Nacelles for wind turbines

Abstract

A wind turbine nacelle, configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower and for supporting a rotor support assembly, comprises a main unit and at least two auxiliary units. To increase flexibility and improve assembly and maintenance procedures of the wind turbine, the auxiliary units comprise at least two auxiliary units, each of which houses at least one wind turbine component, such as an inverter or a transformer. The auxiliary units are individually attached to the same wall of the main unit, such as a side wall or a rear wall.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The size of wind turbines is constantly increasing, both in terms of rated power output and in terms of the physical size of the individual components of the wind turbine. As a result, the size of the nacelle must also increase in order to accommodate the required wind turbine components. The wind turbine is typically transported from the manufacturing location or locations of the individual components to the work site where the wind turbine is erected. Summary of the invention

[0003] An object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to promote further modularity, ease of design and manufacture and allow improved maintenance of wind turbines.Another object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a nacelle that can be transported using common transport means and to reduce transport and handling costs without limiting the possible size of the nacelle.

[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 housing a rotor support assembly defining an axis of rotation.

[0005] The cabin includes:

[0006] a main unit arranged to be connected to a wind turbine tower and to accommodate a rotor support assembly, the main unit comprising a first side wall and a second side wall at opposite sides of the rotation axis and a rear wall extending transversely to the rotation axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; and

[0007] At least two separate auxiliary units,

[0008] in,

[0009] The main unit and a first auxiliary unit of the at least two auxiliary units are assembled at a first interface,

[0010] The primary unit and a second secondary unit of the at least two secondary units are assembled at a second interface, and

[0011] The first interface and the second interface are both located in the first wall.

[0012] The first wall may be a first side wall, a second side wall or a rear wall of the main unit.

[0013] Since both interfaces are located in the same wall selected between the first side wall, the second side wall and the rear wall, the exchange of control signals, power, personnel or spare parts, etc. between the main unit and the auxiliary unit can be communicated through the same wall, that is, through the first side wall or the second side wall or through the rear wall, which thereby helps to improve the layout, etc.

[0014] The main unit may be considered as the central part of the nacelle. The main unit may be arranged to be connected to the wind turbine tower via the yaw device. Thus, it may comprise at least a part of the yaw device. Furthermore, it may house the rotor support assembly. In particular, the main unit may comprise a main frame to allow forces from the rotor and the drive train to be directed downwards into the tower via the yaw device.

[0015] In a wind turbine in which the main unit houses the rotor support assembly, the auxiliary unit or units may typically house a plurality of different wind turbine components. Splitting the auxiliary unit into at least two auxiliary units allows different suppliers to supply different independent units. This allows packaging and logistics during transport of the at least one component to be performed by separate suppliers, and at the construction site of the wind turbine, each auxiliary unit supplied with its at least one component may be assembled with the main unit to define a nacelle. Throughout the shipping and assembly process, the at least one component may remain encapsulated in the auxiliary unit, and thus optimal protection of the at least one component may be provided throughout the shipping and assembly process.

[0016] In particular, continuous packaging and use of the at least one component in a secondary unit forming part of the final nacelle potentially provides increased life and reduced store functionality in areas where the at least one component may become soiled by dirt, rain, water or sand, etc. The number of liability transfers may also be reduced, as the supplier may remain responsible for the at least one component and the secondary unit, e.g. throughout the shipping and assembly process, until the seal into the secondary unit is broken and the at least one component is connected to other wind turbine components housed in other secondary units or in the primary unit.

[0017] In particular, different wind turbine components may be delivered in sealed secondary units, and the seal may remain intact until these secondary units are assembled with the primary unit to form part of the nacelle. In a final assembly state, e.g., in which all wind turbine components are installed in the nacelle and the nacelle is in position on the tower, the sealed secondary unit may be opened and connections between the different wind turbine components may be established. Until this point, the packaging of at least one component in the secondary unit is in a state provided by and optionally controlled by the supplier.

[0018] The secondary unit and / or the primary unit may be formed to have a size and / or shape comparable or equal to that of a shipping container. Each unit thus inherits the advantages of a shipping container with respect to handling, transportation and storage. A shipping container can be transported anywhere in the world, for example by ship, train, truck, etc., and at a lower cost than bulk transportation.

[0019] The cost savings are even more significant with the shipping freight containers that make up these units. Shipping freight containers are also known as intermodal containers, standard freight containers, box containers, ocean containers, or ISO containers, and generally refer to containers used to store and move materials and products in the global containerized intermodal transportation system for intercontinental traffic. Shipping freight containers may follow the dimensional and structural specifications in the ISO standard ISO 668:2013 for Series 1 freight containers.

