Bachelor / Master Thesis: Development of a Multibody Simulation Model to Investigate the Main Bearing of Wind Turbines

The Chair for Wind Power Drives researches the behavior of drivetrains in modern wind turbines (WT). The research goals are to increase the availability, robustness, and energy efficiency of the WTs, as well as to reduce the levelized cost of electricity.
A key component of the drivetrain of a WT is the main bearing. Currently, roller bearings are predominantly used for this purpose. However, these bearings have high failure rates in modern WTs and must be replaced multiple times during the 20-year lifespan of the turbine due to damage. The replacement process is extremely labor-intensive, as it requires the disassembly of the main shaft.
To compare alternative solutions, such as journal bearings, with the roller bearings used for the main bearing, this thesis aims to extend an existing multibody model of a WT with a detailed main bearing model. The goal is to simulate the operating behavior of the main bearing as a roller bearing by incorporating an appropriate level of detail.

Tasks:

• Familiarization with wind turbine drive systems and multibody simulation
• Adjusting and extending a wind turbine model to include a detailed main bearing as a roller bearing
• Performing and evaluating dynamic simulations
• Defining evaluation criteria and identifying an appropriate level of model detail

Your Profile:

• Interest in wind energy and simulation technology
• Motivation for independent and responsible work
• Studies in the field of mechanical engineering
• Prior knowledge in finite element analysis and multibody simulation is advantageous, but not strictly required for working on the topic

What We offer:

• Intensive support in a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team with an excellent working atmosphere
• Opportunity for subsequent employment at the institute as a student/research assistant
• Option to participate in a scientific publication
• Immediate start possible or as agreed upon

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