WO2013107452A1 - Blade bearing with support structure having non-uniform stiffness and method manufacture - Google Patents
Blade bearing with support structure having non-uniform stiffness and method manufacture Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013107452A1 WO2013107452A1 PCT/DK2012/050486 DK2012050486W WO2013107452A1 WO 2013107452 A1 WO2013107452 A1 WO 2013107452A1 DK 2012050486 W DK2012050486 W DK 2012050486W WO 2013107452 A1 WO2013107452 A1 WO 2013107452A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- support structure
- blade
- blade bearing
- inner ring
- rolling elements
- Prior art date
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- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 9
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 9
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005304 joining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011282 treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C35/00—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers
- F16C35/04—Rigid support of bearing units; Housings, e.g. caps, covers in the case of ball or roller bearings
- F16C35/06—Mounting or dismounting of ball or roller bearings; Fixing them onto shaft or in housing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B23P—METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; COMBINED OPERATIONS; UNIVERSAL MACHINE TOOLS
- B23P15/00—Making specific metal objects by operations not covered by a single other subclass or a group in this subclass
- B23P15/003—Making specific metal objects by operations not covered by a single other subclass or a group in this subclass bearings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D1/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D1/06—Rotors
- F03D1/065—Rotors characterised by their construction elements
- F03D1/0658—Arrangements for fixing wind-engaging parts to a hub
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D80/00—Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
- F03D80/70—Bearing or lubricating arrangements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C19/00—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement
- F16C19/02—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows
- F16C19/04—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows for radial load mainly
- F16C19/08—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing balls essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows for radial load mainly with two or more rows of balls
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C19/00—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement
- F16C19/22—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings
- F16C19/24—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for radial load mainly
- F16C19/28—Bearings with rolling contact, for exclusively rotary movement with bearing rollers essentially of the same size in one or more circular rows, e.g. needle bearings for radial load mainly with two or more rows of rollers
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
- F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
- F16C33/58—Raceways; Race rings
- F16C33/64—Special methods of manufacture
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C43/00—Assembling bearings
- F16C43/04—Assembling rolling-contact bearings
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2230/00—Manufacture
- F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2260/00—Function
- F05B2260/70—Adjusting of angle of incidence or attack of rotating blades
- F05B2260/79—Bearing, support or actuation arrangements therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2280/00—Materials; Properties thereof
- F05B2280/70—Treatments or modification of materials
- F05B2280/702—Reinforcements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C2202/00—Solid materials defined by their properties
- F16C2202/02—Mechanical properties
- F16C2202/06—Strength or rigidity
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C2360/00—Engines or pumps
- F16C2360/31—Wind motors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16C—SHAFTS; FLEXIBLE SHAFTS; ELEMENTS OR CRANKSHAFT MECHANISMS; ROTARY BODIES OTHER THAN GEARING ELEMENTS; BEARINGS
- F16C33/00—Parts of bearings; Special methods for making bearings or parts thereof
- F16C33/30—Parts of ball or roller bearings
- F16C33/58—Raceways; Race rings
- F16C33/60—Raceways; Race rings divided or split, e.g. comprising two juxtaposed rings
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
- Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49636—Process for making bearing or component thereof
- Y10T29/49643—Rotary bearing
- Y10T29/49679—Anti-friction bearing or component thereof
- Y10T29/49682—Assembling of race and rolling anti-friction members
- Y10T29/49684—Assembling of race and rolling anti-friction members with race making
Definitions
- the present invention relates to blade bearings for wind turbines and methods of manufacturing such bearings.
- Wind turbines typically include a rotor with large blades driven by the wind.
- the blades convert the kinetic energy of the wind into rotational mechanical energy.
- the mechanical energy is typically transferred via drivetrain to a generator, which then converts the energy into electrical power.
- each blade is mounted to a hub by a blade bearing that allows relative movement between the blade and the hub.
- the blades are rotated about their longitudinal axis by a pitch system that includes one or more electrical drives (e.g., electrical motors) or hydraulic drives (e.g., hydraulic actuators).
- Pitch control places significant demands on the blade bearings because they are subjected to a high level of activity.
- the small, cyclical movements that characterize pitch control can reduce fatigue life.
- various approaches have been taken to increase the load capacity of blade bearings.
- One of the most conventional approaches is to include two or more rows of rolling elements (e.g., balls or rollers).
- Two-row ball bearings are often used as blade bearings, and three-row ball bearings and three-row roller bearings have drawn increased interest in recent years as the size (and loads) of wind turbines has grown.
- Another option is to stiffen the rings of the blade bearings with an additional support structure, such as a plate.
