Demagnetization system and method for magnetic elements of wind turbine generator components

Abstract

A demagnetization system is provided for demagnetizing magnetic elements (10) of a wind turbine generator component. Each magnetic element (10) comprises at least one permanent magnet block (15). The demagnetization system (100) comprises at least one heating station (21, 22), each having an induction heater (30) configured to heat the magnetic elements (10), and an automated transport system (50) configured to transport each magnetic element (10) to each of the at least one heating station (21, 22), wherein the demagnetization system (100) is configured to heat the magnetic elements (10) at each heating station (21, 22) by their respective induction heaters (30).

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present invention relates to a demagnetization system for demagnetizing magnet elements of a wind turbine generator component and respective demagnetization methods. 【0002】 Background Art Over the past few years, the size and output of wind turbines have increased significantly. Modern high-output wind turbines include direct-drive wind turbines where the generator rotor is directly coupled to the wind turbine rotor without an intervening gearbox. Such direct-drive generators typically use permanent magnets in the generator rotor. For an exemplary wind turbine, 6 tons of NdFeB (neodymium iron boron) permanent magnets can be used in the generator rotor. It is desirable to reuse the permanent magnet material and, in particular, to recover such permanent magnet material at the end of the life of each wind turbine generator. 【0003】 However, such recovery faces several difficulties. To reuse the permanent magnet material, it is usually necessary to demagnetize the permanent magnet. Demagnetization can be performed by heating the permanent magnet to its Curie temperature. For example, an NdFeB permanent magnet can be heated to 350 °C for demagnetization. The magnet elements used in wind turbine generators generally have a fairly large size, such as about \(100\times20\times70\) mm. The inventors of the present invention have found that in order to demagnetize each magnet element, the element can be placed in an oven and heated for about 40 minutes required for the magnet element to reach a stable temperature throughout. 【0004】 Therefore, this method of demagnetizing magnetic elements is time-consuming. Furthermore, heating can require a relatively large amount of energy. Moreover, it may be impossible to place multiple modules in the oven because a large force is generated between the magnetic elements, which could damage the equipment and be dangerous to the operator running the equipment. Thus, demagnetization can be inefficient and time-consuming. Achieving demagnetization using equipment similar to that of a magnetization device is generally difficult because it requires disassembling the magnetic elements, which is difficult to achieve as long as the permanent magnet block inside the magnetic elements remains magnetized. Therefore, it is desirable to facilitate the demagnetization of such magnetic elements. 【0005】 International Publication No. 2017 / 079183 discloses a system for separating and recycling magnets from a product, which uses a separation device for extracting the magnets and a portion of the product, and a heating device for demagnetizing the magnets. 【0006】 Summary of the Invention Therefore, there is a need to mitigate at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks and improve the demagnetization of magnetic elements. In particular, it is desirable to increase the efficiency of demagnetization and reduce the risk to personnel performing the demagnetization work. 【0007】 This need is met by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims describe embodiments of the present invention. 【0008】 According to one embodiment of the present invention, a demagnetization system is provided for demagnetizing magnetic elements of a wind turbine generator component. Each magnetic element comprises at least one permanent magnet block. The demagnetization system comprises at least two heating stations, each heating station comprising an induction heater configured to heat the magnetic element. The demagnetization system further comprises an automated transport system configured to transport each magnetic element to each of the at least two heating stations, and the demagnetization system is configured to heat the magnetic element at each heating station by its respective induction heater. 【0009】 Such a system can provide rapid and efficient demagnetization of magnetic elements. In particular, such induction heating can achieve efficient heat transfer to the magnetic elements, significantly reducing heating time. Furthermore, by providing heating at one or more different heating stations, particularly by having the magnetic elements pass through the heating stations one after another and be heated within each station, the throughput of the demagnetization system can be greatly increased, further reducing the overall time required to demagnetize the magnetic elements. By providing automated transport for each element, magnetic elements can be processed and demagnetized continuously. This further improves safety as it eliminates the need for workers to handle the magnetic elements. Therefore, even relatively large magnetic elements of wind turbine generator components (hereinafter abbreviated as generator components or components) can be demagnetized efficiently and safely. Large-scale demagnetization becomes possible. 【0010】 According to the present invention, at least two heating stations are provided, and the automatic transport system is configured to continuously transport each magnetic element to each of the at least two heating stations. For example, there may be two, three, four, or five or more heating stations. 