through the hub passage of the nacelle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hub passage through a nacelle. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a nacelle configured to be mounted on top of a wind turbine tower, comprising a nacelle hatch for covering a nacelle opening at a side of the nacelle facing a wind turbine hub. When the hatch is closed, the nacelle hatch is fully supported by the nacelle, and when the hatch is open, the nacelle hatch forms a passage to an opening in the wind turbine hub at a side of the wind turbine hub facing the nacelle. The passage comprises a first side structure on a first side of the hub at least partially obstructing a downward view and a second side structure on a second side of the hub at least partially obstructing a downward view, the second side being opposite to the first side. The present disclosure further relates to a wind turbine and a method for accessing a wind turbine hub from a nacelle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing a passage from the nacelle of a wind turbine to the wind turbine hub. More specifically, this disclosure relates to methods and systems for providing a safe passage from the nacelle of a wind turbine to the wind turbine hub. Background Technology

[0002] Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply power to the grid. This type of wind turbine generally consists of a tower and a rotor mounted on the tower. The rotor, typically including a hub and multiple blades, rotates under the influence of wind on the blades. This rotation generates torque, which is typically transmitted directly or via a gearbox through the rotor shaft to a generator. The generator then produces electricity that can be supplied to the grid.

[0003] The wind turbine hub can be rotatably connected to the front of the nacelle. The wind turbine hub can be connected to the rotor shaft, and the rotor shaft is then rotatably mounted in the nacelle using one or more rotor shaft bearings arranged in a frame inside the nacelle. The nacelle is a shell arranged on top of the wind turbine tower that houses and protects, for example, gearboxes (if present) and generators, as well as (depending on the wind turbine) other components such as power converters and auxiliary systems.

[0004] The interior of a wind turbine hub may require regular maintenance. For example, if necessary, the pitch drive and pitch bearings, blade root accessories, lubrication system, electrical system, etc., can be inspected and repaired from inside the wind turbine hub.

[0005] Depending on the wind turbine's construction, operators can reach and approach the hub in several ways. In, for example, direct-drive wind turbines, access is available through the generator interior. In other constructions, and particularly those with a rotor shaft rotatably mounted in a frame within the nacelle, access is provided through a hatch in the nacelle's top panel. Operators can exit the nacelle through the hatch in the top panel and then enter the hub through a hatch on the front or rear side of the hub. While leaving the nacelle and proceeding to the hub, operators are exposed to and unprotected external elements (e.g., rain, hail, gusts of wind, etc.). Even with fall protection systems, health and safety concerns remain, and operators may experience anxiety during this process.

[0006] Examples of this disclosure provide methods and systems for accessing a wind turbine hub from a nacelle, which at least partially address some of the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a nacelle is provided, configured to be mounted on top of a wind turbine tower. The nacelle includes a nacelle hatch for covering a nacelle opening on the wind turbine hub-facing side of the nacelle, wherein when the hatch is closed, the hatch is fully supported by the nacelle. When the hatch is open, the nacelle hatch forms a passageway to an opening in the wind turbine hub on the nacelle-facing side of the wind turbine hub, the passageway including a first side structure on a first side of the hub that at least partially obstructs a downward view and a second side structure on a second side of the hub that at least partially obstructs a downward view, the second side opposite the first side.

[0008] According to this aspect, a cabin is provided, including a hatch that reduces operator anxiety when the operator needs to access the hub from the cabin. When open, the hatch partially or completely obstructs the operator's downward view, further reducing anxiety. Safety is improved by incorporating a protective structure that reduces the probability of a fall. When closed, the hatch is entirely supported by the cabin, i.e., there is no connection to the hub. Therefore, there are no components fixed or otherwise connected to the hub. The hub can be manufactured as before, i.e., there is no passageway to the hub.

[0009] In this context, "obstructing the field of vision" can be understood as blocking, hindering, altering, or impeding the view. A structure that at least partially obstructs the field of vision can be understood in this context as any structure that impedes the view, such that the operator notices the presence of the structure when looking, and his / her view of objects or the surrounding environment on the other side of the structure is substantially different from that without the structure.

[0010] The term "access" as used herein can be understood as any structure that forms a passageway for an operator between the nacelle and the hub. Access may be completely or only partially covered and may include full or partial sidewalls. The structure of the access may be load-bearing, partially load-bearing, or non-load-bearing.