[0020] In one embodiment, the nacelle comprises two secondary units, each of which has half the size of a shipping freight container conforming to the dimensional and structural specifications in the 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 secondary units. The container can be divided in particular in an interface extending along the longitudinal direction of the container (i.e. the longest dimension of the container).

[0021] The nacelle may be carried directly by the tower or indirectly via an intermediate tower structure. If the wind turbine is of a conventional horizontal axis type, the nacelle is usually carried by a yaw device between the tower top and the nacelle. However, the present disclosure may also relate to a multi-rotor wind turbine of the type in which more than one nacelle is carried by a crossbeam structure which is again 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 house parts of the drive train, for example 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 comprise further components, such as a gearbox, a bearing system and different kinds of peripheral equipment, e.g. for lubrication, cooling and control purposes. The main unit may in particular comprise a main frame, which connects the drive train with the tower or an intermediate tower structure, e.g. via a yaw device. The main frame may in particular be a cast component.

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

[0027] In other embodiments, the auxiliary units are arranged along both side walls or along the rear wall and one side wall or both side walls.

[0028] therefore

[0029] The main unit and a third auxiliary unit of the at least two auxiliary units may be assembled at a third interface,

[0030] The main unit and a fourth auxiliary unit of the at least two auxiliary units may be assembled at a fourth interface, and

[0031] The third interface and the fourth interface are both located in the second wall.

[0032] The first wall and the second wall are different walls, each of which is one of the first side wall, the second side wall or the rear wall of the main unit.

[0033] in addition:

[0034] The main unit and a fifth auxiliary unit of the at least two auxiliary units may be assembled at a fifth interface,

[0035] The main unit and a sixth auxiliary unit of the at least two auxiliary units may be assembled at a sixth interface, and

[0036] The fifth interface and the sixth interface may both be located in a third wall among the first side wall, the second side wall, and the rear wall of the main unit.

[0037] The first wall may be a first side wall, the wall may be a second side wall, and the third wall may be a rear wall.

[0038] The first interface and the second interface may be located, for example, at the side wall of the right side, the third interface and the fourth interface may be located at the side wall of the left side, and the fifth interface and the sixth interface may be located at the rear wall.

[0039] The secondary units extending along the rear wall may be connected to the primary unit or to the secondary units extending along the side walls, or they may be connected to both the primary unit and the secondary units extending along the side walls.

[0040] therefore:

[0041] The first auxiliary unit and a seventh auxiliary unit of the at least two auxiliary units may be assembled at a seventh interface,

[0042] The second auxiliary unit and an eighth auxiliary unit of the at least two auxiliary units may be assembled at an eighth interface,

[0043] The third auxiliary unit and the seventh auxiliary unit may be assembled at the ninth interface, and

[0044] The fourth auxiliary unit and the eighth auxiliary unit may be assembled at the tenth interface.

[0045] The first wall may be a first side wall, the second wall may be a second side wall, and both the seventh auxiliary unit and the eighth auxiliary unit may extend along the rear wall.

[0046] In addition to the ninth interface and the tenth interface, the main unit and the seventh auxiliary unit may be assembled at the eleventh interface, and the main unit and the eighth auxiliary unit may be assembled at the twelfth interface.

[0047] The interface is at or in the wall, but the load of the secondary unit may be carried by a more rigid structure at the wall or within the primary unit, for example by the main frame of the nacelle arranged to carry the rotor assembly and transfer the load of the rotor assembly into the tower.

[0048] The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh or twelfth interface, hereinafter referred to as "one of the interfaces", may be adapted to allow the auxiliary unit to be released from the main unit after the main unit is assembled on top of the tower. To this end, the interface may include mutually interlocking structural features on the main unit and the auxiliary unit. Examples of such mutually interlocking features may be protrusions on one of the main and auxiliary units and recesses or holes on the other of the main and auxiliary units, the first interface may be a bolted interface that allows the main and auxiliary units to releasably engage, or the auxiliary unit may be held in place on the main unit by a cable by which the auxiliary unit may be lowered to the ground for repair, replacement of components or for transportation of components and personnel between the ground and the cabin.

[0049] In one embodiment, the interface is configured so that the auxiliary unit can be received by the main unit or by other auxiliary units when the auxiliary unit is vertically moved close to the main unit. Such an interface can be composed of a hook or an upwardly protruding guide rail on at least one of the main unit and the auxiliary unit.

