System and method for processing magnetic elements of wind turbine generator components

Abstract

A system is provided configured to process magnetic elements (10) of a wind turbine generator component (200). Each magnetic element (10) comprises one or more permanent magnet blocks (15). The system comprises a first processing step (101) comprising an extraction system (20) configured to extract one or more magnetic elements (10) from the wind turbine generator component (200). It further comprises a second processing step (102) comprising a demagnetization system (40) configured to demagnetize the extracted magnetic elements (10). The system further includes a transport system (80) configured to transport the extracted magnetic elements (10) between at least two processing steps (101, 102). The system (100) is configured to automatically process different magnet elements (10) of a wind turbine generator component (200) by extracting magnet elements (10) using an extraction system (20), transporting the extracted magnet elements (10) to a demagnetization system (40) using a transport system (80), and demagnetizing the magnet elements (10) using the demagnetization system (40).

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a system configured to process magnet elements of a wind turbine generator component, and to respective methods. 【0002】 Background Art Over the past several years, the size and output of wind turbines have been significantly increasing. Modern high-output wind turbines include direct-drive wind turbines in which the generator rotor is directly coupled to the wind turbine rotor without an intervening gearbox. Such direct-drive generators often use permanent magnets, typically in the generator rotor. For an exemplary wind turbine, for example, a 6-ton permanent magnet can be used in the generator rotor. For example, neodymium (Ne) iron (Fe) boron (B) permanent magnets are used because they can generate a strong magnetic field. However, the use of heavy rare earths (HREs) for manufacturing each permanent magnet is facing challenges. For example, such materials are troubled by fluctuations in the international price of HREs. Also, the extraction and mining of such heavy rare earths have a large impact on the environment. Furthermore, these materials are of high importance. Therefore, the manufacture of each permanent magnet provided in the generator rotor involves several challenges. 【0003】 Therefore, the inventors of the present invention have realized that it is desirable to reuse permanent magnet materials and, in particular, to recover such permanent magnet materials at the end of the life of each wind turbine generator. However, such recovery faces several difficulties because, due to the strong permanent magnetic field, the magnets can generate large forces that can make manual handling dangerous for personnel. Furthermore, the generator rotor can have more than 1,000 magnets, and their recycling is expensive and time-consuming. Still further, due to the magnetic force generated by each powerful permanent magnet, their removal from and further processing of the generator rotor can face difficulties. 【0004】 Summary of the Invention Therefore, there is a need to mitigate at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks. In particular, there is a need to provide a simple and efficient way to enable the reuse of materials from permanent magnets installed in wind turbine generators. 【0005】 This need is met by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims describe embodiments of the present invention. 【0006】 According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system is provided configured to process magnetic elements of a wind turbine generator component. Each magnetic element comprises one or more permanent magnet blocks, and the system comprises at least two processing steps. These include a first processing step comprising an extraction system configured to extract one or more magnetic elements from a wind turbine generator component. The extraction system comprises an extraction device and a support structure configured to support the wind turbine generator component relative to the extraction device to enable the extraction of one or more magnetic elements. At least two processing steps further include a second processing step comprising a demagnetization system configured to demagnetize the extracted magnetic elements. The system further comprises a transport system configured to transport the extracted magnetic elements between at least two processing steps. The system is configured to automatically process, for example, different magnetic elements of a wind turbine generator component by extracting the magnetic elements with the extraction system, transporting the extracted magnetic elements to the demagnetization system with the transport system, and demagnetizing the magnetic elements with the demagnetization system. 【0007】 Such automated extraction and demagnetization allows for the rapid and efficient removal of magnetic elements from wind turbine generator components. Since the transport of extracted magnetic elements to the demagnetizer is automated, the risk to workers is minimized, thereby improving safety. Such automated systems can achieve even higher throughput for magnet extraction and demagnetization. The system can enable the extraction of magnetic elements at high rates, for example, exceeding 20, 50, or even 100 per hour. Such automated extraction and demagnetization further facilitates the transport of magnetic elements to subsequent processing, such as disassembly and recycling of permanent magnet materials. Furthermore, such automated extraction devices can overcome the large forces required to separate magnetic elements from generator components. Moreover, compared to other possible methods, extraction makes the processing of magnetic elements easier, particularly demagnetization and subsequent disassembly. 