Nacelle for a wind turbine and method of manufacturing a wind turbine

Abstract

A wind turbine nacelle is configured to be mounted on a wind turbine tower and house a rotor support assembly defining an axis of rotation. The nacelle includes a main unit configured to be connected to the wind turbine tower and house the rotor support assembly. A crane is positioned outside the main unit and is directly connected to the main frame.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wind turbine nacelle configured for mounting on a wind turbine tower and housing a rotor support assembly. The rotor support assembly defines an axis of rotation and is carried by a main frame. The nacelle includes a main unit, which includes a main frame and houses the rotor support assembly. The main unit is arranged to be mounted on the wind turbine tower via the main frame.

[0002] The disclosure further relates to a wind turbine having such a nacelle and to a method of manufacturing a wind turbine. Background Art

[0003] Wind turbines are constantly increasing in size, both in terms of rated power output and the physical dimensions of their individual components. Consequently, the nacelle must also grow in size to accommodate the required wind turbine components. This increasing size requires new solutions for transporting and lifting components during assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to facilitate further modularity, ease of design and manufacturing, and allow for 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.

[0005] In accordance with these and other objectives, the present disclosure provides a wind turbine nacelle as described in the technical field, including at least one crane positioned outside the main unit and connected to the main frame, for example directly. This allows for flexible attachment and detachment of the crane while transferring loads directly into the tower via the main frame.

[0006] The main unit may define at least two side wall portions extending along the rotation axis, for example, parallel to the rotation axis and located on opposite sides of the rotation axis, i.e., located on opposite sides of a plane passing through the rotation axis. In one embodiment, the main unit is box-shaped, having two sets of two surface portions, wherein the two surface portions form the side walls and wherein the two surface portions form the bottom and the top.

[0007] The crane can be attached in particular along the outer surface of one of the side wall parts. This allows good accessibility and facilitates installation of the hub and blades by using a crane.

[0008] The nacelle may also include at least one service unit positioned along one of the sidewall sections. The main unit and the service unit are separate units that are releasably assembled at the service unit interface, and the service unit houses a crane. This allows the crane to be transported to the wind turbine within the service unit while being protected by the service unit.

[0009] The service unit and / or the main unit can be formed to have a size and / or shape comparable to 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. Shipping containers can be transported anywhere in the world, for example, by ship, train, truck, etc., and at a lower cost than bulk transportation.

[0010] Cost savings are even greater 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 can follow the dimensional and structural specifications of the ISO standard ISO 668:2013 for Series 1 freight containers.

[0011] The present disclosure may relate to upwind wind turbines or to downwind wind turbines.

[0012] The nacelle can be carried directly by the tower or indirectly via an intermediate tower structure. If the wind turbine is of the conventional horizontal-axis type, the nacelle is typically carried by a yaw gear located directly between the top of the tower 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.

[0013] The main unit is the part of the nacelle that is connected to the tower directly or indirectly via the intermediate tower structure or structures. The main unit can specifically be considered as the central part of the nacelle and houses parts of the drive train, such as the rotor shaft and at least a part of the generator, and thereby supports the rotor.

[0014] 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 one where the generator is located in the main unit.

[0015] The rotor can be connected to a rotor shaft, or the wind turbine can include a device, often called a "king-pin," on which the rotor rotates, i.e., the main shaft can be stationary. Depending on the type of wind turbine, the main unit can include further components, such as a gearbox, a bearing system, and various peripheral devices, for example, for lubrication, cooling, and control purposes. The main unit can 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 can, in particular, be a cast component.

[0016] The main frame may support the rotor assembly, eg including the main shaft, via its bearing supports, and it may optionally also directly or indirectly support powertrain elements, eg including a gearbox and / or a generator driven by the main shaft.

[0017] Thus, the main frames may be rotatable relative to the tower via the yaw device. Alternatively, in a multi-rotor type wind turbine, the rotatable connection may be achieved by connecting at least two main frames of the separate nacelle structures to the tower via said intermediate tower structure which is again joined to the tower via the yaw device.

[0018] The main unit and the service unit are assembled in a service unit interface, for example, an interface extending in the direction of the rotation axis. The service unit interface can be configured to release the service unit from the main unit after the main unit is assembled on top of the tower. To this end, the service unit interface can include interlocking structural features located on the main unit and the service unit. Examples of such interlocking features can be protrusions on one of the main unit and the service unit and recesses or holes on the other of the main unit and the service unit. The service unit interface can be a bolted interface that allows the main unit and the service unit to be releasably engaged, or the service unit can be held in place on the main unit by a cable, via which the auxiliary unit can be lowered to the ground for repair or replacement of components, or for transportation of components and personnel between the ground and the nacelle. In one embodiment, the service unit interface is configured so that the service unit can be received by the main unit when the service unit is lowered close to the main unit. Such a service unit interface can be composed of a hook or an upwardly protruding rail on at least one of the main unit and the service unit.