- Such plates are mounted on one or both sides of a bearing ring, particularly the inner ring. Although reinforcing the inner ring on both sides may keep radial distortions low, it can also limit deflections in the axial direction. This may lead to high contact angles for the rolling elements and poor load distribution when the outer ring deflects in the axial direction (effectively tilting relative to the inner bearing ring).
- a blade bearing for mounting a blade of a wind turbine to a hub of the wind turbine is described below.
- the blade bearing comprises inner and outer rings arranged next to each other, with one of the inner and outer rings being configured to mount to the blade and the other being configured to mount to the hub.
- At least two rows of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer rings.
- Upper and lower rows of the rolling elements are located in respective upper and lower planes.
- the blade bearing also includes a support structure secured to the inner ring and extending in a substantially radial direction between the upper and lower planes.
- the support structure has non-uniform stiffness characteristics in a circumferential direction (different portions of the support structure at the same radial distance from its center have different stiffness characteristics).
- the non-uniform stiffness characteristics may be provided, for example, by one or more portions of increased thickness. Particular advantages are obtained when the portions correspond to angular sectors where the blade is heavily loaded.
- a corresponding method of manufacturing a blade bearing for a wind turbine comprises forming the inner and outer rings, securing the support structure to the inner ring before the inner and outer rings are assembled together, and machining a raceway surface on the inner ring after securing the support structure.
- the raceway surface is configured to support the rows of rolling elements.
- the support structure is cast from a first material and the inner and outer rings are formed from a second material.
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine.
- Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a blade bearing for a wind turbine.
- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the blade bearing shown in Fig. 2.
- Fig. 3 A is a schematic view of the blade bearing in relation to other components of the wind turbine.
- Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4— 4 in Fig. 3.
- Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5— 5 in Fig. 3.
- Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a blade bearing.
- Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a blade bearing.
- Fig. 1 shows one example of a wind turbine 2.
- the wind turbine 2 includes a rotor having blades 4 mounted to a hub 6, which is supported by a nacelle 8 on a tower 12.
- a nacelle 8 on a tower 12.
- FIG. 1 shows one example of a wind turbine 2.
- the wind turbine 2 includes a rotor having blades 4 mounted to a hub 6, which is supported by a nacelle 8 on a tower 12.
- a nacelle 8 on a tower 12.
- Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate one example of a blade bearing 20 according to the invention.
- the blade bearing includes inner and outer rings 22, 24 arranged next each other.
- the inner ring 22 is configured to mount to the blade via bolts (not shown) extending through bolt holes 26.
- the outer ring 24 is configured to mount to the hub via bolts (not shown) extending through bolt holes 28.
- At least two rows of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer rings 22, 24.
- the blade bearing 20 also includes a support structure 30 secured to the inner ring 22.
- the support structure 30 is shown as a plate-like member covering an opening defined by the inner ring 22, although it may alternatively be annular or have some other shape.
- the manner in which the support structure 30 and inner ring 22 are secured may also vary. Some possibilities include shrink fitting and clamping, although other methods of joining and mechanical fastening will be appreciated.
- the support structure 30 may even be casted around or within a portion of the inner ring 22 if different materials are used. Regardless, the support structure 30 can be positioned between upper and lower surfaces of the inner ring 22 using these techniques.
- the support structure 30 is arranged somewhere between the sides. This will be described in further detail below. Moreover, this arrangement may be achieved without bolts extending radially into the inner ring 22 such that additional bearing material is not required to
- the inner ring 22 and support structure 30 are secured together during the bearing production process using one of the above-mentioned techniques.
- the support structure 30 may have non-uniform stiffness characteristics in a
- different portions of the support structure 30 at the same radial distance from its center may have different stiffness characteristics (radially, angularly, and/or axially). This may be achieved, for example, by providing the support structure 30 with one or more portions of increased thickness at strategically-selected locations. In the embodiment shown in the figures and discussed below, the portions of increased thickness are defined by different support ribs 40. However, other ways of designing the support structure 30 with different stiffness characteristics at different locations will be appreciated by skilled persons in the technical field of the invention.
- the support ribs 40 are sized and arranged so that the support structure 30 has increased radial, angular, and axial stiffness in certain portions (angular sectors) of the blade bearing 20.
- first, second, third, and fourth portions are generally noted in Fig. 2 at 32, 34, 36, and 38, respectively.
- the first and third portions 32, 36 have a greater stiffness than the second and fourth portions 34, 38 due to the support ribs 40.
- the first and third portions 32, 36 are diametrically opposite and generally aligned with the edgewise direction of the blades when the wind turbine is producing power.
- Fig. 3A schematically illustrates the blade bearing 20 in relation to a hub 50 and main shaft 52 of the wind turbine
- Fig. 4 is a cross-section through the blade bearing 20 at the first portion 32.
- Bolts connecting the inner ring 22 to a blade are continuously placed in tension and compression as the rotor rotates.
