Wind Turbine Pitch Drive Output Shaft With Integrated Torque Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for measuring drive torque in pitch and azimuth drives of wind turbines are inefficient, requiring significant space and being costly, especially when certification standards like IEC 61400-13 necessitate precise torque measurement, which is challenging due to space constraints and the need for dismantling measurement setups.
Innovation Solution
An output unit with a shaft element and coaxially arranged pinion, featuring a cable duct for strain gauges that transmit torque measurement signals, allowing for precise drive torque measurement without additional space requirements, using strain gauges on the outer peripheral surface to detect torsion and convert it into measurable output signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a specially designed adapter, measuring shaft and shaft couplings are used to measure drive torque, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauges are integrated directly onto the output shaft of the pitch drive, merging the measurement function with the existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate adapters, measuring shafts, and couplings, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The output shaft serves dual functions: transmitting mechanical torque and hosting strain gauge measurements. By making the output shaft multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated measurement components, simplifying the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If a specially designed adapter, measuring shaft and shaft couplings are used to measure drive torque, then measurement precision is improved, but installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is merged with the output shaft structure, utilizing the existing space on the shaft rather than requiring additional installation space. The strain gauges are mounted directly on the shaft surface, eliminating the need for separate measuring components that would occupy additional space.
3Measurement precision
If measurement components are installed for certification, then measurement precision is improved, but the components must be dismantled after certification, losing continuous measurement capability
Solution Approach 1:
The strain gauges are pre-installed on the output shaft during manufacturing, before the pitch drive is put into operation. This preliminary installation ensures that the measurement system is permanently integrated and remains in place for continuous monitoring throughout the operational life of the wind turbine, eliminating the need for dismantling after certification.
4Ease of manufacture
If more cost-effective designs with saved material are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but installation space becomes more constrained, making adapter arrangement difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is merged with the existing output shaft structure, requiring no additional installation space. This approach is compatible with cost-effective designs that save material, as it does not require extra components or increased installation space, thereby maintaining the benefits of simplified manufacturing.
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
Enables precise and cost-effective drive torque measurement, meeting certification standards while reducing the need for additional space and allowing for continuous monitoring during operation, as the solution is compact, durable, and simple to manufacture and assemble.
Implementation Method 1
strain gauges on the outer peripheral surface to detect torsion and convert it into measurable output signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an output unit (200, 300) of a pitch drive and/or of a yaw drive of a wind turbine, a pitch drive (160) of a wind turbine, a yaw drive of a wind turbine, a wind turbine (100), and a method for producing an output unit and for calibrating an output unit. In particular, the invention relates to an output unit (200, 300) of a pitch drive (160) and/or of a yaw drive of a wind turbine (100), comprising: a shaft element (210, 310) having a rotational axis (206) and an outer peripheral surface (212), arranged coaxially with the rotational axis and extending in the axial direction from a drive end (202, 302) to an output end (204, 304), for transmitting a drive torque to the output end; a pinion (208, 308) located on the output end coaxially with the rotational axis, or a pinion mount for receiving such a pinion for conjoint rotation; wherein a cable duct (214) extends from the outer peripheral surface through the shaft element to the drive end or to the output end, and at least one first strain gauge (220, 320, 602) comprising at least one first measurement cable (221, 321) is mounted on the outer peripheral surface.