If the cost of energy is to come down to allow further growth in the wind industry, a lower cost, more reliable, and easily manufactured drive train will be at its core. The flexible drivetrain described here may be the best candidate yet Dr John Coultate/ R&D and Consultancy Dept. Leader/ Romax Technology Ltd. Dr Ashley…
Facility to test 7.5 and 15-MW drivetrains
A $98 million facility capable of accelerated testing of turbine drivetrains of up to 15 MW will soon open its doors on what used to be a U.S. Navy shipyard in North Charleston, S.C. The first test bay, and the first to open will be capable of handling drivetrains up to 7.5 MW. Located on…
Finding and fixing drivetrain problems
Ashley Crowther, VP Engineering, Wind Romax U.S. A case study shows how condition-monitoring data and engineering analysis can identify the root cause of trouble in wind-turbine drivetrains, and then give design teams information to solve the problems. Maintaining profitability is one of the biggest challenges facing offshore wind-farm operators and owners. Innovative technology and logistics…