Brainstorming

What is brainstorming?

Brainstorming is a group creativity technique by which efforts are made to find a conclusion for a specific problem by gathering a list of ideas spontaneously contributed by its members

Abstract

The core idea of this project is to evaluate the concept of a new wind turbine design. Conventional wind turbines, where the drive-train is located completely within the nacelle are expensive to maintain in terms of safety, accessibility, and maintenance.

New Concept

We believe we can alleviate some of theses challenges and difficulties using a vertical drive-train concept.

The vertical drive-train concept avoids mounting the drive-train shaft, and generators mounted in the hub over 90 meters above from the ground.

Application

Unlike the conventional model of a wind turbine, a vertical drive-train wind turbine uses a vertically placed drive-train to transmit mechanical power harnessed through the blades to the gearbox, and generator compartment located at the bottom of the tower. This concept makes the maintenance and accessibility easier thus reducing the cost of maintenance,

Goal

•Our goal is to validate the concept of using a vertical drive train rather than the drive-trains located completely within the nacelle, as is common with the conventional turbines used today.

Conventional Wind Turbines

Design Concept

•Our design implements a vertical drive-train that transmits power from the nacelle to the electric motor located at the base of the tower.
•This design offers lower maintenance costs due to an increase in accessibility and safety. Problems can be solved immediately as they arise without the heavy equipment and danger required for conventional turbines.
•This project consists of two parts.