Abstract: A lubrication system for a main bearing positioned around a main shaft of a wind turbine includes a seal ring positioned around the shaft adjacent to the bearing, at least one gear adjacent to the seal ring, a mechanical lubricant pump arranged to engage the at least one gear, and at least one lubricant for providing lubrication to the bearing. Thus, as the shaft rotates, the gear(s) drives the lubricant pump such that the pump continuously provides the lubricant to the bearing so long as the shaft is rotating.

Abstract: A yaw system for a wind turbine can have a yaw bearing with an outer bearing ring, an inner bearing ring, and a plurality of yaw rollers rotationally disposed between the outer and inner bearing rings so as to allow relative motion between the outer and inner bearing rings. A bi-directional braking assembly having an outer clutch ring attached to the outer bearing ring, an inner clutch ring attached to the inner bearing ring, and a plurality of brake rollers rotationally and slidably disposed between the inner clutch ring and at least one locking ramp adjacent the outer clutch ring. A plurality of spring members can extend from either ring projections or activation projections to each brake roller. An activation ring can slidably position the plurality of brake rollers into one of a locked position or unlocked position to prevent yaw rotation in an undesired direction.

Abstract: A method for replacing an existing radial seal positioned around a shaft and adjacent to a bearing includes providing at least one spacer in a seal cavity of the existing radial seal. The method also includes removing a cover of the existing radial seal. The method further includes removing the at least one spacer. In addition, the method includes removing the existing radial seal from around the shaft. Moreover, the method includes replacing the existing radial seal with a new radial seal. Further, the method includes moving the spacer(s) from a first side of the seal cavity to an opposing, second side of the seal cavity to provide a new sealing location for the new radial seal. Thus, the method also includes securing the cover adjacent to the new radial seal.

Abstract: A yaw system for a wind turbine can have a yaw bearing with an outer bearing ring, an inner bearing ring, and a plurality of yaw rollers rotationally disposed between the outer and inner bearing rings so as to allow relative motion between the outer and inner bearing rings. A bi-directional braking assembly having an outer clutch ring attached to the outer bearing ring, an inner clutch ring attached to the inner bearing ring, and a plurality of brake rollers rotationally and slidably disposed between the inner clutch ring and at least one locking ramp adjacent the outer clutch ring. A plurality of spring members can extend from either ring projections or activation projections to each brake roller. An activation ring can slidably position the plurality of brake rollers into one of a locked position or unlocked position to prevent yaw rotation in an undesired direction.

Abstract: A lubrication system for a main bearing positioned around a main shaft of a wind turbine includes a seal ring positioned around the shaft adjacent to the bearing, at least one gear adjacent to the seal ring, a mechanical lubricant pump arranged to engage the at least one gear, and at least one lubricant for providing lubrication to the bearing. Thus, as the shaft rotates, the gear(s) drives the lubricant pump such that the pump continuously provides the lubricant to the bearing so long as the shaft is rotating.