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Title: Preliminary Evaluation of a Multiple-Generator Drive-Train Configuration for Wind Turbines: Preprint

Conference ·
OSTI ID:15000704

The recent trend toward large wind turbines has led to very expensive gearboxes that hinder their feasibility. The gearboxes for these wind turbines are more expensive per kilowatt (kW) of rated power than for smaller turbines because the torque increases more quickly than the power when increasing the rotor diameter. Multiple-generator drivetrain configurations can reduce the drivetrain cost for large wind turbines while increasing the energy capture and reliability. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is reexamining the benefits of multiple-generator configurations through the Wind Partnership for Advanced Component Technology (WindPACT) program. This paper qualitatively compares a multiple-generator drivetrain configuration to a conventional drivetrain.

Research Organization:
National Renewable Energy Lab., Golden, CO. (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC36-99-GO10337
OSTI ID:
15000704
Report Number(s):
NREL/CP-500-31178; TRN: US200401%%165
Resource Relation:
Conference: Presented at the 21st American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Wind Energy Symposium, Reno, NV (US), 01/14/2002--01/17/2002; Other Information: PBD: 1 Jan 2002; Related Information: Prepared for the 21st American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Wind Energy Symposium, 14-17 January 2002, Reno, Nevada
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English