Matching experimental and numerical data of dynamic power train loads by modeling of defects

Abstract

AbstractDefects on wind turbines such as power train misalignments or blade pitch angle deviations are dealt with. These defects cause additional dynamic excitations and thus can reduce the fatigue life of wind turbine components.In order to improve the reliability of dynamic load computations and related fatigue dimensioning of wind turbines, a highly discretized simulation model that incorporates potential system defects is set up. A sensitivity analysis of the impact of system defects on power train dynamics is performed. Experimental measurements of gearbox orbital paths and of the corresponding torque arm loads could be reproduced with good correlation when the simulation model was complemented by power train misalignments and by blade pitch angle deviations. Comparisons of experimental and numerical data are presented in time and frequency domains. Feasible consequences about the impact of alignment defects on the resulting fatigue damage are presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.