Lubilanji 1 hydroelectric plant bearing overheating

The Lubilanji 1 hydroelectric power station comprises 4 turbo-alternator units. As the sole power station for the town of Mbujimayi, these machines are subject to a non-standard operating regime, with enormous consequences for the various power transmission components. Already at turbine level, hydraulic energy must be transmitted to the turbine components, which develop mechanical energy that is sent to the turbines to produce electrical energy. Bearings are used in all these transmissions, and are subjected to a wide range of stresses. In this book, we examine the causes of bearing overheating, and propose remedies to stabilize the productivity of these machines.