US20140147279A1 - Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine - Google Patents
Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140147279A1 US20140147279A1 US14/167,108 US201414167108A US2014147279A1 US 20140147279 A1 US20140147279 A1 US 20140147279A1 US 201414167108 A US201414167108 A US 201414167108A US 2014147279 A1 US2014147279 A1 US 2014147279A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- brake
- brake system
- generator
- brake disc
- wind turbine
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- F03D11/0075—
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D55/00—Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes
- F16D55/02—Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members
- F16D55/22—Brakes with substantially-radial braking surfaces pressed together in axial direction, e.g. disc brakes with axially-movable discs or pads pressed against axially-located rotating members by clamping an axially-located rotating disc between movable braking members, e.g. movable brake discs or brake pads
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/0244—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor for braking
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D7/00—Controlling wind motors
- F03D7/02—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D7/0244—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor for braking
- F03D7/0248—Controlling wind motors the wind motors having rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor for braking by mechanical means acting on the power train
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D80/00—Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
- F03D80/80—Arrangement of components within nacelles or towers
- F03D80/88—Arrangement of components within nacelles or towers of mechanical components
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D65/00—Parts or details
- F16D65/02—Braking members; Mounting thereof
- F16D65/12—Discs; Drums for disc brakes
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/90—Braking
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/90—Braking
- F05B2260/902—Braking using frictional mechanical forces
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D65/00—Parts or details
- F16D65/02—Braking members; Mounting thereof
- F16D2065/13—Parts or details of discs or drums
- F16D2065/134—Connection
- F16D2065/1348—Connection resilient
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D65/00—Parts or details
- F16D65/02—Braking members; Mounting thereof
- F16D2065/13—Parts or details of discs or drums
- F16D2065/134—Connection
- F16D2065/1352—Connection articulated
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16D—COUPLINGS FOR TRANSMITTING ROTATION; CLUTCHES; BRAKES
- F16D65/00—Parts or details
- F16D65/02—Braking members; Mounting thereof
- F16D2065/13—Parts or details of discs or drums
- F16D2065/134—Connection
- F16D2065/1376—Connection inner circumference
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a brake system, especially for a generator, with expansion absorbing means, a generator and a wind turbine
- thermal expansion in the brake disc or an other component of the brake system may occur during operation.
- the components of the brake system may be exposed to mechanical stress coursed by different thermal expansion, for example in the disc brake and the generator or the hub.
- disc brakes on geared turbines have been positioned on the rotating shaft of the wind turbines.
- the disc brake will need to be mounted on the generator, or on the turbine hub.
- the disk brake will heat up during use, and for that reason the thermal expansion will generate reaction forces. Also during normal operation, different temperature between generator and disc brake can generate reaction forces.
- a first objective of the present invention to provide an advantageous brake system, which reduces stress in the adjacent component. It is a second objective to provide an advantageous generator. A third objective of the present invention is to provide an advantageous wind turbine.
- the inventive brake system comprises a brake disc.
- the brake system further comprises at least one flexible portion.
- the flexible portion is configured for compensating and/or absorbing expansions of the brake disc.
- the inventive brake system is especially suitable for a generator.
- the at least one flexible portion is a thermal expansion absorbing means.
- the at least one flexible portion may comprise a bending portion, a spring portion or another expansion absorbing means.
- An advantage of the present invention is, that it reduces or eliminates stress in the adjacent component, which may be a generator or hub structure, coursed by thermal expansion of the brake disc.
- the flexible portion can be realised by either construct the brake disc in a way that allow it to absorb the thermal expansion itself, or by fixing the brake disc to an adjacent structure, which may be a generator structure or a hub structure, by means of a mechanism that eliminates radial forces being generated.
- the at least one flexible portion may be connected to the brake disc or the brake disc can comprise the flexible portion.
- the flexible portion can especially be in integrated part of the brake disc.
- the inventive brake system may comprise rotor assembly which may, for instance, comprise a rotor yoke.
- the brake disc may be connected to the rotor yoke by means of a flexible joint. Additionally or alternatively a flexible portion of the brake disc may be connected to the rotor yoke.
- the brake system may comprise a rotor assembly, a stator assembly and a rotation axis.
- the rotor assembly may comprise an outer portion which is located radially outward of the stator assembly.
- the outer portion may comprise the brake disc.
- the stator assembly may further comprise at least one frictional member.
- the frictional member may be operatively configured for frictionally engaging at least a portion of a brake disc.
- the frictional member may comprises a brake calliper.
- the rotor yoke may be part of the outer portion of the rotor assembly.
- the inventive brake system may especially be used for a generator. It may, for example, be part of a generator or be connected to a generator.
