Reliable feathering tube for a blade feathering control system of a wind turbine

Abstract

The invention relates to a pitch tube (26) for a blade pitch control system of a wind turbine (10), the pitch tube being provided with a tube body (28) extending from a first axial end to a second axial end for passing a supply line through a gearbox (18), wherein the tube body (28) is made of a non-conductor material at least in an axial partial region for electrically insulating the first axial end from the second axial end and / or for electrically insulating the tube body (28) from the gearbox (18). The pitch tube (26) itself is electrically insulated due to the non-conductor material of the tube body (28), which allows the pitch tube (26) to pass through the gearbox (18) of the wind turbine (18) in a cost-effective and simple manner while ensuring electrical operating safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pitch tube that can be used to lead supply lines to the blade pitch control system of a wind turbine. The invention also relates to a drive system having such a pitch tube, a drivetrain having such a pitch tube, a wind turbine having such a pitch tube, and a data aggregate for virtually representing such a pitch tube for additive manufacturing and / or simulation purposes. Background Technology

[0002] In order to enable pitch control of the blades in a wind turbine, electrical and / or hydraulic supply lines are required to extend between the rotor and generator side connections. These supply lines are housed in a pipe called a pitch tube, which extends from the generator to the rotor. Specifically, the rotor and generator are coaxially arranged so that the pitch tube passes through the entire axial range of the drive connecting the rotor and generator, particularly coaxially with the drive.

[0003] As is known from EP 3 795 825 A1, a pitch tube is fixed to the planetary carrier of a planetary transmission of a wind turbine via a fixing device made of an electrical insulator, the fixing device being fastened to both the pitch tube and the planetary carrier.

[0004] As known from EP 3 795 862 A1, in the transmission of a wind turbine, a fixed device is used to fix the pitch tube, wherein an electrically insulating layer is provided between the fixed device and the pitch tube.

[0005] As can be seen from EP 3 094 861 B1, it is possible to use plastic to produce pitch tubes for wind turbines.

[0006] As can be seen from DE10 2016 202 735A1, in order to simplify the installation of the pitch tube, the pitch tube of the wind turbine is designed to be divisible.

[0007] It is always necessary to ensure that the pitch tube operates as reliably and cost-effectively as possible through the wind turbine's drivetrain. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to propose measures that enable the pitch tube to pass through the transmission of a wind turbine more reliably and cost-effectively.

[0009] This objective is achieved by a pitch tube having the features of claim 1, a transmission having the features of claim 13, and a data aggregate having the features of claim 15. Preferred improvements are specified in the dependent claims and the following description and may each represent an aspect of the invention individually or in combination. If a feature is shown in combination with another feature, this is only for the purpose of simplifying the description of the invention and in no way implies that the feature cannot be an improvement of the invention without the other feature.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a pitch tube for a blade pitch control system of a wind turbine, the pitch tube having a tube body extending from a first axial end to a second axial end, the pitch tube being used to allow a supply line to pass through a drive unit, wherein the tube body is constructed in multiple parts, wherein the tube body is made of a non-conductive material only in the axial portion region to electrically insulate the first axial end relative to the second axial end and / or to electrically insulate the tube body relative to the drive unit.

[0011] The non-conductive material of the tube body, acting as an electrical insulator, provides sufficient dielectric properties to safely prevent voltage flashover during normal wind turbine operation, even at the narrowest points between conductive components of the tube body and / or between the tube body and the drive unit. The current and / or stray current or leakage current induced by the generator in the pitch tube can reach at most the area before the region generated by the non-conductive material. Therefore, positioning the non-conductive material within the tube body ensures that the area affected by voltages and / or currents outside and / or inside the tube body is kept within a region where voltage flashover into the drive unit can be safely prevented. This thus avoids or at least reduces damage and / or harm to the drive unit caused by voltage flashover from the pitch tube.

