The pre-assembly of individual units makes the modular concept possible. Components are quickly and easily joined together only at the final location of the WT.
HARTING connectors are characterised by a number of advantages: using connectors to bridge WT modules can limit the monetary and personnel costs accrued during installation and operation of wind turbines. A good example is connectors at the interface between the slip ring body and stationary nacelle. The slip ring is used to e.g. transmit the signals for the pitch systems that determine the angle of incidence of the rotor blades. A pluggable design - for example Han-Modular® contact inserts and the Han-Modular® hinged frame - offers many advantages over permanently attached wiring.
The slip ring can be replaced more quickly, thereby reducing downtimes and minimising revenue loss. In addition, if servicing is required, the slip ring can be replaced without intervention in the pitch system and without dismantling the connecting cables.
The drives for rotor blade adjustment, blade heating, lighting systems and yawing, as well as the generator brakes, can also be connected simply. Complex wiring is no longer required. In the event of maintenance, worn parts can be quickly and easily replaced in Plug & Play fashion. Connectors also facilitate the work of the assemblers, which sometimes need to install components in difficult-to-reach angles on the gondola and tower.
Many types of WT employ a gearbox to tune the speed and torque between the rotor and the generator and thus optimise efficiency. Connectors speed up installation here as well: pre-assembled cables and connectors with a high degree of protection, e.g. the Han® Eco, Han® HPR or Han® M quickly make the necessary connections between the gear units.
Using HARTING connectors also offers advantages for tower lighting. The energy bus elements for the lighting can be pre-installed in the tower segments. At the construction site, fitters only need put the segments together. Electricians do not necessarily need to be used for this activity.
Connectors also simplify the handling of the interior areas of WT power cabinets. Instead of the usual fixed wiring, we recommend plug-in solutions from the HARTING series Han® B, Han® Eco, Han® Com, Han® E and Han Modular®.
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