METHOD FOR CHANGING A SLIDING BEARING ELEMENT OF A ROTOR BEARING OF A WIND TURBINE, AND NACELLE FOR A WIND TURBINE

Abstract

A method changes a sliding bearing element of a rotor bearing of a wind turbine. The rotor bearing includes inner and outer ring elements, between which the sliding bearing element is arranged. The inner ring element and the outer ring element are rotatable relative to each other. A rotor hub is fastened to the inner ring element or to the outer ring element. The sliding bearing element includes multiple individual sliding bearing pads, each of which are releasably fastened to the inner ring element or outer ring element of the rotor bearing by at least one fastener. When changing the sliding bearing element, the individual sliding bearing pads are removed one after the other and replaced by new sliding bearing pads, wherein during the changing of the individual sliding bearing pads of the sliding bearing element, the inner ring element and the outer ring element are not disassembled.

Claims

1. A method for changing a sliding bearing element (14, 15) of a rotor bearing (8) of a wind turbine (1), wherein the rotor bearing (8) comprises an inner ring element (12) and an outer ring element (13), between which the sliding bearing element (14, 15) is arranged, wherein the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) are rotatable relative to each other, wherein a rotor hub (6) is fastened to the inner ring element (12) or to the outer ring element (13), wherein the sliding bearing element (14, 15) comprises multiple individual sliding bearing pads (24), each of which are releasably fastened to the inner ring element (12) or outer ring element (13) of the rotor bearing (8) by means of at least one fastening means (18), wherein during the changing of the sliding bearing element (14, 15), the individual sliding bearing pads (24) are re-moved one after the other and replaced by new sliding bearing pads (24), wherein during the changing of the individual sliding bearing pads (24) of the sliding bearing element (14, 15), the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) are not disassembled.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein in the course of the changing operation, all of the individual sliding bearing pads (24) are changed, wherein for changing the individual sliding bearing pads (24), in each case, a sliding bearing pad (24) to be changed is moved into a sliding bearing pad changing position, in which it is not loaded.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein both the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13) are designed to be V-shaped, and a first sliding bearing element (14) and a second sliding bearing element (15), each having multiple individual sliding bearing pads (24), are arranged between the two ring elements (12, 13) so as to be axially spaced apart from each other, wherein the two sliding bearing elements (14, 15) are arranged at an angle (17) to one another when viewed in the cross-section, wherein due to a tilting torque (11) acting on the rotor hub (6), one of the two sliding bearing elements (14, 15) is not loaded at its top-most position (27) and the second of the two sliding bearing elements (14, 15) is not loaded at its bottommost position (28), which results in the sliding bearing pad changing positions.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the rotor hub (6) is fastened to the inner ring element (12) and that wherein the sliding bearing pads (24) of the sliding bearing elements (14, 15) are fastened to the inner ring element (12) and wherein the first sliding bearing element (14), which is farther away from the rotor hub (6), is not loaded at its bottommost position (28) and wherein the second sliding bearing element (15), which is closer to the rotor hub (6), is not loaded at its topmost position (27) and wherein by rotating the rotor hub (6), the individual sliding bearing pads (24) of the sliding bearing elements (14, 15) can be moved into the sliding bearing pad changing position.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein at any point in time during the changing of the sliding bearing element (14), at least one of the sliding bearing pads (24) remains in the rotor bearing (8).

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: rotating the rotor hub (6) relative to a nacelle housing (4) of the nacelle (2) until one of the sliding bearing pads (24) arrives at a sliding bearing pad changing position at which it is not loaded; removing that sliding bearing pad (24) which is situated at the sliding bearing pad changing position and inserting a new sliding bearing pad (24) in place of the removed sliding bearing pad (24); rotating the rotor hub (6) relative to the nacelle housing (4) of the nacelle (2) until a further one of the sliding bearing pads (24) arrives the sliding bearing pad changing position; removing that sliding bearing pad (24) which is situated at the sliding bearing pad changing position and inserting a new sliding bearing pad (24) in place of the removed sliding bearing pad (24); performing the above method steps until all of the old sliding bearing pads (24) are replaced by new sliding bearing pads (24).

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the rotor hub (6) is received by means of a receiving device (29) and the rotor hub (6) is subjected to such a force by means of the receiving device (29) that, in each case, the sliding bearing pad (24) to be changed is relieved.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein while being changed, the sliding bearing pads (24) are moved in a changing direction (30) in parallel to their sliding surface (19).

