Fluid Film Bearing Pad Replacement Through Detachable Seal Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
The replacement of bearing pads in fluid film bearings of wind turbines is cumbersome due to their size and weight, requiring complex procedures and equipment, and existing methods compromise the structural integrity of the bearing or are not suitable for modern wind turbines with increased loads.
Innovation Solution
A fluid film bearing design with detachable seals and strategically placed windows allows for in-situ replacement of bearing pads through openings, utilizing actuators and bolted connections to facilitate easy access and minimize structural weakening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If bearing pads are replaced through windows in the support structure, then ease of repair is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into modular components with bearing pads that can be independently replaced. The support structure is segmented to include removable seals and access openings that allow individual pad replacement without affecting the entire bearing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal is designed to be detachable and removable, allowing access to bearing pads without permanently compromising the support structure. The access openings are strategically placed and minimized to maintain structural integrity while enabling maintenance.
2Force
If more bearing pads are added to support high loads, then load capacity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing load capacity is increased by adding more individual bearing pad segments rather than enlarging single pads. This modular approach distributes the load across multiple independent components, maintaining structural manageability while increasing total load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple bearing pads perform the same function of supporting radial and axial loads. This redundancy allows the bearing to handle higher total loads while maintaining the same basic pad design and replacement procedures, avoiding complexity increases.
3Force
If bearing pads are made larger to support increased loads, then load capacity is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using fewer large heavy pads, the bearing uses multiple smaller, lighter pads that collectively support the same or higher loads. This segmentation reduces individual component weight and inertia while maintaining total load capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing design changes from few large pads to many small pads, altering the size distribution parameters. This parameter change reduces the weight of individual moving components while the collective arrangement maintains or increases load-bearing capacity.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective, and service-friendly replacement of bearing pads without the need for external cranes or vessels, maintaining the bearing's structural integrity and supporting high loads.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (19) arranged between the first part (10) and the second part (11) for sealing an inner space of the fluid film bearing in which the bearing pads (12, 13) are arranged, wherein the seal (19) covers an opening (24) of the inner space
Implementation Method 2
a first group of bearing pads (12, 13) coupled to the support structure (18) and having a bearing pad sliding surface (17) configured to slide on the first sliding surface (14)
Implementation Method 3
a fluid film develops between the bearing pad sliding surface and the sliding surface of the first part, reducing wear and tear at the sliding surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid film bearing for a rotor hub of a wind turbine includes a first part and a second part rotatably coupled to each other about a longitudinal axis. The first part includes an annular first sliding surface extending in the circumferential direction of the fluid film bearing along the first part. In addition, the second part includes a support structure and a first group of bearing pads coupled to the support structure and having a bearing pad sliding surface configured to slide on the first sliding surface. In addition, the fluid film bearing further includes a seal arranged between the first part and the second part.