Pressure-reducing valve helps wind turbine energy efficiency

By reducing the number of times that the power pack has to start in order to maintain the pressure in the accumulator, the 1 PDC5 valve helps keep the power consumption of the hydraulic system of the wind turbine to a minimum by reducing the number of times the power pack has to start in order to maintain the pressure in the accumulator.

1 PDC5 features an intelligent design using a direct-acting poppet with only two working ports. At low pressure, the pilot piston keeps the ball away from the valve seat. As pressure increases, the pilot piston is forced back against the spring until the ball sits on the seat. The inlet pressure can then rise up to the maximum system pressure. If the inlet pressure is removed, the ball will remain on the seat, maintaining the pressure in the accumulator for a long period of time without any significant leakage.

The valve was designed considering certain harsh environment applications. The seat, ball and casing are hardened, and help provide extended life time to the system.

Maurice Ashmore, Eaton's global chief engineer for Screw-in-Cartridge Valves, says: "With these characteristics, Eaton's 1PDC5 pressure reducing valve is attractive for accumulators in the hydraulic systems of wind turbines - and for any industrial application where leakage from accumulators or other pressurised hydraulic systems is critical."

For more information about the 1 PDC5 pressure-reducing valve, please contact [email protected], or visit the website at www.eaton.com.