【0008】 The system, sometimes referred to as a processing system, can, of course, include additional processing steps (hereinafter abbreviated as “steps”), such as intermediate or subsequent processing steps. The system may be configured to process magnetic elements continuously. For example, it can operate continuously until a certain number of magnetic elements, preferably all magnetic elements, of a wind turbine generator component (hereinafter abbreviated as “generator component” or “component”) have been processed. The processing steps and transport in the various stages may overlap in time; that is, while one magnetic element is being extracted in the first stage, other magnetic elements may be being transported by the transport system and / or demagnetized by the demagnetization system and / or processed in further stages. 【0009】 In one embodiment, the extraction system and the demagnetization system are provided as separate modules. The transport system may be configured to interconnect the extraction system and the demagnetization system. Alternatively, the extraction system and the demagnetization system may be located in different locations (e.g., different sites, particularly different sites far apart from each other). The transport system may be configured to transport the extracted magnet elements from the extraction system to the demagnetization system (e.g., by using a conveyor, transport container, vehicle, or a combination thereof). Such modularization of the system and processing stages can facilitate the transport and assembly of the system. Thus, the system can be easily transported to a port and installed there, and components of decommissioned wind turbines arriving at the port can be processed. 【0010】 The transport system may comprise one or more conveyors. Each stage may have a separate conveyor, and / or conveyors may connect different stages. For example, the transport system may comprise an intermediate conveyor between the extraction system and the transport system, a conveyor in the extraction system that transports extracted magnetic elements from the extraction device to the intermediate conveyor, and a conveyor in the demagnetization system that receives the magnetic elements from the intermediate conveyor. Such a configuration of the transport system provides the extraction system and the demagnetization system as separate modules, and facilitates connecting both modules by the intermediate conveyor. 【0011】 The extraction system, demagnetization system, and transport system may be synchronized with respect to the processing of magnetic elements. In particular, there may be correspondence (or agreement) in the speed at which the extraction system extracts magnetic elements from the generator components, the speed at which the transport system transports the magnetic elements to the demagnetization system, and the speed at which the demagnetization system demagnetizes the magnetic elements. Further processing stages and other components of this system can also be synchronized. This enables continuous processing of magnetic elements at high throughput. 【0012】 The demagnetization system may be configured to fit inside a standard shipping container for transport. The system may, for example, be equipped with a shipping container, and the demagnetization system may be located inside the shipping container and may be operable within the shipping container. This further facilitates the transport of the system and its installation at the location where the wind turbine components are processed. 【0013】 The shipping containers may be standard containers, such as 20, 24, or 40-foot containers. In particular, intermodal containers, such as those conforming to ISO standard 668:2020 or an equivalent standard, may be used. 【0014】 The system may include a control system configured to control at least the extraction system, the demagnetization system, and the transport system to perform the aforementioned automatic processing of the magnetic elements. The control system may be further configured to control any other elements of the system described herein. The control system may include respective control instructions that are stored in the control system's volatile or non-volatile memory and can be executed by the control system's processing units to perform the control. 【0015】 A transport container may be equipped with a control room, and the control system may be located in the control room. The control room may be separated from the degaussing system by a wall inside the container. Therefore, since the system can be controlled from a separate control room, the operators of the system can be further protected during operation. 【0016】 The extraction system may be configured to fit inside a shipping container, such as the standard container described above, for transport. This further facilitates the transport and assembly of the system. Thus, the first and second processing stages can be provided as separate modules in the same shipping container or in separate shipping containers. Consequently, the entire system can be easily transported and assembled at a new location. 【0017】 A magnetic element may have a support in the form of a base plate, or an enclosure with a base plate and cover, or any other type of encapsulation or support. Therefore, a magnetic element is sometimes referred to as a magnetic module. 【0018】 In one embodiment, the magnetic element comprises an enclosure or support, and at least two processing steps include a third processing step comprising a separation system configured to separate the enclosure or support from one or more permanent magnet blocks. Such a separation system can efficiently and safely separate the magnetic element from its respective enclosure or support. By separating the magnetic element into its components, the recycling of both the permanent magnet blocks and the components of the enclosure or support can be facilitated. Environmentally friendly separation of the main components in preparation for magnet recycling can be achieved. 【0019】 The separation system is preferably positioned after the demagnetization system, but it may also be positioned before it. The former configuration has the advantage of being easy to disassemble after demagnetization because it avoids strong magnetic fields. This further enhances worker safety. 