- the inventive brake system has the advantage, that the brake disc can be mounted on a cylindrical support structure of an outer rotor.
- the possible large diameter of the machine can be fully used in order to use a brake disc with largest possible diameter. This increases the efficiency of the brake.
- a bigger brake disc and bigger brake callipers can be used which provides a larger effective contact surface.
- a large effective contact surface is necessary in order to maintain the rotor in a parking position, for example.
- a further advantage is that more heat can be absorbed and distributed in a large brake disc compared with smaller brake discs.
- the inventive brake system can be part of a direct drive generator or it can be connected to a direct drive generator.
- the generator may have an outer rotor configuration.
- the brake disc may extend radially inward from the outer portion of the rotor assembly to the rotation axis.
- the inventive brake system can be used for a direct drive generator.
- the inventive brake system may be part of a direct drive wind turbine with an outer rotor configuration.
- the rotor assembly may comprise a flange.
- the brake disc may be fastened to the flange.
- the flange may comprise a number of holes, preferably bolt holes. The holes may be radially spaced.
- the brake disc is fastened to the flange by bolts or screws.
- the brake system may be part of a wind turbine with a hub.
- the brake system especially the rotor assembly of the brake system, may comprise a near end which faces the hub and a far end which is located opposite to the hub.
- the flange, to which the brake disc is fastened may be located at the fast end of the rotor assembly, which means opposite of the hub. This provides easy access to the brake system, especially for maintenance and service.
- the inventive brake system may comprise a rotor support.
- the brake disc may be fastened to a flange of the rotor support, for example by bolts or screws.
- the stator assembly may comprise a stationary shaft.
- the at least one frictional member may be connected to the stationary shaft.
- the at least one frictional member for example at least one brake calliper, may be directly mounted to the stationary shaft.
- the at least one frictional member may extend radially outward regarding the rotation axis.
- the at least one frictional member may extend radially outward from the stationary shaft of a wind turbine.
- the frictional member may comprise at least one brake calliper.
- the frictional member comprises at least one brake calliper on each side of the brake disc, preferably in order to enclose the brake disc.
- the at least one frictional member comprises at least one brake calliper system.
- the at least one calliper system may comprise at least to brake callipers located on each side of the brake disc opposite to each other.
- the brake calliper system may comprise at least one calliper bracket.
- the calliper bracket may be used for mounting the callipers and/or the brake calliper system to another component of the brake system, for example for mounting to the stationary shaft.
- Each brake calliper system may be connected to a calliper bracket.
- the inventive generator comprises an inventive brake system as previously described.
- the inventive generator has the same advantages as the inventive brake system.
- the inventive wind turbine comprises an inventive brake system as previously described.
- the inventive wind turbine has the same advantageous as the inventive brake system.
- the inventive wind turbine may be a direct drive wind turbine.
- the inventive wind turbine may comprise an outer rotor configuration.
- the inventive wind turbine may comprise a nacelle, a hub and a generator.
- the generator may be located inside the nacelle or between the nacelle and the hub.
- the brake system may be connected to the generator and/or to the hub.
- the brake system may be an integrated part of the generator and/or an integrated part of the hub.
- the present invention eliminates or reduces the stress in the brake disc and in the generator structure, if the brake disc is attached to the generator. If attached to the hub, the flexible portion will have the same effect on the hub structures.
- FIG. 1 schematically shows a wind turbine.
- FIG. 2 schematically shows part of a conventional brake system in a perspective view.
- FIG. 3 schematically shows part of an inventive brake system in a perspective, sectional view.
- FIG. 4 schematically shows a further variant of part of an inventive brake system in a perspective, sectional view.
- FIG. 5 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion in a neutral state in a perspective view.
- FIG. 6 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion in a neutral state in a sectional, side view.
- FIG. 7 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion in a thermal expanded state in a perspective view.
- FIG. 8 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion in a thermal expanded state in a sectional, side view.
- FIG. 9 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a neutral state in a perspective view.
- FIG. 10 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a neutral state in a sectional, side view.
- FIG. 11 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a thermal expanded state in a perspective view.
- FIG. 12 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a thermal expanded state in a sectional, side view.
- FIG. 13 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a thermal expanded state in a perspective view.
- FIG. 14 schematically shows a further variant of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a neutral state in a sectional, side view.
- FIG. 15 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of the inventive brake system of FIG. 14 in a perspective view.
- FIG. 16 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of the inventive brake system of FIG. 14 in a thermal expanded state in a sectional, side view.
- FIG. 17 schematically shows the outer rotor portion of FIG. 16 in a perspective view.
- FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 13 A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 13 .
- FIG. 1 schematically shows a wind turbine 1 .
- FIG. 1 schematically shows a wind turbine 1 .
- the wind turbine 1 comprises a tower 2 , a nacelle 3 and a hub 4 .
- the nacelle 3 is located on top of the tower 2 .
- the hub 4 comprises a number of wind turbine blades 5 .
- the hub 4 is mounted to the nacelle 3 .
- the hub 4 is pivot-mounted such that it is able to rotate about a rotation axis 9 .
- a generator 6 is located inside the nacelle 3 .
- the wind turbine 1 is a direct drive wind turbine.
- the generator 6 comprises a near side 19 facing the hub 4 and a far side 20 opposite to the hub 4 .
- FIG. 2 schematically shows part of a conventional rotor brake system of a generator 6 in a perspective view.
- the rotor brake system of the generator 6 comprises a stationary shaft 10 which is located close to the rotation axis 9 .
- the generator 6 comprises a rotor assembly.
- the rotor assembly comprises an outer rotor portion 11 .
- the outer rotor portion 11 is located radially outward of the stationary shaft 10 .
- the outer rotor portion 11 comprises a brake disc 12 .
- the brake disc 12 extends radially inward from the outer rotor portion 11 of the rotor assembly to the rotation axis 9 .
- the brake disc 12 can be mounted to the outer rotor portion 11 .
- the outer rotor portion 11 may be a rotor yoke.
- the brake system further comprises a brake calliper system 13 .
- the brake calliper system 13 is connected to the stationary shaft 10 by means of a central mounted flange 14 .
- the brake system comprises a number of brake calliper systems 13 .
- the brake calliper systems 13 are located uniformly spaced around the circumference of the brake disc 12 .
- the brake calliper system 13 is operatively configured for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the brake disc 12 .
- the brake calliper system 13 extends radially outward from the stationary shaft 10 .
- the brake calliper system 13 comprises at least one brake calliper on each side of brake disc.
- FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the outer rotor portion 11 and the brake calliper system 13 of FIG. 2 in a neutral state in a perspective view and in a side view, respectively.
- FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show the outer rotor portion 11 with the brake calliper system 13 in a thermal expanded state in a perspective view and in a side view, respectively.
- a thermal expansion of the brake disc 12 takes place. Due to a temperature difference between the brake disc 12 and the outer rotor portion 11 or any other adjacent structure element, reaction forces act on the outer rotor portion 11 , more precisely at the joint between the outer rotor portion 11 and the brake disc 12 .
- the reaction force is designated by an arrow 17 .
- FIG. 3 schematically shows part of an inventive brake system in a perspective view.
- the inventive brake system comprises a brake disc 12 with an integrated flexible portion 15 .
- the brake disc 12 in FIG. 3 comprises a first part 12 a which is connected to the outer rotor portion 11 .
- the brake disc 12 further comprises a second part 12 b which is operatively configured for being frictionally engaged by the brake calliper system 13 .
- the brake disc 12 comprises a flexible portion 15 which is located between the first part 12 a and the second part 12 b of the brake disc 12 .
- FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show part of the outer rotor portion 11 of the inventive brake system in a neutral state in a perspective view and in a side view, respectively.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically show the outer rotor portion 11 of the inventive brake system in a state where the brake disc 12 is thermally expanded.
- FIG. 11 shows a perspective view and
- FIG. 12 shows a side view.
- the reaction force coursed by the thermal expansion of the brake disc 12 is designated by an arrow 17 .
- FIG. 13 schematically shows an enlarged view of part of FIG. 11 .
- the flexible portion 15 is deformed compared with the neutral state shown in FIGS. 3 , 9 and 10 .
- the flexible portion 15 eliminates or reduces the stress in the disc and in the outer rotor portion or any other adjacent structure, for example generator structures.
- FIGS. 1 , 2 , 4 to 8 and 14 to 17 Elements correspondent to elements of the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail again.
- FIG. 4 schematically shows part of a second embodiment of an inventive brake system in a perspective view.
- the brake disc 12 is mounted to the outer rotor portion 11 by means of a flexible joint 16 .
- a first side 21 of the flexible joint 16 is connected to the brake disc 12 while a second side 22 of the flexible joint 16 is connected to the outer rotor portion 11 .
- FIGS. 14 and 15 schematically show the second embodiment of the inventive brake system in a neutral state in a side view and in a perspective view, respectively.
- FIGS. 16 and 17 schematically show part of the inventive brake system of the second embodiment in a thermal expanded state in a side view and in a sectional view, respectively.
