Laser shaft alignment training
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.
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PRUFTECHNIK / ALIGNMENT
Wind turbine laser shaft 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.
- Vertical and horizontal measurement
- Generator position correction
- As Found / As Left report
01 / PRUFTECHNIK / ALIGNMENT
When should wind turbine generator alignment be checked?
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
Precise measurement under actual service conditions.
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 of generator-to-gearbox misalignment
Symptoms are assessed together with operating history, diagnostic results and drivetrain condition.
- elevated drivetrain vibration
- uneven coupling behaviour
- increased bearing load
- higher bearing or coupling temperature
- accelerated wear of bearings and mating components
- irregular values found during measurement or service work
Verification and records
Every correction is confirmed by a repeat measurement.
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
Trained team. Documented result.
Northon technicians performing laser shaft alignment have completed training in the use of PRUFTECHNIK / OPTALIGN Touch measurement systems and in the correct interpretation of generator–gearbox drivetrain alignment results.
Before-and-after report
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
How is wind turbine generator alignment performed?
Alignment follows a controlled sequence after the turbine and work area have been secured.
- 01
Documentation review
Confirm drivetrain configuration, tolerances, measurement conditions and safe access.
- 02
Measurement-system installation
Install PRUFTECHNIK / OPTALIGN Touch heads on the generator–gearbox drivetrain.
- 03
Misalignment measurement
Record vertical and horizontal angular and offset values.
- 04
Correction calculation
Calculate required machine movement and shim changes.
- 05
Generator-position correction
Apply the agreed generator movements and shim correction.
- 06
Final verification measurement
Repeat the measurement against the agreed tolerances.
- 07
Report preparation
Document As Found and As Left values, corrections and photographs.
Documentation
What is included in the As Found / As Left report?
- As Found values before correction
- As Left values after correction
- applied movement and shim changes
- photographic documentation
- final assessment against agreed tolerances
Scope planning
What determines the cost of wind turbine laser alignment?
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.
- turbine model and generator-to-gearbox configuration
- coupling type and required correction scope
- wind-farm location and number of turbines
- available technical documentation and requested schedule
Northon / Europe
Wind turbine laser alignment in Poland and 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
What information should be provided for a quotation?
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.
- turbine manufacturer and model
- generator and gearbox type
- coupling configuration
- fault or completed-work history
- available technical documentation
- required tolerances
- wind-farm location
- requested service date
Northon / Alignment
Laser measurement in practice.
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
Experience supported by completed projects
Technical review: Northon mechanical service team
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is wind turbine laser shaft alignment?
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.
When should generator alignment be checked?
A check may be considered after drivetrain intervention, when vibration or temperature is elevated, or when required by manufacturer or project documentation.
Is alignment required after bearing replacement?
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.
What are the symptoms of misalignment?
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.
What does an As Found / As Left report mean?
It records the measured condition before and after correction, applied movement and shim changes, and the final assessment against agreed tolerances.
What determines the cost of alignment?
Cost depends on the turbine model, drivetrain and coupling configuration, correction scope, site location, number of turbines, available documentation and schedule.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Turbine manufacturer and model, generator and gearbox type, coupling configuration, fault or service history, available documentation, tolerances, wind-farm location and requested date.
Does Northon provide alignment services outside Poland?
Yes. Northon's mobile teams deliver service projects in Poland and other European countries, subject to the agreed scope, customer requirements and site conditions.
Northon Wind Turbine Service
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