Hydraulic yaw system, method and wind turbine for a wind turbine

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of wind turbines and provides a hydraulic yaw system, method, and wind turbine generator set, including an outer ring, an inner ring, an upper end cover, and a lower end cover. The upper end cover, inner ring, and lower end cover are fixedly connected, and the outer ring is sleeved on the outside of the inner ring. The outer ring of the inner ring has multiple slots, and blades are installed in the slots. The outer ring has an elliptical inner ring, and radially penetrating oil inlet and outlet channels are provided on the circumferential side of the outer ring. The oil inlet and outlet channels are symmetrical with respect to the major axis of the elliptical inner ring. High-pressure oil entering the hydraulic yaw system drives the blades to rotate, causing the inner ring to drive the connected upper and lower end covers to rotate relative to the outer ring around an axis. This invention achieves the yaw action of the wind turbine by driving the main frame to rotate around the tower axis with hydraulic oil, eliminating the need for a yaw drive in conjunction with a gear ring and brake, thus saving the cost of yaw drive, gear ring, and brake.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of wind turbine technology, specifically relating to a hydraulic yaw system, method, and wind turbine generator set for wind turbines. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to the present invention and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] The yaw mechanism of a wind turbine, also known as a wind-aligning device, functions to automatically adjust the direction of the wind turbine rotor according to the wind direction when the wind speed vector changes. This ensures the rotor faces the wind, maximizing power generation efficiency. Especially when the wind direction changes, the yaw mechanism can respond quickly, allowing the rotor to turn promptly. Simultaneously, the yaw mechanism can control the rotor's direction, protecting it from adverse weather conditions such as crosswinds and storms, thus preventing damage to the wind turbine. Current yaw mechanisms primarily use a yaw motor to drive a yaw bearing or yaw gear ring to achieve yaw control, employing a brake in conjunction with the yaw motor for yaw braking. This approach is complex and costly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a hydraulic yaw system, method, and wind turbine generator set for wind turbines. This invention solves the problem of complex structure and high cost of existing wind turbine yaw devices, and proposes a hydraulic yaw device for wind turbines that integrates yaw and braking functions.

[0005] According to some embodiments, the first aspect of the present invention provides a hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine includes an outer ring, an inner ring, an upper end cover, and a lower end cover; the upper end cover, the inner ring, and the lower end cover are fixedly connected, and the outer ring is sleeved on the outside of the inner ring.

[0007] The inner ring and outer ring are provided with multiple slots, and blades are installed in the slots;

[0008] The outer ring has an elliptical inner ring, and the outer ring has a radially penetrating oil inlet channel and a radially penetrating oil outlet channel on its side; the oil inlet channel and the oil outlet channel are symmetrical with respect to the major axis of the elliptical inner ring.

[0009] Furthermore, the upper end cover has an annular symmetrical stepped structure, and the inner side of the annular upper end cover is provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed upper end cover connection holes.

[0010] The lower end cover has a ring-shaped symmetrical stepped structure, and the inner side of the ring of the lower end cover is provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed lower end cover connection holes.

[0011] Furthermore, the number of connecting holes on the upper end cover is the same as the number of connecting holes on the lower end cover;

[0012] The upper and lower end caps are connected by an upper end cap connection hole and a lower end cap connection hole, and the inner ring is fixed between the upper and lower end caps using a connector.

[0013] Furthermore, the inner ring has a ring-shaped symmetrical structure, and the inner ring has a plurality of circumferentially distributed end cap connection holes on its inner ring side.

[0014] The number of end cap connection holes is the same as the number of upper end cap connection holes and lower end cap connection holes.

[0015] Furthermore, both the upper and lower surfaces of the outer ring are provided with annular sealing grooves;

[0016] The outer ring is sealed by two annular sealing grooves that cooperate with the upper and lower end caps respectively.

[0017] Furthermore, the annular outer side of the upper end cover is provided with multiple main frame connection holes;

[0018] The lower end face of the outer ring is provided with multiple tower connection holes.

[0019] Furthermore, there are two oil inlet channels and two oil outlet channels;

[0020] The two oil inlet channels are symmetrical with respect to the center of the elliptical inner ring;

[0021] The two oil outlet channels are symmetrical with respect to the center of the elliptical inner ring.

[0022] Furthermore, sliding pads are fixedly connected to both the upper and lower surfaces of the outer ring.

