Hub assembly for a rotor of a wind turbine

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hub assembly for a rotor of a wind turbine. Specifically, a hub assembly (1) for a rotor (115) of a wind turbine (160) is disclosed. The hub assembly includes: a hub (11) that includes an opening (12) for connecting rotor blades (120); a pitch bearing (3); a pitch carrier (2) that is positioned between the hub (11) and the pitch bearing (3) and is configured to support a pitch system (4) for adjusting the blade pitch, wherein the pitch carrier (2) includes a belt plate (21) disposed between two opposite regions at the periphery of the opening (12) and a mounting structure for assembling the belt plate (21) with the hub (11). A method (200) for manufacturing the hub assembly (1) of a wind turbine (160) is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hub assembly for a rotor of a wind turbine, and a method for manufacturing such a hub assembly. Background Art

[0002] Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply power to the power grid. This type of wind turbine typically includes a tower and a rotor disposed on the tower. The rotor, typically including a hub and a plurality of blades, is configured to rotate under the influence of wind on the blades. The rotation generates torque, which is typically transmitted to a generator directly ("direct drive" or "gearless") through a rotor shaft or by using a gearbox. In this way, the generator generates electricity that can be supplied to the power grid.

[0003] In a conventional wind turbine, the pitch angle of the blades (or pitch) can be adjusted by an auxiliary drive system in the hub, such as a pitch system, to adjust the load on the blades. The pitch system typically has a series of components to adjust the pitch angle. Such components can be supported by a so-called "pitch carrier". In addition, the pitch carrier is manufactured together with the hub in the same casting operation.

[0004] There is a trend to make larger wind turbines to capture more wind and convert the energy of the wind into electricity, for example, so-called "megawatt" wind turbines. This trend can result in a hub diameter greater than 5 meters. Therefore, the weight of the resulting hub casting, together with the pitch carrier, is limited by the manufacturing capabilities of the current state of the art.

[0005] In addition, the pitch carrier can have a relatively large and thin geometry, which is not ideal for the casting process. However, if the pitch carrier is alternatively made of separate plates to completely cover the opening of the hub for receiving the blade roots in a "megawatt" wind turbine, the size of the pitch carrier can exceed the size of common steel plates available on the market. This can limit the size of the hub and thus limit the wind turbine.

[0006] In addition, as the opening of the hub becomes larger, the relatively large and thin geometry of the plate can cause the pitch carrier to undergo significant bending.

[0007] Furthermore, the assembly operation of the pitch system to the hub must be performed at a height, especially once the hub has been installed. This poses a risk of falling for the operator installing the pitch system. In addition, the assembly operation at a height can complicate the installation operation.

[0008] The present disclosure provides examples of hub assemblies, wind turbines, and manufacturing methods that at least partially address some of the above disadvantages. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In one aspect, a hub assembly for a rotor of a wind turbine is provided. The hub assembly includes: a hub including an opening for connecting rotor blades; a pitch bearing; and a pitch carrier positioned between the hub and the pitch bearing and configured to support a pitch system for adjusting the blade pitch, wherein the pitch carrier includes a strip plate disposed between two opposite regions at the periphery of the opening, and a mounting structure for assembling the strip plate with the hub.

[0010] In this aspect, having a pitch carrier independent of the hub allows minimizing the weight of the hub casting, i.e., optimizing the weight of the hub casting. Thus, the size of the hub can be increased while ensuring manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, the manufacture of the hub can be facilitated.

[0011] Furthermore, since the pitch carriers can be separate from the hub, they can be obtained by different manufacturing processes.

[0012] Moreover, having independent pitch carriers allows pre - assembling all pitch elements at floor level and minimizing the risk of working at heights. Thus, the assembly of the pitch system can be simplified and made safer.

[0013] In another aspect, a method for manufacturing a hub assembly of a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a hub and a pitch carrier including a strip plate. The method includes assembling the strip plate with the hub through the mounting structure.

[0014] In yet another aspect, a hub assembly for a rotor of a wind turbine is provided. The hub assembly includes: a hub including an opening for connecting rotor blades; a pitch bearing; and a pitch carrier configured to support a pitch system for adjusting the blade pitch; wherein the pitch carrier is positioned between the hub and the pitch bearing, and the pitch carrier includes a strip plate assembled with a ring for assembling the strip plate with the hub, and the strip plate extends from one point of the ring to another diametrically opposite point.

