Automatic cleaning device for yaw disc of wind turbine generator
By combining the scraper and spray cleaning fluid of the automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, the problem of friction coefficient change caused by contaminants on the yaw disc surface is solved, thus achieving stable operation of the yaw system and reducing maintenance costs.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520660185.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-04-09
AI Technical Summary
In existing technologies, contaminants on the surface of the yaw disc cause changes in the coefficient of friction, leading to abnormal vibrations in the yaw system and affecting the operating efficiency and safety stability of the wind turbine.
Design an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine, including a scraper mechanism and a cleaning mechanism. The scraper mechanism removes contaminants by scraping the scraper against the yaw disc, while the cleaning mechanism sprays cleaning fluid through nozzles and delivers it by a power pump. Combined with a pre-tightening component, it provides clamping force to the scraper to ensure cleaning effect.
It effectively removes contaminants from the surface of the yaw disc, maintains a stable coefficient of friction between the yaw brake pads and the yaw disc, improves the operational stability and safety of the wind turbine, reduces maintenance costs, and reduces the labor intensity of personnel.
Smart Images

Figure CN223825182U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automatic cleaning technology, and specifically relates to an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine. Background Technology
[0002] As a high-efficiency, clean, and renewable energy power generation device, wind turbines require the stability and reliability of their yaw systems during operation to ensure the rotor always aligns with the wind direction and achieves efficient power generation. The yaw system, a key component of the wind turbine, primarily controls the rotor's yaw through the friction between the yaw brake pads and the yaw disc. However, in actual operation, the yaw disc surface is susceptible to various contaminants, including hydraulic oil leaks, grease leakage from the inner ring of the yaw bearing, and abrasive debris generated during the friction between the yaw brake pads and the yaw disc. These contaminants, adhering to the yaw disc surface over time, significantly alter the coefficient of friction under the pressure of the yaw brake pads. This change in friction coefficient further leads to abnormal fluctuations in the yaw braking force, ultimately causing abnormal vibrations in the yaw system.
[0003] Abnormal yaw vibration not only affects the operating efficiency of wind turbines but can also damage their mechanical structure, increase maintenance costs, and pose a serious threat to their safe and stable operation. While existing technologies have implemented measures to reduce the impact of contaminants on the yaw system, no effective solution has yet been proposed to address the issue of friction coefficient changes and abnormal yaw vibration caused by contaminants on the yaw disc surface.
[0004] Therefore, how to effectively remove contaminants from the surface of the yaw disc and maintain a stable coefficient of friction between the yaw brake pads and the yaw disc has become a pressing technical challenge. Utility Model Content
[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine, which can effectively remove contaminants from the surface of the yaw disc and maintain a stable coefficient of friction between the yaw brake pads and the yaw disc.
[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine, comprising:
[0007] The scraper mechanism includes a scraper, a scraper bracket, a pre-tightening assembly, and a main support arm. The scraper is used to contact the surface to be cleaned on the yaw disc. The two ends of the scraper bracket are respectively hinged to the scraper and the main support arm. The pre-tightening assembly is disposed on the scraper bracket and is used to provide the scraper to press against the yaw disc. The main support arm is fixed to the nacelle of the wind turbine.
[0008] The cleaning mechanism includes a nozzle, a spray pipe, a power pump, and a cleaning fluid storage tank. One end of the spray pipe is connected to the nozzle, and the other end is connected to the cleaning fluid storage tank. The nozzle faces the surface to be cleaned on the yaw disc. The power pump is connected in series with the spray pipe and is used to provide power for conveying the cleaning fluid.
[0009] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, there are multiple scrapers and scraper supports in a one-to-one correspondence, and the multiple scrapers are respectively used to contact the upper and lower sides of the yaw disc to be cleaned.
[0010] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, the pre-tightening component is a pre-tightening spring, and the two ends of the pre-tightening spring are respectively installed on a pair of scraper supports arranged vertically.
