US20140010656A1 - Fixation device - Google Patents
Fixation device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140010656A1 US20140010656A1 US13/541,862 US201213541862A US2014010656A1 US 20140010656 A1 US20140010656 A1 US 20140010656A1 US 201213541862 A US201213541862 A US 201213541862A US 2014010656 A1 US2014010656 A1 US 2014010656A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- rotor
- lock
- shaft
- positioning
- locking
- 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
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000013598 vector Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012806 monitoring device Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910000851 Alloy steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910001092 metal group alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000001331 nose Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/0264—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor for stopping; controlling in emergency situations
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/0244—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor for braking
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D80/00—Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
- F03D80/50—Maintenance or repair
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/30—Retaining components in desired mutual position
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/30—Retaining components in desired mutual position
- F05B2260/31—Locking rotor in position
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/90—Braking
- F05B2260/902—Braking using frictional mechanical forces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2270/00—Control
- F05B2270/30—Control parameters, e.g. input parameters
- F05B2270/326—Rotor angle
-
- Y—GENERAL 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
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
-
- Y—GENERAL 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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49316—Impeller making
Definitions
- a wind turbine including a rotor, a generator, a shaft for transmitting torque between the rotor and the generator, and a fixation device for fixing the shaft, the fixation device including: a rotor lock for locking the shaft providing a lock clearance between a first limit stop and a second limit stop; and, a rotor brake for braking the shaft; wherein the rotor lock is arranged for positioning the rotor shaft within the lock clearance, wherein the positioning clearance is smaller than the lock clearance.
- pitch adjustment system 32 may change a blade pitch of rotor blades 22 such that rotor blades 22 are moved to a feathered position, such that the perspective of at least one rotor blade 22 relative to wind vectors provides a minimal surface area of rotor blade 22 to be oriented towards the wind vectors, which facilitates reducing a rotational speed of rotor 18 and/or facilitates a stall of rotor 18 .
- Pitch drive system 68 is coupled to control system 36 for adjusting the blade pitch of rotor blade 22 upon receipt of one or more signals from control system 36 .
- pitch drive motor 74 is any suitable motor driven by electrical power and/or a hydraulic system that enables pitch assembly 66 to function as described herein.
- pitch assembly 66 may include any suitable structure, configuration, arrangement, and/or components such as, but not limited to, hydraulic cylinders, springs, and/or servo-mechanisms.
- pitch assembly 66 may be driven by any suitable means such as, but not limited to, hydraulic fluid, and/or mechanical power, such as, but not limited to, induced spring forces and/or electromagnetic forces.
- pitch drive motor 74 is driven by energy extracted from a rotational inertia of hub 20 and/or a stored energy source (not shown) that supplies energy to components of wind turbine 10 .
- FIG. 4 the actuator 214 with a part of the locking pin 212 of FIG. 3 is shown in more detail.
- a frame 244 of the rotor-lock 210 is shown.
- the frame 244 maybe moved by control of the control unit 230 to retract or to engage the locking pin 210 .
- the locking pin 210 is of rigid material wherein the flexible support 240 includes O-rings of flexible material.
- the frame 244 may be retracted or moved in the direction of an arrow 246 depicting the direction of movement.
- the locking pin 210 has a constant diameter for engagement with the locking recess.
- Typical embodiments comprise a method, wherein after applying the positioning member, it is waited until the rotor is in a selected or a selectable position.
- the term “waiting” typically includes a forcing of the rotor to move in the selected position. In further typical embodiments during “waiting” it is just waited until the rotor reaches the selected position, e.g. by chance or by turning the rotor blades such that the wind drives the rotor in the selected position.
- Typical examples of forcing the rotor into a selected position include a turning of the rotor by hand, by an elastic member or by a generator used as a motor or other turning means. Then, the rotor-brake is supplied.
Abstract
A fixation device for fixing a shaft connecting a rotor and a generator of a wind turbine, the fixation device comprising: a rotor lock for locking the shaft providing a locking clearance; and a rotor brake for braking the shaft; wherein the rotor lock is arranged for positioning the shaft in a selectable angular position within the locking clearance of the rotor lock.
Description
- The subject matter described herein relates generally to methods and systems for wind turbines, and more particularly, to methods and systems for fixing a shaft of a wind turbine.
- At least some known wind turbines include a tower and a nacelle mounted on the tower. A rotor is rotatably mounted to the nacelle and is coupled to a generator by a shaft. A plurality of blades extend from the rotor. The blades are oriented such that wind passing over the blades turns the rotor and rotates the shaft, thereby driving the generator to generate electricity.
- Some known wind turbines include a rotor-brake and a rotor-lock. The rotor-lock typically provides a higher load limit, especially when both the brake and the lock are applied at the low-speed shaft of the turbine. The load limit of the rotor-lock is designed for a maximum expected load, e.g. during a storm. The rotor-lock may only be applied when the rotor shaft of the wind turbine stands still. The rotor-brake typically provides a lower load limit, wherein higher loads do not lead to a damage of the rotor-brake. The rotor-brake provides slip if the load gets higher than the load limit of the rotor-brake. Rotor-brakes may sometimes also be used when the rotor shaft is rotating slowly to stop the rotor shaft completely. Technical background to rotor-brakes and rotor-locks, or other methods for applying a braking force to a rotor shaft of a wind turbine, may be found in U.S. Pat. No. 7,948,100.
- The costs for the rotor-brake and the rotor-lock of a wind turbine contribute to the total costs of the wind turbine with several percent. There is therefore a need for a method and a wind turbine using the rotor-brake and the rotor-lock more efficient to maybe reduce the size and costs of the rotor-brake or the rotor-lock.
- In one aspect, a fixation device for fixing a shaft connecting a rotor and a generator of a wind turbine is provided, the fixation device including a rotor lock for locking the shaft providing a locking clearance, and a rotor brake for braking the shaft, wherein the rotor lock is arranged for positioning the shaft in a selectable angular position within the locking clearance of the rotor lock.
- In another aspect, a method for locking a shaft of a wind turbine with a rotor lock for locking the shaft, a rotor brake for braking the shaft and a positioning member for a positioning of the shaft in a selectable position is provided, the method including applying the positioning member; waiting until the shaft is positioned in a selectable position by the positioning member; applying the rotor brake; and, applying the rotor lock applying the positioning member, waiting until the shaft is positioned in a selectable position by the positioning member, applying the rotor brake and applying the rotor lock.
- In yet another aspect, a wind turbine is provided, the wind turbine including a rotor, a generator, a shaft for transmitting torque between the rotor and the generator, and a fixation device for fixing the shaft, the fixation device including: a rotor lock for locking the shaft providing a lock clearance between a first limit stop and a second limit stop; and, a rotor brake for braking the shaft; wherein the rotor lock is arranged for positioning the rotor shaft within the lock clearance, wherein the positioning clearance is smaller than the lock clearance.
- Further aspects, advantages and features of the present invention are apparent from the dependent claims, the description and the accompanying drawings.
