Patent ID: 8813333

Claim:
A method for servicing a stator frame of a power generator, the stator frame including a main housing having a first end and an axially spaced apart second end and supporting a stator core formed by a plurality of laminations that have grooves formed in outer surfaces thereof for receiving respective axially extending keybars such that the keybars are coupled to the laminations, the stator frame further including a plurality of spring assemblies comprising spring members affixed to the main housing, key blocks for providing a gap between the laminations of the stator core and the spring members, and fastening hardware that is used to attach the keybars provided in the grooves of the laminations to the spring members so as to structurally support the stator core within the main housing, the method comprising: removing a first stator core from the main housing; providing a support assembly comprising: a plurality of rails extending axially within a bottom portion of the main housing, the rails providing temporary support for second laminations of a second stator core once they are inserted into the main housing; and a trolley provided for horizontal movement on the rails for inserting the second laminations into the main housing, the trolley comprising: a lamination-engaging portion including a lamination support surface for supporting upper support surfaces of the second laminations; a plurality of rail wheels provided for axial movement of the trolley within the main housing on upper surfaces of the rails; and at least one counterweight provided to stabilize the trolley while at least one second lamination is supported on the trolley; and inserting the second laminations into the main housing using the support assembly by: supporting the upper support surfaces of the second laminations on the trolley; moving the trolley axially into the main housing on the upper surfaces of the rails such that the second laminations are carried into the main housing; and once the second laminations are carried to desired axial positions within the main housing on the trolley, lowering the second laminations such that lower support surfaces thereof are supported on the rails.