[0011] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, the scraper mechanism further includes a sludge collection trough disposed below the scraper and a sludge collection trough bracket connecting the sludge collection trough and the main support arm.
[0012] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, the main support arm is a T-shaped structure, the crossbar of the T-shaped structure is provided with mounting holes for connection with the nacelle, and the vertical bar of the T-shaped structure is connected to the scraper bracket and the sludge collection tank bracket respectively.
[0013] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, there are multiple nozzles, and the multiple nozzles are respectively directed toward the upper and lower sides of the yaw disc to be cleaned.
[0014] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, when there are two nozzles, the two nozzles face the upper and lower sides of the yaw disc to be cleaned respectively, and the two nozzles are connected to one end of the spray pipe through a T-shaped pipe joint.
[0015] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, the spray pipe has a right-angle bend section, and the spray pipes on both sides of the right-angle bend section are connected by a right-angle pipe joint.
[0016] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, a filter is provided at one end of the spray pipe located in the cleaning fluid storage tank.
[0017] Optionally, in the above-mentioned automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine, the cleaning mechanism further includes a control relay and a DC power supply. The control relay is used to receive the control signal of the wind turbine and control the start and stop of the power pump, and the DC power supply is used to supply power to the power pump.
[0018] This utility model provides an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine, which has the following advantages:
[0019] The cleaning mechanism uses nozzles to spray cleaning fluid onto the yaw disc surface, removing contaminants. A power pump provides the necessary power to deliver the cleaning fluid, which flows from the storage tank through the spray pipes and nozzles. A scraper mechanism then removes the contaminants from the cleaning fluid-soaked surface of the yaw disc. A pre-tightening assembly provides pressure on the scraper, ensuring it remains in close contact with the surface to be cleaned. This system effectively removes contaminants from the yaw disc surface and maintains a stable coefficient of friction between the yaw brake pads and the yaw disc. Attached Figure Description
[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the scraper mechanism in an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine provided in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the structure of the scraper mechanism and the yaw disc cooperating in an embodiment of this utility model;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the scraper structure provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0024] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism in an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine provided in this embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cleaning mechanism and the yaw disc in cooperation provided in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] In the image above:
[0027] 100-Yaw Disc;
[0028] 210 - Scraper; 220 - Scraper bracket; 230 - Preload spring; 240 - First hinge; 250 - Second hinge;
[0029] 310 - Sewage collection tank; 320 - Sewage collection tank support;
[0030] 400-Total boom;
[0031] 500- Cleaning fluid storage tank;
[0032] 610 - Nozzle; 620 - T-type fitting; 630 - Right-angle fitting; 640 - Filter;
[0033] 710 - Power pump; 720 - Control relay; 730 - DC power supply; 740 - Control signal. Detailed Implementation
[0034] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0035] The core of this utility model is to provide an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine, which can effectively remove contaminants from the surface of the yaw disc and maintain a stable coefficient of friction between the yaw brake pads and the yaw disc.
[0036] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions provided by this utility model, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0037] For details, please refer to Figures 1-5 This utility model provides an automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine, which includes a scraper mechanism and a cleaning mechanism.
[0038] The scraper mechanism includes a scraper 210, a scraper bracket 220, a pre-tightening assembly, and a main support arm 400. The scraper 210 is used to contact the surface of the yaw disc 100 to be cleaned. When the yaw disc 100 rotates, dust and sludge on the yaw disc can be scraped off by the scraper 210. The shape of the scraper 210 can be designed according to specific application scenarios, such as... Figure 3 The elongated shape shown can also be designed into an arc or other suitable shape according to the surface shape of the yaw disc 100 to adapt to the oil removal needs of different surfaces. The two ends of the scraper bracket 220 are hinged to the scraper 210 and the main support arm 400, respectively. For example, one end of the scraper bracket 220 is hinged to the main support arm 400 via a first hinge 240, and the other end of the scraper bracket 220 is hinged to the scraper 210 via a second hinge 250. The first hinge 240 and the second hinge 250 can be fixing bolts, pins, or other hinge structures. A pre-tightening assembly is provided on the scraper bracket 220 and is used to provide a force that presses the scraper 210 against the yaw disc 100, ensuring that the scraper 210 is always in contact with the surface to be cleaned on the yaw disc 100. The main support arm 400 is fixed to the nacelle of the wind turbine unit, and the scraper bracket 220, scraper 210, and other structures installed on the main support arm 400 rotate synchronously with the nacelle.