- A full and enabling disclosure including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures wherein:
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the wind turbine shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine. -
FIG. 4 is shows parts of the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 3 . -
FIG. 5 shows a tapered locking pin of typical embodiments. -
FIG. 6 depicts a stepped locking pin of typical embodiments. -
FIG. 7 shows an elliptical locking pin of typical embodiments. -
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a fixation device. -
FIG. 9 is a front view of parts of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a side view of parts of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing torques of typical rotor-brakes and rotor-locks for load cases. -
FIG. 12 is another diagram showing torques of typical rotor-brakes and rotor-locks for load cases. - Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in each figure. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet further embodiments. It is intended that the present disclosure includes such modifications and variations.
- The embodiments described herein include a wind turbine, having a rotor shaft using a rotor-brake and a rotor-lock, which is capable of withstanding high loads. For example, during a storm the rotor brake and the rotor lock may be used simultaneously. More specifically, the rotor-brake and the rotor-lock are used in parallel to yield a higher load limit. Thereby, costs of the wind turbine may be reduced. Typical embodiments include a method of locking a rotor of a wind turbine, wherein the method allows for using the rotor-brake and the rotor-lock in parallel. With wind turbines and methods of typical embodiments the capability of the wind turbine to withstand storms may be enhanced. Alternatively or in addition, the weight of the wind turbine, especially of the nacelle may be reduced due to the usage of smaller rotor-brakes or smaller rotor-locks.
- As used herein, the term rotor-brake is intended to be representative of any brake capable of decelerating or fixing the rotor shaft, wherein a brake provides slip in case the torque of the rotor shaft is higher than a typical slip limit. One example for a rotor-brake is a disk brake using one or more disks. Typical rotor-brakes include an electro-hydraulic actuator, an electro-mechanical actuator or a spring-operated caliper. Other brakes providing slip are drum brakes, which may be used for typical embodiments. The rotor-brake may be arranged at a low-speed shaft or at a high-speed shaft in case a gearbox is incorporated in the wind turbine drive-train of typical wind turbines described herein. As used herein, the term rotor-lock is intended to be representative of locking mechanisms capable of locking the rotor shaft. Such locking mechanisms may include a hydraulically moveable pin or a spring-actuated pin attached to a solid or fixed or non-rotating part of the wind turbine nacelle. The term “non-rotating” typically refers to a member not rotating with the shaft of the wind turbine. Other locking mechanisms include pins or plates. Disks with holes may be used for an interaction with the bolt or the pin. Typical embodiments include a slot, a nut or a hole in the rotor hub for an engagement with a second locking part like a bolt, a pin or a plate. Typically, the rotor-lock may be applied at the low-speed shaft or at the high-speed shaft in case of a wind turbine providing a gearbox in the drive-train. Further typical wind turbines include a direct drive, wherein the rotor is coupled directly to the generator without a gearbox in the drive train between the rotor and the generator.
- As used herein, the term “blade” is intended to be representative of any device that provides a reactive force when in motion relative to a surrounding fluid. As used herein, the term “wind turbine” is intended to be representative of any device that generates rotational energy from wind energy, and more specifically, converts kinetic energy of wind into mechanical energy. As used herein, the term “wind generator” is intended to be representative of any wind turbine that generates electrical power from rotational energy generated from wind energy, and more specifically, converts mechanical energy converted from kinetic energy of wind to electrical power.
-
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of anexemplary wind turbine 10. In the exemplary embodiment,wind turbine 10 is a horizontal-axis wind turbine. Alternatively,wind turbine 10 may be a vertical-axis wind turbine. In the exemplary embodiment,wind turbine 10 includes atower 12 that extends from asupport system 14, anacelle 16 mounted ontower 12, and arotor 18 that is coupled tonacelle 16.Rotor 18 includes arotatable hub 20 and at least onerotor blade 22 coupled to and extending outward fromhub 20. In the exemplary embodiment,rotor 18 has threerotor blades 22. In an alternative embodiment,rotor 18 includes more or less than threerotor blades 22. In the exemplary embodiment,tower 12 is fabricated from tubular steel to define a cavity (not shown inFIG. 1 ) betweensupport system 14 andnacelle 16. In an alternative embodiment,tower 12 is any suitable type of tower having any suitable height. -
Rotor blades 22 are spaced abouthub 20 to facilitaterotating rotor 18 to enable kinetic energy to be transferred from the wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently, electrical energy.Rotor blades 22 are mated tohub 20 by coupling ablade root portion 24 tohub 20 at a plurality ofload transfer regions 26.Load transfer regions 26 have a hub load transfer region and a blade load transfer region (both not shown inFIG. 1 ). Loads induced torotor blades 22 are transferred tohub 20 viaload transfer regions 26. - In one embodiment,
rotor blades 22 have a length ranging from about 15 meters (m) to about 91 m. Alternatively,rotor blades 22 may have any suitable length that enableswind turbine 10 to function as described herein. For example, other non-limiting examples of blade lengths include 10 m or less, 20 m, 37 m, or a length that is greater than 91 m. As wind strikesrotor blades 22 from adirection 28,rotor 18 is rotated about an axis ofrotation 30. Asrotor blades 22 are rotated and subjected to centrifugal forces,rotor blades 22 are also subjected to various forces and moments. As such,rotor blades 22 may deflect and/or rotate from a neutral, or non-deflected, position to a deflected position. - Moreover, a pitch angle or blade pitch of
rotor blades 22, i.e., an angle that determines a perspective ofrotor blades 22 with respect todirection 28 of the wind, may be changed by apitch adjustment system 32 to control the load and power generated bywind turbine 10 by adjusting an angular position of at least onerotor blade 22 relative to wind vectors. Pitch axes 34 forrotor blades 22 are shown. During operation ofwind turbine 10,pitch adjustment system 32 may change a blade pitch ofrotor blades 22 such thatrotor blades 22 are moved to a feathered position, such that the perspective of at least onerotor blade 22 relative to wind vectors provides a minimal surface area ofrotor blade 22 to be oriented towards the wind vectors, which facilitates reducing a rotational speed ofrotor 18 and/or facilitates a stall ofrotor 18. - In the exemplary embodiment, a blade pitch of each
rotor blade 22 is controlled individually by acontrol system 36. Alternatively, the blade pitch for allrotor blades 22 may be controlled simultaneously bycontrol system 36. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, asdirection 28 changes, a yaw direction ofnacelle 16 may be controlled about ayaw axis 38 to positionrotor blades 22 with respect todirection 28. - In the exemplary embodiment,
control system 36 is shown as being centralized withinnacelle 16, however,control system 36 may be a distributed system throughoutwind turbine 10, onsupport system 14, within a wind farm, and/or at a remote control center.Control system 36 includes aprocessor 40 configured to perform the methods and/or steps described herein. Further, many of the other components described herein include a processor. As used herein, the term “processor” is not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as a computer, but broadly refers to a controller, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that a processor and/or a control system can also include memory, input channels, and/or output channels. - In the embodiments described herein, memory may include, without limitation, a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory (RAM), and a computer-readable non-volatile medium, such as flash memory. Alternatively, a floppy disk, a compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM), a magneto-optical disk (MOD), and/or a digital versatile disk (DVD) may also be used. Also, in the embodiments described herein, input channels include, without limitation, sensors and/or computer peripherals associated with an operator interface, such as a mouse and a keyboard. Further, in the exemplary embodiment, output channels may include, without limitation, a control device, an operator interface monitor and/or a display.
