Separation system and method for handling magnet elements of wind turbine generator components

Abstract

A separation system configured to process a magnet element (10) extracted from a wind turbine generator component is provided. Each magnet element (10) comprises at least one permanent magnet block (15) and a housing (11, 17) or support. The separation system (100) comprises: a transport system (50) configured to transport the magnet element (10) to the separation device (20); and a separation device (20) configured to separate the at least one permanent magnet block (15) of the magnet element (10) from the housing (11, 17) or the support. The separation system (100) is configured to receive and automatically and continuously process a plurality of magnet elements (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a separation system configured to process magnetic elements extracted from wind turbine generator components (such as generator rotors), and a corresponding method. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the size and output power of wind turbines have increased significantly. Modern high-power wind turbines include direct-drive wind turbines, in which the generator rotor is directly coupled to the wind turbine rotor without the intervention of a gearbox. Such direct-drive generators typically employ permanent magnets, which are usually located on the generator rotor. For an exemplary wind turbine, six tons of NdFeB (neodymium iron boron) permanent magnets may be used on the generator rotor.

[0003] For mounting and protection of the corresponding permanent magnet, the magnet is often provided by a housing, which may include a base plate and a cover, or only a support to which the base plate and cover are mounted. Mounting to the base plate or support can occur, for example, by means of adhesive. Such a housing including a base plate facilitates the handling of the permanent magnet and its mounting within generator components (such as on a rotor). For example, such a base plate can be inserted into a mounting slot or secured by fastening elements for mounting the magnet element to the generator components.

[0004] Document EP 2141092 A1 discloses a container for storing and transporting permanent magnets. The container includes an open space surrounded by a shell having a thickness that prevents the permanent magnet from coming close enough to other magnetic materials to exert a significant force on them.

[0005] The aim is to reuse permanent magnet materials, particularly to recover these materials at the end of the life of the corresponding wind turbine generator. In particular, the aim is to collect permanent magnet materials quickly and efficiently to provide efficient recycling of these materials. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to mitigate at least some of the drawbacks mentioned above and to provide an improved way to recycle permanent magnets from wind turbine generator components.

[0007] The features of the independent claims satisfy this requirement. The dependent claims describe embodiments of the invention.

[0008] According to embodiments of the present invention, a separation system configured to process magnetic elements extracted from wind turbine generator components is provided. Each magnetic element includes at least one permanent magnet block and a housing or support (such as a shell, cover, enclosure, etc.). The separation system includes: a transport system configured to transport the magnetic elements to a separation device; and a separation device configured to separate the at least one permanent magnet block of the magnetic element from the housing or support. The separation system is configured to receive and process multiple magnetic elements automatically and continuously.

[0009] Therefore, this system provides efficient and safe separation of magnetic components from their corresponding housings or supports. In particular, the safety of service personnel operating such a system is improved because human intervention may be unnecessary. Furthermore, large-scale processing becomes possible because the system can automatically and rapidly handle large numbers of magnetic components. Since the magnetic components are separated into their parts, recycling of both the permanent magnet blocks and the components of the housings or supports becomes feasible. Thus, environmentally friendly separation of key components can be achieved, preparing for magnet recycling and, in particular, realizing a corresponding circular economy. Such a system can, for example, allow processing up to or even more than 100 magnetic components per hour. Therefore, the system offers the possibility of large-scale recycling of different components of magnetic components from decommissioned generators (such as direct-drive generators of wind turbines). Conventionally, such disassembly is unnecessary, making a method for providing such efficient disassembly nonexistent in the prior art.

[0010] The system can specifically handle magnetic elements automatically by transporting the magnetic elements to a separation device and separating the permanent magnet block from the housing or support. The separation device can be configured, for example, to push, cut, squeeze, scrape, disassemble, or perform any other necessary operations for separating the at least one permanent magnet block from the housing or support.

[0011] In an embodiment, the separation system includes a holding device configured to retain the housing or support when the separation device is operated. Therefore, effective separation of the permanent magnet block from the housing or support can be achieved. For example, passive or active holding devices can be provided. Passive holding devices may be, for example, recesses, ridges, or other mechanical structures that secure the housing or support in the direction in which force is applied by the separation device to provide separation. Active holding devices may, for example, include pneumatically, hydraulically, or electrically operable clamps, vises, etc. Therefore, simple and efficient fixation of the magnetic element can be achieved.