[0039] The cleaning mechanism includes a nozzle 610, a spray pipe, a power pump 710, and a cleaning fluid storage tank 500. One end of the spray pipe is connected to the nozzle 610, and the other end is connected to the cleaning fluid storage tank 500, which stores a certain amount of cleaning fluid. The nozzle 610 faces the surface of the yaw disc 100 to be cleaned. The power pump 710 is connected in series with the spray pipe and provides the power to transport the cleaning fluid, allowing the cleaning fluid to be pressurized and transported from the cleaning fluid storage tank 500 along the spray pipe and sprayed out from the nozzle 610. The nozzle 610 is used to atomize and spray the pressurized cleaning fluid onto the surface of the yaw disc 100.
[0040] It should be noted that the cleaning fluid should be a solvent that does not corrode the brake pads and yaw disc, and the cleaning fluid should also be non-flammable.
[0041] The automatic yaw disc cleaning device for wind turbines provided in this solution uses nozzles 610 of the cleaning mechanism to spray cleaning fluid onto the surface of the yaw disc 100 to remove dirt. A power pump 710 provides the power to deliver the cleaning fluid, causing it to spray from the cleaning fluid storage tank 500 through the spray pipe and out of the nozzles 610. The scraper mechanism 210 then scrapes away the dirt from the surface of the yaw disc 100, which has been soaked in the cleaning fluid. A pre-tightening component provides the force to press the scraper 210 against the yaw disc 100, ensuring that the scraper 210 remains in contact with the surface of the yaw disc 100 to be cleaned. This setup effectively removes contaminants from the yaw disc surface and maintains a stable coefficient of friction between the yaw brake pads and the yaw disc.
[0042] The traditional yaw disc 100 is located at the top of the wind turbine tower and is arranged around the circumference of the tower. Multiple pairs of yaw brake calipers are evenly arranged on its upper and lower surfaces.
[0043] To ensure that both the upper and lower surfaces of the yaw disc 100 are cleaned, in this specific embodiment, there are multiple scraper blades 210 and scraper brackets 220, with each scraper blade 210 and scraper bracket 220 corresponding to the other. The scraper bracket 220 not only secures the scraper blade 210 but also ensures reliable connection to the bottom of the nacelle. Multiple scraper blades 210 are used to contact the upper and lower surfaces of the yaw disc 100 to be cleaned. Specifically, such as... Figure 2 As shown, there are two scrapers 210 and two scraper supports 220. The two scrapers 210 are respectively set on the upper and lower surfaces of the yaw disc 100 to be cleaned. By using the two scrapers 210 installed on the upper and lower surfaces of the yaw disc 100, the dust and sludge on the yaw disc 100 can be scraped off, keeping the surface of the yaw disc 100 clean.
[0044] Of course, a set of scrapers 210 and scraper brackets 220 can be installed on only one side of the yaw disc 100 on the surface to be cleaned, or multiple sets of scrapers 210 and scraper brackets 220 can be installed on one side of the yaw disc 100 on the surface to be cleaned. The specific number and installation method can be adapted to the actual cleaning conditions and are not further limited here.
