Engineering Excellence
World-Class High Voltage Machine Testing Facility
TDC Parsons Peebles offers a comprehensive portfolio of AC and DC motor and generator testing capabilities. Combined with over 128 years of electrical engineering expertise and our dedicated UK workshop facilities, we guarantee the delivery of high-performing, certified machines for critical industrial applications worldwide.
Our specialized testing facility in Rosyth, Scotland is custom-engineered to handle high voltage rotating machines. We perform complete condition assessment, thermal rise verification, and full-load Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for both newly manufactured OEM machines and heavy-duty reverse-engineered rewinds. Equipped with an 8MW incoming power supply, 2,000 sq. ft. heavy-duty test plate floor, and multiple test points, our facility provides international buyers complete operational confidence prior to site installation.
Engineering Excellence
No Load Testing
For motors or generators undergoing minor overhauls or routine refurbishments, No Load testing verifies mechanical balance, bearing performance, and electrical balance strictly in accordance with BS EN 60034-14:2018.
- Continuous Parameter Monitoring: Stator winding RTDs, bearing temperatures, voltage, current, frequency, and rotational speed monitored over 2–4 hour heat runs.
- Magnetic Center Verification: Precise measurement and adjustment of the running magnetic center under full rated voltage.
- Vibration Spectrum Analysis: Real-time tracking of housing vibration levels and relative shaft displacement to detect unbalance or misalignment.
- Witnessed Testing & Reporting: Full digital diagnostic reporting issued upon completion; third-party inspectors and customer representatives are fully welcomed to witness sign-off.
Engineering Excellence
Direct Load Testing
Our Rosyth test bay is equipped with a specialized elevated foundation, an epicyclic gearbox, and load induction generators capable of full load testing and thermal rise verification for motors rated from 3.3kV up to 13.8kV.
- High-Power Capacities: Direct load capacities up to 7.5MW @ 50Hz and 8.0MW @ 60Hz across 2, 4, 6, and 8 pole machine configurations.
- Thermal Rise Determination: Precise calculation of winding temperature rise via cold/hot resistance measurements and embedded RTDs until full thermal stabilization is reached.
- Fractional Load Efficiency Mapping: Comprehensive efficiency evaluation at 50%, 75%, and 100% load points to confirm compliance with design guarantees.
- Cooling & Lubrication Verification: Monitoring of external cooling fluid flow rates, lube oil pressure, and bearing temperature stabilization.
Engineering Excellence
Back to Back Testing
Back-to-back load testing is a highly efficient, regenerative heat run method for validating induction motors. Two mechanically coupled identical machines circulate electrical power so that the motor under test operates at full electrical and thermal stress while drawing only net losses from the power grid.
- Energy-Efficient Full Loading: Replicates real-world full-load mechanical stresses and thermal conditions without requiring massive external load banks.
- Thermal Behaviour Analysis: Accurately measures temperature rise profiles under controlled full-load conditions.
- Repeatable Performance Validation: Offers a dependable, cost-effective testing routine ideal for twin machine manufacturing orders and rewinds.
Engineering Excellence
Synchronous Motor & Generator Testing (Up to 65MVA)
TDC Parsons Peebles conducts full electrical diagnostic and thermal performance testing on synchronous motors and generators rated up to 65MVA using dedicated drive motors and specialized excitation equipment.
- Open-Circuit & Short-Circuit Characteristics: Verification of magnetic saturation curves, excitation requirements, and voltage regulation compliance.
- Zero Power Factor (ZPF) Heat Runs: Rated current application at near-zero power factor to simulate full thermal loading without requiring full prime mover mechanical power.
- Two-Part Open-Circuit Thermal Testing: Precise breakdown of core and copper thermal losses for large hydro, steam turbine, and diesel generators.
- Vibration & Structural Integrity Checks: Continuous multi-channel vibration measurement ensuring structural compliance prior to site dispatch.
Engineering Excellence
Core Flux & Lamination Testing
Stator core lamination damage or interlamination short-circuits can lead to localized hot spots, excessive iron losses, and eventual winding failure. Our Stator Core Flux Test evaluates core insulation integrity on AC machines before and after rewinding.
- Hot-Spot Detection: High-resolution thermal imaging combined with electromagnetic excitation identifies damaged laminations in the stator bore and slots.
- Loss Minimization: Confirms interlamination insulation quality to ensure losses remain within strict OEM design limits.
- Quality Assurance: Essential diagnostic step during major rewinds or core rebuilds to guarantee long-term operational efficiency.
Engineering Excellence
Continuous Variable Frequency (CVF) Testing
CVF testing is an advanced indirect heat run technique compliant with BS EN 60034-29:2008 (formerly BS EN 61986). By smoothly modulating supply frequency while the motor operates without external mechanical load, the machine rapidly accelerates and decelerates, experiencing an average electrical load equivalent to full-load operation.
- Superposition Loading Method: Combines the main rated voltage supply with an auxiliary frequency supply to induce full-load thermal conditions.
- Indirect Thermal Rise Assessment: Provides a reliable thermal assessment method when direct mechanical coupling is physically constrained.
- Conservative Safety Margin: Induces thermal losses approximately 10°C higher than direct load tests, offering a safe design margin.
Engineering Excellence
Hazardous Area Ex p Purge System Testing
TDC Parsons Peebles designs, manufactures, and certifies pressurized enclosure systems for Ex p motors deployed in Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous locations worldwide.
- Baseefa & ATEX Collaboration: Full functional validation conducted in direct alignment with international certification bodies such as SGS Baseefa.
- Inert Gas Displacement Trials: Enclosures are charged with inert gas (nitrogen/argon) to simulate hazardous atmospheres and measure purge timing.
- "Sniffer" Tube Gas Sampling: Calibrated gas detection instruments continuously monitor multi-point sniffer tubes to confirm 100% internal gas displacement.
- Pressure Control & Relief Valve Certification: Full pressure relief valve setting and automatic purge control panel commissioning before dispatch.
Need Full Diagnostic & Load Testing Specifications?
Download our complete technical testing capabilities brochure or speak with our high-voltage testing engineers today.