- the blade bearing 20 is heavily loaded at the first and third portions 32, 36 due to the significant weight of the blades.
- the increased stiffness provided by the support structure 30 at these locations reinforces the inner ring 22 to help prevent the inner ring 22 from moving relative to the outer ring in the axial direction (i.e., "slipping"), angular direction (i.e., “tilting"), radial direction (i.e., "ovalizing”). Poor performance due to high contact angles with the rolling elements (not shown) is therefore minimized.
- the second and fourth portions 34, 38 are also diametrically opposite, but generally located at an angular distance of 90° from the first and third portions 32, 36. Accordingly, the second and fourth portions 34, 38 may be generally aligned with the flapwise direction of the blade when the rotor is rotating to produce power (see Figs. 3A and 5). At these locations the bolts are not as heavily loaded; reinforcing the bolt connection is less of a concern. However, due to the nature of the bearing loads, the outer ring 24 may be urged to "tilt" relative to the inner ring 22.
- the support structure 30 is devoid of support ribs 40 at these locations such that it has a relatively lower stiffness, thereby providing the inner ring 22 with increased flexibility so that the inner ring 22 can tilt as well.
- Fig. 5 illustrates this principle in further detail.
- the support structure 30 is arranged relative to the inner ring 22 so that the tilting results in a desired/proper load distribution between the rows of rolling elements (which are not shown).
- the support structure 30 extends in a substantially radial direction between the rows of rolling elements.
- the support structure 30 is primarily or entirely arranged between the planes in which upper and lower rows of the rolling elements are located, at least in the region where the support structure 30 meets the inner ring 22. This arrangement allows the inner ring 22 to more effectively "follow" (i.e., match) any tilting of the outer ring 24 due to the bearing loads. Adverse effects on load distribution between the rows of rolling elements when the outer ring tilts are therefore minimized.
- the support structure 30 and inner ring 22 may be made from different materials. This can lead to significant cost savings.
- bearing rings are typically made from relatively expensive alloys and subjected to various hardening and machining steps. Although this material selection and processing drives up costs, it is generally considered necessary to ensure the raceway surfaces are of sufficient quality and have the necessary fatigue resistance.
- the alloys are relatively soft to allow for the machining. To help prevent distortions and ensure sufficient load capacity despite the relatively soft/flexible material, the bearing rings are dimensioned accordingly.
- the material of the inner ring 22 can be kept to a minimum. Much of the loading is handled by the support structure 30, which may be cast from a cheaper alloy without significant finishing operations. The inner ring 22 need not have significant dimensions to compensate for its relatively softer material. [0030] A particular advantage associated with casting the support structure 30 is that desired shapes may be easily produced. As mentioned above, the support ribs 40 are merely one possible way of providing the support structure 30 with a non-uniform stiffness. The same effect may be achieved by many other shapes and configurations of the support structure 30, such as increased thicknesses in the portions where increased stiffness is desired.
- Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a blade bearing 60 that further illustrates the extent to which the support structure may help reduce material of the inner ring.
- the same reference numbers are used in Fig. 6 to refer to elements corresponding to those discussed above.
- the support structure 30 even includes the bolts holes 26 for the bolted connection with the blade.
- the inner ring 22 is essentially reduced to an insert containing the raceway surface.
- the outer ring 24 may be constructed in a similar manner. That is, reduced to an insert containing the raceway surface.
- the insert is surrounded by a support structure 62 that results in the two-piece construction resembling a more conventional bearing ring.
- Fig. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of a blade bearing 70, again with the same reference numbers being used to refer to elements corresponding to those discussed above.
- the support structure 30 comprises first and second parts 30a, 30b.
- the first part 30a primarily provides the intended functionalities of the support structure, namely stiffening the inner ring 22 in the manner described above.
- the second part 30b is used to clamp the inner ring 22 to the support structure 30.
- the bolt hole 26 includes first and second portions 26a, 26b extending through the respective first and second parts 30a, 30b.
- the first and second parts 30a, 30b may be held together using the bolts that secure the blade to the bearing.
- the outer ring 24 and support structure 62 may be arranged in a similar manner (i.e., the support structure 62 having first and second parts 62a, 62b to facilitate securing the outer ring 24).
- the inner and outer rings are formed, but the inner ring is not machined or treated to its final form. Instead, the inner ring is first secured to the support structure. The final machining of the inner ring takes place at some point afterwards, as may other treatments. This includes machining the raceway surface on the inner ring.
- the outer ring is machined and treated to its final form as well. This may occur before or after securing the support structure to the inner ring. Either way, eventually the inner and outer rings are arranged next to each other and at least two rows of rolling elements are arranged on the raceway surfaces. The rolling elements are held between the inner and outer rings.
