Patent ID: 8816520
Filing Date: 2014-08-26
Classification: F03D,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
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.