Spherical journal bearing for a wind turbine power transmission system

Abstract

A hydrodynamic journal bearing assembly for a power transmission system of a wind turbine comprises a shaft and a semi-spherical convex surface provided on an outer surface of the shaft, the convex surface extending circumferentially around the shaft and having a convex cross-sectional profile oriented along a longitudinal axis of the shaft. A bearing housing is arranged circumferentially around the semi-spherical convex surface, the bearing housing having a reservoir for bearing fluid in a bottom portion thereof. A static semi-spherical concave bearing surface in the bearing housing defines, together with the semi-spherical convex surface on the shaft, a bearing interface, wherein a layer of fluid is provided in the bearing interface when the shaft is rotated through the reservoir.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wind turbines, and more specifically, to spherical journal bearings that are particularly suitable for use as main bearings in wind turbine power transmission systems. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, a wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle mounted on the tower, and a rotor connected to the power transmission system components within the nacelle. The rotor generally includes a rotatable hub and multiple rotor blades connected to and extending outward from the hub. Each rotor blade is spaced around the hub to facilitate rotor rotation, enabling the conversion of kinetic energy into usable mechanical energy, which can then be transmitted to a generator located within the nacelle for the generation of electrical energy. Typically, a gearbox is used to drive the generator in response to the rotation of the rotor. For example, the gearbox may be configured to convert a low-speed, high-torque input provided by the rotor into a high-speed, low-torque output capable of driving the generator.

[0003] The power transmission system generally comprises multiple bearings arranged together with the rotor shaft (also referred to herein as the low-speed shaft), pins, and / or the high-speed shaft of the generator. The main bearings support the rotatable hub, and the load on the main bearings is considerable (determined in part by the weight of the blades, hub, and main shaft) and can cause deflection in the main shaft. As the size and capacity of the wind turbine increase, the load and demands on the main bearings also increase.

[0004] Rolling element bearings have long been used as main bearings in wind turbines. Especially with increasing loads, these bearings become more complex and costly to manufacture, prone to excessive wear, and require a relatively high degree of time-consuming and expensive maintenance. A significant problem with traditional roller bearing systems is that the load is supported by the line contact between the rollers and raceways. Concentrating large wind turbine loads on this line contact causes high contact pressures, leading to wear and surface damage to the bearing components.

[0005] Conventional hydrodynamic (“fluid”) journal bearings are well-known and have a cylindrical construction in which a skew pad (and associated skew mechanism) is arranged around the shaft. The bearing operates by bearing the load substantially entirely on a thin layer of fluid (typically oil) between the shaft and the pad. A separate axial thrust pad is also used to compensate for varying axial loads placed on the shaft. These conventional journal bearings are generally used in high-speed / low-load applications and are not generally used in the low-speed / high-load environments of wind turbine main bearings.

[0006] U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012 / 0099993 proposes using fluid bearings for the main bearings of wind turbines, wherein bearing pads are arranged in an outer main bearing housing that also contains fluid for lubricating the bearing. The bearing pads are connected to the bearing housing via pivot bearings (such as ball-and-socket arrangements), and this type of bearing is commonly referred to as a "skew-pad journal bearing." However, this type of bearing is quite complex and expensive to manufacture and maintain.

[0007] Despite recommendations made in a U.S. '993 disclosed application, the applicant was unaware of the successful implementation of cylindrical skewed journal bearings as main bearings in modern wind turbines. It is believed that the complexity and cost of such bearings are commercially prohibitive.

[0008] The industry will therefore benefit from the development of journal bearings suitable for use as main bearings in wind turbines in low-speed / high-load applications, which are commercially viable and do not suffer from the disadvantages of conventional cylindrical skew-waist journal bearings. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0010] In one aspect, this disclosure relates to a hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a power transmission system of a wind turbine. The bearing assembly includes a shaft and a hemispherical convex surface disposed on the outer surface of the shaft. The convex surface extends continuously or discontinuously around the shaft and has a convex cross-sectional profile oriented along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. A bearing housing is arranged circumferentially around the hemispherical convex surface, and the bearing housing has a reservoir for bearing fluid (such as oil) in its bottom portion. A static hemispherical concave bearing surface is disposed in the bearing housing, defining a bearing interface together with the hemispherical convex surface on the shaft. As the shaft rotates through the reservoir, a fluid layer is disposed in the bearing interface.

