No.

4/93

Edited by DSO-245

SHIP TYPE: Trawler

SIZE(GRT): 1000-7800

BUILT YEAR: 1987-1993

DAMAGE TO SHAFT GENERATORS

Course of Events:
Problems have been experienced with shaft generators installed on transverse platforms arranged across the frames in the after body of the ship (See
typical arrangement in Fig. 1). Damage has typically occurred on generators with rating above 1000 kW operating at 1500 and 1800 RPM driven by a
power take-off from the main reduction gear.

Fig. 1: Typical lay-out for shaft generator arrangement

Extent of Damage:
Two main categories of damage have been experienced, viz.:
- Damage to generator (deep groove single ball bearings)
- Damage to shafting, couplings and clutches.
Probable Cause:
Extremely high bearing load has been generated from the dynamic behaviour of the shafting system. The plants have been running close to resonant
frequencies, causing shaft whirling and axial vibration.
Peak loads in operation, particularly as a consequence of engaging clutches and activation of switch gear in connection with synchronisation and
connection to the switchboard. Safe procedures have often not been included in the operation manuals.
Lessons to be Learned:
1. Proper dynamic analysis of the shafting system needs to be carried out. The analysis include evaluation of lateral and axial vibration. It is
particularly important to determine the influence of generator foundation stiffness, and the axial stiffness of the locating bearing in the generator.
The velocity of system induced vibration should not exceed 4.5 mm/s rms in a range of +/<143>20% of the nominal speed. Vibration measurements to
be carried out as per Fig. 2.
For existing plants where problems have been experienced, a counter measure may be to reinforce the foundation. Bearing maintenance and close
condition monitoring may also help increase lifetime and reliability.
2. Peak loads may be avoided by ensuring that suitable operational procedures are adhered to. For example, it is considered a good practice that any
clutch(es) between the generator and the main engine is engaged prior to start of the main engine.
Further, it should be noted that badly adjusted or maloperated switch gear and load transfer system may create excessive loads in the shafting system.
Hence, proper testing and adjustment/maintenance and operation of the switch-gear needs to be focused on.

Fig. 2: Allowable vibration level and measuring points

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