Nacelles for wind turbines

Abstract

A wind turbine nacelle is configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower and supporting a rotor support assembly. The nacelle includes a main unit and at least one auxiliary unit. The auxiliary unit houses at least one working component, such as an inverter, transformer, electrolytic cell, or battery. Working components with similar functions are housed in another auxiliary unit, thereby facilitating shared operations and enabling easy and rapid maintenance or replacement of working components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a nacelle for a wind turbine, comprising a main unit and two auxiliary units mounted on the main unit. The nacelle of the present disclosure is particularly suitable for large wind turbines. The present disclosure further relates to a method for operating a wind turbine comprising such a nacelle. Background Art

[0002] Wind turbines are constantly increasing in size, both in terms of rated power output and the physical dimensions of their individual components. Consequently, the size of the nacelle must also increase to accommodate the required wind turbine components. Wind turbines are typically transported from the manufacturing location, or locations, where the individual components are manufactured to the work site where the wind turbine is erected. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An object of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to promote further modularity, ease design and manufacturing, and allow for improved maintenance planning of wind turbines. Another object of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a nacelle that can be transported using common transport means, thereby reducing transport and handling costs without limiting the possible size of the nacelle, and to provide a wind turbine that allows for very fast and efficient maintenance and repair.

[0004] In accordance with these and other objects, the present disclosure provides a wind turbine nacelle configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower and for supporting a rotor support assembly defining an axis of rotation, the nacelle comprising:

[0005] a main unit arranged to be connected to a wind turbine tower and housing a rotor support assembly;

[0006] a first auxiliary unit; and

[0007] The second auxiliary unit,

[0008] in:

[0009] The main unit, the first auxiliary unit and the second auxiliary unit are independent units.

[0010] The first auxiliary unit is assembled to the main unit in the first interface,

[0011] The second auxiliary unit is assembled to the main unit in the second interface, and

[0012] The first auxiliary cell houses a first working component which forms part of the power conversion assembly and has a function similar to that of a corresponding second working component housed in the second auxiliary cell.

[0013] Since both auxiliary units house working components of the same function, the size of each individual working component can be reduced. This is advantageous during assembly of the wind turbine and typically during operation of the wind turbine.

[0014] Due to the components' identical functions, the nacelle allows for redundant operation. If one of the first and second operating components fails, the other can take over while the failed component is replaced. Furthermore, by replacing the entire auxiliary unit housing the failed component, the failed component can be efficiently replaced. This ensures efficient operation of the wind turbine, with reduced downtime and effective maintenance and repair.

[0015] The electronic control structure may be configured to control the two working components.The electronic control structure may, for example, include redundant control units, each control unit being configured for independent operation of one or both of the first working component and the second working component.

[0016] In particular, the electronic control structure can be housed outside the first auxiliary unit and outside the second auxiliary unit. This will allow easy replacement of one or both auxiliary units, and it may in particular allow replacement of one auxiliary unit while the other is operational, and vice versa.

[0017] The electronic control structure may be located, for example, at the base of the wind turbine tower, or in the primary unit, or it may be housed in a separate secondary unit.

[0018] The at least one working component may consist of an inverter, a transformer, an electrolysis cell stack and / or a battery. Specifically, these wind turbine working components may be subject to wear and degradation and may require repair or replacement during the service life of the wind turbine.

[0019] The primary unit and the secondary units may be transported independently and assembled to one or more other units to form a cabin. Each of the secondary and primary units may be the size and / or shape of a shipping cargo container. Each unit thereby inherits the advantages of a shipping cargo container with respect to handling, transportation and storage. Shipping cargo containers may be transported anywhere in the world, for example by ship, train, truck, etc., and at a lower cost than bulk transport. With the shipping cargo containers that make up these units, the cost savings are even more significant. Shipping cargo containers are also known as intermodal containers, standard cargo containers, box containers, ocean containers or ISO containers, and generally refer to containers used for storing and moving materials and products in a global containerized intermodal transport system for intercontinental traffic. Shipping cargo containers may follow the dimensional and structural specifications in the ISO standard ISO 668:2013 for Series 1 cargo containers.

[0020] In one embodiment, the nacelle includes two auxiliary units, each of which is half the size of a shipping freight container that complies with the dimensional and structural specifications of ISO standard ISO 668:2013 for Series 1 freight containers, and is arranged so that the two halves of the container can be assembled into one container during transport and divided into the two auxiliary units to be arranged on opposite sides of the main unit. The container can specifically be divided at a joint extending along the longitudinal direction of the container.

[0021] The main unit is configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower, meaning the nacelle is carried by the wind turbine tower via the main unit. This can be carried directly or indirectly via an intermediate tower structure. If the wind turbine is a conventional horizontal-axis type, the nacelle is typically carried by a yaw mechanism between the tower top and the nacelle. However, the present disclosure may also relate to multi-rotor wind turbines of the type in which more than one nacelle is carried by a crossbeam structure, which is in turn carried by the tower.

[0022] The present disclosure may relate to upwind wind turbines or to downwind wind turbines.

