Wind Turbine Drivetrain Bearing Layout for Axial Load Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind energy plant designs with three-point mountings are expensive due to high torque transmission requirements and require precise alignment and deformation compensation, which complicates manufacturing and operation.
Innovation Solution
A wind energy plant with a drive train featuring a rotor shaft connected to a planetary gear, utilizing a toroidal roller bearing and torque bearing with elastic suspension elements to absorb axial and bending forces, allowing for robust and compact design with reduced alignment precision needs and eliminating the need for clutches or separate torque arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional three-point bearing configurations are used with fixed bearings and coupling elements, then axial forces and deformations can be compensated, but manufacturing costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the clutch element and torque arm from the drivetrain configuration. By using a fixed bearing directly connected to the gearbox housing, the axial force compensation function is integrated into the bearing-housing assembly, removing the need for separate coupling elements and reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of axial force support and torque transmission into a single fixed bearing assembly. The fixed bearing is rigidly connected to the gearbox housing, combining the bearing function with the housing structure, thereby eliminating separate torque arms and reducing the number of components
2Force
If conventional three-point bearing configurations with torque arms are used, then torque transmission is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the torque arm from the drivetrain by directly rigidly connecting the fixed bearing to the gearbox housing. The housing itself serves as the torque transmission path, eliminating the need for separate torque arms and simplifying the overall drivetrain structure
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox housing is given multiple functions: it serves as both the structural enclosure for the gearbox and as the torque transmission element. By rigidly connecting the fixed bearing to the housing, the housing simultaneously supports torque transmission and provides mounting for the bearing assembly
3Strength
If precise alignment is required for three-point bearing configurations, then load distribution is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the bearing support function into two independent parts: a floating bearing that handles radial loads and a fixed bearing that handles axial loads and provides positioning. This segmentation allows each bearing to be optimized for its specific function without requiring high precision alignment between them, as the fixed bearing rigidly connected to the housing provides stable positioning
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
This design reduces manufacturing costs, enhances load-bearing capacity, and maintains precise axial guidance, absorbing tilting moments without deforming components, while simplifying the drive train structure and reducing transport width.
Implementation Method 1
the elastic suspension elements are cylindrical and designed as an ultra-bushing
Implementation Method 2
the rotor shaft is supported on the side facing away from the first gearbox stage by a toroidal roller bearing
Implementation Method 3
the planet carrier, which is rigidly and backlash-free connected to the rotor shaft, is supported by a torque bearing as a fixed bearing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a wind turbine with a drive train (1) comprising a rotor shaft (2) and a planetary gearbox (10) with a first gearbox stage (11), wherein the rotor shaft (2) is rigidly and backlash-free connected to the planet carrier (14) of the first gearbox stage (11). The rotor shaft (2) is supported on the side facing away from the first gearbox stage (11) by a toroidal roller bearing (5) on a first support structure (30), while the planet carrier (14), which is rigidly and backlash-free connected to the rotor shaft (2), is supported by a torque bearing (20) as a fixed bearing, wherein the outer ring of the torque bearing (20) is connected to a housing (16), and the assembly of the outer ring of the torque bearing (20) and the housing (16) is connected to a second support structure (31) via at least three elastic suspension elements (18) arranged annularly around the rotor axis.