Van der Kerchove generator set

  1. Device identification

Name: Van der Kerchove steam generator set

Location: Higher Technical School of Engineering, ETSI. Southwest of the main facade.

Origin/History: From 1924 to 1968, the machine was used for electricity generation at the Monzón Sugar Factory in Cinca (Huesca). During the period 1968-1972, it generated electricity at the Guadalete Sugar Factory in Jerez de la Frontera.

The generator set was intended to be displayed as a Technical Monument in the Pavilion of Discoveries at the 1992 Seville Universal Exposition, but after the pavilion burned down, it was moved outdoors next to the Navigation Pavilion, where it remained practically abandoned and without maintenance for many years. In 2008, the Cajasol Foundation, by agreement, transferred it to the Official College of Engineers of Western Andalusia (COIIAOC) for restoration and relocation. Moved to the Higher Technical School of Engineering (ETSI), it was restored by the school's technicians, and on December 9, 2009, it was officially reinstalled in its current location, on a pedestal and surrounded by a protective fence.

  1. Technical characteristics

Measurements: Approximately 4 x 12 meters.

Material: Cast iron (Cast iron) / Forged steel / Alloy

Use: The generator set converted the reciprocating motion of the steam engine into electricity, by turning the flywheel mounted on a crankshaft within the magnetic field of the generator.

Overview: The steam engine and electric power generator is a prime example of the final stages of steam technology applied to electricity production using a turbine system. It is therefore a unique example of technological change and an important example of electrical technology.

  1. Cataloging-Documentation

Date: 1920

Manufacturer/Brand: Van der Kerchove Workshops, Ghent (Machine). Electromechanical Workshops of Charleroi (Alternator). Inscription on the machine: “Constructions Electriques de Belgique”

Country: Belgium

Serial number and model: Not available

Technical description: The engine is an open-cycle steam engine consisting of two double-acting horizontal pistons equipped with a Corliss valve system. Steam enters through the upper ports of the pistons, and exits to the exhaust pipe through the side channels, regulated by a manual poppet valve.

Machine characteristics: Crankshaft : 105 rpm / Steam engine pressure: 16 Kg/cm2

Alternator characteristics: Working voltage: 500 V three-phase at 50 Hz / Power: 1,200 KVA / Rotor with 56 salient poles whose winding is not preserved / Stator wound in 2 layers

Total weight: 166,000 kg

Isometric view of the assembly / View of subassemblies / Exploded view of the alternator / Exploded view of the steam engine assembly (Author of the drawings: F. Menacho Valle – Final Year Project ETSI cited in the final bibliography)

  1. Condition: Good
     
  2. Observations:
    1. The Van der Kerchove steam generator set is a testament to our cultural and industrial heritage, and is included in the database of Movable Heritage of Andalusia (Code 185663) . It also forms part of the Historical and Artistic Heritage of the University of Seville ( Catalog No.: 1772-MAQ ).
    2. In Spain, only 3 machines similar to the one described are preserved: In the National Museum of Science and Technology in Madrid, in the Granja de San Ildefonso in Segovia (Royal mechanical sawmill of the Montes de Valsain) and in Motril.
    3. On the pedestal supporting the generator set are two plaques (image 2). The first, dated April 1992, is titled “Steam Generator Set” and provides information about its use, the technical specifications of the machine and alternator, its total weight, and the services it provides. The second plaque, dated December 9, 2009 – the date of its inauguration by the Mayor of Seville – describes how it was restored and refurbished by the COIIAOC (Official Association of Industrial Engineers of Seville), in collaboration with the Cajasol Foundation and the Higher Technical School of Engineering of Seville.
    4. The Van der Kerchove steam generator set is also known as "The Steam Engine".
       
  3. Bibliography and Sources / More information:

– Andalusian Industrial Heritage Foundation (FUPIA). The Van der Kerchove steam engine, recently restored by the College of Industrial Engineers and Cajasol, was inaugurated . Available at: http://www.fupia.es/intervenciones-realizadas/ [Accessed: 19-10-2016]

———-. From scrap metal to museum piece. April 20, 2010. Available at: http://www.fupia.es/de-chatarra-a-pieza-de-museo/ [Accessed: October 20, 2016]

– Engineers recover a unique Belgian steam engine manufactured in 1920 [online]. Expo'92 Seville Blog . Dec. 10, 2009. Available at: http://opcional-bermudo.blogspot.com.es/2009/12/ingenieros-recupera-una-maquina-de.html [Accessed: 26-03-2019]

– Andalusian Institute of Historical Heritage. Movable Heritage of Andalusia. Van de Kerchove steam generator set . Code: 185663. Available at: https://guiadigital.iaph.es/bien/mueble/185663/sevilla/sevilla/grupo-electrogeno-a-vapor-van-der-kerchove [Accessed: 28-10-2024]

– JIMÉNEZ ALBARRÁN, MJ; LASTRA GONZÁLEZ, I.; MARTÍN LATORRE, RM Industrial instruments. In Manual of documentation of movable heritage (Arenillas Torrejón, JA, Martínez Montiel, Luis F., coord.). Seville: Ministry of Education, Innovation, Science and Employment [etc.], 2014, pp. 287-301

– Steam Engine [online]. Esa Sevilla Blog , July 5, 2010. Available at: http://esasevilla.blogspot.com.es/2010/07/maquina-de-vapor.html [Accessed: October 10, 2016]

– The steam engine moves to the ESI . Expo'92.es. Available at: http://www.expo92.es/foro/mensaje.php?id=626&pag=0 [Accessed: 26-03-2019]

– * MENACHO VALLE, Francisco. GE Van der Kerchove:  Animation, Plans and Description of Operation . Final Year Project, ETSI, Department of Graphic Engineering. 2014. Unedited document. Available at: https://biblus.us.es/bibing/proyectos/abreproy/5342/fichero/01-GE+Van+der+Kerchove+-+animacion%2C+planos+y+descripcion+de+funcionamiento.pdf [Accessed: 28-10-2024]

– * SOBRINO SIMAL, Julián. Report on the historical heritage value of the Van der Kerchove steam generator set located at the Seville Expo. February 10, 2007. In Project for the recovery and conservation of the Van der Kerchove steam generator set . Official College of Industrial Engineers of Western Andalusia, 2007, Annex II. Unpublished document.

– University of Seville. Historical and artistic heritage of the University of Seville. Steam generator set . Catalog number 1770-MAQ. Available at: https://www.patrimonioartistico.us.es/catalogo/1880/grupo-electrogeno-de-vapor [Accessed 28-10-2024]

Pelton Impeller