U.S. patent application number 12/566952 was filed with the patent office on 2010-11-04 for method and system for disengaging a shrink coupling on a turbine generator.
This patent application is currently assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY. Invention is credited to RICHARD ARLAND OHL, JR..
Application Number | 20100275442 12/566952 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43029295 |
Filed Date | 2010-11-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100275442 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
OHL, JR.; RICHARD ARLAND |
November 4, 2010 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISENGAGING A SHRINK COUPLING ON A TURBINE
GENERATOR
Abstract
A system and associated method for disengaging a shrink coupling
that secures a shaft to a drive train component, such as a gearbox,
includes a reaction plate erected around the shaft at a location
displaced from the shrink coupling, with the reaction plate being
anchored in place relative to the shaft. A plurality of jacking
devices, such as hydraulic jacks, are operationally disposed
between the reaction plate and shrink coupling and spaced
circumferentially around the shaft. The jacking devices have a
first end engaged against the reaction plate and a second opposite
end mechanically fastened to the shrink coupling. To remove the
shrink coupling from the drive train component, the shrink coupling
is released from its clamped state and the jacking devices are
activated to exert a pulling force on the shrink coupling, which
causes the shrink coupling to be pulled off of the drive train
component and moved axially along the shaft to a resting position
on the shaft.
Inventors: |
OHL, JR.; RICHARD ARLAND;
(HUDSON, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DORITY & MANNING, P.A. and GENERAL ELECTRIC;COMPANY
POST OFFICE BOX 1449
GREENVILLE
SC
29602
US
|
Assignee: |
GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
SCHENECTADY
NY
|
Family ID: |
43029295 |
Appl. No.: |
12/566952 |
Filed: |
September 25, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
29/889.1 ;
29/426.5; 403/290 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/37 20150115;
Y10T 403/535 20150115; B23P 19/04 20130101; F05B 2240/60 20130101;
B25B 27/064 20130101; F03D 15/00 20160501; Y10T 29/53539 20150115;
F03D 80/50 20160501; Y02E 10/722 20130101; F16D 1/0858 20130101;
H02K 7/183 20130101; Y10T 29/49318 20150115; H02K 15/0006 20130101;
F16H 57/0025 20130101; Y10T 29/49721 20150115; B23P 11/00 20130101;
Y10T 29/53683 20150115; F03D 15/10 20160501; Y02E 10/72 20130101;
H02K 7/003 20130101; Y10T 29/49822 20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
29/889.1 ;
403/290; 29/426.5 |
International
Class: |
B23P 6/00 20060101
B23P006/00; F16D 1/00 20060101 F16D001/00; B23P 11/00 20060101
B23P011/00 |
Claims
1. A method for disengaging a shrink coupling that secures a shaft
to a drive train component, comprising: erecting a reaction plate
around the shaft at a location axially displaced from the shrink
coupling; disposing a plurality of jacking devices between the
reaction plate and the shrink coupling, the jacking devices
circumferentially spaced around the shaft and having a first end
engaged against the reaction plate and a second opposite end in a
pull-engagement configuration with the shrink coupling; releasing
the shrink coupling from its clamped state; and activating the
jacking devices to exert a pulling force on the shrink coupling,
wherein the shrink coupling is pulled off of the drive train
component axially along the shaft to a resting position on the
shaft.
2. The method as in claim 1, further comprising providing a shim
member around at least a portion of the circumference of the shaft
axially between the shrink coupling and reaction plate, and pulling
the shrink coupling onto the shim member in its resting position on
the shaft.
3. The method as in claim 2, wherein the shim member is constructed
around the shaft from a plurality of separate pre-formed
members.
4. The method as in claim 2, wherein the shim member has a radial
thickness such that the shrink coupling is maintained in an aligned
concentric relationship with the drive train component at its
resting position on the shim member.
5. The method as in claim 1, wherein the shaft is a main drive
shaft of a wind turbine and the drive train component is a gearbox,
the reaction plate being anchored to a bedplate in a wind turbine
nacelle.
6. The method as in claim 5, wherein the jacking devices are
hydraulic jacks.
7. The method as in claim 5, wherein the reaction plate is
constructed around the main drive shaft from a plurality of frame
members that are moved into the wind turbine nacelle.
8. The method as in claim 1, wherein the second end of the jacking
devices are fastened to the shrink coupling in a pull-engagement
configuration by replacing a plurality of bolts in an end face of
the shrink coupling with threaded first components of a hook
engagement device that mate with a complementary second component
of the hook engagement device configured on the second end of the
jacking devices.
