Adaptor

Abstract

An adaptor is disclosed for connecting a generator to a prime mover. The adaptor comprises two separable parts. By providing an adaptor comprising two separable parts, it may be possible for one part to be removed in order to allow access to moving parts which would otherwise be inaccessible. This may simplify the process of servicing moving parts such as a coupling or bearings, without requiring the generator and the prime mover to be moved apart. A coupling with a radially removable elastomeric component is also disclosed.

Claims

1. An adaptor arranged to connect a generator to a prime mover, the adaptor comprising two separable parts.

2. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor is arranged such that one part of the adaptor can be removed while the other part is connected between the generator and prime mover.

3. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein each part of the adaptor is connectable between the generator and the prime mover.

4. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein each part of the adaptor comprises a first flange for connection to the generator and a second flange for connection to the engine.

5. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor is split axially.

6. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the two parts of the adaptor are separable along lines which run in an axial direction between one end of the adaptor and the other.

7. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the removal of one part of the adaptor exposes the inside of the adaptor.

8. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein a removable part of the adaptor comprises at least one centering pin.

9. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the two separable parts are connectable by means of bolts.

10. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein each separable part comprises a flange for interfacing with the other part.

11. An adaptor according to claim 1, wherein the adaptor is arranged to surround a coupling between the engine and the generator.

12. A coupling for connecting rotating components of a generator and a prime mover, the coupling comprising an elastomeric component, wherein the elastomeric component is removable radially from the coupling.

13. A coupling according to claim 12, wherein: the coupling further comprises a hub and a coupling flange; the elastomeric component is located between the hub and the coupling flange; and the coupling flange can be moved axially in order to disengage with the elastomeric component.

14. A power generation system comprising: a prime mover; a generator; an adaptor connected between the generator and the prime mover, the adaptor comprising two separable parts.

15. A power generation system according to claim 14, further comprising a coupling which connects rotating components of the generator and the prime mover, the coupling comprising an elastomeric component, wherein the elastomeric component is removable radially from the coupling.

16. A power generation system according to claim 15, wherein one part of the adaptor is removable to leave an opening while the other part of the adaptor remains in place, and the elastomeric component is removable through the opening.

17. A power generation system according to claim 15, wherein: the coupling comprises a hub and a coupling flange; the elastomeric component is located between the hub and the coupling flange; and the coupling flange can be moved axially in order to disengage with the elastomeric component.

18. A power generation system according to claim 17, further comprising a locking assembly which holds the coupling together during operation of the power generation system, wherein the locking assembly, when disconnected, is movable in an axial direction to reveal the hub.

19. A method of servicing a power generation system comprising a prime mover coupled to a generator via an adaptor, the adaptor comprising two separable parts, the method comprising removing one part of the adaptor while the other part of the adaptor remains connected between the prime mover and the generator in order to provide access to serviceable parts.

20. A method according to claim 19, the power generation system further comprising a coupling which connects rotating components of the generator and the prime mover, the coupling comprising an elastomeric component, the method further comprising removing the elastomeric component radially from the coupling.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a generating set in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] FIG. 2 shows an adaptor in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 3 shows part of the generating set with the adaptor in place;

[0042] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a coupling for use in an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0043] FIGS. 5 to 13 illustrate a process for replacement of elastomeric components in the coupling.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Overview

[0044] FIG. 1 shows an overview of a generating set in an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the generating set comprises an engine 10 coupled to a generator (alternator) 12. In this embodiment the engine 10 is a gas engine, although any type of internal combustion engine such as a petrol or diesel engine may be used instead. In this embodiment the generator 12 is a synchronous generator, although any other type of electrical generator may be used instead. The engine 10 and generator 12 are both mounted on a bed frame 14. A coupling 16 is used to connect the engine flywheel to the shaft of the generator. An adaptor 18 surrounds the coupling, and is used to connect the engine to the generator housing. The adaptor 18 helps to prevent relative movement between the engine and the generator, thus ensuring greater stability during operation of the generating set.

[0045] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the coupling 16 is a flexible coupling. Flexible couplings are typically used in high power generating sets. For example, high horse power continuous purpose gas generating sets may require a flexible coupling, in particular where a variety of gases such as low BTU natural gas to pipeline gas are used. The flexible coupling can dampen vibratory torque in the system and acts as fuse in the drive line.

