Over 25 torque converters to start gas turbines
Starting a single-shaft gas turbine means multiplying the starter motor's torque until the machine sustains itself. At CORPOELEC's thermal plants that job is done by over 25 Voith EL 9 YGTM 4.0-86 torque converters, with up to 4,000 kW input, installed in the starting packages. RELANSA performs the on-site inspections.
>25
EL 9 YGTM CONVERTERS
TECHNOLOGY BY
Voith Turbo
Ports, Energy & Food
01
THE CHALLENGE
A failed starting package takes the unit offline. The converter must multiply torque across large input–output speed differences, mechanically disengage once the turbine is self-sustaining and be “ready to start” again once the oil has cooled.
02
THE SOLUTION
Voith EL 9 YGTM 4.0-86 hydrodynamic converters in the starting packages of simple-cycle generation turbines. The reference covered basic engineering, procurement, engineering and construction supervision and commissioning. RELANSA runs the on-site inspection protocol: visual with the unit de-energized, converter fluid and valves, overrunning (SSS) clutch, temperature and speed sensors, cooling and turning gear.
03
THE IMPACT
A fleet of over 25 converters across four regions of the country with a local channel that knows it unit by unit, coordinates OEM support with Voith and channels original spares.
// STARTING PACKAGE INSPECTION PROTOCOL
- —Visual inspection with the unit de-energized: oil, hydraulic or coolant leaks; flexible coupling to the turbine or auxiliary gearbox; anchor bolts and anti-vibration mounts; wiring and grounding
- —Torque converter: oil level and condition (thermal degradation, water, particles), fill and drain valves, SSS overrunning clutch
- —Control and instrumentation: thermocouple or RTD calibration, magnetic speed pickup gap, pressure switches and transducers
- —Auxiliaries: heat exchanger for consecutive starts and correct turning-gear disengagement
// TECHNOLOGY BY
Voith Turbo / Voith BHS
VIEW PARTNER →Global leader in power transmission, with two divisions RELANSA represents in Venezuela: Voith Turbo, for hydrodynamic couplings and torque converters, and Voith BHS, for high-power gear units transmitting up to 170 MW at 100,000 rpm. Over 75 Voith units installed at CORPOELEC thermal plants and CVG Bauxilum, with on-site inspections by RELANSA, plus references at PDVSA, Petrocedeño and Supermetanol.
// GALLERY
1 PHOTO // ACTUAL PROJECT PHOTO