[0012] Because the pitch tube itself provides electrical insulation, it is unnecessary to implement electrical insulation measures on drive components and / or connecting elements that form a rigid or relatively movable connection between the pitch tube and the drivetrain. In particular, the electrical insulation can be incorporated into the pitch tube as a separate pre-assembled building unit, thus simplifying and cost-effectively installing the pitch tube into the drivetrain. For example, multi-part connecting elements intended to provide electrical insulation within the drivetrain in typically inaccessible locations can be avoided. Therefore, the pitch tube can be installed in the drivetrain of a wind turbine with high reliability and speed, which is particularly advantageous for wind turbines intended for offshore use, as installation and maintenance times are highly dependent on suitable weather conditions and therefore typically only have short time windows available. Furthermore, the electrical insulation within the pitch tube can be positioned earlier in the current-carrying path between the generator and the drivetrain compared to connecting elements that are joined to the pitch tube and the drivetrain. This allows for electrical insulation between the generator and the transmission, even outside the transmission housing, ensuring that no voltage and / or current can enter the transmission's interior within the housing. Thanks to the non-conductive material of the tube body, the pitch tube itself is designed to be electrically insulated, thus enabling reliable electrical operation of the pitch tube through the wind turbine's transmission in a cost-effective and simple manner.

[0013] Because the non-conductive material is only used in the axial portion, the entire pitch tube is avoided from being manufactured using a non-conductive material. This allows for the very economical use of non-conductive materials, which are typically more expensive, compared to the conductive materials usually used in pitch tubes. In particular, since the non-conductive material serves as the dielectric between the conductive other areas, it is sufficient to provide the same non-conductive material specifically required for the electrical insulation of the axial portion. The majority of the pitch tube body can be made of a cost-effective conductive material. Therefore, production costs can be kept low.

[0014] The pitch tube has an axial extension sufficient to bridge the distance between the generator and the wind-driven rotor in the wind turbine. Preferably, the pitch tube penetrates not only the drive unit but also the generator along its entire axial extension. The associated wind turbine can be constructed for industrial power generation and is typically sized to have a nominal output of at least 2MW, preferably at least 5MW, and particularly preferably at least 15MW, and is specifically designed for offshore operation, meaning a corresponding proportion between the wind turbine components and the pitch tube and its body. In this case, a drive unit with two or more planetary-level segments connected axially is preferably axially positioned between the generator and the wind-driven rotor. The pitch tube can penetrate this drive unit and therefore has a larger axial extension than the drive unit housing for a wind turbine. Meanwhile, the pitch tube, particularly constructed as a hollow shaft, has a sufficiently large opening cross-section to accommodate electrical and / or hydraulic supply lines from the generator to the rotor, which are configured for operating blade pitch control and, in particular, can provide electrical or hydraulic actuation and / or transmit sensor signals. Here, the pitch tube has a wall thickness in the radial direction such that it can withstand the static loads of the pitch tube and the power and / or hydraulic supply lines. The maximum outer diameter of the pitch tube within the transmission is preferably chosen to be as small as possible to avoid unnecessarily obstructing the structural space within the transmission. Pitch tubes for wind turbines typically have a length L of 2.0m ≤ L ≤ 6.0m, particularly 2.5m ≤ L ≤ 5.0m, and preferably 3.0m ≤ L ≤ 4.5m. Pitch tubes for wind turbines typically have an outer diameter D of 12cm ≤ D ≤ 50cm, particularly 14cm ≤ D ≤ 30cm, and preferably 15cm ≤ D ≤ 20cm. Pitch tubes for wind turbines typically have an inner diameter D of 10cm ≤ D ≤ 45cm, particularly 12cm ≤ D ≤ 26cm, and preferably 13cm ≤ D ≤ 16cm. In addition, the pitch tube has appropriate connection techniques at the first and second axial ends, particularly connection techniques specifically designed for this purpose, for connecting the pitch tube to the generator or rotor.

[0015] The multi-part body of the pitch tube may, for example, have multiple fittings formed independently of each other and each capable of defining a radially internal space for electrical and / or hydraulic supply lines to the blade pitch control system, and can be continuously connected in the axial direction. Preferably, the electrical insulator is provided only in a precise portion of the axial range of the tube body, and therefore, other portions of the axial range of the tube body, different from this portion, can be made of a conductive material, such as steel, substantially without problem. The tube body may optionally be constructed in two or more layers radially along its entire axial range or only in at least one axial portion. For example, an outer tube made of electrical insulator may be attached to the outside of an inner tube of the tube body, wherein the inner tube is made of a conductive material. For example, a flexible hose made of electrical insulator may retract to the radially outward circumferential surface of the inner tube. In the installed state, a first axial end of the tube body may face the generator and protrude from or beyond the drive housing of the drive unit. In the installed state, a second axial end of the tube body may face the wind turbine rotor and protrude from or beyond the drive housing of the drive unit.

