Angled Bearing Housing Structure for Rotor Load Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bearing housings in fluid power plants, such as wind and tidal power plants, face challenges in optimally dissipating the high forces and bending moments transmitted from rotor blades to the rotor shaft and subsequently to the nacelle, leading to potential deformation and material stress.
Innovation Solution
A bearing housing design featuring a cylindrical section with a rotatable rolling bearing and an angled section aligned with the pressure line of the bearing, optimized for force dissipation, combined with stiffening ribs for uniform support and seals to prevent fluid ingress and lubricant leakage, allowing direct force dissipation into the nacelle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a conventional bearing housing design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the dissipation of forces and bending moments is not optimized, leading to increased material stress and potential deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing housing transitions from a conventional cylindrical design to a conical design, adding a dimensional change in the shape. The conical section extends at an angle to the cylindrical section, creating a three-dimensional force distribution path that optimizes stress dissipation while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the bearing housing are designed with different geometries to optimize local force dissipation. The cylindrical section accommodates the bearing unit while the conical section, extending at a specific angle, is optimized for force transmission to the nacelle. This local differentiation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently
2Reliability
If the bearing housing structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but the structural integrity and ability to handle high forces is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing housing is segmented into distinct functional sections: a cylindrical section for bearing accommodation and a conical section for force dissipation. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and manufacturability
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A bearing housing (14), which is designed in particular as an end-face cover for a nacelle of a fluid flow power plant, is disclosed, comprising a cylindrical section (16) designed to accommodate a bearing unit (14) with at least one rolling bearing (20), wherein the at least one rolling bearing (20) has an inner ring and an outer ring which are rotatably arranged relative to each other about a bearing axis of rotation (24) and define a rolling space between them in which several rolling elements are arranged, wherein the bearing housing (14) further comprises a section (26) extending at an angle to the cylindrical section (16) which is adapted to an angle (a) between the bearing axis of rotation (24) and a pressure line (28) of the rolling bearing (20).