[0023] The main unit is the component connecting the nacelle to the tower directly or indirectly via said intermediate tower structure or structures.The main unit may in particular be a central part of the nacelle and accommodate parts of the drive train, eg at least a part of the rotor shaft.

[0024] The wind turbine may be a direct drive wind turbine where the generator is typically placed outside the nacelle, or the wind turbine may be where the generator is located, for example, in the main unit.The main unit supports the rotor via a rotor shaft.

[0025] Depending on the type of wind turbine, the main unit may include additional components, such as a gearbox, a bearing system, and various peripheral devices, for example, for lubrication, cooling, and control purposes. The main unit may specifically include a main frame, which connects the drive train to the tower or an intermediate tower structure, for example, via a yaw mechanism. The main frame may, in particular, be a cast component.

[0026] The main frames can be rotated relative to the tower via the yaw device. This can be facilitated by connecting the main frames to the tower via the yaw device or by connecting at least two main frames of separate nacelle structures to the tower via the intermediate tower structure, which is again coupled to the tower via the yaw device.

[0027] The power conversion assembly converts the power from the generator into a desired energy form. The power conversion assembly can be configured to deliver electricity (e.g., in AC or DC) or to convert the electricity from the generator into other forms of energy, such as hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol.

[0028] In the case of electrical energy, the power conversion assembly can be configured to connect the generator to, for example, an external power grid. In this case, the power conversion assembly can be composed of, for example, an inverter, a transformer, and a switch gear. Any such components can be included in the power conversion assembly.

[0029] As an example, the generator may be an asynchronous or synchronous generator, eg, an asynchronous or synchronous generator, and the inverter voltage may be in the same range as the generator voltage (sometimes referred to as the stator voltage).

[0030] In another example, the generator can be a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). In this case, the voltage on the inverter can be different from the generator stator voltage. The inverter is connected to the generator rotor and is typically the same voltage as the stator voltage or a lower voltage than it.

[0031] Low voltage may be considered to be, for example, voltages up to 1000 V. Medium voltage may be considered to be voltages from 1 kV to about 60 kV. The generator voltage may be low voltage or medium voltage.

[0032] In a wind turbine configured to produce hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol, the power conversion assembly may include an electrolytic cell configured to produce the substance based on electricity from the generator.

[0033] In other embodiments, the wind turbine may store energy and the power conversion assembly may include a battery.

[0034] Thus, the working components may consist of an electrolytic cell stack or an inverter and / or a transformer or a battery etc. Such components may be suitably housed in two separate auxiliary units, thereby facilitating increased capacity by sharing operation between the working components in the separate auxiliary units.

[0035] The first working part and the second working part can be connected individually from the nacelle to the joint by one cable for each part of the same function. The joint can be located in the nacelle, it can be just below the nacelle, for example just below the jawing arrangement, it can be located at the base of the tower, or anywhere between the base of the tower and the nacelle. It can even be a joint that is remote from the wind turbine and covers multiple wind turbines, wherein the multiple wind turbines are each connected to the joint by one cable for each working part of the same function. Therefore, each cable can have a reduced power rating compared to a cable conducting the combined output from the working parts. Further, redundant operation and the ability to use only one of the two possible working parts can always be used for the joint.

[0036] The electronic control structure may, for example, constitute a controller for a transformer, an inverter, a cooling system or a controller for other systems housed in the auxiliary unit.

[0037] In one example, an electronic control structure is used for an inverter that includes, for example, a PMSM (permanent magnet synchronous machine) generator and an active rectifier that converts the AC output of a wind turbine into a DC voltage. The resulting DC voltage output from the rectifier is provided to a full-bridge inverter (DC / AC inverter), which is coupled to the AC / DC inverter via a monolithic transformer having a single secondary winding. The AC / DC inverter consists of a series resonant tank (LC circuit), a rectifier, and an output filter. The electronic control structure drives the DC / AC inverter and, specifically, controls the transistor switches of the DC / AC inverter using pulse width modulation (PWM) signals. The controller receives as input a signal indicating the output voltage Vo and the rectified current [Ir] of the AC / DC inverter, as well as an input indicating the input voltage Vg and the input DC current of the DC / AC inverter. Based on the received signals, the controller determines the appropriate switching frequency and / or phase shift of the transistor switches.

[0038] In another example, the electronic control structure is a controller for controlling overall operation of a wind turbine.

[0039] A busbar structure can form an electrical connection from the electronic control structure to the first and second operating components. The busbars can extend from the primary unit to the first and second secondary units, for example, through openings in the sidewalls of the primary and secondary units. The busbar structure can include a set of flexible busbar connectors that connect the busbars in the primary unit to the busbars in the secondary units.

[0040] Alternatively or additionally, the electronic control structure may be implemented in a switch gear disposed between the working components and an external power network receiving power from the wind turbine. The switch gear may be specifically configured to switch one of the functionally identical working components between contact with the power network and non-contact with it. Thus, zero, one, or two transformers, inverters, and / or batteries may be connected to the power network and provide power output from the wind turbine.

[0041] Thus, the electronic control structure can be used to reduce or upgrade the performance of the wind turbine and disconnect selected failed working components so that they can be replaced while working components of the same function remain operational.