【0020】 The third processing stage may form a separate module or may form a module together with the demagnetization system. The separation system may be located in a transport container and may be operable within the transport container. Preferably, the separation system is located in the same transport container as the demagnetization system. This allows for a compact configuration that is easily transportable. Furthermore, an interface between the two stages can be provided in a simple and efficient manner, for example, by a common conveyor. 【0021】 In other embodiments, the separation system may be separate from the first and second stages. Separation may be performed, for example, at a different location from extraction and demagnetization. 【0022】 The separation system may include a separation device. The separation device may include an actuator configured to push one or more permanent magnet blocks and / or push the enclosure during separation. In addition to or instead of this, the separation device may include a cutting device configured to cut the enclosure of the magnet elements. This allows for efficient and simple separation. The separation system may further include a retaining device configured to hold the magnet elements during separation. For example, the retaining device may hold the enclosure of the magnet elements, and the actuator may push one or more permanent magnet blocks out of the enclosure. The cutting device may be used, for example, to cut open the enclosure to separate different parts of the enclosure and / or to create openings for the permanent magnet blocks. 【0023】 The separation system may further include a collection system for collecting the separated components of the magnetic element. Such collection may be carried out in each container, or / or by transporting the separated components to a further processing step, such as one or more material recycling steps. 【0024】 The transport system may comprise a first transport section configured to transport extracted magnetic elements from the extraction system to the demagnetization system, and a second transport section configured to transport demagnetized magnetic elements from the demagnetization system to the separation system. This enables automated processing of magnetic elements, including separation. The first and / or second transport sections may comprise, for example, one or more conveyors. 【0025】 Although different conveyors can be used for the first and second conveying parts, it is also conceivable to use a common conveyor, for example, a passing conveyor from an extraction system to a separation system. 【0026】 Any conveyor known in the art, such as a belt, chain, slat, or other conveyor, or any other known conveying device, can be used in the conveying system. 【0027】 The conveying system can include a common conveyor that passes through a demagnetization system and a separation system. Thereby, compact and efficient conveyance and processing of the magnet elements can be achieved. Preferably, such a common conveyor includes carriers, and each carrier is configured to carry a magnet element. These may be driven by a belt, chain, or other suitable device. The common conveyor can be controllable to place the magnet element within a heating device of the demagnetization system and remove the magnet element from such a heating device, for example, an induction heater. This may be done by such a carrier or by a belt or slat of the conveyor that travels through the heating device. The common conveyor may be disposed within a transport container. 【0028】 The extraction system may be configured to provide alignment, for example, by a support structure, between a generator component and an extraction device. The generator component may be supported relative to the extraction device by supporting the generator component relative to a fixedly attached extraction device or by attaching the extraction device to the generator component. 【0029】 A wind turbine generator component may comprise multiple rows of magnetic elements. The extraction system may include a positioning device configured to automatically position the wind turbine generator component relative to the extraction device to align the extraction device with the rows of the wind turbine generator component. The extraction device may be configured to extract one or more magnetic elements from the aligned rows. Such positioning may be performed under the control of a control system. Position sensors may be provided to detect the position of the generator component. Such position control can accelerate the extraction of magnetic elements. In particular, after all magnetic elements have been extracted from a row, the generator component can be automatically repositioned to align a new row with the extraction device. For example, the positioning device may be configured to rotate the generator component. 【0030】 The extraction device may include a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuator configured to extract one or more magnetic elements from a generator component. For example, the actuator can push or pull one or more magnetic elements from the generator component, for example, using a hook, or otherwise detach them from it. Preferably, the magnetic elements remain magnetized when extracted. 【0031】 The demagnetization system can include at least one or two or more, for example, one, two, three, or four or more heating stations. Each heating station can include an induction heater configured to heat a magnet element. The conveying system can be configured to continuously convey each magnet element to each of at least one heating station for heating at each respective heating station. Such a demagnetization system can provide rapid and efficient demagnetization of the magnet elements. In particular, through such induction heating, efficient heat transfer to the magnet elements can be achieved, and the heating time can be significantly shortened. Further, by providing heating at different heating stations, especially as the magnet elements pass through the heating stations one after another and are heated within the heating stations, the throughput of the demagnetization system can be significantly increased, and the overall time required for demagnetization of the magnet elements can be further shortened. As a result, the system can operate continuously to rapidly and efficiently extract and demagnetize a plurality of magnet elements. 