Introduce

Axial excluder seals are used in wind turbines to prevent lubricating oil from leaking in the axial direction and to keep external pollutants from entering the generator and causing damage to internal components. Seals are often situated between a wind turbine’s main shaft and generator, protecting the main shaft bearings and generator components. The sealing lip makes tight contact with the main shaft surface and the surface of the generator portion casing, providing a sealed interface that prevents lubricating oil from leaking and external contaminants from entering the generator.

Technical data

Material PTFE
Density 2.15 g/cm³
Hardness 50-65 Shore D
Linear expansion coefficient 12-18 × 10^(-5) K^(-1)
Electrical insulation excellent
Friction coefficient 0.04 – 0.10

Certification standard

  • ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are global standards for evaluating an organization’s quality and environmental management capabilities respectively.
  • Obtaining certification demonstrates that a manufacturer’s products meet these international standards. Some manufacturers may acquire ISO 14001 certification to showcase their environmentally conscious production processes.
  • The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) has issued standards for wind turbine systems, including the IEC 61400-22, which outlines performance and testing requirements for axial exclusion seals utilized in wind turbines.
  • Additionally, API 682 is another pertinent standard. API 682 standardizes rotating equipment seals as issued by the American Petroleum Institute. While primarily intended for the petroleum and chemical industries, some of the requirements and test methods also apply to wind turbine seals.
  • EN 1090 is a publication by the European Committee for Standardization outlining the fabrication and erection of structural steel. For seals on the towers and other structural components of wind turbines, EN 1090 certification may be required.

Advantage and Function

  1. Sealing Performance: Axial excluder seals prevent lubricating oil leaks in the axial direction, ensuring smooth circulation and reducing energy loss. Axial excluder seals prevent lubricating oil leaks in the axial direction, ensuring smooth circulation and reducing energy loss.
  2. Axial excluder seals prevent lubricating oil leaks in the axial direction, ensuring smooth circulation and reducing energy loss. Their excellent sealing effect also enhances mechanical component lifespan. Environmental Protection: Axial excluder seals prevent lubricating oil leakage, reducing soil and water pollution. This protects the ecosystems and environmental health of the surrounding area.
  3. Seals prevent dust, moisture, and other impurities from entering the wind turbine, which can cause malfunction and damage to mechanical components.
  4. Effective sealing reduces wind turbine maintenance requirements. Seals can reduce lubricant usage and leaks, lessening maintenance requirements and costs.
  5. Axial excluder seals generally employ high-performance rubber materials that are resistant to corrosion and abrasion.
  6. These seals can function effectively for extended periods in challenging conditions and provide dependable sealing. Additionally, they must be capable of adapting to high-speed rotating shafts. They are engineered with the aim of minimizing friction, heat generation, and vibration, to guarantee a secure sealing effect, even when used at high speeds.

Conclusion

Axial excluder seals are crucial in wind turbines to prevent lubricating oil leaks and external impurities from entering the generator, affecting internal equipment. They are typically located between the main shaft and the generator, protecting the bearings and generator parts. The sealing lip is in close contact with the surface of the main shaft and generator part casing, forming a sealed interface. These seals are certified by ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), API 682, and EN 1090. They offer sealing performance, environmental protection, and reduced maintenance requirements. They are made of high-performance rubber materials resistant to corrosion and abrasion and can function effectively in challenging conditions. They are engineered to minimize friction, heat generation, and vibration, ensuring a secure sealing effect even at high speeds.