Geared Wind Power Plant
Q. What is a gearbox in a wind turbine?
Q. What is the function of a gear box in wind turbine power generation system?
Q. Which type of gearbox is used in wind turbines?
Q. Wind Turbine Gearbox For Alternate Energy
Main components of Gear Wind Power Plant :
1. Blades and hub
2. Gear box
3. Yaw drive
4. Generator
5. Tower
6. Control
7. Foundation
8. Nacelle
9. Transformer
10. Grid connection Let us see how these components are assembled.
- This is the old and traditional type of plant requiring more maintenance and complex type ct design.
- Design of blades of turbine hub is more important. Its design takes into account (1) wind speed, (2) desired output power. Accordingly number of blades, blade orientation, diameter tip speed ratio are designed. Lift-drag characteristics are taken into account.
- Rotor : Its blades are strong-durable, light weight and non-corrosive. Composites of reinforced plastic and fibre-glass is used for construction. Rotor design is aerodynamic.
- Gear box : It is located in between rotor of blades and the unit of generator. Its design is complicated. Rotor output is amplified by this gear box. It suffers highest stress. Gear box and generator act as a drive-train.
- Generator : Variety types of generators are suitable for such type of plant. Turbine rotor rotates the generator which converts rotational energy into electrical energy. Power electronic unit is provided which facilitates to feed power to grid system.
Working of Gear Wind Power Plant :
- Wind blow on the turbine blades of turbine starts its rotor, in turn, it drives the generator which produce electrical energy. (Kinetic energy is converted into mechanical energy which is then converted into electrical energy).
- Gear box helps in increasing the speed upto 1500 rpm.
- Gear box construction is complicated, its consists of many wheels and bearings and requires frequent maintenance.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Gear Wind Power Plant :
Advantages of Gear Wind Power Plant :
- Light in weight.
- Provides very high torque to turn.
- It is cheaper in cost.
- It is able to provide high speed operation which is very economical for the plant.
Disadvantages of Gear Wind Power Plant :
- Its design is not so simple but is very complicated.
- Reliability issues arise.
- Serious damages may occur if any in case of misalignment.
- So many moving parts, so maintenance work is critical and frequent which involves more cost.