[0016] The non-conductive material in the axial region can be made of electrically non-conductive materials, such as polymeric electrical insulators, like thermoplastics. Specifically, the electrical conductivity of the non-conductive material is less than 10. -8 S / cm or resistivity greater than 10 8 Ωcm. Therefore, the current induced by the generator and / or stray or leakage current in the pitch tube cannot enter the drive and cause damage there. The non-conductive material can be made of a relatively rigid dielectric insulating material. This allows the generated forces to be absorbed via the non-conductive material. The non-conductive material can interrupt the electrical circuitry within the tube in the axial and / or radial directions, thereby preventing and / or shielding charge from entering the drive.

[0017] The axial portion of a multi-part tube made of a non-conductive material can be configured as a fitting that provides electrical insulation in the axial and / or radial directions. To achieve electrical insulation in the axial direction, the axial portion of the non-conductive material can be attached axially to a fitting made of a conductive material. The axial portion of the non-conductive material is preferably axially positioned between two fittings made of conductive material to electrically insulate the conductive fittings from each other using the non-conductive portion as a dielectric. To achieve electrical insulation in the radial direction, the axial portion of the non-conductive material can be configured as a fitting that can be attached to a fitting in a pitch tube made of a material other than conductive, particularly to provide electrical insulation relative to bearings and / or seals as a dielectric. Fittings made of non-conductive materials and providing axial portions of non-conductive material can have significant axial and / or radial extent to precisely absorb mechanical loads as if they were in the presence of at least one other conductive fitting. Therefore, the axial portion of the non-conductive material can be configured not only to be electrically insulating but also to dissipate loads.

[0018] In particular, the tube body has an insulating tube made of a non-conductive material, and a sleeve made of a material different from the non-conductive material, particularly steel, is provided on the radially outer side of the insulating tube to provide a support surface and / or a contact or non-contact sealing surface relative to the transmission device. If the non-conductive material has an unfavorable mating with the material of the transmission device components that can move relative to it, a sleeve surface more suitable for supporting and / or sealing the transmission device components that can move relative to the non-conductive material can be provided. This ensures that the non-conductive material provided for electrical insulation does not interfere with the support and / or sealing of the pitch tube within the transmission device. For this purpose, the material thickness of the insulating tube can be appropriately selected, at least in the axial region occupied together with the sleeve, to reliably prevent voltage flashover to the sleeve.

[0019] Preferably, the tube body has an inner tube made of a material different from that of a non-conductive material, particularly steel, and an insulating sleeve made of a non-conductive material on the radially outer side of the inner tube for providing a support surface and / or a contact or non-contact sealing surface relative to the transmission. This function can provide electrical insulation if the non-conductive material provides a sufficiently advantageous match with the transmission components that can move relative to it, and the function of providing support and / or sealing for the transmission components that can move relative to the non-conductive material can be combined in the insulating sleeve and thus constitute a single component. This utilizes the finding that the narrowest point between the transmission components and the inner tube is typically formed in the area of ​​the support and / or seal; therefore, to achieve sufficient electrical insulation, it is sufficient to provide an electrically insulating non-conductive material and an insulating sleeve designed for this purpose only in the portion of the pitch tube where the support and / or seal are located in the transmission. Outside this portion, a sufficiently large air gap can be formed between the inner tube and the transmission components, which provides sufficient electrical insulation even without the use of a non-conductive material. The thickness of the non-conductive material of the insulating sleeve can be appropriately selected to reliably prevent voltage flashover between the inner tube and the transmission components through the insulating sleeve. Furthermore, the axial range of the non-bulk electrical material of the insulating sleeve can be appropriately selected to reliably prevent axial voltage flashover between the inner tube and the transmission components through the insulating sleeve.

