PRUFTECHNIK / ALIGNMENT
Northon performs laser shaft alignment of wind turbine generator and gearbox drivetrains using PRUFTECHNIK / OPTALIGN Touch measurement systems. We measure the alignment, correct the generator position and provide an As Found / As Left report.
01 / PRUFTECHNIK / ALIGNMENT
Alignment verification may be required after generator or bearing replacement, coupling or gearbox work, or removal of drivetrain components. It may also be considered when vibration or bearing and coupling temperatures are elevated, or when service measurements indicate an irregularity.
These situations are not an absolute rule for every turbine. The decision, measurement method and acceptance criteria depend on manufacturer documentation, the actual work scope and the project specification.
On-turbine measurement
Laser heads are installed directly on the generator–gearbox drivetrain. This allows vertical and horizontal angular and offset misalignment to be measured without relying solely on the apparent position of installation components.
Before measurement, we verify the base, fasteners, coupling and nacelle conditions. This helps reduce the influence of factors that could distort the result or prevent a controlled generator-position correction.
01Technical scope
Symptoms are assessed together with operating history, diagnostic results and drivetrain condition.
Verification and records
The measurement system calculates the required machine movement and shim correction. After adjustment, the drivetrain is measured again over the procedure-defined rotation range and the final values are recorded.
Photographic records and before-and-after alignment results provide a clear account of the completed work. Acceptance criteria are taken from turbine documentation or the specification agreed for the project.
03Competence and documentation
Northon technicians performing laser shaft alignment have completed training in PRUFTECHNIK / OPTALIGN Touch systems, drivetrain result interpretation and detailed precision alignment theory.
This certificate confirms completion of further Precision Alignment training covering detailed alignment theory, measurement result interpretation, tolerances and correction planning. Personal details and the signature have been anonymised.
View Precision Alignment certificate
This sample certificate confirms completion of OPTALIGN Touch laser shaft alignment training. The participant's personal details and the trainer's signature have been anonymised.
View certificate
Following the service, we can provide a report containing the initial As Found condition, recorded measurements and final As Left condition. Operator, location and project identifiers have been removed from this example while technical values remain readable.
Open sample PDF reportDelivery method
Alignment follows a controlled sequence after the turbine and work area have been secured.
Confirm drivetrain configuration, tolerances, measurement conditions and safe access.
Install PRUFTECHNIK / OPTALIGN Touch heads on the generator–gearbox drivetrain.
Record vertical and horizontal angular and offset values.
Calculate required machine movement and shim changes.
Apply the agreed generator movements and shim correction.
Repeat the measurement against the agreed tolerances.
Document As Found and As Left values, corrections and photographs.
Documentation
Scope planning
The quotation is prepared for the actual drivetrain and work scope. We do not use one indicative price without reviewing the technical data, because preparation, access and the required correction scope vary between projects.
Northon / Europe
Northon's mobile teams perform generator-to-gearbox laser alignment in Poland and other European countries. Scope, technical preparation and schedule are agreed for the specific wind farm, manufacturer documentation and project conditions.
Preparing an enquiry
Complete information helps us identify the drivetrain, technical requirements, tooling and potential service date. Please provide the available turbine, generator, gearbox and coupling details, work or fault history, documentation, tolerances, wind-farm location and requested schedule.
Northon / Alignment
Project photographs show the installation of measurement heads, shaft-position recording and verification of the generator–gearbox drivetrain inside a wind-turbine nacelle.
E-E-A-T / Northon
Technical review: Northon mechanical service team
FAQ
It measures vertical and horizontal angular and offset misalignment between generator and gearbox shafts, calculates the generator-position correction and verifies the result with a final measurement.
A check may be considered after drivetrain intervention, when vibration or temperature is elevated, or when required by manufacturer or project documentation.
It depends on turbine design, the dismantling scope and the applicable procedure. A control measurement may be required where the work could affect drivetrain position.
Possible signs include elevated vibration or temperature, uneven coupling behaviour, higher bearing load and irregular diagnostic values. Each symptom requires assessment in the context of the turbine.
It records the measured condition before and after correction, applied movement and shim changes, and the final assessment against agreed tolerances.
Cost depends on the turbine model, drivetrain and coupling configuration, correction scope, site location, number of turbines, available documentation and schedule.
Turbine manufacturer and model, generator and gearbox type, coupling configuration, fault or service history, available documentation, tolerances, wind-farm location and requested date.
Yes. Northon's mobile teams deliver service projects in Poland and other European countries, subject to the agreed scope, customer requirements and site conditions.
