A Review Analysis on Performance and Classification of Wind Turbine Gearbox Technologies
R. Bharani, A. Sivaprakasam
Abstract
This review article summarizes the previously published studies on horizontal axis wind turbine gearbox system and their advantages. From the available literature, the gearbox technology is classified into three major types such as Planetary Gearbox (PG), Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and Magnetic Gearbox (MG). Other gearbox types are installed and successfully running under prototype mode. The mechanical gear box types are normally used in large size wind turbines and they have some drawbacks such as high maintenance cost, gearbox failures, less reliable. The mechanical variable ratio gearbox is more appropriate type for the extraction of maximum power with reduce the use of power electronic devices. The outcome of the review suggests that the variable ratio gear box system is more suitable to extract the maximum energy and also recommend for high service loads, and harsh operating conditions.