- Processors described herein process information transmitted from a plurality of electrical and electronic devices that may include, without limitation, sensors, actuators, compressors, control systems, and/or monitoring devices. Such processors may be physically located in, for example, a control system, a sensor, a monitoring device, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a programmable logic controller (PLC) cabinet, and/or a distributed control system (DCS) cabinet. RAM and storage devices store and transfer information and instructions to be executed by the processor(s). RAM and storage devices can also be used to store and provide temporary variables, static (i.e., non-changing) information and instructions, or other intermediate information to the processors during execution of instructions by the processor(s). Instructions that are executed may include, without limitation, wind turbine control system control commands The execution of sequences of instructions is not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software instructions.
-
FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion ofwind turbine 10. In the exemplary embodiment,wind turbine 10 includesnacelle 16 andhub 20 that is rotatably coupled tonacelle 16. More specifically,hub 20 is rotatably coupled to anelectric generator 42 positioned withinnacelle 16 by rotor shaft 44 (sometimes referred to as either a main shaft or a low speed shaft), agearbox 46, ahigh speed shaft 48, and acoupling 50. In the exemplary embodiment,rotor shaft 44 is disposed coaxial tolongitudinal axis 116. Rotation ofrotor shaft 44 rotatably drivesgearbox 46 that subsequently driveshigh speed shaft 48.High speed shaft 48 rotatably drivesgenerator 42 withcoupling 50 and rotation ofhigh speed shaft 48 facilitates the production of electrical power bygenerator 42.Gearbox 46 andgenerator 42 are supported by asupport 52 and asupport 54. In the exemplary embodiment,gearbox 46 utilizes a dual path geometry to drivehigh speed shaft 48. Alternatively,rotor shaft 44 is coupled directly togenerator 42 withcoupling 50. -
Nacelle 16 also includes ayaw drive mechanism 56 that may be used to rotatenacelle 16 andhub 20 on yaw axis 38 (shown inFIG. 1 ) to control the perspective ofrotor blades 22 with respect todirection 28 of the wind.Nacelle 16 also includes at least onemeteorological mast 58 that includes a wind vane and anemometer (neither shown inFIG. 2 ).Mast 58 provides information to controlsystem 36 that may include wind direction and/or wind speed. In the exemplary embodiment,nacelle 16 also includes a main forward support bearing 60 and a mainaft support bearing 62. - Forward support bearing 60 and aft support bearing 62 facilitate radial support and alignment of
rotor shaft 44. Forward support bearing 60 is coupled torotor shaft 44 nearhub 20. Aft support bearing 62 is positioned onrotor shaft 44 neargearbox 46 and/orgenerator 42. Alternatively,nacelle 16 includes any number of support bearings that enablewind turbine 10 to function as disclosed herein.Rotor shaft 44,generator 42,gearbox 46,high speed shaft 48,coupling 50, and any associated fastening, support, and/or securing device including, but not limited to, support 52 and/orsupport 54, and forward support bearing 60 and aft support bearing 62, are sometimes referred to as adrive train 64. - In the exemplary embodiment,
hub 20 includes apitch assembly 66.Pitch assembly 66 includes one or morepitch drive systems 68 and at least onesensor 70. Eachpitch drive system 68 is coupled to a respective rotor blade 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ) for modulating the blade pitch of associatedrotor blade 22 alongpitch axis 34. Only one of threepitch drive systems 68 is shown inFIG. 2 . - In the exemplary embodiment,
pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch bearing 72 coupled tohub 20 and to respective rotor blade 22 (shown inFIG. 1 ) for rotatingrespective rotor blade 22 aboutpitch axis 34.Pitch drive system 68 includes apitch drive motor 74,pitch drive gearbox 76, andpitch drive pinion 78.Pitch drive motor 74 is coupled to pitchdrive gearbox 76 such thatpitch drive motor 74 imparts mechanical force to pitchdrive gearbox 76.Pitch drive gearbox 76 is coupled to pitchdrive pinion 78 such thatpitch drive pinion 78 is rotated bypitch drive gearbox 76.Pitch bearing 72 is coupled to pitchdrive pinion 78 such that the rotation ofpitch drive pinion 78 causes rotation ofpitch bearing 72. More specifically, in the exemplary embodiment,pitch drive pinion 78 is coupled to pitch bearing 72 such that rotation ofpitch drive gearbox 76 rotates pitch bearing 72 androtor blade 22 aboutpitch axis 34 to change the blade pitch ofblade 22. -
Pitch drive system 68 is coupled to controlsystem 36 for adjusting the blade pitch ofrotor blade 22 upon receipt of one or more signals fromcontrol system 36. In the exemplary embodiment,pitch drive motor 74 is any suitable motor driven by electrical power and/or a hydraulic system that enablespitch assembly 66 to function as described herein. Alternatively,pitch assembly 66 may include any suitable structure, configuration, arrangement, and/or components such as, but not limited to, hydraulic cylinders, springs, and/or servo-mechanisms. Moreover,pitch assembly 66 may be driven by any suitable means such as, but not limited to, hydraulic fluid, and/or mechanical power, such as, but not limited to, induced spring forces and/or electromagnetic forces. In certain embodiments,pitch drive motor 74 is driven by energy extracted from a rotational inertia ofhub 20 and/or a stored energy source (not shown) that supplies energy to components ofwind turbine 10. -
Pitch assembly 66 also includes one or moreoverspeed control systems 80 for controllingpitch drive system 68 during rotor overspeed. In the exemplary embodiment,pitch assembly 66 includes at least oneoverspeed control system 80 communicatively coupled to respectivepitch drive system 68 for controllingpitch drive system 68 independently ofcontrol system 36. In one embodiment,pitch assembly 66 includes a plurality ofoverspeed control systems 80 that are each communicatively coupled to respectivepitch drive system 68 to operate respectivepitch drive system 68 independently ofcontrol system 36.Overspeed control system 80 is also communicatively coupled tosensor 70. In the exemplary embodiment,overspeed control system 80 is coupled to pitchdrive system 68 and tosensor 70 with a plurality ofcables 82. Alternatively,overspeed control system 80 is communicatively coupled to pitchdrive system 68 and tosensor 70 using any suitable wired and/or wireless communications device. During normal operation ofwind turbine 10,control system 36 controlspitch drive system 68 to adjust a pitch ofrotor blade 22. In one embodiment, whenrotor 18 operates at rotor overspeed,overspeed control system 80 overridescontrol system 36, such thatcontrol system 36 no longer controlspitch drive system 68 andoverspeed control system 80 controlspitch drive system 68 to moverotor blade 22 to a feathered position to slow a rotation ofrotor 18. - A
power generator 84 is coupled tosensor 70,overspeed control system 80, andpitch drive system 68 to provide a source of power to pitchassembly 66. In the exemplary embodiment,power generator 84 provides a continuing source of power to pitchassembly 66 during operation ofwind turbine 10. In an alternative embodiment,power generator 84 provides power to pitchassembly 66 during an electrical power loss event ofwind turbine 10. The electrical power loss event may include power grid loss, malfunctioning of the turbine electrical system, and/or failure of the windturbine control system 36. During the electrical power loss event,power generator 84 operates to provide electrical power to pitchassembly 66 such thatpitch assembly 66 can operate during the electrical power loss event. - In the exemplary embodiment,
pitch drive system 68,sensor 70,overspeed control system 80,cables 82, andpower generator 84 are each positioned in acavity 86 defined by aninner surface 88 ofhub 20. In a particular embodiment,pitch drive system 68,sensor 70,overspeed control system 80,cables 82, and/orpower generator 84 are coupled, directly or indirectly, toinner surface 88. In an alternative embodiment,pitch drive system 68,sensor 70,overspeed control system 80,cables 82, andpower generator 84 are positioned with respect to anouter surface 90 ofhub 20 and may be coupled, directly or indirectly, toouter surface 90. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine.FIG. 3 will be explained with reference toFIG. 1 andFIG. 2 showing several similar parts as shown inFIG. 3 . The embodiment ofFIG. 3 comprises arotor 18 with arotor hub 20 to whichrotor blades 22 are attached. Therotor hub 20 is mounted to arotor shaft 44 for transmitting torque of the rotor to a generator. - Typical embodiments include a rotatable hub with at least one rotor blade coupled to and extending outward from the hub. Some embodiments of wind turbines comprise three rotor blades. Other exemplary embodiments comprise two or four rotor blades or another number of rotor blades. Typical embodiments comprise a rotor shaft coupled to a gearbox. The gearbox is connected with a generator. Further exemplary embodiments comprise a rotor shaft coupling the rotor hub directly to the generator, wherein the gearbox may be omitted.