【0032】 The demagnetization system can further include a piercing station configured to provide an opening in the enclosure or encapsulation of the magnet element. By opening the enclosure, smoke or gas generated by vaporization due to induction heating of an adhesive or coating that may be present within the enclosure can be released. Thereby, destruction of the enclosure due to increased internal pressure can be avoided. The piercing station can include a drill or other device for piercing the enclosure of the magnet element. 【0033】 The induction heaters in two or more heating stations may include, for example, induction heating coils. The coils preferably have a single winding. Thus, rapid and efficient heating can be achieved. 【0034】 The demagnetization system may further include an induction generator configured to generate an electric drive signal for driving induction heaters. A common induction generator to drive each induction heater or a separate induction generator for each induction heater may be provided. Such induction heaters may be located in the control room of the container described above. 【0035】 The system may further include a gas treatment system configured to handle gases and / or fumes released when a demagnetizing system demagnetizes a magnetic element in, for example, one or more of the heating stations described above. Thus, gases, fumes, or vapors generated by heating due to, for example, the vaporization or combustion of glue, adhesive, or coating on the magnetic element can be removed from being released into the environment. One or more permanent magnet blocks may be bonded, for example, to the cover and / or base plate of the enclosure, and their respective adhesives can be burned or vaporized by heating. 【0036】 The gas treatment system may be located within the same transport container where the demagnetization system is placed, and may be operable within the transport container. Therefore, the gas treatment system can be transported and deployed together with the demagnetization system, further facilitating the transport and assembly of the entire system. 【0037】 The generator component may be, for example, a generator rotor, but in particular it may be a generator stator in a direct-drive generator. 【0038】 Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing magnetic elements of a wind turbine generator component. Each magnetic element comprises one or more permanent magnet blocks, and the method processes the magnetic elements in at least two processing steps. The method includes, in a first processing step, extracting magnetic elements from a wind turbine generator component by an extraction system comprising an extraction device and a support structure configured to support the wind turbine generator component relative to the extraction device so as to enable the extraction of one or more magnetic elements; transporting the extracted magnetic elements to a demagnetization system by a transport system; and in a second processing step, demagnetizing the magnetic elements by the demagnetization system. The method automatically processes different magnetic elements of a wind turbine generator component in at least two processing steps. Such a method can achieve advantages similar to those further outlined above. 【0039】 This method allows the magnetic elements to be processed in a further processing step, such as a third processing step comprising a separation system having any of the configurations described herein. 【0040】 The steps of this method may be repeated for different magnet elements of the generator component, preferably until all magnet elements of the generator component have been processed. In particular, the extraction step, the demagnetization step, and optionally the separation step may be performed for each magnet element of the generator component. 【0041】 Each magnetic element can be processed sequentially at each processing stage, and different processing stages can process different magnetic elements simultaneously. This enables high-throughput processing of multiple magnetic elements. 【0042】 This method may further include any of the steps described herein with respect to the system. Furthermore, the control system may be configured to cause the processing system to perform any of the methods described herein. 【0043】 It should be understood that the features described above and those described below can be used not only in each of the combinations shown, but also in other combinations or individually without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the features of different aspects and embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other unless otherwise stated. 【0044】 The aforementioned features and advantages of the present invention, as well as other features and advantages, will become even clearer upon further consideration of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals refer to similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0045】 [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a system for processing magnetic elements according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a magnetic element according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing a system for processing magnetic elements according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the modular design of the extraction system and its transport in standard containers. [Figure 5] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the modular design of the demagnetization system and its operation within a standard container. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for extracting magnetic elements according to one embodiment. 