ZT Pedestal bearings for high thrust loads in hydropower plants

When comparing the Head Water Level and Tail Water Level types, it was found that the former offers cost advantages in civil work, while the second requires a smaller waterfall height and provides easier machine access. As the fall height increases, the thrust load on the bearing also increases, necessitating a larger bearing size. In cases where the bearing cannot fit within a Tail Water Level type, the Head Water Level type becomes a suitable solution.

The primary concern for the bearing designer in this scenario is supporting the very high thrust load while maintaining the required stiffness of the pedestal bearing housing and shaft thrust collar. MIBA's engineering team faced a new challenge with a thrust load requirement of 1500 kN for its pedestal bearings. To prevent housing deflections, the shaft centerline needed to be kept as close to the floor as possible, and trapezoidal-shaped thrust pads were used due to the high load value.