- The exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine, parts of which are shown in
FIG. 3 includes a rotor-lock 210. The rotor-lock 210 shown inFIG. 3 includes alocking pin 212. Thelocking pin 212 is moveable by a lockingactuator 214. In case thelocking pin 212 is actuated by the lockingactuator 214, the lockingpin 212 is forced into alocking recess 216 of therotor hub 20. By doing so, the rotational position of therotor hub 20 is locked relative to the nacelle. Thelocking recess 216 has a diameter slightly higher than the outer diameter of thelocking pin 212. With this arrangement thelocking pin 212 can easily be urged into thelocking recess 216 in case therotor hub 20 is close to or in a correct position for locking. - Typical embodiments include a rotor-lock with a locking mechanism including a locking pin and a locking recess. Further embodiments include a rotor-lock with a locking plate which may be urged into a locking nut. Exemplary embodiments include one rotor-lock; other exemplary embodiments include two or more rotor-locks to enhance the load limit of the lock. Different types of rotor-locks are combined in exemplary embodiments. Typical rotor locks include an actuator such as a motor or a solenoid for moving a locking pin or a locking plate. Further embodiments include a manually actuated rotor lock.
- The embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 includes a rotor-brake 220. The rotor-brake 220 of the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 3 is a disk brake allowing a considerable amount of slip in case a load limit for slipping is reached. Both the rotor-lock 210 and the rotor-brake 220 are fixed to a nacelle of the wind turbine. In embodiments, the rotor brake and the rotor lock are arranged at the low-speed shaft of the gearbox or between the rotor and the gearbox of the wind turbine. In embodiments, the rotor-brake, the rotor lock or both may be at the high-speed shaft of a gearbox or between the gearbox and the generator of the wind turbine. - The sum of a brake clearance of the rotor-
brake 220 and a brake deflection at maximum brake load of the rotor-brake 220 is usually smaller than the sum of a lock clearance and a lock deflection at maximum lock load of the rotor-lock 210. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 3 the sum of the lock clearance and the lock deflection at maximum lock load is 2.0 or at least 2.0 times the sum of the brake clearance of the rotor-brake 220 and the brake deflection at maximum brake load. Further embodiments comprise a rotor lock and a rotor brake, wherein the sum of the lock clearance and the lock deflection at maximum lock load is at least 2.5 or at least 3.0 of the sum of the brake clearance of the rotor-brake 220 and the brake deflection at maximum brake load. - With the sum of a brake clearance of the rotor-brake and a brake deflection at maximum brake load being smaller than two times the sum of a lock clearance and a lock deflection at maximum lock load of the rotor-lock, it is possible to use the rotor-lock and the rotor-brake in parallel for a maximum load. Such maximum load cases may be a extreme event load. Such an extreme event load may by way of example include wind conditions, grid failures, turbine malfunctioning and maintenance conditions. Typically, load cases are defined per regulations. As an example, the IEC 61400 guideline may be named. It shows several Design Load Cases (DLCs), wherein also extreme wind conditions including storms, gusts and wind direction changes, also in combination with the parked position, are named. With clearance combinations of typical embodiments, the rotor-lock, the rotor-brake or both may be smaller compared to other wind turbines. The brake clearance of the rotor-brake refers to the amount of rotation which is necessary before the rotor-brake has an effect. The brake deflection at maximum brake load depends on the stiffness of the rotor-brake and the stiffness of the mounting of the rotor-brake in the nacelle. The lock clearance depends mainly on the type of the rotor-lock. Exemplary embodiments having a rotor-lock with a locking pin have a lock clearance depending on the difference of the diameters of the locking recess and the locking bolt. Again, the lock deflection at maximum lock load depends on the rotor-lock and the mounting of the rotor-lock in the nacelle. One possibility used in embodiments to manipulate the sum of the lock clearance and the lock deflection is to vary the lock clearance. This can be done by reducing the diameter of the locking bolt. Another possibility is to enlarge the diameter of the lock recess. Furthermore, the mounting of the rotor-brake can be made very stiff to reduce the brake deflection at maximum brake load. Typically, the maximum brake load refers to the load at which slipping occurs. This load can also be referred to as the slip load of the rotor-brake.
- The rotor-
brake 220 and the rotor-lock 210 are controlled bycontrol unit 230. Typical embodiments comprise acontrol unit 230 arranged in a housing of a control system of the wind turbine. The control system is used for controlling at least a part of the main functions of the wind turbine. Thecontrol unit 230 as a part of the control system coordinates the actions of the rotor-lock 210 and the rotor-brake 220. Typical embodiments include a control unit for positioning of the rotor in a locking position, inserting the rotor lock, forcing the rotor to turn in a first direction and applying the rotor-brake. - The rotor-lock of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 includes a positioning member for positioning the shaft in a pre-determined angular position within the locking clearance of the rotor-lock 210. The locking clearance of the rotor-lock 210 is based on a flexible support of thelocking pin 212 in the lockingactuator 214. In detail, aflexible support 240, including two O-rings, is used to fix thelocking pin 212 in the lockingactuator 214. By doing so, the rotor is positioned in a middle position by theflexible support 240 in case no torque acts on the rotor. Typical methods of embodiments include a positioning of the rotor such that the locking pin may be shifted into the locking recess. Then, the torque is released and the rotor is positioned in a selectable angular position by the flexible supports. Afterwards, the rotor-brake is applied. In case of an extreme load, the torque is firstly acting on the brake and on the flexible support. At a certain load, further movement of the locking pin is blocked. The movement of the locking pin may be blocked by an end stop of the flexible support or by the housing of the locking actuator. Then, both the rotor-brake and the rotor-lock act together to withstand the high torque. - Typical embodiments comprise a flexible support for a locking pin of the rotor-lock. The flexible support represents a positioning member for positioning the shaft in a selectable angular position. Some embodiments include a flexible support for positioning the shaft in a middle position of the locking clearance of the rotor-lock. Other embodiments include a positioning member for positioning the shaft in an asymmetric position of the locking clearance of the rotor-lock. By doing so, asymmetric maximum loads on the rotor may be addressed. Further typical embodiments of fixation devices include a locking-pin with a flexible portion for engaging with a locking recess of the rotor-lock. The flexible portion may be used as positioning member for positioning the shaft in a selectable angular position within the locking clearance of the rotor-lock. Furthermore, the locking pin includes a stiff portion for an engagement with the locking recess of the rotor-lock only above a threshold torque. The terms “flexible” and “rigid” have to be construed as relative terms. The term “flexible” denotes typically a member being at least twice as flexible as the “rigid” member. Typical flexible members like flexible supports, or like flexible portions, include plastics or synthetic materials, wherein typical rigid elements or rigid portions include metal, steel or metal alloys. Typical flexible members provide a shape which allows a flexible reaction. Typically, the positioning member comprises a spring member for a flexible positioning of the shaft and the selectable angular position. By doing so, no additional energy must be expended for positioning the shaft in the selectable angular position.
