Modelling and Analysis of Drivetrains in Offshore Wind Turbines

This chapter discusses wind turbine drivetrain concepts, modelling and analysis, design methods, and monitoring and fault detection, mainly focusing on the geared type drivetrains. The analysis of a wind turbine starts with a global model including tower, nacelle, blades and the supporting foundation or structure. The dynamic excitations of wind turbine gearboxes are classified in two external and internal groups. In general, the finite element method (FEM) and multibody simulation (MBS) are the two numerical methods used for contact analysis. The analysis of a wind turbine starts with a global model including tower, nacelle, blades and the supporting foundation or structure. Having a gearbox, even with a low ratio, adds a great advantage to the drivetrain that is often overlooked by designers. The roller bearings, or commonly designated 'anti‐friction' bearings, are the most common bearings used in wind turbine gearboxes.