Wind Turbine Sliding Pad Replacement Without Bearing Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for replacing sliding pads in rotational sliding bearings of wind turbines are cumbersome and require significant effort due to the size and weight of the bearings, often necessitating the use of external cranes and vessels, especially for offshore turbines.
Innovation Solution
A method for replacing a sliding pad of a rotational sliding bearing that involves unloading the pad by releasing or applying forces, removing the pad in an axial and/or radial direction, inserting a replacement pad, and reapplying forces to support the rotatable part on the new pad, allowing for in-situ, one-by-one replacement without the need for external cranes or vessels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the bearing is removed from the wind turbine for repair, then the sliding pad can be replaced, but the procedure becomes tedious and requires external cranes and vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing is divided into modular components, specifically the sliding pad can be replaced independently while the rest of the bearing remains in place. This allows maintenance of individual sliding pads without removing the entire bearing assembly from the wind turbine.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding pad is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the bearing assembly. The method enables removal and replacement of individual sliding pads while the bearing housing and other components remain installed in the wind turbine.
2Productivity
If the entire bearing is removed for maintenance, then all sliding pads can be inspected and replaced, but the process requires significant effort and external equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance process is segmented to allow individual sliding pad replacement rather than complete bearing removal. This increases productivity by enabling selective maintenance of only the worn or damaged sliding pads while the bearing remains installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing housing is designed with preliminary features such as openings and load transfer mechanisms that enable easy sliding pad removal and replacement. These preliminary design features eliminate the need for complex removal procedures and external equipment.
3Ease of repair
If external cranes and vessels are used for bearing removal, then the bearing can be replaced, but the cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing housing includes integrated features that enable self-service maintenance of sliding pads. The load transfer mechanism and opening design allow maintenance personnel to replace sliding pads using only the bearing's own structural features, without external cranes or specialized equipment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for replacing a sliding pad of a rotational sliding bearing, wherein the bearing includes a plurality of sliding pads each supporting an annual rotatable part of the bearing on a stationary part of the bearing in an axial direction and/or a radial direction, including the steps: removing a load of the rotatable part from the sliding pad to be removed by releasing a force applied to the sliding pad and/or by applying a force to the rotatable part, removing the sliding pad in an axial and/or a radial direction, inserting a replacement sliding pad, supporting the rotatable part on the replacement sliding pad by applying a force to the replacement sliding pad and/or by removing the force applied to the rotatable part.