Services

Inadequate alignment of the drive train

Especially generator bearing damages are a known problem in the wind industry. However what is the reason for this? A frequent cause is the inadequate alignment of the drive train. The gearbox and the generator in a wind turbine are connected via a clutch. The gearbox converts the rotor rotation speed (ca. 20 rpm) into the required generator rotation speed of about 1500 rpm. Gearbox and generator have to be aligned to each other properly. Normally, this alignment is being performed once only during the service inauguration of the wind turbine. However due to the aging of the dampening units the main components may shift over the time. The results are loss of energy yield, heat production, increase of vibration and ultimately bearing damages. By means of modern laser optical measurement systems the drive train can be checked for misalignment swiftly and cost-effective. Damages can thus be avoided, which is also honoured meanwhile by the insurance companies.