Device and Method for Reducing Loads

Abstract

A device for reducing loads in a drive train of a wind turbine includes a machine support. The wind turbine includes a sensor means, a controllable damper means, an actuating means. The sensor means is configured to detect at least one variable characterizing vibrations and/or misalignments in the drive train. The controllable damper means is configured to produce at least one adjusting torque which compensates at least one torque associated with the load in the drive train. The actuating means is configured to actuate the damping means based on the at least one variable detected by the sensor means.

1 . A device for reducing loads in the drivetrain of a wind turbine generator system with a machine carrier, comprising:
 a sensor means configured to detect at least one variable characterizing vibrations and/or misalignments in the drivetrain;   an activatable damping means configured to generate at least one adjusting torque, which compensates for at least one torque associated with the load in the drivetrain; and   an activating means configured activate the damping means on the basis of the at least one variable detected by the sensor means.   
     
     
         2 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the damping means includes an actuator means, by which an activatable movement of at least one element of the drivetrain in relation to the machine carrier can be brought about. 
     
     
         3 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the damping means includes a braking means, by which an activatable braking of a movement of at least one element of the drivetrain in relation to the machine carrier can be brought about. 
     
     
         4 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the movement is a rotation of the at least one element about an axis of rotation of the drivetrain. 
     
     
         5 . The device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the movement is a raising or lowering of at least one element in relation to the machine carrier. 
     
     
         6 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the sensor means includes speed, acceleration, force, rotational speed, rotational angle, position and/or torque sensors. 
     
     
         7 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the sensor means is configured to detect vibrations and loads with respect to the machine carrier and/or with respect to a surface of the Earth. 
     
     
         8 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the damping means and/or the sensor means is/are provided on torque supports of the drivetrain. 
     
     
         9 . The device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein:
 the device further includes a model and/or an observer means, and the actuating means is configured for a path adaptation.   
     
     
         10 . A method for reducing loads in the drivetrain of a wind turbine generator system, comprising:
 detecting at least one variable characterizing a vibration and/or a misalignment in the drivetrain;   determining at least one torque associated with the load in the drivetrain on the basis of the at least one variable detected;   determining at least one adjusting torque;   compensating the at least one torque, for reducing the loads; and   subjecting at least one element of the drivetrain to the at least one actuating torque determined.   
     
     
         11 . The method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein a changing of the torsional and/or flexural torque in the drivetrain is determined on the basis of the variable detected. 
     
     
         12 . The method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the at least one element is rotated and/or raised or lowered in relation to a machine carrier of the wind turbine generator system in an activatable manner and/or the rotational movement of the at least one element is retarded in an activatable manner for subjecting the at least one element of the drivetrain to the at least one actuating torque determined.