Bearing gauge arrangement
A bearing gauge arrangement including a holding frame dimensioned to replace a load-carrying element between an inner race and an outer race of a bearing, at least one distance gauge arranged in the holding frame to measure a distance between the inner race and the outer race during operation of the bearing, and an evaluation unit configured to evaluate measurements from a distance gauge relative to a bearing reference dimension. A generator including a main bearing between rotor and stator, and a bearing gauge arrangement, and a method of detecting a deformation of a bearing is also provided.
1. A bearing gauge arrangement comprising:
a holding frame dimensioned to replace a load-carrying element between an inner race and an outer race of a bearing;
at least one distance gauge arranged in the holding frame to measure a distance between the inner race and the outer race during operation of the bearing; and
an evaluation unit configured to evaluate measurements from a distance gauge relative to a bearing reference dimension.
2. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein a position of a distance gauge is fixed relative to the holding frame.
3. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein a position of the holding frame is fixed relative to a bearing ring.
4. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising two distance gauges.
5. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein a distance gauge comprises a displacement transducer.
6. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising a wireless interface between the distance gauge and the evaluation unit.
7. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one spring-loaded contact against a raceway surface.
8. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the holding frame is constructed to fit within a bearing roller cage.
9. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the evaluation unit is configured to relate a distance gauge measurement to a point along the bearing circumference.
10. The bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 , wherein the evaluation unit also receives data relating to an external bearing load, and is configured to identify a relationship between a bearing deformation and the external bearing load.
11. A wind turbine generator assembly, comprising: a bearing between a rotor and a stator, and a bearing gauge arrangement according to claim 1 arranged such that the holding frame of the bearing gauge arrangement replaces a load-carrying element of the bearing.
12. The generator assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the bearing comprises a tapered roller bearing.
13. The generator assembly according to claim 11 , wherein the bearing comprises a double-row roller bearing.
14. A method of detecting a deformation of a bearing, comprising:
providing a bearing gauge arrangement with a plurality of distance gauges in a holding frame, dimensioned according to a rolling element of the bearing;
substituting a rolling element of the bearing by the holding frame;
applying the plurality of distance gauges to measure distance between an inner race and an outer race of the bearing during operation of the bearing; and
evaluating the measurements relative to a bearing reference dimension.
15. The method according to claim 14 , further comprising: evaluating the measurements prior to an installation procedure;
performing the installation procedure; and
evaluating the measurements after the installation procedure.