[0019] The nacelle may include a first interface configured for connecting the crane to the service unit and a second interface configured for connecting the crane to the main frame. In this manner, the crane can be secured to one or both of the service unit and the main unit. Typically, the crane can be secured to the service unit during transport and to the main unit during use to lift heavy components.

[0020] The crane can be moved between a collapsed configuration, in which the crane is completely enclosed by the service unit, and an expanded configuration, in which the crane extends through an opening in the service unit. For this purpose, the service unit can include an opening, for example, in the top and a hatch for closing the opening. The service unit can also be completely opened upwards, i.e., without a top, and can be provided with a tarpaulin for protection until the crane is in use.

[0021] The crane can be configured to operate components of the rotor carried by the rotor support assembly. For this purpose, the crane can be configured to cooperate with another crane, such as a crane placed along another of the at least two side wall sections and directly connected to the main frame.

[0022] The crane may comprise a power interface configured to be releasably connected to a power source, such as an electrical or hydraulic power source, for example in the main unit.

[0023] The service unit may include accommodation facilities for personnel. Such facilities may include, in particular, a workshop, a spare parts storage, a toilet, a kitchen or a bathroom, etc.

[0024] The service unit may further form a fixture for intermediate storage of large wind turbine components during repairs. The fixture may, for example, be configured for intermediate securing of a gearbox, transformer, generator, or other large or heavy component. The fixture may form a pre-designed fixture structure designed and dimensioned to carry the substantial weight of the component in question and positioned to facilitate predetermined disassembly and reassembly of the component from and to its operating position in the wind turbine.

[0025] The nacelle may further comprise an additional crane connected to the main frame, for example an additional crane placed along another one of the at least two side wall sections of the main unit and adapted to be directly connected to the main frame.

[0026] A control unit may be provided for operating the crane and the additional crane in a coordinated process, in which the winding of the crane line of the crane and the winding of the additional crane line of the additional crane are performed simultaneously.

[0027] The crane line can be spooled by the power winch and the additional crane line can be spooled by the additional power winch. The power winch and the additional power winch can both be hydraulic winches powered by the same hydraulic source to establish the same pressure for both winches and thereby share the load equally between the two cranes.

[0028] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a wind turbine having a nacelle as described herein.

[0029] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of manufacturing a wind turbine, the method comprising:

[0030] receiving a main unit having a main frame configured to form part of a rotor support assembly and arranged to be connected to a wind turbine tower via the main frame;

[0031] receiving at least one crane;

[0032] attaching the main unit to the tower via the main frame;

[0033] Positioning the crane outside the main unit and connecting the crane to the main frame;

[0034] Use cranes to lift wind turbine components.

[0035] At least one crane may be housed in at least one service unit, the service unit being arranged to be releasably connected to the main unit, and wherein the crane is arranged along the first outer sidewall portion by attaching the service unit to the main unit and attaching the crane directly to the main frame.

[0036] A crane may be used to lift at least a portion of the rotor.

[0037] In one embodiment, the service unit or crane is attached to the main unit before the main unit is attached to the wind turbine tower.In an alternative embodiment, the service unit or crane is attached to the main unit after the main unit is attached to the wind turbine tower.

[0038] When the crane has been used to lift the component, the service unit and / or the crane can be separated from the main unit. In this way, the crane and the service unit can be reused in other wind turbine assembly processes.

[0039] The auxiliary unit can be attached to the primary unit to replace the service unit or crane after the crane has been used and removed. The auxiliary unit can house the working components of the wind turbine, i.e., the components used to convert wind energy during wind turbine operation. Such components can include transformers, inverters, or similar components. For example, the auxiliary unit can replace the service unit by reusing the same interfaces as the primary unit, such as the same fixtures, bolt holes, or other structures used to assemble the primary and service units. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0041] Figure 1aand Figure 1b A wind turbine is shown;

[0042] Figure 2 A nacelle of a wind turbine is shown;

[0043] Figure 3 The nacelle of the crane is shown located in the service unit;

[0044] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The nacelles of the two cranes are shown located in two separate service units;

[0045] Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which the service unit comprises two units 61 , 62 positioned above each other;

[0046] Figure 7 Schematically shows the details of the service unit interface;

[0047] Figure 8 Shows the service unit after it has been attached to the main unit. Figure 7 the main unit and service unit;

[0048] Figure 9 An embodiment is shown in which the second interface is constituted by a bolt-shaped fixing pin;

[0049] Figure 10 、 Figure 11 The first interface and another embodiment of the first interface are shown in more detail;

[0050] Figures 12 to 15 Four different implementations of the interface between the master unit and the service unit are shown.