[0020] Different electrical insulation concepts can be provided in different axial regions. For example, sleeves or insulating sleeves can be provided at different support points between the pitch tube and the drive and / or at different sealing points between the pitch tube and the drive, especially depending on the primary boundary conditions. In particular, the sleeves or insulating sleeves can be used to interrupt currents that otherwise occur in the radial direction between the tube body and the drive.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the tube body has an insulating tube made of a non-conductive material and an inner tube made of a material different from the non-conductive material, particularly steel, wherein the insulating tube and the inner tube are continuously connected to each other in the axial direction. The insulating tube thereby interrupts current flowing into the tube body in the axial direction in other ways, so that even if the inner tube is positioned in the direction of the wind turbine rotor, current flowing into the transmission will not occur. Even in the event of metal / metal contact between the pitch tube and the transmission, the insulating tube positioned close to the generator reliably prevents current from flowing into the transmission.

[0022] Specifically, the insulating tube is disposed axially between the two inner tubes. This minimizes the amount of material in the non-conductive material, which reduces manufacturing costs while providing sufficient electrical insulation. Specifically, the pitch tube can be connected to the generator and the wind turbine rotor by means of inner tubes that are preferably metal, and insulating tubes spaced apart from both the first axial end and the second axial end of the tube body can be provided.

[0023] Preferably, the insulating tube and the inner tube are fixed together to prevent movement by means of flange connections. The flange connections can be achieved, in particular, by means of axial alignment devices, such as screws, which can be easily accessed by tools through the annular space formed between the pitch tube and the drive unit. This simplifies installation. Furthermore, a fixed connection between the insulating tube and the inner tube can be easily achieved, in which relative movement is impossible.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the insulating tube and the inner tube are connected to each other for axial fixation. Axial fixation forms an anti-loosening device that acts in the axial direction, thus reliably preventing disintegration of the tube body in the event of tensile forces acting in the axial direction. Particularly preferably, the axial fixation device is designed to be releasable, thus simplifying disassembly for maintenance purposes.

[0025] Specifically, the insulating tube and the inner tube are inserted into each other in the axial connection area. In this case, the axial portion of the insulating tube may wrap around the axial portion of the inner tube radially outward or vice versa. Furthermore, an axial stop can be formed to limit the insertion depth in a defined manner and achieve a predetermined axial range for the tube body. Moreover, installation is simple and quick.

[0026] Preferably, at least one axial fixing element is provided for axial fixation, particularly a radially extending connecting device in the connection area and / or a retaining ring and / or a slotted nut outside the connection area. The axial fixing element prevents axial relative movement of the insulating tube relative to the inner tube in the axial direction or simultaneously in both axial directions and prevents axial movement away. Therefore, axial disintegration of the interlocking parts can be avoided by force fit and / or form fit. Furthermore or alternatively, axial fixation can be provided by material bonding, for example, using an adhesive layer.

[0027] Particularly preferably, a sleeve made of a material different from that of a non-conductive material, particularly steel, is provided in the connection area to provide a support surface and / or a contact or non-contact sealing surface relative to the transmission device, and / or an insulating sleeve made of a non-conductive material is provided to provide a support surface and / or a contact or non-contact sealing surface relative to the transmission device. The sleeve or insulating sleeve attached to the connection area can compress those portions of the insulating tube and inner tube that overlap each other radially in the connection area and improve assembly. The sleeve and / or insulating sleeve can thus additionally achieve the function of connecting the insulating tube and inner tube to each other in a form-fitting manner.

[0028] Specifically, a clamping ring is provided in the connection area to press the insulating tube and the inner tube together, thereby securing them and preventing movement. The clamping ring, located in the connection area and designed, for example, in the form of a hose clamp, can compress the portions of the insulating tube and the inner tube that overlap each other radially in the connection area and improve assembly. Preferably, the clamping ring can be released again, thus simplifying the disassembly of the tube body for maintenance purposes.

[0029] Preferably, the axial portion region made of a non-conductive material is configured as a load-dissipating fitting for a multi-part tubing. The fitting, made of a non-conductive material and providing an axial portion region made of a non-bulk electrical material, can have a significant axial and / or radial range to precisely absorb mechanical loads as in at least one other conductive fitting. Therefore, the axial portion region made of a non-conductive material can be configured not only to be electrically insulating but also to dissipate loads.

