Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a clamping apparatus for securing a main bearing of a wind turbine. The clamping apparatus includes a clamp member configured for securement to a seal ring arranged with the main bearing, at least one clamping fastener configured through the clamp member, and at least one jacking fastener configured through the clamp member. Thus, the clamping fastener is configured to tighten the clamp member around the seal ring, whereas the jacking fastener is configured to push against the main bearing when tightened so as to maintain the main bearing in place during and installation and/or repair procedure.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a working platform mounted within a nacelle of the wind turbine during a repair procedure. More specifically, the working platform may be mounted to a bedplate within the nacelle in an area where one or more drivetrain component(s) would normally be during operation of the wind turbine, but have been removed due to repair or replacement thereof.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for removing or installing a main shaft and attached main bearing assembly of a wind turbine from a bedplate. The method and system use rigging and specialized tooling and procedures to perform the method in the field with the machine head remaining atop the tower or removed from the tower.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a hoistable platform assembly used in uptower wind turbine repairs. The platform assembly includes at least one working platform having a working surface and a platform frame. The platform frame is configured for securement within a nacelle of the wind turbine. The platform assembly also includes a plurality of tooling containers secured to the working surface. Each of the tooling containers includes at least one tool secured therein that is required for the uptower wind turbine repairs. Further, the platform assembly includes a frame structure arranged above the plurality of tooling containers and secured to the working surface via one or more connecting members.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gearbox repair apparatus for repairing a bore hole of a gearbox torque arm. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a mounting structure configured to mount to the torque arm. The mounting structure includes a through hole that aligns with the bore hole of the torque arm when mounted thereto. As such, when mounted to the torque arm, the mounting structure is configured to locate a boring bar at a center of the bore hole such that the boring bar is perpendicular to a face of the torque arm. Further, the mounting structure is configured to receive the boring bar through the aligned through hole and bore hole such that, when inserted therethrough, the boring bar is configured to machine and thus repair the bore hole.

Abstract: A method and associated system are provided for removing a drive train component, such as a gearbox, from a rotor shaft uptower in a wind turbine, wherein the component is supported by transversely extending mounting arms at mount locations on the wind turbine frame. The drive train component is supported from above or below and the mount locations. At each mount location, a removal fixture is installed that includes an actuator that moves linearly essentially parallel to the rotor shaft. The mounting arms are simultaneously engaged with the respective actuators, which are controlled to linearly push the mounting arms until the drive train component disengages from the rotor shaft.

Abstract: A system for adjusting and/or restraining a gearbox of a wind turbine includes a base component fixed to the gearbox and a vertical displacement device configured atop the base component. As such, the vertical displacement device is configured to apply a force to the base component. Accordingly, by lifting the vertical displacement device, a downward vertical force is applied to the base component so as to adjust (i.e. lower) the gearbox.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ resurfacing of a main rotor shaft of a wind turbine, wherein in an operational state, the main rotor shaft is coupled at a first end to a rotor hub and at the opposite second end to a gearbox or directly to a generator within a nacelle. The method includes uncoupling the rotor shaft from the gearbox or generator so as to expose an end face of the second end of the rotor shaft. A fixture is attached to the exposed end face concentric with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft. A lathe system in then attached to the fixture. The rotor shaft surface adjacent to the exposed end is machined with the lathe system such that the resurfaced portion of the rotor shaft surface is brought to a round state concentric with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft. The method is conducted within the nacelle with the first end of the rotor shaft remaining coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for removing or installing a main shaft of a drivetrain assembly of a wind turbine to and from a nacelle installed atop a wind turbine tower. The rail system includes at least one support component configured to support the main shaft. Further, the support component is configured horizontally with respect to the main shaft. The rail system also includes at least one sliding component connected between the support component and the main shaft. Thus, the sliding component is configured to move horizontally with respect to the support component so as to slide the main shaft between an installed position and an uninstalled position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing up-tower maintenance on a gearbox bearing of a wind turbine. In particular, a method for performing up-tower maintenance on a gearbox of a wind turbine is disclosed. The gearbox has at least one bearing with an outer race and an inner race that rotates with respect to the outer race. The method includes forming a through-hole in a front cover of the gearbox, the front cover being stationary with respect to an axis of rotation of the bearing. The method also includes forming a recess in the outer race of the bearing. Further, the method includes inserting a connecting member through the through-hole and the recess so as to prevent movement of the outer race of the bearing with respect to a torque arm of the gearbox.

Abstract: A method is provided for in-situ resurfacing of a main rotor shaft of a wind turbine, wherein in an operational state, the main rotor shaft is coupled at a first end to a rotor hub and at the opposite second end to a gearbox or directly to a generator within a nacelle. The method includes uncoupling the rotor shaft from the gearbox or generator so as to expose an end face of the second end of the rotor shaft. A fixture is attached to the exposed end face concentric with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft. A lathe system in then attached to the fixture. The rotor shaft surface adjacent to the exposed end is machined with the lathe system such that the resurfaced portion of the rotor shaft surface is brought to a round state concentric with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft. The method is conducted within the nacelle with the first end of the rotor shaft remaining coupled to the rotor.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a gearbox repair apparatus for repairing a bore hole of a gearbox torque arm. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a mounting structure configured to mount to the torque arm. The mounting structure includes a through hole that aligns with the bore hole of the torque arm when mounted thereto. As such, when mounted to the torque arm, the mounting structure is configured to locate a boring bar at a center of the bore hole such that the boring bar is perpendicular to a face of the torque arm. Further, the mounting structure is configured to receive the boring bar through the aligned through hole and bore hole such that, when inserted therethrough, the boring bar is configured to machine and thus repair the bore hole.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for adjusting and/or restraining a gearbox of a wind turbine. The system includes a base component fixed to the gearbox and a vertical displacement device configured atop the base component. As such, the vertical displacement device is configured to apply a force to the base component. Accordingly, by lifting the vertical displacement device, a downward vertical force is applied to the base component so as to adjust (i.e. lower) the gearbox.