Bachelor/Master Thesis: Development of a multibody simulation model to investigate an innovative plain bearing concept for wind turbine main bearings

The Chair for Wind Power Drives researches the behavior of drivetrains in modern wind turbines (WTs). The research goals are to increase the availability, robustness, and energy efficiency of WTs, as well as to reduce the levelized cost of electricity.
A central component of the WT drivetrain is the main bearing. Currently, rolling bearings are predominantly used for this purpose. However, in modern WTs, these bearings exhibit high failure rates and often need to be replaced multiple times during the turbine’s 20-year service life due to damage. Replacement is extremely labor-intensive, as it requires the disassembly of the main shaft.
To investigate plain bearings as an alternative to rolling-element main bearings, an existing multibody simulation model of a WT will be extended by a detailed main bearing model as part of this thesis. The goal is to represent the operational behavior of the main bearing as plain bearing with an appropriate level of detail.

Tasks:

• Getting familiar with wind turbine drive systems and multibody simulation
• Adaptation and extension of a wind turbine model to include a detailed plain bearing main bearing model
• Execution and evaluation of dynamic simulations
• Definition of evaluation criteria and identification of an appropriate level of modeling detail

Your Profile:

• Interest in wind energy and simulation technology
• Motivation for independent and responsible work
• Degree program in mechanical engineering
• Prior knowledge in finite element analysis and multibody simulation is beneficial but not mandatory

We offer:

• Scientific work in a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team
• Pleasant working atmosphere and close supervision
• Opportunity for subsequent employment at the institute as a student or research assistant
• Immediate start possible or by arrangement

We look forward to your application by email:

Moataz Sabry, M. Sc. RWTH
Chair for Wind Power Drives

Campus-Boulevard 61, 52074 Aachen
moataz.sabry@cwd.rwth-aachen.de