- the support structure is provided as part of the bearing production process. This helps make it possible to further reduce the material of the inner ring, as the support structure provides additional reinforcement during the final machining.
- a blade bearing according to the invention may alternatively be a three-row ball bearing, three-row roller bearing, or even a three- ring bearing with multiple rows of rolling elements.
- the terms “inner ring” and “outer ring” are relative terms such that the term “outer ring” in the claims below may refer to the middle ring instead of the outermost ring.
- the inner and outer rings 22, 24 are described as being configured to mount to the blade and hub, respectively, in alternative embodiments the arrangement may be reversed.
- the inner ring may be configured to mount to the hub and the outer ring may be configured to mount to the blade.
- the advantages of casting the support structure are mentioned above, it is also possible to machine the support structure from a non-casted component.
Abstract
A blade bearing for mounting a blade of a wind turbine to a hub of the wind turbine comprises inner and outer rings arranged next to each other. One of the inner and outer rings is configured to mount to the blade, and the other is configured to mount to the hub. At least two rows of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer rings. Upper and lower rows of the rolling elements are located in respective upper and lower planes. A support structure is secured to the inner ring and extends in a substantially radial direction between the upper and lower planes. The support structure has non-uniform stiffness characteristics in a circumferential direction. A method of manufacturing a blade bearing is also provided.
Description
BLADE BEARING WITH SUPPORT STRUCTURE HAVING NON-UNIFORM STIFFNESS AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to blade bearings for wind turbines and methods of manufacturing such bearings.
Background
[0002] Wind turbines typically include a rotor with large blades driven by the wind. The blades convert the kinetic energy of the wind into rotational mechanical energy. The mechanical energy is typically transferred via drivetrain to a generator, which then converts the energy into electrical power.
[0003] Most modern wind turbines control power output by pitching the blades relative to the wind. Thus, each blade is mounted to a hub by a blade bearing that allows relative movement between the blade and the hub. The blades are rotated about their longitudinal axis by a pitch system that includes one or more electrical drives (e.g., electrical motors) or hydraulic drives (e.g., hydraulic actuators).
[0004] Pitch control places significant demands on the blade bearings because they are subjected to a high level of activity. The small, cyclical movements that characterize pitch control can reduce fatigue life. As a result, various approaches have been taken to increase the load capacity of blade bearings.
[0005] One of the most conventional approaches is to include two or more rows of rolling elements (e.g., balls or rollers). Two-row ball bearings are often used as blade bearings, and
three-row ball bearings and three-row roller bearings have drawn increased interest in recent years as the size (and loads) of wind turbines has grown.
[0006] The additional rows of rolling elements, however, may still not be sufficient to meet design loads. The blade bearings may still experience distortions that affect their capacity.
Furthermore, the additional rows can lead to problems of load distribution. One option to address these challenges is to increase the size and weight of the blade bearings, but this can lead to a significant increase in costs. Not only for the blade bearings themselves, but also for the blade and hub which must increase in size to accommodate the blade bearings.
[0007] Another option is to stiffen the rings of the blade bearings with an additional support structure, such as a plate. Such plates are mounted on one or both sides of a bearing ring, particularly the inner ring. Although reinforcing the inner ring on both sides may keep radial distortions low, it can also limit deflections in the axial direction. This may lead to high contact angles for the rolling elements and poor load distribution when the outer ring deflects in the axial direction (effectively tilting relative to the inner bearing ring). Summary
[0008] A blade bearing for mounting a blade of a wind turbine to a hub of the wind turbine is described below. The blade bearing comprises inner and outer rings arranged next to each other, with one of the inner and outer rings being configured to mount to the blade and the other being configured to mount to the hub. At least two rows of rolling elements are positioned between the inner and outer rings. Upper and lower rows of the rolling elements are located in respective upper and lower planes. The blade bearing also includes a support structure secured to the inner ring and extending in a substantially radial direction between the upper and lower planes. There are particular advantages described below associated with such an arrangement, at least in the
region where the support structure interfaces with the inner ring. The entire support structure need not, however, be confined between the upper and lower rows of the rolling elements to provide the advantages.
[0009] As an additional feature, the support structure has non-uniform stiffness characteristics in a circumferential direction (different portions of the support structure at the same radial distance from its center have different stiffness characteristics). The non-uniform stiffness characteristics may be provided, for example, by one or more portions of increased thickness. Particular advantages are obtained when the portions correspond to angular sectors where the blade is heavily loaded.
[0010] A corresponding method of manufacturing a blade bearing for a wind turbine is also provided. The method comprises forming the inner and outer rings, securing the support structure to the inner ring before the inner and outer rings are assembled together, and machining a raceway surface on the inner ring after securing the support structure. The raceway surface is configured to support the rows of rolling elements. Thus, at some point after securing the support structure and machining the inner ring, the rows of rolling elements are arranged on the raceway surface. The inner and outer rings are then arranged next to each other so that the rows of rolling elements are held between the inner and outer rings.