【0011】 The system may be configured to expose the magnetic elements to induction heating for a predetermined period of time at each heating station. The period may be, for example, longer than 1 second and shorter than 5 minutes, for example, 5 or 10 seconds to 1 minute, or for example, 5 or 10 seconds to 40 seconds. Therefore, the magnetic elements only need to remain in the heating station for a relatively short period, such as 30 seconds. Thus, the duration of the demagnetization process for the magnetic elements can be significantly reduced. 【0012】 The transport system may be configured to transport magnetic elements to a heating station and to stop transporting them for the duration of heating of the magnetic elements at the heating station (e.g., the aforementioned period of exposure to induction heating). This ensures high efficiency of induction heating and good exposure of the magnetic elements to the electromagnetic field of the induction heater. The automated transport system may be configured to transport magnetic elements to a heating station, stop for a predetermined period, and then continue transporting them until the next magnetic element reaches the heating station. Thus, the magnets may be transported intermittently by the automated transport system. 【0013】 In another embodiment, the spatial extent of the induction heater in the speed and direction of the automated conveying system may be adjusted so that the magnetic elements pass through the heating station, particularly the induction heater, during the heating period at the heating station. The automated conveying system, such as a conveyor, can operate continuously in such a configuration. 【0014】 The spacing between magnetic elements on a conveying system (for example, the spacing between carriers on a belt or chain of the conveying system) can be configured to correspond to the spatial distance between heating stations. For example, the spacing between heating stations may be an integer multiple of the spacing between magnetic elements on the automated conveying system, e.g., 1, 2, 3, ... This ensures that when magnetic elements are present at a first heating station, magnetic elements are also present at the remaining heating stations, and therefore these magnetic elements can be heated simultaneously at each heating station. 【0015】 The transport system may include, for example, a conveyor having multiple carriers, each carrier being configured to receive a magnetic element. The conveyor can be configured to transport carriers to one or more heating stations, into one or more heating stations, or through one or more heating stations. 【0016】 The demagnetization system may be configured such that each magnetic element is heated in at least one heating station to a temperature at which the permanent magnet block of the magnetic element is demagnetized. It is obvious that this temperature may differ for different materials of the permanent magnet block. Accordingly, the duration of exposure to heating and the temperature reached by the magnetic element can be adjusted. The temperature reached may, in particular, be above the Curie temperature of the material of the permanent magnet block. For example, the heating power of the induction heater, the duration of induction heating, and / or the number of heating stations can be adjusted to reach the respective temperatures of the magnetic elements. 【0017】 The induction heating time for the magnetic elements may be the same or identical for each heating station. 【0018】 In one embodiment, the demagnetization system comprises at least three heating stations, and may comprise three, four, or five or more heating stations. By providing a larger number of heating stations, the time that each magnetic element must spend at each heating station can be reduced, and therefore, by heating more magnetic elements in parallel, a faster overall process can be achieved. 【0019】 The transport system may be configured to transport the magnetic elements to each heating station simultaneously during operation, and the demagnetization system may be further configured to simultaneously induce heating of these magnetic elements at each heating station. 【0020】 The conveying system may be configured to automatically place the magnetic elements into an induction heater and to automatically remove the heated magnetic elements from the induction heater. For this purpose, the conveying system may include, for example, a conveyor having one or more actuators for raising and lowering the carrier on which the magnetic elements are placed. 【0021】 An induction heater may include an induction coil wound around a space in which the magnetic elements are positioned when they are located at their respective heating stations. Therefore, by winding the induction coil around this space, the magnetic elements can be positioned within the coil when heated. This can improve heating efficiency and allow the temperature of the magnetic elements to rise more quickly. 【0022】 The induction coil preferably comprises fewer than five, three, or two windings (or turns). For example, the induction coil may comprise a single winding (or turn). The induction coil may, for example, be a single solid copper conductor. Such a configuration of the induction heater provides high heating power and enables heating at high currents. This allows for rapid and efficient heating of the magnetic element. 【0023】 The induction heater may further include a cooling system, such as a liquid system, for cooling the induction coil of the induction heater. The cooling medium may be, for example, water or oil. The cooling system may be configured to carry the cooling medium at the front and / or rear ends of the induction heater around the space. This makes it possible to achieve efficient cooling of the induction coil while keeping the induction heater compact. 