Slip rings are fundamental components in rotary joints, such as slip rings in wind turbines. These joints require the transmission of large amounts of power (electricity) and data signals between stationary and rotating interfaces, which is essentially what slip rings are designed to do. They are electromechanical devices that convert signals (electric, USB, optical) from a stationary part, usually made of carbon graphite and coated with metal alloy, to a rotating metal ring. Since many applications require transmission between fixed and moving interfaces, slip rings come in various designs and specifications. It is essential to find the proper device for your wind turbine and the unique application environment. Here are a few insights to help you find the ideal slip ring for your wind turbines.
List Your Specifications
Slip rings are designed to suit specific applications and installation in individual equipment. As such, it is essential to list down the specifications required for the slip ring, depending on its use. In wind turbines, you should consider all wear and tear elements within the outdoor operating environment. This includes humidity, dust, heat, pressure, and other corrosive or abrasive elements. The key specifications are often divided into two categories, as follows:
Mechanical Specifications
Mechanical specifics include material used, size, thickness, volume, operating temperature, diameter width, and so forth. These specifications are crucial to ensure the slip ring fits precisely in the equipment where it is installed. If you have an existing model, you can use it to trace replicas and identify all mechanical specifications. You can also ask for expert recommendations from your vendor. All models you come across will feature a description of the mechanical and electrical specifications as well as recommended machinery, so you can quickly determine if it suits your needs. Make sure you list all the mechanical specifications in the instructions sent to the vendor, including details about the wind turbines.
Electrical Specifications
Electrical specifications are just as essential as mechanical requirements. Primarily, these are specifications that deal with the number of circuits and currents, maximum voltage, working noise, electrical speed, dielectric strength, humidity, temperature, and more. Small wind turbines with low-power transmission will require different electrical specifications for multi-megawatt systems. As such, it is vital to review all the electrical requirements and requirements for the system you have. Wind turbine slip rings transmit both power and data signals, so they require components that offer bigger bandwidth and EMI mitigation. You will also need other customizations unique to your turbines, their positions, and operating environments.
Review Material And Technology Used
Specifications for mechanical requirements often involve choosing specific materials for different parts. A standard slip ring comprises two parts. The stationary brushes are made using carbon graphite plated with gold or other metal alloys. Most vendors use fiber brush technology for the manufacture of these components in standard electric motor slip rings. The second is a rotating metal ring made of alloys. The technology also varies for plating contact surfaces and may feature precious metals such as gold or other metal alloys, depending on the requirements. In wind turbines, the demands are significantly higher than in conventional slip rings. The ideal solution often features robust solid metal components that provide tensile strength and better resistance against destructive elements. The material used should make the design weatherproof and more resistant to rust, dust, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and other elements.
Compare Maintenance Requirements
All wind turbine slip rings require regular maintenance to extend their longevity and reduce costly machine downtime. From cleaning dust accumulation and oil leakages to inspecting for worn-out brushes and prospective electric failures, maintenance can help you prevent machine breakdowns. Replacing old and worn-out components while they are still functional can extend the life of your slip rings and reduce overall operation costs. Some vendors design devices with built-in lubrication, which significantly reduces maintenance efforts, while others eliminate maintenance requirements. It is essential to schedule annual maintenance services from a professional technician. More importantly, you should compare the maintenance requirements for each design to help you find models that are less costly to sustain. Sophisticated wind turbine slip rings designed to transmit large amounts of power and data will require advanced maintenance measures, so it is always crucial to find out before ordering your device.
Choose Reputable Vendors
Slip rings are not in high demand compared to other electromechanical devices, so there are less than a hundred vendors worldwide. Some of the popular, reputable vendors include Mouflon, Sending, Rotarx, and JINPAT, which, combined, own most of the market share. There are several other vendors capable of providing functional wind turbine slip rings. When selecting a slip ring, it is essential to choose brands and models that have a positive reputation in the market. You can look up customer reviews and expert ratings for more insights about the brand and its products. You should also choose models with better feedback from the market, and vendors that offer lengthier warranties and quality guarantees.
Slip Ring Feature Advancement
If you have traditional slip ring models, you will need to replace the devices at some point, considering most designs last ten years on average, or up to two million revolutions. Replacing slip rings is often easier since you have the worn-out model for reference. You can quickly check the mechanical and electrical specifications. However, replacing an entire block is expensive, and new slip rings feature designs that allow you to replace individual components. As such, it is recommended to review existing models and advanced versions that can offer better service. This includes models with better insulation, noise reduction, and resistance to surface degradation, among other properties.
Conclusion
Choosing slip rings that last for wind turbines is all about finding the proper model for your machinery and operating environment. This requires designs with precise specifications and enhanced properties. Other important aspects include material quality, durability, and maintenance requirements. It is recommendable to compare offers from top brands that have consistently provided slip rings for wind turbines and wind power technology. You should also make sure the device has the required specification, is installed correctly and the system operates as intended to prevent unnecessary strain on the components.