[0015] The pitch carrier having a strip plate and a ring can provide the stiffness required for the hub to receive the blade roots at the opening with substantially no increase in the weight of the hub assembly.

[0016] The connection from the blade to the bearing can also be strengthened. Thus, the connection can withstand vibrations that may occur during hub operation.

[0017] Specifically, the present invention also discloses the following technical solutions.

[0018] Technical solution 1. A hub assembly (1) for a rotor (115) of a wind turbine (160), the hub assembly comprising:

[0019] a hub (11) including an opening (12) for connecting rotor blades (120);

[0020] Pitch bearing (3);

[0021] Pitch bracket (2), which is positioned between the hub (11) and the pitch bearing (3) and is configured to support a pitch system (4) for adjusting the blade pitch, wherein the pitch bracket (2) includes a strip plate (21) disposed between two opposite regions around the periphery of the opening (12); and

[0022] A mounting structure for assembling the strip plate (21) and the hub (11).

[0023] Technical solution 2. The hub assembly (1) according to technical solution 1, characterized in that the mounting structure includes one or more supporting edges (13) integrally formed with the hub (11) and extending inward from the periphery of the opening (12), and the strip plate (21) is attached to the supporting edge (13).

[0024] Technical solution 3. The hub assembly (1) according to technical solution 2, characterized in that the pitch bracket (2) is positioned between the supporting edge (13) and the pitch bearing (3).

[0025] Technical solution 4. The hub assembly (1) according to any one of technical solutions 2 to 3, characterized in that the hub (11) includes a mounting flange (14) surrounding the opening (12), the mounting flange (14) extending outward from the rest of the hub (11) toward the pitch bearing (3), and the pitch bearing (3) is supported by the mounting flange (14).

[0026] Technical solution 5. The hub assembly (1) according to any one of technical solutions 2 to 4, characterized in that the mounting structure has two supporting edges (13) arranged opposite to each other.

[0027] Technical solution 6. The hub assembly (1) according to any one of technical solutions 2 to 5, characterized in that the strip plate (21) is fastened to the supporting edge (13) through an end portion (211) of the strip plate (21).

[0028] Technical solution 7. The hub assembly (1) according to technical solution 1, characterized in that the mounting structure and the strip plate (21) form the pitch bracket (2), and the mounting structure includes a ring (22) disposed at the periphery of the opening (12), and the strip plate (21) extends from one point of the ring (22) to another diametrically opposite point.

[0029] Technical solution 8. The hub assembly (1) according to technical solution 7, characterized in that an end portion (211) of the belt plate (21) is embedded in the ring (22).

[0030] Technical solution 9. The hub assembly (1) according to any one of technical solutions 7 to 8, characterized in that the total width of the pitch frame (2) corresponds to the width of the ring (22).

[0031] Technical solution 10. The hub assembly (1) according to technical solution 7, characterized in that the ring (22) has a pair of recesses for receiving an end portion (211) of the belt plate (21).

[0032] Technical solution 11. The hub assembly (1) according to any one of technical solutions 7 to 10, characterized in that the belt plate (21) is provided between the hub (11) and the ring (22).

[0033] Technical solution 12. A method (200) for manufacturing a hub assembly (1) for a wind turbine (160), the hub assembly comprising a hub (11) and a pitch frame (2) including a belt plate (21), the method comprising assembling (201) the belt plate (21) with the hub (11) by means of a mounting structure.

[0034] Technical solution 13. The method (200) according to technical solution 12, characterized in that:

[0035] Assembling (201) the belt plate (21) with the hub (11) includes positioning the belt plate (21) between the hub (11) and a ring (22) of the mounting structure.

[0036] Technical solution 14. The method (200) according to technical solution 13, characterized in that the ring (22) has two opposite sides, one side facing the hub (11) and the other side facing away from the hub (11), and the method further includes:

[0037] Fixing the belt plate (21) to the ring (22) to form the pitch frame (2), and machining the two sides of the ring (22) and the belt plate (21) before assembling the pitch frame (2) with the hub (11).

