ZF Wind Power has launched a modular powertrain platform for wind turbines, based on its Shift gearbox concept and the company’s powertrain development experience. The platform combines modular gearbox and main bearing unit configurations with an integrated generator design. ZF says the architecture can be configured for different turbine designs, load conditions and operating environments.
The Shift gearbox is the central component of the platform. ZF has developed the gearbox modules and main bearing unit configurations in-house. The platform can be configured for both medium-speed and high-speed powertrain layouts.
The powertrain is designed to cover a range of torque requirements for onshore and offshore wind applications. Its development also includes integration of the gearbox, main bearing unit and generator as a single system.
ZF’s development process includes collaboration with turbine manufacturers during the design, evaluation, production, logistics and service stages. This approach is used to adapt powertrain configurations to turbine load profiles, operating conditions and installation requirements.
