Precision engineering for wind energy systems

The production, installation and operation of wind energy systems (WES) has gained a significant importance in the past two decades, forming a new and world wide rapidly growing industrial branch. Moreover, WES technology contributes a safe and substantial share (about 20% by 2020) to the electrical energy supply of many countries. It thus enables them to achieve their environmental and sustainability objectives. Contrasting to this prospering development, WES industry faces some major challenges. Among these are the reliability, lifetime and costs of WES, namely offshore WES. This paper will be focused on the design, manufacturing and accuracy of decisive mechanical components like the wind rotor system and the drive train (including bearings and gears), whereas economical, environmental, civil and electrical engineering aspects are only mentioned in passing. (C) 2012 CIRP.