Patents by Inventor Erik Markussen
Erik Markussen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11879501Abstract: A connection system for joining two wind turbine components together includes one or more bearing surfaces and one or more support surfaces extending away from the one or more bearing surfaces on a first wind turbine component, and one or more bearing surfaces and one or more support surfaces extending away from the one or more bearing surfaces on a second wind turbine component. One or more bores are formed in the one or more support surfaces of the first and second wind turbine components. One or more pins are configured to be engaged with respective one or more bores of the first and second wind turbine components to thereby join the two components together. A method for joining two wind turbine components together is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2019Date of Patent: January 23, 2024Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Thomas Møller Christiansen, Nicolaj Biltoft Kristensen, Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 11319924Abstract: A wind turbine (10) includes a main shaft (34) including a front end (34a), the front end (34a) including a first connecting structure (36). A rotor hub (22) includes a second connecting structure (40), wherein the second connecting structure (40) of the rotor hub (22) is fixed to the first connecting structure (36) of the main shaft (34). A plurality of blades (24) is coupled to the rotor hub (22). A rotor locking disc (32) is carried on the main shaft (34), the rotor locking disc (32) having an outer circumference (32a) and a plurality of recesses (50) on the outer circumference (32a), the recesses (50) having openings (50a) intersecting with the outer circumference (32a). At least one rotor locking pin (30) is movable between a disengaged position relative to at least one of the recesses (50) and an engaged position wherein the pin is located at least partially in one of the recesses (50) for locking the rotor hub (22) against rotation.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2019Date of Patent: May 3, 2022Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Jeppe Hesseldal Otten, Thomas Møller Christiansen, Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 11286914Abstract: A base frame assembly (24) for supporting a main shaft housing of a wind turbine comprises a base frame (50) having a plurality of mounting pads (42) for receiving the main shaft housing (20) thereon; and a brace component (52) comprising a plurality of arm portions (54), each arm portion (54) terminating in a respective support plate (56). Each one of the mounting pads (42) of the base frame (50) is configured to interface with and be secured to a corresponding one of the support plates (56) of the brace component (52).Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Thomas Møller Christiansen, Erik Markussen, Ivan Bech Lauridsen, Jan Kjærsgaard Petersen, Anders Haslund Liingaard
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Publication number: 20210396210Abstract: A wind turbine (10) includes a main shaft (34) including a front end (34a), the front end (34a) including a first connecting structure (36). A rotor hub (22) includes a second connecting structure (40), wherein the second connecting structure (40) of the rotor hub (22) is fixed to the first connecting structure (36) of the main shaft (34). A plurality of blades (24) is coupled to the rotor hub (22). A rotor locking disc (32) is carried on the main shaft (34), the rotor locking disc (32) having an outer circumference (32a) and a plurality of recesses (50) on the outer circumference (32a), the recesses (50) having openings (50a) intersecting with the outer circumference (32a). At least one rotor locking pin (30) is movable between a disengaged position relative to at least one of the recesses (50) and an engaged position wherein the pin is located at least partially in one of the recesses (50) for locking the rotor hub (22) against rotation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2019Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Jeppe Hesseldal Otten, Thomas Møller Christiansen, Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 11028833Abstract: A rotor lock system (20) for securing a main shaft assembly of a wind turbine (2) in a substantially stationary position, the main shaft assembly comprising a main rotor shaft (16) supported by a base frame (14), and the rotor lock system comprising: a locking disk (22), associated with the main rotor shaft (16), and provided with a plurality of locking apertures (26); and a locking unit (24) comprising a first end (28) arranged to engage with the locking disk (22), and a second end supported by a mounting feature (38) associated with the base frame (14), wherein the locking unit (24) is configured to be adjustable relative to the mounting feature (38) so that the first end (28) moves linearly with respect to the mounting feature.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2017Date of Patent: June 8, 2021Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 10961985Abstract: A wind turbine includes a main shaft (34), a rotor hub (22), a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor hub (22), and a rotor locking disc (32), (32?). The main shaft (34) includes a front end portion (34a), and the front end portion (34a) includes a first connecting structure (36). The rotor hub (22) includes a second connecting structure (40). The first connecting structure (36) of the main shaft (34) is fixed to the second connecting structure (40) of the rotor hub (22). The rotor locking disc (32), (32?) is integrally formed on the front end portion (34a) of the main shaft (34), and includes a peripheral region. A plurality of rotor locking elements (50), (50?) are located in the peripheral region for receiving one or more rotor locking pins (30).Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2019Date of Patent: March 30, 2021Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Thomas Møller Christiansen, Erik Markussen, Jeppe Hesseldal Otten, Nicolaj Biltoft Kristensen
