In certain innovative designs, hydraulics play a crucial role in wind turbines, primarily within the power transmission system.
Hydraulic Transmission Systems in Wind Turbines
A key application of hydraulics in wind energy is in hydraulic wind turbines, which utilize a hydraulic transmission system. This approach offers a significant alternative to traditional mechanical gearboxes.
Based on the provided information:
- Core Function: A hydraulic transmission system is used to replace the large-volume and large-mass gearbox found in many conventional wind turbines.
- Equipment Replacement: Beyond the gearbox, it also replaces post-processing equipment, such as converters and frequency converters.
- Power Generation Quality: The hydraulic system facilitates flexible transmission, which is noted to further improve the quality of power generation.
- Cost Advantages: This design offers advantages in terms of construction cost.
Key Benefits Mentioned
Using hydraulics for power transmission in this manner presents several advantages:
- Reduced Size & Weight: By replacing the heavy gearbox and associated electrical equipment, the nacelle (the housing at the top of the turbine tower) can potentially be made smaller and lighter.
- Improved Power Flow: Flexible hydraulic transmission can potentially handle variable wind speeds more efficiently and smoothly than a fixed gear ratio system.
- Simplified Design: Integrating power conversion within the hydraulic system can streamline the overall design.
- Lower Costs: As indicated, there are potential benefits in terms of construction cost.
Comparison Table: Hydraulic vs. Conventional Transmission
| Feature | Hydraulic Transmission System | Conventional Gearbox System |
|---|---|---|
| Main Component | Hydraulic pump, motor, and fluid circuits | Mechanical gearbox with gears and shafts |
| Replaced By | Replaces gearbox, converter, frequency converter | Relies on gearbox, often needs converter/inverter |
| Transmission Type | Flexible hydraulic power flow | Mechanical gearing |
| Impact on Size/Mass | Replaces large-volume, large-mass components | Includes large, heavy gearbox |
| Power Quality | Improved via flexible transmission | Standard power generation |
| Cost | Advantages in construction cost | Standard construction costs |
In summary, while traditional wind turbines use hydraulics for specific functions like braking or blade pitch control, a hydraulic wind turbine employs hydraulics fundamentally differently – as the primary method of capturing and transmitting the wind's energy from the rotor to the generator, offering benefits in terms of size, weight, flexibility, and cost compared to mechanical gearbox systems.
