ENR 312 :

WIND ENERGY
TECHNOLOGY
LECTURE 7

FALL 2021-2022
LECTURE NOTES
PREPARED BY ASST. PROF. DR. NEYRE TEKBIYIK ERSOY
WIND TURBINE GEAR RATIO THEORY: EXAMPLE

 Example:
 A 40 m diameter, three bladed wind turbine produces 700 kW at a wind speed (hub height) of
14 m/s. The air density is 1.225 kg/m3. Find:
 a) The rotational speed (rpm) of the rotor at a tip-speed ratio of 5.0.
 b) What is the tip-speed (m/s)?
 c) If the generator turns at 1800 rpm, what gear ratio is needed to match the rotor speed
to the generator speed?
 d) What is the efficiency of the wind turbine system (including blades, transmission, shafts,
and generator) under these conditions?

 Remember that:
 1 revolution = 2π radians
1 minute = 60 s
 1 rev. per minute = ( 2π radians)/(60 seconds) = (π/30) rad/second 2
WIND TURBINE GEAR RATIO THEORY: EXAMPLE

 Solution:
 a) The rotational speed (rpm) of the rotor at a tip-speed ratio of 5.0.

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WIND TURBINE GEAR RATIO THEORY: EXAMPLE

 Solution:
 b) What is the tip-speed (m/s)?

 c) If the generator turns at 1800 rpm, what gear ratio is needed to match the rotor speed
to the generator speed?

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WIND TURBINE GEAR RATIO THEORY: EXAMPLE

 Solution:
 d) What is the efficiency of the wind turbine system (including transmission, shafts, and
generator) under these conditions?

For idealized
wind turbine

Remember the turbine power curve

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 There are several wind turbine gearbox types.

 Although they differ in design and principle of operation, their function is always the same.
 The main function of gearboxes in wind turbine systems is rotation speed regulation and
efficiency improvement.
 In order for the compact electric generator to work well, some parts must move extremely
quickly, since generated voltages depend on how much power a wind turbine produces.
 However, the turbine blades themselves cannot move very fast because of centrifugal forces.
 Thus, a gearbox is needed to increase the speed of rotation of the slow turbines to faster
generator turns.
 One of the alternatives to gearboxes are larger generators, but they are much more
expensive than wind turbine gearboxes.
 The physical properties of gearboxes vary depending on their types. Usually, wind turbine
gearboxes are made of steel, aluminum or brass (an alloy of copper and zinc). 6
WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 1.PLANETARY GEARBOX
 Planetary gearboxes are so named because of their similarity to the solar system.
 The components of the planetary gearbox include a sun gear, an annular gear and
planetary gears.
 The sun gear is the central gear fixed in the center, an annular cogwheel (anulus ring) is
the outer ring with internal teeth, and planetary gears rotate around the sun gears and
the grid with the help of both the sun gear and the ring gear.
 The components of planetary gearboxes are usually made of aluminum, stainless steel or
brass.

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 1.PLANETARY GEARBOX

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 1.PLANETARY GEARBOX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEgQ68idEgg
WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 1.PLANETARY GEARBOX
 Advantages:
 Planetary gearboxes are highly efficient.
 They have strong resistance to shock, and a high torque to weight ratio.
 They also show better stability than any other wind turbine gearbox type.
 Disadvantages:
 Steel gears can be noisy when coming into contact with other gears.
 This design also makes them prone wear.
 That demands constant and complex maintenance and a complex automatic
wind turbine oil system.
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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 2. SPUR GEARBOX
 Spur gears have straight teeth and are mounted on parallel shafts.
 This type of gears may have different sizes and gear ratios that meet the
requirements for certain speed and torque.
 Spur gears are usually made of steel or brass.
 Other common construction materials are polycarbonate and nylon.

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 2. SPUR GEARBOX
 Advantages:
 Spur gear provides efficient speed control.
 It has high torque output.
 It is useful in wind turbines which require strong speed regulation and even
decrease the speed if needed.
 Disadvantages:
 Similar to a planetary gearbox, a spur gearbox can be rather noisy and may
wear rapidly.
 So constant attention to the lubrication system is crucial for this type of
gearbox.
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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 3.BEVEL GEARBOX
 There are two types of bevel gears: with straight and spiral teeth.
 They may consist of cast iron, aluminium and other similar metals.
 Bevel gearboxes are usually mounted in right angle applications with a
perpendicular shaft.

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 3.BEVEL GEARBOX

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 3.BEVEL GEARBOX
 Advantages:
 Bevel gear fits wind turbine system with right-angle configuration.
 Disadvantages:
 Poor teeth cut can cause strong vibrations and noise.

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 4.HELICAL GEARBOX
 Helical gears have a cut at special angle that allows gradual and smooth contact
between each of gear teeth.
 It provides rather quiet operation.
 Their materials are usually cast aluminium or iron.
 Gearboxes using helical gears are applicable to wind power plants with big and
efficient electricity performance.

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 4.HELICAL GEARBOX
 Advantages:
 Helical gears make wind turbine operation almost noiseless and quiet.
 At the same time they are very efficient and have high horsepower.
 Disadvantages:
 Although gears teeth in such a position do not wear fast, there might be
hard axle load.