[0023] According to some embodiments, a second aspect of the present invention provides a hydraulic yaw method for a wind turbine, employing the following technical solution:

[0024] A method for operating a hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine generator involves using high-pressure oil entering the hydraulic yaw system to drive the blades to rotate, causing the inner ring to drive the connected upper and lower end caps to rotate relative to the outer ring around an axis.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the third aspect of the present invention provides a wind turbine generator set, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0026] A wind turbine generator set includes a tower and a main frame, and also includes a hydraulic yaw system for the wind turbine generator as described in the first embodiment, wherein the hydraulic yaw system is fixedly connected to the main frame via the outer side of the upper end cover.

[0027] The hydraulic yaw system is fixedly connected to the tower via the lower end face of the outer ring.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0029] The hydraulic yaw device of this invention can connect the tower and the main frame and drive the main frame to rotate around the tower axis through hydraulic oil to realize the yaw action of the wind turbine. It eliminates the need for a yaw drive, gear ring and brake to perform yaw, saving the cost of yaw drive, gear ring and brake. At the same time, it can also eliminate the yaw drive gear ring and brake interface on the main frame, simplifying the main frame structure and thus reducing the cost of the main frame. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an improper limitation of the invention.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of a hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a left view of the overall structure of a hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Sectional view of AA in the middle;

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the middle section (BB);

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the upper cover structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 CC section view;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the lower end cap structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view of DD in the middle;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the inner ring structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 10 This is a top view of the upper surface of the outer ring in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of the lower end of the outer ring in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 12 This is a left view of the outer ring in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic circuit in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 15 This is a safety schematic diagram of the hydraulic yaw system for wind turbines in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] In the diagram: 1-Upper end cover, 2-Lower end cover, 3-Inner ring, 4-Outer ring, 5-Sliding pad, 6-Blade, 601-Blade No. 1, 602-Blade No. 2, 603-Blade No. 3, 604-Blade No. 4, 605-Blade No. 5, 606-Blade No. 6, 607-Blade No. 7, 608-Blade No. 8, 609-Blade No. 9, 610-Blade No. 10, 611-Blade No. 11, 612-Blade No. 12, 7-Oil inlet, 8-Oil outlet, 9-Rubber block, 10-End cover connecting bolt, 11-Sliding pad connecting bolt, 12-Washer;

[0047] a-Main frame connection hole, b-Upper end cover connection hole, c-Lower end cover connection hole, d-End cover connection hole, e-Slot, f-Annular sealing groove, g-Sliding liner connection bolt through hole, h-Tower connection hole, j-Oil inlet channel, k-Oil outlet channel; E-Main frame, F-Tower. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0049] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0050] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0051] Where there is no conflict, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0052] Example 1

[0053] This embodiment provides a hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine, including an outer ring 4, an inner ring 3, an upper end cover 1, and a lower end cover 2; the upper end cover 1, the inner ring 3, and the lower end cover 2 are fixedly connected, and the outer ring 4 is sleeved on the outside of the inner ring 3;

[0054] The inner ring 3 has multiple slots e on its outer ring, and blades 6 are installed in the slots e.

[0055] The outer ring 4 has an elliptical inner ring, and the outer ring side is provided with a radially penetrating oil inlet channel and a radially penetrating oil outlet channel; the oil inlet channel and the oil outlet channel are symmetrical with respect to the major axis of the elliptical inner ring.

[0056] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the hydraulic yaw system has a ring-shaped symmetrical structure, consisting of an upper end cover 1, a lower end cover 2, an inner ring 3, an outer ring 4, a sliding liner 5, a blade 6, an oil inlet 7, an oil outlet 8, a rubber block 9, an end cover connecting bolt 10, a sliding liner connecting bolt 11, and a washer 12.

[0057] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the upper cover 1 has a ring-shaped symmetrical stepped structure. The inner side of the ring of the upper cover 1 is provided with 8 circumferentially distributed upper cover connection holes b, and the outer side of the ring of the upper cover 1 is provided with 20 main frame connection holes a. The upper cover 1 is connected to the main frame E through connectors. It can be understood that the number of a and b can be selected as needed, and the connectors include, but are not limited to, bolts, rivets, etc.

[0058] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the lower end cover 2 has a ring-shaped symmetrical stepped structure, and the inner side of the ring of the lower end cover 2 is provided with 8 circumferentially distributed lower end cover connection holes c.

[0059] like Figure 9 As shown, the inner ring 3 has a ring-shaped symmetrical structure, with 8 circumferentially distributed end cap connecting bolt holes d and 12 slots e.

[0060] By aligning the upper end cap connecting hole b, the end cap connecting hole d, and the lower end cap connecting hole c, the upper end cap 1, the inner ring 3, and the lower end cap 2 are connected as a whole using the end cap connecting bolt 10 and the washer 12. It can be understood that the number of b, d, and c can be selected as needed, but the number of the three must be consistent.

