RENEWABLE ENERGY
for specific applications proved crucial to addressing this issue.”
Tidal turbines are located in areas of high tidal energy, therefore the generators used require reliable and robust braking systems to handle the challenging environmental conditions
worked closely with the tidal turbine OEM. By establishing a strong collaboration with the customer, the engineers could understand what key design elements and functionalities were expected, thereby delivering a unique solution. Michael Nygaard-Nissen at Svendborg
Brakes, explains: “Although the braking system developed for the 300kW turbine was relatively simple, this larger application required more advanced features. One particular challenge experienced during the design phase was combining all of these features while maintaining a compact layout that would fit into the limited space available. Te expertise of our engineers and our commitment to delivering an ideal set-up
ADVANCED CONTROL FOR SMOOTH OPERATIONS Te resulting system relies on two BSFI 3000 mono-spring, hydraulically released brakes. Tese provide 120,000N clamping force each to meet the high torque needs required by the application. Also, the mono-spring nature of the brakes allows them to accommodate any vertical movement of the brake disc without having it touch the pads during normal operation. Te hydraulic brakes are connected to two two-stage hydraulic power units (HPUs), to offer redundancy. Te units are operated by a SOBO (Soft Braking Option) control system, which is able to detect runaway situations. SOBO uses proportional integral (PI) algorithms to handle the fast dynamics of the braking process in a highly efficient and reliable way. As a result, the system can counteract overspeed in a matter of milliseconds as well as providing a smooth stop, preventing mechanical overload of the drivetrain. In addition to controlling the speed of the brake disc, the HPUs are able to monitor a wide range of process parameters. More precisely, Svendborg Brakes equipped them with key sensors to measure oil level, temperature, pressure, motor and pump functioning. Operators can access all the data remotely, optimising visualisation and diagnostic activities.
MORE THAN JUST A NOVEL BRAKING SOLUTION After designing such an advanced braking solution, Svendborg Brakes also took care of preparing all of the relevant documentation for DNV certification as well as manufacturing and installing the braking equipment. As a result, the tidal turbine OEM could benefit from a one-stop-shop for all its braking needs.
Te 1MW unit is now fully operational
at European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)’s wave test site, and the bespoke braking system has been working smoothly since its installation. Nygaard-Nissen concludes: “We are pleased with the outcome of this project and delighted to know that the customer is happy with our support and the solution delivered. Key elements that they particularly appreciate are redundancy and the possibility to control the machine remotely, which help to substantially reduce maintenance cost and downtime.”
Svendborg Brakes worked closely with the tidal turbine OEM to understand what key design elements and functionalities were expected to deliver a unique breaking system
www.engineerlive.com 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52
