US20100232978A1 - Rotor Lock for a Wind Turbine - Google Patents

Rotor Lock for a Wind Turbine Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20100232978A1
US20100232978A1 US12/722,600 US72260010A US2010232978A1 US 20100232978 A1 US20100232978 A1 US 20100232978A1 US 72260010 A US72260010 A US 72260010A US 2010232978 A1 US2010232978 A1 US 2010232978A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
locking
hub
locking part
base frame
arrangement according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/722,600
Inventor
Flemming Selmer Nielsen
Erik Markussen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Vestas Wind Systems AS
Original Assignee
Vestas Wind Systems AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vestas Wind Systems AS filed Critical Vestas Wind Systems AS
Priority to US12/722,600 priority Critical patent/US20100232978A1/en
Assigned to VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S reassignment VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MARKUSSEN, ERIK, NIELSEN, FLEMMING SELMER
Publication of US20100232978A1 publication Critical patent/US20100232978A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03DWIND MOTORS
    • F03D80/00Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
    • F03D80/50Maintenance or repair
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03DWIND MOTORS
    • F03D80/00Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05BINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00Function
    • F05B2260/30Retaining components in desired mutual position
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05BINDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2260/00Function
    • F05B2260/30Retaining components in desired mutual position
    • F05B2260/31Locking rotor in position
    • YGENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02EREDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a locking arrangement for locking a hub of a wind turbine against rotational movements relative to a base frame of the nacelle of the wind turbine.
  • a locking arrangement is, e.g., required for safety purposes in order to prevent the hub from rotating during maintenance of the wind turbine.
  • Various components of a wind turbine including components arranged in or near the nacelle, such as drive train, main shaft, generator, main bearing or hub, sometimes require maintenance, repair or replacement. It is therefore necessary to allow maintenance personnel to gain access to these parts in order to allow them to perform the required maintenance, repair or replacement. This will sometimes include gaining access to an interior part of the hub. For safety reasons the rotor must be prevented from performing rotational movements during such maintenance operations.
  • WO 2008/059088 A1 discloses an adjustable, self-aligning rotor locking device for an aerogenerator, comprising a rotor, a nacelle structure housing power generating means coupled to the hub of the rotor, braking means and means for controlling the rotational position of the power train.
  • the nacelle structure and the hub of the rotor are arranged so as to prevent the rotor hub from rotating during certain maintenance and assembly operations.
  • the arrangement includes at least one mobile pin in the nacelle, actuation means for pushing/pulling the pin axially in relation to at least one corresponding hole in the hub.
  • EP 1 291 521 A1 discloses a wind turbine comprising a nacelle on a tower.
  • the wind turbine is provided with a rotor lock device for locking a rotor disk and fixation means for fixing the rotor disk to the nacelle.
  • the rotor lock device comprises an axially movable pin arranged on the nacelle structure and corresponding apertures formed in the rotor disk.
  • WO 20081059088 A1 and EP 1 291 521 A1 both disclose rotor locking arrangements in which a movable member is moved along a substantially axial direction between a position in which the rotor is locked against rotational movements and a position in which the rotor is allowed to perform rotational movements.
  • a disadvantage of such an arrangement is that it is not possible to use the locking mechanism directly for absorbing tilt or yaw loads, e.g. in the case that the support for the main shaft, or the main shaft itself, needs to be removed during the maintenance operation.
  • Another disadvantage is that it is difficult and relatively expensive to manufacture the hub in a manner which allows the axial movement of the locking parts.
  • EP 1 617 075 A1 discloses a method and an apparatus for changing a transmission of a wind power installation.
  • the rotor shaft is supported on the machine frame during the transmission change operation by means of a support at the transmission side so that the rotor is permitted to remain on the rotor shaft during the transmission change.
  • the support is a yoke which is mounted between the rotor shaft and the machine frame immediately prior to the transmission change and is removed again immediately after the transmission change.
  • the yoke supports the main shaft when the gear is removed during a replacement operation, thereby removing part of the normal support of the drive train.
  • the yoke may further prevent the main shaft from performing rotational movements, due to friction between the yoke and the main shaft.
  • this rotational locking is too unreliable to be used as a safety measure during maintenance operations.
  • a locking arrangement for a hub of a wind turbine said hub being adapted to perform rotational movements about a rotational axis, said wind turbine comprising a nacelle having a base frame, the locking arrangement comprising:
  • Modern wind turbines normally comprise a tower construction carrying a nacelle.
  • the nacelle carries a rotor with a hub having a set of turbine blades attached thereto, and it accommodates various components used for converting energy of the wind into electrical energy, e.g. a generator and a drive train.
  • the nacelle is mounted on top of the tower construction in such a manner that it is capable of performing rotating movements about a substantially vertical axis, thereby allowing the wind turbine to direct the turbine blades in the direction of the wind.
  • the nacelle normally has a base frame, forming a structural part of the nacelle, and a cover defining a closed interior part of the nacelle which is used for accommodating the components mentioned above.
  • wind interacts with the turbine blades and causes rotation of the rotor about a rotational axis which is arranged in a substantially horizontal, possibly slightly inclined, plane.
  • This rotation is transformed into electrical energy which is subsequently supplied to a grid.
  • the rotor must be allowed to rotate.
  • the locking arrangement of the invention can be used for locking the hub, and thereby the rotor, against rotating movements.
  • the locking arrangement comprises at least one first locking part and at least one second locking part.
  • Each of the first locking part(s) is movable along a substantially radial direction.
  • substantially radial direction should be interpreted to mean a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a direction defined by the rotational axis about which the hub rotates during normal operation of the wind turbine, and which intersects the rotational axis.
  • Radial movements of the first locking part cause the first locking part to be moved between a locking position and a release position.
  • the locking arrangement locks the hub against rotational movements
  • the first locking part is in the release position
  • the locking arrangement allows the hub to perform rotational movements, i.e. the wind turbine is allowed to operate in a normal manner. This will be explained further below.
  • the second locking part is adapted to retain a first locking part when the first locking part is in the locking position.
  • first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the hub, and the other of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the base frame.
  • first locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the hub, while the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the base frame.
  • first locking part(s) may be formed in or mounted on the base frame, while the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the hub.
  • the locking arrangement may advantageously be operated in the following manner.
  • each of the first locking part(s) is in the release position.
  • some or all of the first locking part(s) is/are moved to the locking position, thereby preventing the hub from performing rotational movements.
  • the first locking part(s) is/are moved back to the release position, and the wind turbine is once again allowed to operate in a normal manner.
  • first/second locking part(s) may be formed directly in or form an integral part of the hub/base frame.
  • first and/or the second locking part(s) may be (a) separate part(s) mounted on the hub/base frame.
  • the locking arrangement directly locks the hub and the base frame because the locking arrangement is thereby completely independent of the drive train. This makes it possible to remove or replace all components of the drive train, including a main shaft, while the rotor is efficiently prevented from performing rotating movements.
  • the movement causing the hub and the base frame to be locked to each other is performed along a substantially radial direction, rather than along a substantially axial direction, because the radial movement introduces less play in the connection between the locking parts. Furthermore it is easier and more cost effective to manufacture the hub and the base frame with locking parts which can engage along a substantially radial direction than with locking parts which can engage along a substantially axial direction. Furthermore, the point of engagement between a first locking part and a second locking part can be located at a larger distance from the rotational axis of the hub, thereby resulting in a larger lever arm and consequently a larger torque of the locking movement. Accordingly, an improved locking between the hub and the base frame is obtained. Finally, the radial locking movement allows the locking arrangement to directly absorb tilt or yaw loads of the hub without requiring additional locking means or support means, such as the support means disclosed in EP 1 617 075 A1.
  • Each of the first locking part(s) may comprise a movable pin
  • each of the second locking part(s) may comprise an opening adapted to receive a pin of a first locking part.
  • the pin is moved in a direction towards an opening when the first locking part is moved from the release position to the locking position, thereby causing the pin to be received and retained by means of the opening, and the pin is moved in a reverse direction when the first locking part is moved from the locking position to the release position.
  • the pin(s) and the opening(s) may advantageously have substantially circular cross sections of substantially identical diameter, since it is very easy to produce pins and openings having a circular cross section.
  • the cross sections of the pin(s) and the opening(s) may have any desired shape, including square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, oval, etc., as long as the cross sectional shape of the pin(s) and the cross sectional shape of the opening(s) match each other, thereby allowing a pin to be received in an opening.
  • the pin(s) and the opening(s) may have matching tapered shapes in such a manner that the pin(s) is/are tapered in a direction towards the opening(s). This makes it possible to allow a pin to be received in an opening, even if the pin and the opening are not positioned exactly at corresponding positions.
  • a matching tapered shape of the opening ensures a firm engagement between the pin and the opening once the first locking part has been moved to the locking position.
  • the movements of the first locking part(s) may be performed by means of a mechanical pump, by means of a hydraulic actuator, by means of an electrical actuator, in a manual manner, e.g. using a threaded spindle, or in any other suitable manner. Movement of the first locking part(s) may be initiated locally, e.g. by maintenance personnel present on the site of the wind turbine. Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible to initiate movement of the first locking part(s) from a remote position, e.g. by sending a signal to one or more actuators used for performing the movements. In this case the hub may already be locked when the maintenance personnel arrives at the site.
