Article from Wind Power Engineering Magazine.
By Paul Dvorak, January, 2018
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Wind Power Engineering Magazine
New rotor locks from Roemheld USA are designed to simplify maintenance for wind power plants. The double-acting hydraulic cylinder locks the rotor blade up to 6.5 megawatts, from –30°C to +70°C.
The Roemheld USA rotor lock is available with hydraulic or electromechanical locking mechanisms, and withstands side loads up to 5,500 kN. Other designs can be produced to suit your special needs. A new, long-lasting coating prevents rust in the locking bolt, and non-contact position monitoring avoids mechanical wear and extends component life. The surface protection of rotor lock components corresponds to DIN ISO 12944, C4, for use in offshore operations.
Update May, 2018
Roemheld has improved the performance of its modular locking system “Rotorlock” for the inspection and maintenance of wind-power stations. With a transverse force absorption of up to 7,500 kN, the systems reliably and safely lock rotors with a maximum capacity of 7 MW. Customer-specific variants with higher values are also possible. Due to their design and special coating, they are maintenance-free and corrosion-free through the entire service life of onshore and offshore stations.
The core of Rotorlock is a double-action, hydraulically or electromechanically driven pin that quickly and reliably locks the rotor disc. Non-contact position monitoring transmits the end positions “rotor disc locked” and “rotor released” to the system control and hence provides for extra safety for the operator.
At present, great interest for the locking system developed by Roemheld is shown by the offshore industry. Adverse weather conditions, temperatures between -30° C and 70° C and air with a high salt content are easily managed by Rotorlock. All components meet the corrosion protection requirements for offshore stations with a surface coating pursuant to DIN ISO 12944.
Special coating
A special coating provides long-term protection for the sleeve where the locking pin rests during wind-power station operation. Roemheld warrants continuous corrosion protection for a period of 25 years and hence the typical service life of a wind-power station. Regreasing, as for other models, is not necessary, either. The element is therefore practically maintenance-free and ready to use at any time.
Since only restricted space is available in most gondolas, the locking system has a specially compact design. As stated by Roemheld, the standard modular systems allows for offering special designs on the short term and at reasonable cost.
For more information visit: www.roemheld-usa.com/rotor-locks