J. Peeters, Simulation of dynamic drive train loads in a wind turbine, 2006

Abstract

This dissertation describes the development of a consistent modelling approach to correctly describe the dynamic behaviour of a complex drive train in a wind turbine, focussing on the gearbox. This research is motivated by the limitations in the traditional design codes for wind turbines, which imply a quasi-static design of all drive train components and yield insufficient insight in load variations and local stress levels. The flexible multibody system (MBS) formulation is chosen as the best alternative for the development of a more detailed drive train model. This study presents a generic methodology based on three MBS modelling approaches.

The first approach is limited to the analysis of torsional vibrations only. The second technique offers a more realistic representation of the bearings and the gears in the drive train and its generic implementation can be used for both helical and spur gears in parallel and planetary gear stages. The third method is the extension to a flexible MBS analysis, which yields information about the elastic deformation of the drive train components in addition to their large overall rigid-body motion.

The dissertation demonstrates the application of all three simulation methods for the analysis of a single gear stage, of a complete gearbox and finally of a drive train in a wind turbine, including coupling effects with the tower, the rotor and the generator. These analyses cover the low- and mid-frequency range and indicate how possible drive train resonances can be identified in this range. Finally, the simulated results are compared with the results of a unique measurement campaign on a modern multi-MW wind turbine.

Order Code

Code: 06D7