[0012] The housing or support may be configured to be inserted into a wind turbine generator component. The housing of each magnet element may be specifically configured to enclose or support the at least one permanent magnet block when the magnet element is mounted on the wind turbine generator component (e.g., on or within the generator rotor of a (direct-drive) wind turbine generator). This may be implied by the fact that the magnet elements (including the housing or support) are extracted from the wind turbine generator component.

[0013] Each magnetic element may, for example, include a housing comprising a base plate and a cover, and a retaining device may be configured to retain the base plate. The base plate may be thicker than the cover, thereby achieving stable fixation by retaining the base plate and allowing easy removal of the cover. The base plate may be a steel plate, and the cover may be made of sheet metal (e.g., sheet steel).

[0014] The separation device preferably includes an actuator configured to actuate the at least one permanent magnet block and / or the housing or support during separation. This actuation operation enables efficient separation.

[0015] An actuator can be configured to push the at least one permanent magnet block out of the housing of the magnetic element. For example, the base plate can be held by a holding device, and the at least one permanent magnet block can be pushed by the actuator. This can happen without first opening the cover. The actuator can be configured to push the permanent magnet block to force open the cover. Therefore, rapid separation can be achieved.

[0016] The actuator may include, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric actuator. Hydraulic cylinders are preferred due to their simplicity and the force they can apply.

[0017] The separation device may include a cutting device, particularly a blade, configured to cut the housing of the magnetic element. This facilitates the removal of the permanent magnet block from the housing.

[0018] The housing may include a base plate and a cover, and the cutting device may be configured to separate the cover from the base plate. In addition to facilitating the removal of the permanent magnet block, this separation may further allow for the separate recycling of the base plate and the cover.

[0019] The cutting device can be mounted, for example, to an actuator. The same actuator can perform the cutting operation accordingly and can push the housing and / or the permanent magnet block.

[0020] For example, an actuator can push a cover and / or a permanent magnet block while simultaneously cutting the cover off a base plate. An actuator block can be mounted to the actuator, which pushes both the cover and the magnet block together while cutting the cover off the base plate. A cutting device, particularly a blade, can be attached to this actuator block. When both the cover and the permanent magnet block are pushed, the permanent magnet block can be pushed out of the cover, and the cover can break along with it because it remains attached to the base plate at some point before the cutting device reaches it.

[0021] Therefore, separation can be provided using a single actuator, which can provide pushing and / or cutting. It should be understood that in other configurations, two or three actuators can be provided, and these actuators can be configured to perform different separation operations. One actuator may, for example, include a cutting device and be capable of cutting the housing, and another actuator may be configured to push the permanent magnet block and / or the housing. Similarly, separation may also be provided by pushing the base plate or by cutting the cover only from the base plate and removing the cover from the base plate using different actuators (such as a robotic arm or suction). Therefore, it may not be necessary to push the cover, the base plate, and / or the permanent magnet block to perform separation.

[0022] Similarly, separation can be provided without cutting, for example, by using an actuator to push the permanent magnet block out of the housing, thereby breaking open the housing. Thus, the permanent magnet block can be separated from the housing by a simple pushing operation. One or more push rods can, for example, penetrate the housing to push the permanent magnet block out. Therefore, numerous possible implementations of the separation device are conceivable and can be used in conjunction with the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0023] The separation system is preferably configured to process demagnetized magnetic elements. Preferably, the separation system is configured to process magnetic elements that have been demagnetized by heat treatment. Processing demagnetized magnetic elements significantly facilitates the handling of the magnetic elements and the permanent magnet blocks removed therefrom. Furthermore, processing the heat-treated magnetic elements further facilitates separation because any adhesives or other polymeric materials will typically be charred or evaporated during the heating process performed during demagnetization. Therefore, the permanent magnet blocks will, for example, no longer adhere to their glued base plate, thus reducing the force required to separate the permanent magnet blocks from the housing or support. Therefore, the separation system can be configured to operate under separation forces that are reduced compared to the separation of magnetic elements that are not yet demagnetized and still involve an adhesive bond between the housing and the permanent magnets.