[0038] Technical solution 15. The method according to technical solution 13, characterized in that the method further includes:

[0039] Embedding the belt plate (21) in the ring (22) such that the total width of the pitch frame (2) corresponds to the width of the ring (22).

[0040] Additional advantages achieved in this regard may be similar to those mentioned with respect to the hub assembly of the first aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0042] Figure 1 Illustrates a perspective view of a wind turbine according to an example;

[0043] Figure 2 Illustrates a simplified internal view of a nacelle of a wind turbine according to an example;

[0044] Figure 3 Illustrates according to an example Figure 1 a perspective view of a hub assembly of a wind turbine;

[0045] Figure 4 Illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary hub assembly viewed from the opposite angle; Figure 3 of;

[0046] Figure 5 Illustrates according to another example Figure 1 a partial exploded view of a hub assembly of a wind turbine;

[0047] Figure 6 Illustrates Figure 5 a partial exploded view of an exemplary pitch yoke of a hub assembly of;

[0048] Figure 7 Illustrates a partial view of an assembled Figure 6 pitch yoke of an example of;

[0049] Figure 8 Illustrates according to yet another example Figure 1 a partial exploded view of a hub assembly of a wind turbine;

[0050] Figure 9 Illustrates Figure 6 a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary hub assembly of;

[0051] Figure 10 Illustrates Figure 3 a partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary hub assembly of;

[0052] Figure 11 Shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a hub assembly according to an example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] In these figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify corresponding elements.

[0054] Figure 1Perspective view of an example of a wind turbine 160. As shown, the wind turbine 160 includes a tower 170 extending from a support surface 150, a nacelle 161 mounted on the tower 170, and a rotor 115 coupled to the nacelle 161. The rotor 115 includes a rotatable hub 11 and at least one rotor blade 120 coupled to and extending outwardly from the hub 11. For example, in the illustrated example, the rotor 115 includes three rotor blades 120. However, in alternative embodiments, the rotor 115 may include more or less than three rotor blades 120. Each rotor blade 120 may be spaced from the hub 11 to facilitate rotation of the rotor 115 to enable kinetic energy to be converted from wind into useful mechanical energy and then into electrical energy. For example, the hub 11 may be rotatably coupled to a generator positioned within the nacelle 161 or a shaped component of the nacelle to permit generation of electrical energy.

[0055] The wind turbine 160 may also include a wind turbine controller 180 centrally located within the nacelle 161. However, in other examples, the wind turbine controller 180 may be located within any other component of the wind turbine 160 or at a location external to the wind turbine. Additionally, the controller 180 may be communicatively coupled to any number of components of the wind turbine 160, such as a pitch system 4, to control the operation of such components. By way of example, the controller 180 may control an auxiliary drive system, such as a pitch system 4 for adjusting blade pitch.

[0056] Figure 1 The wind turbine 160 may be disposed at an offshore or onshore location.

[0057] The wind turbine controller (or "central control system") 180 may include one or more processors and associated memory devices configured to perform various computer-implemented functions (e.g., execute methods, steps, calculations, etc. and store relevant data as disclosed herein). The wind turbine controller may perform various different functions, such as receiving, transmitting, and / or executing wind turbine control signals and controlling the overall operation of the wind turbine. The wind turbine controller may be programmed to control the overall operation based on information received from sensors that indicate, for example, load, wind speed, wind direction, turbulent damage of components, etc.

[0058] As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to integrated circuits known in the art as being included in a computer, but also to controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits. The processor is also configured to compute advanced control algorithms and communicate with various Ethernet or serial-based protocols (Modbus, OPC, CAN, etc.). Additionally, the memory device may include memory elements including, but not limited to, computer-readable media (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer-readable non-volatile media (e.g., flash memory), floppy disks, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magneto-optical discs (MOD), digital versatile discs (DVD), and / or other suitable memory elements. Such memory devices may be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the controller to perform the various functions described herein.

[0059] Figure 2 Illustrates a simplified internal view of the nacelle 161 of a wind turbine 160 according to one example.