[0011] On the other hand, a method for accessing a wind turbine hub from a nacelle is provided. The method includes opening a hatch at the forward side of the nacelle and deploying the hatch such that it forms a passageway leading to an opening in the wind turbine hub at the rear side. This passageway includes a first-side structure on a first side of the hub that substantially obstructs downward visibility and a second-side structure on a second side of the hub that substantially obstructs downward visibility, the second side opposite the first side.

[0012] Technical Solution 1. A nacelle configured to be mounted on top of a wind turbine tower, and including a nacelle hatch for covering a nacelle opening on the wind turbine hub-facing side of the nacelle, wherein... When the hatch is closed, the cabin hatch is completely supported by the cabin, and When the hatch is opened, the nacelle hatch forms a passageway to an opening in the wind turbine hub on the nacelle-facing side. The passage includes a first side structure on a first side of the hub that at least partially obstructs the downward view and a second side structure on a second side of the hub that at least partially obstructs the downward view, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0013] Technical Solution 2. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the cabin hatch includes one or more panels hingedly mounted to the cabin to form the passageway.

[0014] Technical Solution 3. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the hatch is configured to selectively lock the panel in an open position.

[0015] Technical Solution 4. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the cabin hatch includes a first top panel hingedly mounted to the cabin. A first side panel hingedly mounted to the first top panel to form at least a portion of the first side structure, and A second side panel is hingedly mounted to the first top panel to form at least a portion of the second side structure.

[0016] Technical Solution 5. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the cabin hatch further includes a second top panel hingedly mounted at the front edge of the first top panel.

[0017] Technical Solution 6. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the cabin hatch includes a first side panel hingedly mounted to the cabin to form the first side structure, and a second side panel hingedly mounted to the cabin to form the second side structure.

[0018] Technical Solution 7. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that, when the hatch is opened, the first side panel and the second side panel extend substantially to the top surface of the hub.

[0019] Technical Solution 8. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the cabin hatch includes an expandable structure, which extends between the opening in the cabin and the opening in the hub when expanded.

[0020] Technical Solution 9. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the expandable structure includes a bellows.

[0021] Technical Solution 10. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the hatch is configured to be manually opened and closed.

[0022] Technical Solution 11. The cabin according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the hatch further includes a hydraulic system for opening and / or closing the hatch.

[0023] Technical Solution 12. A wind turbine, comprising a tower, a nacelle according to any of the foregoing technical solutions on top of the tower, and a hub rotatably mounted in the nacelle.

[0024] Technical Solution 13. A method for approaching a wind turbine hub from a nacelle, comprising: Open the hatch located at the front of the cabin. The hatch is deployed such that it forms a passageway leading to an opening in the wind turbine hub located at the rear of the wind turbine hub, wherein... The passage includes a first-side structure on a first side of the hub that substantially blocks downward view and a second-side structure on a second side of the hub that substantially blocks downward view, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0025] Technical Solution 14. The method according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that deploying the hatch includes pushing a first panel hingedly mounted to the cabin.

[0026] Technical Solution 15. The method according to any of the foregoing technical solutions, characterized in that the deployment further includes unfolding a plurality of panels hingedly mounted to the first panel. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example wind turbine is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A simplified interior view of an example wind turbine nacelle; Figures 3A-3D An example of an aircraft hatch is shown schematically; Figure 3E-3G The illustration schematically shows an example method for deploying a cabin hatch. Figure 4 Another example of an aircraft hatch is shown schematically; and Figures 5A-5C This schematically illustrates yet another example of an aircraft hatch. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustrative purposes and not as a limitation thereof. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from its scope or spirit. For example, a feature shown or described as part of one embodiment may be used in combination with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the invention cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example wind turbine 160 is shown. As shown, the wind turbine 160 includes a tower 170 extending from a support surface 150, a nacelle 161 mounted on the tower 170, and a rotor 115 coupled to the nacelle 161. The rotor 115 includes a rotatable hub 110 and at least one rotor blade 120 coupled to and extending outward from the hub 110. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the rotor 115 includes three rotor blades 120. However, in alternative embodiments, the rotor 115 may include more or fewer than three rotor blades 120. Each rotor blade 120 may be spaced apart about the hub 110 to allow the rotor 115 to rotate so that kinetic energy from the wind can be converted into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently into electrical energy. For example, the hub 110 may be rotatably coupled to a generator 162 located within the nacelle 161. Figure 2 This allows for the generation of electrical energy.