[0046] Flexible couplings typically include an elastomeric material. The elastomeric material may degrade over time, particularly when subject to high stresses. As a consequence, the life time of a flexible coupling varies depending on its application. In some cases the flexible coupling may fail before the end of its target life. In this case servicing of the coupling may be required outside of a scheduled overhaul of the generator set.

[0047] In existing generator set designs, the adaptor is formed from a single piece of cast metal. Windows may be provided in the adaptor, to allow an operator to connect the coupling once the generator and engine have been aligned. However this does not allow replacement or servicing of the coupling.

[0048] In order to service the coupling in existing generator set designs, the generator set is first shut down. All harnesses and other connections are disconnected, and the generator with adaptor is pulled back from the engine. Following replacement or servicing of the coupling, it is necessary for all parts to be reconnected, and the generator to be re-aligned with the engine.

[0049] As a consequence, replacement or servicing of the coupling is a complex and time consuming process, typically taking 14 to 15 hours depending on the installation. This results in high shutdown costs, both in terms of the servicing required and the lost generating capacity.

Adaptor Design

[0050] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a new adaptor design and a new flexible coupling which can facilitate servicing without requiring the generator to be moved.

[0051] FIG. 2 shows an adaptor 18 in an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 2, the adaptor 18 is generally cylindrical, and comprises a first flange 22 for connection to the generator and a second flange 24 for connection to the engine. The first flange and second flange each comprise a number of bolt holes. Bolts 26 pass through the bolt holes in the first flange in order to connect the adaptor to the generator, while bolts 28 pass through the bolt holes in the second flange in order to connect the adaptor to the engine. In this embodiment cross braces 23 are provided on the outside surface of the adaptor, to help provide structural rigidity. Windows 25 are provided in the adaptor, to allow an operator to lock the coupling on generator shaft once the engine, generator and adaptor are in place.

[0052] In the arrangement of FIG. 2, the adaptor 18 is divided into a top part 30 and a bottom part 32. In this embodiment the division occurs in a plane within which the axis of symmetry of the adaptor lies. Thus, in this embodiment the two halves are semi-cylindrical. However the division may occur in different places and the two parts are not necessarily equal.

[0053] Still referring to FIG. 2, flanges 34, 36 are provided at the interfaces between the top part and the bottom part. Each of the flanges has a number of bolt holes 38. Bolts 40 pass through the bolt holes to connect the two parts together. Two additional centering pins 42 are provided on each side of the adaptor. The centering pins 42 help to ensure alignment between the two parts of the adaptor. In addition, centering pins 44 are provided in the second flange 24 in the top part 30. The centering pins 44 help to ensure alignment of the top part 30 with the engine, in particular following removal of the top part in the way described below.

[0054] The adaptor 18 of FIG. 2 may be made from a cast metal, such as spheroidal graphite cast iron. The adaptor may be machined following casting to provide the appropriate interface surfaces and/or bolt holes.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows part of the generating set with the adaptor 18 in place. Referring to FIG. 3, the two parts 30, 32 of the adaptor 18 are held together by bolts 40. The adaptor is bolted to the engine 10 with bolts 26, and to the generator 12 with bolts 28.

Flexible Coupling

[0056] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a coupling for use in an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 4, the coupling comprises a hub 50, two elastomeric components 52, 54, a coupling flange 56, and a locking assembly 58. The hub 50 is arranged to be connected to the generator shaft, while the coupling flange 56 is arranged to be connected to the engine fly wheel.

[0057] In the arrangement of FIG. 4, each of the elastomeric components 52, 54 is disc-shaped. The elastomeric components may be made from any suitable material having the required degree of flexibility, such as rubber. A sleeve 53, 55 is provided on the inside of each of the elastomeric components 52, 54. The sleeves are made from a rigid material such as a metal or a high density plastic. Each of the sleeves 53, 55 includes bolt holes 57, 59 for connecting the elastomeric components 52, 54 to the hub 50.