[0050] At least one of the first auxiliary unit, the third auxiliary unit, the fifth auxiliary unit, and the seventh auxiliary unit forms an upper unit, and at least one of the second auxiliary unit, the fourth auxiliary unit, the sixth auxiliary unit, and the eighth auxiliary unit forms a lower unit, which is arranged below the upper unit and aligned with the upper unit in a vertical row. In this embodiment, the lower unit can be particularly considered for at least one component that requires frequent maintenance or replacement, and the second interface can include a plurality of cables, through which the upper auxiliary unit can be lowered to the ground for maintenance, replacement of the component, or for transportation of the component and personnel between the ground and the cabin.

[0051] The lower unit may also be considered for at least one component imposing a higher safety risk and, through the lower position, the lower unit may be released and sent to the surface in case of a fire or the like.

[0052] The upper unit may form the top of the lower unit, which means that the upper surface of the lower unit is covered by the lower surface of the upper unit. For this purpose, the lower unit and the upper unit may have the same shape and / or size when seen in horizontal section. The lower unit and the upper unit may be similar units and they may have similar or identical contents. For example, they may house a transformer and an inverter.

[0053] In one embodiment, the upper unit and the lower unit are attached to the main unit separately. In this embodiment, the interface interacts with each auxiliary unit separately. In another embodiment, the upper unit and the lower unit are assembled in another interface. The other interface can be particularly suitable for allowing one of the upper auxiliary unit and the lower auxiliary unit to be released from the other of the upper unit or the lower unit. For this purpose, the other interface can include interlocking structural features on the auxiliary unit. An example of such interlocking features can be a protrusion on one of the auxiliary units and a notch or hole on another auxiliary unit in the auxiliary unit. The other interface can be a bolt interface that allows the auxiliary units to releasably engage with each other, or the auxiliary units can be engaged by cables, through which an auxiliary unit can be lowered to the ground to repair, replace or transport components and personnel between the ground and the cabin. In one embodiment, the other interface is configured so that when an auxiliary unit is lowered close to another auxiliary unit, the one auxiliary unit can be received by the other auxiliary unit. Such an interface may be comprised of a hook or an upwardly and outwardly projecting guide rail on one or at least one of the auxiliary units that are engaged via another interface.

[0054] The upper unit and the lower unit may have a total height between 80% and 120% of the height of the main unit.

[0055] Both the primary unit and the secondary unit may have wall portions facing each other to provide a double-sided wall structure in the interface between the primary unit and the secondary unit.

[0056] A gap may be defined between the secondary unit and the primary unit and / or between two secondary units.

[0057] In one embodiment, there is a gap between the auxiliary unit and the main unit, in one embodiment, there is a gap between only one auxiliary unit and the main unit, in one embodiment, there is a gap between two auxiliary units, and in one embodiment, there is a gap between the auxiliary units and between the auxiliary units and the main unit. The gap can allow air to pass between the main unit and the auxiliary unit or between the auxiliary units, and thus can increase safety by preventing the spread of fire or heat convection between the units with gaps between them. The gap can further increase cooling in the unit.

[0058] Inlet may be defined from the primary unit to at least one of the secondary units, and / or from one secondary unit to another secondary unit.The nacelle may include a gasket sealingly engaging two secondary units or a secondary unit and the primary unit to form a sealed engagement between the engagement portions.

[0059] The gasket surrounding the inlet from the primary unit to the secondary unit may specifically engage the walls of both the primary unit and the secondary unit, and the gasket surrounding the inlet from the secondary unit to the secondary unit may specifically engage the walls of both secondary units.

[0060] Each secondary unit may form an internal space which may be completely separate from the space in the primary unit and / or from the space in another secondary unit. For this purpose, the secondary units may include suitable sealing means for sealing any openings, such as openings around cables or pipes extending from the primary unit into the secondary unit or between two secondary units.

[0061] The secondary unit may house at least one component that interacts with a wind turbine component in the primary unit. The interaction may include electrical communication of signals or power or communication via cooling or lubrication fluids.

[0062] The nacelle may house a power conversion assembly arranged to convert power from the generator into a desired energy form. The power conversion assembly may be configured to deliver electricity (e.g., in AC or DC) or to convert electricity from the generator into other forms of energy, e.g., into hydrogen, ammonia, or methanol.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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).

[0065] In another example, the generator may be a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). In this case, the voltage on the inverter may 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 lower.

[0066] Low voltage may be considered, for example, as voltages up to 1000 V. Medium voltage may be considered as voltages from 1 KV to about 60 kV. The generator voltage may be a low voltage or a medium voltage.

[0067] 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.

[0068] In other embodiments, the wind turbine may store energy and the power conversion assembly may include a battery.

