Method for replacing sliding bearing elements of a rotor bearing of a wind turbine and a nacelle for a wind turbine

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for replacing sliding bearing elements (14, 15) of a rotor mount (8) of a wind power installation (1), the rotor mount (8) comprising an inner ring element (12) and an outer ring element (13), the sliding bearing elements (14, 15) being arranged between the inner ring element and the outer ring element, the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) being rotatable relative to one another, the rotor hub (6) being fixed to the inner ring element (12) or the outer ring element (13), the sliding bearing elements (14, 15) comprising a plurality of individual sliding bearing pads (24), the individual sliding bearing pads each being detachably fixed to the inner ring element (12) or the outer ring element (13) of the rotor mount (8) by means of at least one fixing device (18). In the replacement of the sliding bearing elements (14, 15), the individual sliding bearing pads (24) are successively removed and replaced by new sliding bearing pads (24). During the replacement of the individual sliding bearing pads (24) of the sliding bearing elements (14, 15), the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) are not disassembled.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application based on Chinese patent application No. 201980075591.X (International Application No. PCT / AT2019 / 060421), filed on December 9, 2019, entitled "Method for Replacing Sliding Support Element of Rotor Support for Wind Turbine Equipment and Cabin for Wind Turbine Equipment". Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for replacing a sliding support element of a rotor support and a pod for a wind power device. Background Technology

[0003] As is known from existing technology, to replace the rotor support, the rotor must be removed from the pod housing. This is very costly and therefore time-consuming. Because no electricity can be generated during downtime, maintenance of wind power equipment should be carried out in the shortest possible time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The objective of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a method by which the replacement of rotor supports can be performed as simply as possible. Furthermore, a pod for wind power equipment in which the method can be implemented should be provided.

[0005] The task is solved by a device and a method according to the present invention.

[0006] According to the present invention, a method for replacing a sliding support element of a rotor bearing for a wind turbine is provided. The rotor bearing includes an inner ring element and an outer ring element, with the sliding support element disposed between the inner and outer ring elements. The inner and outer ring elements are rotatable relative to each other. A rotor hub is fixed to either the inner or outer ring element. Alternatively, the inner or outer ring element may be a part of the rotor hub or a housing. The sliding support element includes a plurality of individual sliding support pads, each of which is detachably fixed to either the inner or outer ring element of the rotor bearing by means of at least one fixing device. When replacing the sliding support element, each individual sliding support pad is removed sequentially and replaced with a new sliding support pad, without disassembling the inner and outer ring elements during the replacement of the individual sliding support pads.

[0007] The method according to the invention offers the advantage that the replacement of the sliding support elements and thus the maintenance of the wind turbine can be carried out as simply and quickly as possible. Consequently, the wind turbine can resume energy production after only a short maintenance period. In particular, the use of individual sliding support pads offers the advantage that these pads can be removed from the wind turbine individually and independently, allowing maintenance to be performed without disassembling the rotor or rotor hub.

[0008] Alternatively, it is suitable to replace all the individual sliding support pads during the replacement process, placing each sliding support pad to be replaced in its unloaded replacement position to facilitate the replacement. By placing the sliding support pad to be replaced in its replacement position, it can be removed from the wind turbine. For this purpose, the fixing devices, which secure the sliding support pads to the inner or outer ring elements, must be loosened. Here, the weight of the rotor hub, or rotor, can be distributed across the remaining sliding support pads retained in the rotor support.

[0009] Furthermore, it can be specified that not only the inner ring element but also the outer ring element is V-shaped, and a first sliding support element and a second sliding support element, each having multiple individual sliding support pads, are arranged axially between these two ring elements at a distance from each other. These two sliding support elements are arranged at an angle relative to each other when viewed in cross-section. Due to the overturning moment acting on the rotor hub, one of the two sliding support elements is not loaded at its uppermost position, and the second sliding support element is not loaded at its lowermost position, thereby allowing for the replacement of the sliding support pads. Especially in rotor bearings constructed in this way, the gravity acting on the rotor, or rather the rotor hub, can be utilized to easily replace each individual sliding support pad.

[0010] Furthermore, it can be specified that: the rotor hub is fixed to the inner ring element, and the sliding support pads of the sliding support elements are fixed to the inner ring element; the first sliding support element, farther from the rotor hub, is not loaded in its lowermost position, and the second sliding support element, closer to the rotor hub, is not loaded in its uppermost position; and the individual sliding support pads of the sliding support elements are placed in their replacement positions by rotating the rotor hub. In particular, in a rotor bearing constructed in this way, the replacement process of each individual sliding support pad can be easily achieved.

