Wind Turbine Yaw System Self-Testing via Pinion Gear Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current yaw system monitoring methods for wind turbines lack comprehensive testing and fault detection capabilities, particularly in identifying slip or back-drive conditions in multi-rotor systems, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a yaw gear coupled to a rotor with first and second sub-systems, each comprising a pinion gear and a drive motor, where yaw moments are applied and counter-moments are reacted to monitor rotation parameters, determining conditions based on these parameters, and optionally using brakes or hydraulic circuits for control, allowing for fault identification and controlled shutdown.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If comprehensive testing of yaw system sub-systems is implemented, then reliability of fault detection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The yaw system is divided into multiple independent sub-systems (first sub-system with first pinion gear and first drive motor, second sub-system with second pinion gear and second drive motor). Each sub-system can be tested individually by applying yaw moments through one sub-system while reacting with the other, enabling comprehensive fault detection without requiring external testing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The yaw system components serve dual functions: they perform their primary yaw control function during normal operation and simultaneously serve as testing equipment for each other during testing mode. The pinion gears and drive motors can both apply yaw moments and react to them, eliminating the need for separate dedicated testing apparatus.
2Measurement precision
If yaw moments are applied and reacted through pinion gears to test sub-systems, then measurement precision of yaw motion parameters is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The yaw system performs self-testing by using its own components to apply and react to yaw moments. The monitored yaw motion parameters provide direct feedback on the condition of the reacting pinion gear and associated sub-system, enabling precise fault detection without external measurement equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors yaw motion parameters resulting from applied yaw moments and uses this feedback to determine the condition of the yaw system sub-systems. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables continuous assessment of pinion gear condition, drive motor performance, and overall sub-system health.
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
Enables thorough testing and condition assessment of yaw systems, preventing faults like stuck or loose conditions, ensuring safe operation and efficient energy production by identifying and addressing issues before they cause damage.
Implementation Method 1
applying a first yaw moment to the yaw gear with the second drive motor via the second pinion gear
Implementation Method 2
applying a first yaw moment to the yaw gear with the second drive motor via the second pinion gear
Implementation Method 3
reacting the first yaw moment with the first pinion gear
Implementation Method 4
reacting the first yaw moment with the first pinion gear
Implementation Method 5
the first sub-system may be held by a first brake or a first hydraulic circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A first aspect of the invention provides a method of testing a yaw system (200) of a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising a rotor; the yaw system (200) comprising a yaw gear (202) coupled to the rotor so that rotation of the yaw gear (202) causes yaw rotation of the rotor, and first and second sub-systems (204a, 204b), the first sub-system (204a) comprising a first pinion gear (206a) and a first drive motor (208a) coupled to the yaw gear (202) by the first pinion gear (206a), the second sub-system (204b) comprising a second pinion gear (206b) and a second drive motor (208b) coupled to the yaw gear (202) by the second pinion gear (206b). The method comprises the steps of: testing the first sub-system (204a) by: applying a first yaw moment to the yaw gear (202) with the second drive motor (208b) via the second pinion gear (206b), reacting the first yaw moment with the first pinion gear (206a), monitoring a yaw motion parameter indicative of rotation of the yaw gear (202), and determining a condition of the first sub-system (204a) based on the monitored yaw motion parameter.