OEM Wind technology

Wind is an indispensable part of the mix of renewable energy sources. Wind turbines are getting larger, safer and more efficient. Hydraulics control important functions during operation of wind turbines, both onshore and offshore. Intelligent and durable hydraulic solutions make an important contribution to raise the system reliability.

As a leading supplier within the wind industry we only deliver state-of-the-art solutions built on a solid foundation of cutting-edge technology.

With more than 30 years of experience in hydraulics for wind, we design, customize and manufacture hydraulic solutions for pitch control, yaw brake and rotor brake. With our in-house engineers, skilled technicians, local production and assembly facilities, we have the capability to assemble you systems and solutions. We can provide design, guidance and support throughout the whole process from A to Z.

Hydraulic Pitch control: High reliability, easy maintenance and a high degree of safety as a result of simple systems

The pitch system is used to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades in wind turbines in order to set the optimum blade position to match the wind direction. This optimizes the energy yield and at the same time reduces the mechanical load on the wind turbine, thereby extending its service life.

In a hydraulic pitch drive, the angles of the rotor blades are adjusted by hydraulic cylinders. This is located directly in the rotating hub of the wind turbine. The system solution from HAWE consists of the cylinders, hydraulic accumulators, control blocks with a highly dynamic and precise proportional valve, directional control valves and pressure valves. If required, this is supplemented with the necessary piping, hoses and fittings.

Why hydraulic pitch control?

A hydraulic pitch system should be chosen because of its simplicity and ability to work under very harsh conditions. Hydraulic pitch control works under almost all weather conditions. The temperature span may vary from -25°C to +55°C without affecting the system’s performance.

The system offers easy installation and high reliability due to its rapid response and non-electrical high power emergency state. As the fluid in the system has the ability to dampen structural vibrations and resonance power peaks/loads, it reduces the wear on e.g. pitch bearings and increase the overall reliability of the turbine. The hydraulic system contains no power electronics or vulnerable speed control drives with lots of components.

Hydraulic pitch control gives you the shortest possible stopping time in case of emergency stops. Instant stop can be achieved with 5-9 degrees per second, giving a total stopping time of less than 10 seconds!

Hydraulic pitch control prompts low total cost of ownership

Easy mounting and low maintenance costs along with a long life span make hydraulic pitch control a good investment. When assembling larger series of wind turbines, manifold techniques are used. Mounting of such systems is easy and not particularly time consuming, as this approach only requires installation of very few components.

Hydraulic systems are by nature backlash free. Hence, the mechanical wear on the pitch control is minimal. This combined with high level of stiffness of the hydraulic system results in optimum performance with maximum damping. Particularly rapid changes in the wing torque due to turbulence and high wind gusts are controlled and dampened, and not being transferred through the mechanical system thus preventing wear.

Problem solver for large hubs: Easy to install pitch control in wind turbines

Current development trends show a continuous increase in pitch activity. At the same time, the functionality of the drives has a considerable influence on the service life of other components such as the tower and foundation.

HAWE Energy Solutions has developed a Pitch Bearing Unit (PBU) consisting of blade bearing and pitch drive together with Thyssen Krupp Rothe Erde. The hydraulic pitch drive (pitch module) is integrated directly into the blade bearing as a prefabricated and tested unit. This combination then represents a ready-to-install system solution for the customer. Nevertheless, the pitch module can also be seen as an independent component.

The Pitch Bearing Unit (PBU) provides the right answers to this as far as hubs and blade bearings are concerned.

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Brake control

Hydraulic power units for brake control reliably fulfill their task within the safety concept of wind turbines. Based on customer specifications, they build up and release the necessary brake pressure. And they do so at ambient temperatures as low as -30 °C.

A hydraulic system solution that easily can be integrated into the complete plant ensures the wind turbine will run smoothly under all circumstances and in compliance with all safety standards. The solutions by HAWE are modular and scalable as necessary. This facilitates design, installation and maintenance. Intelligent modules even with standard interface CETOP 3 are available for all kinds of functions. In case of later modification or maintenance, the modules can easily be exchanged, simply by undoing four screws. Whether it is a hydraulic unit, valve bank or a single valve, the components of HAWE Hydraulik take up little space through their small sizes and can thus be easily integrated even when space is limited. In addition, they are designed for operating pressures up to 400 bar and therefore durable and robust in medium presesure ranges.

Due to their modular design, the units can be implemented as decentralized units for a single function or as a central controller for multiple functions. In addition to the control of the typical brakes in wind turbines, this also includes the control of the rotor blocking cylinders.

Our brake solutions and products

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Hydraulic power unit for brake control - central

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Compact hydraulic control for blade tip brakes of wind turbines

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