  • one activation mechanism may be used for performing movements of two or more first locking parts, and possibly all the first locking parts of the locking arrangement.
  • the second locking part(s) may be formed in a flange part of the hub or the base frame.
  • the flange part may form an integral part of the hub or the base frame.
  • the flange part may, e.g., be cast directly together with the hub or the base frame, or it may be machined directly into the hub or the base frame.
  • the flange part may be a separate part which is subsequently mounted on the hub or the base frame, e.g. by welding or by means of bolts or screws.
  • the second locking part(s) may be formed directly into another part of the hub or the base frame.
  • the locking arrangement may comprise at least two first locking parts and at least two second locking parts. According to this embodiment, the locking arrangement is capable of locking the hub and the base frame together in at least two positions.
  • the at least two first locking parts may be arranged substantially opposite to each other, i.e. angularly spaced with 180° between the two first locking parts. It should be noted that this does not rule out that additional first locking parts are arranged between the two oppositely arranged first locking parts.
  • first locking parts and the number of second locking parts are not necessarily identical.
  • the locking arrangement may comprise two first locking parts and four second locking parts. This could potentially allow the hub and the base frame to be locked to each other at four different mutual positions.
  • the locking arrangement may comprise at least 12 second locking parts, the second locking parts being arranged with substantially equal angular distance between neighbouring second locking parts.
  • the locking arrangement comprises exactly 12 second locking parts
  • the second locking parts will be arranged angularly spaced with 30° between neighbouring second locking parts.
  • the wind turbine comprises three turbine blades, this would allow the hub to be locked to the base frame at a position where a turbine blade is directed downwards, at a position where a turbine blade is directed upwards, a position where a turbine blade is directed horizontally to the right and a position where a turbine blade is directed horizontally to the left.
  • the locking arrangement may further comprise a sensor device arranged to detect whether or not a first locking part and a second locking part are arranged at corresponding positions.
  • a sensor device arranged to detect whether or not a first locking part and a second locking part are arranged at corresponding positions.
  • the first locking part can be moved to the locking position and be received and retained by the second locking part.
  • the sensor device can detect whether or not the relative position of the hub and the base frame allows the locking arrangement to be activated to lock the hub against rotational movements relative to the base frame. This detection can be used for carefully moving the hub to a position where it is possible to lock it, and subsequently initiate the locking.
  • the locking arrangement may further be adapted to prevent tilt and/or yaw movements of the hub when at least one first locking part is in the locking position.
  • the radial movement of the first locking part(s) between the locking position and the release position in itself makes this possible. This allows all components of the drive train, including the main shaft and including the gear in case of a three-point suspension of the drive train, to be removed without requiring additional support arrangements, and without having to remove the hub.
  • the locking arrangement may further comprise a yoke part arranged to cooperate with the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) in order to prevent tilt and/or yaw movements of the hub.
  • the yoke part may be adapted to be detachably mounted on the base frame or the hub. In this case the yoke part may be mounted on the base frame only when the maintenance operation requires that the gear or the main shaft is removed. The yoke part can be removed again when the maintenance operation has been completed.
  • the yoke part may be permanently mounted on the base frame, or it may form an integral part of the base frame.
  • the locking arrangement may further comprise a safety system, said safety system preventing access to an interior part of the hub when the first locking part(s) is/are in the release position.
  • the safety system may, e.g., be coupled to a locking system of a hatch or a door arranged across an opening creating access to the hub. In this case the safety system may prevent the locking system from being unlocked if the first locking part(s) is/are in the release position, i.e. if the hub is allowed to rotate relative to the base frame. Thereby it is ensured that maintenance personnel can only gain access to the interior part of the hub if the hub is securely locked to the base frame.
  • a part of the base frame may substantially circumscribe a part of the hub.
  • first and second locking parts can be arranged along the entire perimeter circumscribing the rotational axis of the hub, and thereby it is possible to distribute the locking forces between the hub and the base frame in an even manner.
  • the base frame when the base frame substantially circumscribes a part of the hub, the base frame helps in absorbing the tilt and yaw movements of the hub as described above.
  • the base frame may only circumscribe part of the hub.
  • the locking arrangement may further comprise means for fixating the first locking part(s) in the locking position.
  • the fixating means may be of a pure mechanical kind, such as a block, a pin, a spindle inserted into each first locking part in such a manner that the first locking part(s) is/are prevented from moving to the release position.
  • the fixating means provides an additional safety measure during maintenance, repair or replacement of components in the vicinity or in an interior part of the hub.
  • the maintenance personnel when it is desired to perform this kind of maintenance operation, the maintenance personnel initially ensures that the first locking part(s) is/are moved to the locking position, thereby preventing rotation of the hub relative to the base frame.
  • the maintenance operation is initiated, and this possibly includes that maintenance personnel enters an interior part of the hub.
  • This risk may, e.g., be present when it is possible to activate movements of the first locking part(s) from a remote position.
  • first locking part(s) is/are activated by means of a hydraulic or a pump system, in which case the first locking part(s) may be moved to the release position in case of a failure in the activating system, e.g. due to a leaking or bursting oil pipe.
  • first locking part(s) is/are in the form of tapered pins, the risk that they are moved to the release position during a failure as described above is increased. Fixating the first locking part(s) in the locking position prevents these situations and eliminates the risk that the hub accidentally starts rotating during the maintenance operation.
  • the locking arrangement of the invention may advantageously form part of a wind turbine further comprising a tower construction, a nacelle, and a rotor carrying a set of turbine blades.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a part of a wind turbine having base frame and a hub with a locking arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention arranged thereon,
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hub of the wind turbine of FIG. 1 ,
  • FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the locking arrangement arranged on the wind turbine of FIG. 1 , the locking arrangement being in a release position, and
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the locking arrangement arranged on the wind turbine of FIG. 1 , the locking arrangement being in a locking position.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of parts of a wind turbine. For the sake of clarity, some parts, such as the tower construction and the nacelle, have been omitted, thereby revealing parts which are relevant for the purpose of describing the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a hub 1 having three blade flange parts 2 , each being adapted to have a turbine blade attached thereto.
  • FIG. 1 further shows a main shaft 3 attached to the hub 1 via flange 4 , and the main shaft 3 therefore rotates along when the hub 1 rotates.
  • the main shaft 3 is further connected to a gear arrangement (not shown).
  • FIG. 1 shows part of a base frame 5 .
  • first locking parts 6 are arranged at opposite positioned, i.e. angularly spaced with 180° between them.
  • the first locking parts 6 are in the form of pins which are movable in a substantially radial direction, i.e. substantially perpendicularly to a direction defined by the rotational axis of the hub 1 or a direction defined by a longitudinal direction of the main shaft 3 . This will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4 .
  • the hub 1 is provided with a flange part 7 having twelve openings 8 , five of which are visible, formed therein.
  • the openings 8 are arranged substantially equidistantly along the perimeter defined by the flange part 7 , i.e. with an angular spacing of approximately 30° between neighbouring openings 8 .
  • the openings 8 constitute second locking parts.
  • the flange part 7 forms an integral part of the hub 1 .
  • the pins of the first locking parts 6 can be moved along a substantially radial direction towards the flange part 7 , and the pins are received in the openings 8 . Thereby the pins and the openings 8 in combination prevent the hub 1 from performing rotational movements relative to the base frame 5 , i.e. the hub 1 is locked.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hub 1 of FIG. 1 , seen from a different angle.
  • the flange part 7 and six of the openings 8 can clearly be seen.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross sectional views of part of the locking arrangement arranged on the wind turbine of FIG. 1 .
  • One of the first locking parts 6 can be seen. In FIG. 3 the first locking part 6 is in a release position and in FIG. 4 the first locking part 6 is in a locking position.
  • the first locking part 6 comprises a pin 9 which is connected to a pump cylinder 10 .
  • the pin 9 When the pump cylinder 10 is activated, the pin 9 is pushed in a direction towards the flange part 7 .
  • the pin 9 has a tapered shape. Therefore the diameter of the outermost part of the pin 6 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 8 at the position which is closest to the base frame 5 . This can be clearly seen in FIG. 3 . This allows the pin 9 to be moved into the opening 8 , even if the pin 9 and the opening 8 are not perfectly aligned.
  • the relative position of the hub 1 and the base frame 5 is such that the pin 9 and the opening 8 are perfectly aligned, and it is therefore possible to move pin 9 into the opening 8 , thereby moving the first locking part 6 to the locking position.
  • FIG. 4 shows the first locking part 6 in the locking position. It can be seen that the pump cylinder 10 has been activated to push the pin 9 towards the opening 8 by means of a piston.
  • the opening 8 has a tapered shape which matches the tapered shape of the pin 9 . This allows the pin 9 to fit snugly into the opening 8 when the pin 9 has been moved completely to the locking position, as shown in FIG. 4 .
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 it can also be seen that a space is defined between a wall part of the base frame 5 and a plate 11 used for mounting the first locking part 6 on the base frame 5 .
  • This allows maintenance personnel to visually inspect whether or not the first locking part 6 has been moved to the locking position, thereby rendering it safe to initiate the maintenance operation.

