Elastomeric Teetering Hinge for Wind Turbine Load Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional teetering hinges for offshore wind turbines, based on mechanical devices or single metal-elastomeric bearings, fail to effectively absorb dynamic loads and maintain reliability due to rigid structures, limited angling capabilities, and uncontrolled preload, leading to gearbox failure and stress on rotor and shaft components.

Innovation Solution

The use of double elastomeric teeter bearings with preloadable elastomeric elements and metal shims, along with radial sliding bearings, provides enhanced load absorption, adjustable preload, and improved durability, allowing for better handling of high structural loads and reduced stress on turbine components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical teetering hinges with bushings or ball bearings are used, then structural support is provided, but the ability to absorb sharp dynamic loads is insufficient due to rigid nature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to absorb sharp dynamic loadsVSAvoidrigid nature of mechanical devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible elastomer, allowing the teetering hinge to absorb sharp dynamic loads through elastic deformation while maintaining structural support functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction with elastomeric material combined with reinforcement elements (fabric layers, metal inserts) to create a bearing that兼具 flexibility for load absorption and sufficient strength for structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If conventional mechanical teetering hinges are used, then structural support is provided, but metallic bearings degrade by pitting due to continued exposure to high loads and limited angling ability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability against pitting degradationVSAvoidservice life of metallic bearings

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical bearing system (bushings or ball bearings) with an elastomeric bearing system that does not suffer from metallic pitting degradation, extending the service life of the teetering hinge under high load conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the material from metal to elastomer, fundamentally altering the wear and degradation characteristics to eliminate pitting failure mode and extend bearing life

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional teetering hinges are used, then centering function is required, but complicated centering devices based on metallic or elastomeric springs outside the bearing are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentering capabilityVSAvoidcomplicated centering devices outside bearing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the centering function with the bearing structure itself by incorporating preload capability directly into the elastomeric bearing design, eliminating the need for separate centering devices and simplifying the overall assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastomeric bearing is designed to self-center through its inherent elastic properties and preload mechanism, eliminating the need for external centering devices and reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If single metal-elastomeric bearings are used, then teetering function is provided, but preload cannot be controlled or adjusted and unnecessary stress is transferred to hub and shaft

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepreload control capabilityVSAvoidstress transferred to hub and shaft

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the bearing system adjustable and controllable by enabling preload modification through design features such as adjustable mounting arrangements, allowing optimization of load distribution and reduction of unnecessary stress on hub and shaft components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

The double elastomeric teeter bearing assembly significantly reduces gearbox failure risk by effectively managing high loads, enhancing reliability, and facilitating maintenance through individually removable components, while maintaining structural integrity and reducing stress on rotor and shaft components.

Implementation Method 1

the use of elastomeric elements in the encompassed teeter hinge confers the ability to absorb sharp dynamic loads produced by strong winds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the elastomeric layers are not subject to the same types of wear and tear associated with conventional mechanical hinges and furthermore offer enhanced dampening of load peaks

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelastic damping: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10125811B2Elastomeric teetering hinge

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 SEAWIND OCEAN TECH HLDG BV

AI summary

The invention generally relates to two-bladed turbine nacelles and associated teetering hinges. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a hinge assembly encompassing a hub and two double elastomeric teeter bearings. In some aspects, the bearings are self-contained elements that can be preloaded in a controlled manner prior to their incorporation into the larger assembly.