【0046】 Modes for carrying out the invention Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description of embodiments is presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. The drawings should be considered merely illustrative representations, and it should be noted that the elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale with respect to each other. Rather, the representation of the various elements has been chosen so that their function and general purpose will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Where used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” should be interpreted as non-exclusive terms (i.e., “including, but not limited to.”). 【0047】 Figure 1 schematically shows a system 100 according to one embodiment. The system 100 includes a first processing step 101 comprising an extraction system 20 and a second processing step 102 comprising a demagnetization system 40. The system 100 further includes an optional third processing step 103 comprising a separation system 60. 【0048】 The extraction system 20 is configured to extract magnet elements 10 from a wind turbine (WT) generator component 200. The generator component 200 has a cylindrical shape, and the cylindrical axis of this shape extends perpendicular to the plane of the drawing. Multiple rows 202 are provided on the inner cylindrical surface, and each row 202 contains one or more, for example, 1 to 10 magnet elements 10. The component 200 may have each slot 201 which is T-shaped in this example. The magnet elements 10 may be inserted into the slots 201 during assembly, for example, as described in European Patent Application Publication No. 2555393. However, the magnet elements 10 may be attached to the generator component 200, which may be a generator rotor or a generator stator, in any conceivable manner. 【0049】 Figure 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic element 10, which includes a base plate 11 to which one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 are attached by adhesive 12. The magnet blocks 15 are placed inside a cover 17, which may be made of, for example, a sheet of metal. The base plate 11 and the cover 17 form an enclosure. Thus, the magnetic element 10 may be a sealed or housed permanent magnet and may also be called a magnetic module. The base plate 11 may be made of steel, and the cover 17 may be made of stainless steel. Thus, as provided by this solution, separation of different components of the magnetic element 10 for recycling purposes is beneficial. In another embodiment, the magnet blocks 15 may be attached only to, for example, a support plate 11. The support plate 11 is housed in a T-shaped slot 201. 【0050】 The extraction system 20 includes an extraction device 21 configured to extract one or more magnet elements from a row 202 until all magnet elements have been extracted from the row 202. For this purpose, the extraction device 21 may include an actuator 23, such as a hydraulic cylinder, configured to push or pull the magnet elements 10 out of the slot 201. After all magnet elements have been extracted from the row 202, a positioning device 30 of the extraction system 20 is used to align a new row 202 with the extraction device 21. The positioning device 30 includes a roller 31 that contacts the inner or outer circumferential surface of a component 200, and a motor 32 that drives the roller 31. Other configurations of the positioning device 30 are also possible. 【0051】 The extraction system 20 includes a support structure 22 that supports the components 200. The components 200 may be rotatably supported, for example, by a bearing 203 (Figure 3). Thus, the support structure 22 enables relative positioning and alignment between the row 202 of the components 200 and the extraction device 21. The extraction system 200 may further include position sensors for detecting the position of the components 200. This ensures accurate alignment. In this way, the extraction system 20 can extract the magnetic elements of all row 202 of the components 200. 【0052】 System 100 comprises a transport system 80 that interconnects at least two processing stages 101, 102 and an optional processing stage 103. A first conveyor 81 of the transport system 80 automatically transports the extracted magnet elements 10 from the extraction system 20 to the demagnetization system 40. The first conveyor 81 may be a belt, chain, slat, or other type of conveyor. 【0053】 The demagnetization system 40 comprises one, two, or three or more heating stations, and in this example, three heating stations 41, 42, and 43 are provided. Each heating station includes an induction heater (not shown). The transport system 80 transports each extracted magnet element 10 to the respective heating stations 41, 42, and 43, where the magnet element 10 is heated. Preferably, the heating system 40 is configured such that heating at different heating stations causes one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 of the magnet element 10 to reach the Curie temperature at which the permanent magnet blocks are demagnetized. The number of heating stations, the heating time at each heating station, and the heating power at each heating station may be adjusted, depending on the dimensions of the magnet element, so that the permanent magnet blocks 15 reach or exceed the Curie temperature within the demagnetization system 40. 【0054】 The transport system 80 may include a conveyor that passes through the heating station, or it may include a carrier on which the magnetic element 10 is positioned and which is inserted into the induction heater of the heating station. 【0055】 By providing multiple such heating stations 41, 42, and 43, each of the magnet elements 10 can be heated simultaneously. Furthermore, such an arrangement using multiple induction heaters can significantly reduce the time required to reach the demagnetization temperature. 【0056】 Furthermore, the demagnetization system 40 may include a drilling station (not shown) in which one or more openings are formed in the enclosure of the permanent magnet element 10, for example, by drilling or cutting an opening in the cover 17. This is beneficial when the enclosure of the magnet element 10 is airtight, allowing the resulting gas to escape through such openings if the adhesive 12 vaporizes during heating. Otherwise, the magnet element 10 may rupture, causing damage to the demagnetization system 40. 