Mitsubishi Electric has developed a new 19.9mm thin robot capable of inspecting power generators by passing through the narrow gap between rotor and stator.
Regular inspection robots are about 30mm thick and cannot pass through this narrow gap, which is present in around 30% of Mitsubishi Electric power generators. The company claims the new robot reduces the cost and time of inspections and helps increase generator's reliability and availability.
Conventional inspections are carried out by professionals every four years. They require around 34 days to complete, partly due to removal of the rotor. Electric power companies have been looking to shorten this time and improve accuracy to extend the availability of their generators.
Mitsubishi Electric’s ultra-thin robot eliminates the need to remove the rotor so that inspections can be completed in just six days. Due to its high-accuracy, inspections can also be carried out less frequently and help operators avoid over-stocking parts.
The robot is designed to assess stator wedge tightness, detailed visual examinations, and core insulation inspections. It is available with a proprietary traveling mechanism comprising a crawler belt and flat plate to achieve a thin 19.9mm profile and low vibration for accurate data acquisition.
It is capable of inspecting all Mitsubishi Electric medium and large-sized generators.
Image: Mitsubishi Electric develops ultra-thin robot. Photo: courtesy of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.
