WO2022162000A1 - Ensemble palier pour éoliennes - Google Patents

Ensemble palier pour éoliennes Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022162000A1
WO2022162000A1 PCT/EP2022/051749 EP2022051749W WO2022162000A1 WO 2022162000 A1 WO2022162000 A1 WO 2022162000A1 EP 2022051749 W EP2022051749 W EP 2022051749W WO 2022162000 A1 WO2022162000 A1 WO 2022162000A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bearing assembly
bearing
nodes
encasing material
race
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Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/EP2022/051749
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English (en)
Inventor
Donal O'FLYNN
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of WO2022162000A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022162000A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • F16C33/581—Raceways; Race rings integral with other parts, e.g. with housings or machine elements such as shafts or gear wheels
    • 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
    • F16C33/62—Selection of substances
    • 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
    • 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
    • F16C35/07—Fixing them on the shaft or housing with interposition of an element
    • 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
    • F16C2204/00—Metallic materials; Alloys
    • F16C2204/26—Alloys based on magnesium
    • 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
    • F16C2204/00—Metallic materials; Alloys
    • F16C2204/40—Alloys based on refractory metals
    • F16C2204/42—Alloys based on titanium
    • 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
    • F16C2208/00—Plastics; Synthetic resins, e.g. rubbers
    • F16C2208/02—Plastics; Synthetic resins, e.g. rubbers comprising fillers, fibres
    • 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
    • F16C2208/00—Plastics; Synthetic resins, e.g. rubbers
    • F16C2208/20—Thermoplastic resins
    • F16C2208/36—Polyarylene ether ketones [PAEK], e.g. PEK, PEEK
    • 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
    • F16C2208/00—Plastics; Synthetic resins, e.g. rubbers
    • F16C2208/20—Thermoplastic resins
    • F16C2208/58—Several materials as provided for in F16C2208/30 - F16C2208/54 mentioned as option
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to wind turbines, in particular but not limited to bearing assemblies for rotatable connections between wind turbine components and lattice macrostructures.
  • wind power is generally considered to be one of the cleanest.
  • wind turbines have gained increased attention.
  • Wind turbines generate electricity by effectively harnessing energy in the wind via a rotor having a set of rotor blades that turns a gearbox and generator, thereby converting mechanical energy to electrical energy that may be deployed to a utility grid.
  • the construction of a modern rotor blade generally includes skin or shell components, span-wise extending spar caps, and one or more shear webs.
  • Present technology uses several moulds to fabricate the various pieces of the blade that are bonded together in large resin-infused moulds. Such finished blades are relatively heavy and include a hardened shell encasing the moulded hardened shear webs or spar caps.
  • a bearing assembly for a wind turbine comprising an inner race and an outer race, wherein at least one of the inner race or the outer race comprises a plurality of interconnected struts, the struts being interconnected by node members to form a lattice structure.
  • inner race and an outer race corresponds to the inner and outer annular members of a bearing.
  • the lattice structure is housed within an annular trough formed in at least one of the inner race or the outer race.
  • the plurality of interconnected struts are provided in the inner race.
  • the plurality of interconnected struts are provided in the outer race.
  • a plurality of interconnected struts are provided in both inner and outer races.
  • a subset of the nodes are adapted to receive strut members extending from an external source or component, for example but not limited to, a turbine blade, a turbine hub, a turbine tower, a turbine shaft, a turbine shaft head, a turbine teeter shaft.
  • an external source or component for example but not limited to, a turbine blade, a turbine hub, a turbine tower, a turbine shaft, a turbine shaft head, a turbine teeter shaft.
  • each node of the subset is adapted to receive at least one external strut member.
  • the nodes of the subset define an upper layer of nodes.
  • the subset nodes and their respective interconnecting struts are at least partially encased by an encasing material.
  • the encasing material is a polymeric encasing material.
  • the polymeric encasing material is a fibre reinforced polymeric encasing material.
  • the encasing material is a metal or metal alloy encasing material, wherein the respective nodes and struts are located within suitable node-receiving cavities and strut-receiving channels formed within said metal or metal alloy encasing material.