- the thermal expansion of the brake disc 12 does not course reaction forces 17 acting on the outer rotor portion 11 .
- the outer rotor portion 11 is not deformed.
- the brake disc 12 is expanded and the flexible joint 16 has absorbed the thermal expansion of the brake disc 12 , for example by moving or rotating.
- first side 21 of the flexible joint 16 can be connected to the brake disc 12 such that a movement or a rotation between the flexible joint 16 and the brake disc 12 is possible.
- second side 22 of the flexible joint 16 can be connected to the outer rotor portion 11 such that also a movement or a rotation between the flexible joint 16 and the outer rotor portion 11 is possible.
- the inventive brake system of both embodiments can be connected to the generator 6 or to the hub 4 of the wind turbine 1 .
- the features of both embodiments can be combined, for example such that the brake disc 12 is connected to an adjacent element by means of a flexible joint 16 and further comprises a flexible portion 15 .
Abstract
A brake system which includes rotor assembly and a brake disc is disclosed. The brake system is arranged to rotate around an axis of rotation. The brake disk includes at least one flexible portion. The at least one flexible portion is configured for absorbing the expansion of the brake disc.
Description
- This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 12/941,393 filed Nov. 8, 2010 and claims benefit thereof and is incorporated herein in its entirety. This application claims priority to European Patent Office application No. 09014764.6 EP, which was filed Nov. 26, 2009 and which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
- The present invention relates to a brake system, especially for a generator, with expansion absorbing means, a generator and a wind turbine
- On a wind turbine with a disc brake attached to the generator, or alternatively to the hub, thermal expansion in the brake disc or an other component of the brake system may occur during operation. The components of the brake system may be exposed to mechanical stress coursed by different thermal expansion, for example in the disc brake and the generator or the hub.
- Up to now, disc brakes on geared turbines have been positioned on the rotating shaft of the wind turbines. When building direct drive turbines without rotating shafts the disc brake will need to be mounted on the generator, or on the turbine hub. Typically, the disk brake will heat up during use, and for that reason the thermal expansion will generate reaction forces. Also during normal operation, different temperature between generator and disc brake can generate reaction forces.
- Therefore it is a first objective of the present invention to provide an advantageous brake system, which reduces stress in the adjacent component. It is a second objective to provide an advantageous generator. A third objective of the present invention is to provide an advantageous wind turbine.
- The objectives are solved by a brake system, a generator and a wind turbine as claimed in the independent claims. The depending claims define further developments of the invention.
- The inventive brake system comprises a brake disc. The brake system further comprises at least one flexible portion. The flexible portion is configured for compensating and/or absorbing expansions of the brake disc. The inventive brake system is especially suitable for a generator.
- Preferably, the at least one flexible portion is a thermal expansion absorbing means. For example, the at least one flexible portion may comprise a bending portion, a spring portion or another expansion absorbing means.
- An advantage of the present invention is, that it reduces or eliminates stress in the adjacent component, which may be a generator or hub structure, coursed by thermal expansion of the brake disc.
- The flexible portion can be realised by either construct the brake disc in a way that allow it to absorb the thermal expansion itself, or by fixing the brake disc to an adjacent structure, which may be a generator structure or a hub structure, by means of a mechanism that eliminates radial forces being generated. For example, the at least one flexible portion may be connected to the brake disc or the brake disc can comprise the flexible portion. The flexible portion can especially be in integrated part of the brake disc.
- The inventive brake system may comprise rotor assembly which may, for instance, comprise a rotor yoke. The brake disc may be connected to the rotor yoke by means of a flexible joint. Additionally or alternatively a flexible portion of the brake disc may be connected to the rotor yoke.
- Moreover, the brake system may comprise a rotor assembly, a stator assembly and a rotation axis. The rotor assembly may comprise an outer portion which is located radially outward of the stator assembly. The outer portion may comprise the brake disc. The stator assembly may further comprise at least one frictional member. The frictional member may be operatively configured for frictionally engaging at least a portion of a brake disc. The frictional member may comprises a brake calliper. The rotor yoke may be part of the outer portion of the rotor assembly. The inventive brake system may especially be used for a generator. It may, for example, be part of a generator or be connected to a generator.
- The inventive brake system has the advantage, that the brake disc can be mounted on a cylindrical support structure of an outer rotor. In this case the possible large diameter of the machine can be fully used in order to use a brake disc with largest possible diameter. This increases the efficiency of the brake. Moreover, a bigger brake disc and bigger brake callipers can be used which provides a larger effective contact surface. A large effective contact surface is necessary in order to maintain the rotor in a parking position, for example. A further advantage is that more heat can be absorbed and distributed in a large brake disc compared with smaller brake discs.