【0024】 The demagnetization system may further include at least one resting station, and the conveying system may be configured to transport each magnetic element to the resting station after passing through at least one heating station. The resting station may be located, for example, behind each heating station. No further processing of the magnetic elements is required at the resting station, and the internal temperature of the magnetic elements can be equalized. Since the magnetic elements may be on the same conveyor, the resting station may simply be a station where no further processing is provided, and therefore, when the magnetic elements are heated at each heating station, the magnetic elements at the resting station remain there for the same predetermined period, and their internal temperatures equalize. This allows for efficient demagnetization. 【0025】 The transport system may have an interface to an extraction system configured to extract magnetic elements from wind turbine generator components. Alternatively, the transport system may have an interface to a separation system configured to disassemble the magnetic elements. Therefore, the demagnetization system can be integrated into an automated magnetic element recycling system for recycling the magnetic elements of the generator components. 【0026】 For example, the demagnetization system may be a modular system configured to interface with a magnet extraction module that extracts magnet elements from generator components and / or with a separation module that results in the disassembly of demagnetized magnet elements, for example, by removing the enclosure from a permanent magnet block. This enables automated, high-throughput, continuous recycling of magnet elements. 【0027】 Each magnet element can comprise an enclosure such as a housing or a capsule around at least one permanent magnet block. Such a housing can comprise, for example, a base plate and a cover. The at least one permanent magnet block may be adhered (e.g., by an adhesive) to the base plate and / or the cover. Such a configuration of the magnet element facilitates its handling when used in a generator component and further protects the magnet block. 【0028】 The demagnetization system can further comprise an open station having a piercing device configured to provide an opening in the enclosure of the magnet element. By automatically providing an opening in the enclosure, it is possible to avoid disassembling the magnet element when the permanent magnet block is still magnetized without involving danger to the operator. Further, by opening the enclosure, smoke or gas generated by the vaporization due to the induction heating of the adhesive that may be present in the enclosure can be released. Thereby, destruction of the enclosure due to an increase in internal pressure can be avoided, safety is further improved, and damage to the demagnetization system is avoided. Further, due to the vaporization and / or combustion of the adhesive, the at least one magnet block is released from the adhesive connection to the base plate and / or the cover, thus facilitating subsequent disassembly of the magnet element. 【0029】 The piercing device can comprise, for example, at least one of a cutter, a saw, a drill, a cutting tool, a mechanical cutter, a plasma cutter, a water jet cutter, or an electric discharge cutter, and a welding tool. The piercing device may be automatically controlled by the demagnetization system. 【0030】 The conveying system may be configured to convey the magnet element to the open station before conveying it to the first heating station of the one or more heating stations. Thus, it can be ensured that the enclosure of each magnet element is opened before reaching the first heating station. 【0031】 In an exemplary embodiment, the conveying system can include two conveyors. The first conveyor is configured to convey the magnet elements to the release station, and the second conveyor is configured to convey the magnet elements to one or more heating stations. The two conveyors can meet at a point where the magnet elements are transferred from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. 【0032】 The demagnetization system may further include a gas treatment system configured to treat the gas and / or smoke emitted when heating the magnet elements at one or more heating stations. Thus, when vaporizing or burning the adhesive contained in the enclosure of the magnet element, the resulting smoke / gas can be purified before being released into the environment. Such a gas treatment system can include, for example, a pipe having a suction opening adjacent to at least one heating station that can remove the generated gas by suction. Further, it may include each blower disposed in the pipe to generate suction, a filter, and other gas purification equipment through which the gas / smoke carried by one or more blowers passes. It may further include an exhaust pipe for discharging the purified gas into the environment. 【0033】 The demagnetization system can further include an induction generator configured to generate an electric drive signal for driving the induction heater. A common induction generator for driving each induction heater or an individual induction generator for each induction heater can be provided. The induction generator can generate, for example, a high-frequency large-current electric signal applied to an induction coil to drive induction heating. 【0034】 The demagnetization system may further include a control system configured to control one or more heating stations and transport systems. The control system can be configured to automatically perform the steps of transporting magnetic elements to a first heating station by the transport system and heating the magnetic elements at the first heating station with their respective induction heaters, and optionally transporting the magnetic elements to a second heating station by the transport system and heating the magnetic elements at the second heating station with their respective induction heaters. If further heating stations exist, each step can be performed. In particular, the control system can automatically perform these steps for multiple magnetic elements. Therefore, it may be configured to demagnetize multiple magnetic elements in succession. The control system can further control the drilling device to automatically open the enclosure of each magnetic element before it reaches the first heating station. For example, the control system can control the demagnetization system so that each magnetic element sequentially passes through the drilling device for opening, the first, second, and third heating stations, and optionally a resting station after each heating station. Thus, high-speed, continuous, high-throughput demagnetization can be achieved. 