Patent classifications
Y10T29/49645
Debris resistant thrust bearing assembly for high speed hydraulic centrifugal turbines and pumps
A rotating assembly adapted for use in turbines and pumps is provided. The rotating assembly includes a shroud that rotates around a central axis and a disk seated in a recess in the shroud so that the disk rotates with the shroud, the disk being oriented perpendicular to the central axis. The rotating assembly also includes a stationary element in which at least one surface of the disk contacts a fluid so that when the fluid flows under pressure, the surface of the disk resists the generation of drag between the surface and the stationary element of the rotating assembly. A shroud is provided that includes a circular recess with a cavity on an outer perimeter extending away from the fixed assembly. A method of manufacturing a rotating assembly is provided.
Rotational support of a wind turbine blade
The invention resides in an assembly for rotationally supporting a wind turbine blade (110) relative to a wind turbine hub (120). The assembly comprises an intermediate ring (130) having an inner annular portion and an outer annular portion provided with means for attaching the turbine blade. The intermediate ring is rotatably mounted to the hub via a first bearing arrangement. According to the invention, the first bearing arrangement comprises a radial bearing (140) and a thrust bearing, whereby the inner annular portion is mounted to the hub via the radial bearing and the outer annular portion is mounted to the hub via the thrust bearing. The thrust bearing is a plain bearing comprising first and second sliding surfaces (151, 152) which are clamped to the hub between first and second clamping members (161, 162).