[0024] The transport system may include a conveyor configured to receive the demagnetized magnetic element and transport the demagnetized element to a separation device, particularly to a holding device located at the separation device.

[0025] The separation system may further include an interface toward the demagnetizing system, configured to receive demagnetized magnetic elements from the demagnetizing system after the magnetic elements have been demagnetized. These may be received, for example, by the transmitter mentioned above. It should be clear that in some configurations, the same transmitter may operate through both the demagnetizing system and this separation system. Therefore, the interface may be the location where the magnetic elements leave the demagnetizing system and enter the separation system via the same transmitter.

[0026] In one embodiment, the separation system further includes a collection system configured to collect the at least one permanent magnet block separately from the housing or support. This facilitates further recovery of the individual components constituting the magnet element. Such separate collection is optional, and the components may be collected together and later sorted at a recycling facility.

[0027] The collection system may include an active or passive transport device configured to transport the at least one permanent magnet block to a magnet block collection container after separation. This allows for rapid and automated processing because the transport device can continuously remove the separated permanent magnet blocks. An active transport device may, for example, include a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuator that can push or pull the permanent magnet block into a corresponding container. A passive transport device may, for example, include a chute on which the permanent magnet block slides or falls into the magnet block collection container after separation.

[0028] The collection system may include an active or passive shell transport device configured to transport at least a portion of the shell to a shell collection container after separation. This transport device may again have any of the configurations mentioned above. Therefore, the separated shell or shell portion can be removed from the separation system quickly and efficiently.

[0029] For example, the housing may include a base plate and a cover, and a separation system may be configured to separate the base plate from the cover, wherein a collection system is configured to collect the base plate and cover separately. This facilitates the recycling of individual components of the housing.

[0030] The outer casing transport device may include at least: a first transport device configured to transport the cover to a cover collection container after separation from the base plate; and a second transport device configured to transport the base plate to a base plate collection container after separation from the cover.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the second transport device may be provided by a conveyor of the transport system. Therefore, after the permanent magnet block and the cover separate, the transport system can continue transporting the base plate into the base plate collection container.

[0032] The transport device for the permanent magnet block can be, for example, a passive device (such as a chute), and the first transport device for the separated lid can be an active transport device (such as an actuator that pushes or pulls the lid into a lid collection container). Of course, other configurations are conceivable, such as passively collecting both the lid and the permanent magnet block, or actively collecting both, or actively pushing or pulling the permanent magnet block while passively collecting the lid.

[0033] In an embodiment, the separation system further includes a holding device configured to retain at least a portion of the housing (particularly the cover of the housing) when the separation device separates the at least one permanent magnet block from the housing. This holding device is preferably an active holding device, such as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, an actively actuated clamp, etc. For example, when an actuator pushes both the cover and the permanent magnet block together and cuts the cover off the base plate, the cover and the permanent magnet block may become separated from the base plate, but may still stick together due to deformation of the cover. Therefore, by retaining the cover and further pushing the permanent magnet block (e.g., by the actuator mentioned above), the permanent magnet block can be efficiently separated from the cover. This is, of course, optional, because in other embodiments of the separation device, such separation of the permanent magnet block from the cover may not be necessary (e.g., if the permanent magnet block is simply pushed out of the cover without separating the cover from the base plate).

[0034] Each magnet element can be a magnet element extracted from a wind turbine generator component (e.g., a generator rotor) having a nominal rated power of at least 250 kW, preferably at least 500 kW, at least 1 MW, or at least 2 MW. The wind turbine generator component can be a generator rotor of a direct-drive generator. A direct-drive generator can be configured to be mechanically connected to the wind turbine rotor of the wind turbine without the intervention of a gearbox.

[0035] In an embodiment, the separation system further includes a shipping container. The transport system and separation device may be housed within the shipping container. Specifically, the separation system may be operable within the shipping container. Other components of the separation system mentioned herein may also be housed within the shipping container. The shipping container may be, for example, a standard container, such as a 20, 24, or 40-foot container. Specifically, the shipping container may be a through container, such as a container under ISO standard 668:2020 or a comparable standard. The container may include a control room separated by an inner wall from a processing room in which the separation device is housed. The control room may, for example, include a control system for controlling the separation system. Therefore, service personnel operating the separation system can be further protected during operation because they can control the system from a separate control room.