Abstract

A locking arrangement for locking a hub (1) of a wind turbine against rotational movement is disclosed. The locking arrangement comprises at least one first locking part (6) and at least one second locking part (8). The first locking part(s) (6) is/are movable along a substantially radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the hub (1), between a locking position and a release position. Each second locking part (8) is adapted to retain a first locking part (6) when the first locking part (6) is in the locking position. The first locking part(s) (6) and the second locking part(s) (8) are arranged with one of them on the hub (1) and the other one on the base frame (5). Thereby, a first locking part (6) and a second locking part (8) prevent rotational movement of the hub (1) relative to the base frame (5) when the first locking part (6) is in the locking position, and allow such movement when the first locking part (6) is in the release position.

Description

    RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/159,997 which was filed on Mar. 13, 2009 and Denmark Patent Application Number PA 200900358 which was filed on Mar. 13, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference.
  • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to a locking arrangement for locking a hub of a wind turbine against rotational movements relative to a base frame of the nacelle of the wind turbine. Such a locking arrangement is, e.g., required for safety purposes in order to prevent the hub from rotating during maintenance of the wind turbine.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Various components of a wind turbine, including components arranged in or near the nacelle, such as drive train, main shaft, generator, main bearing or hub, sometimes require maintenance, repair or replacement. It is therefore necessary to allow maintenance personnel to gain access to these parts in order to allow them to perform the required maintenance, repair or replacement. This will sometimes include gaining access to an interior part of the hub. For safety reasons the rotor must be prevented from performing rotational movements during such maintenance operations.
  • A number of locking arrangements have previously been suggested in order to provide a suitable locking of the rotor against rotational movements. WO 2008/059088 A1 discloses an adjustable, self-aligning rotor locking device for an aerogenerator, comprising a rotor, a nacelle structure housing power generating means coupled to the hub of the rotor, braking means and means for controlling the rotational position of the power train. The nacelle structure and the hub of the rotor are arranged so as to prevent the rotor hub from rotating during certain maintenance and assembly operations. The arrangement includes at least one mobile pin in the nacelle, actuation means for pushing/pulling the pin axially in relation to at least one corresponding hole in the hub.
  • EP 1 291 521 A1 discloses a wind turbine comprising a nacelle on a tower. The wind turbine is provided with a rotor lock device for locking a rotor disk and fixation means for fixing the rotor disk to the nacelle. The rotor lock device comprises an axially movable pin arranged on the nacelle structure and corresponding apertures formed in the rotor disk.
  • Thus, WO 20081059088 A1 and EP 1 291 521 A1 both disclose rotor locking arrangements in which a movable member is moved along a substantially axial direction between a position in which the rotor is locked against rotational movements and a position in which the rotor is allowed to perform rotational movements. A disadvantage of such an arrangement is that it is not possible to use the locking mechanism directly for absorbing tilt or yaw loads, e.g. in the case that the support for the main shaft, or the main shaft itself, needs to be removed during the maintenance operation. Another disadvantage is that it is difficult and relatively expensive to manufacture the hub in a manner which allows the axial movement of the locking parts.
  • EP 1 617 075 A1 discloses a method and an apparatus for changing a transmission of a wind power installation. The rotor shaft is supported on the machine frame during the transmission change operation by means of a support at the transmission side so that the rotor is permitted to remain on the rotor shaft during the transmission change. The support is a yoke which is mounted between the rotor shaft and the machine frame immediately prior to the transmission change and is removed again immediately after the transmission change. In the case that the drive train is suspended in the nacelle by means of a so-called three point suspension, the yoke supports the main shaft when the gear is removed during a replacement operation, thereby removing part of the normal support of the drive train. The yoke may further prevent the main shaft from performing rotational movements, due to friction between the yoke and the main shaft. However, this rotational locking is too unreliable to be used as a safety measure during maintenance operations.
  • DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • It is an object of the invention to provide a locking arrangement for a hub of a wind turbine which is capable of preventing rotational movements of the hub as well as tilt and/or yaw movements of the hub.
  • It is a further object of the invention to provide a locking arrangement for a hub of a wind turbine which is capable of preventing rotational movements of the hub during removal or replacement of the main shaft.
  • It is an even further object of the invention to provide a locking arrangement for a hub of a wind turbine in which rotational locking of the hub is more reliable than the locking provided by prior art locking arrangements.
  • It is an even further object of the invention to provide a locking arrangement for a hub of a wind turbine, wherein the locking arrangement is easier and more cost effective to manufacture than prior art locking arrangements.
  • According to the invention there is provided a locking arrangement for a hub of a wind turbine, said hub being adapted to perform rotational movements about a rotational axis, said wind turbine comprising a nacelle having a base frame, the locking arrangement comprising:
      • at least one first locking part, the first locking part(s) being movable along a substantially radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the hub, between a locking position and a release position, and
      • at least one second locking part, each second locking part being adapted to retain a first locking part when the first locking part is in the locking position,
        wherein one of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the hub, and the other of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the base frame, a first locking part and a second locking part thereby preventing rotational movement of the hub relative to the base frame when the first locking part is in the locking position, and allowing such movement when the first locking part is in the release position.
  • Modern wind turbines normally comprise a tower construction carrying a nacelle. The nacelle carries a rotor with a hub having a set of turbine blades attached thereto, and it accommodates various components used for converting energy of the wind into electrical energy, e.g. a generator and a drive train. The nacelle is mounted on top of the tower construction in such a manner that it is capable of performing rotating movements about a substantially vertical axis, thereby allowing the wind turbine to direct the turbine blades in the direction of the wind. The nacelle normally has a base frame, forming a structural part of the nacelle, and a cover defining a closed interior part of the nacelle which is used for accommodating the components mentioned above.
  • During operation wind interacts with the turbine blades and causes rotation of the rotor about a rotational axis which is arranged in a substantially horizontal, possibly slightly inclined, plane. This rotation is transformed into electrical energy which is subsequently supplied to a grid. Thus, during operational conditions the rotor must be allowed to rotate.
  • However, in the case that it is necessary to perform maintenance, repair or replacement on one or more of the components accommodated in the nacelle, or on the rotor, the presence of maintenance personnel in the nacelle, and possibly in the vicinity of or even in an interior part of the rotor, is required. When maintenance personnel are present in these regions of the wind turbine, rotation of the rotor can lead to dangerous and possibly fatal situations. It is therefore a requirement that the rotor is prevented from performing rotating movements under these circumstances. The locking arrangement of the invention can be used for locking the hub, and thereby the rotor, against rotating movements.
  • The locking arrangement comprises at least one first locking part and at least one second locking part. Each of the first locking part(s) is movable along a substantially radial direction. In the present context the term ‘substantially radial direction’ should be interpreted to mean a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a direction defined by the rotational axis about which the hub rotates during normal operation of the wind turbine, and which intersects the rotational axis. Radial movements of the first locking part cause the first locking part to be moved between a locking position and a release position. When the first locking part is in the locking position, the locking arrangement locks the hub against rotational movements, and when the first locking part is in the release position, the locking arrangement allows the hub to perform rotational movements, i.e. the wind turbine is allowed to operate in a normal manner. This will be explained further below.