[0011] Alternatively, it can be specified that: the rotor hub is fixed to the outer ring element, and the sliding support pads of the sliding support elements are fixed to the outer ring element; the first sliding support element, farther from the rotor hub, is not loaded in its uppermost position, and the second sliding support element, closer to the rotor hub, is not loaded in its lowermost position; and the individual sliding support pads of the sliding support elements are placed in their replacement positions by rotating the rotor hub. In particular, in a rotor bearing constructed in this way, the replacement process of the individual sliding support pads can be easily achieved.

[0012] An advantageous approach is to stipulate that at least one of the sliding support pads is retained in the rotor support at each moment when the sliding support element is replaced. This allows for support of the rotor hub, or rotor, at every moment.

[0013] According to one possible improved version, the method includes the following steps: - Rotate the rotor hub relative to the pod housing until one of the sliding support pads reaches the sliding support pad replacement position, where the sliding support pad is not loaded; - Remove the sliding support pad that is in the replacement position of the sliding support pad, and replace the removed sliding support pad with a new sliding support pad; - Rotate the rotor hub relative to the pod housing until another sliding support pad in the sliding support pad reaches the sliding support pad replacement position; - Remove the sliding support pad that is in the replacement position of the sliding support pad, and replace the removed sliding support pad with a new sliding support pad; - Implement the above steps until all old sliding support pads are replaced with new ones. In particular, the sequence of these steps makes the replacement of the sliding support pads as simple as possible.

[0014] Alternatively, it is suitable to use a receiving device to receive the rotor hub and to apply a force to the rotor hub such that the load is relieved from the sliding support pads to be replaced. The receiving device can accommodate the weight of the rotor, particularly the rotor hub and rotor blades, thereby simplifying the replacement of the sliding support pads. In particular, it is possible to actively influence the position of the sliding support pad replacement.

[0015] Furthermore, it can be specified that the sliding support pad moves in a replacement direction parallel to the sliding surface of the sliding support pad during replacement. Specifically, it can be specified that the sliding support pad is pulled out from its operating position parallel to its sliding surface. This results in the advantage that the two ring elements do not need to be far apart to disassemble the sliding support pad, and the sliding support pad can be easily pulled out from its position between the two ring elements. In a V-shaped ring element, the sliding support pad can be pulled out from its operating position diagonally. In a sliding support element configured as an axial bearing, the sliding support pad can be pulled out from its operating position radially. In a sliding support pad configured as a purely radial bearing, the sliding support pad can be pulled out from its operating position axially.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be specified that the lubricating oil in the lubricating oil pan be drained before removing the sliding support pad. This ensures accessibility of the sliding support pad throughout its entire perimeter.

[0017] According to the present invention, a pod for wind power equipment is specified. The pod includes: - pod shell; - Rotor hub; A rotor support for supporting the rotor hub on the pod housing, the rotor support having at least one inner ring element and at least one outer ring element, with at least one sliding support element constructed between the inner and outer ring elements. The sliding support element comprises a plurality of individual sliding support pads distributed peripherally. Each sliding support pad is mounted on a ring element rotatably configured relative to the pod housing by means of at least one fixing device. Replacement of the sliding support according to the invention can be achieved in this configuration.

[0018] One possible approach is to provide a sliding support pad replacement opening within the pod housing, through which the sliding support pad can be guided. This offers the advantage of allowing for simple replacement of individual sliding support pads.

[0019] Furthermore, it can be specified that each individual sliding support pad is constructed with internal threads, which engage with fixing devices, particularly screws.

[0020] Alternatively, it can be specified that each individual sliding support pad contains a fixing insert, particularly a threaded insert, which engages with a fixing device, particularly a screw.

[0021] In particular, it can be specified that: internal threads or fixed inserts are constructed or accommodated in blind holes.

[0022] During the replacement of the individual sliding support pads of the sliding support elements, the inner and outer ring elements are not disassembled. Specifically, this means that the two ring elements are no more than 300 mm away from each other from their working positions, particularly no more than 100 mm, and preferably no more than 5 mm. However, it can be specified that the inner or outer ring element is rotated and / or slightly lifted or tilted to receive the support load of the respective sliding support pads to be replaced. In other words, it can be specified that the rotor hub is not removed from the pod housing during the replacement process.

