Wind Turbine Coupling With Multi-Disk Torque Limiter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing torque limiters in wind turbine drive trains are inadequate for handling high torque peaks, particularly during power grid interruptions, leading to potential damage and failure of drive components.
Innovation Solution
A coupling and drive train design with multiple friction elements and an adjustable contact pressure, incorporating a torque limiter in an intermediate coupling section, allowing for distributed energy absorption and improved heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional torque limiters with few friction elements are used, then the device complexity is low, but the energy absorption capability is insufficient and overheating occurs during high torque peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The torque limiter is segmented into multiple friction elements (at least two friction flanges with friction linings) arranged in series along the torque transmission path. This segmentation allows the total energy absorption capability to be distributed across multiple friction interfaces, enabling the system to handle higher torque peaks without overheating any single friction element.
2Duration of action of moving object
If multiple friction elements are added to increase energy absorption, then the slipping time increases and heat dissipation improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple friction elements are merged into a compact torque limiter assembly where friction flanges and friction linings are integrated between the driving and driven connecting flanges. This merging approach allows the system to achieve extended slipping time and improved heat dissipation while maintaining a space-efficient design that does not excessively increase overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If friction elements are made with adjustable contact pressure, then the torque limiter can be flexibly adapted to different slipping torque requirements, but the manufacturing and adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact pressure of the friction elements is made adjustable through a mechanism that allows modification of the pressing force between friction flanges and friction linings. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the torque limiter to be adapted to different slipping torque requirements and operating conditions, providing versatility while maintaining a manageable manufacturing complexity through standardized adjustment mechanisms.
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
Enhances the ability to absorb higher energies without overheating, providing longer slipping times and flexible torque adjustment, thus protecting drive components from damage.
Implementation Method 1
the torque limiter has more than two friction elements, in particular disks... the friction elements are preferably designed as friction flanges that rotate against each other and heat up against each other
Implementation Method 2
A friction lining is preferably arranged between the friction flanges... A friction flange is preferably then designed with teeth on its inner face without a friction lining, while another friction flange with teeth on the outer face is designed with friction linings
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for a drive train of a wind turbine between the gearbox and the generator has a drive-side coupling hub, an output-side coupling hub and an intermediate section. The coupling has a torque limiter. In order to create a generic drive train, which is designed such that in the event of an overload, significantly higher energies can be absorbed, the torque limiter has more than two friction elements, in particular disks.