[0036] By providing such containers, the separation system can be easily transported to the location where the magnetic components will be processed, such as to the port where decommissioned wind turbines arrive from offshore wind farms.

[0037] The separation system can be constructed as a module, specifically a docking demagnetization system module configured to demagnetize the magnetic elements of wind turbine generator components. This modularity provides an automated system that removes, demagnetizes, and separates the magnetic elements into their components, thus allowing for the reuse of different materials from the magnetic elements. In particular, this significantly facilitates the recycling of permanent magnet materials.

[0038] Because a magnetic element includes a housing or support structure, it can also be designated as a magnetic module. Each magnetic module may include one, two, or more permanent magnet blocks.

[0039] The separation system may include a control system configured to control the transport system and the separation device. The control system may further control the collection system, particularly the actuators of the collection system (if such actuators are provided). The control system may be configured to control the separation system to perform any of the methods described herein. The control system may include corresponding control commands stored in its volatile or non-volatile memory and executable by the processing unit of the separation system.

[0040] According to another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for processing magnetic elements extracted from wind turbine generator components. Each magnetic element includes at least one permanent magnet block and a housing or support. The method includes: (a) transporting the magnetic element to a separation device by a transport system; and (b) separating the at least one permanent magnet block of the magnetic element from the housing or support by the separation device. Multiple magnetic elements are received and processed automatically and continuously through steps (a) and (b). This method achieves advantages similar to those further summarized above.

[0041] It should be clear that the method may include any of the steps described herein with respect to the separation system and its embodiments and examples. For example, the method may further include: (c) collecting the permanent magnet block separately from the housing or support by a collection system. Steps (a) to (c) may then be repeated automatically and continuously.

[0042] The separation step may specifically include pushing the at least one permanent magnet block out of the housing and / or cutting the housing, particularly by cutting off the cover from the bottom plate of the housing.

[0043] It will be understood that the features mentioned above and those to be explained below can be used not only in the indicated corresponding combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, unless noted otherwise, features of different aspects and embodiments of the invention can be combined with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0044] The foregoing and other features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description, which is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a separation system according to an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a magnet element according to an embodiment.

[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a separation system according to an embodiment.

[0048] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the details of the separation system.

[0049] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing further details of the separation system.

[0050] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the pushing of a permanent magnet block from the housing of a magnet element in a practical separation device according to an embodiment.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a magnetic element according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that the following description of the embodiments is given for illustrative purposes only and will not be construed as limiting. It should be noted that the drawings will be considered as schematic representations only, and the elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the representations of the various elements have been chosen such that their function and general purpose will become apparent to those skilled in the art. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise noted, the terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” will be interpreted as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including but not limited to”).

[0053] Figure 1 A separation system 100 according to an embodiment is schematically illustrated. The separation system 100 receives a magnetic element 10 at an interface 56 toward a demagnetizing system. Figure 2 An exemplary magnetic element 10 is schematically illustrated. Figure 2In the cross-sectional view, the magnet element 10 includes a base plate 11 on which one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 are provided. The permanent magnet blocks 15 are encapsulated by a cover 17 attached to the base plate 11. The one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 may be fixed to the base plate 11 and / or the cover 17 by means of an adhesive 12. Therefore, the magnet element 10 may also be designated as a magnet module. In other embodiments, the magnet element 10 may, for example, only include a support in the form of a base plate 11 (to which one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 are mounted, for example, by an adhesive 12), or may include any other type of housing or support.

[0054] The permanent magnet block 15 may have been demagnetized in a demagnetization system through heat treatment or other types of processing. This heat treatment may have charred or vaporized the adhesive 12, allowing the one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 to be loosely bonded to the base plate 11 and / or cover 17. In other embodiments, this heat treatment may not occur, and the permanent magnet blocks 15 may still be magnetized and / or the adhesive 12 may still be functional.

[0055] Return to Figure 1 The separation system 100 includes a separation device 20 for separating the one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 from the housing or support, and a transport system 50 for transporting the magnet elements 10 to the separation device 20. The separation system 100 may further include a collection system 60 for collecting components of the magnet elements 10 together or separately.