  • The second locking part is adapted to retain a first locking part when the first locking part is in the locking position. Thus, interaction between a first locking part and a second locking part causes these two locking parts to be locked together, thereby causing the parts of the wind turbine which carries the two locking parts to be locked together.
  • One of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the hub, and the other of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the base frame. Thus, in one embodiment, the first locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the hub, while the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the base frame. Alternatively, the first locking part(s) may be formed in or mounted on the base frame, while the second locking part(s) is/are formed in or mounted on the hub. In any event, when a first locking part is moved to the locking position, thereby being retained by a second locking part, the hub and the base frame are locked to each other by means of the first locking part and the second locking part. Thereby the hub is not allowed to perform rotational movements relative to the base frame when the first locking part(s) is/are in the locking position. However, when each of the first locking part(s) is in the release position, the hub and the base frame are not locked together, and the hub is therefore allowed to perform rotational movements relative to the base frame, i.e. the wind turbine is allowed to operate in a normal manner.
  • Thus, the locking arrangement may advantageously be operated in the following manner. During normal operation each of the first locking part(s) is in the release position. When it is desired to perform maintenance, repair or replacement requiring the presence of maintenance personnel in the nacelle, some or all of the first locking part(s) is/are moved to the locking position, thereby preventing the hub from performing rotational movements. When the maintenance, repair or replacement has been completed, the first locking part(s) is/are moved back to the release position, and the wind turbine is once again allowed to operate in a normal manner.
  • It should be noted that the first/second locking part(s) may be formed directly in or form an integral part of the hub/base frame. Alternatively, the first and/or the second locking part(s) may be (a) separate part(s) mounted on the hub/base frame.
  • It is an advantage that the locking arrangement directly locks the hub and the base frame because the locking arrangement is thereby completely independent of the drive train. This makes it possible to remove or replace all components of the drive train, including a main shaft, while the rotor is efficiently prevented from performing rotating movements.
  • It is an advantage that the movement causing the hub and the base frame to be locked to each other is performed along a substantially radial direction, rather than along a substantially axial direction, because the radial movement introduces less play in the connection between the locking parts. Furthermore it is easier and more cost effective to manufacture the hub and the base frame with locking parts which can engage along a substantially radial direction than with locking parts which can engage along a substantially axial direction. Furthermore, the point of engagement between a first locking part and a second locking part can be located at a larger distance from the rotational axis of the hub, thereby resulting in a larger lever arm and consequently a larger torque of the locking movement. Accordingly, an improved locking between the hub and the base frame is obtained. Finally, the radial locking movement allows the locking arrangement to directly absorb tilt or yaw loads of the hub without requiring additional locking means or support means, such as the support means disclosed in EP 1 617 075 A1.
  • Each of the first locking part(s) may comprise a movable pin, and each of the second locking part(s) may comprise an opening adapted to receive a pin of a first locking part. According to this embodiment, the pin is moved in a direction towards an opening when the first locking part is moved from the release position to the locking position, thereby causing the pin to be received and retained by means of the opening, and the pin is moved in a reverse direction when the first locking part is moved from the locking position to the release position.
  • The pin(s) and the opening(s) may advantageously have substantially circular cross sections of substantially identical diameter, since it is very easy to produce pins and openings having a circular cross section. However, the cross sections of the pin(s) and the opening(s) may have any desired shape, including square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, oval, etc., as long as the cross sectional shape of the pin(s) and the cross sectional shape of the opening(s) match each other, thereby allowing a pin to be received in an opening.
  • The pin(s) and the opening(s) may have matching tapered shapes in such a manner that the pin(s) is/are tapered in a direction towards the opening(s). This makes it possible to allow a pin to be received in an opening, even if the pin and the opening are not positioned exactly at corresponding positions. However, a matching tapered shape of the opening ensures a firm engagement between the pin and the opening once the first locking part has been moved to the locking position.
  • The movements of the first locking part(s) may be performed by means of a mechanical pump, by means of a hydraulic actuator, by means of an electrical actuator, in a manual manner, e.g. using a threaded spindle, or in any other suitable manner. Movement of the first locking part(s) may be initiated locally, e.g. by maintenance personnel present on the site of the wind turbine. Alternatively or additionally, it may be possible to initiate movement of the first locking part(s) from a remote position, e.g. by sending a signal to one or more actuators used for performing the movements. In this case the hub may already be locked when the maintenance personnel arrives at the site. This may be an advantage in the case that the wind turbine is arranged at an offshore location, since the maintenance personnel may, in this case, arrive by helicopter, and it may be an advantage that the hub, carrying the turbine blades, is not rotating when the helicopter arrives. Furthermore, one activation mechanism may be used for performing movements of two or more first locking parts, and possibly all the first locking parts of the locking arrangement.
  • The second locking part(s) may be formed in a flange part of the hub or the base frame. The flange part may form an integral part of the hub or the base frame. In this case the flange part may, e.g., be cast directly together with the hub or the base frame, or it may be machined directly into the hub or the base frame. Alternatively, the flange part may be a separate part which is subsequently mounted on the hub or the base frame, e.g. by welding or by means of bolts or screws.
  • As an alternative to the flange part, the second locking part(s) may be formed directly into another part of the hub or the base frame.
  • The locking arrangement may comprise at least two first locking parts and at least two second locking parts. According to this embodiment, the locking arrangement is capable of locking the hub and the base frame together in at least two positions. The at least two first locking parts may be arranged substantially opposite to each other, i.e. angularly spaced with 180° between the two first locking parts. It should be noted that this does not rule out that additional first locking parts are arranged between the two oppositely arranged first locking parts.
  • It should be noted that the number of first locking parts and the number of second locking parts are not necessarily identical. For instance, the locking arrangement may comprise two first locking parts and four second locking parts. This could potentially allow the hub and the base frame to be locked to each other at four different mutual positions.
  • The locking arrangement may comprise at least 12 second locking parts, the second locking parts being arranged with substantially equal angular distance between neighbouring second locking parts. In the case that the locking arrangement comprises exactly 12 second locking parts, the second locking parts will be arranged angularly spaced with 30° between neighbouring second locking parts. In the case that the wind turbine comprises three turbine blades, this would allow the hub to be locked to the base frame at a position where a turbine blade is directed downwards, at a position where a turbine blade is directed upwards, a position where a turbine blade is directed horizontally to the right and a position where a turbine blade is directed horizontally to the left.
  • The locking arrangement may further comprise a sensor device arranged to detect whether or not a first locking part and a second locking part are arranged at corresponding positions. When a first locking part and a second locking part are arranged at corresponding positions, the first locking part can be moved to the locking position and be received and retained by the second locking part. On the other hand, when a first locking part is not arranged at a position corresponding to a position of a second locking part, it is not possible to move the first locking part to the locking position and be received and retained by a second locking part. Thus, according to this embodiment, the sensor device can detect whether or not the relative position of the hub and the base frame allows the locking arrangement to be activated to lock the hub against rotational movements relative to the base frame. This detection can be used for carefully moving the hub to a position where it is possible to lock it, and subsequently initiate the locking.
