NOISE REDUCTION
FEATURE SPONSOR
MINIMISING YAW BRAKE NOISE
This is just one example of how to reduce yaw noise, we have several other innovative solutions including our noise reduced brake pad materials. Because of the many options available, we strongly recommend to contact us for a customised proposal
The maintenance of wind turbine generators (WTGs) aims to sustain efficiency levels and ensure continued reliability, whilst also dealing with any other concerns that may be raised.
One issue that is becoming more common is noise generated by the operation of the equipment in the nacelle, as opposed to any noise from the turbine blades. Svendborg Brakes has turned its expertise on yaw brake noise and developed a solution that can be applied to the majority of installations.
Yaw noise is a significant contributor to the noise produced by WTGs and can be created by the contact between the yaw brake pads and the disc during nacelle adjustment into the wind. The brakes are released sufficiently to allow the yaw motors to turn the nacelle into the wind before being reapplied to hold the position.
CAUSE ANALYSIS
Investigation into this noise has shown that there is a direct relationship between the amount of noise and the
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PROVING THE SOLUTION To help independent service providers (ISPs) as well as original equipment
glazing on the brake pad surfaces. While the nacelle is facing directly into the wind the yaw brakes are pressurised to around 160 bar, but when the nacelle needs to turn, this pressure is reduced to around 30 bar. This enables the yaw motors to adjust the direction of the nacelle without losing control of it.
As the brakes are always engaged, a small amount of powdered friction material is created, along with some particles from the disc. At the low pressure used during yawing, some of the powder created between the pad and the disc sticks to the pad surface, giving it a glazed appearance. This phenomenon is not unique to WTGs, it can happen to all types of brake.
This issue takes time to develop and recently installed WTGs are unlikely to give cause for concern. However, with a small number of WTGs, this problem can appear later.
manufacturers (OEMs), Svendborg Brakes, a global expert in braking technology and part of Altra Industrial Motion Corporation, has completed an in-depth analysis of the issue. The outcome has been a patented innovation that delivers a long-lasting solution that can be employed by the company’s engineers or those working for ISPs.
By cutting a specially-shaped groove into the brake disc it is possible to remove existing glazing and prevent it from occurring in the future. The groove does not increase brake pad wear significantly, but it does help to remove the build-up of powdered material in conjunction with a brush that is installed at the same time. Tests have shown that grooves cut into the brake disc removed the glazing on the brake pad and increased pad wear by only 3.5 percent, when operating at a pressure of 30 bar. These tests were conducted using brake pads from Svendborg Brakes that include a slot in the friction material that also helps to keep the braking surface clear of debris.
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