Hydrostatic yaw bearing for large wind turbines

Objective

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROJECT

This project seeks to develop an improved engineering solution for the yaw systems of wind turbines. Specific aims are to design and manufacture a hydrostatic yaw bearing, to evaluate performance on a test wind turbine (including measurement of the performance of the hydrostatic bearing in comparison with the prior standard bearing considering issues of loads, noise, corrosion, life and wear) and to evaluate the potential for medium and large wind turbine systems of an advanced integrated yaw system involving such a hydrostatic bearing.

TECHNICAL APPROACH

The design principles of a hydrostatic bearing as the yaw bearing of a wind turbine have been established in recent work by Rolls Royce and confirmed on a 0.7m diameter bearing test rig. Peter Brotherhood Ltd propose to develop this technology in the present project. They will undertake detailed design of a bearing system for the WindMaster WMN VS46 wind turbine. Research work has shown added advantage in increased yaw system damping with the use of a high viscosity grease (as opposed to standard hydraulic oil) in the bearing. The University of Porto in Portugal who have been active in the study of additives for greases and their behaviour in elasto-hydrodynamic contacts will undertake development and testing of high viscosity fluids. Garrad Hassan will support the bearing design work especially in areas of load specification. WindMaster Nederland will manufacture a new bedplate for their WMN VS 46 wind turbine to interface with the bearing. In a field test phase, a programme of data acquisition and analysis to evaluate system input loading and bearing performance will be undertaken.

EXPECTED ACHIEVEMENTS AND EXPLOITATION

It is expected to demonstrate a technically superior, cost effective yaw system with greater load bearing capacity, fatigue insensitivity, reduced noise and greater reliability compared with existing technology. Peter Brotherhood expect to develop a product for the wind turbine market with sales of over 200 bearings for wind turbines in the 600 -1000 kW range being forecast for year three of production.

Fields of science

• engineering and technology › environmental engineering › energy and fuels › renewable energy › wind power
• natural sciences › physical sciences › classical mechanics › fluid mechanics › fluid statics

Programme(s)

• FP4-NNE-JOULE C - Specific programme for research and technological development, including demonstration in the field of non-nuclear energy, 1994-1998

Topic(s)

• 0304 - Wind energy

Call for proposal

Data not available

Funding Scheme

CSC - Cost-sharing contracts

Coordinator

Peter Brotherhood Limited

Address

PE4 5HG Peterborough
United Kingdom

Participants (4)

GARRAD HASSAN AND PARTNERS LTD

United Kingdom

Address

Saint Vincent Works, Silverthorne Lane
BS2 0QD Bristol

M.G. Bennett and Associates Ltd.

United Kingdom

Address

Pleasley Road
SG0 4HQ Rotherham

University of Porto

Portugal

Address

Rua Dr. Roberto Frias
4200-465 Porto

Links

Windmaster Nederland BV

Netherlands

Address

26,zuiveringweg 26
8243 PZ Lelystad