  • the metal or metal alloy encasing material encasing material.
  • the metal or metal alloy encasing material comprises magnesium, magnesium alloy, and/or a magnesium metal matrix composites.
  • the metal or metal alloy encasing material comprises titanium, titanium alloy, and/or a titanium metal matrix composite.
  • encasing material is the material from which the bearing race is formed.
  • the bearing race comprises a substantially U-shaped annular trough which contains said polymeric encasing material and lattice structure, optionally wherein the substantially U-shaped annual trough is made from metal or metal alloy, and optionally wherein the polymeric encasing material introduced into the annular trough in a melted form.
  • the outer surfaces of the U-shaped annular trough defines the bearing surfaces.
  • one or more subset nodes protrude from the encasing material.
  • one or more subset nodes is/are located within the encasing material at one end of an open-end channel extending between the node and the surface of the encasing material, the channel being configured to receive an external strut member inserted therein.
  • the non-subset nodes and their respective interconnecting strut members are substantially encased in the encasing material.
  • the polymeric encasing material is introduced to the annular trough in melted form.
  • the polymeric encasing material is a thermoplastic.
  • thermoplastic is polyetheretherketone (PEEK).
  • the PEEK is carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK.
  • the polymeric encasing material is a vitrimer.
  • the nodes are formed from substantially the same material as the encasing material.
  • the nodes are formed from fiber reinforced polymer.
  • the nodes are formed from fiber reinforced PEEK.
  • the nodes are formed from Polyetherimide.
  • the nodes are formed metal or metal alloy.
  • the nodes are from magnesium, magnesium alloy, and/or magnesium metal matrix composites.
  • the nodes are formed from titanium, titanium alloy, and/or titanium metal matrix composites.
  • the struts are formed from fiber reinforced polymer.
  • the struts are formed from fiber reinforced PEEK.
  • the struts are formed from Polyetherimide (PEI).
  • the struts can be formed from any one or more of fibre reinforced polymers, such as but not limited to, CFRP, CRP, CFRTP GFRP, BFRP, or mixtures thereof.
  • each node is connected to four other nodes.
  • each node is configured to interconnect with any number n of nodes through the provision of n strut receiving formations.
  • the strut receiving formations are adapted to receive and engage an end of a strut.
  • struts and respective strut receiving formations are provided with suitable corresponding mutual engagement means.
  • the mutual engagement means comprises a Hirth coupling.
  • the mutual engagement means is a snap-fit engagement means.
  • struts and nodes are configured for bonding or fusing by melting.
  • subset nodes are reversibly bondable to external struts when interconnected to form a continuous external component to bearing interface structure.
  • the inner and/or the outer bearing race is formed having an elongate body.
  • the inner or outer bearing race is formed having an elongate body which extends in the direction of a turbine blade in use.
  • elongate body is formed from or defined by the encasing material.
  • the elongate body is formed from for example the metal or metal alloy.
  • nodes encased within the elongate body material are formed from the same material as the encasing material.
  • the elongate body is cast together with the root of a turbine blade.
  • the inner bearing race is formed having said elongate body.
  • a bearing assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, wherein the bearing assembly is a teeter bearing for a two-blade wind turbine hub, wherein the subset nodes of the inner bearing race are adapted to receive external strut members extending from a horn of a turbine shaft head or from a teeter shaft; and wherein the outer bearing race is configured to engage a rotor hub, or a blade root.
  • a bearing assembly in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the bearing being a yaw bearing for a wind turbine, wherein the subset nodes of the inner race are adapted for connection to external struts extending from a turbine tower, and wherein and the outer race is adapted for connection to a turbine nacelle.
  • a turbine blade comprising a blade tip, a blade root and a connection means for connecting said blade to a bearing assembly of the first aspect of the invention
  • the connection means comprises a plurality of struts having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of each strut is embedded within the blade and wherein the second portion is a free end that projects from the blade root; and wherein the free end of each strut is configured for connection with a corresponding node provided in an race of the bearing assembly.
  • each strut is integrally formed with the blade.
  • a wind turbine assembly comprising one or more bearing assemblies in accordance with the aspects of the invention.
