Wind Turbine Rotor Locking Method for Storm Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wind turbines incur high costs due to the size and expense of rotor-brakes and rotor-locks, which are essential for withstanding high loads during storms, and there is a need for a more efficient method to reduce these costs while enhancing storm resilience.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using the rotor-brake and rotor-lock in parallel, with a control unit positioning the rotor in a locking position and applying the rotor brake to force the rotor to turn, thereby reducing the overall load on the system and allowing for smaller, lighter components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rotor-brake and rotor-lock are designed to withstand maximum expected loads during storms, then the load limit and reliability are improved, but the size, weight, and costs of the components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The braking and locking function is divided into two separate components: a rotor-brake for normal operational braking and a rotor-lock for maximum load situations. Each component is sized for its specific function rather than both components being oversized for maximum loads, reducing overall weight and cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between using the rotor-brake alone for normal operations and using both the rotor-brake and rotor-lock together for maximum expected loads during storms. This dynamic activation strategy allows smaller component sizes while maintaining the required load limit.
2Weight of stationary object
If the rotor-brake is designed to provide slip at lower loads, then the rotor-lock can be smaller, but the rotor-brake cannot handle high loads without damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the load handling responsibilities: the rotor-brake handles normal operational loads with controlled slip, while the rotor-lock is introduced specifically for maximum expected loads during storms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific load range.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor-lock is applied in advance before maximum expected loads occur during storms, preparing the system to handle extreme conditions. This preliminary action ensures the rotor-lock is engaged before the high loads arrive, preventing damage to the rotor-brake.
3Ease of manufacture
If smaller and lighter rotor-brake and rotor-lock components are used, then costs and weight are reduced, but the ability to withstand high loads during storms is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates both the rotor-brake and rotor-lock together during storm conditions with maximum expected loads, providing enhanced storm resilience. During normal operations, only the rotor-brake is used, allowing the components to be smaller and lighter while maintaining the ability to withstand high loads when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotor-brake and rotor-lock are merged in their functionality to provide comprehensive protection: the rotor-brake provides continuous braking capability for normal operations, while the rotor-lock provides additional mechanical locking for extreme storm conditions. This combination allows smaller individual components that together provide superior storm resilience.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of locking a rotor of a wind turbine, the method including positioning of the rotor in a locking position; applying a rotor lock; forcing the rotor to turn in a first direction; and, applying a rotor brake.