[0042] Remotely operable controls for switching between independent operation of one or both of the first and second working parts may allow, for example, relocation from an external control center and may allow continued operation if one of the two identically functioning working parts fails.

[0043] The switch gear may advantageously be located at the base of the wind turbine tower.

[0044] The main unit and the auxiliary unit are assembled via a first interface and a second interface. These interfaces can be particularly suitable for allowing the auxiliary units to be released from the main unit after the main unit is assembled on the top of the tower. This will allow the interface to quickly and efficiently replace faulty working parts by replacing the entire auxiliary unit. To this end, each interface can include interlocking structural features located on the main unit and on the auxiliary unit. Examples of such interlocking features can be a protrusion on one of the main unit and the auxiliary unit and a notch or hole on the other of the main unit and the auxiliary unit. The interface can be a bolted interface that allows the main unit and the auxiliary unit to releasably engage, or the auxiliary unit can be held in place on the main unit by a cable, via which the auxiliary unit can be lowered to the ground to repair or replace the working parts or to transport working parts and personnel between the ground and the cabin. In one embodiment, the interface is configured so that the auxiliary unit can be received by the main unit when the auxiliary unit is lowered close to the main unit. Such an interface can be composed of a hook or an upward and outwardly protruding ledge on at least one of the main unit and the auxiliary unit.

[0045] The first interface and the second interface can be configured to independently secure the respective auxiliary units, and both the first interface and the second interface can allow one auxiliary unit to be released independently of the other. This allows the auxiliary unit and the working components contained therein to be replaced without disassembling the other auxiliary unit and the working components contained therein.

[0046] The two secondary units can be arranged on opposite sides of the primary unit. In this embodiment, the two secondary units can be located on opposite sides of a vertical plane extending through the axis of rotation (i.e., a vertical plane passing through the rotor shaft), and thus separated by this vertical plane. Such a plane would be defined by the axis of rotation and a point vertically above the axis of rotation.

[0047] The two auxiliary units can also be arranged on one side of the main unit above and below each other, or the two units above and below each other can be placed on two sides of the main unit. In this case, the two auxiliary units can, for example, be on opposite sides of a horizontal plane in which the axis of rotation extends.

[0048] In one embodiment, the transformer and inverter are housed in the first and second auxiliary units. In another embodiment, the transformer and battery are housed in the first and second auxiliary units. In another embodiment, the inverter and battery are housed in the first and second auxiliary units. In another embodiment, the transformer, inverter, and battery are housed in the first and second auxiliary units.

[0049] At least one working component (i.e., for example, a transformer, inverter, and / or battery) may include an electrical connector configured to electrically connect to a component in the primary unit (typically a generator). The electrical connector may be connected via an interface between the primary unit and the secondary unit. Specifically, the interface may allow connection or interruption of a connection from the primary space in the primary unit without entering the secondary unit, or it may allow connection or interruption of a connection from the secondary space in the secondary unit without entering the primary unit.

[0050] The first and second operating components may be inverter operating components configured for interleaved operation. Interleaved operation is sometimes referred to as multi-phase and is an operating principle that can reduce the size of filter components. An interleaved inverter is equivalent to two parallel combinations of switches, diodes, and inductors connected to a common filter capacitor and load, and can reduce the inverter frequency from, for example, 4 kHz to 2.5 kHz, thereby significantly reducing losses.

[0051] In one embodiment, the primary and secondary units are joined in an interface that forms a gap that allows air to pass from below the nacelle through the gap to above the nacelle. Such a gap can increase heat convection and thus increase cooling of the space within the primary and secondary units.

[0052] In one embodiment, vibration-damping material is placed between the primary and secondary units. Rubber or foam materials, or similar elastically deformable and vibration-damping materials, can be used. The vibration-damping material can be compressed between the primary and secondary units, and can be placed specifically where the primary and secondary units are secured via nails, rivets, bolts, or similar mechanical attachments. Furthermore, the vibration-damping material can be placed between the main frames in the primary unit, particularly when the main frames are one-piece cast components directly connected to the yaw assembly. This can prevent intonation issues, especially when combined with the secondary units.

[0053] In one embodiment, the primary unit is wider than the secondary unit. By "wider" the primary unit means that its dimension in the horizontal plane, perpendicular to the axis of rotation, is larger than the same dimension of the secondary unit. The primary unit may specifically be wider than a shipping freight container that adheres to the dimensional and structural specifications of the ISO standard ISO 668:2013 for Series 1 freight containers, while the secondary unit may have the dimensions specified for those ISO standards (ISO 668:2013) for Series 1 freight containers or less.

[0054] In one embodiment, the primary unit includes a cantilever structure movable between a suspended configuration and a retracted configuration. In the suspended configuration, the cantilever structure forms at least one, and optionally several, outwardly projecting arms configured to carry the secondary unit and to be used to hoist the secondary unit toward and away from the primary unit. The outwardly projecting cantilever structure can be specifically attached to a top member of the primary unit.