[0060] The blade 120 is coupled to the hub 11 via a pitch bearing 3 between the blade 120 and the hub 11. The pitch bearing 100 includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The wind turbine blade 120 may be attached at the inner bearing ring or the outer bearing ring, while the hub 11 is connected to the other of the two. When the pitch system 4 is actuated, the blade 120 can perform a relative rotational movement with respect to the hub 11. The rotational movement occurs about the longitudinal axis of the blade 120 and can thus be measured in degrees. The pitch angle of the rotor blade 120, or blade pitch, that is, the angle that determines the perspective of the rotor blade 120 relative to the air flow passing through the wind turbine 160, can be defined by the rotation of the rotor blade 120 about the pitch axis PA shown in Figure 2 Since this rotational movement about the pitch axis PA, the inner bearing ring can perform a rotational movement with respect to the outer bearing ring. The pitch system includes a pinion of the pitch drive 41 that meshes with a ring gear 42 provided on the inner bearing ring (see Figure 5 ) to set the wind turbine blade into rotation. Although for clarity, Figure 2 shows the pitch drive 41 attached to the hub 11, the pitch drive 41 can be attached to some other component to mesh with the ring gear 42 of the pitch bearing 3.

[0061] A single pitch system or multiple individual pitch systems can be used to rotate the blades 120 about their longitudinal axes. The pitch system can simultaneously adjust the pitch angles of multiple blades 120.

[0062] Figure 3Illustrating according to another example Figure 1 a perspective view of a hub assembly 1 of a wind turbine 160, and Figure 4 illustrating an exemplary hub assembly Figure 3 viewed from an opposite angle.

[0063] According to one aspect, a hub assembly 1 for a rotor 115 of a wind turbine is disclosed. According to Figures 3 to 8 , the hub assembly 1 includes: a hub 11 including an opening 12 for connecting rotor blades 120; a pitch bearing 3; and a pitch carrier 2 positioned between the hub 11 and the pitch bearing 3 and configured to support a pitch system 4 for adjusting the blade pitch. The pitch carrier 2 includes a strap plate 21 disposed between two opposite regions at the periphery of the opening 12. The hub assembly further includes a mounting structure for assembling the strap plate 21 with the hub 11.

[0064] The pitch carrier can thus be independent of the hub. Thus, they can be obtained by different manufacturing processes. The generally flat strap plate can be made from plates whose sizes are readily available on the market. The shape of the strap plate can be obtained by any cutting method available in the art.

[0065] In the present disclosure, a strap plate refers to a generally elongated plate. The strap plate extends along a length between two ends to connect at opposite regions at the periphery of the opening. The width of the strap plate refers to the size of the extension of the strap plate along a direction perpendicular to the length. The width of the strap plate is shorter than the length of the strap plate.

[0066] The strap plate does not completely cover the opening. Thus, the strap plate can extend along a surface having an area smaller than that of the opening. Thus, the total weight of the hub assembly can be optimized.

[0067] The hub 11 and the pitch carrier 2 can be separate from each other. The latter may mean that the hub 11 and the pitch carrier 2 are not integrally formed.

[0068] According to one example, the strap plate 21 and the hub 11 can be obtained from different materials and manufacturing methods. For example, the strap plate 21 can be produced from a blank such as a steel plate while the hub 11 can be produced by casting. The strap plate 21 can have a generally planar and elongated configuration. If the opening 12 is generally circular, the opposite regions at the periphery of the opening 12 in which the strap plate 21 is disposed are substantially diametrically opposite each other.

[0069] The mounting structure can be an angular section. In some examples, the mounting structure can be integrally formed with the hub (e.g., a support edge or a support protrusion). In some examples, the mounting structure can be a separate structure, such as a ring, for attachment to the hub.

[0070] In one example, the mounting structure may include one or more support edges 13, which are integrally formed with the hub 11 and extend inwardly from the periphery of the opening 12. The belt plate 21 may be attached to the support edge 13. This example can be seen in Figure 3 and Figure 4 . The support edge 13 may be disposed at least in a part of the periphery of the opening 12.

[0071] In another example in this regard, the pitch frame 2 may be positioned between the support edge 13 and the pitch bearing 3.

[0072] According to another example, the mounting structure may have two support edges 13 arranged opposite to each other.