  • The locking arrangement may further be adapted to prevent tilt and/or yaw movements of the hub when at least one first locking part is in the locking position. As mentioned above, the radial movement of the first locking part(s) between the locking position and the release position in itself makes this possible. This allows all components of the drive train, including the main shaft and including the gear in case of a three-point suspension of the drive train, to be removed without requiring additional support arrangements, and without having to remove the hub.
  • The locking arrangement may further comprise a yoke part arranged to cooperate with the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) in order to prevent tilt and/or yaw movements of the hub. The yoke part may be adapted to be detachably mounted on the base frame or the hub. In this case the yoke part may be mounted on the base frame only when the maintenance operation requires that the gear or the main shaft is removed. The yoke part can be removed again when the maintenance operation has been completed. As an alternative, the yoke part may be permanently mounted on the base frame, or it may form an integral part of the base frame.
  • The locking arrangement may further comprise a safety system, said safety system preventing access to an interior part of the hub when the first locking part(s) is/are in the release position. The safety system may, e.g., be coupled to a locking system of a hatch or a door arranged across an opening creating access to the hub. In this case the safety system may prevent the locking system from being unlocked if the first locking part(s) is/are in the release position, i.e. if the hub is allowed to rotate relative to the base frame. Thereby it is ensured that maintenance personnel can only gain access to the interior part of the hub if the hub is securely locked to the base frame.
  • A part of the base frame may substantially circumscribe a part of the hub. According to this embodiment, first and second locking parts can be arranged along the entire perimeter circumscribing the rotational axis of the hub, and thereby it is possible to distribute the locking forces between the hub and the base frame in an even manner. Furthermore, when the base frame substantially circumscribes a part of the hub, the base frame helps in absorbing the tilt and yaw movements of the hub as described above.
  • As an alternative, the base frame may only circumscribe part of the hub.
  • The locking arrangement may further comprise means for fixating the first locking part(s) in the locking position. The fixating means may be of a pure mechanical kind, such as a block, a pin, a spindle inserted into each first locking part in such a manner that the first locking part(s) is/are prevented from moving to the release position. The fixating means provides an additional safety measure during maintenance, repair or replacement of components in the vicinity or in an interior part of the hub.
  • As described above, when it is desired to perform this kind of maintenance operation, the maintenance personnel initially ensures that the first locking part(s) is/are moved to the locking position, thereby preventing rotation of the hub relative to the base frame. When this has been ensured, the maintenance operation is initiated, and this possibly includes that maintenance personnel enters an interior part of the hub. There is, however, a risk that the first locking part(s) is/are accidentally moved to the release position before the maintenance operation has been completed, potentially leading to dangerous situations. This risk may, e.g., be present when it is possible to activate movements of the first locking part(s) from a remote position. It may also be present in the case that the first locking part(s) is/are activated by means of a hydraulic or a pump system, in which case the first locking part(s) may be moved to the release position in case of a failure in the activating system, e.g. due to a leaking or bursting oil pipe. Furthermore, if the first locking part(s) is/are in the form of tapered pins, the risk that they are moved to the release position during a failure as described above is increased. Fixating the first locking part(s) in the locking position prevents these situations and eliminates the risk that the hub accidentally starts rotating during the maintenance operation.
  • The locking arrangement of the invention may advantageously form part of a wind turbine further comprising a tower construction, a nacelle, and a rotor carrying a set of turbine blades.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • The invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a part of a wind turbine having base frame and a hub with a locking arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention arranged thereon,
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hub of the wind turbine of FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the locking arrangement arranged on the wind turbine of FIG. 1, the locking arrangement being in a release position, and
  • FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the locking arrangement arranged on the wind turbine of FIG. 1, the locking arrangement being in a locking position.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of parts of a wind turbine. For the sake of clarity, some parts, such as the tower construction and the nacelle, have been omitted, thereby revealing parts which are relevant for the purpose of describing the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a hub 1 having three blade flange parts 2, each being adapted to have a turbine blade attached thereto. FIG. 1 further shows a main shaft 3 attached to the hub 1 via flange 4, and the main shaft 3 therefore rotates along when the hub 1 rotates. The main shaft 3 is further connected to a gear arrangement (not shown). Finally, FIG. 1 shows part of a base frame 5.
  • Two first locking parts 6, one of which is visible, are arranged at opposite positioned, i.e. angularly spaced with 180° between them. The first locking parts 6 are in the form of pins which are movable in a substantially radial direction, i.e. substantially perpendicularly to a direction defined by the rotational axis of the hub 1 or a direction defined by a longitudinal direction of the main shaft 3. This will be described in further detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
  • The hub 1 is provided with a flange part 7 having twelve openings 8, five of which are visible, formed therein. The openings 8 are arranged substantially equidistantly along the perimeter defined by the flange part 7, i.e. with an angular spacing of approximately 30° between neighbouring openings 8. The openings 8 constitute second locking parts. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the flange part 7 forms an integral part of the hub 1.
  • When the relative position of the hub 1 and the base frame 5 is such that an openings 8 is arranged adjacent to each of the first locking parts 6, the pins of the first locking parts 6 can be moved along a substantially radial direction towards the flange part 7, and the pins are received in the openings 8. Thereby the pins and the openings 8 in combination prevent the hub 1 from performing rotational movements relative to the base frame 5, i.e. the hub 1 is locked.
  • Due to the large number of openings 8 formed in the flange part 7, it is possible to lock the hub 1 and the base frame 5 together at relative positions which are angularly spaced apart at approximately 30°.
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hub 1 of FIG. 1, seen from a different angle. The flange part 7 and six of the openings 8 can clearly be seen.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross sectional views of part of the locking arrangement arranged on the wind turbine of FIG. 1. One of the first locking parts 6 can be seen. In FIG. 3 the first locking part 6 is in a release position and in FIG. 4 the first locking part 6 is in a locking position.
  • The first locking part 6 comprises a pin 9 which is connected to a pump cylinder 10. When the pump cylinder 10 is activated, the pin 9 is pushed in a direction towards the flange part 7. The pin 9 has a tapered shape. Therefore the diameter of the outermost part of the pin 6 is smaller than the diameter of the opening 8 at the position which is closest to the base frame 5. This can be clearly seen in FIG. 3. This allows the pin 9 to be moved into the opening 8, even if the pin 9 and the opening 8 are not perfectly aligned. In FIG. 3 the relative position of the hub 1 and the base frame 5 is such that the pin 9 and the opening 8 are perfectly aligned, and it is therefore possible to move pin 9 into the opening 8, thereby moving the first locking part 6 to the locking position.
  • FIG. 4 shows the first locking part 6 in the locking position. It can be seen that the pump cylinder 10 has been activated to push the pin 9 towards the opening 8 by means of a piston. The opening 8 has a tapered shape which matches the tapered shape of the pin 9. This allows the pin 9 to fit snugly into the opening 8 when the pin 9 has been moved completely to the locking position, as shown in FIG. 4.
  • In FIGS. 3 and 4 it can also be seen that a space is defined between a wall part of the base frame 5 and a plate 11 used for mounting the first locking part 6 on the base frame 5. This allows maintenance personnel to visually inspect whether or not the first locking part 6 has been moved to the locking position, thereby rendering it safe to initiate the maintenance operation. Furthermore, it is possible to mechanically lock the first locking part 6 in the locking position by positioning a block or the like in the space, thereby preventing that the pin 9 is moved back to the release position shown in FIG. 3. This prevents that the first locking part 6 is accidentally moved to the release position during maintenance. This is in particular advantageous in the case that it is possible to activate the first locking part 6 remotely.

