Modular Bearing-Assembly-and-Seal Module for Underwater Turbines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Underwater current turbines face challenges with high maintenance costs and reduced service life due to the need for multiple bearings that are subjected to high loads and saltwater exposure, requiring individual disassembly for replacement.
Innovation Solution
An exchangeable bearing-assembly-and-seal module that supports the shaft and seals the generator nacelle, allowing for easy installation and maintenance by being attached as a modular unit, with integrated sensors and a water drainage system to prevent water entry and extend service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If multiple separate bearings are used to support the shaft and external rotor sleeve, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate bearing assemblies into a single integrated bearing assembly that supports both the shaft and external rotor sleeve. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the necessary structural stability, and enables the entire bearing assembly to be replaced as one modular unit, significantly simplifying maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated bearing assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it supports the shaft, supports the external rotor sleeve, and provides sealing against saltwater entry. This multi-functional design reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining structural stability and reducing complexity.
2Strength
If conventional separate bearings are used, then the initial structural support is achieved, but the service life is reduced due to saltwater exposure and high loads
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the bearing assemblies into a single integrated unit with unified sealing, the patent creates a more robust structure that better resists saltwater exposure and high loads. The integrated design eliminates potential weak points at interfaces between separate components, thereby extending service life while maintaining the required structural support.
3Ease of repair
If individual bearing replacement is required, then precise repair is possible, but the maintenance time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bearing support system into a modular bearing assembly that can be replaced as a complete unit. This segmentation allows the entire assembly to be quickly removed and replaced without disassembling the entire turbine, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining repair quality through standardized modular components.
Data Source
AI summary
An underwater current turbine of an underwater tidal-/ocean-/river-flow power plant includes a generator nacelle configured to contain a generator for current generation, a drive unit having at least one rotor blade configured to be driven by moving water and including a shaft connected to the rotor blade for rotation therewith, the shaft extending from the drive unit into the generator nacelle and being configured to drive the generator, and an exchangeable bearing-assembly-and-seal module disposed between the generator nacelle and the drive unit, the bearing-assembly-and-seal module being configured to be removed from the drive unit and from the nacelle as a unit.