Nacelle for a wind turbine, the nacelle comprising side units

Abstract

A nacelle (2) for a wind turbine (1) and a method for erecting a wind turbine (1) are disclosed. The nacelle (2) comprises a main unit (8) arranged to be connected to a wind turbine tower (3), via a yawing arrangement, and at least one side unit (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) mounted along a side of the main unit (8) in such a manner that direct access is allowed between the main unit (8) and the side unit(s) (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d), each side unit (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) accommodating at least one wind turbine component (13, 14, 15, 16, 17), and at least one side unit (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) being capable of carrying the wind turbine component(s) (13, 4, 15, 16, 17) accommodated therein. The main unit (8) and at least one of the side unit(s) (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) are distributed side by side along a substantially horizontal direction which is substantially transverse to a rotational axis of a rotor of the wind turbine (1). A sufficient interior space of the nacelle (2) is obtained while allowing the nacelle (2) to be transported due to the modular construction. The weight of the wind turbine components (13, 14, 15, 16, 17) is arranged close to the tower (3) due to the transversal arrangement of the side unit(s) (9a, 9b, 9c, 9d) relative to the main unit (8).

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a nacelle for a wind turbine, the nacelle comprising a main unit and at least one side unit mounted on a side of the main unit. The nacelle of the present invention is particularly suitable for use in large wind turbines. The present invention further relates to a method for erecting a wind turbine comprising such a nacelle.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Over the past years there has been a tendency for wind turbines to increase in size, in terms of nominal power output as well as in terms of physical dimensions of the individual parts of the wind turbine. As a consequence, the size of the nacelle must also be increased in order to ensure that the nacelle is capable of accommodating the required wind turbine components.[0003]Wind turbines are normally transported from the location or locations of manufacture of the individual parts to the operating site where the wind turbine is supposed to be erected. Accordingly, as th...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a nacelle for a wind turbine that reduces torque loads compared to prior art nacelles of similar sizes. Additionally, the invention provides a transportation cover for the side unit(s) of the nacelle, which can be attached during transport and protect the side unit and wind turbine components accommodated therein. This cover can be easily removed before mounting the side unit on the main unit of the nacelle.

Problems solved by technology

Accordingly, as the size of the wind turbines, and thereby the size of the individual parts of the wind turbines, increases it becomes increasingly difficult to transport the parts to the operating site, and the dimensions of roads, transport vehicles etc. impose an upper limit to the size of parts which it is possible to transport.

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