Simplifying Maintenance for Wind Power Plants

New Rotorlocks from ROEMHELD North America have been engineered to increase availability and simplify maintenance for wind power plants. This double-acting hydraulic cylinder locks the rotor blade up to 6.5 megawatts, from –30°C to +70°C.

This locking system, available with hydraulic or electromechanical mechanisms, is capable of withstanding side loads of up to 5,500 00 kN. Designed with longevity as priority, a new special coating prevents rust on the locking bolt during extended periods of inactivity, while non-contact position monitoring prevents mechanical wear, thus extending component life.

The Rotorlock features permanently corrosion-free bushings, eliminating the need for regular greasing and ensuring it remains permanently ready for use. Compliant with DIN ISO 12944, C4 standards for offshore operations, this rotor lock minimizes the need for plant maintenance and can be tailored to meet specific requirements.

Update from 2018: Enhanced Performance

ROEMHELD North America has enhanced the performance of its modular locking system, "Rotorlock," designed for the inspection and maintenance of wind-power stations. With a transverse force absorption capability of up to 7,500 kN, these systems effectively and securely lock rotors with a maximum capacity of 7 MW. Additionally, customer-specific variants with higher values can be accommodated. Thanks to their innovative design and specialized coating, these systems remain maintenance-free and corrosion-resistant throughout the entire service life of both onshore and offshore installations.

At the heart of the Rotorlock system lies a double-action, hydraulically or electromechanically driven pin, ensuring swift and reliable locking of the rotor disc. Non-contact position monitoring facilitates the transmission of end positions "rotor disc locked" and "rotor released" to the system control, providing an added layer of safety for operators.

Special Coating

A specialized coating ensures prolonged protection for the sleeve housing the locking pin during wind-power station operation. ROEMHELD North America warrants continuous corrosion resistance for up to 25 years, aligning with the typical service life of a wind-power station. Additionally, unlike other models, there is no need for regreasing, rendering the element virtually maintenance-free and instantly operational.

Given the limited space often found in most gondolas, the locking system has a specially compact design. According to ROEMHELD North America, the standard modular systems enable the offering of customized designs in the short-term and reasonably priced.