[0056] In this embodiment, the transport system 50 includes a conveyor 51 with a conveyor belt having a carrier 52 for receiving and transporting the magnetic element 10. The conveyor may include a guide rail 53 for guiding the carrier 52 and / or the magnetic element 10. A belt or chain may drive the carrier 52, for example, wherein the conveyor 51 may include a plurality of such carriers 52 to continuously transport the magnetic element from the receiving interface 56 to the separation device 20. The operation of the transport system 50 may occur under the control of the control system 110 of the separation system 100. The transport system 50 may be controlled, for example, to transport the magnetic element 10 to the separation device 20 (where the magnetic element is stored), and then wait until the operation of the separation device 20 has ended, after which the next magnetic element 10 is transported and stored at the separation device 20.

[0057] The separation system 100 further includes a holding device 40 configured to hold the housing or support of the magnetic element during operation of the separation device 20. In this example, the holding device 40 is depicted as a clamp holding the base plate 11 from the side, though other configurations are conceivable. In a preferred embodiment of the holding device 40, the holding device is passive and includes recesses, ridges, or protrusions that prevent movement of at least a portion of the housing or support (particularly the base plate 11) in the separation direction (e.g., in the direction in which the actuator 21 of the separation device 20 is operable). This embodiment of the holding device is, for example, in… Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagram is shown in the image. Other implementations are also conceivable, such as hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically driven clamps or vises, etc.

[0058] For example, the transport system 50 can be operated by the control system 110 to store the magnet element 10 at a predetermined location in the separation device 20 (e.g. Figure 1 (As illustrated in the figure) and then retract the carrier 52. In this position, the passive holding device 40 may have already supported the magnet element in the separation direction, or the control system 110 may activate the corresponding active holding device 40.

[0059] exist Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment, the separation device 20 includes an actuator 21, a cutting device 22, and a pusher block 23 mounted to the actuator. A base plate 11 is supported by a retaining device 40 along the actuation direction of the actuator 21, indicated by an arrow. When the separation device 20 is operated, the actuator 21 pushes the cutting device 22 (e.g., a blade protruding along the actuation direction) and the pusher block 23 in the direction indicated by the arrow. The pusher blade cuts the cover 17 off the base plate 11, thus providing separation between the two components. The pusher block 23 further pushes the at least one permanent magnet block 15. The actuator 21 is preferably configured to provide a sufficiently strong thrust such that the at least one permanent magnet block 15 penetrates the cover 17, for example by blasting open the cover 17, causing the pushing action to cause the at least one permanent magnet block 15 to leave the cover 17 in the direction of the arrow. Since a portion of the cover 17 remains attached to the base plate 11, the pushing action will cause the cover 17 to break together. The cutting device may be, for example, a sharp, hardened steel sheet.

[0060] This is Figure 6 The diagram is schematically illustrated. As can be seen, actuator 21 has pushed push block 23 forward, and cutting device 22 is provided at the front end of push block. Figure 6 (Not visible in the middle). The cover 17 has been cut off from the base plate 11, and the pusher block 23 has broken the cover 17. In addition, the pusher block 23 has pushed the permanent magnet block 15 out of the rear part of the cover 17, thereby breaking open the rear part of the cover 17.

[0061] Due to the breakage of cover 17, when cover 17 is completely separated from base plate 11, the broken cover 17 may adhere to the last permanent magnet element that has left the cover. To provide final separation between the at least one permanent magnet block 15 and cover 17, a second retaining device 45 may be provided. Figure 1 and 3 The holding device 45 may include, for example, a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that engages the broken cover 17 to hold it in place. For example, such a cylinder could lower a corresponding engaging member from above onto the broken cover 17. While the cover 17 is held in place by the second holding device 45, the actuator 21 can be actuated again to further push the final permanent magnet block 15 out of the broken cover 17 by means of the push block 23 or an attached cutting device. Since the distance the push block 23 advances through the actuator 21 may not be sufficient for complete separation, an extender 46 (e.g., a steel block) can be provided to extend the push block. The separation system may include an additional actuator (e.g., a pneumatic cylinder) that lowers the extender 46 after the push block 23 has retracted through the actuator 21. Thus, the extender 46 can be positioned between the push block 23 and the magnetic element, thereby extending the push block 23. Then, actuator 21 can be operated again to completely push the last magnet block 15 out of the broken cover 17 by means of extender 46. This extender ensures that the pushing distance is sufficient to provide complete separation. Thus, complete separation between the base plate 11, cover 17 and said at least one permanent magnet block 15 can be achieved by such actuation of actuator 21 and optionally by providing extender 46.