[0045] Furthermore, the pre-tensioning assembly can employ a simple and easy-to-install pre-tensioning spring 230, with both ends of the pre-tensioning spring 230 mounted on a pair of vertically arranged scraper supports 220. The pre-tensioning spring 230 provides pressure to the two scraper supports 220 against the yaw disc 100. By adjusting the spring tension of the pre-tensioning spring 230, the pressure on the scraper 210 is ensured to be moderate, effectively scraping away sludge and dust from the yaw disc 100. The pre-tensioning spring 230 can be detachably mounted on the scraper support 220 via hooks provided on the scraper support 220, improving installation efficiency. In addition, by replacing the pre-tensioning spring 230 with different lengths or pre-tension forces, it is possible to accommodate yaw discs 100 of varying thicknesses.
[0046] In a specific embodiment, to collect waste grease and dust scraped off the yaw disc 100 of the wind turbine by the scraper 210, this solution also includes a sludge collection trough 310 and a sludge collection trough support 320. The sludge collection trough 310 is located below the scraper 210, and the two ends of the sludge collection trough support 320 are respectively connected to the sludge collection trough 310 and the main support arm 400. The scraper support 220, scraper 210, sludge collection trough 310, and sludge collection trough support 320 mounted on the main support arm 400 can rotate synchronously with the nacelle.
[0047] The contaminants scraped off by the scraper 210 on the yaw disc 100 are collected by the accompanying collection trough 310 to prevent secondary pollution and facilitate cleaning by staff.
[0048] In a specific embodiment, the main boom 400 is a T-shaped structure. The crossbar of the T-shaped structure has mounting holes for connection to the nacelle. The vertical bars of the T-shaped structure are connected to the scraper bracket 220 and the sludge collection tank bracket 320, respectively. The vertical bars of the T-shaped structure fix the scraper bracket 220 and the sludge collection tank bracket 320, while the crossbar is reliably connected to the bottom of the nacelle via fasteners, allowing both devices to rotate together with the nacelle. The wind turbine nacelle does not rotate actively; instead, it is kept aligned with the wind direction by a yaw device.
[0049] Based on the above specific embodiments, there are multiple nozzles 610, with each nozzle 610 facing the upper and lower sides of the yaw disk 100 to be cleaned. Figures 4-5As shown, there are two nozzles 610, which face the upper and lower surfaces of the yaw disc 100 to be cleaned, respectively. The two nozzles 610 are connected to one end of the spray pipe through a T-shaped pipe connector 620. The T-shaped pipe connector 620 can connect two nozzles 610 at the same time, so that the cleaning fluid can be sprayed from the upper and lower surfaces of the yaw disc 100 simultaneously.
[0050] The spray pipe has a right-angle bend section, and the spray pipes on both sides of the right-angle bend section are connected by a right-angle pipe joint 630 to achieve a 90° turn in the spray pipe direction.
[0051] To remove impurities from the cleaning fluid storage tank 500, a filter 640 is installed at one end of the spray pipe located in the cleaning fluid storage tank 500. Impurities can be filtered through the filter screen of the filter 640 when the cleaning fluid is drawn in. The filter 640 can be a filter screen covering the open end of the spray pipe, or it can be other equipment with a filtering function.
[0052] In a further specific embodiment, the cleaning mechanism also includes a control relay 720 and a DC power supply 730. The control relay 720 and the DC power supply 730 are respectively connected to the power pump 710. The control relay 720 is used to receive the control signal 740 from the wind turbine and control the start and stop of the power pump 710. The DC power supply 730 is used to supply power to the power pump 710. The control signal 740 from the wind turbine can be a yaw signal for controlling the start of the wind turbine, thereby controlling the operation and stop of the power pump 710.
[0053] Specifically, the power pump 710 can be a high-power diaphragm pump, featuring strong sealing and self-priming capabilities, capable of delivering pressurized cleaning fluid that ultimately acts on the nozzle 610. The DC power supply 730 can be a 24V DC power supply.
[0054] The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine is controlled synchronously by the yaw action signal. Cleaning fluid is sprayed synchronously during the yaw process, which can achieve a relatively good cleaning effect.
