Wind turbine generator main shaft

What is a wind turbine main shaft arrangement?

A wind turbine’s main shaft arrangement is part of a geared, hybrid, or direct drive design. Whatever the arrangement, it must withstand axial and radial loads and operate under harsh, continuously changing conditions. Wind turbine main shaft bearings spin at relatively low speeds of around 10 rpm. Also, they experience continually variable loads.

What is a main bearing for a wind turbine?

the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. This paper presents a review of existing theory and practice relating to main bearings for wind turbines. The main bearing performs the critical role of supporting the turbine rotor, with replacements typically requiring its complete removal.

How does a turbine drive a generator?

Part of the turbine's drivetrain, the main bearing supports the rotating low-speed shaft and reduces friction between moving parts so that the forces from the rotor don't damage the shaft. Part of the turbine's drivetrain, the high-speed shaft connects to the gearbox and drives the generator.

How do wind turbine bearings work?

Wind turbine main shaft bearings operate in difficult conditions. They rotate at relatively low speeds of around 10rpm and experience continually variable loads created by fluctuations in the air flow over the turbine and adjustments made by its control system. In offshore applications, turbine bearings may also be exposed to corrosive seawater.

How fast do wind turbine bearings spin?

Wind turbine main shaft bearings spin at relatively low speeds of around 10 rpm. Also, they experience continually variable loads. In offshore applications, turbine bearings may be exposed to corrosive seawater. Bearings in the largest turbines have an internal bore of more than 2m.

How are wind turbines classified based on their physical structure?

Wind Turbines can be classified in two main categories based on their physical structure. Vertical axis wind turbines have a main shaft that stands perpendicular to the direction of the wind stream. Horizontal axis wind turbines have a main shaft that lies along the direction of the wind stream.