Segmented composite bearings and wind generator utilizing hydraulic pump/motor combination
View Patent ↗A bearing assembly and wind generator. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of bearing segments defining a sliding member and a bearing body, with the sliding member and bearing body being joined together, and the plurality of bearing segments being coupled together to define an annular bearing structure. Also, a wind generator includes a wind rotor supported upon a tower, a hydraulic pump coupled to the wind rotor, and with rotation of the hydraulic pump pressurizing a hydraulic fluid, and a hydraulic motor in fluid communication with the hydraulic pump, and an electrical generator driven by the hydraulic motor to produce electrical energy.
1. A segmented ring bearing comprising:
a plurality of bearing segments with each bearing segment comprising a non-metallic sliding member and a metal bearing body, said bearing body including an internal retention structure for mechanically binding the sliding member to the bearing body, said retention structure including a plurality of undercut cavities into which at least a portion of the sliding member is secured;
an annular ring supporting the plurality of bearing segments;
a ring housing carrying the annular ring and plurality of bearing segments; and
a bearing support positioned between the annular ring and a surface of the ring housing, said bearing support having flexibility to accommodate changes in alignment of the plurality of bearing segments during use.
2. The segmented ring bearing of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of bearing segments is a segment of a circle.
3. The segmented ring bearing of claim 1
wherein the bearing support is contained within the ring housing between a lower surface of the ring housing and a pair of curved walls of the ring housing.
4. The segmented ring bearing of claim 3 wherein the bearing support includes one or more of: a resilient material, a fluid, and a plurality of ball bearings.
5. The segmented ring bearing of claim 1 wherein the sliding member is a PTFE-based material.
6. The segmented ring bearing of claim 1 wherein the sliding member is a self-lubricating, low coefficient of friction polymer.
7. The segmented ring bearing of claim 1 wherein the ring housing is adapted to be connected to a base of a wind turbine, with the segmented ring bearing supporting at least a rotating component of the wind turbine.
8. A segmented ring bearing comprising:
a plurality of bearing segments with each of said plurality of bearing segments comprising a bearing body and a non-metallic sliding member;
an annular ring positioned to engage the plurality of sliding members; and
a bearing housing for mechanically coupling the plurality of bearing segments into the shape of a ring,
wherein at least some of the plurality of bearing segments include a retention structure adapted to receive a portion of the sliding member.
9. The segmented ring bearing of claim 8 wherein each of the plurality of bearing segments engages a pair of adjacent bearing segments.
10. The segmented ring bearing of claim 8 wherein the retention structure defines a plurality of wedges for securing the sliding member to the bearing body.
11. The segmented ring bearing of claim 8 wherein the sliding member is positioned on at least two sides of the bearing body.
12. The segmented ring bearing of claim 11 wherein the retention structure is defined within apertures formed between said at least two sides of the bearing body.
13. The segmented ring bearing of claim 8 wherein the ring bearing engages a bearing support including one or more of a resilient pad and ball bearings and fluid.