【0057】 The transport system 80 may include a second conveyor 82 for transporting demagnetized magnet elements from the demagnetization system 40 to the separation system 60. Either conveyor 81 or 82 may extend into the demagnetization system 40 and be used to transport magnet elements within the demagnetization system 40. In other configurations, the demagnetization system 40 may have a separate transport device for this purpose. 【0058】 The separation system 60 receives the magnetic elements 10 by the conveyor 82 and separates one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 from the enclosure, e.g., the support plate 11 and cover 17. This is facilitated by the demagnetization system 40 because the adhesive 12 may have already vaporized. The separation system 60 may comprise an actuator 61, such as a hydraulic cylinder, and a push block and / or cutting device 62 actuated by the actuator 61. The separation system 60 may further comprise a retaining device (not shown) configured to hold the magnetic elements 10 during separation, for example, by holding (part of) its enclosure. For example, the retaining device can hold the enclosure of the magnetic elements, and the push block 62 pushes one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 from the enclosure, e.g., the cover 17. Each cutting device can be used to cut open the enclosure and / or to separate the enclosure into further sub-components, e.g., by separating the cover 17 from the base plate 11. Therefore, the isolation system 60 may be configured to separate the magnetic element 10 into its various components. Preferably, at least one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 are configured to be separated from the enclosure or support. 【0059】 The separation system 60 may further comprise a collection system 70 for collecting the components of the separated magnetic element 10. These components may be collected together by the collection system 70 or individually. The collection system 70 may comprise collection containers for each component, or it may comprise a collection and transport device for transporting the collected components to a further processing stage, such as a material recycling stage. 【0060】 System 100 may include a control system 110 that controls various elements of System 100. The control system 110 can control the extraction system 20, the demagnetization system 40, the separation system 60, and the transport system 80, and in particular can control the components of these systems. Under the control of the control system 110, System 100 can continuously process the magnetic elements of component 200 until all the magnetic elements of component 200 have been processed. 【0061】 An exemplary embodiment of such a method is shown in the flowchart of Figure 6. In step S10, the generator components 200 are attached to the support structure 22 (see Figure 3 for details). In step S11, a row 202 of the components 200 is aligned with the extraction device 21. The extraction device 21 then operates to extract one or more magnet elements 10 from the row. Preferably, the elements are extracted one by one in succession so that the extracted elements can be carried away while other elements are being processed in other stages of the system 100. 【0062】 In step S12, the extracted magnet elements are transported to the demagnetization system 40 by the conveyor 81. It is obvious that further transport steps may be performed within the extraction system 20 to position the magnet elements 10 in a desired orientation on the conveyor 81. In step S13, the magnet elements are demagnetized in the demagnetization system 40 by continuous heating, for example, at heating stations 41, 42, and 43. After demagnetization, in step S14, the magnet elements are transported to the separation system 60. This may be done by a second conveyor 82, but alternatively, the first conveyor 81 may pass through the entire system 100. In step S15, one or more permanent magnet blocks 15 are separated from the enclosure of the magnet elements 10. This may include separation from the base plate 11 and the cover 17. Optionally, the cover 17 may be further separated from the base plate 11, which may be done in the same separation step S15 or in an additional separation step. This method may optionally include a collection step, in which the permanent magnet block 15 is collected separately from the enclosure of the magnet element 10, or collected together with the enclosure of the magnet element 10. 【0063】 In step S16, it is checked whether each column 202 of the generator component 200 has been processed, and in particular, whether all magnet elements have been extracted from the component 200. If not, the method proceeds to step S11, and processing of the next column 202 continues. If all magnet elements have been processed, the method terminates (step S17). 【0064】 It is clear that some steps of this method, such as steps S14 and S15, are optional and may be performed in a different order. 【0065】 Returning to Figure 1, such a method may be carried out by a control system 110 that controls the components of system 100. The control system 110 can operate system 100 to process the magnet elements 10 continuously in processing stages 101, 102, and 103 until all magnet elements have been processed. Thus, high-throughput automated processing of the magnet elements of component 200 can be achieved without human intervention. 【0066】 The control system 110 may comprise a processing unit 111 and a memory 112. The memory 112 may contain control instructions configured to be executed by the processing unit 111. By having the processing unit 111 execute the instructions, the control system 110 can cause system 100 to perform any of the methods described herein. The processing unit 111 may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, and the like. The memory 112 may include any type of volatile and non-volatile memory, such as RAM, ROM, or flash memory. The control system 110 may comprise any other elements common to computing systems, such as respective input and output interfaces for receiving information and transmitting control signals to the respective systems 20, 40, 60, and 80, as well as a user interface. 