FEATURE CLUTCHES, BRAKES & COUPLINGS
delivering a unique solution. On another collaboration, the company had
developed a braking system for a 300kW turbine, but this larger application required more advanced features. One particular challenge was to maintain a compact layout that would fit into the limited space available. The result relies on two BSFI 3000
The tide is turning on energy generation
W
hen a producer of tidal turbines began building a large 1MW unit for installation
at the European Marine Energy Centre’s (EMEC) wave test site in Billia Croo, off the west coast of Orkney, it wanted to specify a regulatory- compliant, advanced, braking system. Located in areas of high tidal energy, tidal
turbine generators need to operate in harsh conditions while having the ability to control their speed, acceleration and deceleration at all times, even during power or generator failure. Such generators therefore require reliable and robust braking systems, which are fundamental to avoid runaway conditions. In a short time, these can lead to overspeed of the entire equipment, resulting in extreme mechanical stress on the turbine and its blades. Responsive
brakes can counteract these issues by applying a sufficient torque that maintains the rotational speed below the allowable limit. As well as being able to react to faults, the
braking systems needs to prevent the turbine from coming to an immediate halt, so ‘soft braking’ is preferred to stop the machine in a gradual and controlled way. The system also needs to comply with DNVGL–SE-0163 and DNVGL-ST-0164 standards. So, to meet requirements, the manufacturer
turned to Svendborg Brakes, a brand of Altra Industrial Motion Corp., for a suitable solution. By establishing a strong collaboration with the customer, the engineers were able to understand what key design elements and functionalities were expected, thereby
mono-spring, hydraulically-released brakes, which provide 120,000N clamping force each to meet the high torque needs required by the application. 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. The hydraulic brakes are connected to two
2-stage hydraulic power units (HPUs) in order to offer redundancy. The 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. Svendborg Brakes has equipped them with sensors to measure oil level, temperature, pressure, motor and pump functioning, with the data accessed remotely. The 1MW unit is now fully operational and has been working smoothly since its installation.
Svendborg Brakes
www.svendborg-brakes.com
To increase farming productivity, there is growing demand for such technologies as laser or GPS tracking to enable cultivation and harvesting to be carried out autonomously. Technology such as swarm robotics, which allows multiple robots to operate collectively via interactions, is ensuring that autonomous vehicles can operate efficiently. However, multiple powertrains are required to cover the range of vehicles offered and OEMs need to specify specialised power transmission components. There is a growing trend to make use
CLUTCH AND BRAKE SOLUTIONS SUIT AUTONOMOUS FARMING The happy medium between full electrification and diesel power
is the hybrid powertrain. Agricultural OEMs are looking to improve environmental friendliness in the areas where hybridisation fits the size and power requirements of the vehicle. However, flexible components are needed to accommodate the requirements of both power trains. To meet requirements, Stromag offers
of small, standardised, electric vehicles that can be fitted with a wide variety of implements, allowing a single robot to carry out multiple tasks. Depending on batteries, these vehicles can typically operate for up to six hours in the field, but reducing the power consumption of systems on the vehicle is essential. So, optimising the operation of the braking system can deliver large energy savings. To tackle the power requirements of electromagnetic brakes, Warner
Electric offers the SSPB pulse brake. By opening and closing whenever there is a pulse of current, power consumption of the braking system is greatly reduced.
two-in-one hydraulic or electromagnetic clutch/flexible or dampening coupling combinations. This is available as a plug and play assembly and, for hybrid drive chains, is mounted between the combustion engine and electric motor. By engaging or disengaging the clutch, the vehicle can operate under either diesel or electric power as required. As hybrid autonomous vehicles contain
batteries, limiting overall power consumption is also important. By reducing
the power requirements of auxiliary systems such as air conditioning and hydraulic pumps, efficiency gains can be attained. Warner Electric offers a wide range of electromagnetic clutches to offer this precise on/off functionality – ensuring available power is used as efficiently as possible.
Altra Industrial Motion Corporation
www.altramotion.com
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APRIL 2020 | DESIGN SOLUTIONS
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