【0035】 Each magnetic element may be a magnetic element extracted from a wind turbine generator component, such as a generator rotor, having a nominal power rating of at least 250 kW, preferably at least 500 kW, at least 1 MW, or at least 2 MW. The wind turbine generator component may be the generator rotor of a direct-drive generator. The direct-drive generator may be configured to be mechanically connected to the wind turbine rotor of a wind turbine without the interposition of a gearbox. 【0036】 In one embodiment, the demagnetization system further comprises a transport container. The transport system and one or more heating stations may be located inside the transport container. They may be particularly operable inside the transport container. Further elements of the demagnetization system disclosed herein, such as an opening station, a stationary station, and / or a gas treatment system, may also be located inside the transport container. In addition to or instead of this, the container may include a control room separated by an internal wall from the treatment chamber where one or more heating stations are located. This improves the safety of the workers operating the demagnetization system. Such a control room may include, for example, an induction generator and a control system. The container may be a standard container, such as a 20, 24, or 40-foot container. In particular, it may be an intermodal container, for example, a container according to ISO standard 668:2020 or an equivalent standard. 【0037】 Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for demagnetizing magnetic elements of a wind turbine generator component. Each magnetic element comprises a permanent magnet block. The method includes the steps of transporting the magnetic elements to a first heating station by an automated transport system and heating the magnetic elements by an induction heater at the first heating station. Optionally, the method may further include the steps of transporting the magnetic elements to a second heating station by a transport system and heating the magnetic elements by an induction heater at the second heating station. Such a method can achieve advantages similar to those further outlined above. In particular, the steps may be repeated sequentially for multiple magnetic elements, thus enabling rapid, safe, and efficient demagnetization of multiple magnetic elements. 【0038】 The method may include further steps, such as receiving the magnetic element from an extraction system, opening the enclosure of the magnetic element prior to heating, transporting the magnetic element to a third heating station or further heating station where the magnetic element is heated using induction heating, allowing the magnetic element to rest for a predetermined period of time in a resting station, and / or transporting the magnetic element to a separation system configured to disassemble the magnetic element. The method may include one or more of these steps in any combination. 【0039】 This method may further include any of the steps described herein with respect to a demagnetization system. Furthermore, the control system may be configured to perform any of the methods described herein. 【0040】 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. 【0041】 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] 【0042】 [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a demagnetization system 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 demagnetization system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4]Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the details of the demagnetization system. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the heating of a magnetic element in a heating station and induction heater according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the gas processing system of the demagnetization system. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for demagnetizing a magnetic element according to one embodiment. 【0043】 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 relative to one another. Rather, the representation of the various elements has been chosen so that their function and general purpose are evident 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.”). 【0044】 Figure 1 schematically shows a demagnetizing system 100, which includes a transport system 50 and three heating stations 21, 22, and 23. The transport system 50 includes an interface 56 to an extraction system that extracts magnetic elements 10 from wind turbine generator components such as the generator rotor of a direct-drive generator. 【0045】 Figure 2 schematically shows a magnetic element 10 including one or more permanent magnet blocks 15. These can optionally be housed in an enclosure, casing, or other capsule, and therefore the magnetic element 10 may also be called a magnetic module. In this example, the magnetic element 10 includes a base plate 11, such as a steel plate, and a cover 17, which may be made of a thin metal sheet. The permanent magnet blocks 15 may be bonded to the base plate 11 and / or the cover 17 by an adhesive 12 provided on the base plate 11 in this example. The base plate 11 can hold the magnetic element in a slot of the generator component, and an extraction system can extract the magnetic element 10 therefrom and supply it to the interface 56 of the transport system 50. 