Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of a Wind Turbine Drivetrain Using the Torsional Dynamic Model

A mathematical model for a horizontal axial wind turbine drivetrain was developed using the torsional multibody dynamic model. The drivetrain in this study consisted of a low-speed planetary gear stage (three identical planets with spur teeth, sun and fixed ring gears) and two high-speed spur gear stages. This typical arrangement has been commonly used in the wind turbine industry. The governing equation of the drivetrain was derived by using the Lagrange's equation, which takes into account the kinetic and potential energies and the work from the input torque. The governing equation was solved numerically by direct numerical integration. Dynamic analysis was carried out to investigate the transient response of the drivetrain system.