Wind energy is set to play a significant role in Australia’s clean energy transition, but it takes more than a breeze to keep the turbines spinning.
Wind is one of Australia’s fastest growing renewable energy sources, with the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) finding it accounted for 42 per cent of new capacity registered in 2023–24.
But delivering clean wind energy isn’t just about installing turbines. It requires community support, sustainable operations and keeping downtime to a minimum.
Svendborg Brakes, a Regal Rexnord brand, is helping operators rise to the challenge.
Boosting community support
Communities near wind farms often express concern about noise pollution.
Regal Rexnord National Product Manager, Rex Sinclair, said yaw brakes, which help position turbines to face the wind, are a key contributor to this situation – but it’s not the brake pads themselves. “The noise is often caused by glazing,” he said.
During periods of low wind, dirt, rust and moisture can build up on the brake discs. When the brakes re-engage, that debris is compressed into the brake pad, causing glazing. The increased noise is cause by the loss of effective friction.
Svendborg Brakes tackles this issue with its groove tool. This device makes precision cuts in the brake disc, acting as a razor as the turbine moves, removing the debris before it causes glazing.
“This technology helps to significantly reduce the noise produced, easing community concerns,” Sinclair said.
The environmental impact of brake dust is another common area of concern.
In the past, Sinclair said, toxic materials such as asbestos, mercury and lead were commonly used in brake pads, releasing remnants into the surrounding area.
To eliminate these risks, Svendborg Brakes developed its green alternative friction material.
“The material is designed to meet strict global environmental standards,” Sinclair said. “It is also corrosion resistant and produces less dust than traditional friction materials.
“Not only does this minimise contamination to the local environment; it also reduces health risks for maintenance personnel.”
Once operational, regular maintenance is critical to keeping turbines delivering clean energy, but accessing the brakes themselves – a typical wind turbine has up to eight brakes, each weighing between 60–200kg – represents a major hurdle.
To streamline the process, Svendborg Brakes lifting and installation tool allows brakes to be safely lowered to the floor, serviced and then reinstalled, all without heavy manual lifting. In addition to improving safety, Sinclair said the tool can reduce service time by up to 50 per cent, bringing them back online as soon as possible.
Resurfacing yaw brake discs is another common maintenance task, one that previously required disassembling the nacelle or using cranes. However, Svendborg Brakes’ disc resurfacing tool removes this need entirely.
Mounted directly inside the nacelle, the portable tool features a milling machine that quickly replanes the disc, easing maintenance work and reducing turbine downtime.
The OEM advantage
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) components also play a key role.
Svendborg Brakes is committed to quality, developing all products in collaboration with wind OEMs to ensure durability and sustainability.
Sinclair said the company stands out as the only brake OEM with service and support teams based in Australia.
“Authentic spare parts are worth far more than compromising on price, quality and safety,” he said.
“Our support technicians are specially trained to work on wind turbines, and we guarantee all products meet or exceed the original equipment and safety standards.”
A trusted and reliable partner of the wind industry, Svendborg Brakes provides the tools, expertise and OEM support required to keep wind turbines spinning across the country.
For more information, visit regalrexnord.com.au or chat to the team at booth C58 at Australia Wind Energy from 17–18 July at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