[0069] The nacelle and in particular one or more of the auxiliary units may house working components, for example selected from the group consisting of transformers, inverters, batteries and fuel cells. Thus, the auxiliary unit may include an outer surface that faces the main unit and includes an interface for electrical or fluid communication facilitating such working components.

[0070] In a corresponding manner, one or each of these auxiliary units may house working components that interact with wind turbine components in another auxiliary unit. The working components in one auxiliary unit may be selected, for example, from the group consisting of a transformer, an inverter, a battery and a fuel cell. Thus, an auxiliary unit may include an outer surface that faces another auxiliary unit and includes interfaces for electrical or fluid communication and facilitating these specific components.

[0071] A working component in one auxiliary unit may have the same function as a working component in another auxiliary unit. This provides dual functionality in the case where different components are dedicated to the same function. One of the two components of the same function may be accommodated in one of the auxiliary units, while the other component may be accommodated in the other auxiliary unit.

[0072] In case of a fault, the wind turbine may continue to operate at reduced power while replacing an operating component in one of the auxiliary units, for example by replacing the entire auxiliary unit.

[0073] At least one secondary unit may house a working component that is suspended directly from the primary unit.

[0074] The nacelle may include a system for automatically releasing at least one of the auxiliary units. This feature may be used, for example, in the event of a fire, where one unit may be released to prevent the spread of the fire. The released unit may be lowered to the ground in a controlled manner, for example, by a cable structure including an automatic braking mechanism to prevent high lowering speeds. In one embodiment, one or more of the auxiliary units are fixed to the main unit by bolts that include an explosion-based release mechanism and are fixed to a winch by a cable that has a braking coupling that prevents the winding speed from exceeding a certain limit. In the event of a fire in the auxiliary unit, the bolts are broken and the auxiliary unit falls to the ground controlled by the cable. Thus, the automatic release device may include various devices for automatically releasing the unit, including a power-driven hook, an explosive bolt, a deceleration cable for lowering the unit, and the like.

[0075] In one embodiment, the vibration-damping material is arranged between the primary unit and the secondary unit. Rubber or foam materials, or materials with similar elastic deformability and vibration-damping effects, may be used. The vibration-damping material may be particularly compressed between the primary unit and the secondary unit, and it may be particularly arranged where the primary unit and the secondary unit are fixed by nails, rivets, bolts or any similar mechanical attachments.

[0076] In one embodiment, the primary unit is wider than the secondary unit. By "wider" the primary unit is meant that its dimension in the horizontal plane and 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 cargo container that follows the dimensional and structural specifications in the ISO standard ISO 668:2013 for Series 1 cargo containers, while the secondary unit may have dimensions specified for those ISO standards (ISO 668:2013) Series 1 cargo containers or less.

[0077] In a second aspect, a method of manufacturing a nacelle for a wind turbine is provided. The method comprises: receiving at least two wind turbine components, each located in a secondary unit. The two secondary units are joined with the components located in the secondary units. The secondary unit is attached to a primary unit, and the primary unit is attached to a wind turbine tower. The primary unit may be attached to the wind turbine tower before or after the secondary unit is attached to the primary unit, and the secondary units may be joined to the primary unit one by one, or they may be assembled together with the primary unit, for example, joined with a group of two secondary units.

[0078] In particular, it may be advantageous to deliver the two components into a separate secondary unit, assemble the secondary unit at or near the location where the wind turbine is erected to define the secondary unit, and assemble the main unit and the secondary unit, for example on top of a tower.

[0079] The secondary unit may be sealed and may provide electronic alarms, ie, based on unexpected intrusion or unwanted temperature, water or humidity.

[0080] The auxiliary unit may be arranged to isolate one of the two wind turbine components from the other of the two wind turbine components in a gas-tight manner. Such a gas-tight isolation in a selected auxiliary unit may have several advantages. One auxiliary unit may be gas-tight while an adjacent auxiliary unit may be open, thereby allowing for a rapid pressure reduction, for example in the event of a fire.

[0081] The auxiliary unit may be arranged to hermetically isolate at least one wind turbine component of the two wind turbine components from wind turbine components in the main unit and / or wind turbine components in the other auxiliary unit.

