Selecting the Most Efficient Bearing of Wind Turbine Gearbox Using (Analytical Hierarchy Process) Method “AHP”

Abstract It has been clearly observed that wind turbine energy gearbox bearings are being subjected to premature and unpredicted failure during the first one-fourth duration of their lifespan. This failure is related to many effective factors that have multiple criteria for many available alternative bearings. This article deals with Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and uses a software tool, so called (Expert Choice EC) to select the best compromise solution of the most efficient bearings in wind turbine gearbox. Three types of bearings have been entered in EC comparison: (single-row tapered, single-row cylindrical and double-row cylindrical) roller bearings under five main elements of criteria: (cost, durability, reliability, feature design and availability). Based on the synthesis results and sensitivity analysis of EC software, it can be concluded that single-row tapered bearing is the best choice to be used in wind turbine gearbox of about 52.1% than the other two alternatives taking in considering that the main two criteria, which cause premature failure, are durability and reliability.