Large Thrust Bearing Modeling: Influence of Thermal Boundary Conditions and Runner Deformations on Results of TEHD Analysis

In the paper, numerical TEHD results for one of the biggest water power plant Itaipu were compared to available measurement data. Numerical simulations were carried out with the use of bearing model for which the accuracy was previously confirmed with the measurements available for smaller bearings. Several cases were analyzed. The only differences between the cases are the applied boundary conditions. The influence of heat transfer coefficient assumed at bearing pad side walls and collar deformation on predicted bearing performance was determined. Some conclusions concerning large thrust bearing modeling were drawn on the basis of comparisons of the theoretical results to measurements for analyzed bearing system.