Session description

In recent years several alternative drive train solutions have been proposed and also introduced on prototypes and in larger series. The new solutions seek to reduce the cost of energy by improving the reliability and service costs while keeping the initial costs competitive. Only a few of the new solutions have found their way into the competitive onshore market. The session will look into some of the potential incremental improvements that can be foreseen on the mainstream onshore market, but also look at some more radical concepts that may hold potential.

Learning objectives

• Get an understanding of the options for journal bearings when used in the gearbox
• See how field experience and numerical analysis can be used to optimise the performance of gearbox solutions
• Learn more about the potential of magnetically geared solutions for wind application
• See some of the potential improvements that can be implemented on drivetrains with gearboxes

This session will be chaired by:
Steffen Haslev Sørensen, RCA Engineering, Denmark
Co-chair: Andreas Reuter, Fraunhofer IWES

Thomas Meyer
Winergy - Siemens AG, Germany
Journal bearings in wind turbine gearboxes - gearbox and turbine prototype tests

Gary Johnstone
Romax Technology Ltd, United Kingdom

Chris Kirby
Magnomatics Limited, United Kingdom
Front mounted magnetically-geared pseudo direct drive generator

James Packer
Ricardo, United Kingdom
Drivetrain reliability – Load management in geared drivetrains  

Per Fenger
Liftra, Denmark
Alternative service concepts for drive train arrangements