Wind Turbine Bearing Pretension Adjustment Through Outer Ring Deformation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Wind turbines face challenges in achieving high bending stiffness, clearance-free bearing arrangements with low wear and cost-efficient assembly, particularly in large power range applications, where existing roller bearings require precise pretensioning to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arrangement featuring a first and second roller bearing with an adjustment device that allows for axial movement or radial deformation of the outer ring, enabling easy adjustment of pretension levels without disassembling the gearbox, allowing for external access and operation during wind turbine operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If roller bearings are pretensioned to ensure all rolling elements interact with raceways, then load distribution and lifetime are improved, but the pretension must be kept within narrow limits to avoid overloading the bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arrangement incorporates an adjustment device that enables dynamic modification of the pretension level. The outer ring of the roller bearing is designed to be axially movable or radially deformable, allowing the pretension to be adapted to different operating conditions while maintaining reliable operation throughout the bearing lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows changing the pretension parameter of the bearing arrangement through the adjustment device. By modifying the axial position or radial deformation of the outer ring, the pretension level can be optimized for different operational phases, transitioning from installation to operation while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If the bearing arrangement requires precise pretensioning for optimal performance, then bearing lifetime is improved, but assembly complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device is pre-integrated into the bearing arrangement during manufacturing, allowing precise pretensioning to be performed as a preliminary action during assembly. This eliminates the need for complex post-assembly adjustments and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while ensuring optimal bearing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing arrangement is designed with built-in adjustment capabilities through the integration of the adjustment device. This self-service feature allows the bearing system to automatically maintain optimal pretension levels without requiring external intervention or complex assembly procedures, reducing both manufacturing complexity and cost
3Device complexity
If the adjustment device is integrated inside the bearing housing, then the bearing arrangement is compact, but access for adjustment during operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment device is nested within the bearing housing structure, with the adjustment mechanism extending through a through-hole in the housing. This nested configuration maintains the compactness of the overall bearing arrangement while providing external accessibility through the through-hole, allowing maintenance personnel to adjust pretension during operation without disassembling the gearbox
4Strength
If the bearing arrangement is designed for high bending stiffness and clearance-free operation, then structural performance is improved, but assembly and maintenance become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the adjustment functionality directly into the bearing arrangement by integrating the adjustment device with the outer ring structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and simplifies assembly procedures while maintaining the high bending stiffness and clearance-free operational characteristics of the bearing arrangement
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for efficient and cost-effective adjustment of pretension levels, reducing maintenance downtime and ensuring optimal performance by allowing for pretension adjustments during operation without accessing the drive train, thus enhancing the longevity and efficiency of wind turbine components.
Implementation Method 1
the first bearing outer ring being axially moveable along the rotational axis with respect to the bearing housing and/or radially deformable with respect to the rotational axis
Data Source
AI summary
A bearing arrangement for a rotating component of a wind turbine includes two roller bearings. The rotating component is supported by the second roller bearings and a bearing housing. The roller bearings, the rotating component and the bearing housing are arranged to form a pretension circuit. The first roller bearing includes a first bearing inner ring, a first bearing outer ring and rolling elements. The first bearing outer ring is axially moveable along the rotational axis with respect to the bearing housing and/or radially deformable with respect to the rotational axis. An adjustment device extends through a through-hole of the bearing housing and is accessible from outside the bearing housing. Upon actuation, the adjustment device causes an axial movement and/or a radial deformation of the first bearing outer ring to adjust the pretension of the bearing arrangement.