[0061] like Figure 10 , Figure 11 as well as Figure 12As shown, the outer ring 4 has a ring-shaped symmetrical structure, and its inner ring is elliptical. The upper and lower end faces are provided with ring-shaped sealing grooves f, which cooperate with the upper end cover 1 and the lower end cover 2 respectively to seal.

[0062] The outer ring 4 has two radially penetrating oil inlet channels j and two radially penetrating oil outlet channels k on its side circumference for connecting the oil inlet port 7 and the oil outlet port 8. The two oil inlet channels are symmetrical with respect to the center of the elliptical inner ring; the two oil outlet channels are also symmetrical with respect to the center of the elliptical inner ring. The oil inlet is connected to the oil outlet port of the hydraulic pump station via a high-pressure pipeline, and the oil outlet is connected to the return oil port of the hydraulic pump station via a high-pressure pipeline.

[0063] The outer ring 4 has 8 sliding liner connecting bolt through holes g on the upper and lower end faces, and 20 circumferentially distributed tower connecting holes h on the lower end face. It is connected to the tower F by bolts. It can be understood that the number of g can be selected as needed.

[0064] The sliding pad 5 has a ring-shaped symmetrical structure with eight circumferentially distributed sliding pad connecting bolt holes. It is fixed to the upper and lower end faces of the outer ring 4 by the sliding pad connecting bolts 11 and washers 12. It can be understood that the connection method between the sliding pad and the outer ring includes, but is not limited to, bolt connection, pin connection, etc.

[0065] One side of the blade 6 is installed in the groove e of the inner ring 3. The rubber block 9 is installed between the groove e and the blade 6. Under the elastic action of the rubber block 9, the other side of the blade 6 is always in contact with the outer ring 4, so that when the inner ring drives the blade to rotate, the cavity formed by the adjacent blades and the outer ring is sealed and does not leak pressure until it rotates to the oil inlet or oil outlet. The shape of the groove e matches the shape of the blade 6.

[0066] It is understood that the hydraulic yaw system for the wind turbine also includes a yaw controller, which communicates with the central control center of the wind turbine. When the central control center detects a change in wind direction, it sends a yaw signal to the yaw controller. By adjusting the rotation direction of the yaw system, the direction of the wind turbine is automatically adjusted to ensure that the wind turbine faces the wind. The communication method between the central control center and the yaw controller, as well as the central control center's monitoring of the wind direction, are conventional technologies and will not be elaborated here.

[0067] Example 2

[0068] This embodiment provides a working method for a hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine. The high-pressure oil entering the hydraulic yaw system drives the blades to rotate, causing the inner ring to drive the upper and lower end caps connected to it to rotate relative to the outer ring around the axis.

[0069] High-pressure oil enters the hydraulic yaw device through the oil inlet, driving the blades, inner ring, upper end cover, and lower end cover to rotate around the axis relative to the outer ring. The oil is then discharged through the oil outlet. Since the upper end cover and outer ring are connected to the main frame and tower respectively, the yaw of the entire wind turbine can be realized. At the same time, the hydraulic yaw device can achieve the yaw braking function by controlling the opening and closing of the oil inlet and outlet.

[0070] like Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown, the hydraulic yaw system operates as follows: High-pressure oil enters the hydraulic yaw device through the inlet 7 and is then discharged through the outlet 8. At this time, blades 606 and 12 are located on both sides of the pressure chamber and are subjected to pressure oil, thus not generating torque. Blades 1 and 11 are subjected to pressure oil on one side, while the other side is located in the outlet chamber and subjected to low-pressure oil. Because the inner ring of the outer ring 4 is elliptical, the extension length of blade 1 601 is greater than that of blade 11 611. Therefore, the force-bearing area of ​​blade 1 601 is greater than that of blade 11 611, thus causing the inner ring 3 to generate a counterclockwise rotational torque.

[0071] Simultaneously, one side of blades 605 (number 5) and 607 (number 7) is subjected to pressurized oil, while the other side is located in the oil outlet chamber and subjected to low-pressure oil. Since the inner ring of outer ring 4 is elliptical, the extension length of blade 607 is greater than that of blade 605. Therefore, the force-bearing area of ​​blade 607 is greater than that of blade 605, thus also causing inner ring 3 to generate a counterclockwise rotational torque. At this time, inner ring 3 drives the connected upper end cap 1 and lower end cap 2 to rotate counterclockwise relative to outer ring 4 around the axis.

