Generator Life Expectancy

Are you talking about the self-contained units that are a combination of internal combustion engine and electric machine, or are you talking strictly about the electric machine that comprises the generator? It makes a huge difference.

Steve,

Hi! Hey, thanks much for the quick reply. Actually, I dont know for certain how to respond to your questions so if I can get information on both categories it would be super! Thanks in advance for any assist you provide.

Terry

I can agree with that one. Had it happen myself.

Hi Guest,

with regard to the "nasty home Generators", you are so right!

GA to you Sir.

Take care

Hi tday,

I would have thought it depended on whether the Generator was your only source of power and how much you use it, and whether it was for a Factory or Domestic?

'Professional Generators' tend to work at low revs and are pretty big, so generating the power necessary is but a 'sneeze' to them, compared to say a car Engine which works at much higher revs and is very much smaller, so lasts comparatively little time.

Do not forget, starting up takes more by way of wear than having a generator 'ticking over' all day and perhaps with only one or two on/off cycles?

Take care.

All,

Thanks so much for the information. I was curious if there was some defining standard that I could extract from a reference source beyond professional opinion which you all so graciously provided? Again, many thanks!!!

Terry

A day longer than when the warranty expires.

Commercial steam turbine generators are designed for a 40 year life. Here in New England, there are plants still running post WWII units as standby, though they aren't efficient enough for base line power.

Hydro units seem to run forever. There are WWI vintage units still making kilowatts.

It's all about maintenance and the efficiency of the system.

Jerry,

Thanks for your reply. I understand that maintenance is a HUGE part of keeping the system operational. Did not know that there were units still operating that were of WWI and WWII vintage. As far as maintenance and life expectancy is concerned does that vary by manufacturer? Or is there some standard that calls forth the required maintenance intervals and can you tell me more about the brands and types that appear to last "forever"? Appreciate in advance any additonal insight you could provide.

Terry

As far as steam turbine generators, the older General Electrics seem to have held up better than the older Westinghouse units. As base line units, the tear down / inspect / overhaul cycle seems to be once every four years, though after they went to stand-by status, the frequency was increased due to the number of start-ups and shut-downs increasing.

In hydro units there didn't seem to be all that much difference. The primary wear items are the wickets which are replaced routinely, and potentially bearings if lube is lost / interrupted. If you are dealing with water that carries a lot of silt, you may have to build-up the turbine itself, but I've only seen this done twice and both of those were very old. The pentstock and tailrace walls are monitored and built-up as required, but this has also been infrequent in my experience.

Well you described yourself that there are many variables and it is difficult to answer your question without saying what type of generator. Can you be more specific?