- Generally, the inventive brake system can be part of a direct drive generator or it can be connected to a direct drive generator. The generator may have an outer rotor configuration.
- Advantageously the brake disc may extend radially inward from the outer portion of the rotor assembly to the rotation axis. In this case the inventive brake system can be used for a direct drive generator. Furthermore, the inventive brake system may be part of a direct drive wind turbine with an outer rotor configuration.
- Moreover, the rotor assembly may comprise a flange. The brake disc may be fastened to the flange. For example, the flange may comprise a number of holes, preferably bolt holes. The holes may be radially spaced. Preferably the brake disc is fastened to the flange by bolts or screws.
- The brake system may be part of a wind turbine with a hub. In this case the brake system, especially the rotor assembly of the brake system, may comprise a near end which faces the hub and a far end which is located opposite to the hub. Preferably the flange, to which the brake disc is fastened, may be located at the fast end of the rotor assembly, which means opposite of the hub. This provides easy access to the brake system, especially for maintenance and service.
- The inventive brake system may comprise a rotor support. In this case the brake disc may be fastened to a flange of the rotor support, for example by bolts or screws.
- The stator assembly may comprise a stationary shaft. The at least one frictional member may be connected to the stationary shaft. For example, the at least one frictional member, for example at least one brake calliper, may be directly mounted to the stationary shaft.
- Preferably the at least one frictional member may extend radially outward regarding the rotation axis. For example, the at least one frictional member may extend radially outward from the stationary shaft of a wind turbine.
- Especially, the frictional member may comprise at least one brake calliper. Preferably the frictional member comprises at least one brake calliper on each side of the brake disc, preferably in order to enclose the brake disc. Advantageously the at least one frictional member comprises at least one brake calliper system. The at least one calliper system may comprise at least to brake callipers located on each side of the brake disc opposite to each other. For example, the brake calliper system may comprise at least one calliper bracket. The calliper bracket may be used for mounting the callipers and/or the brake calliper system to another component of the brake system, for example for mounting to the stationary shaft. Each brake calliper system may be connected to a calliper bracket.
- The inventive generator comprises an inventive brake system as previously described. The inventive generator has the same advantages as the inventive brake system.
- The inventive wind turbine comprises an inventive brake system as previously described. The inventive wind turbine has the same advantageous as the inventive brake system. Preferably the inventive wind turbine may be a direct drive wind turbine. Moreover, the inventive wind turbine may comprise an outer rotor configuration.
- The inventive wind turbine may comprise a nacelle, a hub and a generator. The generator may be located inside the nacelle or between the nacelle and the hub. The brake system may be connected to the generator and/or to the hub. For example, the brake system may be an integrated part of the generator and/or an integrated part of the hub.
- Generally, the present invention eliminates or reduces the stress in the brake disc and in the generator structure, if the brake disc is attached to the generator. If attached to the hub, the flexible portion will have the same effect on the hub structures.
- Further features, properties and advantages will become clear from the following description of embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. All features are advantageous alone or in combination with each other.
-
FIG. 1 schematically shows a wind turbine. -
FIG. 2 schematically shows part of a conventional brake system in a perspective view. -
FIG. 3 schematically shows part of an inventive brake system in a perspective, sectional view. -
FIG. 4 schematically shows a further variant of part of an inventive brake system in a perspective, sectional view. -
FIG. 5 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion in a neutral state in a perspective view. -
FIG. 6 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion in a neutral state in a sectional, side view. -
FIG. 7 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion in a thermal expanded state in a perspective view. -
FIG. 8 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion in a thermal expanded state in a sectional, side view. -
FIG. 9 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a neutral state in a perspective view. -
FIG. 10 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a neutral state in a sectional, side view. -
FIG. 11 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a thermal expanded state in a perspective view. -