[0055] The electronic control structure may be located in the main unit, or it may be located outside the nacelle, for example, in the tower of the wind turbine. The nacelle may include a communication structure for transmitting control signals between the working components and the electronic control structure, which may, for example, include cable connections that exit the nacelle, for example, directly into the tower.

[0056] In a second aspect, the invention provides a wind turbine having a tower and a nacelle as described above.The wind turbine may have a generator located outside the nacelle and / or an electronic control structure housed in the tower.

[0057] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of operating a wind turbine having a nacelle according to the first aspect. In particular, the method relates to operating a wind turbine having such a nacelle during a fault in a working component forming part of a power conversion assembly.

[0058] The method includes:

[0059] Identify malfunctioning working parts;

[0060] Identifying the auxiliary unit housing the failed working component;

[0061] disconnecting the faulty working component from the wind turbine;

[0062] disconnecting the identified auxiliary unit housing the faulty operating component;

[0063] connecting a replacement auxiliary unit housing a replacement working part; and

[0064] Connect the replacement working part to the wind turbine.

[0065] The method may include continuing to operate the wind turbine by using a working component having the same function as the failed working component until a replacement auxiliary unit housing a replacement working component has been connected to the wind turbine.

[0066] The method may include controlling the failed working component, a working component having the same function as the failed working component, and a replacement working component by using the same electronic control structure.

[0067] All working components may be controlled from a location outside the first auxiliary unit and the second auxiliary unit, in particular from the main unit.

[0068] List of implementation methods

[0069] 1. A wind turbine nacelle (2) configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower (3) and housing a rotor support assembly defining an axis of rotation and including a generator (33) and a power conversion assembly, the nacelle comprising:

[0070] a main unit arranged to be connected to a wind turbine tower and to house said rotor support assembly;

[0071] a first auxiliary unit; and

[0072] The second auxiliary unit,

[0073] in:

[0074] The main unit, the first auxiliary unit and the second auxiliary unit are independent units,

[0075] The first auxiliary unit is assembled to the main unit in a first interface,

[0076] The second auxiliary unit is assembled to the main unit in a second interface, and

[0077] The first auxiliary cell houses a first working component which forms part of the power conversion assembly and has the same function as a corresponding second working component housed in the second auxiliary cell.

[0078] 2. The nacelle of embodiment 1, wherein both the first working component and the second working component are selected from the group consisting of: a transformer, an inverter, a battery, and an electrolytic cell.

[0079] 3. The nacelle according to embodiment 1 or 2, comprising an electronic control structure configured to control both the first working component and the second working component.

[0080] 4. The nacelle of embodiment 3, wherein the electronic control architecture comprises redundant control units, each of the redundant control units being configured for independent operation of one or both of the first and second operating components.

[0081] 5. The nacelle according to embodiment 3 or 4, wherein the electronic control structure is housed outside the first auxiliary unit and outside the second auxiliary unit.

[0082] 6. The nacelle of any of embodiments 3 to 5, comprising a remotely operable controller for switching between operation of one or both of the first and second working components.

[0083] 7. A nacelle according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein both the first working component and the second working component are electrically connected to a switching structure, which is arranged between the working components and an electric power network and is configured to select between the first working component, the second working component, or both the first working component and the second working component being connected to the electric power network.

[0084] 8. The nacelle according to embodiment 7, wherein the switching structure is located in the nacelle or at the base of the tower.

[0085] 9. A cabin according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first interface and the second interface are both configured for independent fixation of a corresponding auxiliary unit, and wherein the first interface and the second interface allow the corresponding auxiliary unit to be released independently of other auxiliary units.

[0086] 10. The nacelle according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first and second secondary units are separated by a plane defined by the rotation axis.

[0087] 11. A nacelle according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein two secondary units are arranged on top of each other on one side of the primary unit to form a lower secondary unit and an upper secondary unit.

[0088] 12. The nacelle of any preceding embodiment, comprising a crane structure attached to the primary unit and configured to lift the secondary unit from the ground to a position where a unit fixing structure can connect the secondary unit to the primary unit.

[0089] 13. The nacelle according to embodiment 12, wherein the crane structure is configured to lift the auxiliary unit in a vertical direction without moving the auxiliary unit in a horizontal direction.

[0090] 14. A method of operating a wind turbine having a nacelle according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13 during a fault in a working component forming part of a power conversion assembly, the method comprising:

[0091] Identify malfunctioning working parts;

[0092] identifying a secondary unit housing the failed working component;

[0093] disconnecting the failed working component from the wind turbine;

[0094] disconnecting the identified secondary unit housing the failed working component;

[0095] connecting a replacement auxiliary unit housing a replacement working part; and

[0096] The replacement working component is connected to the wind turbine.

[0097] 15. The method of embodiment 14, wherein the identified secondary unit is hoisted to or lowered from the primary unit using a crane structure attached to the primary unit.

