Tribo-dynamics modeling and analysis of planetary gear bearing systems in wind turbines considering sun-planetary-ring helical gear mesh and elastic deformation effects

The high failure risk of gearbox rolling bearings limits the development of wind energy industry. Introducing sliding bearings with augmented load-bearing capabilities could present a viable alternative. However, the dynamic meshing of helical gear pairs and large-scale bearing deformations complicate precise numerical modeling for wind turbine gearbox planetary (WTGP) sliding bearing systems. This study introduces a novel Tribodynamics model for WTGP sliding bearing systems incorporating the natural dynamic meshing of sunplanetary-ring helical gear pairs and their constraint effect on bearing deformation. A WTGP sliding bearing test validates this model with the agreement between experimentally and simulated severe wear locations. Further analysis reveals the evolution law and interrelationship among the helical gear mesh, bearing elastic deformation, and system Tribo-dynamics performance.