FIG. 12 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a thermal expanded state in a sectional, side view. -
FIG. 13 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a thermal expanded state in a perspective view. -
FIG. 14 schematically shows a further variant of the outer rotor portion of an inventive brake system in a neutral state in a sectional, side view. -
FIG. 15 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of the inventive brake system ofFIG. 14 in a perspective view. -
FIG. 16 schematically shows part of the outer rotor portion of the inventive brake system ofFIG. 14 in a thermal expanded state in a sectional, side view. -
FIG. 17 schematically shows the outer rotor portion ofFIG. 16 in a perspective view. - A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 1 to 3 and 5 to 13. -
FIG. 1 schematically shows awind turbine 1.FIG. 1 schematically shows awind turbine 1. Thewind turbine 1 comprises atower 2, anacelle 3 and ahub 4. Thenacelle 3 is located on top of thetower 2. Thehub 4 comprises a number ofwind turbine blades 5. Thehub 4 is mounted to thenacelle 3. Moreover, thehub 4 is pivot-mounted such that it is able to rotate about a rotation axis 9. Agenerator 6 is located inside thenacelle 3. Thewind turbine 1 is a direct drive wind turbine. Thegenerator 6 comprises anear side 19 facing thehub 4 and afar side 20 opposite to thehub 4. -
FIG. 2 schematically shows part of a conventional rotor brake system of agenerator 6 in a perspective view. The rotor brake system of thegenerator 6 comprises astationary shaft 10 which is located close to the rotation axis 9. Thegenerator 6 comprises a rotor assembly. The rotor assembly comprises anouter rotor portion 11. Theouter rotor portion 11 is located radially outward of thestationary shaft 10. - The
outer rotor portion 11 comprises abrake disc 12. Thebrake disc 12 extends radially inward from theouter rotor portion 11 of the rotor assembly to the rotation axis 9. Alternatively, thebrake disc 12 can be mounted to theouter rotor portion 11. Theouter rotor portion 11 may be a rotor yoke. - The brake system further comprises a
brake calliper system 13. Thebrake calliper system 13 is connected to thestationary shaft 10 by means of a central mountedflange 14. Preferably the brake system comprises a number ofbrake calliper systems 13. Advantageously thebrake calliper systems 13 are located uniformly spaced around the circumference of thebrake disc 12. - The
brake calliper system 13 is operatively configured for frictionally engaging at least a portion of thebrake disc 12. Preferably thebrake calliper system 13 extends radially outward from thestationary shaft 10. Advantageously, thebrake calliper system 13 comprises at least one brake calliper on each side of brake disc. -
FIG. 5 andFIG. 6 show theouter rotor portion 11 and thebrake calliper system 13 ofFIG. 2 in a neutral state in a perspective view and in a side view, respectively.FIG. 7 andFIG. 8 show theouter rotor portion 11 with thebrake calliper system 13 in a thermal expanded state in a perspective view and in a side view, respectively. During operation of the generator a thermal expansion of thebrake disc 12 takes place. Due to a temperature difference between thebrake disc 12 and theouter rotor portion 11 or any other adjacent structure element, reaction forces act on theouter rotor portion 11, more precisely at the joint between theouter rotor portion 11 and thebrake disc 12. The reaction force is designated by anarrow 17. Coursed by thereaction force 17 theouter rotor portion 11 inFIG. 7 andFIG. 8 is deformed compared with theouter rotor portion 11 inFIGS. 5 and 6 . The deformation and the expansion is exaggerated in the Figures to demonstrate the principle. -
FIG. 3 schematically shows part of an inventive brake system in a perspective view. The inventive brake system comprises abrake disc 12 with an integratedflexible portion 15. - The
brake disc 12 inFIG. 3 comprises afirst part 12 a which is connected to theouter rotor portion 11. Thebrake disc 12 further comprises asecond part 12 b which is operatively configured for being frictionally engaged by thebrake calliper system 13. Moreover, thebrake disc 12 comprises aflexible portion 15 which is located between thefirst part 12 a and thesecond part 12 b of thebrake disc 12. The functionality of the inventive brake system will now be described with reference toFIGS. 9 to 13 . -
FIGS. 9 and 10 schematically show part of theouter rotor portion 11 of the inventive brake system in a neutral state in a perspective view and in a side view, respectively.FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically show theouter rotor portion 11 of the inventive brake system in a state where thebrake disc 12 is thermally expanded.FIG. 11 shows a perspective view andFIG. 12 shows a side view. The reaction force coursed by the thermal expansion of thebrake disc 12 is designated by anarrow 17.FIG. 13 schematically shows an enlarged view of part ofFIG. 11 . InFIGS. 11 to 13 theflexible portion 15 is deformed compared with the neutral state shown inFIGS. 3 , 9 and 10. Theouter rotor portion 11 inFIGS. 11 to 13 is not deformed, compared with the situation inFIGS. 7 and 8 . This means that the reaction forces 17 coursed by thermal expansion of thebrake disc 12 are absorbed in theflexible portion 15 or deformation zone of thebrake disc 12. Thus, theflexible portion 15 eliminates or reduces the stress in the disc and in the outer rotor portion or any other adjacent structure, for example generator structures. - A second embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to
