Wind Turbine Windturbine Éolienne

(19) *EP003460238B1*

(11) EP 3 460 238 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Date of publication and mention (51) Int Cl.: of the grant of the patent: F03D 1/06 (2006.01) F03D 80/70 (2016.01) (2006.01) 15.04.2020 Bulletin 2020/16 F16C 21/00

(21) Application number: 17192101.8

(22) Date of filing: 20.09.2017

(54) WIND TURBINE WINDTURBINE ÉOLIENNE

(84) Designated Contracting States: • Olesen, Dennis AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB 8200 Aarhus (DK) GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO • Thomsen, Kim PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR 9520 Skørping (DK) • Thorhauge, Morten (43) Date of publication of application: 8200 Aarhus (DK) 27.03.2019 Bulletin 2019/13 (74) Representative: Aspacher, Karl-Georg (73) Proprietor: Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy GmbH & Co. A/S KG 7330 Brande (DK) Otto-Hahn-Ring 6 81739 München (DE) (72) Inventors: • Frydendal, Niels Karl (56) References cited: 7400 Herning (DK) EP-A1- 2 568 167 EP-A1- 2 568 168 • Kanstrup, Troels WO-A1-2013/042294 US-A1- 2013 287 574 8763 Rask Moelle (DK)

Note: Within nine months of the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent in the European Patent Bulletin, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to that patent, in accordance with the Implementing Regulations. Notice of opposition shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention). EP 3 460 238 B1

