Split Sealed Bearing Module for Compact Tidal Turbine Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tidal turbines require reliable and low-maintenance bearing assemblies with a reduced number of components to extend service life and minimize installation complexity, as existing solutions involve multiple individual parts that are assembled on-site.
Innovation Solution
A sealed bearing module with a split bearing ring configuration, including an inner and outer ring, where one ring is preloaded using a threaded rod or clamping ring, and a seal system for seawater protection, allowing for a compact, plug-and-play integration directly into the tidal turbine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bearing assemblies are supplied as individual parts and assembled on-site, then installation flexibility is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple bearing components (inner ring, outer ring, rollers, cage, seals, and mounting structures) into a single integrated bearing module. This merging of components reduces the number of parts that need to be handled and assembled on-site, while maintaining installation flexibility through the modular design that can be installed as a complete unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual bearing components are used, then adaptability to different configurations is improved, but reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all bearing components into a single pre-assembled module, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points from multiple individual components to a unified system. The modular design maintains adaptability through standardized interfaces that can accommodate different tidal turbine configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing module is pre-assembled and pre-tested in a controlled manufacturing environment before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary assembly and testing ensures proper component fit and function, reducing installation errors and improving reliability by verifying the system works correctly before deployment in the tidal turbine.
3Reliability
If bearing assemblies are customized for each tidal turbine, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing module is designed as a universal component with standardized interfaces and dimensions that can be used across different tidal turbine models and configurations. This universality allows the same module design to serve multiple applications, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliability through consistent quality control processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The module is pre-assembled and pre-tested during manufacturing, allowing quality control measures to be implemented in a controlled factory environment rather than at the installation site. This preliminary testing ensures reliability while simplifying manufacturing by using standardized assembly procedures that can be replicated across different production batches.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact bearing module is used, then nacelle size and weight are reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating all bearing components into a single compact module, the patent reduces the overall space required in the nacelle. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate mounting structures and alignment features that would be required for individual components, achieving compactness while managing precision requirements through factory pre-assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealed bearing module for a tidal turbine that has a rotor having rotor blades disposed on a rotor hub and a rotor shaft carrying the rotor for transmitting a drive torque from the rotor hub to a transmission or a generator in a nacelle which nacelle has a housing. The bearing module includes a first bearing ring and a second bearing ring, the first bearing ring is a split bearing ring having a first bearing ring part and a second bearing ring part, the second bearing ring has at least one axially extending bore for attaching the second bearing ring directly to the nacelle housing, the first bearing ring is configured to be connected to the rotor shaft and/or to the rotor hub, and the split bearing ring is preloaded by a preload element.