Down time is more than an aggravation. It can be costly. According to Mark Kozlowski, eldec LLC’s Engineering & Service Manager, several common problems with induction generators that can slow down your operation can easily be avoided. Here are some of the more common issues seen in generators that are sent in for repair:
- Damaged coaxial transformers: a coax that is hand held can be dropped and damaged. To avoid this problem eldec offers hook points on our coax handles so that these can be supported from an overhead boom or other support for ease of operation.
- Clogged units: dirty water can clog up an induction generator over time. Inlet filters should be cleaned regularly and cooling water supplied to the unit should be changed regularly to avoid clogs.
- Condensation: moisture inside the generator causing damage, especially during summer months. Issues arise when the ambient temperature is high and the cooling water temperature supplied to the generator is low, causing condensation to form on the inside of the unit, which can cause an internal short. To avoid creating condensation, the water temperature of the chiller unit should be set to a higher temperature.
- Cutting rather than disconnecting the coax cable: believe it or not, our service department sees this mistake all too often. Avoid this costly repair by contacting our service department to get specific instructions to disconnect your coax cable BEFORE you attempt an in-house repair. eldec’s trained service personnel will walk you through the process. If the level of repair needed exceeds your staff’s capabilities, eldec offers flexible service options and quick turn around.
- Melted studs: For best results, the coil connection point to the coax transformer needs to be clean and tight. This is the electrical connection between coil and transformer, and if it is a dirty electrical connection and/or not tight, the current can flow through one of the coil clamps or stud causing it to melt. eldec has recommended torque specifications for tightening the coil in our operators’ manual. There is also a right way and a wrong way to mount the coil. Read eldec’s coil installation tips to avoid damage to the coils as well as your transformer. For added protection install a Coax Saver, an inexpensive adapter that takes the brunt of the damage if the coil is improperly installed, saving your expensive coaxial transformer.
- Frozen and broken lines: be sure to drain and blow lines out before cold storage or transport in freezing conditions. Just as freezing temperatures can burst pipes in your home, induction generators are susceptible to the cold when not properly maintained.
If you run into one of these problems, don’t despair. eldec’s service department will get you back up and running as soon as possible. Contact Service.