FIGS. 1 , 2, 4 to 8 and 14 to 17. Elements correspondent to elements of the first embodiment are designated with the same reference numerals and will not be described in detail again. -
FIG. 4 schematically shows part of a second embodiment of an inventive brake system in a perspective view. InFIG. 4 thebrake disc 12 is mounted to theouter rotor portion 11 by means of a flexible joint 16. Afirst side 21 of the flexible joint 16 is connected to thebrake disc 12 while asecond side 22 of the flexible joint 16 is connected to theouter rotor portion 11. -
FIGS. 14 and 15 schematically show the second embodiment of the inventive brake system in a neutral state in a side view and in a perspective view, respectively.FIGS. 16 and 17 schematically show part of the inventive brake system of the second embodiment in a thermal expanded state in a side view and in a sectional view, respectively. InFIGS. 16 and 17 compared withFIGS. 14 and 15 the thermal expansion of thebrake disc 12 does not course reaction forces 17 acting on theouter rotor portion 11. InFIGS. 16 and 17 theouter rotor portion 11 is not deformed. Thebrake disc 12 is expanded and the flexible joint 16 has absorbed the thermal expansion of thebrake disc 12, for example by moving or rotating. For example, thefirst side 21 of the flexible joint 16 can be connected to thebrake disc 12 such that a movement or a rotation between the flexible joint 16 and thebrake disc 12 is possible. Moreover, thesecond side 22 of the flexible joint 16 can be connected to theouter rotor portion 11 such that also a movement or a rotation between the flexible joint 16 and theouter rotor portion 11 is possible. - In the
FIGS. 14 to 17 the expansion of thebrake disc 12 is exaggerated to demonstrate the principle. - The inventive brake system of both embodiments can be connected to the
generator 6 or to thehub 4 of thewind turbine 1. The features of both embodiments can be combined, for example such that thebrake disc 12 is connected to an adjacent element by means of a flexible joint 16 and further comprises aflexible portion 15.
Claims (16)
1. A brake system, comprising:
a rotor assembly comprising an axis of rotation;
a brake disc arranged to rotate around the axis of rotation, the brake disk comprising a an first part connected to the rotor assembly, a second part radially offset from the first part, a flexible portion flexibly attaches the first part to the second part, the flexible portion configured for bending at the attachment between the flexible portion and the first part and between the flexible portion and the second part in order to absorb an expansion of the brake disk.
2. The brake system as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the brake system further comprises a stator assembly.
3. The brake system as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the rotor assembly comprises an outer portion which is located radially outward of the stator assembly,
wherein the brake disk connects to the rotor assembly at the outer portion,
wherein the stator assembly comprises a frictional member configured for frictionally engaging at least a portion of the brake disc.
4. The brake system as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the frictional member comprises a brake calliper.
5. The brake system as claimed in claim 3 ,
wherein the brake disc extends radially inward from the outer portion of the rotor assembly to the rotation axis.
6. The brake system as claimed in claim 3 ,
wherein the stator assembly comprises a stationary shaft and the frictional member is connected to the stationary shaft.
7. The brake system as claimed in claim 6 ,
wherein the frictional member extends radially outward from the stationary shaft.
8. The brake system as claimed in claim 3 ,
wherein the frictional member comprises a brake calliper on each side of the brake disc.
9. The brake disk system as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the bending is effective to radially displace at least the first or second part.
10. The brake disk system as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the first and second parts are longitudinally offset from each other along the axis of rotation.
11. The brake disk system as claimed in claim 10 ,
wherein at least the first or second part is longitudinally displaced by the bending.
12. The brake disk system as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the first part is annular.
13. The brake disk system as claimed in claim 1 ,
wherein the second part is annular.
15. A generator for a wind turbine, comprising:
a brake system according to claim 1 .
16. A wind turbine, comprising:
a tower;
a nacelle located on top of the tower;
a hub mounted to the nacelle; and
a generator located inside the nacelle, wherein the generator comprises a brake system according to claim 15 .
