Modular hydraulic systems for wind turbines provide flexibility and save time and money

For some years now, the company has employed so-called function modules for the hydraulic functions, for example rotor brake, rotor blocking, pitch adjustment, etc. These are mounted directly on the valve segment of the control block, or via an intermediate plate if additional functions are wanted. Module and intermediate plate have an industrial standard connection hole pattern NG6 in accordance with DIN 24 340. If it is functionally possible, the hydraulic functions can therefore also be implemented via conventional NG6 valves as an alternative to the function modules. Adding or removing a function after the hydraulic system has been put into operation, thanks to the modular valve control block this merely involves installing or removing the corresponding valve segment complete with function module or NG6 valve. If this modification impacts on all existing functions, only the end plate needs to be adapted additionally. The connection block remains unchanged. HAWE Hydraulik can thus manufacture the connection block and the valve sections to a standard design and pass on the cost advantages to the customer.

Another innovation are the symmetrical connections on both sides of the valve segments of the control block. Depending on where the hydraulic consumers are situated in the nacelle, the hydraulic power pack can be connected to the valve control block on the optimum side. That reduces cable lengths and cuts secondary cost.