Answering the stress of wind

The drivetrain in the wind power station is exposed to excessive loads making the alignment of the rotor, gearbox and generator extremely important. ContiTech’s two innovations will ensure that the generator can be aligned correctly during assembly and will stop any horizontal or vertical skewing, which will in turn prolong the system’s service life.

Vincent Sambo, sector manager for Wind Power, ContiTech Vibration Control, said: “Particularly in large plants of 5 MWh and more, the dynamic loads that arise during operation can place a very heavy load on the different components. For this reason, an optimum bearing is of special importance for modern drive technology.”

Mario Töpfer, head of technical media relations, ContiTech, added: “A modern, perfectly mounted drive system is essential to ensure maximum wind turbine performance because the vibrations and oscillations that occur during operation are extremely hard on the wind machine’s various components.”

The developments from ContiTech came after an analysis of the loads to which the drivetrain is exposed. The examination focused on the amplitude and frequency of acceleration on the drivetrain, the low-frequency movements of components, the performance of the elastic bearings and the natural frequencies of the drivetrain.

Mr Sambo continued: “These processes provide us with decisive operating data so that we can create the ideal design for the drivetrain in terms of vibrations. They form the basis for development of customised components for wind power stations, thereby further enhancing their performance.”