【0046】 The conveying system 50 includes a conveyor 51 which may include, for example, a conveyor chain, a conveyor belt, and / or guide rails. In this example, the conveyor 51 includes carriers 52 which are driven by the conveyor chain or belt and can travel on their respective guide rails. As shown in the figure, each carrier 52 receives its respective magnet element 10, which is then conveyed by the conveyor 51 through the demagnetization system 100. It is obvious that any conveyor known in the art can be used in the system 100, and therefore no further details are given here. 【0047】 Each heating station 21, 22, and 23 is equipped with an induction heater 30. Each induction heater is driven by an induction generator 35, which can generate a high-frequency (kilohertz range) drive signal that can bring a large alternating current to the induction coil 31 (Figure 5) of the induction heater. This causes the induction heater to generate a pulsed magnetic field that induces a current in the magnetic elements placed within each heating station. Thus, the magnetic elements 10 can be rapidly heated to a high temperature. By passing through several heating stations in sequence and applying induction heating to the magnetic elements 10 at each of them, temperatures above the Curie temperature can be achieved so that the magnetic elements are demagnetized (especially the permanent magnet block 15). This example provides three heating stations, but fewer or more heating stations may be provided, such as one, two, three, four, five, or six or more. 【0048】 The magnetic element 10 may consist of one or more permanent magnet blocks 15, but may also include an enclosure as described above with respect to Figure 2. The demagnetization system 100 may include an opening station 40 for opening the enclosure. The opening station 40 may include a cutter 41, which may be provided as a plasma cutter or plasma torch to cut open the enclosure, for example by cutting through the cover 17. In addition to the cutter, other drilling devices such as mechanical cutters, drills, water jet or discharge cutters or drills, cutting tools may be used by the opening station 40. Multiple holes and / or slits can be cut into the enclosure of the magnetic element 10. 【0049】 During heating in heating stations 21-23, the adhesive 12 or any other coating contained in the magnetic element 10 may burn and / or vaporize, causing the pressure inside the enclosure to rise and potentially leading to an explosion of the enclosure. By opening the enclosure in opening station 40, such gases and smoke can be released from the enclosure through the opening cut by cutter 41. Thus, safety can be enhanced. 【0050】 Figure 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of the induction heater 30. The induction heater comprises an induction coil 31. In this example, the induction coil 31 surrounds the space in which the magnetic element 10 is placed during heating, and the magnetic element 10 is located in this space while being transported by the transport system 50. This arrangement of the induction coil around the magnetic element 10 during heating significantly improves heating efficiency, allowing high temperatures to be achieved inside the magnetic element 10 in a short time. 【0051】 For example, the induction coil 31 may have only a few turns, such as 3 turns, 2 turns, or even just 1 turn, as shown in the example in Figure 5. In an exemplary embodiment, the induction coil comprises a solid copper conductor providing a single winding. Thus, a large current and a strong pulsed magnetic field that quickly heats the magnetic element 10 can be achieved. 【0052】 The induction heater 30 may further include a cooling system 32 that preferably circulates a coolant such as water. Conduits can be provided, for example, at the end of the induction heater 30 through which the coolant is circulated. This allows for efficient cooling of the induction coil 31. Multiple such cooling conduits can be provided, for example, at each open end of the induction heater 30. 【0053】 Figure 5 further illustrates the gas 36 leaking from the enclosure of the magnetic element 10, which is caused by the combustion of the adhesive 12. Thus, the risk of deformation and explosion of the magnetic element 10, and the resulting damage to the equipment of system 100, can be avoided. 【0054】 Returning to Figure 1, the transport system 50 can transport the magnet elements 10 continuously or intermittently through various stations via the conveyor 51. For example, when the magnet module 10 reaches heating stations 21-23, transport can be stopped for a predetermined time during which the magnet elements are heated at each heating station. The time is preferably less than 5 minutes, and may be, for example, between 1 second and 5 minutes, preferably between 5 seconds and 1 minute. For example, in the case of a magnet module having a similar size to that outlined at the beginning, it has been shown that three heating stations, each heating the magnet element 10 for about 30 seconds, are sufficient to reach a temperature above the Curie temperature and demagnetize the permanent magnet material. Therefore, the total heating time may be as little as 90 seconds, which is significantly faster than conventional demagnetization methods. It is clear that the heating time at each station should be determined by the number of heating stations, the size of the magnet module, and the heating power of the induction heater at each heating station. 【0055】 The distances between heating stations 21, 22, and 23 are preferably selected to be an integer multiple of the distance between two magnetic elements of the magnetic elements 10 being transported by the conveyor 51, for example, the distance between two carriers 52 in the transport direction. In the example of Figure 1, the distance between two heating stations is twice the distance between two carriers, so when a magnetic element 10 is located at the first heating station 21, magnetic elements are also located at the second and third heating stations 22 and 23. Thus, all heating stations can simultaneously heat the magnetic elements for a predetermined duration. After a predetermined period, the transport system 50 transports the next element to the heating station. In this way, continuous demagnetization of the magnetic elements 10 is possible and can be carried out in a time-efficient manner. 