2 MW load testing

The original capacity of the service center was 1’000 kW in load testing, of which 800 kW could be used for testing vertically-orientated motors, across a full range of voltages from 400 V up to 11 kV at both 50 and 60 Hz. The installation of the new equipment will increase the load testing capacity to 2’000 kW for horizontally-orientated motors as well as an increase in voltage to 13.8 kV. The majority of the equipment tested in the additional capacity will be large, high voltage, AC motors, but the possibility to test DC motors up to 600 V, with a loading up to 800 amps will still remain.

Furthermore, an additional test-bed area is now in place to allow multiple motors to be tested alongside each other. This means that if the testing of one motor needs to be extended, it will not hold up other projects, allowing equipment to be returned to customers on time.
The new test bed offers customers the possibility of load testing generators using a slave motor to turn the generator and connecting the output to a load bank. In this way, generators that have undergone major repairs can be tested to ensure that they are fit for purpose before they are re-installed and recommissioned.

Investment in cutting-edge facilities

Sulzer’s investment program in the UK has delivered a range of new equipment and machinery including replacement looping machines, shaping machines and a state-of-the-art robotic taping machine that will together provide enhanced precision, quality and speed in the manufacture of HV coils.

A major investment has also been made in the design and testing capabilities at Sulzer, with the creation of a ‘Coil Test Lab’ that will enable voltage endurance and thermal cycling tests to be carried out in-house. These tests can determine the durability and expected lifetime of HV coils and ultimately provide a quality rating for the insulation system.

The final step in the repair process for high voltage machines is balancing the rotors to ensure smooth and reliable operation, especially during start-up and shutdown procedures. Sulzer has one of the only independent high-speed balancing facilities in the UK and it has recently been updated with the installation of CABFLEX3 software and additional hardware that will significantly reduce the time required to balance a flexible rotor.

Sulzer continues to invest in its facilities across the country to improve the speed of service to its customers and to ensure the highest quality repairs are delivered.