Method for holistic wind turbine drivetrain comparison exemplarily applied to geared and direct drive systems

Abstract The drivetrain as an important part of wind turbines needs to be improved in order deal with today’s high development and cost pressure. One step towards enhanced drivetrains is identify the most suitable concept for a targeted onshore application early design stage. With this purpose, holistic lifecycle system evaluation approach relying on minimum input information presented. In dominant solution, additive target defined taking cost, ecological sustainability, supplied energy into account. This multi-criteria decision aggregated by defining macrosocial criterion: “drivetrain specific supply effort”. A physics- empirically-based model developed quantify targets different concepts. validity results shown comparison meta-analysis findings. Being utilized between geared direct drive approach’s value showcased. Both concepts score comparable level slightly differing weak strong regimes. An exemplary trade-off investment- operational effort shows, that both investment higher than operational. furthermore shows how robust support can provided parameter variation finally it stresses, maker’s preferences need incorporated decision. Concluding, analysis approaches enable turbine comparisons