[0073] In the hub assembly 1 according to yet another example in this regard, the belt plate 21 may be fastened to the support edge 13 through the end portion 211 of the belt plate 21.

[0074] Referring to Figure 10 , the hub 11 may include a mounting flange 14 around the opening. The mounting flange 14 may extend outwardly from the rest of the hub 11 towards the pitch bearing 3. The pitch bearing 3 may be attached to the hub through the mounting flange 14. One or more mounting flanges 14 may be arranged to substantially surround the opening 12. In one example, the hub assembly 1 may include a single mounting flange 14.

[0075] The mounting flange 14 may extend through the annular protrusion 15 to allow sufficient space to be generated between the bearing 3 and the hub 11 to accommodate the bolt 5, such as a T-bolt. The bolt 5 may fasten the bearing 3 and the blade 120.

[0076] Therefore, in some examples, the support edge 13 may extend from the mounting flange 14.

[0077] In some examples, the mounting structure and the belt plate 21 may form the pitch frame 2 and the mounting structure may include a ring 22 disposed at the periphery of the opening 12, and the belt plate 21 may extend from one point of the ring 22 to another diametrically opposite point. For example, see Figure 5 .

[0078] The belt plate 21 and the ring 22 may be separated from each other. This example can be seen in Figures 5 to 8 . The belt plate 21 and the ring 22 may be made of different materials and by different processes. In addition, the belt plate 21 and the ring 22 may be manufactured at different locations and times.

[0079] The ring may radially strengthen the opening. The latter can be achieved without the need to completely cover the opening of the hub for receiving the blade root.

[0080] By virtue of the presence of the ring, the belt plate can be more easily connected to the hub.

[0081] In addition, the ring can be produced by a process different from that of the blade carrier or the hub. The ring can be manufactured by casting.

[0082] In some examples, the ring 21 can be attached to the mounting flange 14. For example, as illustrated in Figure 9 , the ring can be clamped between the mounting flange 14 and the pitch bearing. A plurality of bolts can be fixed to a plurality of threaded holes arranged in the pitch bearing. These bolts can pass through the ring and the mounting flange.

[0083] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the end portion 211 of the blade carrier 21 can be fitted or embedded in the ring 22. The total width of the pitch carrier 2 can correspond to (or be equivalent to) the width of the ring 22.

[0084] Continuing to refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the ring 22 can have a pair of recesses 23 to receive the end portion 211 of the blade carrier 21. The blade carrier 21 can be provided between the hub 11 and the ring 22.

[0085] Figure 11 FIG. shows a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a hub assembly according to an example. The wind turbine 160 can be as illustrated in Figure 1 and the hub assembly 1 can be any of the examples disclosed herein.

[0086] According to one aspect, a method 200 for manufacturing a hub assembly 1 of a wind turbine 160 is disclosed. The wind turbine 160 includes a hub 11 and a pitch carrier 2 including a blade carrier 211. The method includes assembling 201 the blade carrier with the hub 11 through a mounting structure.

[0087] In some examples, the method can include assembling the pitch system with the blade carrier and attaching a plate supporting the pitch system to the hub through a mounting structure.

[0088] In one example of the method 200, assembling 201 the blade carrier 21 with the hub 11 can include positioning the blade carrier 21 between the hub 11 and the ring 22 of the mounting structure.

[0089] In another example of the method 200, where the ring 22 can have two opposite sides, one facing the hub 11 and the other facing away from the hub 11, the method can further include attaching the blade carrier 21 to the ring 22 to form the pitch carrier 2, and machining the two sides of the ring 22 and the blade carrier 21 before assembling the pitch carrier 2 with the hub 11.

[0090] The method 200 according to another example can include fitting the blade carrier 21 in the ring 22 such that the total width of the pitch carrier 2 corresponds to the width of the ring 22.