[0072] Similarly, if high-pressure oil enters the hydraulic yaw device through the oil outlet 8 and exits through the oil inlet 7, then blades two and eight are located on both sides of the pressure chamber and are subjected to pressure oil, thus not generating torque. Blades one and three are subjected to pressure oil on one side, while the other side is in the oil outlet chamber and subjected to low-pressure oil. Because the inner ring of the outer ring 4 is elliptical, the extension length of blade one 601 is greater than that of blade three 603. Therefore, the force-bearing area of ​​blade one 601 is greater than that of blade three 603, thus causing the inner ring 3 to generate a clockwise rotational torque.

[0073] Simultaneously, one side of blades 607 (number 7) and 609 (number 9) is subjected to pressurized oil, while the other side is located in the oil outlet chamber and subjected to low-pressure oil. Since the inner ring of outer ring 4 is elliptical, the extension length of blade 607 is greater than that of blade 609. Therefore, the force-bearing area of ​​blade 607 is greater than that of blade 609, thus causing inner ring 3 to generate a clockwise rotational torque. This allows inner ring 3 to drive the connected upper end cover 1 and lower end cover 2 to rotate clockwise relative to outer ring 4 around its axis.

[0074] Since the upper end cover 1 and the outer ring 4 are connected to the main frame E and the tower F respectively, the yaw of the entire wind turbine can be realized. When the oil inlet 7 and oil outlet 8 of the hydraulic yaw device are closed at the same time, the hydraulic oil cannot be discharged, all the blades are under pressure balance and cannot rotate, thus realizing the yaw braking function.

[0075] Example 3

[0076] like Figure 14 As shown, this embodiment provides a wind turbine generator set, including a tower F and a main frame E, and also includes a hydraulic yaw system for wind turbine generators as described in Embodiment 1. The hydraulic yaw system is fixedly connected to the main frame through the outer side of the upper end cover.

[0077] The hydraulic yaw system is fixedly connected to the tower via the lower end face of the outer ring.

[0078] While the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solutions of the present invention are still within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine generator, characterized in that, It includes an outer ring, an inner ring, an upper end cap, and a lower end cap; the upper end cap, the inner ring, and the lower end cap are fixedly connected, and the outer ring is sleeved on the outside of the inner ring; The inner ring has multiple slots on its outer ring. The inner ring has a symmetrical annular structure with 12 slots evenly distributed around its circumference. Blades are installed in the slots. The outer ring has an elliptical inner ring, and the outer ring has a radially penetrating oil inlet channel and a radially penetrating oil outlet channel on its circumferential side; the oil inlet channel and the oil outlet channel are symmetrical with respect to the major axis of the elliptical inner ring. The upper end cover has an annular symmetrical stepped structure, and the inner side of the annular upper end cover is provided with multiple circumferentially distributed upper end cover connection holes. The lower end cover has a ring-shaped symmetrical stepped structure, and the inner side of the ring of the lower end cover is provided with a plurality of circumferentially distributed lower end cover connection holes; the number of upper end cover connection holes is the same as that of lower end cover connection holes. The upper end cover and the lower end cover are connected by the upper end cover connection hole and the lower end cover connection hole, and the inner ring is fixed between the upper end cover and the lower end cover by the connector. The inner ring has a ring-shaped symmetrical structure, and the inner ring has multiple circumferentially distributed end cap connection holes on its inner side. The number of end cap connection holes is the same as the number of upper end cap connection holes and lower end cap connection holes; The upper and lower ends of the outer ring are both provided with annular sealing grooves; The outer ring is sealed by two annular sealing grooves that cooperate with the upper and lower end covers respectively; the outer annular side of the upper end cover is provided with multiple main frame connection holes; The lower end face of the outer ring is provided with multiple tower connection holes.

2. The hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, There are two oil inlet channels and two oil outlet channels; The two oil inlet channels are symmetrical with respect to the center of the elliptical inner ring; The two oil outlet channels are symmetrical with respect to the center of the elliptical inner ring.

3. The hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The upper and lower surfaces of the outer ring are both fixedly connected with sliding pads.

4. A method for operating a hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine generator according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The high-pressure oil entering the hydraulic yaw system drives the blades to rotate, causing the inner ring to drive the upper and lower end caps connected to it to rotate around the axis relative to the outer ring.

5. A wind turbine generator set, comprising a tower and a main frame, characterized in that, It also includes a hydraulic yaw system for a wind turbine as described in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the hydraulic yaw system is fixedly connected to the main frame via the outer side of the upper end cover; The hydraulic yaw system is fixedly connected to the tower via the lower end face of the outer ring.

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