[0011] In a particular embodiment, the hemispherical convex surface on the outer surface of the shaft is continuous around the shaft. For example, the surface may provide a continuous annular journal that fits onto the outer surface of the shaft, with the hemispherical surface formed on the journal. The journal may be press-fitted onto the shaft to form an interference fit with the outer surface of the shaft.

[0012] In one embodiment, the static hemispherical concave bearing surface within the bearing housing may be provided by a plurality of static bearing pads, which are mounted in the bearing housing and arranged circumferentially on the outer side of the hemispherical convex surface on the shaft.

[0013] Bearing housings can be constructed in various ways. In a particular embodiment, the bearing housing includes a first component that extends circumferentially about a shaft and has a flange at its first axial end. A bearing pad can be mounted within a cavity defined by the first component, and the flange provides axial stop for the bearing pad.

[0014] The bearing housing may have a cover member mounted on a second axial end of the first component, wherein the reservoir is defined by a portion of a cavity sealed by the cover member.

[0015] In a particular embodiment, spacer components (e.g., block components) may be disposed between each of the bearing pads and the first component. In this embodiment, the bearing pads and spacer components are positioned between the cover component and the axial stop, wherein the cover component is bolted to the first component.

[0016] The bearing pad may include an inclined axial end face, while the cover member and axial stop member include an inclined engagement surface that contacts the inclined axial end face.

[0017] This disclosure also includes a wind turbine power transmission system assembly having a rotor and a main shaft rotatably coupled to the rotor. A main bearing supports the main shaft and includes one or more bearing assemblies according to the embodiments described above.

[0018] This disclosure also includes a wind turbine comprising a power transmission system assembly having the bearing assembly described above.

[0019] Technical Solution 1. A hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a power transmission system of a wind turbine, comprising: axis; A hemispherical convex surface is disposed on the outer surface of the shaft, the hemispherical convex surface extends circumferentially around the shaft, and has a convex cross-sectional profile oriented along the longitudinal axis of the shaft; A bearing housing, the bearing housing being arranged circumferentially around the hemispherical convex surface, the bearing housing including a reservoir for bearing fluid in its bottom portion; and The static hemispherical concave bearing surface in the bearing housing, together with the hemispherical convex surface on the shaft, defines a bearing interface, wherein the fluid is layered in the bearing interface as the shaft rotates through the reservoir.

[0020] Technical Solution 2. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the hemispherical convex surface provided on the outer surface of the shaft is continuous around the shaft.

[0021] Technical Solution 3. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the hemispherical convex surface includes an annular journal that fits onto the outer surface of the shaft, and the hemispherical surface is formed on the journal.

[0022] Technical Solution 4. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the journal is a continuous component, and the continuous component has a press fit interference fit with the outer surface of the shaft.

[0023] Technical Solution 5. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the static hemispherical concave bearing surface includes a plurality of static bearing pads, the plurality of static bearing pads being installed in the bearing housing and disposed circumferentially on the outer side of the hemispherical convex surface.

[0024] Technical Solution 6. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the bearing housing includes a first component that extends circumferentially around the shaft and includes a flange at its first axial end, the bearing pad is mounted within a cavity defined by the first component, and the flange provides an axial stop for the bearing pad.

[0025] Technical Solution 7. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the bearing housing includes a cover member mounted to a second axial end of the first component, and the reservoir is defined by a portion of the cavity sealed by the cover member.

[0026] Technical Solution 8. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the hydrodynamic bearing assembly further includes a spacer component between each of the bearing pads and the first component.

