Research Report 3: Performance of Large Journal Bearings for Steam Turbo-Generators

the well-known Growth of turbo-generator size has meant using very large bearings, in which the flow is turbulent. To help in their development, two large bearing research rigs have been operated by the English Electric Company, one for 20 in diameter bearings at 3000 rev/ min which has been in use since 1959 and, more recently, one for 28 in bearings. This brief report gives some of our findings.

Most of the bearings in a modern steam turbine for power generation are turbulent. Sizes currently reach up to 20 in diameter at 3000 rev/min and are likely to grow further. Gradual increase in size through the years showed a marked increase in power loss as diameters of about 14 in were exceeded.