Elastic Support of Turbo Generator Foundations

Many years ago, GERB, together with leading turbine manufacturers, designed an elastic support system for turbine generator foundations. The GERB system was applied for the first time in a nuclear power station in 1968 to support a 600 MW turbo generator. Presently, this system is used worldwide on turbines up to 1300 MW. International specifications often call for this system. Leading manufacturers of turbines and other power plant equipment using the GERB system, emphasize the following advantages:

The turbo generator foundation is dynamically uncoupled from the substructure,

Integration of the substructure into the building, which consists of the beams and/or columns,

Reduced maintenance costs for the basemat,

Shorter construction time for the foundation, which can be accomplished independently of the building construction,

Better load distribution,

Easy adjustment and realignment in case of settlement,
(Adjustments can be carried out without interrupting the operation of the machine.)

The possibility to electronically monitor the operation of the system and to detect settlement,

Protection of the turbo generator in case of earthquakes, and

More space below the turbo generator for the arrangement of condensers and piping.

GERB produces spring units in large quantities for turbo generator foundations. These spring units are designed to allow for prestressing and are equipped with high quality coil springs fitted into rigid steel housings. In order to protect the machine against earthquakes and to avoid resonance amplitudes, the spring units are partially combined with Viscodamping, also developed by GERB.

GERB Vibration Control Systems, Inc., 1950 Ohio Street, Lisle, IL 60532. Tel: 630-724-1660; Fax: 630-724-1664.