The slow but steady spinning of wind turbine rotors has become a common sight in many areas now, and while to many it presents a perfect scenario for the generation of electricity, when maintenance works or repairs have to be carried out, spinning blades can become a major challenge. Rotor blades turning at a top speed of up to 300 km/h have to be slowed down and secured and the hydraulic and electromechanical rotor-lock systems produced by Optima Spanntechnik GmbH have been developed for exactly this scenario. Inspection and maintenance works on medium-sized and large wind turbines can thus be carried out safely and thoroughly.
Optima's systems are suitable for locking rotors of medium-sized and large wind turbines with a capacity of up to 6 MW. The elements are available in a standard or an offshore version. “It is their compact and low-maintenance setup that makes these components so special,” declares the company. The principle of locking rotors is relatively simple: depending on whether the hydraulic or the electromechanical system is used, a piston working as locking mechanism is pushed into the notch in the brake disc of the rotor by oil pressure or by an electric motor. In the hydraulic rotor-lock system HRV, a double-acting hydraulic cylinder moves the piston forwards and backwards. The check valves and the manually operated mechanical latches are additional options which serve as a second backup.
Depending on the type, the components are designed for lateral forces of up to 4,000 KN and the HRV components resist corrosion and can be used in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +60°C.
The electromechanical rotor locks from the design series ERV are positioned by an electric motor. The advantage of this system is that is does without oil-carrying ducts. It is also equipped with a self-locking feature and all functions can be monitored conveniently.
Made-to-measure solutions
Optima also reveals that customers with specific requirements can approach its team with their need for tailor-made solutions on the basis of the two above-mentioned systems.
Optima boasts the entire spectrum of project management services from intensive consultation to retrofitting and modifying already existing turbines. “Thanks to a close-knit network of representatives all over the globe, customers can rely on having even elaborate special solutions delivered to their doorstep without lengthy delivery times,” it concludes.
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