Transient Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of a Wind Energy Conversion System Incorporating an Adaptive Mechanical Planetary Gearbox

Abstract

Planetary gearboxes are widely employed in wind energy conversion systems to increase generator rotational speed while maintaining compact dimensions, high torque density, and efficient mechanical power transmission. However, transient mechanical processes during transmission-ratio adaptation under variable wind conditions remain insufficiently investigated. This study presents a mathematical model and a corresponding dynamic simulation model of a wind energy conversion system incorporating a mechanical planetary gearbox with an adaptive transmission ratio. The simulation model was implemented in the Simulink environment of MATLAB to investigate the dynamic interaction between the wind turbine rotor, the planetary gearbox, and the synchronous generator under variable operating conditions. The proposed model enables the evaluation of gearbox kinematic characteristics, transmission ratio variation, rotational speed stabilization, vibration velocity, and transient responses during gear engagement. The simulation results demonstrate that transmission ratio adaptation contributes to maintaining an approximately constant generator rotational speed despite variations in wind turbine rotor speed. Short-duration transient responses during gear engagement were also analyzed, together with their influence on generator terminal signals. The proposed mathematical and simulation models provide a useful framework for investigating transient mechanical processes in planetary gearboxes and may support the design and optimization of high-efficiency wind energy conversion systems.