[0030] Another aspect of the invention relates to a transmission for a wind turbine, wherein the transmission has a pitch tube that can be designed and developed as described above, wherein, in particular, a first axial end of the tube body is located on the generator-side axial side of the transmission housing of the transmission, and / or a second axial end of the tube body is located on the rotor-side axial side of the transmission housing opposite to the generator-side axial side, protruding from the transmission housing. The transmission can be designed and developed, in particular, as described above. By means of a non-conductive material for the tube body, the pitch tube itself is designed to be electrically insulated, and thus the pitch tube can be reliably and cost-effectively operated electrically through the transmission of the wind turbine.

[0031] Preferably, the pitch tube is mounted and / or guided within the drive unit and / or drive unit housing to be rotatable relative to the drive unit and / or drive unit housing and axially movable relative to the drive unit / drive unit housing. This eliminates the need for torsional fixing to the drive unit components of the drive unit. For example, the pitch tube may be connected to a portion of the generator at a first axial end to rotate with it, while the pitch tube is connected to the rotor at a second axial end to rotate relative to the rotor. However, the pitch tube may also be connected to a portion of the rotor at a second axial end to rotate with it, while the pitch tube is connected to the generator at a first axial end to rotate relative to the rotor. In principle, the pitch tube may also be designed to be non-rotatable, particularly non-movable. In particular, for installation, axial relative movement of the pitch tube relative to the drive unit and / or relative to the drive shaft may be permitted, wherein the pitch tube is positioned in an axially defined manner in a final installation position in which the circumferentially fixed pitch tube is connected to the rotor and generator of the wind turbine. For example, the pitch tube may be fastened to the generator housing of the generator to rotate with it, thus eliminating the need for bearings relative to the rotor of the generator. The use of a non-rotatable pitch tube simplifies the cable routing through the transmission mechanism and makes it particularly reliable in operation.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention relates to a drivetrain for a wind turbine, comprising a rotor shaft connectable to a wind-driven rotor, a motor shaft for operation in generator mode, a transmission device that torque-transmittally connects the rotor shaft to the motor shaft and can be designed and developed as described above for converting torque and speed, and a pitch tube that passes through the transmission device in the axial direction and can be designed and developed as described above. The drivetrain can be designed and developed, particularly as described above. By means of a non-conductive material for the tube body, the pitch tube itself is designed to be electrically insulated, and therefore can reliably pass through the wind turbine drivetrain in an electrically efficient and simple manner.

[0033] Another aspect of the invention relates to a wind turbine for generating electricity from wind energy, comprising a rotor for providing torque from wind energy, a transmission coupled to the rotor and designed and developed as described above for converting the torque, and a generator for generating electrical energy from the torque introduced from the transmission, wherein the rotor, transmission, and generator are arranged coaxially with each other; and a pitch tube, designed and developed as described above, extends from the generator through the transmission to the rotor. The wind turbine can be designed and developed, in particular, as described above. By means of a non-conductive material for the tube body, the pitch tube itself is designed to be electrically insulated, and thus it is cost-effective and simple to reliably and electrically operate the pitch tube through the transmission of the wind turbine.

[0034] One aspect further relates to a data aggregate having data packets combined in a common file or distributed across different files for representing the three-dimensional design and / or interactions of all components provided in a pitch tube, which can be designed and developed as described above. The data packets are prepared, when processed by a data processing device for operating machine tools for additive manufacturing apparatuses, to perform additive manufacturing of the pitch tube components, particularly by 3D printing, and / or when performed by a data processing device for performing technical simulations, to perform functional simulations of the pitch tube and thus output simulation results generated in the process for further use, particularly for providing fatigue strength verification based on variable loads and / or variable temperature loads, and optionally comparing them with measurement data determined on a prototype of the apparatus actually manufactured according to the invention and / or the apparatus according to the invention. The data packets of the data aggregate are particularly suitable for the inventive construction of the corresponding aforementioned apparatus according to the invention, to adequately represent the inventive interactions of the components of the apparatus according to the invention during processing in the data processing device. Data packets can be stored, in particular, in a spatially distributed manner, but can be adapted to each other in such a way that, when all data packets are centralized in a common data processing device, the assembled data aggregate provides all the data required for additive manufacturing and / or for technical simulation of the device according to the invention by means of the data processing device. For example, the data packets are separate parts of a database, which are combined to form a data aggregate and adapted to each other with respect to their relative and / or absolute dimensions and / or material properties corresponding to the corresponding device according to the invention. The data aggregate can represent a virtual embodiment of the corresponding device according to the invention in a so-called "digital twin" manner, which allows for virtual investigation in the form of simulation or real objectification through additive manufacturing processes. For example, such a digital twin is shown in US 2017 / 286572A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] When the data processing apparatus of a machine tool processes a data aggregate, the apparatus according to the invention is manufactured such that after processing the data aggregate in the data processing apparatus, an apparatus according to the invention is obtained, at least in prototype form. Specifically, each data packet can represent individually executed components of various related apparatuses according to the invention, and thus the components can be readily assembled, practically and / or virtually, in their relative positions and / or relative mobility to achieve interactions crucial to the invention. In particular, different components of the respective apparatus can be individually and optionally produced of different materials by additive manufacturing using corresponding data packets and then assembled to form a prototype of the respective apparatus. Therefore, dividing the data of the data aggregate into different data packets allows for the sequential additive manufacturing of the components mentioned in the apparatus in the form of partial kits, which are movable relative to each other, prepared according to the invention for the interactions of components of a prototype to be assembled only temporarily, in order to solve the problem on which the invention is based.

