Patent ID: 8591114
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: F03D,F16C,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A spindle for a wind turbine, comprising: a spindle body having a first end, a second end, and a horizontal channel extending from the first end to the second end; a first end cover and a second end cover, the first end cover and the second end cover being releasably securable to the first end and the second end, respectively, for defining a sealed space within the channel; the channel being configured for receiving a plurality of ball bearing assemblies, a horizontal drive shaft locked at a first end to a rotor assembly for generating electricity, and locked at a second end, opposite the first end, to a wind turbine blade assembly, and a fluid; the spindle body defining an opening through a side thereof allowing communication between the channel and an exterior of the spindle body, for accepting the fluid into the channel, such that the plurality of bearing assemblies, a portion of the drive shaft, and the fluid are contained within the sealed space when the first and second end covers are secured to the first and second ends.