[0082] One secondary unit may be released from another secondary unit and from the primary unit in response to an incident such as a fire. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0083] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0084] Figure 1a and Figure 1b A wind turbine is shown;

[0085] Figure 2 A nacelle of a wind turbine is shown;

[0086] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the cabin 2;

[0087] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 The cabin seen from above;

[0088] Figure 5 An embodiment in which the left auxiliary unit and the right auxiliary unit accommodate the same components is shown;

[0089] Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which two secondary units 61 , 62 are positioned one above the other;

[0090] Figure 7 schematically showing details of the interface between the primary unit and one of the secondary units;

[0091] Figure 8a and Figure 8b shows the primary and secondary units in an embodiment in which the secondary units are arranged in a vertical row;

[0092] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Details of the primary and secondary units are shown;

[0093] Figure 10 to Figure 11 Details of different layouts with gaps between cells are shown;

[0094] Figures 12 to 15 Four different implementations of the interface between the primary unit and the secondary unit are shown;

[0095] Figures 16 to 18 An embodiment is shown in which the main unit and the auxiliary unit are assembled by a hinge structure;

[0096] Fig.19a , Fig.19b , Fig.19c and Fig. 20 Further details of the hooks used to attach the secondary unit to the primary unit are shown;

[0097] Fig.21 The hook is shown in an open position, in which the auxiliary unit can be freely lowered to the ground;

[0098] Fig. 22 A cross section is shown with two bolt holes for attaching the secondary unit to the primary unit;

[0099] Figures 23, 24, 25a and 25b show an embodiment in which the hook is slidably suspended; and

[0100] Figure 26 to Figure 28 An embodiment of a crane on a main unit for lifting a secondary unit is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0101] While the detailed description and specific examples indicate certain implementations, 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.

[0102] 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 connecting a gear arrangement and a generator to the hub. However, gears are not always required, as the generator can be driven directly by the shaft. Figure 1bA direct drive wind turbine is shown with a generator 6 located outside the nacelle.

[0103] Figure 2 The nacelle is shown to comprise a main unit 20 and two auxiliary units 21, 22. A cooling area 23 is arranged on the top of the nacelle. The cooling area is formed by a heat exchanger, which may form part of the main unit and / or any auxiliary unit. The main unit 20 is mounted on the tower 3 via a yaw device (not shown), allowing the nacelle 2 to rotate so as to guide the rotor blades carried by the hub 4 into the wind. Both separate auxiliary units 24, 25 are joined to the main unit as two independent auxiliary units. Furthermore, the auxiliary units may be joined along an additional interface 26 to form the auxiliary unit as one assembled entity.

[0104] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of the cabin 2. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the outer wall of the nacelle 2 is transparent, thereby revealing the inner part of the nacelle 2 and the wind turbine components accommodated therein. The main unit 20 accommodates a main bearing unit 31, a gear device 32 and a generator 33 sequentially arranged behind the hub 4 along the direction defined by the rotation axis of the hub 4.

[0105] The auxiliary unit 21 houses a transformer unit 34 in a rear auxiliary unit 36 ​​and an inverter unit 35 in a front auxiliary unit 37. The division between the auxiliary units is shown by a transverse partition 38. The rear unit and the front unit are independent units that can be separated from each other and can be separated separately from the main unit.

[0106] Each auxiliary unit 21, 22 is mounted along the side of the main unit 20 via a first interface. In the disclosed embodiment, the auxiliary units are mounted such 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 viewed from the hub 4 toward the rear wall of the main unit 20 in the direction along the axis of rotation of the hub 4. The auxiliary units are joined along an additional interface. As shown by the bulkhead 38, the second interface may extend perpendicular to the first interface.

[0107] The primary unit and the secondary unit include a cooperating opening 39, which allows a person to enter the secondary space in the secondary unit from the primary space in the primary unit. In a similar manner, the secondary unit may include a cooperating opening, allowing a person to enter an adjacent secondary unit from one secondary unit.

[0108] Figure 4 Shows Figure 3The cabin is seen from above. The auxiliary units 42, 43 of the auxiliary unit 22 each have a wall portion against the wall of the main unit. The partition 44 is placed between the inverter unit 35 and the transformer unit 34 and represents a second interface, dividing between the two auxiliary units.

[0109] Figure 5 An embodiment is shown in which the left and right auxiliary units contain at least one identical component establishing weight balance and dual functionality. Dual functionality means that the wind turbine comprises two components of the same function, one component being housed in each auxiliary unit. In the event of a fault, the wind turbine can continue to operate at half power while the working component in one of the auxiliary units is replaced. Figure 5 In FIG. 5 , it is further shown that the two auxiliary units are separated by a partition 51. Thus, each dual-function component (ie, transformer or inverter) can be replaced individually in each of the two auxiliary units.

[0110] Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which two auxiliary units 61, 62 are positioned one above the other. The auxiliary unit 61 is an upper auxiliary unit consisting of a 40-foot container and the auxiliary unit 62 is a lower auxiliary unit consisting of a 20-foot container.

