Segmented Wind Turbine Rotor Bearing for Easier Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bearing arrangements for wind turbine rotors require complete dismantling of the wind turbine for maintenance due to the complexity of producing spherical sliding surfaces and lack of validated hydrodynamic simulation tools, making them difficult to manufacture and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A bearing arrangement with axial and radial plain bearing segments that can be easily accessed and replaced individually, eliminating the need for complete dismantling, featuring rotor-side and housing-side axial and radial plain bearing segments supported on non-spherical sliding surfaces, and a segmented segment holder for easy access and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spherical sliding surfaces are used for plain bearing segments, then the bearing arrangement can support the rotor, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arrangement is divided into multiple independent plain bearing segments (radial and axial segments) that can be manufactured separately using simple cylindrical or flat surfaces, eliminating the need for complex spherical surfaces while maintaining load-bearing capability through the segmented structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from spherical surfaces (3D curved geometry) to cylindrical radial segments and flat axial segments (simpler 1D/2D geometries), reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional equivalence through proper arrangement of segments in different dimensions
2Reliability
If rolling bearings are used to support the rotor, then the bearing function is achieved, but complete dismantling of the wind turbine is required for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing arrangement is segmented into multiple independent plain bearing segments that can be accessed and replaced individually through the rotor hub, eliminating the need for complete wind turbine dismantling while maintaining rotational support functionality
Solution Approach 2:
Individual plain bearing segments are extracted as separate replaceable components from the bearing assembly, allowing damaged segments to be removed and replaced without affecting other components, thereby simplifying maintenance operations
3Reliability
If multiple axially spaced plain bearings with spherical sliding surfaces are used, then the rotor can be supported, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex spherical plain bearing is segmented into simpler radial and axial plain bearing segments with cylindrical and flat surfaces respectively, reducing structural complexity while maintaining the load-bearing functionality through the combined arrangement of segments
Solution Approach 2:
The plain bearing segments serve multiple functions: radial segments handle radial loads, axial segments handle axial loads, and together they provide complete rotor support functionality that previously required complex spherical surfaces
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 easy manufacturing and maintenance of wind turbine bearings, allowing individual replacement of damaged segments without disassembling the entire drive train, reducing maintenance complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
rotor-side axial sliding bearing segments (13), which engage the rotor (11), rotate together with the rotor (11) and bear against a sliding surface (14) of the housing (12)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a bearing assembly (10) of a rotor (11) of a wind turbine, namely a bearing of the rotor (11) in a fixed housing (12), comprising rotor-side axial slide bearing segments (13) which engage on the rotor (11), rotate together with the rotor (11), and are supported against a sliding surface (14) of the housing (12); housing-side axial slide bearing segments (15) which engage on the housing (12), are fixed together with the housing (12), and are supported against a first sliding surface (16) of the rotor (11); and housing-side radial slide bearing segments (21) which engage on the housing (12), are fixed together with the housing (12), and are supported against a second sliding surface (22) of the rotor (11).