Water lubricated guide bearing with self-aligning segments

Abstract

Water lubricated guide bearing was newly released and has been applied to actual hydro turbines with vertical shaft. As a result, they can have not only high bearing performance but environmental advantages in meeting the demand for reducing river pollution by oil leakage from oil lubricated guide bearing. The PTFE composite guide bearing was tested by experimental equipment operated under conditions similar to those of actual hydro turbines. Circumferential and axial tilting bearing segments help to improve the bearing performance and efficiency due to low friction loss in the bearing system. Furthermore, bearing cooling systems could be eliminated and maintenance periods could be extended, thus the initial investment and operating costs of the hydroelectric power plant are reduced.