New generation carbon brush holder promises longer service intervals

A new carbon brush holder from Carbex will provide longer service intervals in wind power applications. The Optimus V-Type brush holder can reduce brush wear by up to 25%. 

Carbon brushes are among the parts requiring most frequent attention in wind power generators. All brushes are normally replaced when the fastest wearing brush reaches a critical limit, even if plenty of material remains in the rest of them. With even spring pressure, the Optimus V-Type holder eliminates uneven brush wear across all brushes on each phase.

By using a central spring for all brushes on each phase, pressure is equalised, the carbon brushes on the same phase wear at the same rate, service life is substantially increased and maintenance can be reduced, saving overall costs. 

Carbon brushes in wind power generators need replacing approximately every 18 to 22 months, however this can vary substantially due to factors such as brush material, air humidity and presence of particles in the air. 

Even brush wear also gives lower resistance and improved electrical efficiency. Less wear results in less dust, which improves the cooling and enables the generator to operate at its ideal temperature. This further improves the electrical efficiency and avoids elevated temperatures, which would otherwise increase brush wear.  

Brush wear is also affected by the weight of the carbon brush. Brushes are normally mounted  above and below the rotor. The brush weight will add to pressure above the rotor and subtract from the brush pressure below it. The Optimus V-type holder eliminates the impact of the weight on brush wear by holding the brushes at an angle against the rotor..

The Optimus V-type holder is aimed at OEMs as well as for retrofit. Installation is simple, as the holder fits the original generator mounting plate.

Combining the Optimus V-Type holder with Carbex’ intelligent i-BRUSH with built-in monitoring sensors, results in an optimised solution with very low maintenance cost.  

For more information, please contact: Joakim Hedlund, managing director, Carbex. 
Tel: +46 (0)143 – 294 51; Email: joakim.hedlund@carbex.se; Web: www.carbex.se 
Carbex AB, Kvarnbacksvägen 12, SE-592 41, Vadstena, Sweden

Issued by: Johan Sjöberg, Marstadsvägen 7, SE-59135 Motala, Sweden. Tel: +46 70 5694839; Email: j@johansjoberg.com; www.johansjoberg.com