[0011] As a further aspect of the invention, the support structure is cast from a first material and the inner and outer rings are formed from a second material. The advantages associated with this and the blade bearing in general will be more apparent based on the description below.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine.
[0013] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a blade bearing for a wind turbine.
[0014] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the blade bearing shown in Fig. 2.
[0015] Fig. 3 A is a schematic view of the blade bearing in relation to other components of the wind turbine.
[0016] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4— 4 in Fig. 3.
[0017] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 5— 5 in Fig. 3.
[0018] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a blade bearing.
[0019] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of a blade bearing.
Detailed Description
[0020] Fig. 1 shows one example of a wind turbine 2. The wind turbine 2 includes a rotor having blades 4 mounted to a hub 6, which is supported by a nacelle 8 on a tower 12. Although an offshore wind turbine is shown, it should be noted that the description below may be applicable to other types of wind turbines. Indeed, the description below focuses on particular component common to most wind turbines, namely blade bearings for mounting the blades 4 to the hub 6.
[0021] Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate one example of a blade bearing 20 according to the invention. The blade bearing includes inner and outer rings 22, 24 arranged next each other. The inner ring 22 is configured to mount to the blade via bolts (not shown) extending through bolt holes 26. The outer ring 24 is configured to mount to the hub via bolts (not shown) extending through bolt holes 28. At least two rows of rolling elements (e.g., balls or rollers; not shown) are positioned between the inner and outer rings 22, 24.
[0022] The blade bearing 20 also includes a support structure 30 secured to the inner ring 22. The support structure 30 is shown as a plate-like member covering an opening defined by the inner ring 22, although it may alternatively be annular or have some other shape. The manner in which the support structure 30 and inner ring 22 are secured may also vary. Some possibilities
include shrink fitting and clamping, although other methods of joining and mechanical fastening will be appreciated. The support structure 30 may even be casted around or within a portion of the inner ring 22 if different materials are used. Regardless, the support structure 30 can be positioned between upper and lower surfaces of the inner ring 22 using these techniques. In other words, unlike the prior art where support structures are mounted to one or both sides of a bearing ring, the support structure 30 is arranged somewhere between the sides. This will be described in further detail below. Moreover, this arrangement may be achieved without bolts extending radially into the inner ring 22 such that additional bearing material is not required to
accommodate the connection. Although bolting remains a possibility, preferably the inner ring 22 and support structure 30 are secured together during the bearing production process using one of the above-mentioned techniques.
[0023] The support structure 30 may have non-uniform stiffness characteristics in a
circumferential direction. That is, different portions of the support structure 30 at the same radial distance from its center may have different stiffness characteristics (radially, angularly, and/or axially). This may be achieved, for example, by providing the support structure 30 with one or more portions of increased thickness at strategically-selected locations. In the embodiment shown in the figures and discussed below, the portions of increased thickness are defined by different support ribs 40. However, other ways of designing the support structure 30 with different stiffness characteristics at different locations will be appreciated by skilled persons in the technical field of the invention.
[0024] The support ribs 40 are sized and arranged so that the support structure 30 has increased radial, angular, and axial stiffness in certain portions (angular sectors) of the blade bearing 20. For example, first, second, third, and fourth portions are generally noted in Fig. 2 at 32, 34, 36,
and 38, respectively. The first and third portions 32, 36 have a greater stiffness than the second and fourth portions 34, 38 due to the support ribs 40.
[0025] Advantageously, the first and third portions 32, 36 are diametrically opposite and generally aligned with the edgewise direction of the blades when the wind turbine is producing power. This can best be seen with reference to Figs. 3, 3A, and 4. Fig. 3A schematically illustrates the blade bearing 20 in relation to a hub 50 and main shaft 52 of the wind turbine, and Fig. 4 is a cross-section through the blade bearing 20 at the first portion 32. Bolts connecting the inner ring 22 to a blade are continuously placed in tension and compression as the rotor rotates. As will be appreciated, the blade bearing 20 is heavily loaded at the first and third portions 32, 36 due to the significant weight of the blades. The increased stiffness provided by the support structure 30 at these locations reinforces the inner ring 22 to help prevent the inner ring 22 from moving relative to the outer ring in the axial direction (i.e., "slipping"), angular direction (i.e., "tilting"), radial direction (i.e., "ovalizing"). Poor performance due to high contact angles with the rolling elements (not shown) is therefore minimized.
