Hydro-generator is a generator which converts water energy into electric energy by using hydro-turbine as prime mover. So what are the types of hydrogenerator installation structures?

1. Horizontal structure

Horizontal hydrogenerators are usually driven by an impact turbine. Horizontal turbine sets usually use two or three bearings. The structure of two bearings has short axial length, compact structure, easy installation and adjustment. However, when the critical speed of the shafting cannot meet the requirements or the bearing load is large, the three-bearing structure should be adopted. Domestic bedroom turbine generator sets are mostly small and medium-sized units. Large horizontal units with a capacity of 12.5mw are also produced. It is not uncommon to see horizontal hydro-generator units with a capacity of 60-70mw produced abroad, while horizontal hydro-generator units with a capacity of 300MW produced by pumped storage power stations.

2. Vertical structure

Domestic hydro-generator sets are widely used vertical structure. Vertical hydro-generator sets are usually driven by mixed flow or axial flow turbines. Vertical structure can be divided into suspended type and umbrella type. The thrust bearing of the generator located in the upper part of the rotor is called suspended type, and the thrust bearing located in the lower part of the rotor is called umbrella type.

3. Tubular structure

The tubular turbine generator set is driven by a tubular turbine. The tubular turbine is a special type of axial turbine with fixed or adjustable blades. Its main feature is that the axis of the runner is arranged horizontally or tilting, and it is consistent with the flow direction of the inlet and outlet water pipes of the turbine. With the advantages of compact structure and light weight, tubular turbines are widely used in power stations with low head.