[0098] 16. A method according to embodiment 15, wherein the auxiliary unit is lifted only in the vertical plane by using the crane structure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0099] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0100] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A wind turbine is shown;

[0101] Figure 2 A nacelle of a wind turbine is shown;

[0102] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the cabin 2;

[0103] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 The cabin seen from above;

[0104] Figure 5 An embodiment is shown in which the left auxiliary unit and the right auxiliary unit accommodate the same working components;

[0105] Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which the first secondary unit and the second secondary unit are placed above each other; and

[0106] Figure 7 An embodiment is shown in which the electronic control structure is located within the primary unit outside the first secondary unit and outside the second secondary unit;

[0107] Figure 8 schematically illustrates the means for attaching the secondary unit to the primary unit;

[0108] Figures 9 and 10 Schematically illustrates different embodiments of the interface between the working component and the primary unit or the secondary unit;

[0109] Figure 11a 、 Figure 11b 、 Figure 11c and Figure 11d Details of the busbar connections between the generator and the working components are shown;

[0110] Figures 12 to 15 Four different implementations of the interface between the primary unit and the secondary units are shown.

[0111] Figures 16 to 18 An embodiment is shown in which the main unit and the auxiliary unit are assembled by a hinge structure;

[0112] Figure 19 and Figure 20 Further details of the hooks used to attach the secondary unit to the primary unit are shown;

[0113] Figure 21 The hook is shown in an open position, in which the auxiliary unit can be freely lowered to the ground;

[0114] Figure 22 Shown is a cross section with two bolt holes for attaching the secondary unit to the primary unit;

[0115] 23, 24 and 25 show an embodiment in which the hook is slidably suspended; and

[0116] Figure 26 、 Figure 27 、 Figure 28 A crane on the main unit is shown for lifting the auxiliary unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0117] While the detailed description and specific examples indicate certain embodiments, they are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0118] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A wind turbine 1 is shown with a nacelle 2 mounted on a tower 3. A hub 4 carrying three rotor blades 5 forms the rotor and is carried by a rotor support assembly in the nacelle 2. Typically, the rotor support assembly includes a rotor shaft that connects gearing and a generator to the hub. However, gears are not always required, as the generator can be driven directly by the shaft. Figure 1b A direct drive wind turbine is shown with a generator 6 located outside the nacelle.

[0119] Figure 2 The nacelle is shown to include a main unit 20 and two auxiliary units 21 and 22. A cooling area 23 is arranged on top of the nacelle. The cooling area is formed by a heat exchanger, which may form part of the main unit and / or any of the auxiliary units. The main unit 20 is mounted on a tower 3 via a yaw mechanism (not shown), allowing the nacelle 2 to rotate in order to guide the rotor blades, carried by the hub 4, into the wind.

[0120] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A perspective view of the cabin 2. Figure 3 In the diagram, the outer wall of nacelle 2 is transparent, revealing the interior of nacelle 2 and the wind turbine components housed therein. Main unit 20 houses a main bearing unit 31 supporting the main shaft, a gear unit 32, and a generator 33, arranged sequentially behind hub 4 along the direction defined by the hub's rotational axis. The components in the main unit primarily belong to the drive train.

[0121] The auxiliary unit 21 accommodates a transformer unit 34 and an inverter unit 35 , which here constitute two working components accommodated in the auxiliary unit.

[0122] Each auxiliary unit 21, 22 is mounted via an interface along the side of the main unit 20. In the disclosed embodiment, the auxiliary units are mounted so that one auxiliary unit 21 is mounted along the right side of the main unit 20 and the other auxiliary unit 22 is mounted along the left side of the main unit 20, as seen from the hub 4 towards the rear wall of the main unit 20 in a direction along the axis of rotation of the hub 4.

[0123] The transformer unit 34 and the inverter unit 35 may be directly suspended on the main unit 20. That is, the transformer unit 34 and the inverter unit 35 are both housed in the auxiliary unit, but the direct load caused by the transformer and the inverter is directly carried by the main unit 20.

[0124] The primary and secondary units are enclosed and optionally sealable units, with the secondary unit forming a compartment defining a secondary space, and the primary unit forming another compartment defining a primary space. This allows the drive train to be isolated from the inverter and transformer. The two compartments can be joined by a cooperating opening 36, allowing personnel and equipment to enter the secondary space in the secondary unit from the primary space in the primary unit. Opening 36 can be sealed to prevent fire, etc., from spreading from one of the primary and secondary units to the other.

[0125] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 The cabin seen from above.

[0126] Figure 5 An embodiment is shown in which the left and right auxiliary units house identical working components, establishing weight balance and dual functionality. Dual functionality means that the wind turbine includes two working components with the same function, one in each auxiliary unit. In the event of a failure, the wind turbine can continue to operate at reduced power while at least one working component in one of the auxiliary units is replaced.

[0127] Figure 4 and Figure 5 A transport system is shown comprising guide rails 42 which extend from the primary unit into the secondary unit and which allow spare parts etc. to be easily handled.

[0128] Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which two auxiliary units 61, 62 are positioned one above the other. In this embodiment, the two auxiliary units house working components of the same function, in this case, they both house transformers.

