Case Studies

The rapid growth of the global wind energy industry is encouraging the development of alternative concepts for wind turbine drivetrains, examples of which include the use of direct drive and medium speed generators. These machines offer advantages over conventional designs and their successful development has the potential to help the UK meet emissions and renewable energy targets. If direct drive machines are to become a key supplier of low carbon energy to the UK, research into the effectiveness and reliability of this technology is vital and assessments must be made of the ability of direct drive turbines to meet the demands of off-shore sites, where reliability and availability are of crucial importance.

Romax Technology and The University of Sheffield are collaborating to address this need and their project aims to increase the understanding of wind turbine generator reliability, relating particularly to bearing reliability and system dynamics.

"As leading global experts in wind turbine gearbox, bearing and drivetrain design, Romax is pleased to be collaborating with researchers in the Electrical Machines and Drives Research Group at The University of Sheffield. The NWIP funding will enable our consortium to establish valuable knowledge and expertise in the UK, assist in the development of new generation wind turbines and support the development of beneficial relationships between industrial and academic partners in the UK.

The wind industry is expanding very rapidly and following the recent announcement of The Crown Estate Round 3 Offshore project, the UK has the market and the capabilities to be at the forefront of wind power technology. Funding provided by NWIP is allowing companies like Romax to advance the deployment of innovative technology in the wind energy sector and has the potential to create jobs and commercial opportunities for the UK engineering industry" said John Coultate of Romax.

Dr John Coultate,
Drivetrain Consultancy Team Leader

Rutherford House
Romax Technology
Nottingham Science & Technology Park
Nottingham
NG7 2PZ, UK

Tel: +44 (0)115 951 88 00
Email: john.coultate@romaxtech.com
Website: romaxtech.com