[0036] Alternatively, during technical simulation, the data packets of the data aggregate in the virtual environment can be used to calculate and / or predict changes in the various components of the corresponding device and their interactions, physical states, and / or physical parameters over time according to different boundary conditions of the relevant device according to the invention, and continue to be used to check whether the device according to the invention is sufficiently suitable for its intended use based on the assumptions constructed and taking into account the effects of the assumption simulation. When the data aggregate is processed by a data processing device representing the simulation environment, the behavior of the device according to the invention can be studied, particularly taking into account the changing boundary conditions. This allows, for example, the study of the effects of centrifugal forces on the various components of the device according to the invention based on different static and / or dynamic loads and / or different operating temperatures, wherein such simulation results can be incorporated into the creation of fatigue strength verification. Preferably, the simulation results obtained after processing the data aggregate in the data processing device for the simulation environment are stored for comparison with measurement data determined on the device actually manufactured according to the invention and / or on a prototype of the device according to the invention. This makes it possible to evaluate the quality of the simulation results obtained by means of the data aggregate and / or, particularly in cases of particularly large deviations, identify measurement errors and / or erroneous measurements. Thus, the non-destructive quality control of the device according to the invention is simplified and improved.

[0037] Data aggregators can cost-effectively produce prototypes and / or computer-based simulations to study the functionality of rotating bodies and / or holding tools, identify problems in specific applications, and find improvement methods. Using data aggregators, solutions to the problems on which this invention is based can be easily and cost-effectively examined. Attached Figure Description

[0038] These and other aspects of the invention will be illustrated and clarified with reference to the embodiments described below. The various features disclosed in the embodiments may constitute an aspect of the invention individually or in combination. In the accompanying drawings:

[0039] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a wind turbine is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a wind turbine.

[0041] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the pitch tube of a wind turbine.

[0042] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the pitch tube of a wind turbine.

[0043] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of the pitch tube of a wind turbine, and

[0044] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the pitch tube of the wind turbine. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 The wind turbine 10 shown can be used to generate electricity from wind power. For this purpose, the wind turbine 10 has a rotor 12 that rotates when powered by wind. The rotor 12 is coupled to a drivetrain 14. For this purpose, the rotor 12 is connected to a rotor shaft 16, which is connected within the drivetrain 14 to a transmission 18 to convert the torque introduced via the rotor 12 and rotor shaft 16. The torque converted in the transmission 18 is supplied via a motor shaft 19 to an electric motor operating in generator mode, which can form a generator 20. The electrical energy generated by the electric motor can be supplied to a rechargeable battery and / or the power grid. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the drivetrain 14 is fully housed in a compartment 22 attached to the upper free end of a fixed tower 24. The rotor 12, transmission 18, and generator 20 can be coaxially arranged with each other and preferably can extend at an angle to the horizontal.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, the pitch tube 26 extends through the generator 20 and the drive unit 18 to the rotor 12, enabling the transmission of electrical and / or hydraulic power lines to the rotor's blade pitch control system. The pitch tube 26 can be mounted and / or sealed to the rotor shaft 16 and the motor shaft 19 to be rotatable relative to these shafts. In one embodiment, particularly a one-piece tube body 28, it can be made entirely of a non-conductive material and can be supported and sealed by a metal sleeve 30 pressed against the tube body 28. In another embodiment, particularly a one-piece tube body 28, it can be made of a conductive material, such as steel, and to electrically insulate the drive unit 18 relative to the tube body 28, an insulating sleeve 32 made of a non-conductive material can be pressed against the tube body 28, and in addition to electrical insulation, the insulating sleeve can also support and / or seal the pitch tube 26.

