SOLUTIONS > WIND POWER > POWER AND DATA TRANSMISSION

POWER AND DATA TRANSMISSION

In harsh conditions the slip ring, fluid rotary unions (FRU), fiber optic rotary joints (FORJ), and multiplexers provide the reliable power and data transmission that is standard in the industry.

What is a slip ring?

Slip rings are electromechanical components which, in combination with brushes, provide a continuous electrical connection between rotating and stationary conductors.

Moog is the worldwide market leader in slip rings. Moog offers the superior fiber brush technology that has an extensive lifetime of over 100 million revolutions. This technology does not require lubricants and is characterized by low wear generation for minimal maintenance. Also the temperature range and the packaging of this product matches the harsh conditions required by this industry. Moog also offers fiber optic, multiplexing and contactless solutions.

There are a number of reasons for transferring power and signals across the rotating hub of a wind turbine. The most common purpose is for power and control of the blade pitch mechanism.

Electro-hydraulic Systems: Slip ring and fluid rotary union combinations offer multiple signals, electric and hydraulic power transmission for the hydraulic blade pitch actuation.
Electro-mechanical Systems: Slip rings with higher power circuits transmit signals and electric power for the electric blade pitch actuation.
Direct Drive Systems: High power slip rings allow the transmission of high current for energizing the rotor coils.

In addition, many blade designers are considering systems of imbedded sensors in rotor blades that will provide real time feedback of blade conditions. These sensors require a method for de-rotating the signals.

ELECTRIC BLADE PITCH CONTROL SYSTEM