[0111] Figure 7 An embodiment of one of the interfaces is shown. The interface engages the main unit 20 with the auxiliary unit 71 in a releasable manner and allows one of the auxiliary units to be replaced, for example during maintenance. The interface consists of an inward guide or rail 73 in one of the subunits 72. The rail 73 is shown in dotted lines and defines a recess into the outer surface 75. The rail has a C-shaped profile in a horizontal section (i.e., when viewed from above). The rail is configured to receive a protrusion 74 provided on the auxiliary unit, and in particular, the rail is capable of receiving the protrusion 74 in a very simple process in which the auxiliary unit 71 is lowered along the outer surface 75 of the main unit 20. This is shown by arrow 76. This very simple process allows the auxiliary unit to be easily replaced without separating the other auxiliary units from the main unit.

[0112] Figure 8a and Figure 8b An embodiment is shown in which the cabin comprises a main unit 20 and three groups, each consisting of two auxiliary units 61, 62. In the embodiment shown, each auxiliary unit is directly attached to the main unit, but they can also be attached to other auxiliary units. The upper auxiliary unit 61 and the lower auxiliary unit 62 are units arranged in the same vertical row. Because the upper unit and the lower unit have the same shape and size when seen in horizontal section, the upper unit forms the top above the lower unit.

[0113] In this embodiment, the auxiliary unit (ie, two stacked auxiliary units) has almost the height of the main unit, and the two auxiliary units are suspended at the same side wall of the main unit. The auxiliary unit is arranged on the rear wall of the main unit and on the opposite side wall of the main unit 20.

[0114] Figure 8b The same nacelle is shown, but with the side of the secondary unit removed to show that the upper unit 61 is identical to the lower unit 62, i.e. they house the same components, in this case a transformer and inverter. The transformer or inverter in the upper unit may be identical to the transformer or inverter in the lower unit, or they may be different, for example with respect to power rating.

[0115] Figure 9a and Figure 9b Two different details of the primary and secondary units are shown. Figure 9a In the embodiment, the upper auxiliary unit 61 and the lower auxiliary unit 62 are directly against each other. In this embodiment, the load from the upper unit 61 can be transferred to the lower unit 62, and the auxiliary units can be connected to each other through another interface.

[0116] exist Figure 9b In the embodiment, the upper auxiliary unit 61 and the lower auxiliary unit 62 are arranged at a distance from each other. In this embodiment, the load from the upper unit 61 is exclusively transferred to the main unit 20, and the auxiliary unit is only coupled to the main unit 20.

[0117] Figure 10 to Figure 11 Different layouts provided by the first interface and the second interface, respectively, are shown.

[0118] exist Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first interface provides a gap between the primary unit and the secondary unit. The gap allows air to pass between the primary unit and the secondary unit, thereby supporting effective cooling by convection. In addition, the gap increases safety, for example by preventing the spread of fire.

[0119] exist Fig.11 In the embodiment of the present invention, gaps are defined between the auxiliary units. In addition, the gaps allow air to pass between the auxiliary units, thereby supporting effective cooling by convection and increasing safety.

[0120] Figures 12 to 15 Four different embodiments of the unit fixing structure forming part of one of the interfaces between the auxiliary unit and the main unit or between two auxiliary units are shown. In each of the four illustrations, the auxiliary unit 121 and the main unit 122 are connected by the cooperating structure described below. The same structure can be used to join two auxiliary units.

[0121] exist Fig.12In the embodiment, the cooperating structure is constituted by a bracket 123, by means of which the units are joined by bolts.

[0122] exist Fig.13 In the collaboration structure, Fig.12 The second auxiliary unit is constructed with a lower bracket 123 similar to the bracket used in the embodiment of the present invention. At the upper edge, the units are assembled by a hook 131 pivotally engaged to the first auxiliary unit at a hinge point 132. The hook can be rotated as indicated by arrow 133 and engages the edge bracket 134 of the unit when in the position shown. When the lower bracket 123 is removed and the hook 131 is rotated into the unit, the second auxiliary unit can be lowered to the ground.

[0123] Fig.14 The implementation method and Fig.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.

[0124] exist Fig.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 second auxiliary unit in the state where the bolts have been attached. If it is necessary to lower the second unit 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 first auxiliary unit. 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 carrying 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.

[0125] Figures 16 to 18 An embodiment is shown in which the secondary unit and the primary 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. Fig.16 Also shown is a gap 167 forming 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 consist of a number of pins or an open structure allowing air to pass between the units.

[0126] Such a gap can increase heat convection and thus increase cooling of the space within each unit.The gap is not limited to an embodiment with a hinged structure, but can be combined with any other assembly method.