  • Figures 1a and 1b are schematic cut-away drawings of exemplary wind turbine structures
  • Figure 2 is an illustration of a turbine blade
  • Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a bearing element in accordance with the invention shown in partial cross section;
  • Figure 4a is a schematic drawing of an exemplary strut and node macrostructure in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 4b is a force diagram of the strut and node macrostructure of Figure 4a;
  • Figure 5 is a plan view of the exemplary strut and node macrostructure of Figure 4a;
  • FIG. 6 is a detailed view of an exemplary node in accordance with the invention.
  • Figure 7a is a schematic illustration of attachment of turbine blade a bearing element in accordance with the invention.
  • Figures 7b and 7c are schematic illustrations of exemplary strut and node lattice structures
  • FIGS. 8 and 8b are schematic illustrations of a bearing element of the invention in use as a yaw bearing
  • Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of attachment of turbine blade to a bearing element in accordance with the invention, the bearing element being a hinge or teeter bearing of a two-bladed turbine at the hub-bearing interface; and
  • Figure 10 is a schematic illustration of a turbine blade a bearing element in accordance with the invention.
  • horizontal axis turbines generally comprise a tower 10, a nacelle 20, a rotor hub 30, a plurality of rotor blades 40, and a generator 60. Most commonly, two or three rotor blades are employed.
  • the nacelle 20 houses the rotor hub 30 assembly and the generator 60.
  • the rotor hub 30 is connected to a low speed shaft (not shown).
  • the low speed shaft extends to a gearbox (not shown) which in turn drives a high-speed shaft (not shown) that drives the generator 60.
  • nacelle 20 is pivotally mounted to the tower 10 via a yaw system 70 such that the nacelle can be rotated relative the tower 10.
  • yaw system 70 comprises a yaw bearing 71 connected between the nacelle 20 and an annular bull gear 72 fixed to the tower, and a pinion gear 73, whereby operation of a yaw motor 74 drives pinion gear 73 to rotate the nacelle 20 relative the bull gear 72.
  • yaw system 70 further comprises a yaw brake system 75 comprising a brake calliper 76 having pistons 77 which engages a flat circular brake disc 78 that is fixed to either the bull gear 72 or the tower 10 structure.
  • a rotor blade 40 comprises a hollow, slender profile, a blade tip 41 and a blade root 42, the profile formed by two asymmetrically shaped shell structures 43, 44 glued together to form the rigid blade.
  • Shell structures 43, 44 are generally made from fibre composite materials and sandwich composite materials with foams or woods as core materials. Since rotor blades 40 are slender beam-like structures and are exposed to dynamic loads, the materials used in their manufacture must be lightweight, have a high-strength-to- weight-ratio and good fatigue properties. Typically, glass fibre mats with unidirectional, biaxial or triaxial fibre orientation with different material properties, moduli and strengths are used. Some blade manufacturers also use carbon fibres to strengthen the load carrying structure, due to the higher tensile moduli of carbon fibres compared to glass fibres. Polyesters and epoxies are used as resins to impregnate the fibre mats. Typically, the fibre mats are layered into suitably shaped moulds by hand.
  • VARMT Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Moulding
  • each blade 40 is connected at its root 42 to the inner race 51 of a bearing assembly 50, with the outer race 52 of said bearing assembly being fixed to the rotor hub 30 assembly.
  • Connection of each blade 40 to the inner race 51 is via an array of bolts 60 that extend through an annular flange 45 provided around the blade root 42 and which engage said inner bearing race 51.
  • the inner bearing race 51 is provided with teeth arranged around its inner circumference, the teeth configured to engage with a pitch system 80 that is operable on said inner bearing race to turn or pitch the blade 40 relative the wind direction so that the rotor hub speed can be controlled, for example to maintain a desired rotation velocity, or to feather the rotor blades in order help to prevent the rotor hub 30 from turning in winds that are too high or too low to produce electricity.
  • a pitch system 80 that is operable on said inner bearing race to turn or pitch the blade 40 relative the wind direction so that the rotor hub speed can be controlled, for example to maintain a desired rotation velocity, or to feather the rotor blades in order help to prevent the rotor hub 30 from turning in winds that are too high or too low to produce electricity.