9. A nacelle (2) for a wind turbine (1), the nacelle (2) comprising: a nacelle housing (4); a rotor hub (6); a rotor bearing (8) for bearing the rotor hub (6) on the nacelle housing (4), wherein the rotor bearing (8) has at least one inner ring element (12) and at least one outer ring element (13), where-in at least one sliding bearing element (14, 15) is formed between the inner ring element (12) and the outer ring element (13). wherein the sliding bearing element (14, 15) comprises multiple individual sliding bearing pads (24), which are arranged so as to be distributed across the circumference, and wherein the sliding bearing pads (24) are each arranged, by means of at least one fastening means (18), to that ring element (12, 13), which is designed to be rotatable relative to the nacelle housing (4).

10. The nacelle (2) according to claim 9, wherein a sliding bearing pad changing opening (25), through which the sliding bearing pads (24) can be guided, is arranged in the nacelle housing (4).

Description

[0033] These show in a respectively very simplified schematic representation:

[0034] FIG. 1 a schematic representation of a wind turbine;

[0035] FIG. 2 a cross-section of a nacelle in a very schematic representation;

[0036] FIG. 3 a sectional view according to section line III-III in FIG. 3;

[0037] FIG. 4 a detail view of the detail x of FIG. 2.

[0038] First of all, it is to be noted that in the different embodiments described, equal parts are provided with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations, where the disclosures contained in the entire description may be analogously transferred to equal parts with equal reference numbers and/or equal component designations. Moreover, the specifications of location, such as at the top, at the bottom, at the side, chosen in the description refer to the directly described and depicted figure and in case of a change of position, these specifications of location are to be analogously transferred to the new position.

[0039] FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a wind turbine 1 for generating electrical energy from wind energy. The wind turbine 1 comprises a nacelle 2, which is rotatably received on a tower 3. The nacelle 2 comprises a nacelle housing 4, which forms the main structure of the nacelle 2. In the nacelle housing 4 of the nacelle 2, the electrotechnical components such as a generator of the wind turbine 1 are arranged.

[0040] Moreover, a rotor 5 is formed, which has a rotor hub 6 with rotor blades 7 arranged thereon. The rotor hub 6 is considered part of the nacelle 2. The rotor hub 6 is received so as to be rotatable on the nacelle housing 4 by means of a rotor bearing 8.

[0041] The rotor bearing 8, which serves for bearing the rotor hub 6 on the nacelle housing 4 of the nacelle 2, is configured for absorbing a radial force 9, an axial force 10 and a tilting torque 11. The axial force 10 is caused by the force of the wind. The radial force 9 is caused by the weight force of the rotor 5 and is effective at the center of gravity of the rotor 5. As the center of gravity of the rotor 5 is outside the rotor bearing 8, the tilting torque 11 is generated in the rotor bearing 8 by the radial force 9. The tilting torque 11 may also be caused by an uneven load of the rotor blades 7.

[0042] The rotor bearing 8 according to the invention can have a diameter of 0.5 m to 5 m, for example. Of course, it is also conceivable that the rotor bearing 8 is smaller or larger.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows the nacelle housing 4 and the rotor hub 6 in a schematic sectional representation, wherein the structure, in particular its dimensions, are highly schematized. As can be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that the rotor bearing 8 has at least one inner ring element 12 and least one outer ring element 13. At least one sliding bearing element 14, 15 is arranged between the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13. In particular, it may be provided that a first sliding bearing element 14 and a second sliding bearing element 15 is arranged between the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13.

[0044] As can be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that the inner ring element 12 is coupled with the rotor hub 6. In particular, it may be provided that a rotor shaft 16 is formed, on which the rotor hub 6 is arranged. The inner ring element 12 can be received directly on the rotor shaft 16.

[0045] In a further exemplary embodiment that is not depicted, it may of course also be provided that the inner ring element 12 is received directly on the rotor hub 6.

[0046] In yet another exemplary embodiment that is not depicted, it may of course also be provided that the inner ring element 12 is fastened to the nacelle housing 4, and that the rotor hub 6 is coupled with the outer ring element 13.

[0047] As can be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that both the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13 are V-shaped, and two sliding bearing elements 14, 15 are each formed so as to be spaced apart from each other on the V-shaped flank between the two ring elements 12, 13.

[0048] In particular, it may be provided that the two sliding bearing elements 14, 15 are arranged at an angle 17 to one another. As can be seen from FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment may provide that the sliding bearing elements 14 are fastened to the inner ring element 12 by means of a fastening means 18. Hence, a sliding surface 19 may be formed between the sliding bearing elements 14, 15 and the outer ring element 13. In an arrangement of the sliding bearing elements 14, 15 as it is shown in FIG. 2, the sliding surfaces 19 may also be arranged in a V-shape.