[0062] The operation of the actuator 21 and the second holding device 45 (which is an active holding device in this example) can again occur under the control of the control system 110.

[0063] The separated components of the magnet element 10 can be collected by means of the collection system 60. A first transport device 65 transports the separated permanent magnet blocks(s) 15 to a permanent magnet block collection container 61. The transport device 65 can be passive (such as a chute (in this example) or a simple hole through which the separated permanent magnet blocks can fall) or it can be an active device that pushes or pulls the permanent magnet blocks into the container 61.

[0064] The second transport device 66 is configured to transport the separated cap 17 into the cap collection container 62. In this example, the transport device 66 includes a chute as a passive component and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 66 as an active component, which pushes the separated cap 17 onto the chute, as if by... Figure 1 As indicated by the arrow in the image.

[0065] The collection system 60 may further include a third transport device 67, which in this example is provided by the rear portion of the conveyor 51. The transport device 67 transports the separated bottom plate into the bottom plate collection container 63. The control system 110 may, for example, drive the carrier 52 to transport the bottom plate into the collection container 63. The collection system 60 may include three collection containers 61, 62, and 63 and three transport devices 65, 66, and 67. It should be understood that in other embodiments, the separated components may be collected in the same container, or the separated components may be collected by a separate conveyor, such as directly transporting the separated permanent magnet components to another recycling processing unit. Therefore, the collection system 60 can be implemented in many different ways.

[0066] It should be clear that, Figure 1 Only an exemplary embodiment of the separation system 100 is illustrated, and many modifications are conceivable and within the scope of this disclosure. The separation device 20 may, for example, include different actuators that perform the removal of the magnetic element 10 in different ways. The separation device may, for example, include: a first actuator that cuts the cover 17 off the base plate 11; a second actuator that lifts the cut cover 17 away from the base plate 11; and a third actuator that pushes the at least one permanent magnet block 15 from the base plate 11. Moreover, the separation may be performed in a different order, for example, by first removing the base plate 11 and then separating only the permanent magnet block 15 from the cover 17.

[0067] Furthermore, it should be clear that the specific implementation of the separation device 20 depends on the configuration of the housing or support of the magnet element 10. For example, if the cover 17 is screwed onto the base plate 11, the separation device 20 may include an actuator configured to remove these screws for removing the cover 17 from the base plate 11. As another example, if the magnet element 10 includes a cover 17 that completely encloses the permanent magnet block 15 without a base plate 11, the separation device 20 may include an actuator for cutting open the cover 17, and additional actuators for removing the permanent magnet block 15 from the cover 17. In other embodiments, a correspondingly adapted retaining device 40 may hold such a cover 17, and the separation device 20 (with regard to...) Figure 1 The configuration of the separation device (similar to the one described) can simultaneously cut the cover and push the permanent magnet block 15 out from the cover 17. Therefore, many different implementations of the separation device 20 are conceivable depending on the configuration of the magnet element 10.

[0068] Cutting device 22 is optional. For example, instead of push block 23, separate push elements can be provided that penetrate cover 17 and push out (multiple) permanent magnet blocks from cover 17, for example by punching open cover 17 at the rear end. Thus, permanent magnet blocks 15 can be pushed out of the housing without corresponding separation between cover 17 and base plate 11.

[0069] Corresponding modifications are also conceivable for the collection system 60. For example, an active transport device with a pneumatic or hydraulic piston can be used to collect the permanent magnet block 15, or a passive transport system can be used to collect the cover 17. Furthermore, the cover 17 and the base plate 11 can be collected together, for example using a transport device similar to 65 or 66.

[0070] It should be further understood that the transport system 50 may use any conveyor known in the art, such as any of the available conveyors, including belts, chains, slats or other conveyors, or any other known transport device.

