Composite disc shaft couplings

Composite disc (CD) shaft couplings combine high-performance materials, design features, and precision to withstand the rigors of demanding servomotor systems. Precision machined of ASTM A 108 steel and 6061-T6 aluminum, the body components of these CD couplings are inherently balanced. With similar precision, the functioning components of CD couplings are made from precisely oriented and layered composite material similar to those composites used in aerospace applications. To ensure precise alignment, the assembled components use ISO Class 12.9 hardened shoulder bolts.

CD Coupling design features provide a combination of high dynamic load capacity and high torsional stiffness to ensure reliable system operation. In addition, these couplings have zero backlash, are excellent for reversing loads, provide smooth operation at high speeds, and are compact with a clamping design that fits most applications. Standard models and sizes include single and double-flex models with clamp style hubs with or without keyways. Torque capacities range from 40 to 1436 Nm and beyond with speed ratings from 4,400 to 17,000 rpm.

Zero-Max Inc.
http://www.zero-max.com/

Wind turbine couplings deliver 100,000 nm, retrofit and new

An ISO 9001:2008 certified manufacturing firms says of its wind turbine couplings now cover a broad range of wind turbine applications. Zero-Max Wind Turbine Couplings are available as an upgrade replacement for existing wind turbines and for OEM applications. Successfully tested under conditions simulating a 20-year load spectrum of continuous operation, the turbine couplings easily handle torque spikes and high misalignments.

The couplings are said to withstand high misalignment while remaining torsionally stiff. They are designed with composite disk packs at both ends of a center spacer. The disk packs provide high strength and generous flexibility. The composite disk packs (flex elements) provide a distinct advantage over other coupling component designs by allowing a surplus of parallel and axial misalignment while remaining torsionally stiff through all harmonic ranges of the wind turbine’s oscillating load.
Depending on application, the center spacers can be machined out of steel, composite glass fiber, or 6061-T6 aluminum. Simulate software helps engineer these center spacers to withstand in excess of 100,000 Nm of torque.
Additional design advantages include flex elements that electrically insulate the turbine’s generator from the gear box, eliminating stray electrical current that can leak across the coupling, thus preventing bearing damage to the gear box. The coupling protects the generator by transferring lower reaction loads to the generator bearings.

Zero-Max, Inc.
www.zero-max.com

Composite disc couplings for wind turbines

Plymouth, MN – Zero-Max, Inc.announces introduction of its Composite Disc Couplings for the wind turbine industry.

“These couplings withstand extreme misalignment while remaining torsionally stiff and have passed the ‘hell hole’ test at Tehachapi, California Wind Farm,” reports James Motz, member of the Wind Team for Zero-Max.

“The couplings were tested under conditions simulating a 20 year load spectrum of continuous operation. Once fatigue tested, the ‘hell hole’ location was selected for field testing in a wind turbine whereby the coupling would experience wind conditions in excess of 80 mph with continuous wind direction changes. The Zero-Max couplings survived these conditions that put over 50 wind turbines not using our coupling out of commission. The Zero-Max coupling continues to operate uninterrupted at this writing,” Mr. Motz added.

The Zero-Max wind turbine couplings are designed with composite disk packs at both ends of a center spacer. These patented designed disk packs provide the true strength and calculable flexibility of the coupling. The composite disk packs (flex elements) provide a distinct advantage over other coupling component designs by allowing a surplus of parallel and axial misalignment while remaining torsionally stiff through all harmonic ranges of the wind turbine’s oscillating load.

Depending on application, the Zero-Max’s center spacers can be machined out of steel, composite glass fiber or 6061-T6 aluminum. Through the use of Finite Element Analysis (FEA), these center spacers can be engineered to withstand in excess of 70,000 Nm of torque depending on the material selected.

Zero-Max wind turbine couplings have many additional design advantages. The flex elements electrically insulate the turbine’s generator from the gear box, eliminating amperage leak across the coupling thus preventing gear box damage. The coupling protects the generator by transferring lower reaction loads to the generator bearings. Also, the coupling’s composite material withstands all types of environmental elements including temperature extremes from -57 to 121C and from moisture and chemicals native to wind turbines. The table shows a few specs for the coupling.

Zero-Max
www.zero-max.com