Trends in slip rings

摘要

Slip rings provide a reliable transmission of power and signals from stationary cables in the nacelle to rotating equipment in the hub. A slip-ring assembly is often a solid metal and graphite or precious metal wire brush, which contacts the outside diameter of a rotating metal ring. As the ring turns, electrical current or signal conducts through the brush to the metal ring making the connection. Additional ring-brush assemblies are stacked along the rotating axis for more electrical circuits. Look for increased activity for new pitch-control slip rings in the aftermarket. "The wind-turbine service market is growing tremendously as the turbine population ages and asset owners are looking for ways to control maintenance costs, and maximize turbine availability and output," says Moog's Senior Business Development Manager Steve Black. "New solutions are needed to replace older technology slip rings in turbines with long-life, high-reliability designs that can operate for years without maintenance."