Patent ID: 8075442
Filing Date: 2011-12-13
Classification: F03D,F05B,F16H,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A power generation system for a wind turbine included in a nacelle, comprising: a transmission having an input axially aligned with an output, the input configured to receive rotary motion generated by a wind driven rotor head, the output located downwind of the input; an electromagnetic apparatus having an input configured to be coupled to the transmission output; and a bearing configured to radially support both the transmission output and the electromagnetic apparatus input; wherein the bearing is a locating-type bearing configured to axially support the transmission output; wherein the electromagnetic apparatus is a generator and the input of the generator is a rotor, and wherein the output shaft of the transmission is a sun gear in a planetary gear-train included in the transmission; wherein the output of the transmission and the input of the electromagnetic apparatus are connected by a coupling positioned in radial alignment with a radial line of symmetry of the bearing; and wherein the bearing is positioned such that a moment generated by a sum of loads from the rotor on the bearing, during operation of the wind turbine, is less than a moment generated by a sum of static loads and dynamic loading of the gear-train on the bearing.