Tuned mass dampers

Tuned mass dampers (also called vibration absorbers or vibration dampers) are used for the reduction of low- and high-frequency vibrations in machines, systems and construction works. The function of a damper is based on a spring/mass system, which counteracts and reduces extraneous vibrations. The weight of the damper depends on the weight of the system being damped.

ESM has developed dampers adjustable in three dimensions, with which unwanted vibrations can be compensated for without time-consuming development work.

The dampers are set by ESM to the required frequencies, although they can still be adjusted on site to the prevailing conditions.

Working principle
Unwanted resonance vibrations are broken down into two single vibrations. These peaks are damped simultaneously, so that only two vibrations with a small deflection remain.

Test arrangement for measuring a damper

Linear structure-borne noise dampers

These adjustable dampers are used for reducing structure-borne noise in the frequency range from approx. 100 to approx. 400 Hz wit a mass of 50kg to 200 kg. Other masses and frequencies are also easily available but have to be checked individually.

Dampers for noise reduction of gear meshing frequencies
In the example shown here, it has been possible, with the aid of two dampers each with an overall weight of approx. 150 kg, to reduce the vibrations at 160 Hz to all individual components up to the tower and rotor of a wind turbine by a factor of about 10. The reduction of the structure-borne noise level throughout the complete system has led to a noticeable improvement in the radiated noise level.

Vibration damper on a frame for the reduction of structure-borne noise at 160 Hz.

Torsion dampers

Our adjustable torsion dampers are ideally suitable for the damping of heavy, rotating components with high inertial torques. This torsion damper is adjustable over a wide frequency range.

Low-frequency vibration dampers

This damper is used especially in wind turbines for damping the first natural frequency of the tower. They are used in frequency ranges between 0.3 and 3 Hz, and weigh between 500 kg and 10 t, depending on the size and weight of the wind turbine.

Another new type of damper for the reduction of tower vibrations This damper is mounted under the machine house of a 1 MW wind turbine, and weighs approx. 500 kg.

Adjustable vibration damper for damping of the second natural tower frequency

This damper is mounted on the tower flange in the area of the greatest vibration amplitude in the centre of the tower.

Applications in buildings and engineering

Dampers of this type contribute to reducing building vibrations. They are also adjustable, and can be used for example for damping of staircases with low natural frequencies.

Adjustable vibration damper for reduction of machine vibrations

This damper is used for damping of test machine frames in the rpm range up to 10,000 rpm (166 Hz).

Damper for the reduction of blade vibrations

Dampers of this type are mounted behind the generator frame. They reduce the edge-wise vibrations of rotor blades.

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