Wind Turbine Rotor Latching-Braking Module for Easier Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbines with external rotor generators require complex and labor-intensive installation of separate locking and braking systems, which are mechanically isolated and necessitate precise alignment, increasing the effort and time required for assembly without improving the performance of these devices.
Innovation Solution
A compact locking and braking module with a centralized support structure that integrates all locking bolts and braking devices, allowing for easier installation by lifting the entire module onto the wind turbine tower, featuring a flange for mounting on the machine support and spacers for precise positioning, and utilizing hydraulic drives for high actuation forces and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate locking pins and braking devices are mounted independently on the wind turbine, then each system can be mechanically secured with high resilience, but the installation requires complex alignment work and increases the number of installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate locking pins and braking devices into a single integrated locking-braking device. The locking pins are mounted on a support structure that also carries the braking devices, allowing both functions to be installed as one unit on the wind turbine rotor. This merging eliminates the need for separate alignment operations while maintaining the mechanical security of both systems through their integrated mounting on the common support structure.
2Reliability
If locking pins and braking devices are installed separately with precise positioning requirements, then proper function can be achieved, but the installation time and effort are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pins and braking devices are pre-assembled on a common support structure before being mounted on the wind turbine rotor. This preliminary assembly ensures proper positioning and alignment is achieved during manufacturing rather than during field installation. The pre-assembled unit is then installed as a single component, dramatically reducing installation time and effort while ensuring the precise positioning required for proper function of both locking and braking systems.
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 reduces the number of installation steps, simplifies the alignment process, and maintains high mechanical load capacity while minimizing manufacturing tolerances, enabling efficient and precise assembly of locking and braking systems without compromising performance.
Implementation Method 1
The locking pins are connected to a hydraulic drive which can be actuated independently of the brake pads, connected to a hydraulic drive
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a latching and braking module (1) for a wind turbine (100), which comprises a rotor hub (106) and a generator (50) operatively connected to the rotor hub (106) for generating electrical energy, wherein the generator (50) has a generator stator (51) and a generator rotor (55) arranged peripherally externally around the generator stator (51) and driven by the rotor hub (106). It is proposed that the latching and braking module (1) comprises the following: - a supporting structure (3); - a number of latching bolts (5), mounted on the supporting structure (3) and designed to latch the generator rotor (55) in the stationary state; and - a number of braking devices (7), mounted on the supporting structure and designed to brake the generator rotor (55) and/or to hold it in the stationary state at least temporarily.