[0030] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A simplified internal view of an example of the nacelle 161 of a wind turbine 160. As shown, a generator 162 may be disposed within the nacelle 161. Generally, the generator 162 may be coupled to the rotor 115 of the wind turbine 160 to generate electrical power from the rotational energy produced by the rotor 115. For example, the rotor 115 may include a main rotor shaft 163 coupled to a hub 110 to rotate therewith. The generator 162 may then be coupled to the rotor shaft 163 such that rotation of the rotor shaft 163 drives the generator 162. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the generator 162 includes a generator shaft 166 rotatably coupled to the rotor shaft 163 via a gearbox 164.

[0031] It should be recognized that the rotor shaft 163, gearbox 164 and generator 162 are generally supported within the nacelle 161 by a support frame or platform 165 located on top of the wind turbine tower 170.

[0032] The nacelle 161 is rotatably connected to the tower 170 via a yaw system 20, enabling the nacelle 161 to rotate about a yaw axis YA. The yaw system 20 includes a yaw bearing with two bearing members configured to rotate relative to the other. The tower 170 is connected to one bearing member, and the platform or support frame 165 of the nacelle 161 is connected to the other bearing member. The yaw system 20 includes a ring gear 21 and a plurality of yaw actuators 22, each having a motor 23, a gearbox 24, and a pinion 25 that meshes with the ring gear 21 to rotate one bearing member relative to the other.

[0033] Blade 120 is connected to hub 110 via pitch bearing 100 between blade 120 and hub 110. Pitch bearing 100 includes an inner ring and an outer ring. The wind turbine blade may be attached to either the inner or outer bearing ring, while the hub is connected to the other. When the pitch system 107 is actuated, blade 120 can perform relative rotational movement with respect to hub 110. The inner bearing ring can therefore perform rotational movement with respect to the outer bearing ring. Figure 2 The pitch system 107 includes a pinion 108 that meshes with a ring gear 109 located on an inner bearing ring to cause the wind turbine blades to rotate about the pitch axis PA.

[0034] Figures 3A-3D An example of an aircraft hatch is shown schematically. Figure 3A An isometric view of the wind turbine rotor and the nacelle with deployed hatches is shown. Figure 3B The same view is shown, in which the hatch has been made transparent to show the components. Figure 3C and Figure 3D The same cabin and hatch are shown in a side view. Figure 3E-3G The method for deploying the same cabin hatch is illustrated schematically.

[0035] Figure 3A An isometric view of a nacelle 161 configured to be mounted on top of a wind turbine tower is shown. The nacelle 161 includes a nacelle hatch 20 for covering a nacelle opening on the side of the nacelle facing the wind turbine hub. When the hatch is closed, the nacelle hatch is entirely supported by the nacelle 161. This allows for… Figure 3E I saw it in the middle.

[0036] When the hatch is opened, the nacelle hatch 20 forms a passageway to an opening 30 in the wind turbine hub on the nacelle-facing side of the wind turbine hub. The passageway includes a first side structure 26 that at least partially obstructs downward visibility on a first side of the hub and a second side structure 26 that at least partially obstructs downward visibility on a second side of the hub, the second side being opposite to the first side.

[0037] In the example of Figure 3, the wind turbine has a rotor upstream of the nacelle. The upstream or front surface of the nacelle 63 therefore faces the hub, while the rear or downstream surface of the hub faces the nacelle. In other examples, the rotor may be arranged downstream of the nacelle.

[0038] The nacelle may further include side surfaces 64 and a top surface or “top plate” surface 62. The nacelle generally houses the rotor shaft, gearbox (if present), and generator. Other components such as batteries, converters, power cables, A / C systems, etc., may also be partially or fully housed within the nacelle 161.

[0039] In some examples, the cabin hatch 20 may include one or more panels hinged to the cabin to form a passageway. In the example of Figure 3, the cabin hatch 20 includes a first top panel 24 hinged to the cabin 161. A hinge 28 that allows the first top panel to rotate from an opening covering the cabin to an open position has been schematically shown.

[0040] A first side panel 26 is hingedly mounted to a first top panel 24 to form at least a portion of a first side structure, and a second side panel 26 is hingedly mounted to the first top panel 24 to form at least a portion of a second side structure. A hinge 29 has been schematically shown and may be, for example, present in... Figure 3C and Figure 3D I saw it in the middle.

[0041] In the example of Figure 3, the cabin hatch 20 also includes a second top panel 22 hingedly mounted at the leading edge of the first top panel 24. The hinge 23 is already in place. Figure 3C and Figure 3D It is schematically shown at the front edge of the first top panel.

