Patent ID: 8998492
Filing Date: 2015-04-07
Classification: F03B,F16C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A bearing assembly for absorbing axial force transmitted by a rotating marine turbine shaft about an axis of rotation, the bearing assembly comprising a plurality of bearing units distributed about the axis of rotation, each bearing unit comprising: a stationary base; a resilient member having a stationary portion rigidly connected to the base and a portion that is generally movable in a main direction of the forces to be supported; a bearing surface suitable for defining, together with the shaft, a volume for receiving a liquid film, the bearing surface being connected to the movable portion of the resilient member, wherein the liquid film is a water film, a minimum radius of the bearing surface is between 1 m and 3 m, the resilient member and the stationary base define at least one chamber containing water, surfaces of the resilient member and the base in contact with water comprising a rustproof material, and the bearing assembly further comprises a plurality of ducts configured for circulating water, each duct being arranged so as to connect at least two chambers together, the ducts and the chambers defining a closed circuit extending about the axis of rotation.