[0027] Technical Solution 9. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the bearing pad is sandwiched at an appropriate position between the cover component and the axial stop, and the cover component is bolted to the first component.

[0028] Technical Solution 10. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the bearing pad includes an inclined axial end face, and the cover member and the axial stop member include inclined engagement surfaces that contact the inclined axial end face.

[0029] Technical Solution 11. A wind turbine power transmission system component, comprising: Rotor; A main shaft, which is rotatably connected to the rotor; A bearing assembly supporting the spindle, the bearing assembly comprising: A hemispherical convex surface is disposed on the outer surface of the shaft, the hemispherical convex surface extends circumferentially around the shaft, and has a convex cross-sectional profile oriented along the longitudinal axis of the shaft; A bearing housing, the bearing housing being arranged circumferentially around the hemispherical convex surface, the bearing housing including a reservoir for bearing fluid in its bottom portion; and The static hemispherical concave bearing surface in the bearing housing, together with the hemispherical convex surface on the shaft, defines a bearing interface, wherein the fluid is layered in the bearing interface as the shaft rotates through the reservoir.

[0030] Technical Solution 12. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the hemispherical convex surface provided on the outer surface of the shaft is continuous around the shaft.

[0031] Technical Solution 13. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the hemispherical convex surface includes an annular journal that fits onto the outer surface of the shaft, and the hemispherical surface is formed on the journal.

[0032] Technical Solution 14. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the journal is a continuous component, and the continuous component has a press fit interference fit with the outer surface of the shaft.

[0033] Technical Solution 15. The wind turbine power transmission system component according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the static hemispherical concave bearing surface includes a plurality of static bearing pads, the plurality of static bearing pads being installed in the bearing housing and disposed circumferentially on the outer side of the hemispherical convex surface.

[0034] Technical Solution 16. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the bearing housing includes a first component that extends circumferentially around the shaft and includes a flange at its first axial end, the bearing pad is mounted within a cavity defined by the first component, and the flange provides an axial stop for the bearing pad.

[0035] Technical Solution 17. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the bearing housing includes a cover member mounted on a second axial end of the first component, and the reservoir is defined by a portion of the cavity sealed by the cover member.

[0036] Technical Solution 18. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the wind turbine power transmission system assembly further includes a spacer component between each of the bearing pads and the first component.

[0037] Technical Solution 19. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, wherein the bearing pad is sandwiched at an appropriate position between the cover component and the axial stop, the cover component is bolted to the first component, the bearing pad includes an inclined axial end face, and the cover component and the axial stop include inclined engagement surfaces that contact the inclined axial end face.

[0038] Technical Solution 20. A wind turbine comprising a power transmission system component according to any of the foregoing technical solutions.

[0039] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become more readily understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0040] The complete and practicable disclosure of the invention, including its best mode for those skilled in the art, is set forth in the description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view showing one embodiment of a wind turbine according to the present disclosure; Figure 2 A detailed interior view of one embodiment of a wind turbine nacelle is shown; Figure 3 A perspective view of a hydrodynamic bearing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the bearing assembly; Figure 5 for Figure 3 A cross-sectional end view of the bearing assembly; Figure 6 for Figure 3 Enlarged cross-sectional views of the components of the bearing assembly; and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly depicting the deflection movement of the shaft relative to the bearing components. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These various examples are provided by way of illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the invention cover such modifications and variations falling within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0042] Generally, this disclosure relates to hydrodynamic (fluid) journal bearings, which are particularly well-suited for use as main bearings in power transmission systems for wind turbines. However, journal bearings are not limited to main bearings and can be used anywhere a rotatable bearing is required in a power transmission system.

[0043] As will be apparent from the following description, the proposed spherical journal bearing is substantially rigid, yet accommodating shaft misalignment and deflection. The bearing essentially eliminates the complexity and cost of the skew pad mechanism used in conventional cylindrical journal bearings. Furthermore, because the spherical shape of the bearing components provides sufficient thrust capability, the spherical journal bearing eliminates the need for a separate thrust pad required in conventional journal bearing systems. Moreover, by eliminating numerous moving parts, the spherical journal bearing significantly reduces the cost of the bearing system.

