Wind Turbine Turner Gear With Switchable Motor Torque-Speed Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turner gear assemblies for wind turbines face challenges in efficiently generating sufficient torque and rotational speed for unbalanced rotors during blade installation, particularly when transitioning between different wind turbine sizes and varying wind conditions, leading to increased installation time and torque requirements.
Innovation Solution
A turner gear assembly with a valve block that allows motors to operate in parallel, series, or a combination of both, configured by flow control valves to adjust torque and rotational speed according to specific wind turbine needs, enabling flexible operation across a range of sizes and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the turner gear uses fixed motor configuration (parallel or series), then the system structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to different wind turbine sizes and wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability of the motor system by allowing motors to be dynamically switched between parallel and series configurations through a controller. This dynamic adaptability enables the turner gear to optimize performance for different wind turbine sizes and wind conditions without requiring multiple fixed configurations, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The turner gear system is designed with multi-functional capability where the same set of motors can serve multiple functions by being reconfigured between parallel and series connections. This universal design allows a single system to handle various wind turbine types and operating conditions, achieving high adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Force
If the turner gear operates at high torque for unbalanced rotors, then sufficient turning capability is achieved, but rotational speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic configuration switching between parallel and series motor connections based on real-time operational requirements. When high torque is needed for unbalanced rotors, motors are configured in series; when rotational speed is prioritized, motors switch to parallel configuration. This dynamic adjustment resolves the torque-speed trade-off by allowing optimal performance characteristics to be selected during operation.
3Speed
If multiple motors are connected in parallel, then rotational speed increases, but available torque decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between parallel and series motor configurations based on operational demands. The controller monitors rotor balance conditions and wind conditions, then automatically reconfigures motor connections to optimize the torque-speed characteristic. This resolves the inherent trade-off by making the system adaptable rather than fixed, allowing high speed when needed and high torque when needed.
4Force
If the turner gear is designed for high torque output, then it can handle unbalanced rotors, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of motor connections during the blade installation process. The controller switches between series and parallel configurations based on real-time assessment of rotor balance and required operational characteristics. This dynamic optimization reduces unnecessary time loss by selecting the most efficient motor configuration for each operational phase, thereby reducing total installation time while maintaining sufficient torque capability.
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 configuration allows for efficient torque and rotational speed adjustment, optimizing blade installation time and accommodating varying wind conditions, ensuring compatibility and efficiency across different wind turbine sizes and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The pump may be portable along with the turner gear, and may therefore be installed to or removed from the wind turbine respectively before or after use. Typically, the turner gear may be coupled, directly or indirectly, to the main shaft to which the rotor hub is connected.
Implementation Method 2
A valve block operatively connectable to the turner gear and including a first flow control valve configured to be in fluid communication with a pump and with the at least two motors of the turner gear. The first flow control valve is selectively moveable between a first fluid control position and a second fluid control position.
Data Source
AI summary
A turner gear assembly (52) for turning an unbalanced rotor of a wind turbine (10) having a drivetrain (30). The turner gear assembly (52) includes a turner gear (50) configured to couple to the drivetrain (30) and having at least two motors (58a, 58b), and a valve block (78) connectable to the turner gear (50) and having a first flow control valve (106) configured to be in fluid communication with a pump (80) and with the at least two motors (58a, 58b). The first flow control valve (106) is selectively moveable between a first fluid control position (106a) and a second fluid control position (106b). When the first flow control valve (106) is in the first fluid control position (106a), the at least two motors (58a, 58b) operate in parallel and when the first flow control valve (106) is in the second fluid control position (106b), the at least two motors (58a, 58b) operate in series. A method of operating the turner gear assembly is also disclosed.