[0129] Figure 7A nacelle 70 is shown, consisting of a main unit 71 and two auxiliary units 72, 73. The main unit houses a rotor support assembly 74 and an electronic control structure 75. Both auxiliary units house transformers 76, 77, i.e., they each house working components having the same functions as the other auxiliary unit. The electronic control structure 75, housed in the main unit (i.e., outside the two auxiliary units), is configured to control the two transformers and, in particular, to control the connection of the transformers to the power network. Since the control structure is not housed in any of the auxiliary units, the control structure remains in the wind turbine, for example, when one of the auxiliary units is released from the wind turbine in the event of a fault or maintenance.

[0130] Figure 8 Figures 1 through 11 show, in different embodiments, how the working component may be attached to one or both of the primary and secondary units.

[0131] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, a bolt-shaped securing pin 78 engages into a reinforcing bracket feature 79. The bolt-shaped securing pin carries the working component directly to the main unit and creates a load path from the working component into the tower.

[0132] The bracket may be connected to a rigid frame in the main unit, eg supported by the main frame, thereby directing loads from the working component and / or the auxiliary unit directly into the tower via the main frame.

[0133] Figure 9 An embodiment is shown in which the working part is supported by support legs 91 between the bottom of the working part and the bottom of the secondary unit.

[0134] Figure 10 Another embodiment is shown in more detail in which the working component 104 is carried by a support frame 105 resting on the bottom of the secondary unit 102, and the working component 104 is suspended directly from a main frame 106 within the primary unit 101. The main frame thus forms part of the load path for the working component entering the tower.

[0135] At least 50% of the weight of the transformer 104 is thus carried by the primary unit 101 , the remaining weight being carried by the secondary unit 102, which is again carried by the primary unit 101. The remainder of the weight is therefore not carried directly by the primary unit 101 .

[0136] Figure 11 and Figure 11a Shown with Figure 7, but is shown from above and in further detail. The nacelle 70 is composed of a main unit 71 and two auxiliary units 72 and 73. The main unit houses a rotor support assembly 74 and an electronic control structure 75. Both auxiliary units house transformers 76 and 77. The electronic control structure 75, housed in the main unit (i.e., outside the two auxiliary units), is configured to control the two transformers and, in particular, to control the connection of the transformers to the power grid.

[0137] The nacelle comprises a generator 112 comprising two sets of windings, each set of windings being connected to one of the working components via busbars 110 , 111 .

[0138] Figure 11b An alternative embodiment of a nacelle is shown comprising two generators 112 ′ and 112 ″, both driven by the rotor and individually connected to one of the working components via busbars 110 , 111 .

[0139] Figure 11c A magnified view of the transition zone where the busbars pass from the primary unit into the secondary unit is shown. The busbars extend across the gap between the two units. In the transition zone, the busbars in the primary unit are joined to the busbars in the secondary unit via flexible connectors 113. The flexible connectors extend across the gap between the primary and secondary units. The busbars extend through openings in the walls of the primary and secondary units, with gaskets 114 sealing between the gap and the openings. Figure 11d A gasket seal 114 is shown forming two joints 115 connected by a resilient sealing transition 116 which forms a sealed duct 117 between the side walls 118 of the primary unit 71 and the secondary unit 72. The sealed duct may be used to pass cables etc. between the units or as an ingress and egress passage for personnel.

[0140] The sidewalls are corrugated. More specifically, the corrugations of the primary and secondary cells are different. A gap 119 exists between the corrugated walls, allowing air to flow between the primary and secondary cells. The size of the gap varies along the length of the cell due to the corrugations.

[0141] Figures 12 to 15 Four different embodiments of the unit fixing structure forming the interface between the primary unit and the secondary unit, i.e., the first interface or the second interface, are illustrated. In each of these four illustrations, the primary unit 121 and the secondary unit 122 are connected by cooperating structures forming the unit fixing structure, which will be described in further detail below.

[0142] exist Figure 12 In the embodiment, the cooperating structure is constituted by a bracket 123, by means of which the main unit and the auxiliary unit are joined by bolts.

[0143] exist Figure 13 In the collaboration structure, Figure 12 The primary and secondary units are assembled at their upper edges by a hook 131 pivotally attached to the primary unit at a hinge point 132. This hook can be rotated as indicated by arrow 133 and, when in the position shown, engages an edge bracket 134 of the secondary unit. When the lower bracket 123 is removed and the hook 131 is rotated into the primary unit, the secondary unit can be lowered to the ground.

[0144] Figure 14 The implementation method in Figure 13 The embodiment in is comparable, but wherein the lower bracket is replaced by an upper bracket 141 and the hook is placed at the lower edge.

[0145] exist Figure 15 In the embodiment, the lower bracket and the upper bracket are used to bolt the auxiliary unit to the main unit, and the slidable support 151 supports the lower surface of the auxiliary unit in the state where the bolts are attached. If the auxiliary unit needs to be lowered to the ground, for example, for replacement or maintenance of working parts, the slidable support can be slid to the left, and the auxiliary unit can be lowered, for example, by using a crane built into the main unit.

[0146] exist Figures 12 to 15 In any of the embodiments shown, the brackets or hooks direct the load from the secondary unit into a rigid portion of the primary unit, for example, into a load-bearing column such as a corner column of the primary unit. Various structural features can connect the brackets or hooks carrying the secondary unit directly to the main frame in the primary unit, thereby establishing a load path into the tower.