Printed by Jouve, 75001 PARIS (FR) 1 EP 3 460 238 B1 2

Description vide an improved wind turbine. [0007] Accordingly, a wind turbine according to claim [0001] The present invention relates to a wind turbine. 1 is provided. The wind turbine comprises a hub, a shaft [0002] Modern wind turbine rotor blades are built from which is connected to the hub, a bearing housing, in fiber-reinforced plastics. A rotor blade typically compris- 5 which the shaft is supported rotatable, wherein the shaft es an airfoil having a rounded leading edge and a sharp is arranged inside the bearing housing, a fluid bearing trailing edge. The rotor blade is connected with its blade which supports the shaft in the bearing housing, wherein root to a hub of the wind turbine. The increasing size of the fluid bearing is arranged at a proximal end of the wind turbines and the trend towards offshore turbines shaft, wherein the proximal end of the shaft is positioned puts high demands on serviceability and robustness of 10 proximal to the hub, and a roller bearing which also sup- the bearings of a shaft of the wind turbine. Also due to ports the shaft in the bearing housing, wherein the roller fact that large wind turbines have large dynamic shaft bearing is arranged at a distal end of the shaft, and where- deflections, high loads and low speeds makes it chal- in the distal end of the shaft is positioned distal to the hub. lenging for bearings to work and last the demanded life- [0008] The fluid bearing provides a bearing type with time. Conventional wind turbine designs using roller 15 high load capacity and scalability to even large wind tur- bearings or ball bearings for carrying a drive train, a gen- bines. The fluid bearing is also easy to make exchange- erator on direct drive wind turbines and the hub with able in-situ if a segmented bearing is used. The combi- blades require external crane capacity if a main bearing nation of the fluid bearing at an upwind location of the needs replacement. This type of service is very costly, shaft and the roller bearing at a downwind location of the especially for wind turbines located offshore. 20 shaft is a cost effective and low weight solution. The high- [0003] EP 2 568 167 A1 describes a direct-drive wind er loaded fluid bearing can be easily exchanged when it turbine, wherein a rotor of the wind turbine is directly con- is segmented. A cost effective and light turbine structure nected to a rotating drive train of the wind turbine. The can be provided that allows for in-situ replacement of all rotating drive train is connected with a stationary part of main bearings. No crane or crane vessel is needed to the wind turbine via at least one bearing, which allows 25 replace the main bearings. the rotation of the drive train in relation to the stationary [0009] The position where the fluid bearing is arranged part. The at least one bearing is a plain bearing. The can be named upwind position or upwind location. The bearing comprises at least one cylindrical sliding surface fluid bearing can therefore be named proximal bearing, constructed to support radial loads present in the drive proximal main bearing, upwind bearing or upwind main train. The bearing comprises at least two radial bearing 30 bearing. The position where the roller bearing is arranged surfaces constructed to support axial loads and bending can be named downwind position or downwind location. moments present in the drive train. The surface areas of The roller bearing can therefore be named distal bearing, the radial bearing surfaces are dimensioned proportional distal main bearing, downwind bearing or downwind main to a predetermined maximum total load of the bending bearing. The proximal end of the shaft can be named first moments expected in the drive train. 35 end, and the distal end of the shaft can be named second [0004] US 2013/0287574 A1 describes a wind turbine. end. "Proximal" means close to the hub and "distal" The wind turbine includes a stationary main shaft ar- means away from the hub, i.e. not close to the hub. ranged within a nacelle of the wind turbine, a rotor hub [0010] A shaft arrangement of the wind turbine com- including a hollow shell defining an interior and a plurality prises the bearing housing, the shaft, the roller bearing of rotor blades extending radially outwards from the rotor 40 and the fluid bearing. A roller bearing, rolling-element hub, wherein the rotor hub is rotatably mounted to the bearing or rolling bearing preferably is a bearing which stationary main shaft via at least one bearing, wherein carries a load by placing rolling elements (such as balls the at least one bearing is arranged within the interior of or rollers) between two bearing rings called races. The the rotor hub and connected to a section of the main shaft relative motion of the races causes the rolling elements protruding into the interior of the rotor hub. 45 to roll with very little rolling resistance and with little slid- [0005] WO 2013/042294 A1 describes a power gen- ing. The shaft can be rotated in the bearing housing erating apparatus of renewable energy type which is ca- around an axis or rotation axis. The wind turbine further pable of maintaining a concentricity between bearings comprises blades that are connected to the hub. and utilizing the space in a nacelle. The power generating [0011] Fluid bearings or fluid film bearings are bearings apparatus of renewable energy type is provided with a 50 in which the load is supported by a thin layer of rapidly blade, a hub rotating with the blade by the renewable moving pressurized liquid or gas between the bearing energy received via the blade, a rotation shaft connected surfaces. Since there is no contact between the moving to the hub, a pair of bearings for supporting the rotation parts, there is no sliding friction, allowing fluid bearings shaft rotatably, a nacelle including a nacelle base for sup- to have lower friction, wear and vibration than many other porting a bearing housing of each of the bearing from 55 types of bearings. Fluid bearings can be broadly classi- below and a connection frame for connecting upper parts fied into two types: Fluid dynamic bearings (also known of the bearing housings of the bearings. as hydrodynamic bearings) and hydrostatic bearings. [0006] It is one object of the present invention to pro- Hydrostatic bearings are externally pressurized fluid

2 3 EP 3 460 238 B1 4 bearings, where the fluid is usually oil, water or air, and erator is mounted to the proximal end of the shaft. This the pressurization is done by a pump. Hydrodynamic means, the generator is mounted close to the fluid bear- bearings rely on the high speed of the journal (the part ing. When the generator is mounted at the upwind loca- of the shaft resting on the fluid) to pressurize the fluid in tion of the shaft, the roller bearing at the downwind loca- a wedge between the faces. Preferably, the fluid bearing 5 tion can be dismounted and replaced in-situ because the is a hydrostatic bearing. distal end of the shaft is free. In other words, nothing is [0012] According to an embodiment, the fluid bearing mounted to the distal end of the shaft. This type of wind is segmented. This means, the fluid bearing has a bearing turbine can be called direct drive wind turbine. surface that is divided into a variety of segments. These [0020] According to a further embodiment, the gener- segments can be changed individually. 10 ator is mounted to a proximal end of the bearing housing. [0013] According to a further embodiment, the fluid This means, the generator is mounted to the proximal bearing is a tilting pad bearing. A tilting pad bearing has end of the shaft as well as to the proximal end of the sectional shoes, or pads on pivots. When the tilting pad bearing housing. bearing is in operation, the rotating part of the tilting pad [0021] According to a further embodiment, the gener- bearing carries fresh oil into the pad area through viscous 15 ator is mounted to a proximal flange of the shaft and to drag. Fluid pressure causes the pad to tilt slightly, creat- a proximal flange of the bearing housing. For example, ing a narrow constriction between the shoe and the other the proximal flange of the bearing housing can be con- bearing surface. A wedge of pressurized fluid builds be- nected to a stator of the generator and the proximal flange hind this constriction, separating the moving parts. The of the shaft can be connected to a rotor of the generator tilt of the pad adaptively changes with bearing load and 20 or vice versa. speed. Various design details ensure continued replen- [0022] According to a further embodiment, the wind ishment of the oil to avoid overheating and pad damage. turbine further comprises a generator, wherein the gen- [0014] According to a further embodiment, the roller erator is mounted to the distal end of the shaft. This bearing is a double row tapered roller bearing in X-con- means, the generator is mounted close to the roller bear- figuration, a spherical roller bearing, a double row ta- 25 ing. A gearbox can also be mounted to the distal end of pered roller bearing or a triple row cylindrical roller bear- the shaft. ing. In case of a double row tapered roller bearing in X- [0023] According to a further embodiment, the wind configuration this means that the roller bearing has two turbine further comprises a tower, wherein the bearing rows of tapered rollers. These two rows are arranged in housing is connected to the tower. The bearing housing such a way that a rotation axis of the tapered rollers are 30 preferably can be rotated relative to the tower. The bear- arranged in a X-position. However, any other type of roller ing housing can be arranged inside a nacelle. The bear- bearing can be used. ing housing can be part of the nacelle. [0015] According to a further embodiment, the fluid [0024] According to a further embodiment, the shaft is bearing takes only loads that act in a radial direction of shaped conical, wherein the shaft narrows from its prox- the shaft. The radial direction is arranged perpendicular 35 imal end towards its distal end. Preferably, the shaft has to the rotation axis of the shaft. The fluid bearing cannot the shape of a truncated cone. A diameter of the shaft take loads that act in an axial direction of the shaft. gradually reduces from the proximal end towards the dis- [0016] According to a further embodiment, the roller tal end. bearing takes loads that act in a radial direction of the [0025] According to a further embodiment, the bearing shaft and loads that act in an axial direction of the shaft. 40 house is made of one piece. Preferably, the bearing hous- The loads that act in the axial direction can be named ing is a cast part. The bearing housing can also be a axial loads. The loads that act in the radial direction can combined unit. In particular, the bearing housing can be named radial loads. The axial direction is positioned comprise two separate units or could even be an inte- parallel to the axis of the shaft. grated part of a gearbox. [0017] According to a further embodiment, a diameter 45 [0026] "Wind turbine" presently refers to an apparatus of the fluid bearing is bigger than a diameter of the roller converting the wind’s kinetic energy into rotational ener- bearing. The roller bearing is usually lighter loaded com- gy, which may again be converted to electrical energy pared to the fluid bearing. The fluid bearing typically sees by the apparatus. very high radial loads due to the weight of the hub and [0027] Further possible implementations or alternative the blades. The roller bearing is subjected to lighter loads 50 solutions of the invention also encompass combinations and therefore it is easier to manufacture within known - that are not explicitly mentioned herein - of features roller bearing know-how and size constraints. described above or below with regard to the embodi- [0018] According to a further embodiment the shaft is ments. The person skilled in the art may also add indi- hollow. Therefore, a weight reduction can be achieved. vidual or isolated aspects and features to the most basic Alternatively, the shaft can be solid. The shaft preferably 55 form of the invention. is arranged inside the bearing housing. [0028] Further embodiments, features and advantag- [0019] According to a further embodiment, the wind es of the present invention will become apparent from turbine further comprises a generator, wherein the gen- the subsequent description and dependent claims, taken

