The installation and maintenance of wind turbine blades involve significant costs, including equipment, labor, and downtime for the turbine. Conducting repairs or replacing damaged blades can be time-consuming and result in decreased energy production until the turbine is fully operational again.
Nord-Lock Group solutions can assist in the installation and maintenance of rotor blades, leading to decreased maintenance time.
Wind turbines are typically located in remote or offshore areas with challenging weather conditions. Harsh climates, including extreme temperatures, high winds, heavy rain, and icing, can make installation and maintenance tasks more difficult and time-consuming.
Nord-Lock® washers are utilized in the bolted connections between rotor blades and the hub. These washers maintain the clamping force on the bolts, minimizing the risk of loosening due to wind-induced vibrations and cyclic loads, thereby ensuring the secure attachment of the rotor blades.
Bolt tensioning is employed during the installation of rotor blades onto the hub. Proper tensioning of the bolts ensures a secure connection between the blade root and the hub, preventing blade movement or detaching during operation.
Boltight® hydraulic tensioners and Superbolt multi-jackbolt tensioners are designed to tighten bolts in hard-to-reach areas, such as rotor blades.
Micro-movements, if not properly addressed, can have several negative effects. They can increase fatigue loads on the blade, leading to accelerated wear and potential structural damage over time. Micro-movements can also generate additional noise and affect the overall performance and efficiency of the wind turbine.
Superbolt® split-sleeve solution expansion bolts perfectly replace traditional fitted bolts, avoiding micro-movements entirely.
If excessive micro-movements or associated issues are identified, maintenance and repair actions may be required. This can involve adjusting the balance of the blades, reinforcing weak areas, or conducting repairs to address structural damage. Downtime for maintenance can result in costly outages.
The expanding sleeves of Expander® System provides a perfect fit into the borehole, preventing movement where the turbine blades attach to the rotor.
