Wind Turbine Rotor Lock System with Adjustable Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotor lock mechanisms for wind turbines face challenges in securely locking the main rotor shaft in a stationary position due to the high torque generated by increasing blade lengths, requiring robust designs that can counteract these forces while being adjustable and easy to use, especially for large turbines.
Innovation Solution
A rotor lock system with a locking disk and adjustable locking units that engage with locking apertures on the disk, featuring a retaining member and locking member for secure engagement, and an adjustment mechanism that allows linear movement to simplify installation and distribution of forces across multiple units, reducing the need for complex actuated systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rotor locking disk is provided in close proximity to the hub and rotor blades to secure the main rotor shaft, then the locking effectiveness is improved, but the weight and size of the locking system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into multiple independent locking units (at least two) distributed around the main rotor shaft. Each locking unit independently engages with locking apertures on the locking disk, distributing the locking function across multiple smaller components rather than using a single large locking mechanism. This segmentation reduces the weight of individual components while maintaining overall locking effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking units are positioned at specific locations around the main rotor shaft where they can effectively engage with the locking disk. The locking units are distributed circumferentially to provide localized locking points that collectively secure the shaft without requiring a single heavy centralized locking mechanism. This local distribution optimizes the locking effectiveness while minimizing overall system weight.
2Ease of operation
If the locking unit is made adjustable relative to the mounting feature to enable easy positioning, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows it to move relative to the mounting feature along a linear path. This adjustability enables the locking unit to be positioned at different locations to engage with locking apertures at various positions on the locking disk. The dynamic adjustment capability simplifies installation and maintenance operations without requiring complex automated actuation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit's adjustability is designed to be simple and intuitive, allowing maintenance personnel to easily reposition the locking unit manually or with minimal tools. The linear movement mechanism is self-contained and does not require complex external actuation systems, making the adjustment process straightforward and reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple locking units are used to distribute torque, then the reliability and torque distribution are improved, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system uses multiple locking units (at least two) distributed around the main rotor shaft, with each unit engaging with locking apertures on the locking disk. This segmentation distributes the torque load across multiple independent locking points, improving reliability and preventing uneven wear or shearing. The modular nature of the locking units allows for scalable configuration based on torque requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The number of locking units can be adjusted based on the specific torque requirements and size of the wind turbine. For larger turbines with higher torque, more locking units can be deployed around the shaft. This parameter-based scaling allows the system to adapt to different application requirements without fundamentally changing the locking unit design, optimizing the balance between component quantity and torque distribution effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
ROTOR LOCK SYSTEMFOR A WIND TURBINE A rotor lock system (20) for securing a main shaft assembly of a wind turbine (2)in a substantially stationary position, the main shaft assembly comprising a main rotor shaft (16) supported by a base frame (14), and the rotor lock system comprising:a locking disk (22), associated with the main rotor shaft (16), and provided with a plurality of locking apertures (26); anda locking unit (24) comprising a first end (28) arranged to engage with the locking disk (22), and a second end supported by a mounting feature (38) associated with the base frame (14), wherein the locking unit (24) is configured to be adjustable relative to the mounting feature (38) so that the first end (28) moves linearly with respect to the mounting feature. [Figure 2]