what is horizontal-axis wind turbines collector ring ?
As a key component, the slip ring of the horizontal axis wind turbine undertakes the important task of transmitting power and signals between the rotating parts and the fixed parts, and plays a vital role in the stable operation and efficient power generation of the wind turbine.
Structure and Principle
It is usually composed of a conductive ring, brushes, bearings and a housing, and is installed at the center of rotation of the equipment. The conductive ring rotates with the rotor, and the brushes remain stationary and in close contact with the conductive ring. Relying on the principles of elastic lap joint or rolling lap joint, the stable transmission of electric energy and signals between the rotating and stationary parts is achieved. For example, in a large horizontal axis wind turbine, when the conductive ring rotates, the brushes form a dynamic electrical contact point with the surface of the conductive ring to ensure the smooth transmission of power and signals.
Features
High reliability: With special design and high-quality materials, it can adapt to harsh environments and ensure stable operation under complex working conditions. For example, in areas with strong winds and high humidity, wind power slip rings are specially sealed to prevent dust and water vapor from entering and maintain stable performance.
Multi-channel transmission: With multiple channels, it can transmit multiple different types of signals and power at the same time. It can transmit control signals, monitoring data and power equipment at the same time to meet the various needs of wind turbines.
Long life: By optimizing the design and selecting wear-resistant materials, the service life is extended. For example, some wind power slip rings use precious metals as conductive materials to reduce wear, improve durability and reduce maintenance costs.
Horizontal-axis wind turbines slip ring classification
Collector slip ring: mainly responsible for transmitting the electric energy generated by the rotating parts of the generator to the stationary power grid or other equipment, requiring high current carrying capacity and low resistance to reduce energy loss.
Brush slip ring: composed of brushes and slip ring body, commonly used to transmit control signals and low-power electric energy. The brushes are made of wear-resistant graphite and other materials to ensure good electrical connection.
Fiber optic slip ring: used to achieve high-speed and large-capacity data transmission, with strong anti-interference ability, can avoid electromagnetic interference affecting the accuracy of data transmission, suitable for connecting various sensors and control systems in the cabin.
Application
Yaw system: To ensure that the nacelle of the wind turbine can accurately adjust its direction according to the change of wind direction, the slip ring is responsible for transmitting control signals and electricity, so that the yaw motor can operate stably, ensuring that the blades are always facing the wind direction, and improving the efficiency of wind energy capture.
Variable pitch system: To control the angle of the blades, the slip ring provides power and signal transmission for it, ensuring that the blades adjust their angles in time according to the change of wind speed, realizing the efficient use of wind energy and the safe and stable operation of the unit.
Inside the generator: Inside the generator, the slip ring is responsible for extracting the electric energy generated by the rotor and transmitting it to the external power grid, while transmitting monitoring signals, so as to facilitate real-time understanding of the operating status of the generator.
Specification
| Electrical Data | Mechanical Data | ||
| Rated current | 0-1000A | Maximum speed | 0-300rpm |
| Rated voltage | 380V or 690V | Axial and radial runout | 0.05 - 0.1mm,0.1 - 0.2mm |
| Contact resistance | ≥1000MΩ@500VDC | Operating temperature range | - 40℃ - 80℃ |
| Dielectric strength | 1500VAC@50Hz,60s,2mA | Protection level | IP54,IP65 |
| Dynamic resistance change value | ＜10mΩ | Operating humidity | <70% |
| Contact materials | Precious metal | ||
Recommend Product model
| Product Picture | Model | Number of ring | Voltage |
 |
IG280 | 3-5 Ring or custom | 0-380V |
 |
DHS050 | 1-108 ring or custom | 0-240V |
 |
DHS100-18-4F | 1-48 Ring or custom | 0-440v |
Daily care and maintenance
Regular inspection
Appearance inspection: Check the slip ring surface regularly for wear, scratches, cracks, discoloration and other abnormal conditions, as well as the degree of wear of the brush. If the brush wear exceeds the specified limit, it needs to be replaced in time.
Connection component inspection: Check whether the fixing bolts, brush holders and other connection components of the slip ring are loose. If they are loose, they need to be tightened in time to prevent poor contact and overheating caused by looseness.
Electrical performance inspection: Use professional instruments to detect the electrical parameters of the slip ring, such as contact resistance and insulation resistance, to ensure that they are within the normal range. If the contact resistance is too large, it will cause increased heat and affect the efficiency of power transmission; if the insulation resistance is reduced, it may cause a short circuit fault.
Cleaning and maintenance
Remove dust and debris: Regularly use clean compressed air or a special vacuum cleaner to remove dust and debris on and around the slip ring surface to prevent accumulation that affects heat dissipation and causes insulation performance degradation. For stubborn stains, use a clean soft cloth dipped in an appropriate amount of special detergent to gently wipe, but be careful to avoid the detergent flowing into the slip ring.
Clean brush powder: The brush will produce powder during operation. If this powder accumulates on the slip ring surface, it may affect the conductive performance. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly clean the brush powder to keep the slip ring surface clean.
Lubrication and protection
Bearing lubrication: The bearings of the slip ring need to be regularly added with appropriate lubricants to reduce friction and wear and ensure the rotation flexibility of the slip ring. Generally, according to the operating environment and requirements of the equipment, select grease with good anti-oxidation and anti-wear properties, and replenish or replace it according to the prescribed cycle.
Surface protection: To prevent the surface of the slip ring from rusting or corrosion, it can be treated with surface protection according to actual conditions. For example, in a humid or corrosive environment, measures such as spraying anti-corrosion paint and applying protective oil can be used to protect the metal material on the surface of the slip ring.
Operation status monitoring
Temperature monitoring: Install a temperature monitoring device to monitor the operating temperature of the slip ring in real time. When the temperature exceeds the specified upper limit, the machine should be stopped for inspection in time to find the cause and eliminate the fault to avoid damage to the slip ring due to overheating.
Vibration monitoring: Monitor the vibration of the slip ring through a vibration sensor. Abnormal vibration may indicate improper installation of the slip ring, bearing damage or other potential problems, which need to be analyzed and handled in time.
FAQ
1. The slip ring is seriously overheated. What is the reason?
Q:Too large contact resistance: If the brush and the slip ring surface are in poor contact, the contact resistance between the two will increase abnormally. For example, if the brush is severely worn, the contact area between the brush and the slip ring will become smaller; if there is dirt and oxide layer on the surface of the slip ring, it will hinder the conduction of current, which will convert electrical energy into heat energy at the contact point, causing heating.
Current overload: When the current suddenly increases during the operation of the wind turbine and exceeds the rated current of the slip ring, the slip ring will generate heat due to the excessive current.
Poor ventilation and heat dissipation: The ventilation and heat dissipation channel at the installation of the slip ring is blocked, and the heat cannot be dissipated in time, causing the temperature of the slip ring to continue to rise.
2.How to solve the problem of sparks on the slip ring?
Q:Optimize contact performance: adjust the brush spring pressure to make it in close and uniform contact with the slip ring surface to ensure stable current transmission. At the same time, clean the dirt and oxide layer on the slip ring surface to reduce contact resistance.
Control load fluctuations: monitor and adjust the load of the wind turbine to avoid sudden load changes and reduce sparks caused by unstable current.