Claims (15)

1. A locking arrangement for a hub of a wind turbine, said hub being adapted to perform rotational movements about a rotational axis, said wind turbine comprising a nacelle having a base frame, the locking arrangement comprising:
at least one first locking part, the first locking part(s) being movable along a substantially radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the hub, between a locking position and a release position, and
at least one second locking part, each second locking part being adapted to retain a first locking part when the first locking part is in the locking position,
wherein one of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is formed in or mounted on the hub, and the other of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is formed in or mounted on the base frame, a first locking part and a second locking part thereby preventing rotational movement of the hub relative to the base frame when the first locking part is in the locking position, and allowing such movement when the first locking part is in the release position.
2. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, wherein each of the first locking pats) comprises a movable pin, and each of the second locking part(s) comprises an opening adapted to receive a pin of a first locking part.
3. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second locking part(s) is/are formed in a flange part of the hub or the base frame.
4. The locking arrangement according to claim 3, wherein the flange part forms an integral part of the hub or the base frame.
5. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the locking arrangement comprises at least two first locking parts and at least two second locking parts.
6. The locking arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the at least two first locking parts are arranged substantially opposite to each other.
7. The locking arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the locking arrangement comprises at least 12 second locking parts, the second locking parts being arranged with substantially equal angular distance between neighbouring second locking parts.
8. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor device arranged to detect whether or not a first locking part and a second locking part are arranged at corresponding positions.
9. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the locking arrangement is further adapted to prevent tilt and/or yaw movements of the hub when at least one first locking part is in the locking position.
10. The locking arrangement according to claim 9, further comprising a yoke part arranged to cooperate with the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) in order to prevent tilt and/or yaw movements of the hub.
11. The locking arrangement according to claim 10, wherein the yoke part is adapted to be detachably mounted on the base frame or the hub.
12. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising a safety system, said safety system preventing access to an interior part of the hub when the first locking part(s) is/are in the release position.
13. The locking arrangement according claim 1, wherein a part of the base frame substantially circumscribes a part of the hub.
14. The locking arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising means for fixating the first locking part in the locking position.
15. A wind turbine comprising a tower construction, a nacelle, a rotor carrying a set of turbine blades and a locking arrangement for a hub of the wind turbine, said hub being adapted to perform rotational movements about a rotational axis, said wind turbine comprising a nacelle having a base frame, the locking arrangement comprising:
at least one first locking part, the first locking part(s) being movable along a substantially radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the hub, between a locking position and a release position, and
at least one second locking part, each second locking part being adapted to retain a first locking part when the first locking part is in the locking position,
wherein one of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is formed in or mounted on the hub, and the other of the first locking part(s) and the second locking part(s) is formed in or mounted on the base frame, a first locking part and a second locking part thereby preventing rotational movement of the hub relative to the base frame when the first locking part is in the locking position, and allowing such movement when the first locking part is in the release position.
US12/722,600 2009-03-13 2010-03-12 Rotor Lock for a Wind Turbine Abandoned US20100232978A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/722,600 US20100232978A1 (en) 2009-03-13 2010-03-12 Rotor Lock for a Wind Turbine

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15999709P 2009-03-13 2009-03-13
DKPA200900358 2009-03-13
DKPA200900358 2009-03-13
US12/722,600 US20100232978A1 (en) 2009-03-13 2010-03-12 Rotor Lock for a Wind Turbine

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20100232978A1 true US20100232978A1 (en) 2010-09-16

Family

ID=42728863

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/255,706 Expired - Fee Related US8944766B2 (en) 2009-03-13 2010-03-08 Rotor lock for a wind turbine
US12/722,600 Abandoned US20100232978A1 (en) 2009-03-13 2010-03-12 Rotor Lock for a Wind Turbine

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US13/255,706 Expired - Fee Related US8944766B2 (en) 2009-03-13 2010-03-08 Rotor lock for a wind turbine

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (2) US8944766B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2406490B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102414438A (en)
ES (1) ES2552460T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2010102967A2 (en)