- In
FIG. 4 , theactuator 214 with a part of thelocking pin 212 ofFIG. 3 is shown in more detail. InFIG. 4 , aframe 244 of the rotor-lock 210 is shown. Theframe 244 maybe moved by control of thecontrol unit 230 to retract or to engage thelocking pin 210. Thelocking pin 210 is of rigid material wherein theflexible support 240 includes O-rings of flexible material. Theframe 244 may be retracted or moved in the direction of anarrow 246 depicting the direction of movement. Thelocking pin 210 has a constant diameter for engagement with the locking recess. - Typical embodiments comprise a locking pin with a constant diameter or a constant profile over an engagement region of the locking pin. Further typical embodiments of fixation devices of wind turbines include a locking pin with a conical pin surface or a stepped pin surface. Typically, the positioning member includes a positioning region and a locking region for an engagement with a locking recess. The positioning member may be construed as being part of a locking pin or a locking bolt. The positioning region is typically a region used for positioning the rotor in a selectable angular position. In case of a conical pin, the region with the larger diameter may be used for an engagement with a locking recess such as a locking hole or a locking groove, wherein the region with the smaller diameter may be used as the locking region for providing a bigger locking clearance. Typically, the positioning clearance is smaller than the lock clearance. Typical embodiments comprise positioning members having a positioning clearance which is only half or only one fifth or only one tenth of the lock clearance. Such proportions may be achieved by using conical or stepped pins or by using flexible supports for the pin or by other measures described herein. Typical positioning members include the locking pin. Typically, the positioning member and the locking pin are realized in one part or one group of elements of the fixation device on the wind turbine. Typically, the pin or the locking pin of the positioning member provides a profile providing a positioning region and a locking region. Such profiles may be chosen from a step profile or a tapered or a conical profile. By using a locking pin with a step profile or a tapered or conical profile different positioning and locking clearances may be achieved with minimal effort. By doing so, the rotor-lock and the rotor-brake may be used together in an optimal combination.
- In
FIG. 5 , atapered locking pin 250 is shown. Theconical locking pin 250 may be used with the embodiment shown inFIG. 3 . However, since the conical locking pin comprises a positioning region with a larger diameter of the conical surface and a locking region with the smaller diameter of the conical surface of the conical locking pin, the flexible support shown inFIG. 3 may be omitted. However, also a combination of the flexible support with the conical locking pin is used in typical embodiments. - In
FIG. 6 , a stepped lockingpin 260 is shown. The stepped lockingpin 260 is shown in a side view and a front view. The stepped lockingpin 260 includes apositioning region 262 with a larger diameter and alocking region 264 with a smaller diameter. By pushing the stepped lockingpin 260 completely into a hole of the rotor-lock, thepositioning region 262 gets in engagement with the hole. By doing so, the rotor is positioned in a selectable angular position. - Typical embodiments comprise a method, wherein after applying the positioning member, it is waited until the rotor is in a selected or a selectable position. The term “waiting” typically includes a forcing of the rotor to move in the selected position. In further typical embodiments during “waiting” it is just waited until the rotor reaches the selected position, e.g. by chance or by turning the rotor blades such that the wind drives the rotor in the selected position. Typical examples of forcing the rotor into a selected position include a turning of the rotor by hand, by an elastic member or by a generator used as a motor or other turning means. Then, the rotor-brake is supplied. After applying the rotor-brake, the rotor lock may be applied. One possibility is that the stepped locking pin is retracted, such that the locking region is in the region of the hole of the rotor-lock. Now, with the rotor-brake still in engagement, regular torque acting on the rotor or the shaft may be absorbed by the rotor-brake. In case the load excesses a selectable limit, namely the slipping limit of the rotor brake, the rotor lock gets in full engagement. In embodiments with a stepped locking pin, the locking region of the rotor-lock gets in engagement. By doing so, the forces or torques of the rotor-brake and the rotor-lock are added such that with this combination, the wind turbine may withstand higher loads.
- In
FIG. 7 , anelliptical locking pin 270 is shown in a front view. Theelliptical locking pin 270 includes an elliptical profile providing a locking region in the region of the elliptical profile with the smaller diameter. Theelliptical locking pin 270 may be used in connection with actuators which are not only capable of retracting or pushing the elliptical locking pin but also are of rotating theelliptical locking pin 270. In case theelliptical locking pin 270 is rotated, one may choose which one of the regions of thepositioning region 262 or lockingregion 264 gets in engagement with a recess or a hole of the rotor-lock. Further embodiments may use a cylindrical or conical pin where on one or two sides a shape is provided that is within the cylinder of cone and that has a locally larger radius than the cylinder or cone. - In typical embodiments, the positioning member is adjusted for a positioning of the shaft within a middle range between a first limit stop and a second limit stop of the rotor-lock. Further embodiments include a positioning member being adjusted for a positioning of the shaft outside of the middle range. Such a positioning may also be construed as an asymmetric positioning between the first limit stop and the second limit stop. Typically, the middle range is the middle third of the clearance between the first limit stop and the second limit stop. In further embodiments the middle range is 20% of the range between the first limit stop and the second limit stop. Typical flexible members, like a flexible support or a spring, are arranged for an exclusive engagement of the locking region of the locking pin, or of the locking pin itself with a locking stop in case of a torque of the shaft above a threshold torque. By doing so, the rotor is kept in a selectable angular position between different limit stops like the first limit stop and the second limit stop in case of small loads. The first limit stop and the second limit stop include the sides of a locking recess or of a locking hole. Further embodiments include different locking stops like noses or projections.
