Prediction of 2X Vibration of a Generator Rotor with Asymmetric Shaft Stiffness

The large generator rotor used in fossil power plant has the possibility of high 2X vibration due to asymmetric shaft stiffness. The generator rotor is machined into pole faces to reduce stiffness difference and then is tested through 2X vibration measurement when the balancing works are performed in the balancing shop. However, there are many cases of large difference values between 2X vibration in the balancing shop and 2X vibration in site. This paper presents a new method to estimate 2X vibration in site with more accuracy and applied for the retrofit of a fossil 400 MW class deteriorated generator. It shows that the new generator rotor is manufactured with a good 2X vibration characteristics and is operated in a low 2X vibration level although the generator rotor has high 2X vibration in the balancing shop.