[0091] According to an example for implementing method 200, the hub 11 can be placed at ground level on a support surface 150 at a construction site or factory site. The operator can assemble the pitch frame with the hub 11. The hub assembly 1 can include a pitch frame 2 and a mounting structure, and the mounting structure can include a ring 22 or one or more support edges 13. When the mounting structure includes one or more support edges 13, the strap plate 21 can be attached to the support edge 13. The strap plate 21 can be provided together with the pitch drive 41. When the mounting structure includes a ring 22, the strap plate 21 and the ring 22 can be in a pre-assembled state, or the ring 22 and the strap plate 21 can be connected together on site. The strap plate 21 can also be provided together with the pitch drive 41. In both cases, the hub 11 together with the pitch frame 2, the mounting structure, the pitch drive 41 and the pitch bearing 3 can be lifted to a predetermined position in the wind turbine 160 using a crane or the like. The blade 120 is provided with a suitable connecting element such as a T-bolt at its root 121 and can be attached to the pitch bearing 3 at a height. The connecting element can be actuated to fasten the blade 120.

[0092] The example for implementing method 200 can be related to manufacturing the hub assembly 1 and lifting it to the nacelle 161 installed on top of the tower 170. Method 200 can also be performed conversely, that is, lowering the hub assembly 1 from the nacelle 161 and disassembling different components of the hub assembly 1.

[0093] According to yet another aspect, a hub assembly 1 for a rotor of a wind turbine 160 is disclosed. As illustrated in Figures 5 to 8 , the hub assembly 1 includes: a hub 11 including an opening 12 for connecting the rotor blade 120; a pitch bearing 3; and a pitch frame 2 configured to support a pitch system 4 for adjusting the blade pitch. The pitch frame 2 is positioned between the hub 11 and the pitch bearing 3. The pitch frame 2 includes a strap plate 21 assembled with a ring 22 for assembling the strap plate 21 with the hub 11. The strap plate 21 extends from one point of the ring 22 to another diametrically opposite point of the ring 22.

[0094] The hub 11 and the pitch frame 2 can be separated from each other. Thus, the hub 11 and the pitch frame 2 can be obtained by different manufacturing processes.

[0095] The strap plate 21 can have a generally planar and elongated configuration, so that the strap plate 21 can contact the ring 22 at least in a pair of regions or points of the ring 22, and the pair of regions or points can be diametrically opposite to each other. The strap plate 21 can be arranged along the diameter of the ring 22, that is, the strap plate 21 can be provided across the ring 22, thus passing through the middle of the ring 22.

[0096] The pitch frame formed by two separate components may mean an optimized shape and configuration, and thus can optimize the manufacturing ability.

[0097] The clamping configuration can be defined by the hub 11, the ring 22, and the strap 21 disposed therebetween.

[0098] According to one example, the strap 21 and the ring 22 can be obtained from materials and manufacturing methods different from each other. For example, the strap 21 can be produced from a blank such as a steel plate, and the shape of the equipment (plant) can be achieved by oxy-fuel cutting, plasma, sawing, shearing, etc. The ring 22 can be obtained by a casting process.

[0099] The ring 22 and the strap 21 can be assembled together at the factory, at the construction site of the wind turbine 160, or at any other location. Therefore, the flexibility in the manufacture, transportation, or assembly of the pitch frame 2 can be enhanced.

[0100] Regarding the hub 11, it can be manufactured by a casting process, which can be the same or different from the process performed to obtain the ring 22.

[0101] Referring to the example illustrated in Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the strap 21 can have end portions 211 opposite to each other. The end portions 211 of the strap 21 can be fitted or seated in the ring 22. The latter can occur when the pitch frame 2 is in an assembled state, for example, in the situation illustrated in Figure 7 . Due to the fitting connection between the strap 21 and the ring 22, the minimum overall pitch frame weight can be achieved.

[0102] Once assembled, according to Figure 7 , the total width of the pitch frame 2 can correspond to the width of the ring 22. This can allow minimizing the size of the pitch frame and thus making the design of the hub assembly more compact. The shape and size of the pitch frame can be optimized.

[0103] In addition, the ring 22 can have two opposite sides, one side facing the pitch bearing 3 and the other side facing the hub 11. These two opposite sides can be machined together with the strap 21. When the pitch frame 2 is assembled, the pitch frame 2 can be machined to allow proper fitting with the hub 11 and the pitch bearing 3. Due to the machining, even though the pitch frame 2 can be separated into two parts, the weight of the pitch frame 2 can be reduced.