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Publication number: 20210025455Abstract: A connection system for joining two wind turbine components together includes one or more bearing surfaces and one or more support surfaces extending away from the one or more bearing surfaces on a first wind turbine component, and one or more bearing surfaces and one or more support surfaces extending away from the one or more bearing surfaces on a second wind turbine component. One or more bores are formed in the one or more support surfaces of the first and second wind turbine components. One or more pins are configured to be engaged with respective one or more bores of the first and second wind turbine components to thereby join the two components together. A method for joining two wind turbine components together is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2019Publication date: January 28, 2021Inventors: Thomas Møller Christiansen, Nicolaj Biltoft Kristensen, Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 10823156Abstract: The present invention provides a segmented pitch ring for use in a blade pitch system of a wind turbine. The segmented pitch ring is formed of a plurality of segments manufactured by different processes. In particular, one or more of the segments are formed by a rolling process, and one or more of the segments are formed by a casting process. The segments are arc-shaped or include arc-shaped sections that in combination define a substantially circular circumference of the pitch ring.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2016Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Michael Christensen, Simon Kabus, Erik Markussen, Jesper Lykkegaard Neubauer
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Publication number: 20200141394Abstract: A wind turbine includes a main shaft (34), a rotor hub (22), a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor hub (22), and a rotor locking disc (32), (32?). The main shaft (34) includes a front end portion (34a), and the front end portion (34a) includes a first connecting structure (36). The rotor hub (22) includes a second connecting structure (40). The first connecting structure (36) of the main shaft (34) is fixed to the second connecting structure (40) of the rotor hub (22). The rotor locking disc (32), (32?) is integrally formed on the front end portion (34a) of the main shaft (34), and includes a peripheral region. A plurality of rotor locking elements (50), (50?) are located in the peripheral region for receiving one or more rotor locking pins (30).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2019Publication date: May 7, 2020Inventors: Thomas Møller Christiansen, Erik Markussen, Jeppe Hesseldal Otten, Nicolaj Biltoft Kristensen
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Publication number: 20190219034Abstract: A rotor lock system (20) for securing a main shaft assembly of a wind turbine (2) in a substantially stationary position, the main shaft assembly comprising a main rotor shaft (16) supported by a base frame (14), and the rotor lock system comprising: a locking disk (22), associated with the main rotor shaft (16), and provided with a plurality of locking apertures (26); and a locking unit (24) comprising a first end (28) arranged to engage with the locking disk (22), and a second end supported by a mounting feature (38) associated with the base frame (14), wherein the locking unit (24) is configured to be adjustable relative to the mounting feature (38) so that the first end (28) moves linearly with respect to the mounting feature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2017Publication date: July 18, 2019Inventor: Erik Markussen
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Publication number: 20190136837Abstract: A base frame assembly (24) for supporting a main shaft housing of a wind turbine comprises a base frame (50) having a plurality of mounting pads (42) for receiving the main shaft housing (20) thereon; and a brace component (52) comprising a plurality of arm portions (54), each arm portion (54) terminating in a respective support plate (56). Each one of the mounting pads (42) of the base frame (50) is configured to interface with and be secured to a corresponding one of the support plates (56) of the brace component (52).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2017Publication date: May 9, 2019Inventors: Thomas Møller Christiansen, Erik Markussen, Ivan Bech Lauridsen, Jan Kjærsgaard Petersen, Anders Haslund Liingaard
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Publication number: 20180156203Abstract: The present invention provides a segmented pitch ring for use in a blade pitch system of a wind turbine. The segmented pitch ring is formed of a plurality of segments manufactured by different processes. In particular, one or more of the segments are formed by a rolling process, and one or more of the segments are formed by a casting process. The segments are arc-shaped or include arc-shaped sections that in combination define a substantially circular circumference of the pitch ring.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2016Publication date: June 7, 2018Inventors: Michael Christensen, Simon Kabus, Erik Markussen, Jesper Lykkegaard Neubauer
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Patent number: 9869301Abstract: Support structures of a wind turbine, including a bearing housing that supports bearings that allow a rotor shaft to rotate about a rotor axis. The bearing housing may be constructed to minimize forces in the bearings in response moments that act on the rotor shaft about axes other than the rotor axis. The support structures of the wind turbine may also include a base to which the bearing housing may be mounted. The base may include features that minimize stress within the wind turbine structure and/or a yaw mechanism of the wind turbine in response to moments that act within the wind turbine about axes other than the rotor axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: January 16, 2018Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 9500183Abstract: Support structures of a wind turbine, including a bearing housing that supports bearings that allow a rotor shaft to rotate about a rotor axis. The bearing housing may be constructed to minimize forces in the bearings in response moments that act on the rotor shaft about axes other than the rotor axis. The support structures of the wind turbine may also include a base to which the bearing housing may be mounted. The base may include features that minimize stress within the wind turbine structure and/or a yaw mechanism of the wind turbine in response to moments that act within the wind turbine about axes other than the rotor axis.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 9091248Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a nacelle, the nacelle having a substantially longitudinal extension, a height extension and a width extension, comprising a front end, a rear end, a bottom part, a top part and side parts, and being adapted to house a number of wind turbine components, which wind turbine components are supported by an internal support structure, the support structure comprising at least a main foundation which is positioned at the front end of the nacelle, and a rear frame which is connected to the main foundation at one end and extends from the main foundation towards the rear end of the nacelle.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2010Date of Patent: July 28, 2015Assignee: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Peter Haakon Á Porta, Yu Phu Du Tran, Hans Kristian Bjørn, Steffen Henrik Madsen, Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 8944766Abstract: A locking arrangement for locking a hub (1) of a wind turbine against rotational movement is disclosed. The locking arrangement comprises at least one first locking part (6) and at least one second locking part (8). The first locking part(s) (6) is/are movable along a substantially radial direction relative to the rotational axis of the hub (1), between a locking position and a release position. Each second locking part (8) is adapted to retain a first locking part (6) when the first locking part (6) is in the locking position. The first locking part(s) (6) and the second locking part(s) (8) are arranged with one of them on the hub (1) and the other one on the base frame (5). Thereby, a first locking part (6) and a second locking part (8) prevent rotational movement of the hub (1) relative to the base frame (5) when the first locking part (6) is in the locking position, and allow such movement when the first locking part (6) is in the release position.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Flemming Selmer Nielsen, Erik Markussen
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Patent number: 8779619Abstract: A wind power installation includes a machine frame and a rotor shaft which extends between a rotor bearing in a front end of the machine frame and a transmission in a rear end of the machine frame. The rotor shaft is carried by a base of the machine frame to provide increased stiffness and safety in operation. The wind power installation further includes a stiffening element which stiffens the base and extends from the base over the rotor shaft to at least partly cover an upper portion of the rotor shaft.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2010Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventors: Anders Haslund Liingaard, Erik Markussen
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Publication number: 20140072446Abstract: Support structures of a wind turbine, including a bearing housing that supports bearings that allow a rotor shaft to rotate about a rotor axis. The bearing housing may be constructed to minimize forces in the bearings in response moments that act on the rotor shaft about axes other than the rotor axis. The support structures of the wind turbine may also include a base to which the bearing housing may be mounted. The base may include features that minimize stress within the wind turbine structure and/or a yaw mechanism of the wind turbine in response to moments that act within the wind turbine about axes other than the rotor axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2012Publication date: March 13, 2014Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventor: Erik Markussen
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Publication number: 20140010664Abstract: Support structures of a wind turbine, including a bearing housing that supports bearings that allow a rotor shaft to rotate about a rotor axis. The bearing housing may be constructed to minimize forces in the bearings in response moments that act on the rotor shaft about axes other than the rotor axis. The support structures of the wind turbine may also include a base to which the bearing housing may be mounted. The base may include features that minimize stress within the wind turbine structure and/or a yaw mechanism of the wind turbine in response to moments that act within the wind turbine about axes other than the rotor axis.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 10, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: Vestas Wind Systems A/SInventor: Erik Markussen
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Publication number: 20120230836Abstract: The present invention relates to a wind turbine comprising a nacelle, the nacelle having a substantially longitudinal extension, a height extension and a width extension, comprising a front end, a rear end, a bottom part, a top part and side parts, and being adapted to house a number of wind turbine components, which wind turbine components are supported by an internal support structure, the support structure comprising at least a main foundation which is positioned at the front end of the nacelle, and a rear frame which is connected to the main foundation at one end and extends from the main foundation towards the rear end of the nacelle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Peter Haakon A Porta, (Yu) Phu Du Tran, Hans Kristian Bjørn, Steffen Henrik Madsen, Erik Markussen