-
FIGS. 8 to 10 show a further embodiment of a fixation device for a wind turbine.FIG. 8 is an overview of a fixation device whereinFIG. 9 is a front view of a detail of the fixation device andFIG. 10 is a sectional view of a detail of the fixation device. - The fixation device of
FIG. 8 includes some similar points as the fixation device ofFIG. 3 . It should be noted that thelocking pin 212 of the fixation device ofFIG. 8 is only retractable in one direction by theactuator 214. Thelocking pin 212 is moveable for an engagement with apositioning disk 280 and alock disk 282. Thepositioning disk 280 may be construed as being the positioning member for positioning therotor 18. Thepositioning disk 280 and thelock disk 282 are mounted on therotor shaft 44. Thepositioning disk 280 includes positioning holes 284 wherein thelock disk 282 includes locking holes 286. The locking holes 286 of thelock disk 282 provide more slack or more locking clearance compared to the positioning clearance of the positioning holes 284 of thepositioning disk 280. Hence, by choosing the retracted position of thelocking pin 212, it is possible to engage the positioning hole 248 for positioning therotor 18 in a selectable angular position. By retracting the locking pin a bit the engagement with the positioning disk is released. However, the lockingpin 212 is still in a position for an engagement with thelocking disk 282. The rotor-brake 220 is actuated before the locking pin is retracted from thepositioning disk 280. Hence, therotor shaft 44 keeps its position. In case of a torque or load above a threshold, namely the slipping torque of the rotor-brake 220, the lockingpin 212 gets in engagement with the edge of thelocking hole 286 of thelock disk 282. By choosing the rotor-brake deflection and the clearance of the rotor-lock (lock disk 282 with locking pin 212) the rotor-brake 220 will be loaded first, reach its maximum torque and then starts to slip until the rotor-lock gets loaded. - Typical embodiments use lock disks with locking holes having a greater diameter or tangential clearance compared to the positioning holes. Further possible arrangements include slots in the lock disk. The
positioning disk 280, of typical embodiments, includes circular or conical holes. The holes in the positioning disk must not be lined with the holes of the locking disk exactly. By shifting the positioning hole with respect to the locking hole, the selectable angular position can be chosen outside of the centre of the clearance band of the locking clearance. Thereby, the fixation device benefits from asymmetric loads. Typically, most extreme loads on wind turbines are different and such asymmetric in both rotational directions. These are usually known by simulating different load conditions. Hence, usually it is known, in which direction the maximum torque is acting. Further embodiments of fixation devices of wind turbines include a spring between the rotor shaft and the positioning disk. With such a spring, a retraction of the locking pin from an engagement with the positioning disk may be omitted. Therefore, the locking pin may be left in the position for an engagement with the positioning disk. With this, the maximum torque of the rotor-lock may be enhanced. -
FIG. 9 andFIG. 10 are described in connection withFIG. 8 since the same parts and the same embodiment is shown inFIGS. 8 to 10 . -
FIG. 11 andFIG. 12 depict the torques of the rotor-brake and the rotor-lock for different load cases. The horizontal axis ofFIG. 11 and ofFIG. 12 depicts the shaft rotation, wherein the vertical axis represents the reacting torque, respectively.FIG. 11 relates to a positioning of the rotor in a middle position between the limit stops of the locking clearance.FIG. 12 relates to an asymmetric positioning of the rotor between the limit stops of the rotor-lock. Theline 400 inFIG. 11 shows the maximum load of the combination of the rotor-lock and the rotor-brake for the symmetric case. It should be noted, that the sum of the lock clearance and the lock deflection at maximum load (line 400) is more than twice the sum of the brake deflection and the brake clearance at maximum load. The torque acting on the rotor-brake is depicted byline 410, whereinline 420 relates to the torque acting on the rotor-lock. Theline 430 is the sum of the torques acting on the rotor-brake and the rotor-lock. For the asymmetric case inFIG. 12 , the angular position of the rotor at the beginning is near to one of the limit stops of the rotor-lock. Hence, the brake (line 410) is not at its full load, when the rotor-lock reaches its limit. The limit of the rotor-lock is depicted by lines 440. Due to the asymmetric arrangement, the maximum combined load is bigger in a first direction (402) than in the second opposite direction (line 403). - Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for wind turbines are described above in detail. The systems and methods are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of the systems and/or steps of the methods may be utilized independently and separately from other components and/or steps described herein. For example, the exemplary methods for locking or braking of wind turbines are not limited to practice with only the wind turbine systems as described herein. Rather, the exemplary embodiment can be implemented and utilized in connection with many other rotor blade applications.
- Although specific features of various embodiments of the invention may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the invention, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and/or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.
- This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. While various specific embodiments have been disclosed in the foregoing, those skilled in the art will recognize that the spirit and scope of the claims allows for equally effective modifications. Especially, mutually non-exclusive features of the embodiments described above may be combined with each other. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.
Claims (20)
1. A fixation device for fixing a shaft connecting a rotor and a generator of a wind turbine, the fixation device comprising:
a) a rotor lock for locking the shaft providing a locking clearance; and
b) a rotor brake for braking the shaft;
c) wherein the rotor lock is arranged for positioning the shaft in a selectable angular position within the locking clearance of the rotor lock.
2. The fixation device of claim 1 , wherein the rotor lock comprises a positioning member for positioning the shaft in the selectable angular position.
3. The fixation device of claim 2 , wherein the positioning member comprises a spring member for a flexible positioning of the shaft in the selectable angular position.
4. The fixation device of claim 2 , wherein the positioning member comprises a locking pin with a flexible portion for engagement with a locking recess of the rotor lock.
5. The fixation device of claim 4 , wherein the locking pin comprises a stiff portion for an engagement with the locking recess of the rotor lock only above a threshold torque.
6. The fixation device of claim 2 , wherein the positioning member comprises a flexible support for the locking pin of the rotor lock.
7. The fixation device of claim 2 , wherein the positioning member comprises a positioning disk with a positioning hole.
8. The fixation device of claim 7 , wherein the positioning disk with the positioning hole is arranged for an engagement of the positioning hole with the locking pin of the rotor lock.
9. The fixation device of claim 8 , wherein the positioning hole provides less clearance than the locking recess in case of an engagement with the locking pin.
10. The fixation device of claim 2 , the positioning member comprising a positioning region and a locking region for an engagement with a locking recess.
11. The fixation device of claim 2 , the positioning member comprising a pin with a profile selected from a stepped profile, an elliptical profile and a tapered profile.
12. The fixation device of claim 2 , wherein the positioning member provides a positioning clearance smaller than the lock clearance.
13. A method for locking a shaft of a wind turbine with a rotor lock for locking the shaft, a rotor brake for braking the shaft and a positioning member for a positioning of the shaft in a selectable position, the method comprising:
a) applying the positioning member;
b) waiting until the shaft is positioned in a selectable position by the positioning member;
c) applying the rotor brake; and,
d) applying the rotor lock.
14. The method of claim 13 , wherein the shaft is positioned in a selectable position within a middle range between a first limit stop and a second limit stop of the rotor lock using the positioning member.
15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the middle range is within the middle third of the clearance of the rotor lock.
16. A wind turbine comprising a rotor, a generator, a shaft for transmitting torque between the rotor and the generator, and a fixation device for fixing the shaft, the fixation device comprising:
a) a rotor lock for locking the shaft providing a lock clearance between a first limit stop and a second limit stop; and,
b) a rotor brake for braking the shaft;
c) wherein the rotor lock is arranged for positioning the rotor shaft within the lock clearance, wherein the positioning clearance is smaller than the lock clearance.
