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Gearboxes for pitch drives

By Paul Dvorak | July 19, 2009

SP+ units, the 060 MF 1-stage units, for example, come in reduction ratios of 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10. Acceleration torque ranges from 278 to 531 in.-lb. and nominal output torques range from 150 to 230 in.-lb.

SP+ units, the 060 MF 1-stage units, for example, come in reduction ratios of 3, 4, 5, 7, and 10. Acceleration torque ranges from 278 to 531 in.-lb. and nominal output torques range from 150 to 230 in.-lb.

Pitch drives are located at the base of turbine blades to turn them so they capture wind or let it pass. Limited space and reliability requirements have led Wittenstein, Bartlett, Ill, to develop the alpha TP+ and alpha SP+ drives for those applications and others.

Adding sensors to the drives may be the best way to monitor, diagnose, and provide torque measurements. The units are standard off-the-shelf components and 100% tested. The company says benefits to users include maximum reliability and real-time motion data management.

To celebrate 25 years of the alpha brand, the company is giving the alpha SP+ and alpha TP+ units higher technical specs and a slightly new look. The facelift will not impact critical external and connecting dimensions.

Torque ratings for the new look are significantly higher, up to 25%, depending on version. Users also benefit from the higher torque rating by “downsizing” – selecting a smaller less expensive gearhead without compromising specifications.

A particular gearhead model can be selected with help from the company’s new cymex3 sizing tool, which also calculates energy consumption.

Performance characteristics of the alpha TP+ planetary gearhead are low backlash and high-torsional stiffness combining for superior positioning accuracy, even in the micro range. This compact precision gearbox is said to deliver more torque than other designs.

A few features include:

  • Keyed or involute output shaft
  • Shaft mounted
  • Easy motor mounting
  • Available with sensors
  • ATEX available as standard (Class I, Division 1)

Applications

  • Standard gear reducer (MF) is intended for cyclic applications, reverse operation, highly dynamic applications, and greater positioning accuracy

The high-speed gear reducer is intended for long duty cycles (exceeding 60%), high nominal speeds, and temperature-sensitive applications.

An alpha TP3

An alpha TP3


Filed Under: Components, Gearboxes
Tagged With: alpha drives, SP+ series, TP+ series, Wittenstein
 

About The Author

Paul Dvorak

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