  • braking systems (not shown) to brake the rotor hub 30 are also provided.
  • a bearing assembly 500A having an inner race 510 and outer race 520.
  • the inner race 510 is configured for connection with a turbine blade and the outer race 520 is configured for connection to a rotor hub.
  • the bearing assembly is a rotor/pitch bearing for connection of a rotor 40 to a rotor hub 30.
  • the inner race 510 comprises a plurality of interconnected nodes 600.
  • Nodes 600 are interconnected by strut members 700.
  • the interconnected nodes 600 form a lattice macrostructure.
  • the lattice structure is housed within the inner race 510.
  • the lattice structure is encased within the inner race.
  • the macrostructure uses discrete lattice materials as its building blocks, delamination is mitigated.
  • the outer race 520 may also, or alternatively, comprise a lattice structure comprising a plurality of interconnected nodes 600 as presently described with respect to the inner race 510.
  • a subset 650 of nodes 600 are adapted to receive external strut members 750. For simplicity, such nodes are given the reference numeral 650.
  • Each subset node 650 is adapted to receive at least one external strut member 750.
  • the subset 650 of nodes define an upper layer of nodes.
  • the bearing race may be formed from metal, metal alloy or polymer.
  • the polymer may be fibre reinforced polymer.
  • the nodes 600 and their respective interconnecting strut members 700 are described as being substantially encased in the material 900 of the bearing race 510, which may be a polymeric material.
  • the inner race 510 may comprise a substantially U-shaped annular trough 511 which contains the polymeric material 900 and lattice structure.
  • the U-shaped annular trough is preferably made from metal or metal alloy.
  • the polymeric material 900 is optionally introduced into the annular trough 511 in a melted form.
  • the outer surfaces of the U-shaped annular trough 511 define the bearing surfaces.
  • Subset nodes 650 adapted to receive external strut members 750 are at least partially surrounded in the encasing material 900, for example the polymeric casing material. Such nodes 650 may protrude from the encasing material, or may be located within the encasing material 900 at one end of an open-end channel extending between the node 650 and the surface of the encasing material, the channel being configured to receive an external strut member 750 inserted therein.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cut away drawing of an exemplary bearing assembly 500A
  • a cross-section A of an inner race 510 in which a strut 700 is encased in fiber reinforced polymeric encasing material 900 and the node 650 is exposed at the surface of the fiber reinforced polymeric casing material 900.
  • a node 650 may be located within the fiber reinforced polymeric encasing material 900, with an external strut member 750 extending into engagement with the node 650 through a portion of the encasing material 900.
  • suitable bearing rolling elements 550 are shown.
  • nodes 650 act as a starting point to form a continuum of a structure
  • the fiber reinforced polymeric encasing material is a thermoplastic.
  • thermoplastic polyetheretherketone PEEK
  • the PEEK material is carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK.
  • the polymeric encasing material is a vitrimer.
  • the respective nodes and struts are located within suitable node-receiving cavities and strut-receiving channels formed within said metal or metal alloy encasing material.
  • the metal or metal alloy encasing material is the material from which the bearing race is formed.
  • nodes 600, 650 are formed from PEEK.
  • the PEEK material is carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK.
  • struts 700 are formed from carbon-fibre reinforced PEEK
  • struts 700 are formed from Polyetherimide (PEI).
  • PEI Polyetherimide
  • struts can be formed from any one or more of fibre reinforced polymers, such as but not limited to, CFRP, CRP, CFRTP GFRP, BFRP, or mixtures thereof.
  • CFRP CFRP
  • CRP CFRTP GFRP
  • BFRP CFRTP GFRP
  • struts can be formed from any one or more of fibre reinforced polymers, such as but not limited to, CFRP, CRP, CFRTP GFRP, BFRP, or mixtures thereof.
  • the external strut members 750 are integrally formed with a turbine blade 40 in accordance with an aspect of the invention, wherein the free ends of the strut members 750 extend from the blade root 42 and are arranged to engage with corresponding nodes 650 of a bearing assembly.