[0044] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figure 1 A perspective view of one embodiment of a wind turbine 10 according to the present disclosure is shown. As shown, the wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12 extending from a support surface 14, a nacelle 16 mounted on the tower 12, and a rotor 18 coupled to a power transmission system component housed within the nacelle 16. The rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to and extending outward from the hub 20. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 18 includes three rotor blades 22. Each rotor blade 22 is spaced about the hub 20 to facilitate rotation of the rotor 18 so that kinetic energy can be converted from wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently, into electrical energy. For example, the hub 20 may be rotatably coupled to a generator 24 positioned within the nacelle 16. Figure 2 ), used to generate electrical energy.

[0045] Now refer to Figure 2This diagram shows a simplified internal view of the nacelle 16 of a wind turbine 10 according to a conventional construction. As shown, a generator 24 is located within the nacelle 16 and coupled to the rotor 18 of the wind turbine 10 for generating electrical power from rotational energy generated by the rotor 18. For example, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 18 may include a rotor (main) shaft 32 coupled to a hub 20 for rotation therewith. The rotor shaft 32 is supported by a main bearing 26. The rotor shaft 32 is then rotatably coupled to a power transmission assembly including a gearbox 30, wherein a gearbox output shaft 34 is connected to the generator 24.

[0046] As generally understood, rotor shaft 32 supplies low-speed, high-torque input to gearbox 30 in response to the rotation of rotor blades 22 and hub 20. Therefore, gearbox 30 includes gear assemblies that convert the low-speed, high-torque input into a high-speed, low-torque output to drive generator shaft 34 and thus generator 24.

[0047] Now, in general, refer to Figures 3 to 6 This image depicts a hydrodynamic bearing assembly 40 according to an aspect of the invention. The bearing assembly is particularly well-suited for use as a main bearing in a power transmission system for a wind turbine, but is not limited to this application. The bearing assembly includes a shaft 42, which may be the main shaft in a wind turbine power transmission system. A hemispherical convex surface 44 is provided on the outer surface of the shaft 42. The radius of this surface can be determined based on several factors, such as the size of the shaft 42, the load on the shaft 42, the expected deflection of the shaft 42, etc. The radius may be constant or may vary along the arc length of the convex surface 44. The hemispherical convex surface 44 extends continuously or discontinuously around the circumference of the shaft 42. The hemispherical profile of the surface 44 is oriented along the longitudinal axis 46 of the shaft 42, as shown in the image. Figure 3 As depicted in the diagram. In other words, the radius of the hemispherical surface 44 is aligned with / parallel to the axis 46.

[0048] The bearing housing 48 is arranged circumferentially around a hemispherical convex surface 44, with the shaft 42 passing through the bearing housing 48. As described below, the bearing housing 48 may be a multi-component structure. The bearing housing 48 defines a reservoir 50 in its bottom portion. Figure 4 The reservoir 50 contains bearing fluid, such as oil. As with conventional hydrostatic journal bearings, this bearing assembly 40 operates by supporting the load substantially entirely on a thin layer of fluid between the shaft 42 and the bearing pad 52 (described in more detail below).

[0049] The bearing assembly 40 includes a static hemispherical concave bearing surface 54 in the bearing housing 48, which, together with a hemispherical convex surface 44 on the shaft 42, defines a hemispherical bearing interface 56. As the shaft 42 rotates through the reservoir, a fluid layer is formed in this bearing interface 56. The concave bearing surface 54 is "static" because it is rigidly mounted within the bearing housing 48. The members defining the concave bearing surface 54 do not tilt or rotate relative to the bearing housing 48.

