Method for controlling a wind turbine with access hatch interlocks, and associated wind turbine
US10634117B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 14, 2017 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 25, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/72
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for protecting personnel working in a wind turbine nacelle or hub includes monitoring a nacelle roof hatch and a hub access hatch, each hatch having a switch configured therewith. When at least one of the hatches is detected as opened, a control system detects if a rotor lock has been engaged. If the rotor lock has not been engaged, the control system triggers a rotor brake to stop rotor and drivetrain component rotational movement and actuates a first control lockout between the respective switch configured with the open hatch and the rotor brake. The control system also initiates a control lockout that prevents release of the rotor brake until the switch indicates that the open hatch has been closed and the first control lockout has been reset.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.