【0067】 Figure 3 shows a specific embodiment of the system 100 of Figure 1, and therefore the above description is equally applicable. The components 200 are supported by a support structure 22 of the extraction system 20. The components 200 are rotatable via bearings 203 by the operation of a positioning device 30 including rollers 31. Rows 202 of the components 200 are aligned with an extraction device 21 including hydraulic cylinders 23 that operate to pull out magnetic elements from their respective slots. A vertical conveyor 83 transports the extracted magnetic elements onto a conveyor 81 of the transport system 80. The conveyor 83 may form part of the extraction system 20 or the transport system 80. The conveyor 81 provides a transport connection to a second processing stage including a demagnetizing system 40. 【0068】 The demagnetization system 40 is located inside the transport container 90. The conveyor 81 of the transport system 80 is configured to transport the extracted magnet elements into the transport container. The transport system 80 includes a second conveyor 82 that transports the extracted magnet elements through the demagnetization system 40 inside the transport container. The transport system is configured to automatically transfer the magnet elements 10 from the first conveyor 81 to the second conveyor 82. 【0069】 This configuration allows the demagnetization system 40 to be easily transported and installed at the location where processing is to be performed. It is simply a matter of arranging the conveyor 81 to interconnect the extraction system 20 with the demagnetization system 40. The system 100 further includes an optional separation system 60, which may be located within the same transport container 90. In this example, a second conveyor 82 passes through the demagnetization system 40 to reach the separation system 60. Thus, the magnetic element 10 can be transported to both of these systems. 【0070】 System 100 may further comprise a gas treatment system 50 which may be located within the container 90. The gas treatment system 50 is configured to treat gases, smoke, and other emissions that may be generated when the magnetic elements 10 are heated within the demagnetization system 40. Such emissions may result from the vaporization and combustion of the adhesive 12. The gas treatment system 50 includes a blower 52 that draws the gas through an emissions collection element 54 located above the heating stations 41-43. Piping 53 connects the emissions collection element 54, which may be similar to an exhaust hood, to the blower 52. The gas treatment system 60 filters and / or otherwise treats the gas, in particular removing contaminants using, for example, a filter 55 (Figure 5). The purified gas is exhausted through an exhaust pipe 51. 【0071】 This arrangement can be seen more clearly in Figure 5, which shows a perspective front view of a container 90 including a demagnetizing system 40 having a gas processing system 50 and a separation system 60. As can be seen, the magnetic element 10 is brought into the container 90 via a conveyor 81, transferred to a conveyor 82, passes through the demagnetizing system 40, and is finally separated into components in the separation system 60. In this example, the separation system 60 may include one or more containers and a collection system 70 provided in the form of separate chutes for dropping the separated components into the containers. 【0072】 System 100 may further include a control room 95 in which a control system 110 is housed. The control room 95 may be located inside the container 90 and separated from the second and third processing stages 102 and 103 by the container's walls 96. This further enhances worker safety by allowing the user interface of the control system 110 to be operated from the control room 95 protected by the walls 96. The control room 95 may also include further components of System 100, such as an induction generator 45 that drives the induction coils of the induction heaters of the heating stations 41-43 of the demagnetization system 40. Thus, a safe, compact, and easily deployable processing system can be achieved. 【0073】 The extraction system 20 can be provided as a module that can be interconnected with each demagnetizing module, which includes a demagnetizing system 40, via a transport system 80, particularly a conveyor 81. Each module, i.e., the extraction system 20, is preferably configured to fit into a standard shipping container, as shown in Figure 4. The shipping container 90 (e.g., a standard 20, 24, or 40-foot container) houses all the elements of the extraction system 20, including the extraction device 21, the support structure 22, and the vertical conveyor 83. 【0074】 Therefore, the system 100 can be configured to be transported in two transport containers 90. To install the system 100, it is only necessary to assemble the extraction system 20 as shown in Figure 3 and connect the conveyor 81 to the demagnetization system 40 in the second transport container 90. Thus, the system 100 can be easily transported and installed at the port where the decommissioned wind turbine components from offshore wind farms arrive. This minimizes the transport distance required for large and heavy wind turbine generator components. Therefore, the amount of unused heavy rare earth material required to manufacture new magnets can be reduced by extracting and recycling magnet elements from generator components. 【0075】 System 100 can be configured to process magnetic elements, including extraction, demagnetization, and separation, at speeds exceeding 50, 80, or even 100 per hour. Thus, rapid, safe, and large-scale extraction becomes possible. 【0076】 While specific embodiments are disclosed herein, various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not limiting, and all changes that fall within the meaning of the appended claims and the scope of equivalents are intended to be encompassed therein.

