Wind Turbine Ring Gear Tooth Load Mapping for Damage Prediction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind power generating systems face challenges in accurately measuring load distribution on ring gear teeth and predicting potential damage, which can lead to premature wear and failure of moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A load measuring system and method that includes a load detecting part and a position identifying part to determine which teeth of the ring gear are subject to load and measure the extent of the load, using sensors to detect rotational positions and identify target teeth based on position information, enabling damage probability estimation and lifespan prediction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If load detection is implemented on ring gear teeth, then measurement precision of load distribution is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and position identification systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ring gear into discrete teeth segments and uses individual load detection means for each tooth or tooth group. This segmentation allows precise measurement of load distribution across different teeth while maintaining a manageable system structure through modular detection units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces position identification means as an intermediary component that tracks the rotational position of the driven part relative to the ring gear. This intermediary system enables the load detection means to correctly associate measured loads with specific teeth, achieving measurement precision without requiring direct complex integration of all detection components.
2Measurement precision
If multiple load detection means are provided for different teeth, then measurement precision of individual tooth load is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides load detection for specific teeth or groups of teeth rather than attempting to measure all teeth simultaneously. This partial action approach achieves sufficient measurement precision for damage probability estimation while avoiding the complexity and cost of comprehensive full-tooth coverage detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The load detection means is designed to be multi-functional, serving both as a load sensor and as part of the position identification system. By making the detection components universal, the patent reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby lowering device complexity while maintaining individual tooth load measurement precision.
3Reliability
If real-time load monitoring is implemented, then reliability of damage prediction is improved, but use of energy increases due to continuous sensing and data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic load monitoring at critical moments such as when specific teeth come into engagement with the pinion, rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic action maintains reliable damage prediction by capturing essential load data while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous sensing and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system utilizes existing operational parameters and mechanical positions of the wind turbine drive system to trigger load measurements automatically. By leveraging the system's own operational state for triggering measurements, the patent achieves reliable damage prediction without requiring additional energy-intensive external control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
It is determined which of the teeth of a ring gear are subject to a load and to what extent the load is exerted. A load measuring system includes: a load detecting part for use in a moving part of a wind turbine, the moving part including a ring gear with a plurality of teeth and at least one drive unit with a pinion meshing with the ring gear, the load detecting part being configured to detect an applied load that is exerted on a tooth of the ring gear due to application of an external force or a driving force of the drive unit via the pinion with the ring gear meshing with the pinion; and a position identifying part for identifying, from among the teeth of the ring gear, a target tooth subject to the applied load.