[0127] Fig.17 and Fig.18Hinge elements 163, 164, 165 and hinge pin 166 are shown. Fig.17 In the embodiment of the present invention, the hinge elements are correctly positioned relative to each other so that the hinge pin can slide into the hinge element. Fig.18 In the embodiment of the present invention, the hinge pin is inserted through the hole of the hinge element.

[0128] Fig.19a , Fig.19b and Fig.19c Further details of the hooks used to attach one unit 191 to another unit 192 are shown, for example, attaching an auxiliary unit to a primary unit or attaching an auxiliary unit to another auxiliary unit, referred to herein simply as the first unit and the second unit. The hook 193 is rotatably suspended at a hinge 194 in the first unit and catches a notch or edge 195 in the second unit.

[0129] The hook may also be attached in the second unit and catch a notch or edge in the first unit, in which case the hook may be attached in reverse, i.e., as Fig. 20 The hook can be positioned by using an actuator.

[0130] Fig.21 The hook is shown in an open position, in which the second unit is free to be lowered to the ground.

[0131] Fig. 22 A cross section is shown where two bolt holes 221 can be seen. The bolt holes help attach the second unit to the first unit by using bolts for secure fixing. In this embodiment, the hooks are mainly used to position the second unit at the correct height relative to the first unit, and the bolts are used to join the units.

[0132] In Figure 19, Fig.21 and Fig. 22 In the embodiment, the hook is preferably supported by a rigid frame structure, for example, via a column or support rod arranged along the inner surface of the unit that holds the hook. In Figure 19, a column 197 extends along the inner surface of the unit and supports the hook on the main frame in the bottom portion of the unit.

[0133] The hook can be moved in the open position ( Fig.21 ) and closed position (Figure 19, Fig. 20 , Fig. 22 )

[0134] Figures 23, 24, 25a and 25b show an embodiment in which the hook is not suspended rotatably but slidably. This function is similar to that of Figures 19 to 25. Fig. 22In Figures 23 and 24, the cross-sectional views show bolt holes 231 which can be used for secure bolting of the units.

[0135] In Figure 25a, the hook 251 slides to the left, thereby disengaging the edge of the unit and allowing the unit to be lowered to the ground. In Figure 25b, the hook 251 slides to the right, thereby engaging the edge of the auxiliary unit and keeping the two units fixed to each other. The hook can slide by a powered drive (e.g., by a hydraulic actuator).

[0136] In the above description, FIGS. 19 to 25 b are explained as parts of the unit fixing structure for coupling the units.

[0137] Fig.26 The unit is shown being lifted up or down during maintenance or replacement. The unit is lifted using a crane 261 forming part of the primary unit or forming part of one of the secondary units. Movement is substantially only in the vertical plane shown by arrow 263 and attachment of the secondary unit or one of the secondary units may be assisted by a unit securing structure as previously described, including moveable securing features such as hinged or slidable hooks or the like.

[0138] Fig. 27 An internal crane 261 is shown in an enlarged view. The crane is attached to the top portion of the main unit or one of the auxiliary units and, through its position, the crane can lift the other units in the vertical direction to a position where the unit fixing structure can form a joint between the units. This process may not require movement in directions other than the vertical direction and thus facilitates a simple assembly process, reducing the need for external crane assistance. For adjustment in the horizontal plane, the crane 261 may have the option of horizontal movement, for example, as shown by arrow 262.

[0139] Fig.28 Another crane structure is schematically shown with a double cantilever beam 281 on top of the main unit 282 or on top of one of the auxiliary units. The cantilever beam 281 can be extended laterally in a telescopic section 283. The cantilever beam facilitates the lifting and connection of another unit 284. Even though the unit fixing structure disclosed herein (including pivotable or slidable hooks) generally facilitates the attachment of an auxiliary unit or auxiliary units by lifting only in the vertical direction, the in-and-out movement can also facilitate fine adjustment of the horizontal distance between the main unit and the auxiliary unit.

[0140] definition

[0141] 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.

[0142] The terms "primary unit" and "secondary unit" herein refer to units that can be transported separately and that can be assembled with one or more other units to form a cabin.

[0143] Herein, the term "rotor support assembly" refers to those parts of the nacelle that carry the rotor, typically the drive train, the main bearings and the 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 between the rotor shaft and the generator.