[0058] The hub 50 includes a hub flange 60 with bolt holes 62. Hub bolts 64 pass through the bolt holes 62 and the bolt holes 57, 59 in the sleeves 53, 55, in order to bolt the hub 50 to the elastomeric components 52, 54. When connected, part of the hub 50 passes through the inside of the second elastomeric component 54, while the end of the hub 50 engages with the sleeve 53 in the first elastomeric component 52.

[0059] The outside circumferences of the elastomeric components include castellations 66. The coupling flange 56 is generally cylindrical, and fits around the elastomeric components 52, 54. The inside surface of the coupling flange includes castellations 68, which engage with the castellations 66 on the outside of the elastomeric components 52, 54.

[0060] The coupling flange 56 includes a flange 70 with bolt holes 72. Flange bolts 74 are used to bolt the coupling flange to the engine fly wheel through the bolt holes 72. The external locking assembly 58 comprises bolts 76 which are used to hold the coupling together.

[0061] The coupling shown in FIG. 4 provides a torsionally soft connection between the engine and the generator. A flexible torque transmission characteristic is achieved by means of the elastomeric components 52, 54 between the hub 50 and the coupling flange 56. This can allow the absorption of torsional vibrations and may help to compensate for misalignments.

Servicing

[0062] In use the elastomeric components 52, 54 shown in FIG. 4 may degrade and require replacement. FIGS. 5 to 13 illustrate a process for replacement of the elastomeric components 52, 54 without requiring removal of the generator 12.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 5, in step 1 the adaptor bolts 26 connecting the top part of the adaptor 30 to the engine 10, and the adaptor bolts 28 connecting the top part of the adaptor 30 to the generator 12, are undone. In addition, the bolts 40 connecting the two parts of the adaptor together are undone.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, in step 2 the top part 30 of the adaptor is removed from the generator set in a radial direction. Removal of the top part of the adaptor exposes the coupling 16.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, in step 3 the bolts 76 of the external locking assembly 58 are undone. The locking assembly 58 is then slid axially along the shaft towards the generator 12. This exposes the hub bolts 64.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, in step 4 the hub bolts 64 are undone and removed. This disconnects the elastomeric components 52, 54 from the hub 50.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 9, in step 5 the coupling flange bolts 74 are undone and removed. This disconnects the coupling flange 56 from the engine 10.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 10, in step 6 the coupling flange 56 is slid axially along the shaft towards the generator 12. This reveals the first elastomeric component 52 and part of the second elastomeric component 54. In this position the coupling flange 56 is held in place, for example, with a lifting device (not shown).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 11, in step 7 the first elastomeric component 52 is then removed in a radial direction. Removal of the elastomeric component 52 is possible due to the fact that the hub bolts 64 have been removed and the coupling flange 56 has been pulled back.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 12, in step 8 the second elastomeric component 54 is then slid axially along the hub 50 in the direction of the engine 10. This releases the elastomeric component 54 from the hub.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 13, in step 9 the second elastomeric component 54 is then removed in a radial direction.

[0072] The elastomeric components 52, 54 can then be replaced. Steps 1 to 9 are then repeated in reverse, in order to reassemble the coupling with the new elastomeric components.

[0073] Some of the advantages which may be provided by the techniques described above are as follows: [0074] No need to move the generator back when servicing the coupling [0075] Fewer steps for disassembly/assembly [0076] Servicing time reduced by 80% compared to previous techniques [0077] Less facility space required [0078] No need to disassemble other subsystems of the generator set, such as wires from the generator [0079] Lower cost of ownership to the end user.

[0080] In the above, embodiments of the invention have been described by way of example only, and variations in the design are possible. For example, the division between the two parts of the adaptor may be in different places and the two parts are not necessarily equal. It is not necessary for the adaptor to be divided along the whole of its length, and the removable part may extend along only part of the length of the adaptor. If desired, castellations may be provided on the interfaces between the two parts of the adaptor. Furthermore, if desired, the adaptor may comprise three or more parts, the only requirement being that at least one part of the adaptor is separable from the or each other part. Many other variations in detail will be apparent to the skilled person within the scope of the appended claims.

[0081] Although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to a generator set, the present invention may be used with any type of power generation system where an adaptor is used to connect a prime mover to a generator.