[0147] Apart from Figures 12 to 15 In addition to the hook and bracket interface shown in , a first fixing structure (not shown) directly connects the working component (not shown) to the main frame within the main unit.

[0148] Figures 16 to 18 An embodiment is shown in which the primary unit and the secondary unit are assembled by a hinge structure comprising hinge elements 163, 164, 165 having holes for receiving hinge pins 166 extending through the hinge elements. Figure 16 Also shown is a gap 167 formed by the interface, allowing air to pass through it, for example from below the nacelle to above the nacelle. The gap is kept open at the bottom by a distance element 168, which may be made of a number of pins or open structures that allow air to pass between the units.

[0149] Such a gap can increase heat convection and thus increase cooling of the space within the primary unit and the secondary unit.The gap is not limited to an embodiment having a hinged structure, but can be combined with any other assembly method.

[0150] Figure 17 and Figure 18 Hinge elements 163, 164, 165 and hinge pin 166 are shown. Figure 17 In the embodiment, the hinge elements are correctly positioned relative to each other so that the hinge pin can slide into the hinge element. Figure 18 In the embodiment, the hinge pins are inserted through the holes of the hinge elements 163, 164, 165.

[0151] Figure 19 Further details of the hook used to attach the secondary unit 191 to the primary unit 192 are shown. The hook 193 is rotatably suspended from the primary unit at a hinge 194. The hook can be rotated through an opening 195 in the secondary unit and catch a notch or edge 196 in the secondary unit.

[0152] The hook may also be attached in the secondary unit and catch a notch or edge in the primary unit, in which case the hook may be attached in reverse, i.e. as Figure 20 The position of the hook can be controlled by an actuator.

[0153] Figure 21 The hook is shown in the open position, in which the secondary unit is free to be lowered to the ground.

[0154] Figure 22 A cross section is shown showing two bolt holes 221. The bolt holes help attach the secondary unit to the primary unit using bolts for secure fixation. In this embodiment, the hooks are primarily used to position the secondary unit at the correct height relative to the primary unit, and the bolts are used to join the units together.

[0155] exist Figure 19 、 Figure 21 and Figure 22 In the embodiment, the hook is preferably supported by the main frame of the main unit, for example, via posts or support rods arranged along the inner surface of the main unit. Figure 19 In the embodiment, posts 197 extend along the inner surface of the main unit and support hooks on the main frame in the bottom portion of the main unit.

[0156] exist Figure 20 In the case where the hook forms part of the secondary unit, the edge in the primary unit for the hook to engage may preferably be carried by the main frame in the primary unit. Again, this may be a plurality of rods or columns arranged along the inner surface of the primary unit.

[0157] The hook can be moved in the open position ( Figure 21 ) and closed position ( Figure 19 、 Figure 20 、 Figure 22 ) to move between.

[0158] Figures 23, 24 and 25 show an embodiment in which the hook is not hung in a rotating manner but in a sliding manner. Figures 19 to 22 23 and 24, the cross-sectional views show bolt holes 231 that can be used to securely bolt the secondary unit to the primary unit. The hook in FIG23 is attached to the primary unit and the hook in FIG24 is attached to the secondary unit.

[0159] In Figure 25a, hook 251 slides to the left, thereby disengaging the edge of the auxiliary unit and allowing the auxiliary unit to be lowered to the ground. In Figure 25b, hook 251 slides to the right, thereby engaging the edge of the auxiliary unit and holding the two units fixed to each other. The hook can be slid by a powered drive (e.g., by a hydraulic actuator).

[0160] In the above description, Figure 19 to Figure 2 5 is interpreted as a portion of the unit fixing structure for fixing the auxiliary unit to the main unit. A similar structure can constitute a first fixing structure by which the working component is releasably fixed to the main unit. A similar structure can also constitute a second fixing structure by which the working component is releasably fixed to the auxiliary unit, and a similar structure can constitute a third fixing structure by which the two auxiliary units are fixed to each other.

[0161] Figure 26 The auxiliary unit is shown being hoisted up or down during maintenance or replacement. The auxiliary unit is hoisted using a crane 261 that forms part of the main unit. Movement occurs essentially only in the vertical plane, indicated by arrow 263, and attachment of the auxiliary unit to the main unit may be facilitated by the previously described unit securing structure, which includes movable securing features such as hinged or slidable hooks.

[0162] Figure 27 An internal crane 261 is shown in a magnified view. Attached to the top portion of the primary unit, the crane, through its position, can vertically lift the secondary unit to a position where the unit's mounting structure can form a joint between the primary and secondary units. This process requires no movement in any direction other than vertical, thus facilitating a simpler assembly process and reducing the need for external crane assistance. For adjustment in the horizontal plane, crane 261 can include horizontal movement options, for example, as indicated by arrow 262.

[0163] Figure 28 Another crane structure is schematically shown with dual cantilever beams 281 on top of a main unit 282. The cantilever beams 281 can be extended laterally in telescopic sections 283. The cantilever beams facilitate lifting and connecting a secondary unit 284 to the main unit 282. Even though the unit securing structures disclosed herein (including pivotable or slidable hooks) generally facilitate attaching the secondary unit by lifting only in the vertical direction, the in-and-out movement facilitates fine adjustment of the horizontal distance between the main and secondary units.