[0049] In an embodiment variant that is not depicted, it may also be provided that the sliding bearing element 14, 15 are formed between the two ring elements 12, 13 as a radial bearing and/or as an axial bearing.

[0050] As can also be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that the inner ring element 12 is designed to be parted with regard to its axial extension, in order to make the assembly of the rotor bearing 8 easier.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment that is not depicted, it is of course also conceivable that the inner ring element 12 does not form a groove as shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, but rather that the V-shaped arrangement has a reverse formation, so that a V-shaped projection is formed on the inner ring element 12. In this case, it may be provided for the purpose of an easier assembly that the outer ring element 13 is designed to be parted in its axial extension.

[0052] As can further be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that a lubricating oil sump 20 is formed, which serves for receiving lubricating oil 21. In the operating state, the lubricating oil sump 20 can be filled with lubricating oil 21 up to a lubricating oil level 22. In this regard, the lubricating oil level 22 is selected such that the sliding surfaces 19 are at least partially below the lubricating oil level 22 and thus are immersed in the lubricating oil 21 situated in the lubricating oil sump 20.

[0053] For changing the sliding bearing elements 14, 15, it may be provided that the lubricating oil 21 situated in the lubricating oil sump 20 is discharged.

[0054] In particular, it may be provided that the sliding bearing elements 14, 15 are arranged about a rotor axis 23.

[0055] FIG. 3 shows a sectional view according to section line III-III in FIG. 3.

[0056] As can be seen from FIG. 3, it is provided that the sliding bearing element 14, 15 has multiple sliding bearing pads 24, which are arranged so as to be distributed across the circumference. The individual sliding bearing pads 24 can be coupled with and/or fastened on the inner ring element 12 by means of the fastening means 18. In particular, it may be provided that the individual sliding bearing pads 24 are independently releasable from the inner ring element 12 by means of the fastening means 18. Thereby, the individual sliding bearing pads 24 can be removed from their operating position and/or be replaced individually and independently of each other.

[0057] As can further be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that a sliding bearing pad changing opening 25 is formed in the nacelle housing 4, through which sliding bearing pad changing opening 25 the individual sliding bearing pads 24 can be removed from the nacelle housing 4 without having to disassemble the nacelle housing 4. Of course, it may also be provided that multiple sliding bearing pad changing openings 25 are provided in the nacelle housing 4.

[0058] In a further exemplary embodiment, it may also be provided that the sliding bearing pad changing openings 25 are also located in the rotor hub 6.

[0059] The sliding bearing pad changing openings 25 can be closed by means of a lid 26, which can be removed from the nacelle housing 4 for changing the individual sliding bearing pads 24.

[0060] As can further be seen from FIG. 2, it may be provided that one of the sliding bearing pad changing openings 25 is arranged in the region of a topmost position 27 of the second sliding bearing element 15 and that one further of the sliding bearing pad changing openings 25 is arranged at a bottommost position 28 of the first sliding bearing element 14. Therefore, it may be provided that the individual sliding bearing pads 24 of the second sliding bearing element 15 are changed at the topmost position 27 of the second sliding bearing element 15. Moreover, it may be provided that the sliding bearing pads 24 of the first sliding bearing element 14 are changed at the bottommost position 28 of the first sliding bearing element 14.

[0061] Moreover, it may be provided that a receiving device 29 is formed, by means of which the rotor hub 6 can be fastened to the nacelle housing 4 in order to be able to relieve the individual sliding bearing elements 14, 15 for changing the sliding bearing pads 24.

[0062] FIG. 4 shows a detail view of the detail x of FIG. 2.

[0063] A changing operation for changing the individual sliding bearing pads 24 is described by a combination of FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0064] In a first method step, it may be provided that lubricating oil 21 possibly situated in a lubricating oil sump 20 is discharged from the same. Subsequently, the lids 26 can be taken off of the nacelle housing 4 to uncover the sliding bearing pad changing openings 25. Hence, it may be achieved that the individual sliding bearing pads 24 can be taken out of the interior of the nacelle housing 4 through the sliding bearing pad changing opening 25 and be replaced by new sliding bearing pads 24.

[0065] In a further method step, it may be provided that the rotor 6 is rotated relative to the nacelle housing 4, such that a first one of the sliding bearing pads 24 to be changed of the second sliding bearing element 15 is situated in a topmost position 27. Due to the tilting torque 11 acting on the rotor hub 6, that sliding bearing pad 24 of the second sliding bearing element 15, which is situated in the topmost position 27, is unloaded and therefore not clamped between the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13. In particular, it may be provided that the sliding surface 19 of the sliding bearing pad 24 of the second sliding bearing element 15 in the topmost position 27 does not contact the outer ring element 13.

