Product Film



The functional principle of the Hydraulic Gearbox Support is simple and effective.
//Video

Elastomer-Hydraulic

ESM elastomer hydraulics are characterized by a smart combination of traditional elastomer springs and various hydraulic features. Unlike common applications, the hydraulic system doesn't just affect the damping characteristics but also specifically controls the elastic force and stiffness.

The ESM hydraulic system has been successfully used for gearbox suspension in the biggest wind turbines for years - and it also harbours astonishing possibilities in other areas.   


Hydraulic torque support

Hydraulic torque support for 6-MW-turbine
The use of double rotor suspension in wind turbines (separated design) is widespread in multi-megawatt wind turbines. Due to the undetermined support, constraint forces acting on the gearbox are inevitable in this system.

These constraint forces mainly result from assembling tolerances and deformation of the drive train and the main frame during operation.

ESM has developed a simple, inexpensive system which reduces these constraint forces by up to 90%. Moreover, nodding vibrations of the drive train are effectively damped directly in the transfer path of the loads.

Hydraulic torque supports are tried and tested systems which have been used in literally hundreds of turbines. ESM covers the complete output range of the wind turbines on the market.

The hydraulic torque support is distinguished by its simple assembly, which is a characteristic of ESM products. In particular, it simplifies the necessary work in the field significantly.  

How the system works

Functional schematic
In the hydraulic gearbox support the upper rubber mount on one side is connected to the lower rubber mount on the other side by a hydraulic pipe.

ESM has developed special hydraulic rubber mounts for this purpose. The system is wear-free and hence requires no maintenance since the hydraulic device is directly integrated and works without pistons or extra seals.

The system has a very low stiffness for constraint forces occurring as a result of assembly and operation. This low stiffness minimizes the resulting constraint forces.

At the same time, the stiffness for the driving torque is still high enough to carry all the upcoming loads. The stiffness can be adjusted individually depending on turbine size and load requirements. See the video for further explanation.

Nodding vibrations are damped

Nodding vibrations of the drive train and the main frame are very effectively damped directly in the transfer path of the loads by the hydraulic system.

The system parameters are chosen to damp the main excitation frequency in the nodding direction (blade excitation with 3P) as well as the natural nodding frequency of the drive train as much as possible.


to top