Wind Turbine Bearing Rigidity Adjustment for Load Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bearing structure in wind turbine generators experiences deformation under radial loads, leading to uneven load distribution and reduced lifespan of the rolling elements, as the peak load on the front-side bearing increases while the rear-side bearing receives a reduced load, causing an imbalance in load sharing and performance.
Innovation Solution
A bearing structure with a rigidity-adjusting section, such as a sleeve or shim with a lower Young's modulus, is introduced to reduce support rigidity in areas with higher analyzed rolling element loads, and the bearing radial gap is adjusted for each row to equalize load distribution, thereby reducing the peak load on individual rolling elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a multiple-row support structure with front-side and rear-side roller bearings is used to support the main shaft, then the bearing can support radial loads and provide structural stability, but the nacelle deformation under load causes uneven load distribution where the front-side bearing receives excessive peak load while the rear-side bearing receives reduced load, reducing overall bearing performance and lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigidity-adjusting section with specific rigidity characteristics that differs from the standard bearing support structure. This local modification creates non-uniform support rigidity along the bearing axis, specifically reducing rigidity in regions where peak loads occur to redistribute the load more evenly across multiple rolling element rows, thereby preventing excessive peak loads on individual bearings while maintaining overall load support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the rigidity parameter of the bearing support structure by introducing a rigidity-adjusting section with controlled rigidity characteristics. This parameter change allows the support structure to adapt to load conditions, transforming the rigid support into a semi-rigid or flexible support that can accommodate nacelle deformation and redistribute loads evenly across the bearing rows, thus improving bearing reliability without sacrificing strength
2Stability of the object's composition
If the bearing support structure maintains high rigidity to ensure stability, then structural deformation is minimized, but the rolling elements experience uneven load distribution with significant peak loads, leading to premature wear and reduced bearing lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the bearing support from a rigid structure to a semi-rigid or flexible structure by introducing a rigidity-adjusting section with controlled rigidity characteristics. This parameter change allows the support to maintain sufficient stability while accommodating structural deformation, thereby redistributing loads evenly across rolling elements and preventing premature wear, thus extending bearing lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The rigidity-adjusting section acts as an intermediary element between the rigid bearing components and the flexible nacelle structure. This mediator absorbs and redistributes deformation effects, preventing direct transmission of peak loads to the rolling elements while maintaining overall structural stability, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and bearing lifespan
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 effectively equalizes the load carried by rolling elements in multiple-row bearings, reducing the peak load and preventing premature wear, thus extending the lifespan and improving the reliability of the bearing structure.
Implementation Method 1
a rigidity-adjusting section which causes support rigidity in a radial direction from a bearing center to be further reduced in a region to which a greater analyzed rolling element load is applied
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A bearing (10) , which is subjected to a radial load on the shaft tip side and supported by multiple rows of rollers (15) in the shaft direction, equalizes the load carried by the rollers (15) disposed in each row and reduces the peak value of the acting load. The bearing back surface region, where the analyzed rolling element load, which takes bearing structure deformation into consideration, becomes higher than the calculated theoretical value for when there is no structure deformation, is provided with a rigidity-adjusting section (SA), which reduces support rigidity in the radial direction from the bearing center more for regions with a greater analyzed rolling element load.