[0023] In the context of this document, the pod includes not only the pod shell but also the rotor hub and the rotor support used to support the rotor hub.

[0024] The internal or external ring elements can be constructed as independent components, which can be coupled to the rotor hub or rotor shaft, or to the pod housing. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the internal ring elements are constructed as an integrated component of the rotor hub or rotor shaft. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the external ring elements are constructed as an integrated component of the rotor hub or rotor shaft. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the internal ring elements are constructed as an integrated component of the pod housing. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the external ring elements are constructed as an integrated component of the pod housing. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To better understand this invention, the following drawings will be used to explain it in detail.

[0026] In the heavily simplified diagrams: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the wind power equipment is shown; Figure 2 A striking schematic diagram showing the cross-section of the pod; Figure 3 Showing according to Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of section line III–III; Figure 4 Show Figure 2 Detailed view of x. Detailed Implementation

[0027] First, it should be noted that in different described embodiments, the same components are given the same reference numerals or the same component names. The disclosure contained throughout this specification can be applied semantically to the same components having the same reference numerals or the same component names. The location descriptions selected in the specification, such as upper, lower, lateral, etc., also refer to the directly described and illustrated figures, and these location descriptions are semantically applied to the new location when the location changes.

[0028] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a wind power device 1 for generating electricity from wind energy is shown. The wind power device 1 includes a pod 2, which is rotatably housed on a tower 3. The pod 2 includes a pod housing 4 that forms the main structure of the pod 2. Electrical components, such as the generator of the wind power device 1, are disposed within the pod housing 4 of the pod 2.

[0029] In addition, a rotor 5 is constructed, which has a rotor hub 6 together with rotor blades 7 disposed thereon. The rotor hub 6 is considered part of the pod 2. The rotor hub 6 is rotatably housed on the pod shell 4 by means of a rotor support 8.

[0030] The rotor support 8, which supports the rotor hub 6 on the pod housing 4 of the pod 2, is configured to receive radial force 9, axial force 10, and overturning moment 11. Axial force 10 is determined by wind force. Radial force 9 is determined by the weight of the rotor 5 and acts on the center of gravity of the rotor 5. Because the center of gravity of the rotor 5 is outside the rotor support 8, the overturning moment 11 is generated in the rotor support 8 through the radial force 9. The overturning moment 11 can also be generated by the uneven load on the rotor blades 7.

[0031] The rotor support 8 according to the present invention can, for example, have a diameter between 0.5 m and 5 m. Of course, it is also conceivable that the rotor support 8 is smaller or larger.

[0032] exist Figure 2 In the schematic sectional view, the pod housing 4 and rotor hub 6 are shown, the construction being strongly illustrated, particularly in terms of their dimensional determination. (As shown from...) Figure 2 As can be seen, it can be specified that the rotor support 8 has at least one inner ring element 12 and at least one outer ring element 13. At least one sliding support element 14, 15 is provided between the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13. In particular, it can be specified that a first sliding support element 14 and a second sliding support element 15 are provided between the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13.

[0033] As from Figure 2 As can be seen, it can be specified that the internal ring element 12 is coupled to the rotor hub 6. In particular, it can be specified that a rotor shaft 16 is constructed, on which the rotor hub 6 is disposed. The internal ring element 12 can be directly accommodated on the rotor shaft 16.

[0034] In another embodiment, not shown, it may of course be specified that the internal ring element 12 is directly housed on the rotor hub 6.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, not shown, it may also be specified that the internal ring element 12 is fixed to the pod housing 4, and the rotor hub 6 is coupled to the external ring element 13.

[0036] As from Figure 2 As can be seen, it can be specified that not only the inner ring element 12 but also the outer ring element 13 are constructed in a V-shape, and two sliding support elements 14 and 15 are constructed axially and spaced apart from each other on the sides of the V-shape between the two ring elements 12 and 13, respectively.

[0037] Specifically, it can be specified that the two sliding support elements 14 and 15 are arranged at an angle of 17° relative to each other. For example, from... Figure 2 As can be seen, in one embodiment, the sliding support element 14 can be fixed to the inner ring element 12 by means of a fixing device 18. Therefore, a sliding surface 19 can be constructed between the sliding support elements 14, 15 and the outer ring element 13. In the arrangement of the sliding support elements 14, 15, as in... Figure 2 As shown, the sliding surface 19 can also be set in a V-shape.

[0038] In a variant embodiment not shown, it may also be specified that the sliding support elements 14 and 15 are configured as radial and / or axial bearings between the two ring elements 12 and 13.

