Alternative Wind Turbine Drive Train with Power Split and High-speed Generators

摘要

Conventional wind turbines (WTs) have large weight and size, reliability issues and show potential for efficiency increase at partial load. This paper describes an alternative 6 MW WT drive train, which uses the power split concept to enable its high-speed generators to operate in their optimal operating point. A design with more carry-over parts is possible, which reduces maintenance time and leads to an efficient manufacturing process. The system is also redundant when individual drive trains fail. Different gearbox configurations and generator topologies are evaluated for the proposed concept and an operating strategy is developed.