Mechanical power transmissions experts, Centa Transmissions, have launched a brand new flexible coupling specifically designed for testing within systems before they are installed or constructed.
‘CENTAWAVE’ is a torsionally stiff and homokinetic link coupling that facilitates for angular misalignments of up to 12 degrees and torques from three to 20,000 kNm.
Explains Michael Sykes, manager of both Centa’s Gear and Renewables divisions and head of special projects: “CENTAWAVE will primarily be used to test wind turbine drives and offshore renewable products. It will also be extremely suitable for many test rig applications, ranging from petrol/diesel engines through to marine gearboxes and anything in between.
“Manufacturers will build a complete wind turbine and then test to see if it works or not. If it doesn’t, it has to be stripped back and rebuilt which costs both time and money.
“By using our new CENTAWAVE coupling, any component, sub-assembly or full assembly can be tested before final assembly to ensure the wind turbine will function first time, every time, giving manufacturers increased versatility during the build process and, ultimately, complete peace of mind.”
The CENTAWAVE link coupling is so-called due to its functional principle of angular misalignment being compensated by a wave-like movement of its links that allows for uneven angular deflection at the same time.
