Adjustable Bed Development for a Micro-Turbine Electric Power Generator Plant

The primary objective of this study was the performance assessment of micro-steam turbine-alternator mounted on developed adjustable steel-framed bed when their shafts were either axially connected together with flexible flange coupling or transversely with sets of belt and pulley power transmission. An adjustable bed is a supporting structure designed to provide a seating base or platform, for a 5.0 KW micro steam turbine generator plant prior to its mounting on a block-type concrete foundation. Development of an adjustable bed for a micro-turbine electric power generator plant is crucial for optimizing performance and efficiency in diverse operational conditions. This advancement contributes valuable insights to the scientific community, fostering advancements in micro-turbine technology for sustainable and reliable power generation. Design of bed frame and flanges was carried out by considering the predetermined weights of turbine and generator (alternator). On this basis steel materials of U-channels and angle irons were used in the fabrication of the generator bed. We considered flexible flange coupling and sets of belt and pulley system for effective and efficient power transmission between the main components of the micro-steam thermal power plant (steam generator and alternator) and engagement/ disengagement of these components to facilitate their orientation with reference to their supporting steel-framed structure which serves as the bed. During assembly the bed was made to accommodate damping materials in order to reduce the vibration of the plant. The performance of the unit with or without vibration isolator when they are axially connected with flexible flange coupling or transversely connected with sets of belt and pulley, in succession respectively. The results showed that reduction in the force transmitted to the supporting structure occurred when the vibration produced by the unit is isolated from its base by the use of vibration isolator, maximum reduction of 99.95 % achieved when axially coupled and 99.91% when transversely connected with belt and pulley system.