Gamesa Gearbox Engineering Department: Encouraging Collaborative Research

Over the past few years, our colleagues José Calvo Irisarri, Nigel Bilbao Handley, Xabier López Fuentes, Unai Gutiérrez Santiago, Harri Aurrekoetxea Arratibel and Alfredo Fernández Sisón have been at the forefront of transformative research endeavors, partnering with esteemed academic institutions like the University of Cantabria, the National Distance Education University (UNED), the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Cartagena. This partnership has resulted in the publication of several papers in the most prestigious journals in our sector, such as ScienceDirect or Gear solutions. Their collective efforts have yielded profound insights into gearbox functionality, addressing critical issues and driving improvements within the wind energy sector.

Central to the department’s mission is a commitment to advancing gearbox technology, with a particular focus on enhancing efficiency and reliability. Through their collaborative research initiatives, they have tackled a diverse array of challenges, ranging from minimizing friction power losses to evaluating the impact of manufacturing processes on transmission performance, specifically concerning planetary gears.

One notable area of exploration has been the endeavor to minimize friction power losses within gearboxes. By delving into the intricate mechanisms of frictional forces and their impact on energy output, Gamesa Gearbox engineers and researchers from the National Distance Education University have devised innovative solutions aimed at optimizing efficiency and maximizing power generation. Through meticulous experimentation and analysis, they have unearthed strategies to mitigate frictional losses, thereby bolstering the overall performance of wind turbines.

Moreover, the department has developed other studies about the impact of the planetary gears manufacturing processes uncertainties on the transmission performance. Recognizing the pivotal role of these components in transmitting power within wind turbines, Gamesa Gearbox engineers have collaborated closely with academic partners from the University of Cantabria to comprehensively assess the implications of manufacturing variations. By meticulously examining the intricacies of gear production processes and their ramifications on transmission efficiency, they have endeavored to enhance the reliability and longevity of gearbox systems.

The collaborative nature of these research endeavors underscores Gamesa Gearbox’s steadfast commitment to innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration. By leveraging the expertise of academic partners, they have cultivated a rich ecosystem of knowledge exchange, driving advancements at the nexus of engineering and academia.

Latest published papers:

Investigation of the effect of application of non-conventional root profiles for reduction of bending stresses in helical gear drives | Gear Solutions Magazine Your Resource to the Gear Industry

Load intensity distribution factor evaluation from strain gauges at the gear root | Gear Solutions Magazine Your Resource to the Gear Industry

Probabilistic analysis of the mesh load factor in wind-turbine planetary transmissions: Tooth thickness errors – ScienceDirect

Statistical study of the mesh load factor of planetary gear transmissions affected by inherent manufacturing errors (researchgate.net)

Evaluation of the effect of the rim thickness on the root stress cycle of helical planet gears with integrated rollers (researchgate.net)

Minimum Friction Losses in Planetary Stages of Wind Turbine Gearboxes (researchgate.net)

Análisis de la relevancia del Kγ como parámetro indicativo del reparto de carga en transmisiones planetarias en fase y desfasadas (researchgate.net)