentation and supervisory control equipment to operate the complete facility. The drive system and auxiliary equipment provides for accurate speed control over the full rotor operating speed and overspeed range. Electronic data acquisition is incorporated for recording of critical parameters measured during balancing speed runs. Balance Bunker outlet temperature is regulated by an air ventilation system. Air flows can be controlled to maintain outlets temperatures between room temperature and 100 degrees F.

The rotor drive system is composed of a 5000 hp, DC drive system and speed increasing gear. The motor and gear lubrication systems are independent of the lubrication oil supply for the rotor. The rotor lubrication system includes high-pressure lift oil supply to the rotor bearings for start-up and low speed operation. The dedicated oil supply system provides oil to the rotor bearings through 2 redundant, full capacity pumps. An emergency power supply system is incorporated within the facility design to provide back-up power in the event of primary power loss; assuring a safe coast down of the rotor. In the event of complete power loss, including the emergency back-up supply, an overhead emergency oil source provides gravity feed of oil to the bearings, providing passive lubrication during coast down.