Robotic Inspection Vehicle and Camera System (RIV800)

The magnetically supported Robotic Inspection Vehicle (RIV 800) has been developed to provide an automated scanning method for the EL CID™ Evolution stator core interlaminar insulation test equipment. The vehicle allows scanning of the stator bore of a generator or large motor, in order to test the integrity of the stator lamination insulation out more efficiently. The equipment can also be adapted to carry other lightweight attachments for stator inspection including the mini-camera or wedge tightness probe. A single control unit is used to provide power and control to the vehicle and camera module.

The RIV 800 is primarily designed for automated testing stator cores with EL CID™ low-flux core tester with the rotor removed however, is also can be used to test machines by insertion into the air-gap with the rotor in place if the rotor retaining ring to stator gap is sufficiently large. The new RIV 800 controller has been developed in collaboration with a University of Toronto Laboratory.

The Iris Power RIV Camera System provides a flexible system for Rotor-in-Place inspections of large generators. It is fitted to the Iris Power Robotic Inspection Vehicle which can be moved along the stator slots. The camera system includes an integral light. The camera and light are directed at a 45° mirror, which can be remotely rotated through 360° to allow scanning of the stator or rotor as well as looking forward along the air-gap. The camera can also be focused remotely. The system allows a visual inspection of the generator stator and rotor, including checking the air vents for debris, without removing the rotor. The video output is displayed on a 150 mm color TFT LCD integral monitor in the control unit. Composite video output is provided for feeding to a second monitor or video recorder.