Hub hydraulic assembly for wind turbine rotor

Abstract

A hub hydraulic assembly for a wind turbine rotor is provided that includes a plurality of support structures distributed circumferentially about an axis of rotation of a hub. A first support structure is provided in a circumferentially distributed first corner portion and a second support structure is provided in a circumferentially distributed second, different corner portion. The first support structure includes at least a first support boom having a free end and a mounting end configured to be mounted to the hub, with at least one hydraulic component of the hub hydraulic assembly mounted to the first support boom. The second support structure includes at least a second support boom having a free end and a mounting end configured to be mounted to the hub, with at least one hydraulic component of the hub hydraulic assembly mounted to the second support boom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a hub hydraulic assembly for a wind turbine rotor, a corresponding wind turbine rotor hub and a method of assembling a hub hydraulic assembly. Background Art

[0002] Wind turbines often comprise a pitch drive to control the angle of the rotor blades of the wind turbine rotor. Thus, the amount of kinetic energy absorbed from the wind can be adjusted, for example to operate the wind turbine rotor with maximum aerodynamic efficiency, or to pitch the rotor blades to avoid damage in high wind conditions. Some pitch drives are hydraulically operated, and the corresponding hydraulic system may comprise a plurality of accumulators mounted in the hub of the wind turbine. A hydraulic fluid, such as an oil or a water-based fluid, may be stored under pressure in the accumulators and may be released in a controlled manner to operate a hydraulic piston which rotates the corresponding rotor blade about its longitudinal axis.

[0003] Such a hub hydraulic assembly (HHA) needs to be securely mounted in the hub, since the hub rotates during operation of the wind turbine. For example, a mounting structure may be provided, which supports the accumulator as well as other components of the hydraulic system and is securely mounted to the wall of the hub. Although safe and reliable operation of the hydraulic pitch drive can be achieved thereby, the supporting structure of the hydraulic assembly is susceptible to wear. Due to the rotation of the hub, gravity acts on the HHA cyclically and thus results in different cyclic loads on different parts of the HHA. In addition, during operation, aerodynamic forces act on the blades, which are transferred to the hub structure. Parts of the hub may deform accordingly and may cause the HAA to experience corresponding fatigue wear. As a result, parts of the structure may be subject to repeated and continuous wear and deformation and may therefore suffer fatigue damage or even breakage.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to improve resistance to such damage and to provide a reliable and safe way to mount the HHA structure in the hub, thereby reducing the risk of such damage. It is particularly desirable to avoid fatigue damage to the brackets and connections by which the HHA structure is mounted to the hub.

[0005] The document EP 3765738 B1 describes the replacement of accumulators in an exemplary HHA structure. However, this document does not address the problems associated with fatigue damage of HHA structural components. Summary of the invention

[0006] There is therefore a need to alleviate at least some of the above disadvantages and to provide an improved hub hydraulic assembly for a wind turbine rotor. It is particularly desirable to reduce the risk of fatigue damage.

[0007] This need is met by the features of the independent claim. The dependent claims describe embodiments of the invention.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hub hydraulic assembly for a wind turbine rotor is provided. The hub hydraulic assembly (also referred to herein as HHA or assembly) includes a plurality of support structures distributed circumferentially around the axis of rotation of the hub. In a first angular portion of the circumferential distribution, a first support structure is provided, and in a second different angular portion of the circumferential distribution, a second support structure is provided. The first support structure includes at least a first support cantilever having a mounting end and a free end, the mounting end being configured to be mounted to the hub, wherein at least one hydraulic component of the HHA is mounted to the first support cantilever. The second support structure includes at least a second support cantilever having a mounting end and a free end, the mounting end being configured to be mounted to the hub, wherein at least one hydraulic component of the HHA is mounted to the second support cantilever.

[0009] By using such an arrangement with different, separate supporting cantilevers for mounting the hydraulic components, fatigue wear on the support structure of the HHA can be significantly reduced. Since the cantilevers have free ends, any deformation of the hub is not transmitted to the mounting end where the cantilever is mounted to the hub. Therefore, repeated loads acting on such mounting positions in conventional systems due to varying wind forces acting on the blades and the resulting cyclic deformation of the hub can be avoided. In addition, the strains caused by cyclic forces acting on the mounting positions due to cyclic gravity loads can also be reduced compared to conventional systems using brackets that span the hub and connect different walls or positions of the entire hub. Conventional mounting structures for such components may be particularly affected by two load paths, one due to deformation of the hub (deformation load path) and the other due to gravity. Both combine to form significant displacements at different mounting positions, which may be relatively large even for adjacent mounting positions. These differences must be accommodated and compensated by the mounting structure and lead to significant fatigue loads, as they occur periodically and continuously during the life of the wind turbine. Using separate supporting cantilevers at separate corner sections can significantly reduce such fatigue wear.

[0010] The general idea is that in order to improve robustness against fatigue wear, it is necessary to increase the strength of the mounting structure and increase the rigidity of the hub to prevent deformation. Contrary to this general belief, it has been found that by decoupling the mounting structure from the hub and using a cantilever with a free end to mount the hydraulic components, fatigue loads can be significantly reduced. Therefore, the present invention takes the opposite approach and reduces the rigidity and strength of the mounting structure to reduce fatigue wear and the risk of damage.

[0011] The described configuration relates to the fully assembled state of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly. Thus, there may be at least two supporting cantilevers with two respective free ends. The free ends of the supporting cantilevers may in particular be free to deflect in two perpendicular transverse directions perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the cantilevers. The term "cantilever" may in particular imply the presence of such a free end which is not rigidly connected to the free end of another supporting cantilever and which is not directly or indirectly connected to the wheel hub; otherwise, such a structure would not qualify as a cantilever.

[0012] In an embodiment, the HHA comprises a third support structure arranged in a third different angular portion distributed circumferentially, wherein the third support structure comprises at least a third support cantilever having a free end and a mounting end mounted to the hub, wherein at least one hydraulic component of the HHA is mounted to the third support cantilever. This can allow the distribution of the hydraulic components to further support the cantilever, thereby further reducing fatigue wear.

[0013] The first, second and third angular portions may have equal size and may together form a complete circle. For example, each angular portion may span 120°. Thus, a three-fold symmetry may be achieved, which may correspond to the three-fold symmetry of three rotor blades of a wind turbine rotor. Such a distribution may further ensure that the mass of the HHA is symmetrically distributed around the axis of rotation, thereby avoiding rotational imbalance of the hub.

[0014] For example, the mounting positions of the first, second and third supporting arms may be spaced 120° apart around the rotation axis. Thus, a balanced distribution of the first, second and third supporting arms may be achieved.

[0015] Each support structure may be associated with a rotor blade of the wind turbine. For example, each support structure may support hydraulic components of the HHA to operate a hydraulic pitch drive of the respective rotor blade. Since the hydraulic components of each rotor blade may thus be combined together, the complexity of the HHA may be reduced.

[0016] In an embodiment, at least one, preferably each, support structure comprises at least or exactly two separate support cantilevers. Each support cantilever may have a free end and a mounting end configured to be mounted to the hub. By distributing the hydraulic components of one rotor blade over at least two support cantilevers, the mounting area of ​​each support cantilever may be further reduced, thereby reducing fatigue loads on the mounting seat, in particular fatigue loads due to deformation of the hub. It should be clear that this is only an example and that in other embodiments, 1, 3, 4 or a different number of support cantilevers may be provided.

[0017] In an embodiment, at least one supporting structure or at least one supporting cantilever of each supporting structure supports at least two, three, four, five or six accumulators of the HHA. Thus, a relatively large number of accumulators can be supported by a single mounting point on the hub, which may result in a compact configuration and reduced space requirements. The accumulators may be mounted to the supporting cantilever and may extend in a longitudinal direction that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the respective supporting cantilever. Substantially parallel may mean parallel or deviating from parallel by less than 10°, 5° or 2°. For example, the accumulators may be distributed circumferentially around the supporting cantilever, or they may be arranged in one row or in two parallel rows on the supporting cantilever. Any other distribution of the accumulators on the supporting cantilever may also be used.

[0018] At least one of the support structures or at least one support cantilever of each support structure can support at least one hydraulic manifold of the hub hydraulic assembly. Such a hydraulic manifold can, for example, distribute the hydraulic fluid to an accumulator, or collect the hydraulic fluid from the accumulator, and can also provide hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic pitch drive of the corresponding rotor blade in a controllable manner. Preferably, each corner portion includes at least one support cantilever to which the hydraulic manifold is mounted. As an example, the hydraulic manifold may include one or more of a distribution manifold, a distribution valve, a control valve, etc. Each hydraulic manifold may also be hydraulically connected to a rotary connector, for example by a flexible pipeline (directly or indirectly), which provides a hydraulic connection from the hub to the nacelle of the wind turbine. In other embodiments, the hydraulic system may be completely contained within the hub.

[0019] In an embodiment, at least one of the support structures or at least one supporting cantilever of each support structure supports at least one grease pump of the HHA. For example, each corner section may comprise at least one supporting cantilever on which such a grease pump is mounted. The grease pump may be configured to lubricate a pitch bearing of a rotor blade associated with the respective support structure. The grease pump may be hydraulically operated.

[0020] Each support structure may, for example, comprise a support arm with fewer accumulators, for example (exactly) one, two, three, four or five, and also have a grease pump and / or a hydraulic manifold mounted thereon. Additionally or alternatively, each support structure may comprise a support arm with only accumulators mounted thereon, for example 2 to 10 accumulators, for example 4 to 8 accumulators. Each support structure may comprise the same number of support arms, to which the corresponding hydraulic components are mounted. Thus, a rotational symmetry may be achieved, which balances the masses around the axis of rotation. Of course, other support arms comprising other hydraulic components, or a different distribution of the hydraulic components may be provided for each support structure.

[0021] Preferably, each cantilever has a single leg configured to be mounted to the hub at a single mounting location, for example using a single flange. If two mounting points were provided, hub deformation due to hub loads might again result in corresponding differences at the mounting point that need to be compensated, resulting in additional fatigue loads. Therefore, a single mounting point, which may be provided by a single flange, is preferred.

[0022] In an embodiment, at least the first and second support cantilever, preferably each support cantilever, is configured to be mounted to the wheel hub at their respective mounting ends by a full torque connection. The mounting end may for example comprise a flange, and the flange may be mounted to the wheel hub using screws, bolts or the like. Thus, such a flange connection may withstand the full torque of the cantilever. Such a flange may in particular be mounted directly to the wheel hub, i.e. to a wheel hub wall that is integral with the wheel hub.

[0023] In an embodiment, at least the first and second support cantilever (preferably, each support cantilever) is configured to be mounted to the inner side of the wall of the hub body of the hub, such as a spinner flange mounted on the hub. In other embodiments, it can be mounted on the outer side of the wall. Since such a spinner flange is usually made to carry loads, and since it usually extends symmetrically around the axis of rotation of the hub, and since it may also include a mounting portion, which may include, for example, through holes, bolts, etc., the complexity of the HHA can be reduced and the support structure can be mounted to the hub. In addition, a rotationally symmetrical installation around the axis of rotation can be ensured in a simple and effective manner. The installation can occur so that the opening in the spinner flange of the hub is not covered by the support structure. This installation can facilitate access to a spinner mounted to the spinner flange or the outside of the hub. For example, the spinner can be an aerodynamic cover arranged on the side of the hub, which faces the wind during operation.

[0024] In other embodiments, at least the first and second support arms (preferably each support arm) are configured to be mounted to another portion of the hub (other than the fairing flange), such as one or more inner and / or outer walls of the hub that may be located anywhere on the hub. For example, the arms may be mounted on a side of the hub opposite the windward side of the hub. In some embodiments, the hub may not have a fairing flange, and a fairing may not be provided.

[0025] In an embodiment, at least the first and second support cantilevers each include (or consist of) a single integral beam or plate including a mounting end. The beam or plate may extend in a longitudinal direction away from the mounting end, respectively. The use of such a single integral beam or plate may facilitate the manufacture of the support cantilever and may further provide a strong structure that is resistant to fatigue wear. The beam or plate may be a cantilever beam or a cantilever plate, respectively, that provides the corresponding cantilever function, for example, it may have a free end that allows free deflection.

[0026] For example, the beam may be a column; it may have a cylindrical or conical shape. The shape may in particular taper from the mounting end towards the other end of the beam, which may be the free end of the cantilever, or another component forming the free end of the cantilever may be mounted to said other end. In particular, the free end of at least one supporting cantilever may be provided by the free end of the beam or plate of the respective supporting cantilever. For at least one supporting cantilever, a plate or another component may be mounted to the other end of the beam or plate.

[0027] The support cantilever may include a mounting seat configured to support at least two, three, four or more hydraulic components of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly, in particular a corresponding number of accumulators. Such a mounting seat may be formed integrally with the beam or plate. Thus, the complexity of the mounting structure may be further reduced and the installation of the hydraulic components may be facilitated.

[0028] For example, the mount may include at least two mounting brackets spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the respective support cantilever (particularly the respective beam), wherein each mounting bracket may have two, three, four or more recesses configured to receive a corresponding number of accumulators of the HHA. These may be mounted directly to the at least two mounting brackets, or another bracket portion (clamping portion) may be mounted to the at least two mounting brackets to securely fix the accumulators.

[0029] In an embodiment, at least one of the support structures or each support structure comprises a platform configured to carry a person. The platform is mounted to a supporting cantilever of the support structure at a side of the supporting cantilever facing the axis of rotation. Each supporting cantilever of the respective support structure may be provided with a respective platform. Thus, access to and maintenance of the hub may be facilitated. In particular, since the orientation of the hub changes due to the rotation, it is beneficial to provide a respective platform on each support structure. The provision of a platform on a supporting cantilever may mean that the platform is not mechanically connected to any adjacent platform of other supporting cantilevers, since otherwise the supporting cantilever may no longer be a cantilever since it may have lost its free end.

[0030] For example, the platform may be mounted to a beam or plate of a respective support boom. For example, it may be mounted to a mounting of a respective support boom, such as to at least two mounting brackets. The brackets may, for example, have opposing first and second sides to which hydraulic components are mounted, and may have lateral sides to which the platform may be mounted, such as by screwing to respective mounting brackets on these sides.

[0031] In an embodiment, at least one of the support arms comprises a central structure providing a free end of the respective support arm, wherein the central structure extends substantially perpendicularly to the axis of rotation between the plurality of support structures. The central structure may comprise a support platform for supporting a person, and / or the central structure may comprise a central manifold connected to two or more hydraulic manifolds by flexible hoses, the hydraulic manifolds being mounted to respective two or more of the plurality of support structures, for example to the respective support arms. By means of such a central support structure, in particular a support platform, maintenance personnel may be supported in the hub even if the hub is in different orientations, for example during installation or assembly. Furthermore, by providing such a central platform as a free end of the respective support arm, forces that may be caused by deformation of the hub during operation are not transmitted to the central structure. Instead, the central structure is allowed to swing freely, since it provides a free end of the respective support arm. Furthermore, by providing a central manifold on such a central structure, it may be facilitated to provide a hydraulic connection to a separate manifold of a support structure associated with each blade. In particular, a connection to at least one hydraulic manifold of each support structure may be provided. This configuration may particularly mean that the central structure is not mechanically rigidly mounted to the other support arms.

[0032] It should be clear that the free ends of the support arms are not fixed and rigidly mounted to each other, nor to any wall of the hub. Therefore, lateral movement of the free ends of the support arms is not restricted. It should also be clear that there can be flexible hydraulic connections between the hydraulic components of the HHA, such as by hoses, which again will not restrict the movement of the free ends of the support arms.

[0033] According to another embodiment of the invention, a wind turbine rotor hub is provided, comprising a hub hydraulic assembly having any configuration described herein. According to another embodiment, a wind turbine comprising such a wind turbine rotor hub is provided. With such a wind turbine rotor hub or a wind turbine, advantages similar to those outlined further above may be achieved.

[0034] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for assembling an HHA of a wind turbine rotor is provided. In the method, a plurality of support structures are distributed circumferentially around the rotation axis of the hub, wherein in a first angular portion of the circumferential distribution, a first support structure is provided, and wherein in a second different angular portion of the circumferential distribution, a second support structure is provided. Distributing the plurality of support structures comprises installing a first support cantilever of the first support structure in the first angular portion, and installing a second support cantilever of the second support structure in the second angular portion. The first support cantilever comprises a mounting end and a free end, wherein the mounting end is mounted to the hub, wherein at least one hydraulic component of the hub hydraulic assembly is mounted to the first support cantilever. The second support cantilever comprises a mounting end and a free end, wherein the mounting end is mounted to the hub, and wherein at least one hydraulic component of the hub hydraulic assembly is mounted to the second support cantilever. By this assembly method, an HHA having any of the above-mentioned advantages can be obtained. In addition, due to the structure of the HHA, installation can be facilitated.

[0035] The method may be performed to assemble a HHA having any configuration disclosed herein, and the method may include corresponding assembly steps. Likewise, a wheel hub hydraulic assembly may be assembled by any method disclosed herein.

[0036] It should be understood that the above features and features not yet explained below can be used not only in the respective combinations shown, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, unless otherwise indicated, the features of different aspects and embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The above and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements.

[0038] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a wind turbine rotor hub including a hub hydraulic assembly (HHA) according to an embodiment.

[0039] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a supporting cantilever in the form of a beam according to an embodiment.

[0040] Figure 3 It is shown that the embodiment includes the use of Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the hub of the beam hydraulic assembly of the hub.

[0041] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing a supporting cantilever in the form of a beam according to another embodiment.

[0042] Figure 5is a schematic diagram showing a wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to another embodiment, the wheel hub hydraulic assembly adopts Figure 4 of beams.

[0043] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling a wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description of the embodiments is given for illustrative purposes only, and should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are only considered as schematic representations, and the elements in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale with each other. On the contrary, the representations of various elements are selected so that their functions and general uses become apparent to those skilled in the art. As used herein, the singular forms "a (a)", "an (an)" and "described" are also intended to include plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Unless otherwise stated, the terms "include", "have", "include" and "comprising" should be interpreted as open terms (that is, meaning "including but not limited to").

[0045] Figure 1 A hub 100 of a wind turbine is schematically shown. The hub 100 is shown in a front perspective view, from the direction from which the wind strikes the hub 100 during operation. The fairing that normally covers the hub 100 during operation is not shown. The hub 100 comprises three rotor blade mounts 101, 102, 103, on which respective rotor blades are mounted. The hub 100 can also be configured to carry fewer or more rotor blades. The rotor blade mounts 101 to 103 are typically equipped with pitch bearings and pitch drives that allow the rotor blades to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the blades, i.e. about an axis of rotation that passes centrally and vertically through a respective opening in the hub on which the rotor blades are mounted. The hub 100 itself, including the mounted rotor blades, rotates about an axis of rotation 104 that is perpendicular to the plane of the drawing (the drawing plane). The hub 100 comprises a fairing flange 105, to which a fairing that provides an aerodynamic cover for the hub is mounted. Access holes 106 are provided radially inwardly of the spinner flange 105 to allow access to the spinner and / or the exterior of the hub, for example when the hub 100 is mounted to a wind turbine. In other embodiments, the hub may not have a spinner flange, and a spinner may not be provided.

[0046] The hub 100 comprises a hub hydraulic assembly 10 mounted within a hub body 107 of the hub 100. The HHA 10 comprises a plurality of support structures 11, 12, 13 supporting hydraulic components 30 of the HHA 10. The support structures 11 to 13 are distributed circumferentially around the axis of rotation 104. In particular, in each angular portion 111, 112, 113 around the axis of rotation 104, a respective support structure 11, 12, 13 is provided. Each support structure 11, 12, 13 may be associated with a rotor blade and may provide hydraulic functions for a hydraulic pitch drive of a respective rotor blade mount 101, 102, 103. Each support structure 11, 12, 13 comprises at least one support cantilever 20 to which the hydraulic components 30 are mounted.

[0047] The hydraulic component 30 may, for example, include one or a combination of an accumulator 31, a hydraulic manifold 36 and a grease pump 35. By adopting corresponding supporting cantilevers 20 to install the hydraulic component 30, the forces acting on the supporting structure due to deformations of the hub body 107 and due to gravity can be significantly reduced, thereby reducing fatigue wear and premature failure. In particular, there is at least one supporting cantilever in each corner portion 111 to 113, which is mounted to the hub at one end and is free at its corresponding other end. This means that the free ends of the supporting cantilevers 20 are not connected in a mechanically rigid manner, and they can in particular move freely in at least two vertical spatial directions perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the supporting cantilever. Figure 1 In the top view of the drawing, if the axes in the drawing plane are taken as the X-axis and the Y-axis, and the axis perpendicular to the drawing plane is taken as the Z-axis, the free end of the cantilever 20 is allowed to move in the X and Y directions.

[0048] Furthermore, by distributing the supporting arms around the rotation axis 104 in different angular sections 111 to 113, a rotationally symmetrical distribution can be achieved which balances the mass around the rotation axis 104, so that a rotational imbalance can be avoided. This symmetrical distribution is optional, and in other configurations, the supporting arms may not be distributed symmetrically around the rotation axis. Figure 1 In the case of a three-blade rotor hub 100, the mounting positions of the three support arms 20 can be spaced 120° apart in the angular direction. Each support structure 11, 12, 13 can of course comprise further support arms 20, wherein preferably a corresponding number of support arms with a corresponding configuration are provided in each angular section 111 to 113. The second support arms 20 can again be spaced 120° apart around the rotation axis 104. Thus, even with a plurality of support arms 20 in each angular section, a rotationally balanced configuration can be achieved.

[0049] If the hub 100 is configured to carry fewer or more rotor blades, the angular portions of the support structure distribution may be correspondingly fewer or more (e.g., two or four). Figure 1 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, the support arms 20 are mounted to the fairing flange 105 within the hub body 107. In other examples, they can be mounted at different locations within the hub body 107, for example further outwards in the radial direction from the fairing flange 105, or on an opposite wall of the hub body 107 adjacent to the nacelle of the wind turbine. The fairing flange is optional and may not be present on some hubs. Also for such different mounting positions, the support arms can be distributed in corresponding corner portions. Each support structure 11, 12, 13 can carry hydraulic components of a pitch drive for an associated rotor blade mounting 101, 102, 103. In other embodiments, the hydraulic components for one hydraulic pitch drive can be mounted to a support arm arranged adjacent to another pitch drive; however, this configuration is not preferred because it may require additional or longer hydraulic connections.

[0050] Each corner section 111, 112, 113 may in particular comprise a respective rotor blade mount 101, 102 and 103, i.e. a respective mount may be located within the respective corner section. The support structure 11, 12, 13 is preferably arranged opposite the associated rotor blade mount 101, 102, 103. Thus, the number and / or length of the hydraulic connections may be reduced.

[0051] The supporting arm 20 may include or consist of a beam 40 , and the beam 40 may have a column shape, a plate shape, or the like. Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of the support arm 20 is shown as a beam 40, which provides a mounting end 21 and a free end 22 of the support arm 20. As further explained below, other components may be mounted to the beam 40 and may provide a free end 22 of the support arm 20. The beam 40 has a conical or cylindrical shape; Figure 2 In the example of the embodiment of the present invention, it tapers towards the free end 22. In other embodiments, it may have a cross section of square, oval or any other suitable shape. It also includes a mounting seat 45 for mounting one or more hydraulic components of the HHA 10. The mounting seat 45 may be formed integrally with the beam 40, or may be mounted to the beam 40. The beam 40 and the mounting seat 45 may be formed as a single piece, which may be die-cast of metal, for example. The mounting seat 45 may include mounting brackets 46 and 47 spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the beam 40 to provide a firm support for the hydraulic components. The beam 40 may of course have a different shape, such as a square or rectangular, or other polygonal cross section, it may not be tapered, and the mounting seat may be provided at different positions of the beam 40.

[0052] Figure 3 An embodiment of a hub 100 and a HHA 10 is shown. The fairing flange 105 of the hub 100 includes a mounting portion 108 having a through hole, and the mounting flange 25 on the mounting end 21 of the support arm is mounted to the through hole by corresponding bolts or screws. Each support structure 11, 12, 13 includes two support arms 20 carrying hydraulic components. In each support structure, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The first support arm 20 of the configuration shown carries six hydraulic accumulators 31. The second support arm 20 carries four or five hydraulic accumulators 31 and also carries a grease pump 35. The grease pump 35 can be hydraulically operated and can provide grease to the pitch bearing of the associated rotor blade mount. In addition, a mounting plate 23 is mounted to the beam 40 of the second support arm 20 and provides its free end 22. A hydraulic manifold 36 is mounted on the mounting plate 23. Similarly, the free ends of the first and second support arms 20 of each mounting structure 11, 12, 13 are not mechanically rigidly connected, thereby allowing these free ends to move in the X / Y plane. Therefore, the forces generated by the deformation of the fairing flange 105 caused by the forces acting on the hub 100 and the gravity acting on the corresponding arm 20 are not transmitted to other support arms 20 of the same support structure or other support structures. Therefore, fatigue wear can be significantly reduced.

[0053] The arrangement and configuration of the plurality of support arms 20 is such that the access hole 106 provided in the fairing flange 105 is not covered by the hub hydraulic assembly. Thus, access to the exterior of the hub body 107 through the fairing flange 105 is not obstructed by the HHA 10. Furthermore, as can be seen, all first support arms 20 are mounted with an offset of 120° around the rotation axis 104, and / or second support arms 20 are likewise mounted in mounting positions offset by 120°. Thus, the arrangement of the three support structures 11 to 13 is symmetrical about the rotation axis 104, resulting in a balanced rotation. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the hydraulic connections that are present, which of course connect the hydraulic manifold 36 to the corresponding accumulators and the hydraulic pitch drive and the hydraulic pump, are not shown. Such hydraulic connections are usually flexible, so that the relative movement of the free end 22 of the support boom 20 is not hindered.

[0054] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 An alternative configuration of the support cantilever 20 is provided. Therefore, only the differences are explained. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the mounting seat 45 is configured so that a plurality of accumulators are distributed circumferentially around the beam 40, with their longitudinal extension being substantially parallel to the longitudinal extension of the beam 40. Figure 4In the embodiment, the mounting base 45, in particular the mounting brackets 46 and 47, is configured to arrange the accumulators 31 in two parallel planes, i.e., in two rows. The mounting brackets 46, 47 include corresponding recesses 49, in which the accumulators 31 are received. The accumulators are then clamped by corresponding clamping brackets 48 (see Figure 5 ). In addition, a mounting seat 43 for mounting a grease pump is shown. This configuration can allow the same type of beam 40 to be used for a support arm carrying only (for example six) accumulators 31 and for four support arms carrying fewer accumulators but carrying a grease pump and optionally a hydraulic manifold. Likewise, the beam 40 including the mounting seats 43, 45 can be die cast as a single integral piece. The mounting end 21 of the beam 40 has a mounting flange 25. At the other end, a free end 22 can be provided, or an additional component providing the free end 22 can be mounted. A corresponding mounting flange for mounting such an additional component may be present at this end of the beam 40, such as Figure 4 As shown schematically in FIG.

[0055] Figure 5 Shows the use of Figure 4 1. An embodiment of a HHA 10 having a cantilever support 20. This embodiment is Figure 3 The above explanations are also applicable to the modifications (variations) of the embodiments. Figure 5 The hub 10 is not shown in the figure, but it is definitely present. Figure 3 Similarly, each support structure 11, 12, 13 comprises a first and a second support arm 20. The first support arm 20 carries six accumulators 31, which are composed of Figure 4 The second support arm 20 is mounted by mounting brackets 46, 47 and clamped by corresponding clamping brackets 48. Bolts are shown at the mounting end 21, which pass through holes in the mounting portion 108 in the cowl flange 105. The second support arm 20 again carries a mounting plate 23, to which the hydraulic manifold 36 is mounted. It also includes a grease pump 35 and five accumulators 31. Although the first and second support arms 20 of each support structure 11, 12, 13 are arranged adjacent to each other, their free ends 22 have no mechanical connection and can move freely.

[0056] The assembly 10 may include a platform 50 mounted to at least one of the support booms 20. The platform 50 is configured to support a person, such as a maintenance person. The platform 50 may allow a person to step onto the platform and enter and crawl through an access hole 106 provided in the fairing flange 105. Preferably, at least one platform 50 is provided for each support structure 11, 12, 13. Thus, for different rotational orientations of the hub 100, it may be ensured that the platform 50 is in a substantially horizontal orientation so that maintenance personnel may enter the access hole 106. Figure 5 As shown in , each supporting boom 20 may be equipped with a corresponding platform 50 .

[0057] A platform mount 51 may be provided to mount the platform 50 to the support boom 20, in particular to the beam 40. The platform mount 51 may be mounted, in particular screwed, to the mounting brackets 46, 47, for example, for example to the sides thereof. Thus, the platform 50 may be provided in a manner that does not increase complexity and maintains the compactness of the mounting structures 11 to 13.

[0058] The mounting brackets 46, 47 can be respectively configured to receive a platform mount for mounting a platform 50 configured to support a person. In particular, the mounting brackets 46, 47 can include opposite sides that provide mounting surfaces for mounting the platform 50, the mounting surfaces being substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the beam 40.

[0059] exist Figure 5 In an embodiment of the invention, the central structure 60 is also mounted to one of the support booms 20. The central structure 60 includes a central platform 61 that extends radially outward from the rotation axis 104 between the support structures 11, 12, 13. The central platform 61 can provide support for a person so that maintenance personnel can access the interior of the hub or HHA 10 if the hub is in a different orientation, such as during assembly or installation of the hub. The central structure 60 also includes a central manifold 70 that is mounted via a mounting structure 71 of the central structure 60. The mounting structure 71 can be mounted to the end of the beam 40 and can be mounted additionally or alternatively to the central platform 61. Figure 5 , the corresponding struts are shown exemplarily in . The central structure 60 may comprise only a central platform 61 or a central manifold 70. The central manifold 70 is also connected to the manifolds 36 of the support structures 11 to 13, in particular to each manifold 36, via flexible hoses 72. For example, the central manifold 70 may distribute pressurized hydraulic fluid to each of said manifolds 36. Thus, the hydraulic pressure may be supplied from a central pump, which may be arranged inside the hub 100 or outside the hub, for example in a nacelle of a wind turbine. The hydraulic pressure may accumulate in the accumulator 31 and may then be distributed in a controlled manner to the hydraulic pitch drives of the rotor blades via the respective manifolds 36.

[0060] Since the central structure 60 is mounted to a single support arm 20, it forms the free end of the respective support arm. The central structure 60 is therefore allowed to swing freely in the X / Y direction, i.e. perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the support arm 20 (in particular the beam 40), and thus also does not transmit the forces generated by the deformation of the hub to the support arm 20, and in particular to its mounting seat at the mounting end 21. Therefore, in this configuration with the central structure 60, the support arm is also allowed to swing freely at its free end, and the forces generated by the deformation of the hub and the resulting fatigue wear can be significantly reduced.

[0061] Although the above embodiment has been described with respect to a hub with three rotor blades installed, and each support structure includes two support arms 20, in other embodiments, there may be fewer or more rotor blades, and fewer or more support arms 20. In addition, the central structure 60 and the platform 50 are optional. In addition, as Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG, instead of using a beam 40 having a columnar shape, a plate can also be used on which corresponding mounting seats for one or more hydraulic components are provided. Other shapes of the support cantilever 20 are also conceivable. In addition, although in Figure 3 and Figure 5 In the embodiment of the support cantilever 20 is mounted to the fairing flange 105, but other mounting positions are also conceivable. However, the benefit of mounting to the fairing flange 105 is that a safe mounting position is provided, which provides a compact configuration and does not require any additional components or strengthening the wall of the hub body 107.

[0062] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of assembling the HHA 10 according to an embodiment. In step S10, one or more hydraulic components 30 are mounted to the supporting boom 20, in particular to its cantilever beam 40. For example, one or more accumulators, grease pumps and / or hydraulic manifolds may be mounted. In step S11, the mounting end 21 of the supporting boom 20 is mounted to the hub, for example to the fairing flange 105. In step S12, hydraulic connections to the hydraulic components are established, such as a hydraulic connection to an associated hydraulic pitch drive and a hydraulic connection to the central manifold 70. As mentioned above, such connections may be established using flexible hydraulic hoses. Steps S10 to S12 may be repeated for one or more supporting booms of each supporting structure. Thus, the HHA 10 may be assembled in a fast and efficient manner. It should be clear that the order of the steps may be reversed and some steps may be performed repeatedly. For example, a first hydraulic connection may be established when the hydraulic components are mounted to the supporting boom 20, and other hydraulic connections may be established when the boom 20 has been mounted to the hub.

[0063] Although specific embodiments are disclosed herein, various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The present embodiments should be considered in all aspects as illustrative and non-restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

1. A hub hydraulic assembly for a wind turbine rotor, wherein: The wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10) comprises a plurality of support structures (11, 12) distributed circumferentially around a rotation axis (104) of the wheel hub (100), wherein a first support structure (11) is provided in a first angular portion (111) of the circumferential distribution, and wherein a second support structure (12) is provided in a second different angular portion (112) of the circumferential distribution. in: - the first support structure (11) comprises at least a first support arm (20), the first support arm having a free end (22) and a mounting end (21) configured to be mounted to the wheel hub (100), wherein at least one hydraulic component (30) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10) is mounted to the first support arm (20), and wherein The second support structure (12) comprises at least a second support arm (20), the second support arm having a mounting end (21) and a free end (22), the mounting end being configured to be mounted to the wheel hub (100), wherein at least one hydraulic component (30) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10) is mounted to the second support arm (20).

2. The wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a third support structure (13) arranged in the circumferentially distributed third different angular portion (113), wherein the third support structure (13) comprises at least a third support cantilever (20), the third support cantilever having a free end (22) and a mounting end (21) mounted to the wheel hub (100), wherein: At least one hydraulic component of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10) is mounted to the third supporting cantilever (20).

3. The wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each support structure (11, 12, 13) is associated with a rotor blade of the wind turbine rotor, wherein each support structure (11, 12, 13) supports a hydraulic component (30) of the hub hydraulic assembly (10) for operating a hydraulic pitch drive of the respective rotor blade.

4. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one, preferably each, support structure (11, 12, 13) comprises two separate support arms (20), each support arm (20) having a free end (22) and a mounting end (21) configured to be mounted to the wheel hub, wherein one or more hydraulic components (30) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10) are mounted to each support arm (20).

5. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one supporting cantilever (20) of at least one of the or each of the supporting structures supports at least 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 accumulators (31) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10).

6. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one support arm (20) of at least one or each of the support structures supports at least one hydraulic manifold (36) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10).

7. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one supporting cantilever (20) of at least one of the or each of the supporting structures supports at least one grease pump (35) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10).

8. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least the first and second support cantilevers (20) are configured to be mounted to the wheel hub (100) at their respective mounting ends (21) via full torque connections.

9. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least the first support arm (20) and the second support arm (20) are configured to be mounted to the inner side of a wall of a hub body (107) of the hub (100), in particular to a fairing flange (105) of the hub.

10. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least the first and second support cantilevers (20) each comprise a single integral beam (40) or plate, the beam or plate comprising the mounting end (21), wherein the beam (40) or plate extends in a longitudinal direction away from the mounting side (21).

11. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The first support cantilever and / or the second support cantilever (20) comprises a mounting seat (43, 45), which is configured to support at least 2, 3 or 4 hydraulic components (30) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10), wherein the mounting seat (45) is preferably formed integrally with the cantilever beam (40) or plate of the support cantilever (20).

12. A wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least one of the support structures or each support structure comprises a platform (50) configured to carry a person, wherein the platform (50) is mounted to the support arm (20) of the support structure (11, 12, 13) on the side of the support arm (20) facing the rotation axis (104).

13. The wheel hub hydraulic assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one supporting arm (20) comprises a central structure (60) providing a free end (22) of the respective supporting arm (20), wherein the central structure (60) comprises a support platform (61) extending between the plurality of support structures (11, 12, 13) substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis (104) for supporting a person, and / or wherein the central structure (60) comprises a central manifold (70) connected via flexible hoses (72) to two or more hydraulic manifolds (36) mounted to respective two or more of the plurality of support structures (11, 12, 13).

14. A wind turbine rotor hub (100) comprising a hub hydraulic assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A method for assembling a hub hydraulic assembly (10) of a wind turbine rotor, the method comprising distributing a plurality of support structures (11, 12) circumferentially around an axis of rotation (104) of the hub (100), wherein in a first angular portion (111) of the circumferential distribution a first support structure (11) is provided, and wherein in a second, different angular portion (112) of the circumferential distribution a second support structure (12) is provided, wherein: Distributing the plurality of support structures (11, 12) comprises: - mounting a first supporting arm (20) of the first supporting structure (11) in the first corner portion (111), wherein the first supporting arm (20) comprises a mounting end (21) and a free end (22), wherein the mounting end (21) is mounted to the wheel hub (100), wherein at least one hydraulic component (30) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10) is mounted to the first supporting arm (20); and - Mounting a second supporting arm (20) of the second supporting structure (12) in the second corner portion (112), wherein the second supporting arm (20) comprises a mounting end (21) and a free end (22), wherein the mounting end (21) is mounted to the wheel hub (100), and wherein at least one hydraulic component (30) of the wheel hub hydraulic assembly (10) is mounted to the second supporting arm (20).

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