Methods and apparatus for testing power generators

Abstract

A method for testing a generator including a plurality of phase groups is provided. The method includes electrically isolating a first phase group from remaining phase groups by substantially encapsulating at least a portion of a plurality of stator bars electrically coupled together within the first phase group with an insulative member, electrically grounding at least a second phase group, and inducing a high voltage to the first phase group to facilitate proof testing the first phase group.

1 - 6 . (canceled)  
   
   
       7 . A method for testing a generator during a rewind process comprising: 
 electrically isolating a first phase group being rewound by substantially encapsulating at least a portion of a plurality of stator bars electrically coupled together within the first phase group with an insulative member;    coupling at least a second phase group to an electrical ground; and    supplying a high voltage to the first phase group to facilitate proof testing the third phase group.    
   
   
       8 . A method in accordance with  claim 7  wherein electrically isolating a first phase group further comprises slidably coupling the insulative member around at least a portion of the plurality of stator bars electrically coupled together within the first phase group.  
   
   
       9 . A method in accordance with  claim 7  wherein electrically isolating a first phase group further comprises coupling the insulative member around an uninsulated portion of the plurality of stator bars coupled together within the first phase group.  
   
   
       10 . A method in accordance with  claim 7  wherein electrically isolating a first phase group further comprises coupling the insulative member to the plurality of stator bars coupled within the first phase group to facilitate preventing arcing between the second phase group and the first phase group.  
   
   
       11 . A method in accordance with  claim 7  wherein electrically isolating a first phase group further comprises coupling shrink tubing to the plurality of stator bars electrically coupled together within the first phase group such that the shrink tubing substantially circumscribes at least a portion of the plurality of stator bars coupled together within the first phase group.  
   
   
       12 . A method is accordance with  claim 11  wherein coupling shrink tubing to the plurality of stator bars electrically coupled together within the first phase group further comprises coupling the shrink tubing to the first phase group such that the shrink tubing remains in an un-shrunk condition.  
   
   
       13 . A method for testing a plurality of stator bars of a generator, said method comprising: 
 coupling an insulative tubular member around at least a portion of each stator bar coupled together within the first group of stator bars;    coupling a second group of stator bars to an electrical ground; and    coupling the first phase group to a voltage source.    
   
   
       14 . A method in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said coupling an insulative tubular member around at least a portion of each stator bar coupled together within the first group of stator bars further comprises electrically isolating at least a portion of each stator bar coupled together within the first group of stator bars to facilitate preventing arcing between the second phase group and the first phase group.  
   
   
       15 . A method in accordance with  claim 13  further comprising energizing the second group of stator bars.  
   
   
       16 . A method in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said coupling an insulative tubular member around at least a portion of each stator bar coupled together within the first group of stator bars further comprises coupling shrink tubing fabricated from a polyolefin based material around at least a portion of the plurality of stator bars within the first group.  
   
   
       17 . A method in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said coupling an insulative tubular member around at least a portion of each stator bar coupled together within the first group of stator bars further comprises coupling insulative tubular members that each having a closed end around the plurality of stator bars coupled together within the first group of stator bars, such that the insulative tubular members substantially encapsulate the plurality of stator bars coupled together within the first group.  
   
   
       18 . A method in accordance with  claim 13  wherein said coupling an insulative tubular member around at least a portion of each stator bar coupled together within the first group of stator bars further comprises sliding the insulative tubular member around the plurality of stator bars coupled together within the first group bars such that the plurality of stator bars within the first group are substantially circumscribed by the insulative tubular member.