【0056】 It is clear that other solutions are also possible, such as a carrier that is detached from the conveyor chain or belt when located at each heating station and re-engaged to the conveyor chain or belt for transport to the next heating station. In such configurations and similar configurations, the distance between the magnetic elements on the conveyor 51 may be arbitrary, and the distance between the heating stations may be selected as desired. 【0057】 The demagnetization system 100 may further include at least one resting station 45 in which the magnetic element 10 can be left to rest (while other magnetic elements are being heated) without further processing. In the example in Figure 1, a resting station 45 is provided after each heating station. Resting in the resting station 45 allows the temperature within the magnetic element 10 to be equalized. This has been shown to further improve the demagnetization of the magnetic element. Therefore, the time spent by the magnetic element in the resting station 45 may correspond to or be equal to the heating time of the magnetic element in each heating station. As described above, a more flexible transport system 50 is also conceivable that can provide separate times for each heating station, as well as for the open station 40 and the resting station 45. 【0058】 The transport system 50 may further include an interface 57 to a separation system. Since the permanent magnet block 15 is demagnetized when it reaches the interface 57, such a separation system can be used to separate the permanent magnet block 15 from the enclosure, in particular from the base plate 11 and cover 17. Such separation is facilitated by the demagnetization system 100 through the vaporization and combustion of the adhesive 12. 【0059】 The demagnetization system 100 further comprises a control system 110 that controls the transport system 50 and the heating stations 21-23. The control system 110 can control, for example, each induction generator 35 or a common induction generator 35 to control heating by the induction heater 30. Furthermore, the control system 110 can control the transport of the magnet elements by the conveyor 51, and thus the conveyor 51 can be stopped when a carrier with magnet elements 10 reaches each station such as the opening station 40 or the heating stations 21-23. Furthermore, the control system 110 can control the drilling device 41 to open the enclosure of the magnet elements 10. Thus, the control system 110 can stop the conveyor 51 for a predetermined time so that the magnet elements at the heating stations 21-23 are heated, the magnet elements at the opening station 40 are drilled, and the magnet elements at the resting station 45 are rested for temperature equalization. After the predetermined time has elapsed, the control system 110 can cause the conveyor 51 to transport the magnet elements 10 one more step. 【0060】 The control system 110 may comprise a processing unit 111 and a memory 112. The memory 112 may contain control instructions executed by the processing unit 111. By executing instructions by the processing unit 111, the control system 110 can cause the demagnetization 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 input and output interfaces for receiving information and transmitting control signals, as well as a user interface. 【0061】 Figure 3 shows a specific embodiment of the demagnetization system 100 of Figure 1, and therefore the above description is equally applicable. The transport system 50 includes a conveyor 51 and a second conveyor 55 that provides an interface 56 to the extraction system. The conveyor 55 is a belt conveyor, and the magnetic elements 10 arriving via the belt conveyor 55 are transferred onto the carrier 52 of the conveyor 51. Figure 3 shows a guide rail 53 and a conveyor belt 54 that transports the carrier 52 and extends in a circular shape. Furthermore, a drilling device 41 is shown, which in this example is implemented as a plasma cutter. Thus, the magnetic elements 10 reach the opening station 40, where the conveyors 55 and 51 stop, the enclosure is opened by the drilling device 41, and after a predetermined time has elapsed, both conveyors move again, and the magnetic elements are transferred from the conveyor 55 to the carrier 52 of the conveyor 51. Subsequently, the transport continues on the conveyor belt 51 to the first heating station. 【0062】 This is shown in more detail in Figure 4. As can be seen, the induction heaters 30 of the three heating stations 21, 22, and 23 are positioned above the conveyor 51, and the magnetic elements 10 are transported to each heating station by the carrier 52. In the situation shown in Figure 4, the magnetic elements are positioned within each induction heater 30 by the carrier 52 and heated for a predetermined period of time. After that, transport is resumed, and the magnetic elements are transported to an optional resting station 45 which may be provided after each heating station, and finally reach the interface 57, where the magnetic elements are transferred to a separation system, if one is provided. Alternatively, the magnetic elements 10 may be collected in a container, for example, if the magnetic elements do not have an enclosure, or if each enclosure is removed elsewhere. 