Case Studies – posters

Presentations are:

Diagnosing Hydro-Generator Failures Through Vibration and Air Gap Data: A Case Study Approach, presented by Ozren Oreskovic, Veski

Economic Viability of Generating Electricity from Treated Wastewater Flows, presented by Nathan Ford, Burns & McDonnell

Details about each presentation and the speakers are below:

Diagnosing Hydro-Generator Failures Through Vibration and Air Gap Data: A Case Study Approach
Presented by Ozren Oreskovic, Veski

Combining data from air gap sensors with traditional vibration measurements is becoming increasingly crucial for on-line condition monitoring, machine failure mode analysis, and even hydro-generator protection. While most issues eventually manifest as increased vibration or temperature, their root often lies in inadequate stator and/or rotor geometry and stiffness — only directly detected through air gap sensor data.

For instance, even slight changes in rotor rim stiffness or position during operation can trigger unstable rotor dynamics, leading to unexpected outages. Vibration and air gap monitoring require simultaneous measurement, signal processing, feature extraction and analysis from multiple probes across the hydro-generator unit, offering valuable insight into machine dynamics and operational geometry changes influenced by electro-mechanical and thermal processes.

Root cause analysis demands advanced signal processing, analysis, and visualization, combined with deep domain expertise. The post processing of data also includes methods such as statistical analysis and machine learning for advanced pattern recognition.

This poster presents several real-life case studies from various hydro-generators with different designs and power capacities, focusing on fault recognition, continuous monitoring methods, and potential fault prediction through combined signal analysis approach, statistical analysis and Machine Learning. The analysis methods align with international standards and recommendations for vibration and air gap monitoring

Economic Viability of Generating Electricity from Treated Wastewater Flows
Presented by Nathan Ford, Burns & McDonnell

A feasibility study was conducted for a municipality in the midwestern United States to assess the potential for hydropower electricity recovery within its wastewater treatment facility’s effluent discharge. The study evaluated the technical and economic viability of generating electricity from treated wastewater flows before their final discharge, presenting an innovative approach to renewable energy integration within existing infrastructure.

The analysis included flow rate characterization, hydraulic head assessment, and seasonal flow variations at key discharge points within the wastewater treatment system. Various turbine configurations and placement options were examined to optimize energy capture.

The study's findings provided a strategic framework for integrating electricity generation into its wastewater infrastructure. It outlines potential energy recovery opportunities, implementation challenges, and recommendations for future development, serving as a foundation for informed decision-making on sustainable energy initiatives within the city’s wastewater operations.

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