Induction Thermography for the Automatic Inspection of Generator Components

In power engineering, components subjected to high stress are used in various applications, and it is essential to prevent defects in these components. In addition to turbine construction, this is also the case in the generator sector: During regular inspections, even the smallest cracks must be reliably detected to prevent crack propagation and operational failures. Thermal imaging enables a rapid, comprehensive inspection with 100% coverage. Automation shortens inspection times, increases inspection throughput, and thereby reduces inspection costs. Furthermore, automation ensures reliable inspection execution, guaranteeing that all required defects are detected. This article illustrates inspection automation using the example of rotor wedge inspections at Siemens Energy in Charlotte and presents a novel inspection system developed by Siemens for this purpose.