Turbine slip ring technology has advanced in tandem with the wind energy sector over the previous decade. Despite their modest size, the relevance of these devices should not get overlooked. In wind turbines, slip rings get employed to ensure that power and data signals transfer from the nacelle to the rotary blades’ control system.
These electro-mechanical devices transmit power and messages from a stationary structure to a rotating-structure, and have influence the operation of a turbine. Power and communication data cannot pass through pitching mechanisms if a slip ring fails and the turbine shuts down. It is why industry design firms have been concentrating their efforts on developing wind turbine slip rings for wind turbines that are more durable and require less maintenance.
It can get performed in one of two ways
- Holding the center core steady as the brushes and housing of a slip ring revolve around it.
- Holding the brushes-steady while allowing the central-core to rotate.
How does a slip ring work?
A wide range of circuits with many different combinations of amperage and voltage is available depending on the power requirements. By stacking the brushes on alternate sides, a compact slip ring pattern is feasible. These brushes are used in high-speed turbines and get broken. When a Brush on a wire-brush slip ring gets destroyed, the entire block must get replaced. With the limitation of restricted higher power current, fiber-brush technology has enabled more life slip ring designs. Fiber brushes are prone to be damaged by power surges. It isn’t the case with sturdy, solid metal brushes. When a solid brush slip ring gets destroyed, only that brush has to get replaced, not the entire block. It reduces the amount of time and money spent on maintenance.
One way enhanced slip ring technology contributes to decreased wind turbine maintenance and downtime is by eliminating entire brush-block replacement. Another method is to cut operations and maintenance (O&M) expenditures significantly.
Traditional wind turbine slip rings require routine maintenance to prevent wear and debris from degrading the revolving electrical connection. Fiber brush slip rings to minimize the need for manual cleaning and lubrication.
Increased spring pressure on traditional slip rings also aids in the cleaning of the ring as it spins. Advanced designs include built-in, long-lasting lubrication. These slide rings only require around five minutes of yearly maintenance, and some turbine owners have opted to forego annual-maintenance entirely.
Material concerns are also crucial when it comes to lowering O&M costs. The gold coating on most wire-brush slip rings wears away, resulting in reduced conductivity and transfer capacity.
Plating is still widely used in the industry, and slip rings in high revolution applications utilize solid coin rings. Only solid materials are used, ensuring that the ring’s resistance and conductivity stay consistent throughout time.