[0042] A path from the nacelle to the hub is provided when the operator needs to approach it. The side panel 26 obstructs the operator's downward view on either side of the hub and increases safety by preventing falls on either side of the hub when moving from the nacelle to the hub.

[0043] Figure 3E-3G A schematic side view of an example method for approaching the wind turbine hub 110 from the nacelle 161 is shown. Before approaching the hub, the wind turbine rotor may have been rotated to one of several predetermined positions suitable for maintenance. Specifically, three such positions may be predefined, for example, corresponding to three positions in a rabbit-ear configuration. In a rabbit-ear configuration, one of the blades points directly downwards, while the other blades point upwards.

[0044] Specifically, after the hub is rotated to or stopped in that position, the rotor can be locked in place. The rotor may be provided with a locking plate, and bolts or pins may be inserted from the nacelle into holes in the locking plate to secure the rotor in its position. However, one aspect of the nacelle hatch disclosed herein is that, since the nacelle hatch can be fully supported by the hub, maintenance may be possible even if the rotor is not fully in one of the predefined stop or lock positions.

[0045] The method may then include opening hatch 20 on the forward side of the cabin, such as Figure 3E As shown in the diagram. The method then includes deploying a hatch 20 such that the hatch 20 forms a passageway to an opening 30 in the wind turbine hub 110 at its rear side. This passageway includes a first side structure 26 that substantially blocks downward visibility on a first side of the hub and a second side structure 26 that substantially blocks downward visibility on a second side of the hub, opposite the first side.

[0046] The opening 30 in the wind turbine hub, which allows access to the interior of the hub, may be provided with a cover 35. In some examples, the cover 35 is securely locked when in its open position. The cover 35 in its open position may surround the passage formed by the hatch 20.

[0047] In a specific example of Figure 3, the deployment hatch 20 includes pushing a first panel 24 hingedly mounted to the nacelle. When deployed, the first panel 24 mounted to the nacelle can form a first top panel. The deployment of the hatch 20 may also include unfolding a plurality of panels 22, 26 hingedly mounted to the first panel 24.

[0048] In some examples, the hatch may be configured to selectively lock the panels in the open position. This may apply to one or more panels or all panels. Figure 3E In this configuration, the first top panel 24 can be locked in place before the other panels are deployed. Locking of the panels can be accomplished in various ways, such as by using latches or mechanical blocking using pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

[0049] Other panels suspended from the first top panel can also be locked in the open position by appropriate mechanical, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic systems.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 3, and specifically in Figure 3F In this example, the hatch can be supported by the hub when open. In other examples, the hatch can still be fully supported by the nacelle when open.

[0051] In some examples, hatch 20 can be configured to open and close manually. In the example of Figure 3, an operator can grasp the first top panel and push it open. After securing the first top panel in the open position, the operator can then unfold the side panel 26 and the second top panel 22. To retract the hatch, for example after maintenance inside the hub has been completed, the process can be performed in reverse order. In alternative examples, a system involving a motor and / or piston can be used to automatically or semi-automatically deploy the hatch when needed, and also to retract the hatch.

[0052] Figure 4 Another example of a cabin hatch 20 is schematically shown. In this example, the cabin hatch includes a first side panel 46 hinged to the cabin 161 to form a first side structure and a second side panel 46 hinged to the cabin 161 to form a second side structure. As in the example of Figure 3, the side panels obstruct or at least partially block the downward view of an operator who wants to access the opening 30 in the hub.

[0053] In the example of Figure 3, the hatch, when deployed to the open position, protects the operator from external influences such as hail, rain, and gusts of wind. Figure 4 In the example, the hatch only protects the operator on the side, but this is enough to reduce the operator's anxiety.

[0054] In some examples, when the hatch is opened, the first and second side panels 46 extend substantially to the top surface of the hub. That is, the side panels 46 may be partially supported by the hub. The side panels shown herein are substantially rectangular. In other examples, the shape of the side panels may be irregular; for example, corners may be adapted to fit the shape of the hub surface.

[0055] Figures 5A-5C Another example of a cabin hatch is schematically shown. In the example of Figure 5, the cabin hatch 50 includes an expandable structure that extends between the opening in the cabin and the opening in the hub when expanded.

[0056] The passageway between the nacelle and the hub can be closed on the top and either side, providing good protection for the operator from external influences.

[0057] In the example of Figure 5, the expandable structure may include a bellows. The bellows may include multiple folds 52, 54, 56, 58, which fold over each other in the closed position of the hatch 50. In the open position of the hatch 50, or in the open configuration, the folds 52, 54, 56, 58 are separated from each other.