3 5 EP 3 460 238 B1 6 in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [0037] The shaft arrangement 9 further comprises a hub shaft, main shaft or shaft 14 which is connected to Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wind turbine accord- the hub 6. The hub 6 can be connected to the shaft 14 ing to one embodiment; by means of screws and/or bolts. The shaft 14 has a 5 flange 15 for connecting the shaft 14 to the hub 6. The Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a wind turbine rotor flange 15 can be named as hub flange or first flange of blade according to one embodiment; the shaft 14. The shaft 14 is supported rotatable in the bearing housing 10. This means, the shaft can be rotated Fig. 3 shows a sectional view of a shaft arrangement relative to the bearing housing 10 around a rotating axis according to one embodiment; and 10 16. The shaft 14 is shown as a big thin walled construc- tion. It could also be a traditional shaft, as for any wind Fig. 4 shows a perspective sectional view of the wind turbine 1 with two main bearings and a shaft. turbine according to Fig. 1. [0038] The shaft 14 has a first end or proximal end 17. The proximal end 17 is arranged close or proximal to the [0029] In the Figures, like reference numerals desig- 15 hub 6. In particular, the proximal end 17 of the shaft 14 nate like or functionally equivalent elements, unless oth- is positioned at the proximal end 11 of the bearing hous- erwise indicated. ing 10. The shaft 14 also has a second end or distal end [0030] Fig. 1 shows a wind turbine 1 according to one 18. The distal end 18 is arranged away from or distal to embodiment. the hub 6. In particular, the distal end 18 of the shaft 14 [0031] The wind turbine 1 comprises a rotor 2 connect- 20 is positioned at the distal end 12 of the bearing housing ed to a generator (not shown) arranged inside a nacelle 10. 3. The nacelle 3 is arranged at the upper end of a tower [0039] As can be seen from Fig. 3, the shaft 14 is hol- 4 of the wind turbine 1. low. The shaft 14 has a flange 19 for mounting the afore- [0032] The rotor 2 comprises three rotor blades 5. The mentioned generator to the shaft 14. The flange 19 can rotor blades 5 are connected to a hub 6 of the wind turbine 25 be named as proximal flange, second generator flange 1. Rotors 2 of this kind may have diameters ranging from, or second flange of the shaft 14. For example, the flange for example, 30 to 160 meters or even more. The rotor 13 of the bearing housing 10 can be connected to a stator blades 5 are subjected to high wind loads. At the same of the generator and the flange 19 of the shaft 14 can be time, the rotor blades 5 need to be lightweight. For these connected to a rotor of the generator or vice versa. The reasons, rotor blades 5 in modern wind turbines 1 are 30 shaft 14 also has a flange 20 for gearbox or generator manufactured from fiber-reinforced composite materials. mount. The flange 20 can be named as distal flange or Therein, glass fibers are generally preferred over carbon third flange of the shaft 14. fibers for cost reasons. Oftentimes, glass fibers in the [0040] The shaft arrangement 9 has a roller bearing form of unidirectional fiber mats are used. 21 which supports the shaft 14 in the bearing housing 10 [0033] Fig. 2 shows a rotor blade 5 according to one 35 at the distal end 12 of the bearing housing 10 and the embodiment. distal end 18 of the shaft 14. [0034] The rotor blade 5 comprises an aerodynamical- [0041] The location where the roller bearing 21 is ar- ly designed portion 7, which is shaped for optimum ex- ranged can be named as downwind location. A roller ploitation of the wind energy and a blade root 8 for con- bearing, rolling-element bearing or rolling bearing is a necting the rotor blade 5 to the hub 6. 40 bearing which carries a load by placing rolling elements [0035] Fig. 3 shows a shaft arrangement 9 according (such as balls or rollers) between two bearing rings called to one embodiment. races. The relative motion of the races causes the rolling [0036] The shaft arrangement 9 is arranged inside the elements to roll with very little rolling resistance and with nacelle 3 and/or is part of the nacelle 3. The shaft ar- little sliding. The roller bearing 21 can be named as first rangement 9 is arranged to support the hub 6 rotatable. 45 bearing, downwind bearing, downwind main bearing or The shaft arrangement 9 comprises a bearing housing distal bearing because it is arranged distal to the hub 6. 10. The bearing housing 10 can be a combined unit. Fur- The roller bearing 21 has an inner diameter d21. thermore, the bearing housing could also comprise two [0042] The roller bearing 21 is arranged to take loads separate units or could even be an integrated part of a FA, FR both in an axial direction A and in a radial direction gearbox (not shown). The bearing housing 10 is hollow 50 R of the shaft 14. The roller bearing 21 can be any type and comprises a first end or proximal end 11 which is of roller bearing, for example a spherical roller bearing, arranged close or proximal to the hub 6 (not shown in a double row tapered roller bearing, a triple row cylindrical Fig. 3). The bearing housing 10 also comprises a second roller bearing or the like. The preferred bearing type for end or distal end 12 which is arranged away from the hub the roller bearing 21 is a double row tapered roller bearing 6 or distal to the hub 6. The bearing housing 10 further 55 in X-configuration because this bearing type has little re- comprises a flange 13 for mounting a generator (not sistance towards shaft bending and high radial load ca- shown) to the bearing housing 10. The flange 13 can be pacity as well as sufficient axial load capacity. But any named as first generator flange or proximal flange. combination of roller or ball bearing can be used to sup-

4 7 EP 3 460 238 B1 8 port the shaft 14 at the distal end 18 thereof. [0047] Fig. 4 shows a detail view of the wind turbine 1 [0043] The shaft arrangement 9 also has a fluid film according to Fig. 1. bearing or fluid bearing 22 which supports the shaft 14 [0048] As can be seen from Fig. 4, a generator 23 is in the bearing housing 10 at the proximal end 11 of the mounted to the flanges 13, 19 of the bearing housing 10 bearing housing 10 and the proximal end 17 of the shaft 5 and the shaft 14. The configuration of Fig. 4, wherein the 14. The location where the fluid bearing 22 is arranged generator 23 is mounted at the upwind location of the can be named as upwind location. The fluid bearing 22 shaft 14, the roller bearing 21 at the downwind location can be named as second bearing, upwind bearing, up- can be dismounted and replaced in-situ because the dis- wind main bearing or proximal bearing because it is ar- tal end 18 of the shaft 14 is free. In other words, nothing ranged proximal to the hub 6. The fluid bearing 22 is 10 is mounted to the distal end 18 of the shaft 14. As can arranged to take only loads FR in the radial direction R be seen from Fig. 4, the bearing housing 10 is mounted but not in the axial direction A of the shaft 14. The fluid to the tower 4. bearing 22 has an inner diameter d22. The inner diameter [0049] However, the shaft arrangement 9 can also be d22 of the fluid bearing 22 is bigger than the inner diam- used with a traditional geared wind turbine (not shown). eter d21 of the roller bearing 21. 15 In this case, it is more labor-intensive to replace the roller [0044] Fluid bearings are bearings in which the load is bearing 21 because the gearbox is mounted next to the supported by a thin layer of rapidly moving pressurized roller bearing 21 at the flange 20 of the shaft 14. liquid or gas between the bearing surfaces. Since there [0050] An alternative realization (not shown) is that the is no contact between the moving parts, there is no sliding roller bearing 21 is an integrated part of the gearbox. In friction, allowing fluid bearings to have lower friction, wear 20 this case, the roller bearing 21 would be replaced togeth- and vibration than many other types of bearings. Fluid er with the gearbox and the fluid bearing 22 would be bearings can be broadly classified into two types: Fluid replaced by exchanging the segments on site. It is also dynamic bearings (also known as hydrodynamic bear- possible to use fluid bearings both at the upwind and at ings) and hydrostatic bearings. Hydrostatic bearings are the downwind location. This, however, involves higher externally pressurized fluid bearings, where the fluid is 25 mass and also more complex structure. usually oil, water or air, and the pressurization is done [0051] The wind turbine 1 with the shaft arrangement by a pump. Hydrodynamic bearings rely on the high 9 has the following advantages. The fluid bearing 22 pro- speed of the journal (the part of the shaft resting on the vides a bearing type with high load capacity and scala- fluid) to pressurize the fluid in a wedge between the faces. bility to even large wind turbines. The fluid bearing 22 is [0045] Preferably, the fluid bearing 22 is a hydrostatic 30 also easy to make exchangeable in-situ if a segmented bearing. In particular, the fluid bearing 22 is segmented or tilting pad bearing is used. However, to realize both a so that the bearing components can be replaced in-situ. thrust bearing and a radial bearing it requires a construc- This means, without disassembly of the shaft arrange- tion that can be realized lighter and cheaper with a single ment 9 and/or the wind turbine 1. Preferably, the fluid double row tapered roller bearing 21. This roller bearing bearing 22 is a tilting pad bearing. A tilting pad bearing 35 21 can be used and still maintain the possibility to ex- has sectional shoes, or pads on pivots. When the tilting change all bearing parts in-situ. pad bearing is in operation, the rotating part of the tilting [0052] The combination of the fluid bearing 22 at the pad bearing carries fresh oil in to the pad area through upwind location, where segmentation is preferred to per- viscous drag. Fluid pressure causes the pad to tilt slightly, form in-situ replacement, and the roller bearing 21 at the creating a narrow constriction between the shoe and the 40 downwind location is a cost effective and low weight so- other bearing surface. A wedge of pressurized fluid builds lution. The higher loaded fluid bearing 22 can be easily behind this constriction, separating the moving parts. The exchanged when it is segmented or a tilting pad bearing. tilt of the pad adaptively changes with bearing load and A cost effective and light turbine structure can be provid- speed. Various design details ensure continued replen- ed that allows for in-situ replacement of all main bearings ishment of the oil to avoid overheating and pad damage. 45 21, 22. [0046] To use the roller bearing 21 instead of a second [0053] Although the present invention has been de- fluid bearing is a very cost effective solution that would scribed in accordance with preferred embodiments, it is otherwise require two separate fluid film bearings to re- obvious for the person skilled in the art that modifications place the roller bearing 21. Namely a first bearing for are possible in all embodiments within the scope of the radial loads and a second bearing for axial loads and 50 appended claims. another fluid film bearing at the upwind location. This means, in total three bearings. The roller bearing 21 is usually lighter loaded compared to the fluid bearing 22. Claims The fluid bearing 22 typically sees very high radial load FR due to the weight of the hub 6 and the rotor blades 55 1. A wind turbine (1), comprising a hub (6), a shaft (14) 5. The roller bearing 21 is loaded lighter and therefore it which is connected to the hub (6), a bearing housing is easier to manufacture within known roller bearing (10), in which the shaft (14) is supported rotatable, know-how and size constraints. wherein the shaft (14) is arranged inside the bearing

