Wind turbine generator with fluid film bearing units

Abstract

A generator (5) for a wind turbine (1) is disclosed. The generator (5) comprises a rotor (3) configured to rotate about a rotational axis, and at least one stator (4) arranged next to the rotor (3). Each stator (4) comprises at least one flux-generating module (9) facing the rotor (3) but spaced therefrom, thereby forming an air gap between the rotor (3) and each flux-generating module (9). Each stator (4) also comprises at least one bearing unit (12), each bearing unit (12) comprising a body (16) defining a cavity (14) with an open end facing the rotor (3). The generator (5) further comprises a source of pressurized fluid communicating with each bearing unit (12), and the body (16) of each bearing unit (12) directs the fluid towards the rotor (3) to help maintain the air gap between the rotor (3) and each flux-generating module (9). Thereby the air gap between the rotor (3) and the flux-generating modules (9) is controlled by means of the fluid bearing units (12). The invention further provides a wind turbine (1) comprising such a generator (5).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.