[0047] Rotor shaft 16 can be connected to rotor 34 to rotate therewith, and the rotor interacts electromagnetically with stator 36 to form the electrical machinery of generator 20. Generator 20 can be directly adjacent to transmission housing 38 of transmission 18, such that the material of transmission housing 38 can also enclose the axial side of generator 20 facing transmission 18. Rotor shaft 19, which can be connected to rotor 12, is the input shaft of transmission 18, wherein, in the exemplary embodiment shown, transmission has a first planetary group 40 and a second planetary group 42 that are connected in the axial direction.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, the body 28 of the pitch tube 26 can also be made of multiple parts and manufactured as a composite of different materials. The body 28 may have a metal inner tube 44 and an insulating tube 46 made of a non-conductive material, which are continuously arranged in the axial direction and connected to each other. The insulating tube 46 provides an electrically insulating axial portion of the body 28, which prevents the transmission of voltage and current induced in the generator 20. Here, for example, the inner tube 44 may be inserted into the insulating tube 46 or vice versa. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a metal sleeve 30 may be provided in the axial connection region 48 where the portions of the inner tube 44 and the insulating tube 46 are continuously arranged in the radial direction, the metal sleeve having a support surface 50 and / or a sealing surface 52 formed on its radial outer surface. The sleeve 30 may be axially secured, for example, by a retaining ring 56 inserted into the insulating tube 46. Preferably, the inner tube 44 and the insulating tube 46 are axially and securely connected to each other by a radially extending connecting device 54, in particular a pin. In particular, at least one connecting device 54 is radially covered on the outside by the sleeve 30. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the insulating tube 46 is disposed on the axial side facing the generator 20, while the inner tube 44 is disposed on the axial side facing the rotor 12, although the opposite arrangement is also possible. This even allows a conductive path to be formed between the inner tube 44 and the sleeve 30 via the connecting device 54, because the axial extension of the insulating tube 46 is sufficient to provide electrical insulation between the generator 20 and the sleeve 30. Therefore, direct contact between the sleeve 30 and the connecting device 54 that contacts the inner tube 44 is permitted, thus simplifying manufacturing and installation. In particular, a clamping ring can be used instead of the sleeve 30, such that when the clamping ring is tightened, it can drive the connecting device 54 radially inward into the inner tube 44 to pin the insulating tube 46 to the inner tube 44.

[0049] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment of the pitch tube 26 shown, with Figure 3 Compared to the embodiment of the pitch tube 26 shown, in the connection region 48, only an insertion connection is provided between the inner tube 44 and the insulating tube 46. The connection between the inner tube 44 and the insulating tube 46 can be achieved by force fit (e.g., by pressure fit between the inner tube 44 and the insulating tube 46 in the connection region), and / or material bonding (e.g., by an adhesive layer between the inner tube 44 and the insulating tube 46 in the connection region), and / or form fit (e.g., as a latching connection).

[0050] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment of the pitch tube 26 shown, with Figure 3Compared to the embodiment of the pitch tube 26 shown, the insulating tube 46 is arranged axially between two inner tubes 44 inserted mirror-to-each other. In this case, a common, particularly insulating, sleeve 30 can be provided to cover all the connecting devices 54, or in each case, individual sleeves 30 can be provided, which can be arranged directly and continuously in the axial direction. In the exemplary embodiment shown, one sleeve 30 can form a bearing surface 50, while the other sleeve forms a sealing surface 52, thus making it easy and cost-effective to provide different surface qualities and optimize for the respective purpose.