[0026] The second and fourth portions 34, 38 are also diametrically opposite, but generally located at an angular distance of 90° from the first and third portions 32, 36. Accordingly, the second and fourth portions 34, 38 may be generally aligned with the flapwise direction of the blade when the rotor is rotating to produce power (see Figs. 3A and 5). At these locations the bolts are not as heavily loaded; reinforcing the bolt connection is less of a concern. However, due to the nature of the bearing loads, the outer ring 24 may be urged to "tilt" relative to the inner ring 22. The support structure 30 is devoid of support ribs 40 at these locations such that it has a relatively lower stiffness, thereby providing the inner ring 22 with increased flexibility so that the inner ring 22 can tilt as well.
[0027] Fig. 5 illustrates this principle in further detail. As can be seen, the support structure 30 is arranged relative to the inner ring 22 so that the tilting results in a desired/proper load distribution between the rows of rolling elements (which are not shown). In particular, the support structure 30 extends in a substantially radial direction between the rows of rolling elements. Thus, the support structure 30 is primarily or entirely arranged between the planes in which upper and lower rows of the rolling elements are located, at least in the region where the support structure 30 meets the inner ring 22. This arrangement allows the inner ring 22 to more effectively "follow" (i.e., match) any tilting of the outer ring 24 due to the bearing loads. Adverse effects on load distribution between the rows of rolling elements when the outer ring tilts are therefore minimized.
[0028] One of the advantages associated with the blade bearing 20 is that the support structure 30 and inner ring 22 may be made from different materials. This can lead to significant cost savings. For example, bearing rings are typically made from relatively expensive alloys and subjected to various hardening and machining steps. Although this material selection and processing drives up costs, it is generally considered necessary to ensure the raceway surfaces are of sufficient quality and have the necessary fatigue resistance. The alloys are relatively soft to allow for the machining. To help prevent distortions and ensure sufficient load capacity despite the relatively soft/flexible material, the bearing rings are dimensioned accordingly.
[0029] With the blade bearing 20 described above, the material of the inner ring 22 can be kept to a minimum. Much of the loading is handled by the support structure 30, which may be cast from a cheaper alloy without significant finishing operations. The inner ring 22 need not have significant dimensions to compensate for its relatively softer material.
[0030] A particular advantage associated with casting the support structure 30 is that desired shapes may be easily produced. As mentioned above, the support ribs 40 are merely one possible way of providing the support structure 30 with a non-uniform stiffness. The same effect may be achieved by many other shapes and configurations of the support structure 30, such as increased thicknesses in the portions where increased stiffness is desired.
[0031] Fig. 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a blade bearing 60 that further illustrates the extent to which the support structure may help reduce material of the inner ring. The same reference numbers are used in Fig. 6 to refer to elements corresponding to those discussed above. In this embodiment, the support structure 30 even includes the bolts holes 26 for the bolted connection with the blade. The inner ring 22 is essentially reduced to an insert containing the raceway surface. The outer ring 24 may be constructed in a similar manner. That is, reduced to an insert containing the raceway surface. The insert is surrounded by a support structure 62 that results in the two-piece construction resembling a more conventional bearing ring.
[0032] Fig. 7 illustrates yet another embodiment of a blade bearing 70, again with the same reference numbers being used to refer to elements corresponding to those discussed above. In this embodiment, the support structure 30 comprises first and second parts 30a, 30b. The first part 30a primarily provides the intended functionalities of the support structure, namely stiffening the inner ring 22 in the manner described above. The second part 30b is used to clamp the inner ring 22 to the support structure 30. The bolt hole 26 includes first and second portions 26a, 26b extending through the respective first and second parts 30a, 30b. Thus, the first and second parts 30a, 30b may be held together using the bolts that secure the blade to the bearing. The outer ring 24 and support structure 62 may be arranged in a similar manner (i.e., the support structure 62 having first and second parts 62a, 62b to facilitate securing the outer ring 24).
[0033] A possible method of manufacturing blade bearings according to the invention (including the examples above) will now be described. The inner and outer rings are formed, but the inner ring is not machined or treated to its final form. Instead, the inner ring is first secured to the support structure. The final machining of the inner ring takes place at some point afterwards, as may other treatments. This includes machining the raceway surface on the inner ring.
[0034] The outer ring is machined and treated to its final form as well. This may occur before or after securing the support structure to the inner ring. Either way, eventually the inner and outer rings are arranged next to each other and at least two rows of rolling elements are arranged on the raceway surfaces. The rolling elements are held between the inner and outer rings.
[0035] In summary, unlike the prior art where bearings are first produced by a manufacturer and support structures are auxiliary components attached by a downstream user/customer, the support structure is provided as part of the bearing production process. This helps make it possible to further reduce the material of the inner ring, as the support structure provides additional reinforcement during the final machining.