  • the terminal end of the blade root which generally has an annular form, is spaced apart from the bearing race such that the struts 750 extend across the free space between said blade root and the bearing race.
  • a suitable fairing or covering may be provided to surround and enclose the space in order to shield the struts 750 from the environment.
  • FIG. 4a and 5 there is shown respective enlarged schematic side and plan views of an exemplary node 600, 650 and strut 700 macrostructure where each node is connected with four other nodes.
  • a compressive loading P is applied to a node 650, the load is distributed through the node/strut structure as a series of compressive forces (denoted by solid lines) and tensile forces (dashed lines).
  • nodes 600, 650 in accordance with the invention can be configured to interconnect with any number n of nodes through the provision of n strut receiving formations 610.
  • Strut receiving formations 610 are adapted to receive and engage the end of a strut, for example, the free end of an external strut 750.
  • the free end of the strut and the strut receiving formation 610 may be provided with a suitable corresponding mutual engagement means.
  • the mutual engagement means comprises a Hirth coupling.
  • the mutual engagement means is a snap-fit engagement means.
  • the shear pins or clips may be used as an auxiliary connection means.
  • connections between node and strut are configured to transfer forces through load-bearing surface contacts. Accordingly, the dimensions of the connections are scaled with the cross-sectional area of the strut members in order to transfer the maximum possible stress through the joint.
  • exemplary node 650, 600 and strut 700 lattice structures there is shown exemplary node 650, 600 and strut 700 lattice structures. It will be appreciated that in these illustrations, the lattice structures are shown having first and second layers A, B of nodes, the nodes of each layer arranged in a ring, however it will be appreciated that a lattice structure can comprise any suitable numbers of layers of nodes, and/or any suitable number of rings of nodes in a layer.
  • a lattice structure of interconnected nodes and struts can extend substantially throughout the depth and the width of a bearing race 510, 520 of a bearing assembly in accordance with the examples of the invention, and that the nodes of a layer may be connected to any suitable node or nodes of another layer or layers.
  • struts 700, 750 and nodes 600, 650 are formed from polymeric materials, said struts can be bonded or fused with a respective node by melting.
  • external strut members 750 are bondable to the nodes 650 when interconnected to form a continuous blade to bearing interface structure.
  • struts 700, 750 may be introduced into a melted polymeric encasing material 900 and a node at the desired orientation. When the encasing material and/or node is cooled, the strut is thus set in place.
  • a node or portion of a node for example in a specific quadrant, can be melted in order to remove and replace a damaged strut without needing to heat and re-melt the whole node.
  • said strut and/or node can be replaced or repaired without compromising the integrity of the whole strut I node macrostructure.
  • the encasing material may be a metal or metal alloy encasing material.
  • the nodes may be formed from the same metal or metal alloy encasing material.
  • suitable metal or metal alloy encasing material includes, but is not limited to magnesium, magnesium alloy, and/or magnesium metal matrix composites, or titanium, titanium alloy, and/or titanium metal matrix composites.
  • the encasing material may be the material from which the bearing race is formed.
  • the inner bearing race 510 is formed having an elongate body 5101.
  • Body 5101 is formed from and/or defined by the encasing material, for example the metal or metal alloy.
  • nodes 600 encased with the encasing material are optionally formed from the same material as the encasing material.
  • Some nodes, for example nodes 650, may be configured as subset nodes 650 adapted to receive external strut members 750 and are at least partially surrounded in the encasing material.
  • Such nodes 650 may protrude from the encasing material, or may be located at the surface of the encasing material.
  • Such nodes can act as origination points for further strut and node configurations.
  • Body 5101 may be cast together with the root of a turbine blade 40 as shown in Figure 10.
  • a bearing assembly 500B in accordance with the first aspect of the invention configured for use as a yaw bearing.
  • the nodes 650 ( Figure 8a) of the inner race 510 are adapted for connection to external struts 750 extending from a turbine tower 10, and the outer the outer race 520 is adapted for connection to a turbine nacelle 20, or vice versa.