Cited By (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100247311A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Powerwind Gmbh Wind energy system
CN102003352A (en) * 2010-12-06 2011-04-06 济南轨道交通装备有限责任公司 Wind generating set wind wheel locking device and operation method thereof
CN102226445A (en) * 2011-05-12 2011-10-26 江苏金风风电设备制造有限公司 Fan impellor locking device and wind-driven power generator set
US20120070304A1 (en) * 2009-03-13 2012-03-22 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Rotor lock for a wind turbine
WO2012059516A2 (en) 2010-11-04 2012-05-10 Wobben, Aloys Door lock
CN102536659A (en) * 2012-02-27 2012-07-04 广东明阳风电产业集团有限公司 Impeller locking automatic control system and method for large wind power generator
US20140010656A1 (en) * 2012-07-05 2014-01-09 Jacob Johannes Nies Fixation device
US20140010651A1 (en) * 2012-07-05 2014-01-09 Jacob Johannes Nies Wind turbine and locking method
KR101400150B1 (en) 2012-05-24 2014-05-27 삼성중공업 주식회사 Rotor lock control system and method of wind turbine
DE102013206002A1 (en) * 2013-04-04 2014-10-09 Senvion Se Method and device for coupling and / or decoupling a transmission auxiliary drive, wind energy plant
DK177959B1 (en) * 2010-12-07 2015-02-02 Gen Electric Method and apparatus for mounting a rotor blade on a wind turbine
US20150285218A1 (en) * 2012-10-19 2015-10-08 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Wind turbine comprising a service floor
CN105781889A (en) * 2016-03-09 2016-07-20 太原重工股份有限公司 Wind power unit and wind wheel locking device thereof
US20180328340A1 (en) * 2012-10-19 2018-11-15 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Wind turbine
US10634117B2 (en) 2017-08-14 2020-04-28 General Electric Company Method for controlling a wind turbine with access hatch interlocks, and associated wind turbine
CN111520293A (en) * 2020-04-30 2020-08-11 三一重能有限公司 Wind wheel locking device and wind wheel
US11319924B2 (en) * 2018-11-01 2022-05-03 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Wind turbine with rotor locking system
EP4102065A1 (en) 2021-06-09 2022-12-14 General Electric Company Hub-shaft bolted-joint connection of a wind turbine
US20220412311A1 (en) * 2019-12-10 2022-12-29 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S Locking system for a rotatable mounted unit of a wind turbine, wind turbine and method for operating a locking system
US11891982B2 (en) * 2018-11-27 2024-02-06 Wobben Properties Gmbh Method for controlling a wind turbine

Families Citing this family (28)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8556591B2 (en) * 2010-04-21 2013-10-15 General Electric Company Systems and methods for assembling a rotor lock assembly for use in a wind turbine
US9188105B2 (en) 2011-04-19 2015-11-17 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Strut driveshaft for ram air turbine
DE102011080228B3 (en) * 2011-08-01 2012-11-29 Suzlon Energy Gmbh Locking device for wind turbines
US8708654B2 (en) * 2011-08-17 2014-04-29 Arnold Ramsland Horizontal axis wind turbine with ball-and-socket hub
US9194366B2 (en) 2011-08-17 2015-11-24 Arnold Ramsland Horizontal axis wind turbine with ball-and-socket hub
WO2013032112A1 (en) * 2011-08-30 2013-03-07 대우조선해양 주식회사 Rotor lock system and method for a wind power generator
DK2620636T3 (en) * 2012-01-24 2016-11-07 Nordex Energy Gmbh The arresting device for a drive train of a wind turbine
EP2620637B1 (en) 2012-01-24 2016-09-28 Nordex Energy GmbH Lock device for a powertrain of a wind energy assembly and method for locking the powertrain
EP2634416B1 (en) 2012-03-01 2016-05-18 ALSTOM Renewables Technologies Wind B.V. wind turbine having a locking arrangement
EP2674619B1 (en) 2012-06-11 2015-03-18 ALSTOM Renewable Technologies A locking arrangement for wind turbines
CN103016277B (en) * 2012-12-14 2015-05-06 北车风电有限公司 Novel wind turbine generator set hydraulic lock pin centering device and method
DK178152B1 (en) * 2014-09-02 2015-07-06 Envision Energy Denmark Aps Wind turbine rotor lock system
DE102014218804A1 (en) * 2014-09-18 2016-03-24 Wobben Properties Gmbh Wind turbine with an access control system
USD747174S1 (en) * 2014-11-10 2016-01-12 General Electric Company Rotor lock
CN105587477B (en) * 2016-02-22 2018-05-25 北京金风科创风电设备有限公司 Draught fan impeller locking system and wind-driven generator
DK179196B1 (en) * 2016-06-07 2018-01-29 Envision Energy Denmark Aps Wind turbine with a rotor locking system and a method thereof
US11293408B2 (en) 2016-09-21 2022-04-05 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Assembly for a wind turbine, and method of operating an assembly for a wind turbine
US11486365B2 (en) * 2016-09-21 2022-11-01 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Assembly for a wind turbine, and method of operating an assembly for a wind turbine
US9771923B1 (en) 2016-12-30 2017-09-26 Arnold Ramsland Hub assembly for horizontal axis, fluid-driven turbine enabling teetering
CA3012945C (en) 2017-11-22 2019-05-21 LiftWerx Holdings Inc. Lift system mountable in a nacelle of a wind turbine
DE102018004464A1 (en) * 2018-06-06 2019-12-12 Senvion Gmbh Wind turbine
WO2020030235A1 (en) * 2018-08-07 2020-02-13 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Operating a wind turbine during service
ES2950709T3 (en) * 2019-01-10 2023-10-13 Vestas Wind Sys As Locking mechanism for a wind turbine generator
EP3696407B1 (en) * 2019-02-14 2023-01-25 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S Safety system for a wind turbine
CN112128053B (en) * 2019-06-25 2022-06-21 北京金风科创风电设备有限公司 Blade feathering control method, wind generating set main controller and variable pitch controller
CN112664392A (en) 2019-10-15 2021-04-16 通用电气公司 System and method for locking wind turbine rotor during extended maintenance
CN112283020B (en) * 2020-10-29 2022-05-20 上海电气风电集团股份有限公司 Wind wheel locking device and wind generating set comprising same
DE102021107906A1 (en) 2021-03-29 2022-09-29 Enovation Gmbh A device for locking a rotor shaft of a wind turbine, a wind turbine and a method for manufacturing a wind turbine

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030102677A1 (en) * 2001-04-20 2003-06-05 Markus Becker Coupling device for a wind power plant
US7397145B2 (en) * 2004-03-19 2008-07-08 S.B. Patent Holding Aps Automatic braking and locking of a wind turbine
US20100021299A1 (en) * 2006-11-13 2010-01-28 Gamesa Innovation & Technology S.L. Adjustable, self-aligning rotor locking device for an aerogenerator
US20100028153A1 (en) * 2008-08-02 2010-02-04 Nordex Energy Gmbh Method for installing a rotor hub on a rotor shaft of a wind energy plant, and a wind energy plant
US20100194114A1 (en) * 2007-06-18 2010-08-05 Suzlon Windkraft Gmbh Locking mechanism for a wind turbine

