Abstract
This paper establishes validated models that can accurately account for the dynamics of the gearbox, along
with the external dynamics that excite the system. A drive-train model implementation is presented
where the gearbox and generator are coupled to the wind turbine structure in a dynamic simulation environment.
The wind turbine is modelled using HAWC2 (Horizontal Axis Wind turbine simulation Code 2nd
generation) and the gearbox is described using lumped parameters in MATLAB/Simulink. Each component
in the gearbox model includes rotational and translational degree-of-freedom (DOF), which allows the
computation of the bearing and gear-mesh loads. The proposed models are validated by experiments
from a 750 kW test-rig. The drive-train model is configured for a 5 MW power capacity and coupled to
the corresponding wind turbine and load simulations are carried out under turbulent wind following
the guidelines from the IEC 61400-1 standard. Fatigue analysis shows the effect in the bearing damage
equivalent loads, when including a detailed drive-train model in the overall wind turbine simulation for
a 20 year period. Results show a higher level of damage (up to 180%) when the detailed model is used
in comparison to a simplified approach for load calculation. It is found that some of the wind turbine
modes can have negative consequences on the life-time of the planetary bearings. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Engineering Structures |
Volume | 103 |
Pages (from-to) | 189–202 |
ISSN | 0141-0296 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Keywords
- Gearbox
- Drive-train
- Electro-mechanical models
- Wind energy
- Wind turbine
- Fatigue life