[0050] In the embodiment shown in the figure, the hemispherical convex surface 44 is uninterrupted and continuous around the shaft 42. For example, the convex surface 44 may be provided by a continuous annular journal 58 fitted to the outer surface of the shaft 42, the convex surface being formed on the outer circumferential surface of the journal 58. The journal 58 may be press-fitted onto the shaft 42 to have a frictional interference fit therewith.

[0051] In the specific embodiment depicted in the figures, the hemispherical concave bearing surface 54 is provided by a plurality of static bearing pads 52, which are mounted in the bearing housing 48 and circumferentially disposed outside the hemispherical convex surface 44. This can be accomplished in various ways. For example, the bearing housing 48 may include a first member 60 extending circumferentially about a shaft 42 and having a flange 64 at its first axial end 62. The bearing pads 52 are mounted within a cavity 67 defined in the first member 60. See in particular... Figure 4 and Figure 6 The flange 64 defines the axial stop 66, and the bearing pad 52 presses against the axial stop 66 in the axial direction.

[0052] The composition of bearing pads used in journal bearings is well known, and this bearing pad 52 can be constructed according to any suitable conventional construction.

[0053] The bearing housing 48 may include a cover member 68, which is mounted (e.g., bolted) to a second axial end 72 of the first member 60. The reservoir 50 is defined by the bottom portion of a cavity 67 sealed by the cover member 68.

[0054] Spacer components 74 may be located in cavities 67 of the bearing housing 48 between each of the bearing pads 52 and the first component 60. See specifically... Figure 6Once the cover component 68 is removed from the first component 60 of the bearing housing, the spacer component 74 provides easy installation and removal of the bearing pad 52. In the illustrated embodiment, when the cover component 68 is bolted to the first component 60, the bearing pad 52 is substantially clamped in place between the cover component 68 and the axial stop 66. The bearing pad 52 does not need to be directly secured to the first component 60 via bolts or other mechanical connections. The bearing pad 52 may include an inclined axial end face 78, while the cover component 68 and the axial stop 66 have complementary inclined engagement surfaces 80 that contact the inclined axial end face 78. With this configuration, when the cover component 68 is tensioned against the second axial end face 72 of the first component 60, the bearing pad 52 is forced upward against the spacer component 74 in the cavity 67, thereby substantially forming a wedge lock that precisely holds the bearing pad 52 in place. When the cover component 68 is removed, the wedge lock is released, the spacer component is removed, and the bearing pad 52 becomes easily accessible for inspection and / or replacement.

[0055] The present invention also includes a wind turbine power transmission system component 76. Figure 2 It has a main shaft 32 rotatably coupled to the rotor 18. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly 76 includes an embodiment of the hydrodynamic bearing assembly 40 described herein.

[0056] Similarly, the present invention includes a wind turbine 10 having a power transmission system component 76. Figure 1 The powertrain assembly 76 includes an embodiment of the hydrodynamic bearing assembly 40 described herein.

[0057] Further aspects of the invention are provided by the subject matter of the following provisions: Clause 1: A hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a power transmission system of a wind turbine, comprising: axis; A hemispherical convex surface is disposed on the outer surface of the shaft, the hemispherical convex surface extends circumferentially around the shaft, and has a convex cross-sectional profile oriented along the longitudinal axis of the shaft; A bearing housing, the bearing housing being arranged circumferentially around the hemispherical convex surface, the bearing housing including a reservoir for bearing fluid in its bottom portion; and The static hemispherical concave bearing surface in the bearing housing, together with the hemispherical convex surface on the shaft, defines a bearing interface, wherein the fluid is layered in the bearing interface as the shaft rotates through the reservoir.

[0058] Clause 2. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 1, wherein the hemispherical convex surface disposed on the outer surface of the shaft is continuous around the shaft.

[0059] Clause 3. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 2, wherein the hemispherical convex surface includes an annular journal that fits onto the outer surface of the shaft, the hemispherical surface being formed on the journal.

[0060] Clause 4. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 3, wherein the journal is a continuous component having a press-fit interference fit with the outer surface of the shaft.