[0164] definition

[0165] Herein, the term "nacelle" refers to the commonly accepted term describing the machine room for a wind turbine, ie the part that carries the rotor and drive train and is carried by the wind turbine tower.

[0166] The terms "primary unit" and "secondary unit" herein refer to units that can be transported individually and that can be assembled with one or more other units to form a nacelle.

[0167] Herein, the term "rotor support assembly" refers to the portion of the nacelle that supports the rotor, typically the drive train, main bearings, and main frame. Depending on the type of wind turbine, the drive train may include different components, such as a rotor shaft, a generator, and optionally a gearbox located between the rotor shaft and the generator.

[0168] Herein, the term "components with the same function" means that these components perform substantially the same function, but they may or may not have different internal configurations, different ratings, or be manufactured by different manufacturers. As an example, two components with the same function but different power levels function identically within this meaning. As another example, two components providing the same function, such as conversion from AC to DC and / or DC to AC, may function identically regardless of the specific technical implementation of that function. This allows power conversion to be shared between the two components, or allows the wind turbine to continue operating at a reduced capacity if one of the components fails.

Claims

1. A wind turbine nacelle (2) configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower (3) and housing a rotor support assembly, the rotor support assembly defining a rotation axis and including a power conversion assembly, the nacelle comprising: a main unit arranged to be connected to a wind turbine tower and to house said rotor support assembly; First auxiliary unit; as well as The second auxiliary unit, in: The main unit, the first auxiliary unit and the second auxiliary unit are independent units, The first auxiliary unit is assembled to the main unit in a first interface, The second auxiliary unit is assembled to the main unit in a second interface, and The first auxiliary unit accommodates a first working component, which forms part of the power conversion assembly and has the same function as the corresponding second working component accommodated in the second auxiliary unit, and the first working component and the second working component are configured to be controlled by an electronic control structure that is not accommodated in either of the first auxiliary unit and the second auxiliary unit.

2. The nacelle according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic control structure is housed in the main unit.

3. The nacelle according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic control structure is housed outside the main unit.

4. The nacelle according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic control structure is configured for independent operation of one or both of the first working component and the second working component.

5. The nacelle according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising a busbar structure forming an electrical connection from the electronic control structure to the first and second working components.

6. The nacelle according to claim 5, wherein: The bus bar extends from the main unit into the first and second auxiliary units.

7. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Both the first and second working components are electrically coupled to a switching structure disposed between the working components and an electric power network and configured to select between the first working component, the second working component, or both the first and second working components being connected to the electric power network.

8. The nacelle according to claim 7, wherein: The switching structure is located in the nacelle or at the base of the tower.

9. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first interface and the second interface are each configured for independent fixation of a respective secondary unit, and wherein the first interface and the second interface allow the respective secondary unit to be released independently of other secondary units.

10. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The first auxiliary unit and the second auxiliary unit are separated by a plane defined by the rotation axis.

11. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Two secondary units are arranged on top of each other on one side of the primary unit to form a lower secondary unit and an upper secondary unit.

12. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a crane structure attached to the primary unit and configured to lift the secondary unit from the ground to a position where a unit fixing structure can connect the secondary unit to the primary unit.

13. The nacelle according to claim 12, wherein: The crane structure is configured to lift the auxiliary unit in a vertical direction without moving the auxiliary unit in a horizontal direction.

14. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: Both the first working component and the second working component are selected from the group consisting of: a transformer, an inverter, a battery, and an electrolytic cell.

15. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a generator housed therein.

16. The nacelle of claim 1, wherein: The electronic control structure is located outside the nacelle, and the nacelle includes a communication structure for transmitting control signals between the working components and the electronic control structure, the communication structure including a cable connection that exits the nacelle.

17. A wind turbine having a tower and a nacelle according to any one of the preceding claims.

18. The wind turbine of claim 17, comprising a generator located outside the nacelle.

19. A wind turbine according to claim 17 or 18, wherein: The electronic control structure is housed in the tower.

20. A method of operating a wind turbine having a nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or a wind turbine according to any one of claims 17 to 19 during a fault in a working component forming part of a power conversion assembly, the method comprising: Identify malfunctioning working parts; identifying a secondary unit housing the failed working component; disconnecting the failed working component from the wind turbine; disconnecting the identified secondary unit housing the failed working component; Connecting a replacement auxiliary unit that houses the replacement working part; as well as The replacement working component is connected to the wind turbine.

21. The method according to claim 20, comprising the steps of: The wind turbine continues to be operated by using a working component having the same function as that of the failed working component until the replacement auxiliary unit accommodating the replacement working component has been connected to the wind turbine.

22. The method according to claim 21, comprising: The malfunctioning working component, the working component having the same function as that of the malfunctioning working component, and the replacement working component are controlled by using the same electronic control structure.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein All working components are controlled from a location outside the first auxiliary unit and the second auxiliary unit.

Images