Bachelor/Master Thesis: Investigation of various drivetrain architectures with regard to the acoustic behaviour of a modern 6MW wind turbine

The Chair for Wind Power Drives researches the behaviour of drive systems in modern multi-megawatt wind turbines. The research goals are to increase the availability, robustness, and energy efficiency of wind turbines and to reduce electricity production costs. To this end, software development tools and modern system test benches are used in combination.
As part of a student thesis, two MBS models of a modern 6MW wind turbine with different drivetrain architectures are to be constructed and investigated. Existing MBS models of older turbines can be used for this purpose. The work covers the entire tool chain from the creation of CAD models and FEM calculations to integration into the MBS simulation. Furthermore, realistic turbulent wind loads and a turbine wind control system are to be integrated into the models.
The aim of the project is to develop an efficient tool for the prediction of structure-borne and aeroacoustics-induced noise emission of different wind turbine architectures. Specific focus is on the investigation of the drivetrain suspensions on the overall NVH behaviour. For this purpose, both loads and vibrations can be simulated and analysed on the finished models.

Tasks:

• Literature research and familiarisation with the subject matter
• Modelling and refinement of detailed MBS models of a 6MW wind turbine based on existing models
• Simulation of loads and vibrations of the wind turbine model
• Identify and investigate the difference in critical operating points of different drivetrain architectures
• Generate knowledge on optimal fidelity levels of such models

Prerequisites:

• Motivation to work independently and autonomously, communication and teamwork skills
• Prior knowledge of MBS (SIMPACK), FEM (Abaqus) or MatLab/Simulink is useful but not essential.
• Prior knowledge in the field of wind turbine dynamics is desirable.

We offer:

• Scientific work in a highly motivated, interdisciplinary team
• Intensive support
• A thesis with an industry-related topic and high relevance
• Learning practical simulation methods
• Immediate commencement is possible

We look forward to your application by email:

Vishal Mohan M. Sc. RWTH
Chair for Wind Power Drives

Campus-Boulevard 61, 52074 Aachen
vishal.mohan@cwd.rwth-aachen.de