Engine & Turbine Technology
REVOLUTIONS M
The quiet Minimising yaw brake noise on wind turbine generators
aintenance 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. To tackle this issue, one expert has used 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. Te 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 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. Tis 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. Tis phenomenon is not unique to WTGs; it can happen to all types of brake.
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The solution reduces noise in the yaw control system and improves braking efficiency
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