[0036] The embodiments described above are merely examples of the invention defined by the claims that appear below. Those skilled in the design of wind turbine bearings will appreciate additional examples, modifications, and advantages based on the description. For example, although a two-row ball bearing is shown and described, a blade bearing according to the invention may alternatively be a three-row ball bearing, three-row roller bearing, or even a three- ring bearing with multiple rows of rolling elements. In the latter type of bearing, the terms "inner ring" and "outer ring" are relative terms such that the term "outer ring" in the claims below may refer to the middle ring instead of the outermost ring. Moreover, although the inner and outer rings 22, 24 are described as being configured to mount to the blade and hub, respectively, in
alternative embodiments the arrangement may be reversed. The inner ring may be configured to mount to the hub and the outer ring may be configured to mount to the blade. Furthermore, although the advantages of casting the support structure are mentioned above, it is also possible to machine the support structure from a non-casted component.
[0037] With this in mind, the details of any particular embodiment should not be seen to necessarily limit the scope of the claims below. In addition to appreciating other modifications and variations, skilled persons will understand how features of the various embodiments may be combined in different ways.
Claims
1. A blade bearing for mounting a blade of a wind turbine to a hub of the wind turbine, comprising:
inner and outer bearing rings arranged next to each other, one of the inner and outer bearing rings being configured to mount to the blade and the other being configured to mount to the hub; at least two rows of rolling elements positioned between the inner and outer bearing rings, wherein upper and lower rows of the rolling elements are located in respective upper and lower planes; and
a support structure secured to the inner bearing ring, the support structure extending in a substantially radial direction between the upper and lower planes and having non-uniform stiffness characteristics in a circumferential direction.
2. A blade bearing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure includes one or more portions of increased thickness to provide the non-uniform stiffness.
3. A blade bearing according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the inner ring is configured to mount to the blade and the outer ring is configured to mount to the hub.
4. A blade bearing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure extends radially inward around an entire circumference of the inner bearing ring.
5. A blade bearing according to claim 4, wherein the support structure substantially covers an opening defined by the inner ring.
6. A blade bearing according to claim 4, wherein the support structure is annular.
7. A blade bearing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure is secured to an inner radial surface of the inner ring.
8. A blade bearing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure and inner ring are secured to each other by a shrink fit, clamping, or a combination thereof.
9. A blade bearing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure and inner ring are secured to each other without bolts.
10. A blade bearing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure and inner ring comprise different materials.
11. A blade bearing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure includes bolt holes extending in an axial direction, and further wherein the inner ring is configured to be mounted to the blade via the bolt holes of the support structure.
12. A blade bearing according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure has a periphery including first, second, third, and fourth portions, and wherein:
- the first and third portions are diametrically-opposite and have a first stiffness; and - the second and fourth portions are diametrically-opposite and have a second stiffness less than the first stiffness.
13. A blade bearing according to claim 12, wherein the first and third portions are located at an angular distance of approximately 90° from the second and fourth portions, and wherein the support structure has a maximum stiffness at the first and third portions and minimal stiffness at the second and fourth portions.
14. A method of manufacturing a blade bearing for a wind turbine, comprising:
forming inner and outer rings, one of the inner or outer bearing rings being configured to mount to a blade of the wind turbine and the other being configured to mount to a hub of the wind turbine;
securing a support structure to the inner ring before assembling the inner and outer rings together, wherein the support structure has a non-uniform stiffness;
machining a raceway surface on the inner ring after securing the support structure, the raceway surface being configured to support at least two rows of rolling elements;
arranging the rows of rolling elements on the raceway surface; and
arranging the inner and outer rings next to each other so that the rows of rolling elements are held between the inner and outer rings.
15. A method according to claim 14, wherein the support structure is cast from a first material and the inner and outer rings are formed from a second material.