[0058] The hatch 50 may include an operator-gripable handle to push the hatch 50 toward the hub and / or pull the hatch back toward the nacelle. In other examples, the hatch may be opened and closed automatically using, for example, an electric motor, pneumatic system, or hydraulic system.

[0059] According to the examples disclosed herein, a wind turbine may include a tower, a nacelle disposed on top of the tower, and a rotor including a rotor hub and a plurality of wind turbine blades. The rotor may be rotatably mounted relative to the nacelle, and the nacelle may include a nacelle opening on an upstream side of the nacelle, and the hub includes a hub opening on a downstream side of the hub. The nacelle includes a nacelle hatch that covers the nacelle opening in a first configuration and forms a passageway to the hub opening in a second configuration. The nacelle hatch in the second configuration includes protective structures on at least both sides of the passageway.

[0060] In this context, a protective structure can be understood as any structure that, to some extent, increases operator safety or protection when traveling from the nacelle to the hub (or vice versa). A protective structure can be completely safe, where the operator does not need to lock himself / herself to a safety line. In some examples, the protective structure can be strong and rigid enough for the operator to use it as a support and lean against it. In other examples, the protective structure may not be able to withstand such loads, but can still increase operator safety as described above by blocking or reducing the effects of weather or by reducing operator anxiety.

[0061] In some examples, the cabin hatch in the second construction may include a protective structure at the top of the passageway, for example, as shown in Figures 3 and 5.

[0062] In some examples, the cabin hatch may include multiple non-expandable panels, for example, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. At least one of the multiple panels can be hingedly mounted to the cabin.

[0063] In some examples, the cabin hatch may include an expandable structure, such as Figure 4 As shown. In Figure 4 In one example, the expandable structure includes a bellows, which may be a sliding bellows or a corrugated bellows. In other examples, the expandable structure may include a telescopic structure or a telescopic element.

[0064] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including preferred embodiments, and also enables any person skilled in the art to implement the invention, including making and using any apparatus or system, and performing any incorporated methods. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to a person skilled in the art. Such other examples are expected to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the written language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the written language of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described, and other known equivalents of each such aspect, may be mixed and matched by a person skilled in the art to constitute additional embodiments and techniques according to the principles of this application. Reference numerals relating to the drawings placed in brackets in the claims are used only to attempt to increase the comprehensibility of the claims and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A nacelle configured to be mounted on top of a wind turbine tower, and including a nacelle hatch for covering a nacelle opening on the wind turbine hub-facing side of the nacelle, wherein... When the hatch is closed, the cabin hatch is completely supported by the cabin, and The nacelle hatch is configured to extend from a closed position, in which it covers the nacelle opening, to an open position, in which it forms a passageway to an opening in the wind turbine hub on the nacelle-facing side of the wind turbine hub. The passage includes a first side structure on a first side of the hub that at least partially obstructs a downward view, and a second side structure on a second side of the hub that at least partially obstructs a downward view, the second side being opposite to the first side. in, The cabin hatch includes a first top panel hinged to the cabin. A first side panel hingedly mounted to the first top panel to form at least a portion of the first side structure, and A second side panel is hingedly mounted to the first top panel to form at least a portion of the second side structure. The cabin hatch also includes a second top panel that is hingedly mounted at the front edge of the first top panel.

2. The cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hatch is configured to selectively lock the panel in the open position.

3. The cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hatch is configured to be opened and closed manually.

4. The cabin according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hatch also includes a hydraulic system for opening and / or closing the hatch.

5. A wind turbine comprising a tower, a nacelle according to claim 1 on top of the tower, and a hub rotatably mounted in the nacelle.

6. A method for approaching a wind turbine hub from a nacelle, comprising: The hatch at the front of the cabin opens from its closed position, covering the opening in the cabin. Deploying the hatch from the closed position to the open position, such that the hatch forms a passageway leading to an opening in the wind turbine hub located at the rear of the wind turbine hub, wherein... The passage includes a first-side structure on a first side of the hub that substantially blocks downward view and a second-side structure on a second side of the hub that substantially blocks downward view, the second side being opposite to the first side. The deployment of the hatch includes pushing a first top panel hinged to the cabin, and the deployment further includes unfolding a first side panel hinged to the first top panel to form at least a portion of the first side structure, unfolding a second side panel hinged to the first top panel to form at least a portion of the second side structure, and unfolding a second top panel hinged to the first top panel.

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