17. The wind turbine as claimed in claim 16 ,
wherein the brake system is connected to the generator and/or to the hub.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US14/167,108 US20140147279A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 | 2014-01-29 | Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP09014764.6 | 2009-11-26 | ||
EP09014764.6A EP2333321B1 (en) | 2009-11-26 | 2009-11-26 | Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine |
US12/941,393 US8684672B2 (en) | 2009-11-26 | 2010-11-08 | Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine |
US14/167,108 US20140147279A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 | 2014-01-29 | Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/941,393 Continuation US8684672B2 (en) | 2009-11-26 | 2010-11-08 | Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20140147279A1 true US20140147279A1 (en) | 2014-05-29 |
Family
ID=42138767
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/941,393 Active 2032-04-08 US8684672B2 (en) | 2009-11-26 | 2010-11-08 | Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine |
US14/167,108 Abandoned US20140147279A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 | 2014-01-29 | Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/941,393 Active 2032-04-08 US8684672B2 (en) | 2009-11-26 | 2010-11-08 | Brake system with expansion absorbing means, generator and wind turbine |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US8684672B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2333321B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102080626B (en) |
CA (1) | CA2722391C (en) |
DK (1) | DK2333321T3 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11434877B2 (en) * | 2019-07-29 | 2022-09-06 | General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L. | Direct-drive wind turbine including multiple bearing sets and inner and outer frame structure members axially extending through a generator core for supporting the generator and rotor hub |
US11835027B2 (en) | 2021-06-15 | 2023-12-05 | General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L. | Supporting structures and methods for a central frame of a direct-drive wind turbine |
Families Citing this family (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP2437380A1 (en) * | 2010-09-30 | 2012-04-04 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Rotor, generator and wind turbine |
EP2584673A1 (en) * | 2011-10-17 | 2013-04-24 | ABB Oy | Electric machine with dampening means |
DK2669510T3 (en) * | 2012-05-30 | 2014-10-06 | Siemens Ag | Brake system for a wind turbine |
DE102014207712A1 (en) * | 2013-06-24 | 2014-12-24 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Apparatus and method for rotating a rotor of a wind turbine |
EP3144528B1 (en) | 2015-09-15 | 2018-03-14 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Wind turbine with a brake dust collector |
Citations (2)
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GB1417843A (en) * | 1972-10-24 | 1975-12-17 | Automotive Prod Co Ltd | Disc brake systems |
US5950772A (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-09-14 | Hayes Brake, Inc. | Bicycle brake system having a flexible disk |
Family Cites Families (6)
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DE4402184C2 (en) | 1994-01-26 | 1995-11-23 | Friedrich Prof Dr Ing Klinger | Multi-pole synchronous generator for gearless horizontal-axis wind turbines with nominal powers of up to several megawatts |
US7431567B1 (en) * | 2003-05-30 | 2008-10-07 | Northern Power Systems Inc. | Wind turbine having a direct-drive drivetrain |
US7075192B2 (en) | 2004-04-19 | 2006-07-11 | Northern Power Systems, Inc. | Direct drive wind turbine |
KR101047236B1 (en) * | 2006-07-17 | 2011-07-06 | 에스.비. 패턴트 홀딩 에이피에스 | Brake device |
ES2354828T3 (en) | 2006-11-23 | 2011-03-18 | Stx Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. | MAIN BEARING OF A WIND TURBINE. |
KR100906992B1 (en) | 2007-11-29 | 2009-07-10 | 울브린코리아(주) | Damping shim for disc-type brake system |
-
2009
- 2009-11-26 EP EP09014764.6A patent/EP2333321B1/en active Active
- 2009-11-26 DK DK09014764.6T patent/DK2333321T3/en active
-
2010
- 2010-11-08 US US12/941,393 patent/US8684672B2/en active Active
- 2010-11-24 CA CA2722391A patent/CA2722391C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2010-11-26 CN CN201010565563.7A patent/CN102080626B/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-01-29 US US14/167,108 patent/US20140147279A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1417843A (en) * | 1972-10-24 | 1975-12-17 | Automotive Prod Co Ltd | Disc brake systems |
US5950772A (en) * | 1997-08-29 | 1999-09-14 | Hayes Brake, Inc. | Bicycle brake system having a flexible disk |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11434877B2 (en) * | 2019-07-29 | 2022-09-06 | General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L. | Direct-drive wind turbine including multiple bearing sets and inner and outer frame structure members axially extending through a generator core for supporting the generator and rotor hub |
US11835027B2 (en) | 2021-06-15 | 2023-12-05 | General Electric Renovables Espana, S.L. | Supporting structures and methods for a central frame of a direct-drive wind turbine |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN102080626B (en) | 2014-11-26 |
EP2333321B1 (en) | 2016-06-15 |
EP2333321A1 (en) | 2011-06-15 |
CA2722391C (en) | 2018-07-31 |
US8684672B2 (en) | 2014-04-01 |
CA2722391A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
CN102080626A (en) | 2011-06-01 |
US20110123338A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
DK2333321T3 (en) | 2016-09-05 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SIEMENS WIND POWER A/S, DENMARK Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LIND, SOEREN OEMANN;REEL/FRAME:032471/0919 Effective date: 20140220 Owner name: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, GERMANY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SIEMENS WIND POWER A/S;REEL/FRAME:032472/0096 Effective date: 20140304 |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |