Segmented Lubrication Ring for Wind Turbine Gearbox Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lubrication rings in wind turbine gearboxes experience wear and oil leakage due to thermal expansion, which causes the ring to either close off the gap or stick, leading to increased wear and pressure drop.
Innovation Solution
A segmented lubrication ring with ring segments that expand circumferentially to accommodate thermal expansion, featuring labyrinth seals and connection elements to maintain fluid flow and reduce wear, while allowing for easier assembly and material savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a continuous lubrication ring is used to seal the gap between gearbox housing and planet carrier, then oil leakage is reduced, but thermal expansion causes the ring to close off the gap or get stuck, increasing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication ring is divided into multiple independent segments that can expand individually when heated. This segmentation prevents the entire ring from closing off the gap or getting stuck, as each segment can move independently, maintaining the seal function while accommodating thermal expansion and reducing wear on contacting surfaces.
2Stress or pressure
If the lubrication ring is made to seal tightly against the gap, then oil pressure is maintained, but thermal expansion causes the ring to stick or close off the gap, leading to increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the ring into segments allows each segment to maintain sealing pressure against the gap while independently accommodating thermal expansion. The segments can move relative to each other, preventing the ring from sticking or completely closing off the gap, thus maintaining oil pressure without excessive wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state or parameters of the lubrication ring by making it segmented, which alters how it responds to thermal expansion. Instead of a uniform expansion that causes sticking, the segmented structure allows controlled movement and deformation, maintaining pressure while preventing wear through reduced contact stress.
3Loss of substance
If a continuous lubrication ring is used, then sealing performance is improved, but the ring expands radially and axially during heating, causing it to close off the gap or get stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous ring is segmented into multiple independent sections. This allows the ring to maintain its sealing function while accommodating thermal expansion through independent movement of each segment. The segments can expand radially and axially without causing the entire ring to close off the gap or get stuck, improving ease of operation under thermal conditions.
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 segmented design reduces wear and oil leakage, maintaining consistent fluid pressure and facilitating efficient lubrication by accommodating thermal expansion without direct expansion onto contacting surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the lubrication ring expands radially and axially during heating. This may cause the lubrication ring to close off the gap, or it may get stuck at the outside while opening the gap on the inside, which results in the lubrication ring to wear out
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lubrication ring, a wind turbine gearbox, a method of assembly thereof and a wind turbine. The lubrication ring is formed by a number of ring segments that are positioned relative to each other in the circumference direction. The ring segments each have a first connection element and a second connection element, which are spaced apart to form a gap that takes up the thermal expansion of the ring segments. The lubrication ring forms at least one fluid channel for transferring lubrication fluid between a first gearbox part and a second gearbox part positioned relative to each other. Each ring segment has at least one mounting point for securing the ring segment to the first or second gearbox part and at least one first opening for guiding the lubrication fluid through the lubrication ring.