[0066] In a further method step, those fastening means 18, which fasten said sliding bearing pad 24 to the inner ring element 12, can be released, so that the sliding bearing pad 24 is loosely received between the inner ring element 12 and the outer ring element 13 and, in a subsequent method step, can be pulled out of its position in the changing direction 30. Here, the sliding bearing pad 24 can be taken out of the interior of the nacelle housing 4 through the sliding bearing pad changing opening 25 and subsequently be disposed of and/or recycled accordingly.

[0067] In a subsequent method step, a new and unworn sliding bearing pad 24 can be inserted at the position of the removed sliding bearing pad 24 and subsequently be fastened on the inner ring element 12 by means of fastening means 18. Subsequently, the rotor 6 can be rotated about the rotor axis 23 together with the inner ring element 12, so that a further one of the sliding bearing pads 24 of the second sliding bearing element 15 arrives at the topmost position 27.

[0068] Subsequently, this sliding bearing pad 24 can be exchanged for a new sliding bearing pad 24, analogously to the previously described method.

[0069] Subsequently, the rotor 6 can be rotated further in order to be able to change another sliding bearing pad 24. These method steps may be repeated until all of the sliding bearing pads 24 of the second sliding bearing element 15 are changed.

[0070] Analogously thereto, the individual sliding bearing pads 24 of the first sliding bearing element 14 can be changed in its bottommost position 28.

[0071] For changing the individual sliding bearing pads 24, it may be provided that in a first exemplary method, all sliding bearing pads 24 of the first sliding bearing element 14 are changed and subsequently, all sliding bearing pads 24 of the second sliding bearing element 15 are changed. Of course, it is also conceivable that in a first method step, all sliding bearing pads 24 of the second sliding bearing element 15 are changed and subsequently, all sliding bearing pads 24 of the first sliding bearing element 14 are changed. In yet another exemplary method, it is also possible that the sliding bearing pads 24 of the first sliding bearing element 14 and the sliding bearing pads 24 of the second sliding bearing element 15 are changed in alternation in order to keep the rotation of the rotor hub 6 necessary for the changing operation as low as possible.

[0072] Changing the individual sliding bearing pads 24 may take place with the aid of the receiving device 29.

[0073] As can further be seen from FIG. 4, it may be provided that fastening inserts 31, in particular threaded inserts, are received in the individual sliding bearing pads 24.

[0074] In case of a different structure of the rotor bearing 8 and/or of the nacelle 2, it is of course also conceivable that the individual sliding bearing pads 24 are changed by means of a different method and/or in a different sequence.

[0075] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, and it should be noted in this respect that the invention is not restricted to these particular illustrated embodiment variants of it, but that rather also various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are possible and that this possibility of variation owing to the teaching for technical action provided by the present invention lies within the ability of the person skilled in the art in this technical field.

[0076] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and the drawings are to be adduced for construing the claims. Individual features or feature combinations from the different exemplary embodiments shown and described may represent independent inventive solutions. The object underlying the independent inventive solutions may be gathered from the description.

[0077] All indications regarding ranges of values in the present description are to be understood such that these also comprise random and all partial ranges from it, for example, the indication 1 to 10 is to be understood such that it comprises all partial ranges based on the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e. all partial ranges start with a lower limit of 1 or larger and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, for example 1 through 1.7, or 3.2 through 8.1, or 5.5 through 10.

[0078] Finally, as a matter of form, it should be noted that for ease of understanding of the structure, elements are partially not depicted to scale and/or are enlarged and/or are reduced in size.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0079] 1 wind turbine

[0080] 2 nacelle

[0081] 3 tower

[0082] 4 nacelle housing

[0083] 5 rotor

[0084] 6 rotor hub

[0085] 7 rotor blade

[0086] 8 rotor bearing

[0087] 9 radial force

[0088] 10 axial force

[0089] 11 tilting torque

[0090] 12 inner ring element

[0091] 13 outer ring element

[0092] 14 first sliding bearing element

[0093] 15 second sliding bearing element

[0094] 16 rotor shaft

[0095] 17 angle

[0096] 18 fastening means

[0097] 19 sliding surface

[0098] 20 lubricating oil sump

[0099] 21 lubricating oil

[0100] 22 lubricating oil level

[0101] 23 rotor axis

[0102] 24 sliding bearing pad

[0103] 25 sliding bearing pad changing opening

[0104] 26 lid

[0105] 27 topmost position

[0106] 28 bottommost position

[0107] 29 receiving device

[0108] 30 changing direction

[0109] 31 fastening insert