Wind Turbine Auxiliary Drive Radial Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind turbine rotor positioning and alignment methods are uncomfortable due to poor controllability and result in high wear and potential clutch blocking during auxiliary drive operation, especially when there is no wind.
Innovation Solution
A gearbox with an auxiliary drive featuring a coupling device that allows radial movement of the rotary drive body relative to the rotary gear body, incorporating torque supports to absorb radial movements and prevent clutch blocking, enabling safe and low-wear coupling and decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If axial displacement coupling is used to connect the auxiliary drive to the rotor shaft, then the coupling can be engaged under load, but high wear occurs and the clutch may become blocked due to misaligned teeth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from axial displacement coupling to radial displacement coupling. The coupling device moves the drive gear radially inward toward the driven gear instead of axially, changing the dimension of movement from the axial direction to the radial direction. This radial approach allows the teeth to engage more smoothly without the blocking issues that occur with axial displacement, thereby reducing wear and improving reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the auxiliary drive is coupled to the rotor shaft, then rotor positioning is possible, but radial movements cause wear and potential clutch blocking
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device performs preliminary radial movement of the drive gear before actual tooth engagement occurs. By pre-positioning the drive gear radially close to the driven gear, the teeth are already aligned properly when engagement begins, preventing misalignment-related wear and blocking during the coupling process.
3Power
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used, then the auxiliary drive can rotate the rotor, but the structure becomes complex and wear-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling function is segmented into distinct components: a coupling device with radial movement capability, torque supports for load bearing, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining torque transmission capability and reducing wear through specialized design of each segment.
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 provides a reproducible, material-friendly, and safe coupling of the auxiliary drive to the rotor shaft, reducing wear and enhancing reliability by minimizing the blocking surface area and allowing for efficient alignment without axial displacement.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling device is designed to move the rotary drive body for coupling and uncoupling relative to the rotary gear body, wherein the movement of the rotary drive body relative to the rotary gear body has a radial movement component transverse to the axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
cooperating engine-side and transmission-side torque supports are included, with play, so that radial movements of the auxiliary drive or engine relative to the housing of the transmission are absorbed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transmission (4, 40, 50, 50') of a wind power plant having an auxiliary drive (6) for the rotation of a rotor shaft (3) of the wind power plant, at least one reduction stage having at least two rotary transmission bodies (12, 12', 41; 51, 52, 52', 55, 56; 86) as well as a coupling device (20, 60, 70) which is designed for coupling and for uncoupling a rotary drive body (14, 14') which can be driven by the auxiliary drive (6) to or from a rotary drive body (12, 12', 41; 51, 52, 52', 55, 56; 86), which is connected directly or via one or more reduction stages or rotary drive bodies (12, 12', 41; 51, 52, 52', 55, 56; 86) to the rotor shaft (3), wherein the coupling device (20, 60, 70) is designed to move the rotary drive body (14, 14') for coupling and for uncoupling relative to the rotary drive body (12, 12', 41; 51, 52, 52', 55, 56; 86). The invention further relates to a wind power plant and to a method for the rotation of a rotor shaft (3) of a wind power plant. The transmission (4, 40, 50, 50') according to the invention is characterized in that the movement of the rotary drive body (14, 14') relative to the rotary drive body (12, 12', 41; 51, 52, 52', 55, 56; 86) has a radial movement component transverse to the rotation axis (26 - 26"') of the rotary drive body (14, 14') and/or to the rotation axis of the rotary drive body (12, 12', 41; 51, 52, 52', 55, 56; 86).