Detachable Slip Ring Unit for Direct Drive Wind Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct drive wind turbines face challenges in efficiently and easily mounting a slip ring unit for transferring electrical current and signals to rotating parts, particularly due to high contact speeds and non-detachable designs that complicate maintenance and access.
Innovation Solution
A detachable slip ring unit is mounted on the front end of the non-rotating shaft, with a bracket supporting the static part and an arm connecting the rotating part to the generator, allowing for easy installation and maintenance, and enabling the use of commercial components with optimized design for ideal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a slip ring unit is designed as a detachable mounting on the front end of the non-rotating shaft, then ease of maintenance and access is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mounting components
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring unit is divided into separate components: a static part mounted on the non-rotating shaft and a rotating part connected to the generator rotor. This segmentation allows the slip ring unit to be detached from the shaft while maintaining functional integrity, enabling easy maintenance and access without compromising the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mounting structure is introduced between the slip ring unit and the non-rotating shaft. This mounting structure acts as a mediator that enables detachable connection, allowing service staff to access and maintain the rotor hub and generator while providing a stable foundation for the slip ring unit during operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the slip ring unit uses commercial components with standardized interfaces, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision may be compromised due to fit-to-measure requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The slip ring unit is designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different shaft diameters and generator configurations. The mounting structure incorporates adjustable and interchangeable components that allow the same basic design to serve multiple applications, eliminating the need for custom-fit components while maintaining precise alignment and electrical contact.
Data Source
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AI summary
Wind turbine comprising a generator (41) directly driven by a wind rotor comprising a rotor hub (17) and at least one blade, a tower (11), a supporting frame (13) mounted on the tower (11) and a slip ring unit (61) arranged for providing electrical power and/or electrical signals to/from devices installed in a wind turbine rotating part, the wind rotor and the generator stator (43) being supported by a non-rotating shaft (19) attached to the supporting frame (13), said slip ring unit (61) being mounted on the front end of the non-rotating shaft (19), in the centre axis (30) of the rotor hub (17), having its rotating part (63) connected to a rotating wind turbine component by means of a first connector (67) and its static part (65) connected to a non-rotating wind turbine component by means of a second connector (69).