Application Note AN006

Overview of
Typical Factors
Affecting the
Air Gap of a
Hydrogenerator
 Application Note AN006

Purpose
• Air gap results from AGMS and ZOOM systems
are measured by stator-mounted capacitive sensors
• Located on same plane around the stator or
multiple planes on stators higher than 1.8 m / 6 ft
 Application Note AN006

Purpose
• Recorded gap values are relative to stator wall face
on which sensors are glued
• Any radial movement of rotor and stator components
will imprint on air gap results
 Application Note AN006

Purpose
• Trends of these movements are important to detect
and analyze the machine behavior
 Application Note AN006

Requirements
• To obtain meaningful results, measurement and
processing accuracy is essential
• VibroSystM air gap sensors are the only ones
that are accurate to the micron level
 Application Note AN006

Requirements
• Precise air gap readings, powerful processing and
comprehensive graphic results combine to provide
an effective predictive maintenance and diagnostic tool
Application Note AN006
 Application Note AN006

Factors Affecting Air Gap

• Rotating component movements (rotor, shaft)
• Static component movements (stator)
• Magnetic and hydraulic forces
 Application Note AN006

Factors Affecting Air Gap

• Any of these movements or, most likely,
a combination thereof will affect the machine air gap

• Consequently, have an effect on the dynamic

behavior and overall condition of the hydrogenerator
 Application Note AN006

Analysis
• With ZOOM software,
by comparing:
– Simultaneous air gap
measurements from opposite
sensors or
– Air gap signatures recorded
under different operating
conditions
• It is possible to:
– Determine what is responsible for
a particular air gap variation
– Evaluate if movement is normal
or abnormal
 Application Note AN006

Analysis
• By correlating other integrated
parameters (frame displacement,
shaft displacement and vibration,
etc.), diagnostic possibilities
are greatly enhanced
• Identifying the cause of a given
problem becomes simple
• Circularity, concentricity,
and verticality can easily be
monitored in static and
dynamic conditions
 Application Note AN006

Conclusion
• With VibroSystM air gap monitoring, it is
possible to observe all these phenomena

• Because they have a direct effect on the air gap

• When measured accurately, they provide a

clear indication of the machine condition

• Air gap parameter has become an essential

part of a sound hydrogenerator monitoring
system