Study on the lightweight design of elastic support housing for wind turbine gearbox using topology optimization technology

In order to meet the requirements of lightweight and cost saving of high-power wind turbine, a special lightweight optimization design work was carried out for a certain type of wind turbine gearbox elastic support housing. Based on the finite element model (FEM), a topology optimization study of the elastic support housing of the wind turbine gearbox was carried out using the variable density theory. Firstly, utilizing ANSYS software, the service strength and stiffness of the housing model were checked under typical working conditions. Secondly, a mathematical model of topology optimization was established with volume fraction, stress, and manufacturing process as constraints, and the lightweight scheme was obtained after solving. Finally, the model was reconstructed, and the structural strength was verified based on the optimization results. Through optimization, the overall weight of the housing was reduced by 14.7%, the deformation and stress meet the requirements of stiffness and allowable stress, and the structure facilitates processing using a convenient parting casting technology, thus fulfilling the objectives of the optimization. This study provides a theoretical basis for the lightweight design of elastic support housings for high-power wind turbine gearboxes.