CHARLOTTE, N.C. – HAWE Hydraulics offers compact hydraulic power units ideal for the brake function in wind power plants. The power unit increases the service life of costly components such as gearboxes, rotor blades, tower and foundations with the hydraulic actuation of yaw and rotor brakes. These compact power units are an excellent fit for localized installations.
The hydraulic power unit consists of a tank with an integrated submerged motor, a radial piston or gear pump that is directly attached to the motor shaft (without a coupling) and a connection block with the modules mounted directly on it. In the event of a malfunction or disruption to the module, the problem can be easily identified and exchanged by simply loosening four screws. This can be done without removing any hoses connected to the consumers.
All components are made of steel and therefore capable of withstanding extremely high pressure. The radial piston pumps supply pressurized oil up to 10,000 psi, while the valves are designed for pressures in excess of 5,800 psi. The pressure level of wind power plants is below 3,600 psi, so these extremely durable pumps and valves are ideal for use in these installations. Because of the power units compact build they can be transported without a crane.
For safety reasons, the brakes of a wind power plant must be reliable at all times therefore; HAWE Hydraulics uses leak-proof directional seated valves. These valves offer considerably higher switching reliability than the directional spool valves, as dirt particles are flushed out when the valve opens. This type of design prevents silting that can occur and cause spool valves to stick.
The type KA compact power unit is the latest model in the HAWE Hydraulics product line. It has been designed for maximum efficiency with minimal weight and space requirements and can be used either vertically or horizontally. Three tank extensions allow for differing oil volume requirements. Depending on the tank extension the usage volume can be increased from a minimum of two liters to a maximum of ten liters. The power unit can be operated with all voltages, including 690V. The KA is also available in a “Cold Climate Version.”
HAWE Hydraulics offers active and passive brake control, with or without a flushing function for the brakes and brake lines. Additional modules are available for adjusting the pitch, roof openers for the turbine pod, rotor lock and the control of on-board handling cranes.
Filed Under: Pumps, Green engineering • renewable energy • sustainability, FLUID POWER, Energy management + harvesting