[0061] Clause 5. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 1, wherein the static hemispherical concave bearing surface includes a plurality of static bearing pads, the plurality of static bearing pads being mounted in the bearing housing and disposed circumferentially outside the hemispherical convex surface.

[0062] Clause 6. A hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 5, wherein the bearing housing includes a first component extending circumferentially around the shaft and including a flange at a first axial end thereof, the bearing pad being mounted within a cavity defined by the first component, the flange providing an axial stop for the bearing pad.

[0063] Clause 7. A hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 6, wherein the bearing housing includes a cover member mounted on a second axial end of the first component, and the reservoir is defined by a portion of the cavity sealed by the cover member.

[0064] Clause 8. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 7, the hydrodynamic bearing assembly further comprising a spacer component between each of the bearing pads and the first component.

[0065] Clause 9. A hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 8, wherein the bearing pad is positioned between the cover member and the axial stop, the cover member being bolted to the first member.

[0066] Clause 10. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in Clause 9, wherein the bearing pad includes an inclined axial end face, and the cover member and the axial stop include inclined engagement surfaces that contact the inclined axial end face.

[0067] Clause 11. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly, comprising: Rotor; A main shaft, which is rotatably connected to the rotor; A bearing assembly supporting the spindle, the bearing assembly comprising: A hemispherical convex surface is disposed on the outer surface of the shaft, the hemispherical convex surface extends circumferentially around the shaft, and has a convex cross-sectional profile oriented along the longitudinal axis of the shaft; A bearing housing, the bearing housing being arranged circumferentially around the hemispherical convex surface, the bearing housing including a reservoir for bearing fluid in its bottom portion; and The static hemispherical concave bearing surface in the bearing housing, together with the hemispherical convex surface on the shaft, defines a bearing interface, wherein the fluid is layered in the bearing interface as the shaft rotates through the reservoir.

[0068] Clause 12. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in Clause 11, wherein the hemispherical convex surface disposed on the outer surface of the shaft is continuous around the shaft.

[0069] Clause 13. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in Clause 12, wherein the hemispherical convex surface includes an annular journal that mates with the outer surface of the shaft, the hemispherical surface being formed on the journal.

[0070] Clause 14. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in Clause 13, wherein the journal is a continuous component having a press-fit interference fit with the outer surface of the shaft.

[0071] Clause 15. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in Clause 11, wherein the static hemispherical concave bearing surface includes a plurality of static bearing pads, the plurality of static bearing pads being mounted in the bearing housing and disposed circumferentially outside the hemispherical convex surface.

[0072] Clause 16. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in Clause 15, wherein the bearing housing includes a first component extending circumferentially about the shaft and including a flange at a first axial end thereof, the bearing pad being mounted within a cavity defined by the first component, the flange providing an axial stop for the bearing pad.

[0073] Clause 17. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in Clause 16, wherein the bearing housing includes a cover member mounted on a second axial end of the first component, and the reservoir is defined by a portion of the cavity sealed by the cover member.

[0074] Clause 18. The wind turbine powertrain assembly as described in Clause 17, the wind turbine powertrain assembly further comprising a spacer component between each of the bearing pads and the first component.

[0075] Clause 19. A wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in Clause 18, wherein the bearing pad is positioned between the cover member and the axial stop, the cover member is bolted to the first member, the bearing pad includes an inclined axial end face, and the cover member and the axial stop include inclined engagement surfaces that contact the inclined axial end face.

[0076] Clause 20. A wind turbine comprising a power transmission system assembly as described in Clause 11.

