Page 18 - Industrial Technology EXTRA - 27th April 2020

redundancy. The units are operated by a SOBO (Soft
Braking Option) control system, which is able to
detect runaway situations. SOBO uses proportional
integral (PI) algorithms to handle the fast dynamics
of the braking process in a highly efficient and
reliable way. As a result, the system can counteract
overspeed in a matter of milliseconds as well as
providing a smooth stop, preventing
mechanical overload of the drivetrain.
In addition to controlling the speed
of the brake disc, the HPUs are able
to monitor a wide range of process
parameters. More precisely,
Svendborg Brakes equipped them
with key sensors to measure oil
level, temperature, pressure, motor
Michael Nygaard-Nissen, Global Key Account and pump functioning. Operators can access all the
Manager at Svendborg Brakes, explains: “While the data remotely, optimising visualisation and
braking system developed for the 300 kW turbine diagnostic activities.
was relatively simple, this larger application
required more advanced features. One particular More than a solution
challenge experienced during the design phase was After designing such an advanced braking solution,
combining all of these features while maintaining a Svendborg Brakes also took care of preparing all
compact layout that would fit into the limited space relevant documentation for DNV certification as
available. The expertise of Svendborg Brakes’ well as manufacturing and installing the braking
engineers and our commitment to delivering an equipment. As a result, the tidal turbine OEM could
ideal setup for specific applications proved crucial benefit from a one-stop-shop for all its braking
to addressing this issue.” needs.
The 1 MW unit is now fully operational at
Advanced control for smooth operations European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC)’s wave test
The resulting system developed by Svendborg site, and the bespoke braking system has been
Brakes relies on two BSFI 3000 mono-spring, working smoothly since its installation. Michael
hydraulically-released brakes. These provide Nygaard-Nissen continues: “We are pleased with
120,000 N clamping force each to meet the high the outcome of this project and delighted to know
torque needs required by the application. Also, the that the customer is happy with our support and the
mono-spring nature of the brakes allows them to solution delivered. Key elements that they
accommodate any vertical movement of the brake particularly appreciate are redundancy and the
disc without having it touch the pads during normal possibility to control the machine remotely, which
operation. help to substantially reduce maintenance cost and
The hydraulic brakes are connected to two 2- downtime.”
stage hydraulic power units (HPUs), in order to offer www.svendborg-brakes.com

April 2020 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA! • p18