Systems for load reduction in a tower of an idled wind-power unit and methods thereof

摘要

Systems and methods for reducing dynamic loading in an idled wind power unit include sensing at least one parameter indicative of dynamic loading and executing a reduced torque brake mode, which may comprise a controlled brake and brake-release sequence, with the turbine braking system when the sensed parameter exceeds a selected value. The reduced torque brake mode absorbs energy and reduces dynamic loading thereby.

主权项

1. A system for reducing dynamic loading in a wind power unit in a parked or idled condition, the wind power unit including a turbine, a turbine axle having a longitudinal axis, and a wind power unit brake system including at least one turbine brake, the system comprising:
a sensor adapted to be positioned with the wind power unit and configured to sense at least one parameter indicative of dynamic loading in the wind power unit and produce a dynamic loading signal representative thereof; and a logic circuit in communication with said sensor to receive said dynamic loading signal, said logic circuit being configured to generate a braking signal in response to the dynamic loading signal indicating a level of dynamic loading exceeding a selected value; wherein the brake system is configured to receive said braking signal and, when said wind power unit is in either a parked condition with the brake applied or in an idled condition with the brake off, execute a reduced torque brake mode in response to said braking signal to reduce the dynamic loading of the wind power unit by permitting intermittent slip of the brake system.