Abstract: A pitch bearing assembly for a wind turbine may include an outer race and an inner race rotatable relative to the outer race. The inner race may define an inner circumference and may include a plurality of gear teeth around the inner circumference. The inner race may also include a circumferential flange extending at least partially around the inner circumference. In addition, the pitch bearing assembly may include a stiffener coupled to the circumferential flange.

Abstract: A pre-assembled tower base assembly for a wind turbine configured for transportation to a wind turbine site is disclosed. The tower base assembly includes a tubular side wall defining an internal volume, a first flange portion at a first end of the tubular side wall, a second flange portion at a second end opposite the first end, and a down-tower electrical assembly installed within the internal volume of the tubular side wall. The first flange portion is configured to couple to a foundation. The second flange portion is configured to couple to a tower section. Further, the first and second flanges define a maximum longitudinal extension therebetween. The maximum longitudinal extension is a maximum height permitted for rail or truck transport. As such, the tower base assembly is configured for transportation in an upright position to a wind turbine site with the down-tower electrical assembly pre-assembled within the internal volume.

Abstract: A pitch bearing assembly for a wind turbine may include an outer race and an inner race rotatable relative to the outer race. The inner race may define an inner circumference and may include a plurality of gear teeth around the inner circumference. The inner race may also include a circumferential flange extending at least partially around the inner circumference. In addition, the pitch bearing assembly may include a stiffener coupled to the circumferential flange.

Abstract: A bolt connection assembly is provided that is particularly suited for connecting components of a lattice structure wind tower. The assembly includes a pin component having a head and a shaft, with the shaft having a textured friction-fit outer circumferential surface. The shaft further includes a threaded internal bore. A bolt component having a threaded shaft engages within the threaded internal bore. In an assembled state of the pin component and bolt component, the threaded shaft has a free length section that extends into the threaded internal bore for increased distribution of a specified pretension of the bolt component.

Abstract: A tower base ring assembly is provided for securing a wind turbine tower to a foundation. A top ring is configured for securing to a wind turbine tower. A bottom ring has an open center and a plurality of radially oriented troughs spaced circumferentially about the open center, with each trough having an outer end. The top ring and the bottom ring are detachable from one another, and the tower base ring assembly is connectable to the foundation.

Abstract: A tower base ring assembly is provided for securing a wind turbine tower to a foundation. A top ring is configured for securing to a wind turbine tower. A bottom ring has an open center and a plurality of radially oriented troughs spaced circumferentially about the open center, with each trough having an outer end. The top ring and the bottom ring are detachable from one another, and the tower base ring assembly is connectable to the foundation.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a nacelle mounted atop a tower, with a support system configured around a base portion of the tower. The support system includes a plurality of support fins spaced radially around the base portion. Each of the support fins has a continuous header member secured to the tower and a continuous face member extending radially outward and downward from the header member towards ground. The support fins include a web extending between the header member and face member. The support fins extend from the tower with a length and at an acute extension angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tower so as to provide vertical and lateral support around the circumference of the tower.

Abstract: A bolt connection assembly is provided that is particularly suited for connecting components of a lattice structure wind tower. The assembly includes a pin component having a head and a shaft, with the shaft having a textured friction-fit outer circumferential surface. The shaft further includes a threaded internal bore. A bolt component having a threaded shaft engages within the threaded internal bore. In an assembled state of the pin component and bolt component, the threaded shaft has a free length section that extends into the threaded internal bore for increased distribution of a specified pretension of the bolt component.

Abstract: A wind turbine has a nacelle mounted atop a tower, with a support system configured around a base portion of the tower. The support system includes a plurality of support fins spaced radially around the base portion. Each of the support fins has a continuous header member secured to the tower and a continuous face member extending radially outward and downward from the header member towards ground. The support fins include a web extending between the header member and face member. The support fins extend from the tower with a length and at an acute extension angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tower so as to provide vertical and lateral support around the circumference of the tower.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a nacelle with any manner of associated power generation equipment. The nacelle is mounted atop a tower having a base end configured for support on a ground level foundation. A tower support system provides support to the tower and includes an axially extending circumferential sleeve mounted around the tower at a location between the base end and the nacelle. A plurality of support legs are disposed around the sleeve, with each support leg having a first end rigidly affixed to the sleeve and an opposite foot end configured for mounting to a ground level footing. The support legs extend from the sleeve with a length and at an acute extension angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tower so as to provide a designed degree of vertical and lateral support around the circumference of the tower.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a nacelle with any manner of associated power generation equipment. The nacelle is mounted atop a tower having a base end configured for support on a ground level foundation. A tower support system provides support to the tower and includes an axially extending circumferential sleeve mounted around the tower at a location between the base end and the nacelle. A plurality of support legs are disposed around the sleeve, with each support leg having a first end rigidly affixed to the sleeve and an opposite foot end configured for mounting to a ground level footing. The support legs extend from the sleeve with a length and at an acute extension angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tower so as to provide a designed degree of vertical and lateral support around the circumference of the tower.