BS EN IEC 61400-4:2025 - Wind Energy Generation Systems Design Requirements for Wind Turbine Gearboxes

Standard Number: BS EN IEC 61400-4:2025

Pages: 104

Release Date: June 3, 2025

ISBN: 978 0 539 01842 4

Status: Standard

Overview

The BS EN IEC 61400-4:2025 is a comprehensive standard that outlines the design requirements for wind turbine gearboxes. As the wind energy sector continues to grow, the need for reliable and efficient wind turbine components becomes increasingly critical. This standard provides essential guidelines to ensure that gearboxes used in wind turbines are designed to meet the highest standards of performance and safety.

Importance of Wind Turbine Gearboxes

Wind turbine gearboxes play a crucial role in the conversion of wind energy into electrical power. They are responsible for increasing the rotational speed from the low-speed rotor to the higher speed required by the generator. This process is vital for the efficient generation of electricity. Therefore, the design and maintenance of these gearboxes are paramount to the overall performance and reliability of wind turbines.

Key Features of the Standard

• Comprehensive Design Guidelines: The standard provides detailed design requirements that ensure the durability and efficiency of wind turbine gearboxes.
• Focus on Safety: Safety is a primary concern in the design of wind turbine components. This standard includes specific safety requirements to protect both the equipment and personnel.
• Performance Optimization: By adhering to the guidelines set forth in this standard, manufacturers can optimize the performance of their gearboxes, leading to more efficient energy generation.
• International Applicability: As an IEC standard, it is recognized and applicable worldwide, facilitating international trade and cooperation in the wind energy sector.

Benefits of Compliance

Compliance with the BS EN IEC 61400-4:2025 standard offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Reliability: Gearboxes designed according to this standard are more reliable, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
• Increased Efficiency: Optimized design leads to better performance and higher energy output.
• Global Recognition: Compliance with an internationally recognized standard enhances the credibility and marketability of wind turbine components.
• Safety Assurance: Adhering to safety guidelines protects both the equipment and the workforce, minimizing the risk of accidents.

Target Audience

This standard is essential for a wide range of stakeholders in the wind energy sector, including:

• Wind Turbine Manufacturers: To ensure their products meet international standards and are competitive in the global market.
• Design Engineers: To provide them with the necessary guidelines for designing efficient and reliable gearboxes.
• Regulatory Bodies: To establish a benchmark for safety and performance in the wind energy industry.
• Maintenance Teams: To understand the design requirements and ensure proper maintenance practices are followed.

Conclusion

The BS EN IEC 61400-4:2025 standard is a vital resource for anyone involved in the design, manufacture, and maintenance of wind turbine gearboxes. By providing comprehensive guidelines and requirements, it ensures that these critical components are designed to the highest standards of safety and performance. As the demand for renewable energy continues to rise, adherence to this standard will be crucial in advancing the efficiency and reliability of wind energy systems worldwide.

BS EN IEC 61400-4:2025

This standard BS EN IEC 61400-4:2025 Wind energy generation systems is classified in these ICS categories:

• 21.200 Gears
• 27.180 Wind turbine energy systems

IEC 61400-4:2025 is applicable to enclosed speed increasing gearboxes for horizontal axis wind turbine drivetrains with a power rating in excess of 500 kW. This document applies to newly designed gearboxes for wind turbines installed onshore or offshore. The technical requirements given in this document are not intended for repaired or refurbished gearboxes, or for the extension of the service life beyond the design life. This document provides requirements and guidance on the analysis of the wind turbine loads in relation to the design of the gear and gearbox elements. The gearing elements covered by this document include such gears as spur, helical or double helical and their combinations in parallel and epicyclic arrangements in the main power path. This document does not apply to power take off (PTO) gears. This document includes requirements, design recommendations, and rating of gearboxes with rolling bearings, plain bearings, or combinations of both bearing types. This document is supported by two Technical Reports: IEC TR 61400‑4‑2 provides additional information on lubrication of wind turbine drivetrains and IEC TR 61400‑4‑3 contains explanatory notes and supportive information to the requirements specified in this document. It is published as a double logo standard. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2012. This edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition: - extension of the scope to wind turbines above 2 MW reference power; - considerations for converging differing approaches to reliability in gear, bearing and wind turbine standards; - new clause on wind turbine loads specific to drivetrains; - revised clause on verification and validation; - new clause on design requirements for plain bearings; - revised and expanded design considerations for rolling bearings; - revised clause on considerations and requirements in the design and analysis of gearbox structural elements; - updated considerations and requirements on lubricants and lubrication systems; - removal of requirements for documenting the compliance of a design with the requirements of the document in favour of reference to IECRE OD‑501‑2.