[0104] According to one example, the ring 22 can have a pair of recesses 23 to receive the end portions 211 of the strap 21. The end portions 211 and the recesses 23 can be configured to at least partially match each other. In this way, the strap 21 can be easily connected to the ring 22.

[0105] In addition, a snap fit can be defined between the recesses 23 and the end portions 211 of the strap 21. The strap 21 and the ring 2 can be connected together without any fastening elements. However, the strap 21 can be fastened to the ring 22 through the end portions 211 of the strap 21.

[0106] Figure 9 Exemplary Figure 5 Partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary hub assembly 1. In Figure 9 the example, a belt plate 21 is provided between the hub 11 and the ring 22. An end portion 211 is disposed between the hub 11 and the recess 23. It can be seen that in the same example, the ring 22 is provided between the belt plate 21 and the pitch bearing 3.

[0107] Follow Figure 9 , the presence of the ring 22 may allow sufficient space to be created between the belt plate 21 and the bearing 3 to handle the installation of bolts 5, which are contemplated to be used to fasten the bearing 3 and the blade 120.

[0108] Now referring to Figure 5 , according to one example, the belt plate 21 may support the pitch system 4. Alternatively, the belt plate 21 may support at least a part of the pitch system 4. The belt plate 21 may have a hole 24 for the pitch drive 41. In this way, the pitch drive 41 may interact with a ring gear 42 provided on the inner bearing ring to set the wind turbine blade 120 into rotation. The pitch system 4 may also include a supercap 43 or the like to feed power to the pitch drive 41 when needed.

[0109] According to one example, the hub 11 may include a mounting flange 14 around the opening 12. The mounting flange 14 extends outwardly from the remainder of the hub 11 to contact the ring 22.

[0110] According to another example, the belt plate 21 may have an end portion 211 that has a larger cross-section than the remainder of the belt plate 21. This can be observed from above, i.e., a top view. When observed in a top view, the end portion 211 may be configured to be wider than the remainder of the belt plate.

[0111] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including preferred embodiments, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if such other examples include equivalent structural elements that do not differ materially from the literal language of the claims, then they are considered to be included within the scope of the claims. Aspects according to the various embodiments, and other known equivalents for each such aspect, may be mixed and matched by those of ordinary skill in the art to construct additional embodiments and techniques in accordance with the principles of this application. If reference numerals associated with the figures are placed in parentheses in the claims, they are merely intended to increase the intelligibility of the claims and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A hub assembly (1) for a rotor (115) of a wind turbine (160), the hub assembly comprising: A hub (11) including an opening (12) for attaching rotor blades (120); A pitch bearing (3); A pitch carrier (2) positioned between the hub (11) and the pitch bearing (3) and configured to support a pitch system (4) for adjusting blade pitch, wherein the pitch carrier (2) includes a strap plate (21) and A mounting structure for assembling the strap plate (21) to the hub (11), and wherein: The mounting structure includes a ring (22) separate from the strap plate (21) and disposed at a periphery of the opening (12), and the strap plate (21) extends from one point of the ring (22) to a diametrically opposite point.

2. The hub assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, End portions (211) of the strap plate (21) are embedded in the ring (22).

3. The hub assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A total width of the pitch carrier (2) corresponds to a width of the ring (22).

4. The hub assembly (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ring (22) has a pair of recesses for receiving the end portions (211) of the strap plate (21).

5. The hub assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The strap plate (21) is provided between the hub (11) and the ring (22).

6. A method (200) for manufacturing the hub assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 for a wind turbine (160), the method comprising assembling (201) the strap plate (21) to the hub (11) by a mounting structure.

7. The method (200) according to claim 6, characterized in that: Assembling (201) the strap plate (21) to the hub (11) includes positioning the strap plate (21) between the hub (11) and a ring (22) of the mounting structure.

8. The method (200) according to claim 7, wherein, The ring (22) has two opposite sides, one side facing the hub (11) and the other side facing away from the hub (11), and the method further includes: Attaching the strap plate (21) to the ring (22) to form the pitch carrier (2), and machining two sides of the ring (22) and the strap plate (21) before assembling the pitch carrier (2) to the hub (11).

9. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method further includes: Embedding the strap plate (21) in the ring (22) such that a total width of the pitch carrier (2) corresponds to a width of the ring (22).

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