【0063】 For example, the conveyor 51 can move the carrier 52 forward until the magnetic element is positioned inside the induction heater 30. The conveyor can then be lowered so that the magnetic element is supported inside the induction heater, and the carrier can be driven backward so that the magnetic element remains inside the induction heater, for example, on an internal support. After a predetermined period for heating, the conveyor can be moved forward again, and the conveyor or carrier can be raised to receive the heated magnetic element. The conveyor can then be moved backward to move the magnetic element 10 out of the induction heater 30. The carrier can then be lowered (for example, by lowering the conveyor) so that the carrier and magnetic element 10 can be transported under the induction heater 30 to the next heating station. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, actuators 58, such as hydraulic / pneumatic cylinders, can be provided on the conveyor to raise and lower the conveyor. 【0064】 Therefore, the magnetic elements can be placed within the induction heater by such a conveying device, even if the induction heater is a closed coil. Alternatively, the magnetic elements may be pushed out of the induction heater by a next carrier to an empty carrier that has moved forward to receive the heated magnetic elements. The movement of the conveyor 51 and carrier 52 may be controlled by the control system 110. In yet another embodiment, the conveyor 51 may include a belt or chain passing through the induction heater, or it may be a slat conveyor in which slats pass through the induction heater. Such belts or slats are preferably non-conductive and heat-resistant. 【0065】 Figure 4 shows the carrier 52 positioning the magnetic elements within each induction heater 30, and the carrier 52 retracting from the induction heaters during the heating phase (see the empty carrier 52 in front of the induction heaters 30). After the heating phase, the carrier 52 receives each magnetic element 10 again from the induction heaters 30 and transports them to the next station. 【0066】 Figure 4 further shows piping 61 of a gas treatment system, which can certainly also be present in the embodiment of Figure 1. The piping 61 includes a suction opening 62 that can remove smoke and gases released during heating of the magnetic element 10. Figure 6 shows details of an exemplary gas treatment system 60. The piping 61 is connected to a blower or fan 63 that creates negative pressure within the piping 61 and thus causes suction of exhaust smoke and gases into the piping 61. The gases and smoke are further carried by the blower 63 to a filter unit 64, which may be equipped with filters necessary to remove contaminants and harmful or environmentally unfriendly gases from the air drawn in through the piping 61. After purification, the purified air after filtration is exhausted through an exhaust pipe 65. To compensate for the pressure drop due to filtration, an additional blower 63 may be provided between the filter and the exhaust pipe. 【0067】 In Figure 6, further cutter equipment for the drilling device 41, such as gas bottles containing gas for a plasma torch and their respective devices, are indicated by reference numeral 42. 【0068】 The demagnetization system 100 may be installed inside a transport container, particularly a standard container such as a 20 or 40-foot container. The demagnetization system 100 may be configured to operate inside the container. This has the advantage that the system can be easily transported to a location where magnet recycling is required. Therefore, the heating stations 21-23 may be arranged longitudinally along the length of the container. The second conveyor 55 may reach inside the container, for example, by penetrating the container wall from the extraction system. 【0069】 As shown in Figure 6, the gas treatment system 60 is located inside the container 70. The gas treatment system 60 may be separated from the heating stations by a wall, and the piping 61 can penetrate the wall to reach it. The container may further include a control room, for example, equipped with an induction generator 35 and a control system 110. The control room may be separated from the space where the heating stations 21-23 are located so that operators inside the control room are not susceptible to harm from the demagnetization process. In this way, a compact, modular system can be provided that is easily transportable and also provides improved worker safety. 【0070】 The gas treatment system 60 is optional and may not be necessary, especially in situations where only the magnet block 15 without an enclosure, or magnet elements 10 having different types of encapsulation, are demagnetized. 【0071】 Figure 7 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method that may be performed using the demagnetization system 100 in any configuration of the present disclosure. In step 71, the magnet element is received from the extraction system, for example, via interface 56. In step 72, at the opening station 40, an opening is made in the enclosure of the received magnet element 10. One or more holes or slits may be made in the cover 17 of the magnet element 10 by a drilling device 41. In step 73, the magnet element is transported to a first heating station 21 and heated by an induction heater 30. In step 74, the magnet element is transported to a first resting station 45 and rested for temperature equalization. Then, in steps 74 and 75, the magnet element 10 is transported to the next heating station 22 and then to the next resting station 45 for induction heating and temperature equalization, respectively. In step 77, the magnet element is transported to a third heating station 23 and heated again by induction heating. In step 78, the magnetic elements are transported to the final resting station 45 and left to rest for temperature equalization. Finally, in step 79, the magnetic elements are sent to the separation system, for example, via interface 57. 【0072】 It is clear that some of the steps described above in the method shown in Figure 7 are optional. For example, steps 72, 74, 76, and 78, as well as step 79, are optional. Furthermore, only one or two heating stations may be provided. Similarly, the magnetic elements may be supplied from different sources other than the extraction system. 