Hydraulic Wind Turbines
This configuration replaces the conventional gearbox with hydrostatic transmission: rotor-captured wind energy is converted into pressurized hydraulic power, which drives the generator through hydraulic motors or transformers. The shortened drivetrain delivers high power density, inherent overload protection, and substantially lower nacelle mass and maintenance cost — particularly attractive for large-scale and offshore applications.
Key Research Topics
Studies pump-motor/transformer matching, pipeline losses and leakage control to raise drivetrain efficiency across operating conditions.
Proposes accumulator placement and damping optimizations against fluid noise and pressure surges for smoother operation.
Achieves constant-frequency output over wide rotor-speed ranges via secondary regulation and displacement control, simplifying grid integration.