Claims

[Claim 1] A system configured to process the magnetic elements (10) of a wind turbine generator component (200), wherein each of the magnetic elements (10) comprises one or more permanent magnet blocks (15), The system comprises at least two processing stages (101, 102), The above-mentioned at least two processing steps (101, 102) are, - A first processing step (101) having an extraction system (20) configured to extract one or more magnet elements (10) from the wind turbine generator components (200), - A second processing step (102) having a demagnetizing system (40) configured to demagnetize the extracted magnetic element (10), Includes, The extraction system (20) comprises an extraction device (21) and a support structure (22) configured to support the wind turbine generator components (200) relative to the extraction device (21) so as to enable the extraction of one or more magnet elements (10). The system further comprises a transport system (80) configured to transport the extracted magnetic element (10) between the at least two processing steps (101, 102), The system is configured to automatically process different magnet elements (10) of the wind turbine generator components (200) by extracting magnet elements (10) using the extraction system (20), transporting the extracted magnet elements (10) to the demagnetization system (40) using the transport system (80), and demagnetizing the magnet elements (10) using the demagnetization system (40). system. [Claim 2] The system according to claim 1, wherein the extraction system (20) and the demagnetization system (40) are provided as separate modules, the transport system (80) is configured to interconnect the extraction system (20) and the demagnetization system (40), or the extraction system (20) and the demagnetization system (40) are located in different places, and the transport system (80) is configured to transport the extracted magnet elements (10) from the extraction system (20) to the demagnetization system (40). [Claim 3] The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the extraction system (20), the demagnetization system (40), and the transport system (80) are synchronized with respect to the processing of the magnetic element (10). [Claim 4] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system (100) further comprises a transport container (90), and the demagnetization system (40) is located inside the transport container (90) and can operate inside the transport container (90). [Claim 5] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a control system (110) configured to control at least the extraction system (20), the demagnetization system (40), and the transport system (80) to perform the automatic processing of the magnetic elements. [Claim 6] The system according to claims 4 and 5, wherein the transport container (90) comprises a control room (95), the control system (110) is located within the control room (95), and the control room (95) is separated from the degaussing system (40) by a wall (96) inside the container (90). [Claim 7] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the magnetic element (10) comprises an enclosure (11, 17) or a support, and the at least two processing steps include a third processing step (103) comprising a separation system (60) configured to separate the enclosure (11, 17) or support from the one or more permanent magnet blocks (15). [Claim 8] The separation system (60) is located inside the transport container (90) and can operate inside the transport container, as per claim 4, according to claim 7. [Claim 9] The separation system (60) comprises a separation device, the separation device comprising an actuator (61) configured to press one or more permanent magnet blocks (15) and / or the enclosures (11, 17) during separation, and further / or the separation device comprising a cutting device configured to cut the enclosures (11, 17) of the magnet elements, according to claim 7 or 8. [Claim 10] The transport system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, comprising: a first transport section (81) configured to transport extracted magnetic elements (10) from the extraction system (20) to the demagnetization system (40); and a second transport section (82) configured to transport demagnetized magnetic elements (10) from the demagnetization system (40) to the separation system (60). [Claim 11] The transport system (80) comprises a common conveyor (82) that passes through the demagnetization system (40) and the separation system (60), according to any one of claims 7 to 10. [Claim 12] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the wind turbine generator component (200) comprises a plurality of rows (202) of magnetic elements, and the extraction system comprises a positioning device (30) configured to automatically position the wind turbine generator component (200) relative to the extraction device (21) to bring about alignment between the extraction device (21) and the rows (202) of the wind turbine generator component (200), and the extraction device (21) is configured to extract one or more magnetic elements (10) from the aligned rows (202). [Claim 13] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the demagnetization system (40) comprises one or more heating stations (41, 42, 43), each heating station comprising an induction heater configured to heat a magnetic element (10), and the transport system (80) is configured to continuously transport each magnetic element (10) to each of the one or more heating stations (41, 42, 43) for heating at each heating station. [Claim 14] The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a gas treatment system (50) configured to treat gas and / or smoke released when the magnetic element (10) is demagnetized by the demagnetization system (40). [Claim 15] A method for processing a magnetic element (10) of a wind turbine generator component (200) by at least two processing steps (101, 102), wherein each of the magnetic elements (10) comprises one or more permanent magnet blocks (15), The aforementioned method, - In the first processing step (101), the extraction system (20) comprises an extraction device (21) and a support structure (22) configured to support the wind turbine generator component (200) with respect to the extraction device (21) so as to enable the extraction of one or more magnet elements (10), and the extraction system (20) extracts the magnet elements (10) from the wind turbine generator component (200), - A step of transporting the extracted magnetic element (10) to the demagnetization system (40) by the transport system (80), - In the second processing step (102), the demagnetizing step is performed by the demagnetizing system (40) and It includes, The different magnet elements (10) of the wind turbine generator component (200) are automatically processed by the above at least two processing steps (101, 102). method.

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