Pitch Drive - The best orientation of wind turbines’ blades to take advantage of the wind direction.

To optimize the energy extraction from the wind, the three blades that wind turbines are usually equipped with, are oriented according to the wind direction. Each blade tilts thanks to a motorized system that moves a cogwheel and blocks the position of the blade once the most suitable degree of inclination has been reached for work.

The challenge was to develop a high-efficiency, compact and low-weight motor, equipped with a precise control system, particular anti-corrosion resistance, robustness, and ability to work in a wide supply voltage range.

Wind turbines, whether installed in offshore or onshore installations, require special corrosion protection to withstand aggressive outdoor environments. We must study a special corrosion protection system that evaluates the use of innovative materials and treatments for the realization of the components.

The supply voltage of the support systems inside the wind turbine is often not stable but characterized by very large variations that in the long term have an impact on the life of the motor, in particular regarding electrical insulation. The electric design must allow the motor to exceed a wide range of voltages and ensure a long-life cycle to the product.

In the orientation system of each blade are usually installed three or four motors used for the movement of the cogwheel for the positioning of the blade.

We have developed a special version of our HPS in sizes 132 and 160, designed to be extremely compact and robust. It is equipped with a parking brake to maintain the position reached and counteract the thrust of the wind. The drive, which can be integrated into the motor, allows you to ensure precise control of the position and above all to set accelerations and soft decelerations. The motor also includes an encoder or resolver for precise monitoring of the position of each individual blade.

The electric design of the motor provides a special winding that can ensure operation within a wide range of voltages typical of the wind application. Our motors comply with the quality standards defined by the APQP4Wind methodology, to which the main players in the wind sector adhere.

We have developed a corrosion protection system that concerns both the choice of materials (e.g., stainless steel for braking elements) and treatments (e.g. painting of internal and external components) in order to guarantee a level of corrosion protection up to level C5M - High (ISO 12944, salt spray).

With these solutions, the motors guarantee the required torque and efficiency in a compact and low-weight design, to allow the electric turbine to optimize the amount of energy that can be extracted from the wind. All parts are also manufactured and designed with particular attention to the robustness and durability of the system, to minimize particularly expensive maintenance interventions in these applications.

We develop and supply innovative solutions for Yaw Drive, Pitch Drive, lifting systems and all auxiliary systems of a wind turbine. The next step is to supply a wind turbine entirely with our electric motors.