Family Cites Families (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10031472C1 (en) 2000-06-28 2002-04-18 Tacke Windenergie Gmbh Device for locking a shaft of a wind turbine driven by a rotor
EP1291521A1 (en) 2001-09-06 2003-03-12 Turbowinds N.V./S.A. Wind turbine nacelle with moving crane
DE102004028746A1 (en) 2004-06-14 2005-12-29 Klinger, Friedrich, Prof. Dr. Ing. Tower head for wind power system has rotor which is held at tower head by means of bearing such that bearing can be removed totally or partly without separating rotor from tower head through opening present at tower head
PT1617075E (en) 2004-07-13 2009-03-18 Eickhoff Machinenfabrik Gmbh Method and apparatus for changing a gearbox of a wind turbine
ATE405743T1 (en) * 2004-11-18 2008-09-15 Eickhoff Maschinenfabrik Gmbh TURNING DEVICE FOR TURNING THE DRIVE TRAIN OF A WIND TURBINE
US7721434B2 (en) * 2005-07-27 2010-05-25 General Electric Company Methods and apparatus for replacing objects on horizontal shafts in elevated locations
US7360310B2 (en) 2005-10-05 2008-04-22 General Electric Company Method for changing removable bearing for a wind turbine generator
KR100821704B1 (en) * 2007-05-23 2008-04-14 주식회사 효성 Wind generator having a locking device
IT1390758B1 (en) 2008-07-23 2011-09-23 Rolic Invest Sarl WIND GENERATOR
ES2552460T3 (en) * 2009-03-13 2015-11-30 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Rotor lock for a wind turbine

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20030102677A1 (en) * 2001-04-20 2003-06-05 Markus Becker Coupling device for a wind power plant
US6833632B2 (en) * 2001-04-20 2004-12-21 General Electric Company Detachable coupling device for a wind power plant having positive locking and friction fit connections
US7397145B2 (en) * 2004-03-19 2008-07-08 S.B. Patent Holding Aps Automatic braking and locking of a wind turbine
US20100021299A1 (en) * 2006-11-13 2010-01-28 Gamesa Innovation & Technology S.L. Adjustable, self-aligning rotor locking device for an aerogenerator
US20100194114A1 (en) * 2007-06-18 2010-08-05 Suzlon Windkraft Gmbh Locking mechanism for a wind turbine
US20100028153A1 (en) * 2008-08-02 2010-02-04 Nordex Energy Gmbh Method for installing a rotor hub on a rotor shaft of a wind energy plant, and a wind energy plant

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120070304A1 (en) * 2009-03-13 2012-03-22 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Rotor lock for a wind turbine
US8944766B2 (en) * 2009-03-13 2015-02-03 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Rotor lock for a wind turbine
US20100247311A1 (en) * 2009-03-27 2010-09-30 Powerwind Gmbh Wind energy system
WO2012059516A2 (en) 2010-11-04 2012-05-10 Wobben, Aloys Door lock
DE102010043436A1 (en) * 2010-11-04 2012-05-10 Aloys Wobben door lock
US9157577B2 (en) 2010-11-04 2015-10-13 Wobben Properties Gmbh Door lock
JP2014502321A (en) * 2010-11-04 2014-01-30 ヴォッベン プロパティーズ ゲーエムベーハー Door locking device
CN102003352A (en) * 2010-12-06 2011-04-06 济南轨道交通装备有限责任公司 Wind generating set wind wheel locking device and operation method thereof
DK177959B1 (en) * 2010-12-07 2015-02-02 Gen Electric Method and apparatus for mounting a rotor blade on a wind turbine
CN102226445A (en) * 2011-05-12 2011-10-26 江苏金风风电设备制造有限公司 Fan impellor locking device and wind-driven power generator set
CN102536659A (en) * 2012-02-27 2012-07-04 广东明阳风电产业集团有限公司 Impeller locking automatic control system and method for large wind power generator
KR101400150B1 (en) 2012-05-24 2014-05-27 삼성중공업 주식회사 Rotor lock control system and method of wind turbine
US20140010656A1 (en) * 2012-07-05 2014-01-09 Jacob Johannes Nies Fixation device
US20140010651A1 (en) * 2012-07-05 2014-01-09 Jacob Johannes Nies Wind turbine and locking method
US9470208B2 (en) * 2012-07-05 2016-10-18 General Electric Company Wind turbine and locking method
US20150285218A1 (en) * 2012-10-19 2015-10-08 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Wind turbine comprising a service floor
US20180328340A1 (en) * 2012-10-19 2018-11-15 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Wind turbine
US10260478B2 (en) * 2012-10-19 2019-04-16 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Wind turbine comprising a service floor
DE102013206002A1 (en) * 2013-04-04 2014-10-09 Senvion Se Method and device for coupling and / or decoupling a transmission auxiliary drive, wind energy plant
CN105781889A (en) * 2016-03-09 2016-07-20 太原重工股份有限公司 Wind power unit and wind wheel locking device thereof
US10634117B2 (en) 2017-08-14 2020-04-28 General Electric Company Method for controlling a wind turbine with access hatch interlocks, and associated wind turbine
US11319924B2 (en) * 2018-11-01 2022-05-03 Vestas Wind Systems A/S Wind turbine with rotor locking system
US11891982B2 (en) * 2018-11-27 2024-02-06 Wobben Properties Gmbh Method for controlling a wind turbine
US20220412311A1 (en) * 2019-12-10 2022-12-29 Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S Locking system for a rotatable mounted unit of a wind turbine, wind turbine and method for operating a locking system
CN111520293A (en) * 2020-04-30 2020-08-11 三一重能有限公司 Wind wheel locking device and wind wheel
EP4102065A1 (en) 2021-06-09 2022-12-14 General Electric Company Hub-shaft bolted-joint connection of a wind turbine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2552460T3 (en) 2015-11-30
EP2406490B1 (en) 2015-10-14
CN102414438A (en) 2012-04-11
US20120070304A1 (en) 2012-03-22
US8944766B2 (en) 2015-02-03
EP2406490A2 (en) 2012-01-18
WO2010102967A3 (en) 2011-06-23
WO2010102967A2 (en) 2010-09-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US8944766B2 (en) Rotor lock for a wind turbine
US20110316278A1 (en) Locking Device for the Rotor of Wind Turbines
EP3084210B1 (en) Pitch actuator arrangement and method of installing a pitch actuator arrangement
DK177959B1 (en) Method and apparatus for mounting a rotor blade on a wind turbine
CA2722721C (en) Brake system for a wind turbine with integrated rotor lock, generator and wind turbine
US7944079B1 (en) Systems and methods for assembling a gearbox handling assembly for use in a wind turbine
CA2722501C (en) Brake system, generator and wind turbine
EP2690284B1 (en) Wind turbine generator and maintenance of its main bearing
EP2306002A2 (en) Systems and methods for assembling a pitch control assembly for use in a wind turbine
EP3098443B1 (en) Coupling arrangement in the field of wind turbines
US10570888B2 (en) Working platform within a nacelle of a wind turbine
EP3085958A1 (en) A system for installing a cable in a tower of a wind turbine and method therefor
KR20140038614A (en) Wind power generator and method for maintaing wind power generator
US20180313334A1 (en) Hoistable platform assembly within a nacelle of a wind turbine
US20210222680A1 (en) System and method for repairing a gearbox of a wind turbine uptower
EP2383463A1 (en) Rotor support device and method for accessing a drive train of a wind turbine
DK178005B1 (en) Wind Rotor Brake System
EP2607684B1 (en) Means to rotate the rotor of a wind turbine and method to rotate the rotor
EP4102065A1 (en) Hub-shaft bolted-joint connection of a wind turbine
KR101434494B1 (en) Wind power generator
CN117678149A (en) Powertrain assembly for a wind turbine
KR20240036002A (en) Powertrain assemblies for wind turbines
KR20240036009A (en) Powertrain assemblies for wind turbines
WO2020135908A1 (en) Wind turbine arrangement and method
CN117751241A (en) Powertrain assembly for a wind turbine

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S, DENMARK

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:NIELSEN, FLEMMING SELMER;MARKUSSEN, ERIK;SIGNING DATES FROM 20100407 TO 20100408;REEL/FRAME:024393/0413

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION