Wind turbine generator with an electric generator bearing assembly
US11396865B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 14, 2017 |
| Grant date | Jul 26, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/72
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
The present invention relates to wind turbine generator (WTG) with a ball bearing (31) supporting a rotating shaft. A suction provider (35), e.g. a rotating disc, is provided next to the ball bearing. An opposite grease reservoir (41) supplies the ball bearing with grease during rotational operation, the grease reservoir further having a shape so that a point (43) of the at least one grease reservoir being closest to the rotating shaft and a grease inlet of the ball bearing are adjoining. The suction provider creates a pressure which is slightly lower than atmospheric pressure, thereby creating a suction of grease (47) through the ball bearing from the grease reservoir, which aids in distributing the grease in the ball bearing. The invention provides an improved ball bearing having an extended lifetime of up to e.g. 7-10 years.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.