[0055] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided by this utility model include:
[0056] 1. Improve the operational stability of wind turbine units: Solve the problem that the friction coefficient changes due to grease and dust on the yaw disc surface during wind turbine operation, which in turn changes the yaw braking force and causes abnormal yaw vibration, thereby improving the operational safety factor of wind turbine units.
[0057] 2. Low tooling manufacturing cost: Except for a few tooling components that are independently designed, most tooling components of the automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of the wind turbine use common parts, resulting in a low overall manufacturing cost.
[0058] 3. Wide range of applications: This tooling can be applied to most cases of yaw disc contamination that occur in wind turbines, with slight adjustments.
[0059] 4. Reduce labor intensity: Previously, when abnormal yaw vibration was caused by yaw disc contamination, wind turbine operators needed to climb the tower for cleaning, which was labor-intensive and frequent. With the automatic yaw disc cleaning device of this project, the yaw disc can be cleaned automatically, greatly freeing up the productivity of on-site personnel.
[0060] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.
[0061] In the description of this application, "multiple" means two or more. If "first" or "second" is mentioned, it is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated or the order of the technical features indicated.
[0062] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.
[0063] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.
[0064] This article uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this utility model. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from the principles of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine, characterized in that, include: The scraper mechanism includes a scraper (210), a scraper bracket (220), a pre-tightening assembly, and a main support arm (400). The scraper (210) is used to contact the surface to be cleaned of the yaw disc (100). The two ends of the scraper bracket (220) are respectively hinged to the scraper (210) and the main support arm (400). The pre-tightening assembly is disposed on the scraper bracket (220) and is used to provide the scraper (210) to press against the yaw disc (100). The main support arm (400) is fixed to the nacelle of the wind turbine. The cleaning mechanism includes a nozzle (610), a spray pipe, a power pump (710), and a cleaning fluid storage tank (500). One end of the spray pipe is connected to the nozzle (610), and the other end is connected to the cleaning fluid storage tank (500). The nozzle (610) faces the surface of the yaw disc (100) to be cleaned. The power pump (710) is connected in series with the spray pipe and is used to provide power for conveying the cleaning fluid.
2. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper (210) and the scraper bracket (220) are a plurality of one-to-one correspondences, and the plurality of scrapers (210) are respectively used to fit against the upper and lower sides of the yaw disc (100) to be cleaned.
3. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pre-tightening component is a pre-tightening spring (230), and the two ends of the pre-tightening spring (230) are respectively mounted on a pair of scraper brackets (220) arranged vertically.
4. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper mechanism also includes a sludge collection trough (310) disposed below the scraper (210) and a sludge collection trough bracket (320) connecting the sludge collection trough (310) and the main support arm (400).
5. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The main support arm (400) is a T-shaped structure. The horizontal bar of the T-shaped structure has mounting holes for connecting with the engine room. The vertical bar of the T-shaped structure is connected to the scraper bracket (220) and the sludge collection tank bracket (320) respectively.
6. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of nozzles (610) is multiple, and the multiple nozzles (610) are respectively facing the upper and lower sides of the yaw disk (100) to be cleaned.
7. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine generator according to claim 6, characterized in that, When there are two nozzles (610), the two nozzles (610) face the upper and lower sides of the yaw disc (100) to be cleaned respectively, and the two nozzles (610) are connected to one end of the spray pipe through a T-shaped pipe joint (620).
8. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spray pipe has a right-angle bend section, and the spray pipes on both sides of the right-angle bend section are connected by a right-angle pipe joint (630).
9. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A filter (640) is provided at one end of the spray pipe located in the cleaning fluid storage tank (500).
10. The automatic cleaning device for the yaw disc of a wind turbine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism also includes a control relay (720) and a DC power supply (730). The control relay (720) is used to receive the control signal (740) of the wind turbine and control the start and stop of the power pump (710). The DC power supply (730) is used to supply power to the power pump (710).