Patent ID: 9394886
Filing Date: 2016-07-19
CPC Classification: F03D,F05B,F16C,Y02E

Claim Text:
1. A method for re-indexing a pitch bearing of a wind turbine, the pitch bearing operably coupled between a hub and a rotor blade, the pitch bearing having a fixed outer race and a rotatable inner race, the rotor blade having a root flange bolted onto the inner race, the method comprising: installing a plurality of first mounts to the fixed outer race of the pitch bearing; positioning the rotor blade to a downwardly-oriented; installing a hydraulic system between the inner race of the pitch bearing and the root flange of the rotor blade; pressurizing the hydraulic system so as to support the weight of the rotor blade with the hydraulic system; unbolting the rotor blade from the pitch bearing with the hydraulic system pressurized; lowering the rotor blade a predetermined distance from the hub using the hydraulic system; installing a plurality of second mounts to the rotor blade, the second mounts physically separate from the first mounts; attaching a plurality of supports between the first mounts and the second mounts, the plurality of supports comprising chains or cables; transferring the weight of the rotor blade from the hydraulic system to the plurality of supports; disengaging the hydraulic system from the pitch bearing and the root flange of the rotor blade; and re-indexing the pitch bearing so as to engage a new set of pitch bearing teeth.