17. The wind turbine of claim 16 , wherein the rotor lock is adjusted for a positioning of the shaft within a middle range between the first limit stop and the second limit stop of the rotor lock.
18. The wind turbine of claim 16 , wherein a sum of the brake clearance and the brake deflection is smaller than half of the sum of the lock clearance and the lock deflection.
19. The wind turbine of claim 16 , wherein the rotor lock comprises a flexible member for a locking pin of the rotor lock.
20. The wind turbine of claim 19 , wherein the flexible member of the locking pin is arranged for an exclusive engagement with a locking stop in case of a torque of the shaft below a threshold torque.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/541,862 US20140010656A1 (en) | 2012-07-05 | 2012-07-05 | Fixation device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/541,862 US20140010656A1 (en) | 2012-07-05 | 2012-07-05 | Fixation device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140010656A1 true US20140010656A1 (en) | 2014-01-09 |
Family
ID=49878665
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/541,862 Abandoned US20140010656A1 (en) | 2012-07-05 | 2012-07-05 | Fixation device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20140010656A1 (en) |
Cited By (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20150260164A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2015-09-17 | Beijing Goldwind Science & Creation Windpower Equipment Co., Ltd. | Wind-Driven Generator and Impeller Locking Device for Wind-Driven Generator |
US20160039529A1 (en) * | 2014-08-11 | 2016-02-11 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Propeller safety for automated aerial vehicles |
US20160290318A1 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2016-10-06 | Wind-Direct Gmbh | Method for stopping a wind turbine and wind turbine for performing the method |
US20180038339A1 (en) * | 2015-02-17 | 2018-02-08 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Water flow power generator |
WO2018036595A1 (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2018-03-01 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Rotor lock system for a wind turbine |
US10671094B2 (en) | 2014-08-11 | 2020-06-02 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Virtual safety shrouds for aerial vehicles |
CN112041559A (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2020-12-04 | 乌本产权有限公司 | Generator of a wind energy installation, wind energy installation with such a generator, method for locking a generator and use of a locking device |
CN113007016A (en) * | 2021-03-05 | 2021-06-22 | 嘉兴学院 | Wind driven generator speed limiting device and using method thereof |
US11174839B2 (en) * | 2019-08-05 | 2021-11-16 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Turbine with smart pitch system and blade pitch lock assembly |
US11384740B2 (en) | 2019-10-15 | 2022-07-12 | General Electric Company | System and method for locking of a rotor of a wind turbine during extended maintenance |
US11434879B2 (en) * | 2018-08-31 | 2022-09-06 | LiftWerx Holdings Inc. | Rotor lock for 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 |
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 |
US20230250804A1 (en) * | 2022-02-08 | 2023-08-10 | Mark Daniel Farb | Coordinating blade orientation to optimize cluster power output |
US11831164B2 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-11-28 | Flower Turbines, Inc. | Dual channel controller for applying MPPT to an array of turbines |
US11885313B2 (en) | 2021-12-20 | 2024-01-30 | Flower Turbines, Inc. | Shaftless generator for a fluid turbine |
Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7397145B2 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2008-07-08 | S.B. Patent Holding Aps | Automatic braking and locking of a wind turbine |
US20080181761A1 (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-07-31 | Bradley Graham Moore | Methods and systems for turning rotary components within rotary machines |
US20080240922A1 (en) * | 2007-03-26 | 2008-10-02 | Repower Systems Ag | Connection of components of a wind turbine |
US20100194114A1 (en) * | 2007-06-18 | 2010-08-05 | Suzlon Windkraft Gmbh | Locking mechanism for a wind turbine |
US20100202884A1 (en) * | 2009-02-12 | 2010-08-12 | Nordex Energy Gmbh | Device for locking a rotor blade of a wind turbine |
US20100232978A1 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2010-09-16 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Rotor Lock for a Wind Turbine |
US20110123339A1 (en) * | 2009-11-26 | 2011-05-26 | Uffe Eriksen | Brake System for a wind turbine with integrated rotor lock generator and wind turbine |
US20110135481A1 (en) * | 2010-04-21 | 2011-06-09 | Koronkiewicz Michael S | Systems and methods for assembling a rotor lock assembly for use in a wind turbine |
US20110133476A1 (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2011-06-09 | Jacob Johannes Nies | Rotor support device and method for accessing a drive train of a wind turbine |
US20110138626A1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2011-06-16 | General Electric Company | Method and apparatus for mounting a rotor blade on a wind turbine |
US20110280725A1 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2011-11-17 | Clipper Windpower, Inc. | Long Term Rotor Parking on a Wind Turbine |
US20110316278A1 (en) * | 2008-12-23 | 2011-12-29 | Aerodyn Engineering Gmbh | Locking Device for the Rotor of Wind Turbines |
US20120045340A1 (en) * | 2010-08-20 | 2012-02-23 | AVAILON GmbH | Rotor locking device and method for locking a rotor of a wind turbine |
US20120073117A1 (en) * | 2010-09-23 | 2012-03-29 | Northern Power Systems, Inc. | Method and System for Maintaining a Machine Having a Rotor and A Stator |
US20120091724A1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2012-04-19 | Avantis Ltd. | Braking system of a generator of a wind turbine |
US20120131786A1 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2012-05-31 | Ulrich Neumann | Positioning system for use in wind turbines and methods of positioning a drive train component |
US20120133147A1 (en) * | 2011-10-11 | 2012-05-31 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Turning device for wind turbine rotor and wind turbine generator including the same |
-
2012
- 2012-07-05 US US13/541,862 patent/US20140010656A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7397145B2 (en) * | 2004-03-19 | 2008-07-08 | S.B. Patent Holding Aps | Automatic braking and locking of a wind turbine |
US20080181761A1 (en) * | 2007-01-26 | 2008-07-31 | Bradley Graham Moore | Methods and systems for turning rotary components within rotary machines |
US20080240922A1 (en) * | 2007-03-26 | 2008-10-02 | Repower Systems Ag | Connection of components of a wind turbine |
US20100194114A1 (en) * | 2007-06-18 | 2010-08-05 | Suzlon Windkraft Gmbh | Locking mechanism for a wind turbine |
US20110316278A1 (en) * | 2008-12-23 | 2011-12-29 | Aerodyn Engineering Gmbh | Locking Device for the Rotor of Wind Turbines |
US20110280725A1 (en) * | 2009-01-28 | 2011-11-17 | Clipper Windpower, Inc. | Long Term Rotor Parking on a Wind Turbine |
US20100202884A1 (en) * | 2009-02-12 | 2010-08-12 | Nordex Energy Gmbh | Device for locking a rotor blade of a wind turbine |
US20100232978A1 (en) * | 2009-03-13 | 2010-09-16 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Rotor Lock for a Wind Turbine |
US20120091724A1 (en) * | 2009-04-17 | 2012-04-19 | Avantis Ltd. | Braking system of a generator of a wind turbine |
