Romax engineering experts discuss optimal gearbox, drivetrain and bearing designs for a wind turbine.
A Romax engineer in a wind turbine nacelle testing gearbox, bearing and drivetrain installation and operation
Our certification & testing process is spread over a number of stages, all of which are designed to ensure that your product is fit for purpose and reliable.
1. Design Assessment
The first stage of certification is to achieve design certification. Romax are able to supply all the required technical information, including safety factors, calculations and gear geometry etc., in a format that the certification bodies require. This means design certification can be achieved quickly and easily.
2. Gearbox functionality test
Gearbox functionality tests are undertaken before testing for certification and are to verify the design of the gearbox system and minimise the risk of in-service failure and warranty claims. Testing is a critical element of the design process and performs a number of important functions.
At Romax we recognise the importance of reliability and robust design and in pursuit of excellence. Ensuring a design works is a combination of Romax's design experience and a number of additional physical tests that we recommend are carried out prior to the certification tests.
As your certification and testing partner, Romax is able to help speed your turbine through the certification process and ensure that once your turbine is installed that it remains reliable and robust throughout its lifetime.
A Romax engineer inspecting a large gear component for a wind turbine gearbox.
A Romax engineer fitting strain gauge equipment to a large gear component for a wind turbine gearbox.
3. Gearbox certification test
Romax has extensive experience of the certification process. We are able to provide support throughout the journey. Using our extensive contacts and experience we can support any of your requirements – from the provision of technical data to design and technical assistance.
The certification test is a functionality test. It proves the gearbox meets the design intent and operates safely as designed, however the certification test will not directly test the reliability or robustness of the gearbox. It is essential for your customers that the turbines they are purchasing are proven to be robust and reliable, Romax can assist in this objective.
4. Gearbox endurance or overload testing
In order to ensure the wind turbine gearbox is suitable for mass production and release into the field, Romax recommends that endurance and overload testing is conducted. Manufacturers must carefully consider the implications of undertaking these tests because if test schedules are not carefully designed and analysed then results may not be valid.
Using RomaxWIND our experts can develop test schedules specifically for the gearbox under test, thereby saving time and expense by getting the schedule right first time. This means that the amount of in field turbine failures caused by driveline failure can be considerably reduced, keeping quality costs low and your reputation high.
5. Turbine field testing
Romax are experienced in analysing field test data and installing field test measurement systems. Romax have worked with a number of key energy suppliers and turbine manufacturers in this area. Our services include:
- An independent overview of field test measurement campaigns
- Analysis of existing test data and fault diagnosis
- Due diligence reports
- Undertaking instrumentation campaigns to gather high quality field test data
Romax can plug in at any stage of your turbine’s life – from design concept through to in field testing to ensure it continues to be reliable throughout its lifetime.