Composite coupling handles high-power misalignments
May 16, 2009 by Paul Dvorak
Filed under Couplings, Drives, Turbine Design
The Ixilflex link coupling absorbs misalignment of power transmission shafts through bushes linked to alternate flanges. The bushes are made by vulcanizing rubber to metal parts under high compression. The coupling can be run in either direction without reversing the coupling. Other features include high misalignment and torque capability, torsional damping, low restoring forces, silent operation, easy replacement of elastic elements, easy visual check of the conditions of the rubber bushes, and electrical isolation is available. Couplings are rated from 600 kW to 5 MW wind turbines.
The composite-link coupling, developed by Spain-based Jaure, combines the best features of steel-disc and elastomeric couplings. A high-misalignment capacity, high-torsonal stiffness, and long service life with free maintenance makes the Complink well suited for wind turbines, especially the megawatt and offshore units. A few additional features include high fatigue resistance for long service life, high flexibility for increased misalignment, low reaction forces, and excellent corrosion resistance for low maintenance. Other features include electrical insulation capability, low weight for easier installation and service, and insignificant heat generation. What’s more, the coupings have zero backlash, low inertia, and they are torsionally stiff.
Windpower Engineering Editor Paul Dvorak is an experienced mechanical engineer. Paul has seven years of hands on mechanical engineering experience and 23 years of technical writing. Paul is constantly in correspondence with wind turbine manufacturers and wind power researchers. Thanks to this correspondence, he is able to write about wind engineering topics before any other editor in the wind space.
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Suyambu:
I’ll forward your requirement to Availon. Let’s see what they say.
Paul
We require Vestas v47/600kw composite couplings 10 nos.