Slip Ring serves as an indispensable component for Wind Power Generating Set. If the paddle of Wind Power Generating Set would be like an arm and main system would be like a brain, so the Slip Ring acts as its nerve center for connecting the above-mentioned parts. Its core role remains the connector of the power and the control signal between the static part (like tower cylinder) and the rotated part (like cabin and the rotator) as well as plays the role for stable and continuous transmission for the data, which can effectively avoid convolve or twist off its transmission cable in the process of its 360-degree infinite rotation.
In the prospective of its structure, the Slip Ring is composed of two main parts. Firstly, "the rotator", which is composed of a series of advanced-processed metallic conductive rings, is operated with the motor. And, each of its conductive rings represents a independent transmission channel. Secondly, "the stator", which is installed with precious metal or jettison brush which is made of graphite, is fixed on the cabin or "the stator" on the hub.
The principle of the Slip Ring operation is really precious. When the motor is running, the conductive ring of the rotator is synchronously running with a high speed. At the same time, the brush of the stator is closely connected on the surface of the conductive ring with the dependence on the pressure of elastic components of the spring, linking related physical connection between the static and rotating interfaces.
Through the above-mentioned dynamic contact, the Slip Ring serves as its double missions. Firstly, "the transmission for the power and the energy", namely, it will smoothly transmit megawatt-level high current generated by the motor to the transformer at the bottom of the tower, transforming the instructions from the angle information of the main control system and the yaw information into its electric energy for the purpose of transmitting to related rotating operation actuator. Secondly, "the information interaction", namely, it will bidirectional shuttle the real data, including the speed of the wind, the temperature, its vibration information as well as high-speed Internet communication information, between its rotating components and its control room on the ground through its independent signal channel inside the Slip Ring.
In order to adapt a series of harsh environments, including high altitude, high-level salt and spray as well as severe vibration, the material and the process of the Slip Ring will be required with extremely advanced requirements. Its conductive-ring surface is generally coated with the gold or the silver for the purpose of reducing its contact resistance and related wear. Inside, it is processed with special seal-and-lubrication design for the purpose of ensuring a maintenance-free operation within its two-decade service life. We can say that the above-mentioned unimpressive rotating joint can guarantee the safety, the stability and high-efficiency operation of the wind motor in the fierce wind.
