Wind Turbine Gearbox Sliding Layer for Stable Bearing Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The maintenance and replacement of sliding bearings in wind turbine gearboxes are complex and costly due to the need for precise alignment and the potential for position loss due to creep or relaxation effects.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine gearbox with a deposition welded sliding layer made from a sliding bearing material, allowing for easier maintenance and preventing position loss by creating a stable sliding surface between the gear and the axle or axle holder.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If sliding bearing bushes are shrunk onto the axle or pressed into the planetary gear, then the gear can be mounted on the axle, but the replacement of sliding bearings becomes complex and cost-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the sliding bearing function from the axle structure by using a removable sliding bearing bush that can be independently accessed and replaced. The bush is divided into a modular component that can be serviced without disassembling the entire gearbox, thereby simplifying maintenance procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding bearing bush acts as an intermediary element between the gear and the axle. This intermediate component allows for easy replacement of the sliding bearing surface without requiring removal or complex manipulation of the gear itself, reducing maintenance complexity.
2Reliability
If sliding bearing bushes are used, then the gear can rotate on the axle, but position loss due to creep or relaxation effects occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters and geometric parameters of the sliding bearing bush to improve dimensional stability. By optimizing the material composition and the dimensional tolerances of the bush, the patent prevents creep and relaxation effects that would otherwise cause position loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding bearing bush is constructed from composite materials or a specially designed material combination that provides both low friction for smooth operation and high dimensional stability to prevent creep and relaxation effects, thereby maintaining precise positioning.
3Ease of repair
If conventional sliding bearing bushes are used, then the gear can be mounted on the axle, but maintenance requires complex disassembly and is costly
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding bearing bush is designed as a separate, modular component that can be accessed and replaced independently from the gear and axle assembly. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to service the sliding bearing without complex disassembly procedures, reducing both time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding bearing function is extracted from the main gear-axle assembly and placed into a separate bush component. This extracted component can be easily removed and replaced at the bush location, significantly reducing maintenance time and complexity compared to servicing integrated sliding bearings.
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
Facilitates easier and less costly maintenance of wind turbine gearboxes by making sliding bearings accessible and preventing position loss, while also simplifying the production process.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding surface is arranged between the gear and the axle or between the axle and an axle holder. The sliding surface is arranged on at least one layer of a deposition welded material made from a sliding bearing material.
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine gearbox, in particular planetary gearbox, has at least one gear which is mounted on an axle, wherein a sliding surface is arranged between the gear and the axle. The sliding surface is arranged on at least one layer of a deposition welded material made from a sliding bearing material. Furthermore, a method produces the wind turbine gearbox.