[0039] As from Figure 2 As can also be seen, it can be specified that the internal ring elements 12 are implemented separately with respect to their axial extension dimensions to facilitate the assembly of the rotor support 8.

[0040] In an embodiment not shown, it is of course conceivable that the internal ring element 12 is not as shown in Figure 2 Instead of forming a groove as shown in the embodiment, a V-shaped arrangement is constructed, resulting in a V-shaped protrusion on the inner ring element 12. In this case, for easier assembly, the outer ring element 13 is implemented separately along its axial extension dimension.

[0041] As from Figure 2 As can also be seen, it can be specified that a lubricating oil sump 20 is constructed to receive lubricating oil 21. In operation, the lubricating oil sump 20 can be filled with lubricating oil 21 up to the lubricating oil level 22. The lubricating oil level 22 is selected here such that the sliding surface 19 is at least partially below the lubricating oil level 22 and thus immersed in the lubricating oil 21 in the lubricating oil sump 20.

[0042] In order to replace the sliding support elements 14 and 15, it can be specified that the lubricating oil 21 in the lubricating oil pan 20 is drained.

[0043] In particular, it can be specified that the sliding support elements 14 and 15 are arranged around the rotor shaft 23.

[0044] Figure 3Showing according to Figure 3 Sectional view of section line III–III.

[0045] As from Figure 3 As can be seen, it is specified that the sliding support elements 14 and 15 have a plurality of sliding support pads 24, which are distributed around their periphery. Each sliding support pad 24 can be coupled to or fixed to the inner ring element 12 by means of a fixing device 18. In particular, it can be specified that each sliding support pad 24 can be detached from the inner ring element 12 independently of each other by means of the fixing device 18. Thus, each sliding support pad 24 can be removed or replaced individually and independently of each other from its operating position.

[0046] As from Figure 2 As can also be seen, it can be specified that a sliding support pad replacement opening 25 is constructed in the pod housing 4, through which each sliding support pad 24 can be removed from the pod housing 4 without having to disassemble the pod housing 4. Of course, it can also be specified that multiple sliding support pad replacement openings 25 are provided in the pod housing 4.

[0047] In another embodiment, it can also be specified that the sliding support pad replacement opening 25 is also located in the rotor hub 6.

[0048] The sliding support pad replacement opening 25 can be closed by a cover 26, which can be removed from the pod housing 4 for replacing each sliding support pad 24.

[0049] As from Figure 2 As can also be seen, it can be specified that one of the sliding support pad replacement openings 25 is located in the region of the uppermost position 27 of the second sliding support element 15, and the other sliding support pad replacement opening 25 is located in the region of the lowermost position 28 of the first sliding support element 14. Therefore, it can be specified that each sliding support pad 24 of the second sliding support element 15 is replaced at the uppermost position 27 of the second sliding support element 15. Furthermore, it can be specified that the sliding support pad 24 of the first sliding support element 14 is replaced at the lowermost position 28 of the first sliding support element 14.

[0050] Furthermore, it can be specified that a receiving device 29 is constructed, by means of which the rotor hub 6 can be fixed to the pod housing 4 so that the individual sliding support elements 14, 15 can be unloaded in order to replace the sliding support pad 24.

[0051] Figure 4 Show Figure 2 The detailed view of x in the middle.

[0052] In general Figures 2 to 4 The replacement process for each sliding support pad 24 is described in the following case.

[0053] In the first method step, it can be specified that, if necessary, the lubricating oil 21 in the lubricating oil pan 20 is drained from the lubricating oil pan. Then, the cover 26 can be removed from the pod housing 4 to release the sliding support pad replacement opening 25. This allows each sliding support pad 24 to be removed from the inside of the pod housing 4 through the sliding support pad replacement opening 25 and to be replaced by a new sliding support pad 24.

[0054] In another method step, it can be specified that the rotor 6 rotates relative to the pod housing 4 such that the first sliding support pad of the sliding support pad 24 to be replaced in the second sliding support element 15 is in the uppermost position 27. Due to the overturning moment 11 acting on the rotor hub 6, the sliding support pad 24 in the uppermost position 27 of the second sliding support element 15 is not loaded and therefore not clamped between the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13. Specifically, it can be specified that the sliding surface 19 of the sliding support pad 24 in the uppermost position 27 of the second sliding support element 15 does not contact the outer ring element 13.

