Wind Turbine Gearbox Support With Torque Transfer And Vibration Decoupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gearbox support arrangements in wind turbines face challenges in reliably transmitting torque loads while minimizing vibrations and reaction loads, often requiring complex and space-consuming torque arms that can lead to uneven load distribution and structural deformations.

Innovation Solution

A gearbox support arrangement that includes a torque support arrangement coupling the gearbox housing and rotor bearing support structure with a decoupling device to transmit torque loads while reducing vibrations and reaction loads, allowing for a modular, space-saving design that avoids direct vertical support on the base frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a direct coupling between gearbox housing and rotor bearing support structure is used to transmit torque loads, then torque transmission is achieved, but vibrations and reaction loads are directly transmitted causing structural deformations and uneven load distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmission reliabilityVSAvoidvibrations and reaction loads

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A decoupling device is introduced as an intermediary element between the gearbox housing and rotor bearing support structure. This decoupling device allows torque loads to be transmitted while simultaneously reducing the transmission of vibrations and reaction loads, thus mediating between the conflicting requirements of reliable torque transmission and vibration reduction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The torque support arrangement is segmented into distinct functional components: a first support element connected to the gearbox housing, a second support element connected to the rotor bearing support structure, and a decoupling device connecting these two support elements. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively resolving the contradiction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If complex torque arms are used to transmit torque loads, then torque transmission is achieved, but device complexity and space consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetorque transmissionVSAvoidtorque support structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The decoupling device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits torque loads, reduces vibrations, and accommodates misalignments. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex torque arms and vibration isolation systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable torque transmission

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The functions of torque transmission and vibration isolation are merged into a single integrated decoupling device. This combination replaces the traditional separate torque arms with a unified structure that achieves both objectives, reducing device complexity and space consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Strength

If direct vertical support on base frame is used, then structural support is achieved, but space in nacelle is reduced and assembly/maintenance becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidassembly and maintenance ease

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support arrangement uses dynamic decoupling elements that can adapt to operational conditions while maintaining structural support. This dynamic approach allows for easier assembly and maintenance compared to rigid direct support, as the decoupling device can accommodate misalignments and reduce the need for precise positioning during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables reliable torque transmission with reduced vibrations and reaction loads, providing a compact and cost-effective solution that simplifies assembly and maintenance, while allowing for more free space in the nacelle for other components.

Implementation Method 1

the decoupling device is configured to transmit the torque loads between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure and to reduce a transmission of vibrations and reaction loads between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration reduction: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS12372062B2Gearbox support arrangement for a wind turbine and wind turbine

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 NORDEX ENERGY SE & CO KG

AI summary

A gearbox support arrangement for a wind turbine includes: a gearbox housing, a torque support arrangement, a rotor bearing support structure, wherein the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure are arranged next to each other along a longitudinal axis, the torque support arrangement couples the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure with each other such that torque loads are transmittable between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure. The torque support arrangement includes a decoupling device configured to transmit the torque loads between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure and to reduce the transmission of vibrations and reaction loads between the gearbox housing and the rotor bearing support structure.