Claims

1. A wind turbine nacelle configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower and housing a rotor support assembly defining a rotation axis, the nacelle comprising: a main unit arranged to be connected to a wind turbine tower and to accommodate the rotor support assembly, the main unit comprising a first side wall and a second side wall at opposite sides of the rotation axis and a rear wall extending transversely to the rotation axis between the first side wall and the second side wall; as well as Multiple separate auxiliary units, in, The main unit and a first auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a first interface, The main unit and a second auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a second interface, and The first interface and the second interface are both located in a first wall, and the first wall is one of the first side wall, the second side wall or the rear wall, The plurality of auxiliary units are arranged along the rear wall and one or both of the first side wall and the second side wall.

2. The nacelle according to claim 1, wherein: The main unit and a third auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a third interface, The main unit and a fourth auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a fourth interface, and The third interface and the fourth interface are both located in a second wall, and the second wall is one of the first side wall, the second side wall, or the rear wall.

3. The nacelle according to claim 2, wherein: The main unit and a fifth auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a fifth interface, The main unit and a sixth auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a sixth interface, and The fifth interface and the sixth interface are both located in a third wall, and the third wall is one of the first side wall, the second side wall, or the rear wall.

4. The nacelle according to claim 3, wherein: The first wall is the first side wall, the second wall is the second side wall, and the third wall is the rear wall.

5. The nacelle of claim 2, wherein: The first auxiliary unit and a seventh auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a seventh interface, The second auxiliary unit and an eighth auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at an eighth interface, The third auxiliary unit and the seventh auxiliary unit are assembled at a ninth interface, and The fourth auxiliary unit and the eighth auxiliary unit are assembled at the tenth interface, The first wall is the first side wall, the second wall is the second side wall, and the seventh auxiliary unit and the eighth auxiliary unit both extend along the rear wall.

6. The nacelle according to claim 5, wherein: The main unit and the seventh auxiliary unit are assembled at an eleventh interface, and The main unit and the eighth auxiliary unit are assembled at the twelfth interface.

7. The nacelle according to claim 5, wherein: The main unit and a fifth auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a fifth interface, the main unit and a sixth auxiliary unit among the plurality of auxiliary units are assembled at a sixth interface, and both the fifth interface and the sixth interface are in a third wall, and the third wall is one of the first side wall, the second side wall, or the rear wall, At least one of the first auxiliary unit, the third auxiliary unit, the fifth auxiliary unit and the seventh auxiliary unit forms an upper unit, and at least one of the second auxiliary unit, the fourth auxiliary unit, the sixth auxiliary unit and the eighth auxiliary unit forms a lower unit, and the lower unit is arranged below the upper unit and aligned with the upper unit in a vertical row.

8. The nacelle according to claim 7, wherein: When viewed in horizontal cross-section, the lower unit and the upper unit have substantially the same shape and / or size.

9. A nacelle according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The upper unit and the lower unit have a total height that is between 80% and 120% of the height of the main unit.

10. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: A gap is defined between the main unit and at least one of the auxiliary units or between the plurality of auxiliary units, the gap allowing air to pass between the main unit and the auxiliary unit or between the auxiliary units.

11. The nacelle according to claim 10, wherein: The gap is defined between the main unit and the auxiliary unit and between the auxiliary units.

12. The nacelle according to claim 11, wherein: The gaps between the auxiliary units and between the auxiliary units and the main unit are interconnected.

13. The nacelle of claim 1, comprising an entrance from the primary unit to at least one of the secondary units.

14. The nacelle of claim 1, comprising an entrance from one auxiliary unit to another auxiliary unit.

15. A nacelle according to claim 13 or 14, comprising a gasket sealingly engaging two secondary units or sealingly engaging a secondary unit with a primary unit to form a sealed joint between the engaging portions.

16. A nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Each secondary cell forms a space that can be hermetically separated from a space in the primary cell and optionally from a space in another secondary cell.

17. A nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: At least one of the secondary units is the size or shape of a 10, 20, 40 or 45 foot shipping container.

18. A wind turbine comprising a nacelle according to any of the preceding claims.

19. A method of manufacturing a nacelle for a wind turbine, the method comprising: receiving at least two wind turbine components each packaged in a secondary unit; and attaching two secondary units with encapsulated components to the primary unit of the nacelle, wherein the secondary units are arranged along the rear wall and one or both side walls.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The primary unit is attached to a wind turbine tower, and wherein the two wind turbine components remain encapsulated in the secondary unit until the primary unit is attached to the tower.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The auxiliary unit is arranged to air-tightly isolate one of the two wind turbine components from the other of the two wind turbine components.

22. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: The secondary unit is arranged to hermetically isolate at least one of the two wind turbine components from a wind turbine component in the primary unit.

23. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein: In response to an event, a secondary unit is released from another secondary unit and from the primary unit.

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