9. The method as in claim 1, further comprising moving the shrink
coupling from its rest position on the shaft back into position for
securing the shaft to the drive train component by reversing the
direction of the jacking devices and moving the shrink coupling
axially along the shaft to an operational position on the drive
train component, and subsequently activating the shrink coupling to
a clamped state.
10. A system for removing a shrink coupling that secures a shaft to
a drive train component, said system comprising: a reaction plate
erected around said shaft at a location displaced from said shrink
coupling, said reaction plate anchored in place relative to said
shaft; a plurality of jacking devices operationally disposed
between said reaction plate and said shrink coupling, said jacking
devices equally circumferentially spaced around said shall and
having a first end engaged against said reaction plate and a second
opposite end mechanically fastened in a pull-engagement
configuration to said shrink coupling; and whereby to remove said
shrink coupling from said drive train component, said shrink
coupling is released from a clamped state and said jacking devices
are activated to exert a pulling force on said shrink coupling
until said shrink coupling is pulled off of said drive train
component and moved axially along said shaft to a resting position
on said shaft.
11. The system as in claim 10, further comprising a shim member
disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of said shaft
at an axial location between said shrink coupling and said reaction
plate such that said shrink coupling is pulled onto said shim
member in the resting position of said shrink coupling on said
shaft, said shim member having a radial thickness such that said
shrink coupling is maintained in an aligned concentric relationship
with said drive train component at the resting position of said
shrink coupling on said shaft.
12. The system as in claim 10, wherein said system is configured
for removing a shrink coupling in a wind turbine nacelle, said
shaft comprising a main drive shaft and said drive train component
comprising a gearbox, said reaction plate anchored to a bedplate in
said wind turbine nacelle.
13. The system as in claim 12, wherein said jacking devices
comprise hydraulic jacks.
14. The system as in claim 13, wherein said reaction plate
comprises a plurality of separate frame members having a size and
configuration so as to be moved into said wind turbine nacelle and
constructed around said main drive shaft.
15. The system as in claim 10, further comprising a plurality of
threaded engagement members that are threaded into equally
circumferentially spaced bolt holes in a front face of said shrink
coupling, said second end of said jacking devices comprising a
complimentary engagement member that engages with said threaded
engagement members in a pull-engagement configuration.
16. The system as in claim 15, wherein said threaded engagement
members comprise one of a hook or an eye, and said second end of
said jacking devices comprises a complimentary eye or hook,
respectively.
17. The system as in claim 10, wherein said jacking devices are
reversible and said second end of said jacking devices are
configurable into a push-engagement with said shrink coupling,
whereby said shrink coupling is movable from its rest position on
said shaft back into position for securing said shaft to said drive
train component by reversing the direction of said jacking devices
and moving said shrink coupling axially along said shaft and into
an operational position on said drive train component.
18. A method for performing a maintenance procedure on a front seal
of a wind turbine generator gearbox, the gearbox being is connected
to a drive shaft in a drive train with a shrink coupling; said
method comprising: erecting a reaction plate around the shaft at a
location axially displaced from the shrink coupling; disposing a
plurality of jacking devices between the reaction plate and the
shrink coupling, the jacking devices circumferentially spaced
around the shaft and having a first end engaged against the
reaction plate and a second opposite end in a pull-engagement
configuration with the shrink coupling; releasing the shrink
coupling from its clamped state; activating the jacking devices to
exert a pulling force on the shrink coupling, wherein the shrink
coupling is pulled off of gearbox axially along the shaft to a
resting position on the shaft such that access is provided to the
front seal for the maintenance procedure; performing a maintenance
procedure on the front seal; moving the shrink coupling from its
rest position on the shaft back into position for securing the
shaft to the gearbox by reversing the direction of the jacking
devices and moving the shrink coupling axially along the shaft to
an operational position around the gearbox; and subsequently
activating the shrink coupling to a clamped state.
19. The method as in claim 18, further comprising providing a shim
member around at least a portion of the circumference of the shaft
axially between the shrink coupling and reaction plate, and pulling
the shrink coupling onto the shim member in its resting position on
the shaft.
20. The method as in claim 18, wherein the shaft and gearbox are
components of a drive train in a wind turbine, the reaction plate
being anchored to a bedplate in a wind turbine nacelle.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a method and
related system for disengaging a shrink coupling, and, more
particularly, to removal of a shrink coupling used to couple a main
shaft to gearbox in a turbine generator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Shrink couplings (also known as "shrink disks") are widely
used in drive trains to couple a rotating shaft to another
component, such as a gearbox. In many conventional wind turbine
designs, a shrink coupling is used to secure the main drive shaft
("low speed shaft") to the gearbox. This coupling can be quite
large, often weighing in the range of about 2,000 lbs, and various
maintenance procedures require removal of the shrink coupling. For
example, inspection or replacement of the low speed shaft seal
(also referred to as the "front seal") in the gearbox can only be
accomplished with removal of the shrink coupling.
[0003] Modern wind turbines can be quite large, with many designs
having a rotor height exceeding 100 meters, and maintenance of
these wind turbines often requires the use of a large construction
crane in order to repair/replace components in the turbine nacelle.
Removal of the main drive shaft shrink coupling is an example of
just such a procedure that, to date, typically requires a crane.
The logistic requirements, turbine down time, and expense
associated with this maintenance procedure can be tremendous.
[0004] Wind power is considered one of the cleanest, most
environmentally friendly energy sources presently available, and
wind turbines have gained increased attention in this regard.
However, the cost/benefit economics of wind energy is a constant
consideration. The cost of producing the energy, including
maintenance of the wind turbines, cannot outweigh the benefits. In
this regard, the industry would benefit from improvements or
advancements in wind turbine operation and maintenance that would
reduce the requirements (and associated expense and logistical
burdens) for an on-site crane in the performance of maintenance or
repair work on the turbines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in
part in the following description, or may be obvious from the
description, or may be learned through practice of the
invention.
[0006] Although aspects of the invention will be described herein
as they relate to maintenance procedures on a wind turbine, it
should be appreciated that this is for purposes of illustrating
particular useful embodiments of the present method and system for
removal of a shrink coupling. The invention is not limited to wind
turbines, and is applicable in any situation that requires removal
of a relatively large shrink coupling from between a shaft and
another component.
[0007] In accordance with aspects of the invention, a method is
provided for disengaging a shrink coupling that secures a shaft to
a drive train component. The method includes erecting a reaction
plate around the shaft at a location axially displaced from the
shrink coupling such that the reaction plate is anchored axially in
place relative to the shaft. A shim member may be placed around at
least a portion of the circumference of the shaft in an axial
position between the shrink coupling and reaction plate. A
plurality of jacking devices are disposed between the reaction
plate and the shrink coupling and are equally circumferentially
spaced around the shaft. The jacking devices have a first end
engaged against the reaction plate and a second, opposite end in a
pull-engagement configuration with the shrink coupling. The shrink
coupling is released from its clamped state, and the jacking
devices are activated to exert a pulling force on the shrink
coupling to pull the coupling off of the drive train component and
axially along the shaft to a resting position on the shaft. If
used, the shim member is configured so that the shrink coupling
remains concentrically aligned with the drive train component in
its rest position on the shaft for subsequent re-engagement with
the drive train component.
[0008] The present invention also encompasses a system for
disengaging a shrink coupling that secures a shaft to a drive train
component. The system includes a reaction plate erected around the
shaft at a location displaced from the shrink coupling and anchored
axially in place relative to the shaft. A shim member may be
disposed circumferentially around at least a portion of the
circumference of the shaft at an axial location between the shrink
coupling and the reaction plate. A plurality of jacking devices are
operationally disposed between the reaction plate and the shrink
coupling. The jacking devices are equally circumferentially spaced
around the shaft and have a first end engaged against the reaction
plate and a second, opposite end mechanically fastened to the
shrink coupling in a pull-engagement configuration. With this
system, the shrink coupling can be released from its clamping state
and removed from the drive train component by activating the
jacking devices, which exert a pulling force on the shrink coupling
to pull the coupling off of the drive train component and axially
along the shaft to a resting position on the shaft.
[0009] The invention also includes a method for performing a
maintenance procedure on a front seal of a turbine generator
gearbox wherein a drive shaft is coupled to the gearbox with a
shrink coupling. The method includes erecting a reaction plate
around the drive shaft at a location axially displaced from the
shrink coupling. A plurality of jacking devices are disposed
between the reaction plate and the shrink coupling, with the
jacking devices being circumferentially spaced around the shaft.
The jacking devices have a first end that is engaged against the
reaction plate, and a second opposite end configured in a
pull-engagement configuration with the shrink coupling. The shrink
coupling is released from its clamped state and the jacking devices
are activated to exert a pulling force on the shrink coupling. The
pulling force causes the shrink coupling to be pulled off of the
gear box axially along the shaft to a resting position on the
shaft. In this manner, access is provided to the front seal for the
maintenance procedure. Once the maintenance procedure on the front
seal has been performed, the shrink coupling is moved from its rest
position on the shaft back into position for securing the shaft to
the gearbox by reversing the direction of the jacking devices and
moving the shrink coupling axially along the shaft to an
operational position on the gearbox. The shrink coupling is then
activated into its clamped state.
[0010] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the
present invention will become better understood with reference to
the following description and appended claims. The accompanying
drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this
specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention,
including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill
in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes
reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional wind
turbine;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system in
accordance with aspects of the invention configured for removal of
a shrink coupling from a turbine generator gearbox;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
system in accordance with aspects of the invention configured for
subsequent re-attachment of a shrink coupling on a turbine
generator gearbox;
[0015] FIGS. 4 through 6 are sequential operational views of a
process for removing a shrink coupling from a turbine generator
gearbox in accordance with the invention; and,
[0016] FIGS. 7 through 9 are sequential operational views of a
process for subsequent re-attachment of a shrink coupling onto a
turbine generator gearbox.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0017] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the
drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the
invention, and not as a limitation of the invention. In fact, it
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations can be made in the present invention
without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For
instance, features illustrated or described as part of one
embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still
further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention
covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope
of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a wind turbine 10 of conventional
construction. The wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12 with a
nacelle 14 mounted thereon. A plurality of turbine blades 16 are
mounted to a rotor hub 18, which is in turn connected to a main
flange 20 that turns a main rotor shaft 22. The main rotor shaft 22
is coupled to a gearbox 30 via a shrink coupling 32, which
generates a compression fitting between a sleeve 31 (FIGS. 4C and
5A) in the gearbox 30 and the shaft 22. The gearbox 30 is connected
to a generator 15 via a high speed shaft (not shown). The blades 16
convert motive force of wind into rotational mechanical energy via
the shaft 22 and gearbox 30 to generate electricity with the
generator 15.
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates components of a wind turbine generator
supported by a bedplate 28. As discussed, the bedplate 28 and
generator components may be housed within a nacelle 14 (FIG. 1).
Briefly, the main rotor shaft 22 is supported by a bearing 24
relative to the bedplate 28. A main flange 20 is attached to the
shaft 22 at the forward end thereof and connects with a rotor hub
18 of the wind turbine 10 (FIG. 1). The opposite end of the main
rotor shaft 22 is coupled to a gearbox 30 via a shrink coupling 32.
In the embodiment illustrated, the shrink coupling 32 is a
conventional dual-ring coupling that may be hydraulically actuated.
A number of head bolts 34 (which may include jacking screws) are
located around a front face of the shrink coupling 32 and are used
for installation and actuation of the shrink coupling 32. Operation
of shrink couplings 32 is well known by those skilled in the art
and a detailed explanation thereof is not necessary for purposes of
the present disclosure.
[0020] Any number of other components related to the turbine
generator drive train or operation of the wind turbine may be
configured on the bedplate 28, for example yawl drives 26, control
equipment, coolers, and the like. The perspective view of FIG. 2 is
provided for illustrative purposes only, and the invention is not
limited to any particular type of drive train or other equipment
configuration within a nacelle 14 or other structure.
[0021] Still referring to FIG. 2, a system 35 in accordance with
aspects of the invention is provided for removing the shrink
coupling 32 from a drive train component, such as the gearbox 30.
The system 35 includes a reaction plate 36 that is erected around
the shaft 22 at a location that is axially displaced from the front
face of the shrink coupling 32. The reaction plate 36 is anchored
relative to the bedplate 28 at anchor locations 38 by any
conventional means so that the reaction plate 16 is axially fixed
in position relative to the shrink coupling 32. The reaction plate
36 may be formed from a plurality of individual frame members that
are mechanically fastened together by any conventional means. In
the illustrated embodiment, the reaction plate 36 includes a
forward-most section 41 that extends partially around the
circumference of the shaft 22 and is anchored to the bedplate 28 at
anchor points 38, and a head plate 40 that extends completely
around the shaft 22. The head plate 40 may be connected to the
forward section 41 by any conventional means.
[0022] A plurality of jacking devices 42 are disposed between the
reaction plate 36 and the shrink coupling 32. In the illustrated
embodiment, the jacking devices 42 are equally spaced around the
circumference of the shaft 42 and have a first end (not visible in
FIG. 2) engaged against the head plate 40, and an opposite
engagement end 46 configured in a pull-engagement with the shrink
coupling 32.
[0023] The first end of the jacking devices 42 may be rigidly
connected to the head plate 40. In this embodiment, the head plate
40 may be provided in sections with the jacking devices 42 rigidly
attached thereto. For example, the head plate 40 may be provided in
three circumferential sections, with a jacking device 42 attached
to each section. The sections may then be assembled around the
circumference of the shaft 22 so that the three jacking devices 42
are equally spaced around the shaft 22.
[0024] The engagement ends 46 of the jacking devices 42 may be
configured in the pull-engagement with the shrink coupling 32 in
various ways. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
engagement end 46 of the jacking devices 42 includes a hook 48.
This hook 48 engages in eye bolts 50 that are substituted for head
bolts 34 in the shrink coupling 32. In other words, a plurality of
circumferentially equally spaced head bolts 34 may be removed from
the shrink coupling 32 and eye bolts 50 threaded into the shrink
coupling 32 in place of the head bolts 34. In an alternate
embodiment, the engagement end 46 of the jacking devices 42 may
include a threaded member that threads directly into the threaded
bores in the face of the shrink coupling 32. It should be
appreciated that any manner of pull-engagement configuration may be
utilized in this regard to mechanically couple the engagement end
46 of the jacking devices 42 with the shrink coupling 32. It should
also be appreciated that the eye bolt 50 and hook 48 engagement
configuration illustrated in FIG. 2 may be reversed so that the
hooks 48 are threaded into bores in the shrink coupling 32, and eye
bolts 50 are configured on the engagement ends 46 of the jacking
devices 42.
[0025] The system 35 may also include a shim member 54 that is
provided on the shaft 22 at an axial position between the shrink
coupling 32 and reaction plate 36. This shim member 54 may be made
from any suitable rigid material that has a shape or physical
property so as to conform to the circumference of the shaft 22. In
a particular embodiment, the shim member 54 may be modular in
nature in that it is formed from a plurality of suitable composite
material pieces that are assembled at least partially around the
upper circumferential section of the shaft 22. The shim member 54
should be of sufficient rigidity and strength so as to fully
support the weight of the shrink coupling 32 on the shaft 22. As
described in greater detail below, once the shrink coupling 32 has
been removed from the gearbox 30, the coupling 32 is pulled axially
onto the shim member 54 to a rest position on the shaft 22. The
shim member 54 has a radial thickness such that the shrink coupling
32 is maintained in an aligned concentric relationship with the
gearbox 30 (sleeve 31) while at its resting position on the shim
member 54 (and shaft 22). In embodiments wherein the shaft 22 has a
stepped circumferential contour, the shim member 54 would have a
correspondingly shaped stepped profile so that the shrink coupling
32 is maintained in an aligned concentric relationship with respect
to the gearbox sleeve 31.
[0026] The system 35 is not limited to any particular type of
jacking device 42. In a particular embodiment, the jacking devices
42 may be portable hydraulic jacks that are supplied with
pressurized hydraulic fluid from a suitable source. For example, in
the embodiment wherein the system 35 is utilized within a wind
turbine nacelle 14, a portable hydraulic pump, reservoir, and
manifold may be brought into the nacelle 14 for this purpose.
Desirably, the individual hydraulic jacks 44 are supplied from a
common manifold header to ensure that the jacks are equally
pressurized.
[0027] It is desirable that the jacking devices 42 are reversible
in operational direction so that the same jacking devices 42 may be
used to subsequently re-attach the shrink coupling 32, as described
in greater detail below.
[0028] FIGS. 4 through 6 are sequential operational views of the
system 35 being used to remove the shrink coupling 32 from a
turbine generator gearbox 30. FIG. 4 illustrates initial
preparation of the gear train components. In particular, certain of
the head bolts 34 in the shrink coupling 32 have been removed and
replaced with eye bolts 50. Also, the shim member 54 has been
assembled around at least a portion of the circumference of the
main rotor shaft 22. It should be appreciated that it is not
necessary to assemble the shim member 54 completely around the
shaft 22. The shim member 54 is used to support the shrink coupling
32 on a shaft 22 in concentrically aligned relationship with the
gearbox sleeve 31 and, in this regard, need only extend partially
around the shaft 22, for example about halfway around the shaft
22.
[0029] FIG. 5 illustrates the system 35 after the reaction plate 36
has been assembled and anchored axially in position relative to the
shrink coupling 32 at anchor points 38. The jacking devices
(hydraulic jacks 44 in this embodiment) are equally spaced around
the head plate 40 and hooks 48 at the engagement end 46 of the
hydraulic jacks 44 are engaged with the eye bolts 50. At this
stage, the shrink coupling 32 has been released from its clamped
state by conventional means. The hydraulic jacks 44 are then
actuated to apply a pulling force on the shrink coupling 32 in the
direction of the arrows indicated in FIG. 5. The shrink coupling 32
is controllably pulled from the gearbox sleeve 31 to a resting
position on the shim 54 (and shaft 22) as illustrated in FIG. 6.
The shrink coupling 32 may remain in this position while any manner
of maintenance procedure is performed on the gearbox 30.
[0030] Once maintenance procedures are completed on the gearbox 30,
the shrink coupling 32 may be re-attached utilizing the system 35.
This process is conceptually illustrated in the sequential views of
FIGS. 7 through 9. The jacking devices (hydraulic jacks 44 in this
embodiment) are configured in a push-engagement at the engagement
end 46 with the shrink coupling 32 and are reversed in direction as
indicated by the arrows in FIG. 7. The shrink coupling 32 is
maintained in an aligned concentric relationship with respect to
the gearbox sleeve 31 and, thus, can be mechanically pushed into
the sleeve 31 by the action of the hydraulic jacks 44, as
illustrated in FIG. 8. At this stage, the shrink coupling 32 may be
actuated to its clamped configuration by conventional means, and
the system 35 removed from the drive train components, as depicted
in FIG. 9.
[0031] FIG. 3 is similar to the view of FIG. 2 but illustrates a
particular type of push-engagement configuration at the ends 46 of
the jacking devices 42 that may be useful for re-attaching the
shrink coupling 32 in the procedure illustrated in FIGS. 7 through
9. In this embodiment, the hooks 48 have been removed from the
engagement ends 46 and a push plate 52 substituted therefore. Also,
the eye bolts 50 have been removed from the shrink coupling 32 and
replaced with the appropriate head bolts 34 or jacking screws. In
this embodiment, the push plates 52 simply engage against the head
bolts 34 and axially push the shrink coupling 32 into engagement
with the gearbox 30. It should be appreciated, however, that any
other manner of push-engagement configuration between the jacking
devices 42 and front face of the shrink coupling 32 may be utilized
for this purpose.
[0032] The present invention also encompasses a method for removing
a shrink coupling in accordance with certain aspects discussed
above. The method includes, for example, erecting a reaction plate
around the shaft at a location displaced from the shrink coupling,
and anchoring the reaction plate axially in place relative to the
shaft. A plurality of jacking devices are disposed between the
reaction plate and the shrink coupling, and are equally
circumferentially spaced around the shaft. The jacking devices have
a first end that is engaged against the reaction plate, and a
second opposite end that is in a pull-engagement configuration with
the shrink coupling. The shrink coupling is released from its
clamped state and the jacking devices are actuated to exert a
pulling force on the shrink coupling. The shrink coupling is pulled
off of the drive train component and moved axially along the shaft
to a resting position on the shaft.
[0033] The method may also include providing a shim member around
at least a portion of the circumference of the shaft at a location
axially between the shrink coupling and the reaction plate. The
shrink coupling is pulled onto the shim member in its resting
position on the shaft. The shim member is constructed to have a
radial thickness such that the shrink coupling is maintained in an
aligned concentric relationship with the drive train component at
its resting position on the shim member.
[0034] The method may further include erecting the reaction plate
around the main drive shaft from a plurality of individual frame
members. This method may be particularly useful in practice of the
method within a relatively confined nacelle of a wind turbine,
wherein individual components of the reaction plate would need to
be brought into the turbine nacelle and subsequently erected.
[0035] The method may further include moving the shrink coupling
from its rest position on the shaft back into an operational
position on the drive train component by reversing the direction of
the jacking devices and moving the shrink coupling axially along
the shaft to its final operational position. At this stage, the
shrink coupling can be actuated to its clamped state and any
devices used in the method removed from the drive train
components.
[0036] While the present subject matter has been described in
detail with respect to specific exemplary embodiments and methods
thereof, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon
attaining an understanding of the foregoing may readily produce
alterations to, variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments.
Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of
example rather than by way of limitation, and the subject
disclosure does not preclude inclusion of such modifications,
variations and/or additions to the present subject matter as would
be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.
* * * * *