【0073】 This method may be carried out by a control system 110 capable of appropriately controlling the components of the demagnetization system 100. This method may further include any of the steps described herein with respect to the system 100. 【0074】 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 demagnetization system for demagnetizing the magnetic elements (10) of a wind turbine generator component, wherein each of the magnetic elements (10) comprises at least one permanent magnet block (15), and the demagnetization system (100) is - At least two heating stations (21, 22), each equipped with an induction heater (30) configured to heat a magnetic element (10), - An automated transport system (50) configured to transport each of the magnetic elements (10) to each of the at least two heating stations (21, 22) and It is equipped with, The magnetic element (10) is configured to be heated by the respective induction heaters (30) at each heating station (21, 22). Demagnetization system. [Claim 2] The demagnetization system according to claim 1, wherein the demagnetization system is configured to expose the magnetic element (10) to induction heating at each heating station (21, 22) for a period of time, the period being longer than 5 seconds and shorter than 5 minutes. [Claim 3] The demagnetization system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the transport system (50) is configured to transport the magnetic element (10) to the heating station (21, 22) and to stop transporting during the heating period of the magnetic element (10) at the heating station (21, 22). [Claim 4] The demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the demagnetization system (100) is configured such that each magnetic element (10) is heated by the at least two heating stations (21, 22) to a temperature at which the at least one permanent magnet block (15) of the magnetic element (10) is demagnetized. [Claim 5] The demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the induction heater (30) comprises an induction coil (31) wound around the space in which the magnetic element (10) is positioned when the magnetic element (10) is located at the respective heating stations (21, 22). [Claim 6] The demagnetization system according to claim 5, wherein the induction coil (31) comprises a single winding, and preferably the demagnetization system further comprises an induction generator (35) configured to drive the induction coil (31). [Claim 7] The demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one stationary station (45), wherein the transport system (50) is configured to transport each magnetic element (10) to the at least one stationary station (45) after passing through at least one of the at least two heating stations (21, 22), and the magnetic element (10) is not further processed in the stationary station (45), allowing for equalization of the internal temperature. [Claim 8] The demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the transport system (50) comprises a conveyor (51) having a plurality of carriers (52), each carrier (52) configured to receive a magnetic element (10), and the conveyor (51) is configured to transport the carriers (52) to at least two heating stations. [Claim 9] The demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the transport system (50) comprises an interface (56) to an extraction system configured to extract the magnet element (10) from the wind turbine generator components, and / or the transport system (50) comprises an interface (57) to a separation system configured to disassemble the demagnetized magnet element (10). [Claim 10] The demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each magnetic element (10) is provided with an enclosure, and the demagnetization system (100) comprises an opening station (40) having a drilling device (41) configured to provide an opening in the enclosure of the magnetic element (10). [Claim 11] The demagnetization system according to claim 10, wherein the transport system (50) is configured to transport the magnetic element (10) to the open station (40) before transporting it to the first heating station (21) of the at least two heating stations. [Claim 12] The demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a gas treatment system (60) configured to treat gas and / or smoke released when the magnetic element (10) is heated in one or more of the at least two heating stations (21, 22). [Claim 13] The system further comprises a control system (110) configured to control the two or more heating stations (21, 22) and the transport system (50), wherein the control system (110) - A step of transporting the magnetic element (10) to the first heating station (21) by the transport system (50), - The step of heating the magnetic element (10) in the first heating station (21) with the respective induction heaters (30), - A step of transporting the magnetic element (10) to the second heating station (22) by the transport system (50), - The step of heating the magnetic element (10) in the second heating station (22) with the respective induction heaters (30) and A demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, configured to automatically perform the following: [Claim 14] The demagnetization system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the demagnetization system (100) further comprises a transport container (70), and the transport system (50) and the two or more heating stations (21, 22) are located inside the transport container (70). [Claim 15] A method for demagnetizing a magnetic element (10) of a wind turbine generator component, wherein each of the magnetic elements (10) comprises at least one permanent magnet block (15), and the method is: - The steps include transporting the magnetic elements (10) to the first and second heating stations (21, 22) by an automated transport system (50), - The step of heating the magnetic element (22) by the induction heaters (30) of the first and second heating stations (21, 22) and Methods that include...

Images