[0071] The separation system 100 is configured to automatically and continuously process multiple magnetic components 10. Specifically, the magnetic components 10 are received (e.g., at interface 56) and automatically transported to the separation device 20. Separation then occurs automatically, as described above. The separated components of the magnetic components 10 are then automatically collected by the collection system 60. The transport system 50 then automatically places the next magnetic component 10 at the separation device 20, thus resulting in automated and continuous processing of the magnetic components 10. Therefore, the recovery of magnetic components from wind turbine generator components, particularly from the generator rotor, can occur at high throughput. Since no human intervention is required, the safety of service personnel is further improved.

[0072] Operation can occur under the control of control system 110. Control system 110 may include processing unit 111 and memory 112. Memory 112 may include control instructions executed by processing unit 111. By executing instructions by processing unit 111, control system 110 may cause discrete system 100 to perform any of the methods described herein. Processing unit 111 may include a microprocessor, application-specific integrated circuit, digital signal processor, etc. Memory 112 may include any type of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc. Control system 110 may include any other elements common to computing systems, such as corresponding input and output interfaces for receiving information and sending control signals, and a user interface.

[0073] Figure 7The illustration depicts a method that can be performed by the separation system 100 under the control of the control system 110. In step 81, the demagnetized magnetic element 10 is received, for example, at interface 56. In step 82, the magnetic element 10 is transported to the separation device 20, particularly via the transport system 50. In step 83, the housing or support of the magnetic element 10 is preferably secured by a holding device 40. This can occur passively by placing the magnetic element 10 in the appropriate position via the transport system 50, or by actively engaging the holding device 40. In particular, the base plate 11 of the magnetic element is secured along the separation direction of the separation device 20.

[0074] In step 84, the actuator 21 of the separation device 20 is operated to at least separate the permanent magnet block 15 from the housing or support, for example by pushing the permanent magnet block 15 from the base plate 11 and the cover 17. In step 85, the permanent magnet block 15 is collected by the collection system 60, for example by an active or passive transport device that transfers the permanent magnet block to the collection container 61 or to another recycling stage.

[0075] In step 86, the housing and / or support are collected by the collection system 60. This can occur through separate collection of the base plate 11 and the cover 17, as per [reference needed]. Figure 1 This can be explained, but it can also occur by collecting such components together. The method can then return to step 81 for processing and specifically separating the next magnet element. It should be clear that the processing steps for different magnet elements can partially overlap; for example, while another magnet element is still being processed by the separation device 20, the next magnet element may have already been received by the transport system. Therefore, higher throughput can be achieved.

[0076] Figures 3 to 5 The diagram shows Figure 1 This refers to a specific implementation of the separation system 100. Therefore, the above explanation is equally applicable to... Figures 3 to 5 Examples of implementations.

[0077] exist Figure 3 In the middle, the transportation system 50 also includes a bracket 52, wherein, Figure 3The illustration shows the bracket 52 after the magnet element 10 has been unloaded from the separation device 20. The holding device 40 is implemented as a holding plate or ridge, against which the base plate 11 rests and is thus secured along the separation direction indicated by the arrow. The actuator 21 is implemented as a hydraulic piston provided with a push block 23 and a blade 22 to separate the components of the magnet element 10 in the manner described above. The second holding device 45 is implemented as a pneumatic cylinder that pushes in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the drawing to secure the broken cap while separating the permanent magnet block from it. Furthermore, the second transport device 66 is similarly implemented as a pneumatic cylinder that pushes the separated cap 17 onto a chute that transports the cap to the cap collection container 62. The transport device 67 further includes a chute that allows the separated base plate 11 to fall into the collection container 63.

[0078] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing in more detail the positioning of the magnetic element 10 in the separation device 20. The magnetic element 10 rests on the guide rail 53 of the transport system and is held in the separation direction by a holding device 40, which is implemented as a plate or protrusion that restricts the movement of the base plate 11 in the separation direction. A pusher is further mounted to the end of the pneumatic cylinder of the transport device 66 for pushing the separated cap toward the cap collection container 62. Figure 4 The diagram further illustrates a chute that forms part of the third transport device 67, which receives the bottom plate once it falls off the guide rail 53.