[0077] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention (including the best mode) and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention (including making and using any device or system and performing any incorporated methods). The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art, and such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not significantly different from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A hydrodynamic bearing assembly for a power transmission system of a wind turbine, comprising: axis; A hemispherical convex surface is disposed on the outer surface of the shaft, the hemispherical convex surface extends circumferentially around the shaft, and has a convex cross-sectional profile oriented along the longitudinal axis of the shaft; A bearing housing arranged circumferentially around the hemispherical convex surface, the bearing housing including a reservoir for bearing fluid in its bottom portion; as well as The static hemispherical concave bearing surface in the bearing housing, together with the hemispherical convex surface on the shaft, defines a bearing interface, wherein the fluid layer is disposed within the bearing interface as the shaft rotates through the reservoir. The static hemispherical concave bearing surface includes a plurality of static bearing pads, which are mounted in the bearing housing between the cover component and the axial stop, and are circumferentially disposed on the outer side of the hemispherical convex surface; and The bearing pad includes an inclined axial end face, and the cover member and the axial stop member include inclined engagement surfaces that contact the inclined axial end face.

2. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The hemispherical convex surface on the outer surface of the shaft is assumed to be continuous around the shaft.

3. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in claim 2, wherein, The hemispherical convex surface includes an annular journal that fits onto the outer surface of the shaft, and the hemispherical convex surface is formed on the journal.

4. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in claim 3, wherein, The journal is a continuous component, and the continuous component has a press fit interference fit with the outer surface of the shaft.

5. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in claim 1, wherein, The bearing housing includes a first component that extends circumferentially around the shaft and includes a flange at its first axial end, the bearing pad being mounted within a cavity defined by the first component, the flange providing the axial stop for the bearing pad.

6. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in claim 5, wherein, The bearing housing includes a cover component mounted to a second axial end of the first component, and the reservoir is defined by a portion of the cavity sealed by the cover component.

7. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly of claim 6, further comprising a spacer component between each of the bearing pads and the first component.

8. The hydrodynamic bearing assembly as described in claim 7, wherein, The bearing pad is clamped at an appropriate position between the cover component and the axial stop, and the cover component is bolted to the first component.

9. A wind turbine power transmission system component, comprising: Rotor; A main shaft, which is rotatably connected to the rotor; A bearing assembly supporting the spindle, the bearing assembly comprising: A hemispherical convex surface is disposed on the outer surface of the shaft, the hemispherical convex surface extends circumferentially around the shaft, and has a convex cross-sectional profile oriented along the longitudinal axis of the shaft; A bearing housing, the bearing housing being arranged circumferentially around the hemispherical convex surface, the bearing housing including a reservoir for bearing fluid in its bottom portion; and The static hemispherical concave bearing surface in the bearing housing, together with the hemispherical convex surface on the shaft, defines a bearing interface, wherein the fluid layer is disposed within the bearing interface as the shaft rotates through the reservoir. The static hemispherical concave bearing surface includes a plurality of static bearing pads, which are mounted in the bearing housing and circumferentially disposed on the outer side of the hemispherical convex surface; and The bearing pad is positioned between the cover component and the axial stop of the bearing housing, the bearing pad includes an inclined axial end face, and the cover component and the axial stop include inclined engagement surfaces that contact the inclined axial end face.

10. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in claim 9, wherein, The hemispherical convex surface on the outer surface of the shaft is assumed to be continuous around the shaft.

11. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in claim 10, wherein, The hemispherical convex surface includes an annular journal that fits onto the outer surface of the shaft, and the hemispherical convex surface is formed on the journal.

12. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in claim 11, wherein, The journal is a continuous component, and the continuous component has a press fit interference fit with the outer surface of the shaft.

13. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in claim 9, wherein, The bearing housing includes a first component that extends circumferentially around the shaft and includes a flange at its first axial end, the bearing pad being mounted within a cavity defined by the first component, the flange providing the axial stop for the bearing pad.

14. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly as described in claim 13, wherein, The bearing housing includes a cover member mounted on a second axial end of the first component, and the reservoir is defined by a portion of the cavity sealed by the cover member.

15. The wind turbine power transmission system assembly of claim 14, further comprising a spacer component between each of the bearing pads and the first component.

16. A wind turbine comprising the power transmission system assembly as described in claim 9.

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