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES

 5.WORM GEARBOX
 Worm gearboxes are used in units that require high speed and big loads.
 Worm gear can be designed for right-angle systems.
 Worm gears are resistant to wear.
 They also generate low noise.

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WIND TURBINE GEARBOX TYPES
 5.WORM GEARBOX
 Advantages:
 Worm gear is simple and easily accessible for maintenance
 This configuration allows to service the gear easily and without troubles.
 Plus this gear produces minimal noise and has reliable operation system
 Disadvantages:
 The only disadvantage is that worm gear has poor efficiency.
 So it is reasonable to use only with power plants of low capacity and for
small amount of energy production.

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ELECTRICAL ASPECTS OF WIND TURBINES
 The primary function of the majority of wind turbines >> The generation of
electricity
 Issues associated with wind turbines:
 Generation at the turbine itself as well as power transfer at the generator voltage
 Transforming to higher voltage
 Interconnection with power lines
 Distribution, transmission, and eventual use by the consumer
 Electricity >> Used in
 The operation, monitoring, and control of most wind turbines
 Site assessment and data collection and analysis

 Issue for isolated or weak grids, or systems with a large amount of wind generation >>
Storage of electricity
 Lightning >> A naturally occurring electrical phenomenon that may be quite significant to20
the design, installation, and operation of wind turbines
PRINCIPAL AREAS IN WHICH
ELECTRICITY IS SIGNIFICANT TO THE DESIGN,
INSTALLATION, OR OPERATION OF WIND TURBINES

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WIND TURBINE GENERATORS

 The wind turbine generator converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.

 Generator has to work with a power source (the wind turbine rotor) which supplies very
fluctuating mechanical power.
 Generating Voltage
 On large wind turbines (above 100-150 kW) the voltage generated by the turbine is
usually 690 V three-phase alternating current (AC).
 Current is subsequently sent through a transformer next to the wind turbine (or inside
the tower) to raise the voltage to somewhere between 10,000 and 30,000 volts,
depending on the standard in the local electrical grid.
 Large manufacturers will supply both
 50 Hz wind turbine models (for the electrical grids in most of the world)
 60 Hz models (for the electrical grid in America)
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REFERENCES

 For course material:

 Book:
V. Nelson, Wind Energy: Renewable Energy and The Environment, CLC Press, 2009
J.F. Manwell, J.G. Mcgowan, A.L. Rogers,Wind Energy Explained: Theory Design and Application, 2nd
Edition,Wiley, 2009

 Websites:
 https://eo.ucar.edu/webweather/cumulus.html
 https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cumulonimbus_Clouds.jpg
 https://isaacbrana.wordpress.com/2010/07/09/generators-in-wind-turbines/
 https://theengineeringmindset.com/power-factor-explained/
 http://www.differencebetween.net/science/difference-between-active-and-reactive-power/
 https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Prevailing-Wind-Characteristics-for-the-Area-Source-
Nigerian-Meteorological-Agency-Port_fig1_328997951
 http://www.nachi.org/images10/light.jpg
 http://www.solacity.com/lightning.htm
 http://www.british-gazette.co.uk/2010/09/04/wind-turbines-bonfires-on-a-stick/
 http://behance.vo.llnwd.net/profiles16/557181/projects/3846149/880a85150e674eeeba33fe0a073
a9a0e.jpg
 http://wpcore.wpe.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Maintenance-Techs-from- 23
Renuvo.jpg
 https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/2000/2002/lightningmap.gif
REFERENCES

 For course material:

 Website:
http://www.labvolt.com/downloads/86376_F0.pdf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utility_frequency
 For pictures:
 http://www.nachi.org/images10/light.jpg
 http://www.solacity.com/lightning.htm
 http://www.british-gazette.co.uk/2010/09/04/wind-turbines-bonfires-on-a-stick/
 http://behance.vo.llnwd.net/profiles16/557181/projects/3846149/880a85150e674eeeba33fe0a073
a9a0e.jpg
 http://wpcore.wpe.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Maintenance-Techs-from-
Renuvo.jpg
 http://rameznaam.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Wind-Power-Cost-per-Kwh1.jpg
 https://www.elprocus.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Importance-of-reactive-power.jpg
 https://i1.wp.com/www.energymanagermagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/chavin-
beer.gif?fit=1024%2C768&ssl=1
 http://www.akruralenergy.org/2013/2013_REC_VAR%20Control%20and%20Integration%20of%2
0Wind%20in%20Unalakleet_Alan%20Fetters.pdf
 https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/uploads/thumbnails/unitless-quantity-answercard.png
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REFERENCES

 Website:
 http://www.math.upenn.edu/ugrad/calc/m104/ThomasProb.pdf
 http://www.power-talk.net/upwind-turbine.html
 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gear_ratio
 https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/15UepWzujd0Hk9xYPHo0I5IaCBbiPI1A2HQBZCj24OVc/e
mbed?hl=en&size=l#slide=id.p53

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