Analysis of Eclipse Gearbox of Wind Turbine for Torque optimization

Engineering

A wind energy conversion system consists of a number of components to transform the wind energy to electrical energy. The rotor is one of the component of wind turbine that extracts energy from the wind. One of the major component, gearbox is used for transfer high torque generated by rotor to low torque required for generator. Gearbox un-reliability and high repair costs combine to result in critical negative effects on the cost of wind energy production. The Eclipse gearbox is suggested in this project that can significantly reduces gearbox problems occurred in traditional gearbox. The features of Eclipse gearbox is a shortened load path through a single pair of gears combined with linkages and a crankshaft. Multi-stage planetary system of traditional gearbox is reduced to single stage eclipse gearbox, helps to increase speed ratio, long endurance life, small size and light weight. Its size is identical to a traditional gearbox weight reduced to half. Contact stress of gear tooth is substantially lower due the increase in the number of gear teeth that are simultaneously engaged. The minimum tooth contact stress eventually increases the endurance life and torque capacity of the gears.

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