[0051] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment of the pitch tube 26 shown, with Figure 5 Compared to the embodiment of the pitch tube 26 shown, the insulating tube 46 is connected to the inner tube 44 via flange connections 58. In this case, the respective flange connections 58 are positioned at different radii, such that the material of the insulating tube 46 can provide sufficient electrical insulation between the fastening devices of the respective flange connections 58.

Claims

1. A pitch tube (26) for a blade pitch control system of a wind turbine (10), having A tube (28) extending from a first axial end to a second axial end for passing a supply line through a drive (18). Its features The tube (28) is composed of multiple parts: The tube body (28) is made of a non-conductive material only in the axial portion region, so that the first axial end is electrically insulated from the second axial end and / or the tube body (28) is electrically insulated from the transmission device (18). The tube body (28) has an inner tube (44) made of a material different from the non-conductive material, and an insulating sleeve (32) made of a non-conductive material is provided on the radially outer side of the inner tube (44) for providing a support surface (50) and / or a contact or non-contact sealing surface (52) relative to the transmission device (18).

2. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 1, wherein, The tube body (28) has an insulating tube (46) made of a non-conductive material, and a sleeve (30) made of a material different from the non-conductive material on the radially outer side of the insulating tube (46) for providing a support surface (50) and / or a contact or non-contact sealing surface (52) relative to the transmission device (18).

3. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 2, wherein, The sleeve (30) is made of steel.

4. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 1, wherein, The inner tube (44) is made of steel.

5. The pitch tube (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The tube body (28) has an insulating tube (46) made of the non-conductive material, wherein the insulating tube (46) and the inner tube (44) are continuously connected to each other in the axial direction.

6. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The inner tube (44) is made of steel.

7. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The insulating tube (46) is disposed between the two inner tubes (44) along the axial direction.

8. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The insulating tube (46) and the inner tube (44) are connected to each other by a flange connector (58) to fix them in place and prevent movement.

9. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The insulating tube (46) and the inner tube (44) are connected to each other for axial fixation.

10. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 5, wherein, The insulating tube (46) and the inner tube (44) are inserted into each other in the axial connection region (48).

11. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 10, wherein, At least one axial fixing element is provided for axial fixation.

12. The pitch tube (26) according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one axial fixing element is selected as a radially extending connecting device (54) located in the connecting area (48) and / or a retaining ring (56) and / or a slotted nut outside the connecting area (48).

13. The pitch tube (26) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, A sleeve (30) made of a material different from the non-conductive material is provided in the connection area (48) to provide a support surface (50) and / or a contact or non-contact sealing surface (52) relative to the transmission device (18); and / or an insulating sleeve (32) made of a non-conductive material to provide a support surface (50) and / or a contact or non-contact sealing surface (52) relative to the transmission device (18).

14. The pitch tube (26) according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, A clamping ring is provided in the connection area (48) to press the insulating tube (46) and the inner tube (44) together to fix them in place and prevent movement.

15. The pitch tube (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The axial portion region, made of a non-conductive material, is configured as a load-dissipating fitting for the multi-part tube body (28).

16. A transmission device (18) for a wind turbine, wherein, The transmission device (18) has a pitch tube (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The transmission device (18) according to claim 16, wherein, The first axial end of the tube (28) located on the generator side axial side of the transmission housing (38) of the transmission device (18) and / or the second axial end of the tube (28) located on the rotor side axial side of the transmission housing (38) opposite to the generator side axial side protrudes from the transmission housing (38).

18. The transmission device (18) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The pitch tube (26) is installed and / or guided in the transmission device (18) to be able to rotate relative to each other and to be able to move relative to each other axially.

19. A data aggregate having data packets, said data packets being combined in a common file or distributed across different files for representing the three-dimensional design and / or interaction of all components provided in the pitch tube (26) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein, The data packet is prepared as follows: The components of the pitch tube (26) are prepared for additive manufacturing when the data processing device processes the data for use in operating the additive manufacturing machine tools for the device. And / or The data is processed by a data processing device for technical simulation to simulate the operation of the pitch tube (26) and the simulation results generated in the process are output for further use.

20. The data aggregate according to claim 19, wherein, The components of the pitch tube (26) are additively manufactured by 3D printing.

21. The data aggregate according to claim 19, wherein, The simulation results are output to provide fatigue strength verification based on variable loads and / or variable temperature loads.

Images