16. A method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein arranging the rows of rolling elements comprises arranging an upper row of the rolling elements in an upper plane and a lower row of the rolling elements in a lower plane, and further wherein the support structure extends in a substantially radial direction between the upper and lower planes.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP12816237.7A EP2805044B1 (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2012-12-20 | Blade bearing with support structure having non-uniform stiffness and method of manufacture |
CN201280067543.4A CN104066975B (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2012-12-20 | Blade bearing with support structure having non-uniform stiffness and method manufacture |
US14/373,196 US9181982B2 (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2012-12-20 | Blade bearing with support structure having non-uniform stiffness and method manufacture |
ES12816237.7T ES2655943T3 (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2012-12-20 | Shovel bearing with support structure that has non-uniform stiffness and manufacturing method |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201261588675P | 2012-01-20 | 2012-01-20 | |
US61/588,675 | 2012-01-20 | ||
DKPA201270036 | 2012-01-23 | ||
DKPA201270036 | 2012-01-23 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2013107452A1 true WO2013107452A1 (en) | 2013-07-25 |
Family
ID=48798686
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/DK2012/050486 WO2013107452A1 (en) | 2012-01-20 | 2012-12-20 | Blade bearing with support structure having non-uniform stiffness and method manufacture |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US9181982B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2805044B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104066975B (en) |
ES (1) | ES2655943T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013107452A1 (en) |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2014195357A1 (en) * | 2013-06-06 | 2014-12-11 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Rotary union and method for the production thereof |
EP2933476A1 (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-10-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Reinforced pitch bearing of a wind turbine |
EP3379077A1 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2018-09-26 | Nordex Energy GmbH | Rotary joint of a wind power plant and toothing for a rotary joint |
DE102017206246A1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2018-10-11 | Thyssenkrupp Ag | Bearing arrangement for mounting a rotor blade of a wind turbine |
ES2695500A1 (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2019-01-08 | Laulagun Bearings Sa | BEARING WITH OVERFLOW COMPENSATION RIGIDIZER (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
EP3736438A1 (en) * | 2019-05-10 | 2020-11-11 | General Electric Company | Rotor assembly having a pitch bearing with a stiffener ring |
Families Citing this family (6)
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US9551324B2 (en) * | 2013-06-20 | 2017-01-24 | General Electric Company | Pitch bearing assembly with stiffener |
EP3141747B1 (en) * | 2015-09-08 | 2020-09-02 | Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy A/S | Reinforced bearing of a wind turbine |
DE102016119974A1 (en) * | 2016-10-20 | 2018-04-26 | Thyssenkrupp Ag | Rolling bearing, wind turbine and method for designing a rolling bearing |
ES2874048T3 (en) | 2016-10-24 | 2021-11-04 | Nordex Energy Spain S A | Wind turbine and wind turbine pitch bearing |
CN108006073B (en) * | 2016-10-27 | 2021-09-10 | 舍弗勒技术股份两合公司 | Method for producing a plain bearing and reinforcing insert therefor |
DE102018211430A1 (en) * | 2017-12-21 | 2019-06-27 | Thyssenkrupp Ag | Wind turbine, rotor system, method of using a wind turbine |
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- 2012-12-20 CN CN201280067543.4A patent/CN104066975B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2012-12-20 EP EP12816237.7A patent/EP2805044B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2012-12-20 WO PCT/DK2012/050486 patent/WO2013107452A1/en active Application Filing
- 2012-12-20 ES ES12816237.7T patent/ES2655943T3/en active Active
- 2012-12-20 US US14/373,196 patent/US9181982B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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WO2004007954A1 (en) * | 2002-07-15 | 2004-01-22 | General Electric Company | Wind power plant and arrangement of bearings therefor |
EP1596064A2 (en) * | 2004-05-11 | 2005-11-16 | REpower Systems AG | Blade pitch adjustment system for wind turbine |
WO2007003866A1 (en) * | 2005-07-05 | 2007-01-11 | Vestas Wind Systems A/S | A wind turbine pitch bearing, and use hereof |
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Cited By (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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WO2014195357A1 (en) * | 2013-06-06 | 2014-12-11 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Rotary union and method for the production thereof |
EP2933476A1 (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-10-21 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Reinforced pitch bearing of a wind turbine |
CN105041872A (en) * | 2014-04-17 | 2015-11-11 | 西门子公司 | Reinforced pitch bearing of a wind turbine |
US9915245B2 (en) | 2014-04-17 | 2018-03-13 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Reinforced pitch bearing of a wind turbine |
EP3379077A1 (en) | 2017-03-21 | 2018-09-26 | Nordex Energy GmbH | Rotary joint of a wind power plant and toothing for a rotary joint |
DE102017206246A1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2018-10-11 | Thyssenkrupp Ag | Bearing arrangement for mounting a rotor blade of a wind turbine |
WO2018189143A1 (en) | 2017-04-11 | 2018-10-18 | Thyssenkrupp Rothe Erde Gmbh | Bearing arrangement for mounting a rotor blade of a wind turbine |
ES2695500A1 (en) * | 2017-06-30 | 2019-01-08 | Laulagun Bearings Sa | BEARING WITH OVERFLOW COMPENSATION RIGIDIZER (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
EP3736438A1 (en) * | 2019-05-10 | 2020-11-11 | General Electric Company | Rotor assembly having a pitch bearing with a stiffener ring |
US11454219B2 (en) | 2019-05-10 | 2022-09-27 | General Electric Company | Rotor assembly having a pitch bearing with a stiffener ring |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2805044A1 (en) | 2014-11-26 |
US9181982B2 (en) | 2015-11-10 |
US20140355922A1 (en) | 2014-12-04 |
EP2805044B1 (en) | 2017-12-13 |
CN104066975B (en) | 2017-02-22 |
CN104066975A (en) | 2014-09-24 |
ES2655943T3 (en) | 2018-02-22 |
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