Hydro turbines are machines that convert water power into mechanical energy. They consist of two main parts: the rotor (which spins) and the stator (which generates electricity). The turbine bearings protect the machine from general wear and tear over time. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about hydro turbine bearings. 

Cutting Edge Onsite Machining is a leading provider of hydro turbine maintenance needs. Our company provides the most experienced and technically-advanced machinists in the industry to help projects stay on track with unparalleled quality for machining services. Contact us today at 936-262-6006. 

How Do Hydro Turbines Work

A hydro turbine uses the kinetic energy of water to generate mechanical energy. When the water gets moved to the right place, the energy is taken by the hydro turbine and converted into usable electrical energy.

The hydro turbine is constantly moving. However, that means the risk of damage to the turbine is increased. Thus, it requires regular maintenance and repair. 

Hydro turbine bearings can be damaged by coming into contact with foreign objects like debris and rocks. The more contact the bearings have with these objects, the more wear and tear they will receive. Also, due to weather conditions, like harsh storms or wind that can cause an increase in water flow. This then results in more pressure on the bearings and stress. 

How Do Hydro Turbine Bearings Work

Bearings are designed to reduce friction between rotating and stationary components. As mentioned above, the hydro turbine has a constant motion. Therefore, there is always some amount of friction between the bearing and the shaft. To prevent excessive heat build-up, the bearings must allow for some movement. If the bearings were perfectly still, the friction would be too high, causing excessive heat build-up. 

In addition, the bearings also play a role in maintaining the integrity of the machinery. For example, if the bearings fail, the entire machine may become unstable and fall apart.

What Are Hydro Turbine Bearings Made Of?

There are many different types of hydro turbine bearings. These include ball bearings, roller bearings, ceramic bushings, needle bearings, plain bearings, and thrust bearings. Each type of bearing has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Ball bearings are generally made of steel and are suitable for use in medium-sized applications. Ball bearings are usually not recommended for larger applications because their performance decreases as the size increases. 

Roller bearings are ideal for large applications. They are made of hardened steel and are able to withstand heavy loads. Roller bearings are often found in industrial equipment such as conveyors and cranes. 

Ceramic bushings are similar to roller bearings but are made out of ceramics. Ceramics are much stronger than steel and are therefore better suited for larger applications. 

Needle bearings are small and thin. They are typically used in smaller applications where space is limited. 

Plain bearings are very common in hydro turbines. Plain bearings are made of cast iron and are suitable for medium-sized applications. 

Thrust bearings are used when there is a lot of force being applied to the bearing. Thrust bearings are made of bronze and are best suited for large applications. 

Common Issues With Hydro Turbine Bearings

As mentioned earlier, hydro turbines are constantly moving. This causes the bearings to experience a great deal of wear and tear. Over time, this can lead to failure. Below, we discuss some common issues with hydro turbine bearings.

• Friction: Friction occurs whenever two surfaces come into contact. In the case of hydro turbine bearings, friction occurs at every point where the bearing contacts the shaft. 
• Heat Build-Up: Heat build-up happens when friction is too high. High temperatures can result in material fatigue and premature failure. 
• Stress: Stress is caused by external forces. External forces can be from wind, rain, snow, ice, etc. All of these factors put stress on the hydro turbine bearings. 
• Lubrication: The oil or grease that lubricates the bearings needs to be changed periodically. When the oil or grease becomes old, it will break down and cause damage to the bearings. 

Why Should You Keep Your Hydro Turbine Maintained

Hydro turbine maintenance is extremely critical for operational and safety reasons. Hydro turbines have many parts that need to work together in order for them to function properly. If one part fails, the whole system could stop working. Also, hydro turbines are expensive pieces of equipment. It’s important to make sure they run smoothly so that you don’t waste money on repairs.

If you notice any problems with your hydro turbine, you shouldn’t delay in contacting someone to perform an inspection on your hydro turbine. Hydro turbines are complex machines that require professional attention. If you wait until something goes wrong, you may find yourself spending more money fixing the issue than if you had performed the regular maintenance checks.

How Do I Maintain My Hydro Turbine Bearing

To maintain your hydro turbine, you should perform regular maintenance checks. There are various hydro turbine repair services that should keep your hydro turbine running smoothly.

Cutting Edge has everything you need to help repair any issues with your hydro turbine bearings and your hydro turbine in general. We make every effort to complete your repairs on-site, which not only saves you time but also money. Our team of certified technicians is always ready to provide you with the most accurate diagnosis and cost-effective solutions.

Years of experience and advanced machine lists within this industry have built long-lasting relationships with its customers. Cutting Edge will be able to easily and effectively repair and restore your hydro turbine bearings to the high quality that it needs to be.

Cutting Edge: Onsite Providers For Hydro Maintenance

Our goal is to make sure that your hydro turbine runs as smoothly as possible. Cutting Edge will make sure that your hydro turbine is always running and as expert portable machining services, we can help keep your project operating at maximum efficiency.

The bearings are an important element in your hydro turbine because if they fail, then your entire machine will shut down. To ensure that your hydro turbine keeps functioning, it’s essential to regularly check the bearings.

We offer a wide variety of services that include hydro turbine maintenance, hydro turbine replacement, hydro turbine repair, and hydro turbine installation.