Life extension
Generator stator wedge shimming is a critical maintenance process used to address loose stator wedges in power generation equipment. The stator wedge system plays a key role in supporting the generator's slot system, which reduces vibration, ensures proper ventilation, and protects stator bars from wear and electrical grounding issues.
Over time, factors like material shrinkage, insulation creep, and spring relaxation can cause these wedges to loosen, potentially leading to equipment damage or failure. GE Vernova’s patented* stator wedge shimming process provides an efficient, non-invasive solution to tighten loose wedges, restore generator performance, and extend equipment life.
Reduced cycle time
The shimming process cuts maintenance time by 50-80% compared to a full re-wedge. What typically takes 10 days can now be completed in as little as 2.5 days.
Non-invasive and non-destructive
The process reuses existing wedges, which reduces the risk of damage and avoids the need for cutting or chiseling out old wedges.
Targeted tightening
Only loose wedges are addressed, leaving existing tight wedges undisturbed, which reduces the scope and cost of the repair.
Increased generator reliability
Shimming helps prevent further wear of slot components, maintaining the integrity of the stator bars and extending the life of the generator.
Proven results
With a 97% success rate of tightened wedges staying in place after 6 years after the procedure, this method offers long-term reliability and performance improvement.
Our stator wedge shimming solutions can be tailored to meet the specific needs of each generator and customer. Whichever solution is right for you, the GE Vernova team will provide:
How it works
MAGIC inspection or rotor-out wedge inspection.
This compresses the Top Ripple Spring (TRS) and opens a clearance above the wedge.
A wedge shim is then inserted into the space, and the pressure on the wedge is released. This compresses the wedge more than it was initially, tightening it securely in place.
The tightness of the wedge is rechecked to ensure the process has restored optimal support.
Contact us
*US patent US10224776B2 and patents granted in Europe, Japan, Korea and China.
**GE Vernova’s wedge shimming method is not meant to take the place of a complete re-wedge for all cases. Wedge shimming is expected to last 5-10 years. During this time, other wedges may become naturally loose and require shimming. We recommend continuing routine wedge inspection.