5 9 EP 3 460 238 B1 10

housing (10), a fluid bearing (22) which supports the erator (23) is mounted to the distal end (18) of the shaft (14) in the bearing housing (10), wherein the shaft (14). fluid bearing (22) is arranged at a proximal end (17) of the shaft (14), wherein the proximal end (17) of 13. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 12, the shaft (14) is positioned proximal to the hub (6), 5 further comprising a tower (4), wherein the bearing and a roller bearing (21) which also supports the housing (10) is connected to the tower (4). shaft (14) in the bearing housing (10), wherein the roller bearing (21) is arranged at a distal end (18) of 14. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 13, the shaft (14), and wherein the distal end (18) of the wherein the shaft (14) is shaped conical, and wherein shaft (14) is positioned distal to the hub (6). 10 the shaft (14) narrows from its proximal end (17) towards its distal end (18). 2. The wind turbine according to claim 1, wherein the fluid bearing (22) is segmented. 15. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 14, wherein the bearing house (10) is made of one piece. 3. The wind turbine according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 15 the fluid bearing (22) is a tilting pad bearing. Patentansprüche 4. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 3, wherein the roller bearing (21) is a double row ta- 1. Windturbine (1) mit einer Nabe (6), einer mit der Na- pered roller bearing in X-configuration, a spherical 20 be (6) verbundenen Welle (14), einem Lagergehäu- roller bearing, a double row tapered roller bearing or se (10), in dem die Welle (14) drehbar gelagert ist, a triple row cylindrical roller bearing. wobei die Welle (14) in dem Lagergehäuse (10) angeordnet ist, einem Lager (22) mit Flüssigkeitsrei- 5. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 4, bung, das die Welle (14) in dem Lagergehäuse (10) wherein the fluid bearing (22) takes only loads (FR) 25 lagert, wobei das Lager (22) mit Flüssigkeitsreibung that act in a radial direction (R) of the shaft (14) and an einem proximalen Ende (17) der Welle (14) an- cannot take loads (FA) that act in an axial direction geordnet ist, das proximal zur Nabe (6) positioniert (A) of the shaft (14) . ist, und einem Wälzlager (21), das auch die Welle (14) in dem Lagergehäuse (10) lagert, wobei das 6. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 5, 30 Wälzlager (21) an einem distalen Ende (18) der Wel- wherein the roller bearing (21) takes loads (FR) that le (14) angeordnet und das distale Ende (18) der act in a radial direction (R) of the shaft (14) and loads Welle (14) distal zur Nabe (6) positioniert ist. (FA) that act in an axial direction (A) of the shaft (14). 2. Windturbine nach Anspruch 1, wobei das Lager (22) 7. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 6, 35 mit Flüssigkeitsreibung segmentiert ist. wherein a diameter (d22) of the fluid bearing (22) is bigger than a diameter (d21) of the roller bearing 3. Windturbine nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei es sich (21). bei dem Lager (22) mit Flüssigkeitsreibung um ein Kippsegmentlager handelt. 8. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 7, 40 wherein the shaft (14) is hollow. 4. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, wobei es sich bei dem Wälzlager (21) um ein zweirei- 9. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 8, higes Kegelrollenlager in X-Konfiguration, ein Pen- further comprising a generator (23), wherein the gen- delrollenlager, ein zweireihiges Kegelrollenlager erator (23) is mounted to the proximal end (17) of 45 oder ein dreireihiges Zylinderrollenlager handelt. the shaft (14). 5. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wo- 10. The wind turbine according to claim 9, wherein the bei das Lager (22) mit Flüssigkeitsreibung nur in ra- generator (23) is mounted to a proximal end (11) of dialer Richtung (R) der Welle (14) wirkende Lasten the bearing housing. 50 (FR) aufnimmt und keine in axialer Richtung (A) der Welle (14) wirkenden Lasten (FA) aufnehmen kann. 11. The wind turbine according to claim 10, wherein the generator (23) is mounted to a proximal flange (19) 6. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, wo- of the shaft (14) and to a proximal flange (13) of the bei das Wälzlager (21) in radialer Richtung (R) der bearing housing (10). 55 Welle (14) wirkende Lasten (FR) und in axialer Rich- tung (A) der Welle (14) wirkende Lasten (FA) auf- 12. The wind turbine according to one of claims 1 - 8, nimmt. further comprising a generator (23), wherein the gen-

6 11 EP 3 460 238 B1 12

7. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, wo- 2. Éolienne selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle le bei ein Durchmesser (d22) des Lagers (22) mit Flüs- palier à fluide (22) est segmenté. sigkeitsreibung größer ist als ein Durchmesser (d21) des Wälzlagers (21). 3. Éolienne selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle 5 le palier à fluide (22) est un palier à patins oscillants. 8. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, wobei die Welle (14) hohl ist. 4. Éolienne selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, dans laquelle le roulement à rouleaux (21) est 9. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, die un roulement à rouleaux conique à double rangées ferner einen Generator (23) umfasst, der an das pro- 10 en configuration de X, un roulement à rouleaux sphé- ximale Ende (17) der Welle (14) montiert ist. rique, un roulement à rouleaux conique à double ran- gées ou un roulement à rouleaux cylindrique à triple 10. Windturbine nach Anspruch 9, wobei der Generator rangées. (23) an ein proximales Ende (11) des Lagergehäu- ses montiert ist. 15 5. Éolienne selon l’une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle le palier à fluide (22) prend uni- 11. Windturbine nach Anspruch 10, wobei der Generator quement des charges (FR) qui agissent dans une (23) an einen proximalen Flansch (19) der Welle (14) direction radiale (R) de l’arbre (14) et ne peut pas und an einen proximalen Flansch (13) des Lagerge- prendre de charges (FA) qui agissent dans une di- häuses (10) montiert ist. 20 rection axiale (A) de l’arbre (14).

12. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, die 6. Éolienne selon l’une des revendications 1 à 5, dans ferner einen Generator (23) umfasst, der an das dis- laquelle le roulement à rouleaux (21) prend des char- tale Ende (18) der Welle (14) montiert ist. ges (FR) qui agissent dans une direction radiale (R) 25 de l’arbre (14) et des charges (FA) qui agissent dans 13. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 12, die une direction axiale (A) de l’arbre (14). ferner einen Turm (4) umfasst, wobei das Lagerge- häuse (10) mit dem Turm (4) verbunden ist. 7. Éolienne selon l’une des revendications 1 à 6, dans laquelle un diamètre (d22) du palier à fluide (22) est 14. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 13, 30 supérieur à un diamètre (d21) du roulement à rou- wobei die Welle (14) konisch geformt ist und sich leaux (21). von ihrem proximalen Ende (17) aus zu ihrem distalen Ende (18) hin verjüngt. 8. Éolienne selon l’une des revendications 1 à 7, dans laquelle l’arbre (14) est creux. 15. Windturbine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14, 35 wobei das Lagergehäuse (10) einstückig gefertigt 9. Éolienne selon l’une des revendications 1 à 8, com- ist. prenant en outre un générateur (23), dans laquelle le générateur (23) est monté sur l’extrémité proximale (17) de l’arbre (14). Revendications 40 10. Éolienne selon la revendication 9, dans laquelle le 1. Éolienne (1), comprenant un moyeu (6), un arbre générateur (23) est monté sur une extrémité proxi- (14) qui est raccordé au moyeu (6), un boîtier de male (11) du boîtier de roulement. roulement (10), dans laquelle l’arbre (14) est sup- porté en rotation, dans laquelle l’arbre (14) est agen- 45 11. Éolienne selon la revendication 10, dans laquelle le cé à l’intérieur du boîtier de roulement (10), un palier générateur (23) est monté sur une bride proximale à fluide (22) qui supporte l’arbre (14) dans le boîtier (19) de l’arbre (14), et sur une bride proximale (13) de roulement (10), dans laquelle le palier à fluide du boîtier de roulement (10). (22) est agencé à une extrémité proximale (17) de l’arbre (14), dans laquelle l’extrémité proximale (17) 50 12. Éolienne selon l’une des revendications 1 à 8, com- de l’arbre (14) est positionnée de manière proximale prenant en outre un générateur (23), dans laquelle par rapport au moyeu (6), et un roulement à rouleaux le générateur (23) est monté sur l’extrémité distale (21) qui supporte également l’arbre (14) dans le boî- (18) de l’arbre (14). tier de roulement (10), dans laquelle le roulement à rouleaux (21) est agencé à une extrémité distale (18) 55 13. Éolienne selon l’une des revendications 1 à 12, com- de l’arbre (14), et dans laquelle l’extrémité distale prenant en outre une tour (4), dans laquelle le boîtier (18) de l’arbre (14) est positionnée de manière dis- de roulement (10) est raccordé à la tour (4). tale par rapport au moyeu (6).

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14. Éolienne selon l’une des revendications 1 à 13, dans laquelle l’arbre (14) est de forme conique, et dans laquelle l’arbre (14) se rétrécit de son extrémité proximale (17) vers son extrémité distale (18). 5 15. Éolienne selon l’une des revendications 1 à 14, dans laquelle le boîtier de roulement (10) est réalisé en une seule pièce.

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REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader’s convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.

Patent documents cited in the description

• EP 2568167 A1 [0003] • WO 2013042294 A1 [0005] • US 20130287574 A1 [0004]