  • a bearing assembly 500C in accordance with the first aspect of the invention configured for use as flexible hinge or teetering bearing for a two-blade 40 wind turbine.
  • the two-bladed rotor attaches to a T-shaped shaft head 36 of a turbine shaft 35 via a hub 30.
  • the cross member of the shaft head may be provided as a separate teeter shaft that is connectable to the shaft head.
  • the hub 30 has an opening 37 to receive the shaft head 36 and opposing openings 38, 39 for teeter bearing assemblies 500 in accordance with the invention located intermediate the hub 30 and the respective opposing horns of the shaft head 36.
  • each bearing assembly 500C engages with a horn of the shaft head 36, with the outer bearing race 520 of each bearing assembly 500 engaging the hub or a blade root, in substantially the same manner as described previously.
  • the degree of flexure provided by the bearing 500C can be altered.
  • the two-bladed rotor can tilt or ‘teeter’ about a limited range of motion about its axis X-X relative to the longitudinal axis of the turbine shaft 35.
  • the ability to teeter reduces the stress imparted to the turbine shaft by the blade and hub assembly.
  • the bearing strut and node macrostructure is very light due to the low density materials used (e.g., fibre reinforced composite struts, nodes). This resultant weight reduction in turn reduces the loads on the turbine nacelle, tower and base, and enables more convenient handling of the bearing assemblies.
  • the blade and bearing structures are significantly lighter than prior art blades and bearings.
  • the blades and bearing assemblies offer improved aerodynamic efficiency, thereby maximising energy extraction per unit of time.
  • the macrostructure can be robotically assembled aiding precision, cutting down on human error and cost.
  • Turbine blades in accordance with the invention are reusable, unlike existing monolithic blades.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un ensemble palier pour une éolienne, l'ensemble palier comprenant un chemin de roulement interne et un chemin de roulement externe; au moins l'un parmi le chemin de roulement interne ou le chemin de roulement externe comprenant une pluralité d'entretoises interconnectées, les entretoises étant interconnectées par des éléments de nœud pour former une structure en treillis.
PCT/EP2022/051749 2021-01-26 2022-01-26 Ensemble palier pour éoliennes Ceased WO2022162000A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2101052.5 2021-01-26
GB2101052.5A GB2603463A (en) 2021-01-26 2021-01-26 Bearing Assembly for Wind Turbines

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022162000A1 true WO2022162000A1 (fr) 2022-08-04

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WO (1) WO2022162000A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140140647A1 (en) * 2012-11-20 2014-05-22 Federal-Mogul Corporation High strength low friction engineered material for bearings and other applications
US20140196456A1 (en) * 2011-09-14 2014-07-17 Beijing Xiangtian Huachang Aerodynamic Force Technology Research Institute Company Limited Storage energy generation method utilizing natural energy and generation system thereof
US20150148271A1 (en) * 2012-06-06 2015-05-28 Federal-Mogul Deva Gmbh Sliding layer and sliding element provided with said type of sliding layer
DE102017110017A1 (de) * 2017-05-10 2018-11-15 Jenoptik Industrial Metrology Germany Gmbh Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur zentrierten Befestigung zwischen Welle und Nabe

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3293863B1 (fr) * 2016-09-09 2022-08-17 Lg Electronics Inc. Moteur

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140196456A1 (en) * 2011-09-14 2014-07-17 Beijing Xiangtian Huachang Aerodynamic Force Technology Research Institute Company Limited Storage energy generation method utilizing natural energy and generation system thereof
US20150148271A1 (en) * 2012-06-06 2015-05-28 Federal-Mogul Deva Gmbh Sliding layer and sliding element provided with said type of sliding layer
US20140140647A1 (en) * 2012-11-20 2014-05-22 Federal-Mogul Corporation High strength low friction engineered material for bearings and other applications
DE102017110017A1 (de) * 2017-05-10 2018-11-15 Jenoptik Industrial Metrology Germany Gmbh Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur zentrierten Befestigung zwischen Welle und Nabe

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GB2603463A (en) 2022-08-10
GB202101052D0 (en) 2021-03-10

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