Global Power Technologies
SERVICE AND MAINTENANCE
302954 rev0 | Model 8550-RU
Page 24 of 53
6.
Check all bolts and wire connections for tightness.
7.
Restart the TEG as outlined on
Section 4.1 – Ignition and Start-up Procedure and 4.1.3 – Heat Up
and Power Adjustment.
8.
Record the service and current operating parameters in the System Performance Log.
5.3
COOLING SYSTEM
In order to ensure the long-term reliability of the Model 8550-RU Thermoelectric Generator and to
protect against heat pipe failures, we recommend yearly inspection of the heat pipes.
Overheating of the heat pipes on the Model 8550-RU can, over time, cause performance degradation
issues and may eventually lead to heat pipe failure.
Overheating of the heat pipes can occur for several reasons including:
•
running the TEG at higher than rated fuel pressures,
•
blockage of the flow of cooling air across the fins,
•
elevated ambient air temperature exceeding the maximum rated temperature, or
•
running the TEG with poorly functioning heat pipes.
If a poorly functioning heat pipe is not identified, it can result in the accelerated degradation of that
pipe as well as the surrounding heat pipes. Heat pipes on the TEG Model 8550-RU are serviceable
components and should be replaced to prolong the life of the TEG. If you find any evidence of a
poorly functioning heat pipe, please contact GPT.
5.3.1
HAND INSPECTION
Before performing this inspection, ensure that the TEG has been operating for at least one hour. If
possible, choose a day that is calm and not windy.
This method involves touching the heat pipes with bare hands. Be cautious when touching the heat
pipes. Do not keep your hand in contact with the heat pipes for more than one second.
This is a quick test to see if the heat pipes are working well. Perform this test first. If any of the heat
pipes fail, then test them by taking their temperature profile as outlined in
Section 5.3.2.
WARNING!
Be cautious when touching the heat pipe tips as these can be hot. Hover your hand
over the heat pipes first to check for heat and only touch the heat pipe tips for no
longer than one second.
With the TEG in operation, hover your hand closely over the heat pipes to check for warmth. Refer to
Figure 11.
A warm heat pipe tip is one that can only be comfortably touched for one second.
If the heat pipe tip is too warm to hold, then it is in working condition and does not require
further inspection.
If any heat pipe does not feel warm up to 2 inches (50 mm) from the tip, perform a detailed
check using the Detailed Inspection outlined on Section 5.3.2
On cold or windy days, when it is difficult to feel warm temperatures on the heat pipes, feel along the
cooling fins of the Heat Pipe as well.