Wind Turbine Gear Lubrication System Emergency Mode Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbine gear systems face insufficient lubrication during emergency situations due to reliance on a circulation system that minimizes lubricant presence, potentially causing system slowdown or failure.
Innovation Solution
A lubrication system that automatically switches between 'dry sump' and 'wet sump' modes by using a vacuum generating means to maintain reduced air pressure in the reservoir during normal operation, which increases lubricant in the gear system, and automatically switches to 'wet sump' mode in emergency situations by stopping the vacuum generation, ensuring sufficient lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a circulation system is used to minimize lubricant presence during normal operation, then efficiency is improved, but lubrication sufficiency during emergency situations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational modes: normal circulation mode (dry sump) for efficiency and emergency mode (wet sump) for reliability. The vacuum generating means is activated or deactivated based on operational conditions, allowing the lubrication system to adapt its behavior to different situations and resolve the contradiction between efficiency and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of air pressure in the reservoir to control lubricant distribution. During normal operation, vacuum (reduced pressure) draws lubricant into the reservoir. During emergencies, atmospheric pressure (normal pressure) allows lubricant to remain in the gear system, providing sufficient lubrication without requiring complex mechanical modifications.
2Extent of automation
If rotational speed sensors are used to detect emergency situations, then automatic response is improved, but system complexity and reliability dependence on sensors worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing pressure differential between the reservoir and ambient environment as a natural indicator of operational state. The vacuum generating means itself provides the detection mechanism through pressure changes, eliminating the need for external rotational speed sensors and their associated complexity and reliability concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
Air pressure acts as an intermediary that naturally reflects the operational state of the system. Instead of directly measuring rotational speed, the system measures the indirect effect (pressure differential) that automatically indicates whether the gear system needs emergency lubrication, simplifying the detection mechanism.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution maintains efficient lubrication and reduces the risk of gear system failure by ensuring adequate lubrication during emergencies, while minimizing friction and fouling, and allowing for controlled lubricant distribution and temperature management.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum generating means arranged in fluid connection with the reservoir, thereby maintaining a total air pressure in the reservoir which is lower than an ambient pressure during normal operation
Implementation Method 2
maintaining a total air pressure in the reservoir which is lower than an ambient pressure during normal operation
Implementation Method 3
the vacuum generating means is arranged to stop in the case that an emergency situation is occurring
Data Source
AI summary
A lubrication system for a gear system for a wind turbine is disclosed. The lubrication system comprises a reservoir adapted to contain lubricant, first pump means arranged to supply lubricant from the reservoir to the gear system via a first fluid connection, and vacuum generating means arranged in fluid connection with the reservoir, thereby maintaining a total air pressure in the reservoir which is lower than an ambient pressure during normal operation. The lowered total air pressure in the reservoir draws lubricant from the gear system into the reservoir, thereby increasing the lubricant level in the reservoir and decreasing the lubricant level in the gear system, allowing the lubrication system to be operated in a ‘dry sump mode’. In the case of an emergency or during start-up the vacuum generating means is stopped, thereby increasing the total air pressure in the reservoir. This causes a decrease in the lubricant level in the reservoir and an increase in the lubricant level in the gear system, allowing the lubrication system to be operated in a ‘wet sump mode’.