Blade-angle optimization for harnessing wind power

Housed in the hub that supports the blades, the pitch system is a combination of components that monitor and manipulate blade angles to control rotation speed, as well as the area exposed to the wind.

Pitch control is an important element of the overall wind turbine system that improves turbine efficiency by optimizing wind utilization. Pitch systems also stabilize rotational speed for uniform power generation and synchronization with the power grid. They protect the system by preventing turbine overspeed and reducing forces on the rotor during system idle or servicing.

Understanding blade positioning systems

A thorough understanding of pitch control hardware and mechanisms is essential for wind power technicians. The Hydraulic Pitch Hub – Wind Turbine Learning System provides hands-on training in real-world operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting situations.

The fully-operational system features all the components typically found in the hub of a commercial wind turbine, as well as a representation of the wind turbine blade. It addresses blade pitch control and emergency back-up systems using the technologies typical to hydraulic pitch control systems.