Hydroll

Wind Energy

Wind turbine hydraulic pitch control system and brakes

Hydraulic pitch control constantly adjusts the angle of the blades to the wind to optimize the wind turbine’s energy production. Also hydraulic pitch systems act as a main brake in extreme weather or wind conditions protecting the high value turbine.

Piston accumulators are in a vital role in hydraulic pitch systems. Typically, they perform three functions:

  • Damping pulsations from the pump and the proportional valve
  • During emergency stops accumulators supply oil/energy to the cylinders that turns the blades to a safe position
  • Manual decompression is used during service

 

The wind turbine industry tends to use either bladder or piston accumulators. However, there are strong factors suggesting the superiority of piston accumulators in wind turbine applications such as:

  • Multiple times lower gas permeation
  • Superior reliability
  • High and low temperature tolerances
  • Ability to withstand centrifugal forces
  • Easy to install real time pressure monitoring diagnostics

 

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