[0055] In another step, the fastener 18 securing the sliding support pad 24 to the inner ring element 12 can be loosened, so that the sliding support pad 24 is loosely accommodated between the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13, and in a subsequent step, the sliding support pad can be pulled out of its position in the replacement direction 30. Here, the sliding support pad 24 can be removed from the interior of the pod housing 4 through the sliding support pad replacement opening 25 and then correspondingly cleaned or reworked.

[0056] In the subsequent steps, a new, unworn sliding support pad 24 can be inserted into the position of the removed sliding support pad 24 and then secured to the inner ring element 12 by means of a fixing device 18. Next, the rotor 6 can rotate together with the inner ring element 12 about the rotor shaft 23, so that another sliding support pad in the sliding support pad 24 of the second sliding support element 15 reaches the uppermost position 27.

[0057] Next, the sliding support pad 24 can be replaced with a new sliding support pad 24, similar to the method described above.

[0058] Next, the rotor 6 can be rotated to replace another sliding support pad 24. These steps can be repeated until all sliding support pads 24 of the second sliding support element 15 have been replaced.

[0059] Similarly, each sliding support pad 24 of the first sliding support element 14 can be replaced in its lowest position 28.

[0060] To replace the individual sliding support pads 24, it can be specified that: in the first method example, all sliding support pads 24 of the first sliding support element 14 are replaced, and then all sliding support pads 24 of the second sliding support element 15 are replaced. It is also conceivable that: in the first method step, all sliding support pads 24 of the second sliding support element 15 are replaced, and then all sliding support pads 24 of the first sliding support element 14 are replaced. In yet another method example, it is also possible to: alternately replace the sliding support pads 24 of the first sliding support element 14 and the sliding support pads 24 of the second sliding support element 15, so as to minimize the rotation of the rotor hub 6 necessary for the replacement process.

[0061] The replacement of each sliding support pad 24 can be carried out with the aid of the receiving device 29.

[0062] As from Figure 4 As can also be seen, it can be specified that each sliding support pad 24 accommodates a fixed insert 31, particularly a threaded insert.

[0063] In different configurations of rotor support 8 or pod 2, it is also conceivable that each sliding support pad 24 can be replaced by different methods or in different sequences.

[0064] The various embodiments illustrate possible implementations. It should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown. Rather, different combinations of the various embodiments are possible, and such variations are based on the teachings of the specific invention and are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0065] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings are considered for the purpose of interpreting the claims. Individual features or combinations of features in the different embodiments shown and described can be solutions to the invention independently. The task based on a solution to the invention independently can be derived from the description.

[0066] The full description of the numerical range in the specific specification should be understood such that the numerical range together includes any and all the sub-ranges that arise therefrom. For example, the description of 1 to 10 should be understood as including all sub-ranges starting from the lower limit of 1 and the upper limit of 10, that is, all sub-ranges that start with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, such as 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0067] The regulations stipulate that, in order to better understand the construction, the components are shown partially out of proportion and / or enlarged and / or reduced.

[0068] List of reference numerals

[0069] 1. Wind power equipment

[0070] 2 pods

[0071] 3 Towers

[0072] 4. Pod hull

[0073] 5 rotors

[0074] 6 Rotor hub

[0075] 7 Rotor blades

[0076] 8 Rotor support

[0077] 9 Radial force

[0078] 10 Axial force

[0079] 11. Overturning moment

[0080] 12 Internal ring element

[0081] 13 External ring elements

[0082] 14 First sliding support element

[0083] 15 Second sliding support element

[0084] 16 Rotor shafts

[0085] 17 angles

[0086] 18 Fixtures

[0087] 19 Sliding Surface

[0088] 20 Lubricating oil pan

[0089] 21 Lubricating oil

[0090] 22 Lubricating oil level

[0091] 23 Rotor shaft

[0092] 24 Sliding support pad

[0093] 25. Sliding support pad replacement opening

[0094] 26 covers

[0095] 27. The top position

[0096] 28. The bottom position

[0097] 29. Containing device

[0098] 30 Change direction

[0099] 31. Fixed insert.