US20110123339A1 (en) * | 2009-11-26 | 2011-05-26 | Uffe Eriksen | Brake System for a wind turbine with integrated rotor lock generator and wind turbine |
US20110135481A1 (en) * | 2010-04-21 | 2011-06-09 | Koronkiewicz Michael S | Systems and methods for assembling a rotor lock assembly for use in a wind turbine |
US20110133476A1 (en) * | 2010-04-29 | 2011-06-09 | Jacob Johannes Nies | Rotor support device and method for accessing a drive train of a wind turbine |
US20120045340A1 (en) * | 2010-08-20 | 2012-02-23 | AVAILON GmbH | Rotor locking device and method for locking a rotor of a wind turbine |
US20120073117A1 (en) * | 2010-09-23 | 2012-03-29 | Northern Power Systems, Inc. | Method and System for Maintaining a Machine Having a Rotor and A Stator |
US20110138626A1 (en) * | 2010-12-07 | 2011-06-16 | General Electric Company | Method and apparatus for mounting a rotor blade on a wind turbine |
US20120133147A1 (en) * | 2011-10-11 | 2012-05-31 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Turning device for wind turbine rotor and wind turbine generator including the same |
US20120131786A1 (en) * | 2011-11-18 | 2012-05-31 | Ulrich Neumann | Positioning system for use in wind turbines and methods of positioning a drive train component |
Cited By (27)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11041482B2 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2021-06-22 | Beijing Goidwind Science & Creation Windpower Equipment Co., Ltd. | Wind-driven generator and impeller locking device for wind-driven generator |
US20150260164A1 (en) * | 2012-11-29 | 2015-09-17 | Beijing Goldwind Science & Creation Windpower Equipment Co., Ltd. | Wind-Driven Generator and Impeller Locking Device for Wind-Driven Generator |
US20160290318A1 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2016-10-06 | Wind-Direct Gmbh | Method for stopping a wind turbine and wind turbine for performing the method |
US9777710B2 (en) * | 2013-03-18 | 2017-10-03 | Wind-Direct Gmbh | Method for stopping and locking a wind turbine rotor by short-circuiting generator stator windings |
US10780988B2 (en) * | 2014-08-11 | 2020-09-22 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Propeller safety for automated aerial vehicles |
US10671094B2 (en) | 2014-08-11 | 2020-06-02 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Virtual safety shrouds for aerial vehicles |
US11926428B2 (en) | 2014-08-11 | 2024-03-12 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Propeller safety for automated aerial vehicles |
US20160039529A1 (en) * | 2014-08-11 | 2016-02-11 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Propeller safety for automated aerial vehicles |
US10215150B2 (en) * | 2015-02-17 | 2019-02-26 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Water flow power generator |
US20180038339A1 (en) * | 2015-02-17 | 2018-02-08 | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. | Water flow power generator |
WO2018036595A1 (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2018-03-01 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Rotor lock system for a wind turbine |
US20190277254A1 (en) * | 2016-08-26 | 2019-09-12 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Rotor lock system for a wind turbine |
US10830209B2 (en) | 2016-08-26 | 2020-11-10 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | Rotor lock system 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 |
CN112041559A (en) * | 2018-02-28 | 2020-12-04 | 乌本产权有限公司 | Generator of a wind energy installation, wind energy installation with such a generator, method for locking a generator and use of a locking device |
US20220349388A1 (en) * | 2018-08-31 | 2022-11-03 | LiftWerx Holdings Inc. | Rotor lock for wind turbine |
US11434879B2 (en) * | 2018-08-31 | 2022-09-06 | LiftWerx Holdings Inc. | Rotor lock for wind turbine |
US11661924B2 (en) * | 2018-08-31 | 2023-05-30 | LiftWerx Holdings Inc. | Rotor lock for wind turbine |
US11174839B2 (en) * | 2019-08-05 | 2021-11-16 | Lockheed Martin Corporation | Turbine with smart pitch system and blade pitch lock assembly |
US11384740B2 (en) | 2019-10-15 | 2022-07-12 | General Electric Company | System and method for locking of a rotor of a wind turbine during extended maintenance |
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 |
CN113007016A (en) * | 2021-03-05 | 2021-06-22 | 嘉兴学院 | Wind driven generator speed limiting device and using method thereof |
US11885313B2 (en) | 2021-12-20 | 2024-01-30 | Flower Turbines, Inc. | Shaftless generator for a fluid turbine |
US20230250804A1 (en) * | 2022-02-08 | 2023-08-10 | Mark Daniel Farb | Coordinating blade orientation to optimize cluster power output |
US11891980B2 (en) | 2022-02-08 | 2024-02-06 | Flower Turbines, Inc. | Coordinating blade orientation to optimize cluster power output |
US11905929B2 (en) | 2022-02-08 | 2024-02-20 | Flower Turbines, Inc. | MPPT high level control of a turbine cluster |
US11831164B2 (en) | 2022-04-12 | 2023-11-28 | Flower Turbines, Inc. | Dual channel controller for applying MPPT to an array of turbines |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20140010656A1 (en) | Fixation device | |
US9470208B2 (en) | Wind turbine and locking method | |
US7944079B1 (en) | Systems and methods for assembling a gearbox handling assembly for use in a wind turbine | |
US9041237B2 (en) | Wind turbine drive train and wind turbine | |
EP2108825B1 (en) | System and method for reducing rotor loads in a wind turbine upon detection of blade-pitch failure and loss of counter-torque | |
US20110057451A1 (en) | Yaw bearing assembly for use with a wind turbine and a method for braking using the same | |
EP2416006B1 (en) | Yaw assembly for use in wind turbines | |
US8240995B2 (en) | Wind turbine, aerodynamic assembly for use in a wind turbine, and method for assembling thereof | |
EP2306002B1 (en) | Systems and methods for assembling a pitch control assembly for use in a wind turbine | |
US7828686B2 (en) | Yaw assembly for a rotatable system and method of assembling the same | |
US20110206510A1 (en) | Modular rotor blade and method for mounting a wind turbine | |
US9581137B2 (en) | Yaw brakes for wind turbines | |
US8696315B2 (en) | Hub for a wind turbine and method of mounting a wind turbine | |
EP2466124A2 (en) | Hydraulic yaw drive system for a wind turbine and method of operating the same | |
US20100143136A1 (en) | Systems and methods for assembling a pitch assembly for use in a wind turbine | |
US20110285056A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for producing a rotor blade | |
US10294920B2 (en) | Wind turbine and method for operating a wind turbine | |
EP2485385A2 (en) | Method and system for testing a mechanical brake of a wind rotor shaft of a wind turbine | |
US20200088163A1 (en) | Rotor arresting device for a wind turbine and method | |
US9523282B2 (en) | Start-up method for a wind turbine and a control assembly | |
EP4031763B1 (en) | Wind turbine yaw brake with anti-rotation bushing | |
KR20150019461A (en) | Wind-Electric Power Generation System and Driving Stop Method Thereof | |
KR20240013684A (en) | Device for aligning holes |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GE WIND ENERGY GMBH, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NIES, JACOB JOHANNES;REEL/FRAME:028501/0834 Effective date: 20120620 Owner name: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:GE WIND ENERGY GMBH;REEL/FRAME:028491/0361 Effective date: 20120621 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |