Apparatus for determining updated statistical life of bearing and associated wind turbine and method

Abstract

An apparatus for determining an updated statistical life value of a rolling bearing in a machine is presented. The rolling bearing includes a stationary ring and a movable ring concentrically rotatable relative to each other, and at least one row of rolling elements interposed between a first raceway and a second raceway provided on the first ring and the second ring, respectively. The device further comprises:-sensorized rolling elements replacing rolling elements of the row of rolling elements,-a nominal life model (MODEL) of the bearing,-first determination means (34), and-second determination means (35) configured to determine an updated statistical life value.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to determining a life rating of a bearing, and more particularly to determining an updated statistical life of a bearing in a machine.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a device for determining an updated statistical life and a wind turbine including such a device. Background Art

[0003] During the design phase of a bearing, the rated life calculation of the bearing is typically based on a load cycle representing the relevant operating conditions of the bearing and the assumed or estimated application conditions applied to the bearing and the surrounding components using a suitable simulation model.

[0004] It is known to perform simulations of bearings, accelerated life tests of bearings, and field tests to verify the assumptions made during the design phase.

[0005] However, the actual operating conditions of the bearing are not taken into account.

[0006] Bearings can be implemented in a wind turbine, so the uncertainties of the loads caused by wind speed fluctuations and turbulence applied to the bearings are not taken into account.

[0007] Since the bearing life calculation based on measurement data is not available, known condition monitoring systems and bearing inspections are used to analyze the bearing condition.

[0008] When the bearing is damaged, condition monitoring systems and bearing inspections are performed to investigate defects on the bearing, such as particles in the bearing and worn raceway surfaces.

[0009] Therefore, the present invention aims to determine the life rating of a bearing by considering the usage conditions of the bearing in a machine. Summary of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect, a method for determining an updated statistical life value of a rolling bearing in a machine is provided.

[0011] The rolling bearing includes a stationary ring and a mobile ring that can rotate concentrically relative to each other and at least one row of rolling elements, and the rolling elements are disposed between a first raceway and a second raceway respectively provided on the first ring and the second ring.

[0012] At least one of the rolling elements is a sensorized rolling element, and the sensorized rolling element includes at least one load sensor that measures the load distribution across the sensorized rolling element.

[0013] The method includes:

[0014] - Determining a set of measurements, each measurement including at least a load value of the load distribution measured by the load sensor of the sensorized rolling element,

[0015] - For each measurement, determining a life rating at least based on the load value of the measurement and according to the rating life model of the bearing, and

[0016] - Determining an updated statistical life value at least based on the life rating.

[0017] The updated statistical life (USL) is an indicator that allows comparison of the application conditions in operation with the initially assumed or estimated application conditions, and thus identification of critical application conditions that may cause damage or accelerate damage accumulation, thereby increasing the operating time of the bearing and reducing the unplanned downtime of the machine.

[0018] When the measurements are performed continuously, the USL using the method for determining the USL can be determined continuously. The USL allows determination of the trend of the bearing life of the bearing. If the USL deviates, counteractions to the application can be initiated to extend the bearing life of the bearing.

[0019] Preferably, the sensorized rolling element further includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the sensorized rolling element and a speed sensor that measures the rotational speed of the sensorized rolling element. Each measurement further includes a temperature value and a rotational speed value. The life rating of each measurement is also determined based on the temperature value of the measurement, the rotational speed value of the measurement, the geometric characteristics of the bearing, the characteristics of the lubricant of the bearing, and the rating life model.

[0020] Advantageously, the method further comprises determining a misalignment value between the raceway of the stationary ring and the raceway of the movable ring according to the load distribution, so as to further determine the life rating of each measurement result according to the misalignment value.

[0021] Preferably, the method further comprises:

[0022] - determining a machine value of at least one parameter representing the usage condition of the machine associated with each measurement result, and

[0023] - storing the life rating and the associated machine value for each measurement result.

[0024] Advantageously, the method further comprises:

[0025] - determining an actual machine value of a parameter representing the usage condition of the machine, and

[0026] - comparing the actual machine value with the stored machine values to find a stored machine value equal to the actual machine value,

[0027] determining an updated statistical life value according to the life rating and the stored life rating associated with the stored machine value equal to the actual machine value.

[0028] Preferably, the machine is a wind turbine.

[0029] According to another aspect, a device for determining an updated statistical life value of a rolling bearing in a machine is provided.

[0030] The rolling bearing includes a stationary ring and a movable ring capable of rotating concentrically with respect to each other and at least one row of rolling elements, and the at least one row of rolling elements is interposed between a first raceway and a second raceway respectively provided on the first ring and the second ring.

[0031] The device further comprises:

[0032] - replacing a sensorized rolling element in the row of rolling elements, the sensorized rolling element at least includes a load sensor configured to measure a load distribution on the sensorized rolling, and the load distribution includes a load value,

[0033] - the rated life model of the bearing,

[0034] - A first determination component, configured to determine, for each measurement result, a life rating value based at least on the load value of the load distribution of the measurement result and according to the rated life model of the bearing, and

[0035] - A second determination component, configured to determine an updated statistical life value based at least on the life rating value.

[0036] Preferably, the device further includes:

[0037] - A third determination component, configured to determine a machine value of at least one parameter representing the usage condition of the machine associated with each measurement result, and

[0038] - A storage component, configured to store the life rating value and the associated machine value for each measurement result.

[0039] Advantageously, the third determination component is further configured to determine an actual machine value of a parameter representing the usage condition of the machine,

[0040] The device further includes a comparison component, which is configured to compare the actual machine value with the stored machine values to find the stored machine value equal to the actual machine value, and

[0041] The second determination component is further configured to determine an updated statistical life value based on the life rating value and the stored life rating value associated with the stored machine value equal to the actual machine value.

[0042] According to another aspect, a wind turbine including a rolling bearing is proposed.

[0043] The rolling bearing includes a stationary ring and a movable ring that can rotate concentrically relative to each other, at least one row of rolling elements, and the device as described above, and the at least one row of rolling elements is interposed between a first raceway and a second raceway respectively provided on the first ring and the second ring. Description of the Drawings

[0044] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent when examining the detailed description and the drawings of non-limiting embodiments, in which:

[0045] Figure 1 An example of a machine according to the present invention is schematically shown;

[0046] Figure 2 An example of a roller bearing according to the present invention is schematically shown;

[0047] Figure 3Schematically shows an example of a sensorized rolling element according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 4 Schematically shows an example of a processing module according to the present invention; and

[0049] Figure 5 Schematically shows an example of a method for determining an updated statistical life of a bearing in a machine according to the present invention. Detailed description of the specific implementation

[0050] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 1 Schematically represents an example of machine 1.

[0051] Machine 1 can be a wind turbine, which includes a generator 2, a propeller 3, a shaft 4 connecting the shaft of the generator 2 to the shaft of the propeller 3, and a roller bearing 5 supporting the shaft 4.

[0052] In other embodiments, machine 1 can be a tunnel boring machine, a mining extraction machine, or a big offshore crane.

[0053] Machine 1 can also include a sensor 6 to measure the value of a parameter representing the condition of use of machine 1.

[0054] The parameter representing the condition of use of the machine can be, for example, the wind speed or the power generated by the wind turbine 1.

[0055] The roller bearing 5 includes at least one sensorized rolling element 7.

[0056] In a variant not shown, the wind turbine also includes a gearbox connecting the shaft of the generator 2 to the shaft 4 of the wind turbine. The rolling bearings of the gearbox can include sensorized rolling elements 7. An example of the roller bearing 5 is described in detail below.

[0057] The sensor 6 and the sensorized rolling element 7 communicate with a processing module 8.

[0058] The sensor 6 can communicate with the processing module 8 through a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0059] The sensorized rolling element 7 communicates wirelessly with the processing module 8.

[0060] An example of the processing module 8 is described in detail below.

[0061] Figure 2 Schematically shows an example of a roller bearing 5.

[0062] The bearing 5 includes an outer or stationary ring 9 which is provided with a first tapered outer raceway and a second tapered outer raceway for a first row of rolling elements 10 and a second row of rolling elements 11 including tapered rollers. The bearing also includes a movable ring which is provided with a first inner or movable ring 12 and a second inner or movable ring 13 stacked axially, and they are respectively provided with a first tapered inner raceway and a second tapered inner raceway for the first roller row 10 and the second roller row 11. In addition, the bearing 5 also includes a first cage 14 and a second cage 15 for respectively holding the rollers of the first roller set ( / row) and the second roller set. Generally, the cages can be formed by segments abutting each other in the circumferential direction.

[0063] In order to provide the necessary stiffness and ensure a long service life, the bearing is preloaded. The axial positions of the movable rings 12, 13 relative to the stationary ring 9 are set such that the first roller set 9 and the second roller set 11 have a negative internal clearance.

[0064] In a variant, the bearing is not preloaded.

[0065] In the depicted bearing, at least one of the rolling elements in one of the first roller row 10 and the second roller row 11 is replaced with a sensorized rolling element 7. The shaft 4 surrounds and is fixed to the movable rings 12, movable ring 13.

[0066] The rolling bearing 5 includes tapered rollers.

[0067] In another embodiment, the rolling bearing 5 can include other types of rolling elements, such as cylindrical rollers or spherical rollers. The rolling bearing 5 can also include only one row of rolling elements or more than two rows of rolling elements, and the number of cages is determined according to the number of rows.

[0068] The rolling bearing 5 including one row of rolling elements includes a single inner ring.

[0069] In another embodiment, the outer ring 9 is a movable ring, and the inner rings 12, inner ring 13 are stationary rings.

[0070] Figure 3 Schematically shows an example of a sensorized rolling element 7.

[0071] The sensorized rolling element 7 includes a rolling body 16 and a sensor unit 18. The rolling body 16 includes a central hole 17, and the sensor unit 18 extends through the rolling body 16 within the central hole 17.

[0072] The sensor unit 18 includes a housing 19 formed by two semi-cylindrical shells, which are fixed together by a first end cap 20 and a second end cap 21. The first end cap 20 and the second end cap 21 are screwed onto corresponding first threaded portions 22 and second threaded portions 23 at opposite axial ends of the housing. The sensor unit housing is integrally formed to fit within the roller hole 17 and is mounted to and located within the hole 17 by a first sealing element 24 and a second sealing element 25.

[0073] The sensor unit 18 further includes a load sensor 26 for measuring the load distribution on the sensorized rolling element 7. The load distribution includes load values.

[0074] The sensor unit 18 may further include a speed sensor 27 for measuring the rotational speed of the sensorized rolling element 7 in the bearing 5, and may further include a temperature sensor 28 for measuring the temperature of the sensorized rolling element 7.

[0075] The sensor unit 18 includes a wireless transmitter 29 for transmitting sets of measurement results of sensors 26, 27, 28, a sampler 30 for sampling the signals transmitted by the sensors, and a battery 31 for powering sensors 26, 27, 28 and the wireless transmitter.

[0076] Figure 4 An example of the processing module 8 is schematically shown.

[0077] The processing module 8 includes a receiving component 32 connected to an antenna 33 of the processing module 8, a first determining component 34, a second determining component 35, a third determining component 36, a storage component 37, and a comparison component 38.

[0078] The receiving component 32 receives, via the antenna 33, real-time signals transmitted by the wireless transmitter of the sensor unit 18, and the real-time signals include sets of measurement results of sensors 26, 27, 28.

[0079] The storage component 37 stores the rated life model MODEL of the bearing 5, may store the table TAB, and may further store the look-up table TAB2.

[0080] The first determination component 34 is intended to receive a time - continuous signal including a set of measurement results from sensors 26, 27, 28, and is intended to determine at least the load values of the said measurement results and the life rating for each of the measurement results ( / each measurement) in the set of measurement results according to a rated life model MODEL.

[0081] The second determination component 35 is intended to determine an updated statistical life USL value according to the life ratings transmitted by the first determination component 34.

[0082] The second determination component 35 includes a calculation component 39 that implements the Palmgren - Miner (linear fatigue cumulative damage) rule algorithm ALGO.

[0083] The rated life model is a deterministic model that, based on the input of application data, determines the number of revolutions completed by one of two rings rotating concentrically with a bearing or a washer of the bearing relative to the other ring or washer before the first evidence of fatigue occurs in the material of one of the two rings, or in the material of one of the washers, or in the material of one of the rolling elements.

[0084] The rated life model MODEL may include the basic rated life model defined in ISO 281, which includes the relationship between the load value P and the basic rated life value L10 of the measurement result i i which is equal to:

[0085]

[0086] where:

[0087] L 10 i: the basic rated life value at 90% probability, in millions of revolutions,

[0088] C: the dynamic load rating, in kN,

[0089] P: the equivalent dynamic bearing load determined according to the load distribution measured by the load sensor 26, in kN, and

[0090] p: the geometric constant (3 for ball bearings and 10 / 3 for roller bearings).

[0091] In a variant, the rated life model MODEL may consider not only the load. The rated life model MODEL may, for example, consider the characteristics of the lubricant of the bearing 5 (including the lubrication condition of the bearing 5 and the contamination of the bearing 5) and the geometric characteristics of the bearing 5.

[0092] The rated life model MODEL may include a modified rated life model defined in ISO 281, and the modified rated life model includes a modified rated life value L nm , a basic life rating L10 i , a life modification factor a1 for reliability, and a life modification factor a ISO The relationship between them is equal to:

[0093] L nm = a1a ISO L10 i (2)

[0094] where L nm is the modified rated life value at n probability, in millions of revolutions.

[0095] a1 is the life modification factor for reliability.

[0096] The life modification factor a ISO is equal to:

[0097]

[0098] where the factor ec and the factor κ take into account the characteristics of the lubricant of the bearing 5 (including the contamination and lubrication conditions of the bearing 5), and Cu is the fatigue load limit, which is defined as the load that just reaches the fatigue stress limit in the heaviest loaded raceway contact.

[0099] The factor κ is equal to the kinematic viscosity of the lubricant of the bearing 5 divided by the reference kinematic viscosity of the lubricant.

[0100] The factor κ is determined according to the bearing rotational speed ni, the geometric characteristics of the bearing 5 (including the pitch diameter of the bearing 5), and the temperature of the bearing 5.

[0101] The temperature of the bearing 5 is delivered by the temperature sensor 28.

[0102] According to the following equation, the rotational bearing speed n equal to the rotational speed of the shaft 4 is determined based on the rotational speed of the sensorized rolling element 7 measured by the speed sensor 27 of the sensorized rolling element 7 and the geometric characteristics of the bearing 5 i :

[0103]

[0104] where:

[0105] n R : the rotational speed of the sensorized rolling element 7,

[0106] d m: Pitch diameter of the roller set, in mm,

[0107] D: Diameter of the rolling element 5, in mm, and

[0108] α: Operating contact angle of the rolling element 5, in degrees, d m , D, and α are geometric characteristics of the bearing 5.

[0109] In a variant, the rated life model MODEL can also take into account the misalignment value between the raceway of the stationary ring and the raceway of the movable ring according to the load distribution.

[0110] In another embodiment, the rated life model can include a modified reference rated life model defined in ISO / TS16281. In the modified reference rated life model, misalignment is described by a lamina model.

[0111] The look-up table TAB2 determines the misalignment based on the load distribution transmitted by the load sensor 26.

[0112] The look-up table TAB2 is established based on simulation, for example.

[0113] The modified reference rated life model is such that:

[0114]

[0115] Where:

[0116] L nmr : Modified reference rated life value at n probability, in millions of revolutions,

[0117] n s : Is the number of laminas,

[0118] k: The k-th lamina,

[0119] q kci : Is the basic dynamic load rating of the k-th lamina of the first inner ring 12 and the second inner ring 13,

[0120] q kce : Is the basic dynamic load rating of the k-th lamina of the outer ring 9,

[0121] q kei : Is the dynamic equivalent load on the k-th lamina of the inner rings 12, 13, and

[0122] q kee : Is the dynamic equivalent load on the k-th lamina of the outer ring 9.

[0123] q kci and q kce is determined based on the number n of thin layers s , the basic dynamic load rating, and the characteristics of the bearing 5.

[0124] q kei and q kee is determined based on the number of rolling elements, the load on each k-th thin layer, and a stress function approximating the stress concentration at the inner and outer raceways.

[0125] In a variant, the modified reference rating life model defined in ISO / TS 16281 can be implemented without considering the misalignment between the raceway of the stationary ring and the raceway of the movable ring.

[0126] In another variant, the rating life model MODEL can include, for example, a stress-based Generalized Bearing Life Model (GBLM) or an Advanced Fatigue Calculation Model (AFC).

[0127] The sensorized rolling elements 7, the rating life model MODEL of the bearing 5, the first determination component 34, and the second determination component 35 form a device for determining the USL value of the rolling bearing 5 in the machine 1.

[0128] The device for determining the USL value of the rolling bearing 5 in the machine 1 may further include a third determination component 36, a storage component 37, and a comparison component 38.

[0129] When the machine 1 includes the sensor 6 and the processing device 8 includes the third determination component 36 and the table TAB, the third determination component 36 is intended to determine the machine values V1, Vn of the parameters representing the operating condition of the machine 1, transmitted by the sensor 5 and associated with each measurement result, and the storage component 37 is intended to store, for each measurement result, the rating life values LR1, LRn determined by the rating life model MODEL and the associated machine values V1, Vn in the table TAB.

[0130] Figure 5 An example of a method for determining the USL of the bearing 5 in the machine 1 is schematically shown.

[0131] This method implements the device for determining the USL value of the rolling bearing 5 in the machine 1.

[0132] During step 40, the sensorized rolling elements 7 determine a set of measurement results.

[0133] Each measurement result includes at least the load value of the load distribution measured by the load sensor 26 of the sensorized rolling elements 7.

[0134] If the sensorized rolling element 7 includes a speed sensor 27 and a temperature sensor 28, each measurement result further includes a rotational speed value of the sensorized rolling element 7 and a temperature value of the sensorized rolling element 7.

[0135] A set of measurement results may include, for example, from forty to two thousand measurement results.

[0136] When the machine 1 includes the sensor 6, the third determination component 36 determines machine values V1, Vn of parameters representing the usage condition of the machine associated with each measurement result.

[0137] During step 41, the first determination component 34 determines rated life values LR1, LRn for each measurement result in the set of measurement results based on the load value of the load distribution of the measurement result and based on a rated life model MODEL, which includes a basic rated life model defined in equation (1).

[0138] If the sensorized rolling element 7 includes a speed sensor 27 and a temperature sensor 28, the first determination component 34 determines rated life values LR1, LRn for each measurement result in the set of measurement results based on the load value of the load distribution of the measurement result, the temperature value of the measurement result, and the rotational speed of the measurement result, according to a modified rated life model defined in equations (2), (3), and (4).

[0139] If the sensorized rolling element 7 includes a speed sensor 27 and a temperature sensor 28, the first determination component 34 determines rated life values LR1, LRn for each measurement result in the set of measurement results based on the load value of the load distribution of the measurement result, the temperature value of the measurement result, and the rotational speed of the measurement result, according to a modified reference rated life model defined in equations (3), (5), and (4).

[0140] In a variant, the first determination component 34 determines life rated values LR1, LRn for each measurement result in the set of measurements based on the load value of the load distribution of the measurement result, the temperature value of the measurement result, the rotational speed of the measurement result, and misalignment, according to a modified reference rated life model defined in equations (3), (5), and (4).

[0141] In a variant, the rated life model MODEL may include, for example, a stress-based generalized bearing life model (GBLM) or an advanced fatigue calculation model (AFC).

[0142] In addition, when the third determination component 36 determines the machine values V1, Vn of the parameters representing the usage status of the machine associated with each measurement result in step 40, the storage component 37 stores, for each measurement result in the measurement result group, the life rating LR1, rating LRn of the measurement result, and the machine values V1, Vn associated with the measurement result.

[0143] The storage component 37 may store the life rating LR1, rating LRn of the measurement result, and the machine values V1, Vn associated with the measurement result in a table TAB or a database.

[0144] During step 42, when the first determination component 34 determines the life rating LR1, rating LRn of each measurement result in the group of measurement results in step 41, the second determination component 35 determines the USL value of the bearing 5 based on the life rating determined by the first determination component 34.

[0145] The calculation component 39 implements the Palmgren-Miner rule algorithm ALGO to determine the updated statistical life value Ln, where n is an exponent representing the failure probability, such as 1, 10, 50.

[0146]

[0147] Where:

[0148] j: Index for each load case, and

[0149] U j : Duty cycle (percentage of occurrence of the load case)

[0150] LRj: Life rating determined by equation (1), equation (2), or equation (5)

[0151] The duration between two (consecutive) measurements may be the same or different, and may be, for example, four hours.

[0152] In order for the two to have accurate USL values, when the storage component includes a table TAB that stores a plurality of machine values V1, Vn related to the life rating LR1, rating LRn, the third determination component 36 determines at least one actual machine value between two consecutive measurement results of the set of measurement results transmitted by the sensorized rolling element 7, based on the measurement results transmitted by the sensor 6. The comparison component 38 compares the actual machine value with the machine values stored in the table TAB to find the stored machine value equal to the actual machine value. The calculation component 39 implements the Palmgren-Miner rule algorithm ALGO to determine an updated statistical life value Ln based on the machine value and the stored machine value determined by the comparison component 38.

[0153] The updated statistical life is an indicator that allows the application conditions in operation to be compared with the initial assumed or estimated application conditions, and thus identify critical application conditions that may cause damage or accelerate damage accumulation, thereby increasing the operating time of the bearing and reducing the unplanned downtime of the machine.

[0154] When measurements are performed continuously, the USL determined using the method for determining the USL can be determined continuously. The USL allows the trend of the bearing life of the bearing 5 to be determined. If the USL deviates, a reaction to the application can be initiated to extend the bearing life of the bearing 5.

Claims

1. A method for determining an updated statistical life value of a rolling bearing (5) in a machine (1), said rolling bearing comprising a stationary ring (9) and a movable ring (12, 13) that can rotate concentrically relative to each other and at least one row of rolling elements (10, 11), said rolling elements (10, 11) being interposed between a first raceway and a second raceway respectively provided on said first ring and said second ring, at least one of said rolling elements (10, 11) being a sensorized rolling element (7), said sensorized rolling element (7) comprising at least one load sensor (26) for measuring the load distribution on said sensorized rolling element (7), the method comprising: - determining a set of measurement results, each measurement result comprising at least a load value of the load distribution measured by the load sensor (26) of the sensorized rolling element; - for each measurement result, determining a life rating value (LR1, LRn) at least based on the load value of the measurement result and based on the rated life model (MODEL) of the bearing (5); and - determining an updated statistical life value at least based on the life rating values (LR1, LRn).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The sensorized rolling element (7) further comprises a temperature sensor (28) for measuring the temperature of the sensorized rolling element (7) and a speed sensor (27) for measuring the rotational speed of the sensorized rolling element (7), each measurement result further comprising a temperature value and a rotational speed value, and the life rating value (LR1, LRn) of each measurement result is also determined based on the temperature value of the measurement result, the rotational speed value of the measurement result, the geometric characteristics of the bearing (5) and the characteristics of the lubricant of the bearing and the rated life model (MODEL).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein It further comprises: determining a misalignment value between the raceway of the stationary ring (9) and the raceway of the movable ring (12, 13) according to the load distribution, and further determining the life rating value of each measurement result according to the misalignment value.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, It further comprises: - determining a machine value (V1, Vn) of at least one parameter representing the usage condition of the machine (1) associated with each measurement result; and - for each measurement result, storing the life rating value and the associated machine value (V1, Vn).

5. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, It further comprises: - determining an actual machine value of a parameter representing the usage condition of the machine (1); and - comparing the actual machine value with the stored machine values (V1, Vn) to find a stored machine value equal to the actual machine value; determining an updated statistical life value according to the life rating value and the stored life rating value (LR1, LRn) associated with the stored machine value equal to the actual machine value.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The machine (1) is a wind turbine.

7. A device for determining an updated statistical life value of a rolling bearing (5) in a machine (1), said rolling bearing comprising a stationary ring (9) and a movable ring (12, 13) that are capable of rotating concentrically with respect to each other and at least one row of rolling elements (10, 11), said at least one row of rolling elements (10, 11) being interposed between a first raceway and a second raceway respectively provided on said first ring and said second ring, characterized in that, The device further comprises: - Replace the rolling elements in the columns of rolling elements (10, 11) with sensorized rolling elements (7), the sensorized rolling elements (7) including at least a load sensor (26) configured to measure the load distribution on the sensorized rolling, the load distribution including load values, - The rated life model (MODEL) of the bearing (5), - A first determination component (34) configured to determine, for each measurement result, at least a life rating value (LR1, LRn) based on the load values of the load distribution of the measurement result and based on the rated life model (MODEL) of the bearing (5), and - A second determination component (35) configured to determine an updated statistical life value based at least on the life rating value.

8. The device according to claim 7, characterized in that, Further comprising: - A third determination component (36) configured to determine a machine value (V1, Vn) of at least one parameter representing the usage condition of the machine associated with each measurement result, and - A storage component (37) configured to store the life rating value (LR1, LRn) and the associated machine value (V1, Vn) for each measurement result.

9. The device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The third determination component (36) is further configured to determine an actual machine value of a parameter representing the usage condition of the machine (1), The device further includes a comparison component (38) configured to compare the actual machine value with the stored machine values (V1, Vn) to find the stored machine value equal to the actual machine value, and The second determination component (35) is further configured to determine the updated statistical life value based on the life rating value and the stored life rating value (LR1, LRn) associated with the stored machine value equal to the actual machine value.

10. A wind turbine (1) including a rolling bearing (5), the rolling bearing including a stationary ring (9) and a movable ring (12, 13) that can rotate concentrically with respect to each other, at least one column of rolling elements (10, 11), and the device according to claims 7 to 9, the at least one column of rolling elements (10, 11) being interposed between a first raceway and a second raceway respectively provided on the first ring and the second ring.

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