Model-based method and system for monitoring the condition of a sliding bearing, particularly for wind turbines

US11519458B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG · DE
• ZF Wind Power Antwerpen N.V. · BE

Inventors

• Daniel Wolf · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Umit Kutluay · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Luk Geens · Lint, BE
• Johannes Schaefer · Friedrichshafen, DE
• Georg Tenckhoff · Friedrichshafen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 22, 2018
• Grant date: Dec 6, 2022
• Expiry date: Jul 21, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y02E10/72
• WIPO field: Control
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A method for monitoring a condition of a sliding bearing operated with lubricating oil for a rotating component includes calculating, by a control unit as an output variable of a sliding bearing model, a calculated value of a minimum gap thickness of the sliding bearing. The calculated value is calculated by orbit analysis from at least one physical sliding bearing model to which at least a rotational speed of the rotating component, a bearing load, and a temperature of the sliding bearing are supplied as input variables. The method further includes measuring, with at least one sensor, a minimum gap thickness to provide a measured value of the minimum gap thickness, and comparing the measured value of the minimum gap thickness with the calculated value of the minimum gap thickness for the purpose of adjustment.