Claims

1. A method for replacing sliding support elements (14, 15) of a rotor support (8) of a wind turbine (1), the rotor support (8) comprising an inner ring element (12) and an outer ring element (13), the sliding support elements (14, 15) being disposed between the inner ring element and the outer ring element, the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) being rotatable relative to each other, a rotor hub (6) being fixed to the inner ring element (12) or the outer ring element (13), the sliding support elements (14, 15) comprising a plurality of individual sliding support pads (24), the sliding support pads being detachably fixed to the inner ring element (12) or the outer ring element (13) of the rotor support (8) by means of at least one fixing device (18), characterized in that, When replacing the sliding support elements (14, 15), each individual sliding support pad (24) is removed sequentially and replaced with a new sliding support pad (24). During the replacement of each individual sliding support pad (24) of the sliding support elements (14, 15), the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) are not disassembled. During the replacement process, all sliding support pads in each individual sliding support pad (24) are replaced. In order to replace each individual sliding support pad (24), the sliding support pad (24) to be replaced is placed in the sliding support pad replacement position where the sliding support pad is not loaded, and not only the inner ring element (12) but also the outer ring element (13) are V-shaped. The inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) are provided axially at a distance from each other, with a first sliding support element (14) and a second sliding support element (15) each having a plurality of individual sliding support pads (24). The two sliding support elements (14, 15) are arranged at an angle (17) to each other when viewed in cross section. Due to the overturning moment (11) acting on the rotor hub (6), one of the two sliding support elements (14, 15) is not loaded at its uppermost position (27) and the second of the two sliding support elements (14, 15) is not loaded at its lowermost position (28), thereby causing the sliding support pads to change position.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotor hub (6) is fixed to the inner ring element (12), and the sliding support pads (24) of the sliding support elements (14, 15) are fixed to the inner ring element (12). The first sliding support element (14) which is farther away from the rotor hub (6) is not loaded at its lowermost position (28), and the second sliding support element (15) which is closer to the rotor hub (6) is not loaded at its uppermost position (27). By rotating the rotor hub (6), each individual sliding support pad (24) of the sliding support elements (14, 15) is placed in the sliding support pad replacement position.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At each moment when the sliding support element (14) is replaced, at least one of the sliding support pads (24) is retained in the rotor support (8).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: - Rotate the rotor hub (6) relative to the pod housing (4) of the pod (2) until one of the sliding support pads (24) reaches the sliding support pad replacement position, where the sliding support pad is not loaded; - Remove the sliding support pad (24) that is in the replacement position of the sliding support pad, and replace the removed sliding support pad (24) with a new sliding support pad (24). - Rotate the rotor hub (6) relative to the pod housing (4) of the pod (2) until another sliding support pad in the sliding support pad (24) reaches the sliding support pad replacement position; - Remove the sliding support pad (24) that is in the replacement position of the sliding support pad, and replace the removed sliding support pad (24) with a new sliding support pad (24). - Implement the above method steps until all old sliding support pads (24) are replaced by new sliding support pads (24).

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The rotor hub (6) is received by means of the receiving device (29), and by means of the receiving device (29), force is applied to the rotor hub (6) so that the load is removed from the sliding support pad (24) to be replaced.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sliding support pad (24) is moved in a replacement direction (30) parallel to the sliding surface (19) of the sliding support pad during replacement.

7. A pod (2) for a wind power device (1), the pod (2) comprising: -Pod shell (4); - Rotor hub (6); - Rotor support (8), the rotor support is used to support the rotor hub (6) on the pod housing (4), the rotor support (8) has at least one inner ring element (12) and at least one outer ring element (13), and at least one sliding support element (14, 15) is constructed between the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13). The sliding support elements (14, 15) are characterized in that they comprise a plurality of individual sliding support pads (24) distributed around the periphery, and each sliding support pad (24) is mounted on a ring element (12, 13) rotatably constructed relative to the pod housing (4) by means of at least one fixing device (18). The pod (2) is configured such that, during the replacement process, all the individual sliding support pads (24) are replaced. To replace each individual sliding support pad (24), the sliding support pad (24) to be replaced is placed in a sliding support pad replacement position where the sliding support pad is not loaded, and both the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) are V-shaped. The structure includes a first sliding support element (14) and a second sliding support element (15) having multiple individual sliding support pads (24) arranged axially between the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13). These two sliding support elements (14, 15) are arranged at an angle (17) to each other when viewed in cross-section. Due to the overturning moment (11) acting on the rotor hub (6), one of the two sliding support elements (14, 15) is not loaded at its uppermost position (27) and the second of the two sliding support elements (14, 15) is not loaded at its lowermost position (28), thereby causing the sliding support pads to change positions.

8. The pod (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, A sliding support pad replacement opening (25) is provided in the pod housing (4), and the sliding support pad (24) can be guided through the sliding support pad replacement opening.

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