[0079] The separation system 100 preferably includes a shipping container 70, such as Figure 5 The perspective view illustrates this. The shipping container 70 is preferably a standard container, such as a 20, 24, or 40-foot container. Therefore, the separation system can be easily transported to a location where the magnetic components of the generator parts need to be processed, such as a port. The shipping container 70 may include corresponding openings through which collection containers 61 to 63 can be removed. The shipping container may further include a control room separated from the separation device 20, the transport system 50, and the collection system 60 by an inner wall. This improves the safety of service personnel operating the separation system 100. This control room may further include a control system 110 that controls the components of the control system 100.

[0080] The separation system 100 is further preferably a modular system and is provided as corresponding modules. These modules can interface with a demagnetization module, which automatically processes the magnetic elements for demagnetization in a similar manner. Interaction between modules can occur via interface 56.

[0081] Therefore, system 100 may include hydraulic and pneumatic actuators that allow the extraction and separation of the main components of magnet element 10. This transport system and automated separation accelerate the processing of magnet elements, enabling the processing of up to or even more than 100 magnet modules per hour, specifically separating these magnet modules into their components.

[0082] While specific embodiments have been disclosed herein, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments are to be considered illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and all changes are intended to be covered therein within the meaning and scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A separation system configured to process magnetic elements (10) extracted from wind turbine generator components, wherein, Each magnetic element (10) includes at least one permanent magnet block (15) and a housing (11, 17) or support, wherein the separation system (100) includes: - A transport system (50) configured to transport the magnetic element (10) to a separation device (20); and - The separation device (20) is configured to separate at least one permanent magnet block (15) of the magnetic element (10) from the housing (11, 17) or support. The separation system (100) is configured to receive and automatically and continuously process multiple magnetic elements (10).

2. The separation system according to claim 1, wherein, The separation system includes a holding device (40) configured to hold the housing (11, 17) or support when the separation device (20) is operated.

3. The separation system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each magnet element (10) includes a housing, which includes a base plate (11) and a cover (17), wherein the retaining device (40) is configured to retain the base plate (11).

4. The separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The separation device (20) includes an actuator (21) configured to push the at least one permanent magnet block (15) and / or push the housing (11, 17) or support during the separation.

5. The separation system according to claim 4, wherein, The actuator (21) is configured to push the at least one permanent magnet block (15) out of the housing (11, 17) of the magnet element (10).

6. The separation system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The actuator (21) includes a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, or an electric actuator.

7. The separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The separation device (20) includes a cutting device (22), particularly a blade, configured to cut the housing (11, 17) of the magnetic element (10).

8. The separation system according to claim 7, wherein, The housing includes a base plate (11) and a cover (17), wherein the cutting device (22) is configured to separate the cover (17) from the base plate (11).

9. The separation system according to claim 4, 5, or 6 and according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The cutting device (22) is mounted on the actuator (21).

10. The separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The transport system (50) includes a transmitter (51) configured to receive the demagnetized magnetic element and transport the demagnetized magnetic element to the separation device (20), and in particular to the holding device (40) located at the separation device (20).

11. The separation system according to any one of the preceding claims further includes an interface (56) toward the demagnetization system, the interface (56) being configured to receive the demagnetized magnet element from the demagnetization system after the magnet element (10) has been demagnetized.

12. The separation system according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a collection system (60) configured to collect the at least one permanent magnet block (15) separately from the housing (11, 17) or support.

13. The separation system according to claim 12, wherein, The collection system (60) includes an active or passive transport device (65) configured to transport the at least one permanent magnet block (15) into a magnet block collection container (61) after separation.

14. The separation system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The collection system (60) includes an active or passive shell transport device (66, 67) configured to transport at least a portion of the shell (11, 17) into a shell collection container (62, 63) after separation.

15. A method for processing a magnetic element (10) extracted from a wind turbine generator component, wherein, Each magnetic element (10) includes at least one permanent magnet block (15) and a housing or support (11, 17), wherein the method includes: - (a) The magnet element (10) is transported by the transport system (50) to the separation device (20); and - (b) The separation device (20) separates at least one permanent magnet block (10) of the magnetic element (10) from the housing (11, 17) or support. In this process, multiple magnetic elements (10) are received and processed automatically and continuously through steps (a) and (b).

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