Servotecnica offers a range of slip ring assemblies that are suited for power and signal transfer from the rotating nacelle to the fixed tower on small-to-medium sized wind turbines.
The company has developed its SVTS series that feature a fibre bundle technology using precious metals that provide long life when compared to traditional carbon brush types. Furthermore, the fibre bundles require no lubricants, produce only negligible debris and reduce need for routine servicing or frequent brush replacement through preventative maintenance.
Three main SVTS slip ring designs apply to small-to-medium wind turbines. For instrumentation signals and lower power transfer up to 240 VAC, the compact A-series offers from 3 to 56 circuits in a housed design from 12 to 25 mm outside diameter with leadwire connection and optional IP67 protection. The mid-range B-series is also a housed design for use to 20 A and 400 VAC - with an outer diameter range from 32 to 45 mm with faston terminal contacts plus a fully sealed IP65 option. They are specially designed for intensive use at high speed and for transmitting power and sensitive signals. The high power E-series is an open ‘naked’ design for power transfer to 60A and 400 VAC, with a through hole from 25 to 60 mm that may be used for other services. Again, fully able to handle sensitive instrumentation signals, an alternative capsule-unit with an IP65 sealed housing is also available.
