Vestas

About: Vestas is a company organization based out in Aarhus, Denmark. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Turbine & Wind power. The organization has 1075 authors who have published 1519 publications receiving 23285 citations. The organization is also known as: Vestas Wind Systems & Vestas Wind Systems A/S.

A gearbox comprising a stationary gear component formed on the basis of variable flank profiles of gear teeth

Abstract: In a gearbox, a stationary gear component such as a ring gear of a planetary gear comprises a tooth trace correction that varies along the tooth trace so as to provide for superior load distribution in the gearbox. In some illustrative embodiments, the gearbox is a component of a wind power plant wherein the circumferentially varying tooth trace correction of the stationary ring gear results in superior durability and performance.

Measuring loads on wind turbine blades

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring aerodynamic loads acting on a wind turbine rotor blade is disclosed. The measured aerodynamic loads can be converted to an angle of attack of the resulting wind which flows past the moving rotor blade. The sensor is realized as a trailing edge flap which is elastically moveable relative the main part of the wind turbine blade. By measuring motion of the trailing edge flap or corresponding motions of components of the sensor system, the aerodynamic forces acting on the blade can be determined. Due to the relative small dimensions of the sensor flap and the relative small displacements of the flap, the sensor system only affects the aerodynamic properties insignificantly.

Rotating electrical machine having improved bearing lubrication and associated methods

Abstract: A rotating electrical machine includes an outer housing; a drive shaft rotatably mounted within the outer housing; a bearing supporting the drive shaft relative to the outer housing, wherein the outer housing includes a support surface confronting the bearing and the bearing includes a bearing surface confronting the support surface, and further wherein a region defined between the support surface and the bearing surface has a lubrication layer; and a lubrication flow path configured to direct a lubricant to the bearing, wherein the lubrication flow path is in fluid communication with the region between the support surface and the bearing surface so as to replenish the lubrication layer. A method of lubricating a bearing for a rotating electrical machine is also disclosed. The rotating electrical machine may be a generator for a wind turbine.

Cost of energy assessment of wind turbine configurations

Abstract: This paper presents findings from a comparative study on LCoE (levelized cost of energy) impact from various configurations of electrical power conversion in on-shore wind turbines. All comparisons are made against a baseline configuration, based on proprietary models and input data, thus boundary conditions and assumptions apply, which do not necessarily translate to other manufacturers of wind turbines and electrical power conversion solutions. In our analysis, we asked the question: which power conversion topology and converter building block size can offer the best LCoE reduction across a broad range of wind turbine products employing uniform architecture? And which contributions to life-cycle cost dominate? The methodology is explained, and results indicate, among those analysed, that a scalable, modular medium-voltage converter platform should be employed in a turbine down-tower architecture.

Control method and system for protection of wind turbines

Abstract: A method is provided of controlling a wind turbine that is operating according to a control signal causing the wind turbine to be over-rated above the wind turbine's rated power The method comprises: obtaining one or more signals, or values of variables, that indicate the fatigue lifetime of one or more of the wind turbine's components from turbine sensors; applying a lifetime usage estimator algorithm to the signals or values to determine measures of the fatigue life consumed by each of the turbine components; calculating, for each of the turbine components, a rate of consumption of fatigue life based on the measures of the fatigue life consumed by each of the turbine components; and controlling the turbine to reduce the amount of power by which the wind turbine is over-rated based on the rate of consumption of fatigue life for at least one of the turbine components