[0051] Figures 16 to 18 An embodiment is shown in which the main unit and the service unit are assembled by a hinge structure;

[0052] Figure 19 、 Figure 20 Further details of the hooks used to attach the service unit to the main unit are shown;

[0053] Figure 21 The hook is shown in an open position, in which the service unit can be freely lowered to the ground;

[0054] Figure 22 Shown is a cross section with two bolt holes for attaching the service unit to the main unit;

[0055] Figures 23, 24 and 25 show an embodiment in which the hook is configured for sliding;

[0056] Figures 26 to 28 An embodiment is shown that includes an additional crane on the main unit for hoisting the service unit;

[0057] Figures 29 to 34 shows different ways of lifting components by crane;

[0058] Figure 35 to Figure 37 shows different embodiments of a main frame configured to carry the weight of a crane; and

[0059] Figure 38 The use of a tower crane connected directly to the main frame is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] Figure 2 An embodiment is shown in which the nacelle comprises a main unit 20 and two service units 21, 22. A cooling area 23 is arranged on top of the nacelle. The cooling area is formed by a heat exchanger, which can form part of the main unit and / or any service unit. The main unit 20 is mounted on the tower 3 via a yaw mechanism (not shown), allowing the nacelle 2 to rotate in order to guide the rotor blades 5 carried by the hub 4 into the wind. The service unit 21 comprises two separate compartments 24, 25. One of the two compartments 24 houses a crane, and the other of the two compartments 25 facilitates accommodation of crew members working on components of the wind turbine. The service unit 22 houses a crane.

[0063] Figure 3 The wind turbine is shown seen from the opposite side with the hatch 26 in the open position. The crane 27 is deployed and ready for work.

[0064] Figure 4A side view of the nacelle is shown, with the outer panels removed to better illustrate the internal components of the service unit 22. The crane is in an extended position. The crane can be moved between extended and folded positions using a hydraulic piston 41. A crane line 42 extends from a winch 43 around a pulley 44 located at the rear end of the service unit 22. The crane line 42 extends from the pulley to a top pulley 45 at the end of a crane arm 46 and terminates in a sling. The sling separates a lifting point 47 into two lifting points 48 and 49, which are attached to the hub or to the blades for lifting the hub and assembling it into the rotor support assembly in the main unit. The crane can comprise any known type of crane, including any type of support column or crane arm, with or without articulation capability. The crane can include a cantilever, for example, attached to a tower crane in a known manner, and the crane arm can be extendable, for example, telescopically.

[0065] Figure 5 An embodiment is shown in which the cranes in both service units 21, 22 are used in combination to lift the hub. The crane line of each crane extends around a pulley 44', 44" to the top pulley of each crane arm 46', 46".

[0066] Figure 6 An embodiment is shown in which the service unit comprises two subunits 61, 62 positioned one above the other. Subunit 61 is constructed from a 40-foot container and houses a crane. Subunit 62 is constructed from a 20-foot container and houses crew members and spare parts used during assembly of the wind turbine.

[0067] Figures 7 to 20 Details of different embodiments of the interface between the main unit and the service unit are shown.The service unit interface releasably engages the units and allows the service unit to be replaced, for example after completion of an assembly or maintenance procedure.

[0068] Figure 7Details of the service unit interface are schematically shown. The service unit interface comprises a unit securing structure that releasably couples the service unit 71 and the main unit 72 and allows the service unit to be attached to the main unit after transport to the installation site, or subsequently attached, for example, during maintenance. In the disclosed embodiment, the unit securing structure comprises an inwardly directed recess or guide 73 in the main unit. The guide 73 is shown in dashed lines and defines a recess into an outer surface 75. The guide has a C-shaped profile in horizontal cross-section, i.e., when viewed from above, the guide is configured to receive a protrusion 74 provided on the service unit, and in particular, the guide can receive the protrusion 74 by a process in which the service unit 71 is lowered along the outer surface 75 of the main unit 72. This is indicated by arrow 76. This process allows for easy attachment or detachment of the service unit and the crane housed therein.

[0069] The main unit can form a load path from a crane housed in the service unit, for example, via the main frame, down into the tower. In particular, this load path can be different from the load path from the service unit into the tower. This will be explained below with respect to different embodiments.

[0070] The service unit 71 houses the crane 27 which is fixed to the service unit by means of a structure referred to herein as a “first interface.” The first interface consists of a fixing structure, for example in the form of bolts or similar fixing means 78 .

[0071] The main unit has a crane support assembly 79 which forms part of a main frame (not shown) and is configured to receive the weight of the crane 27 when the service unit is received and secured to the main unit.

[0072] Figure 8 Shows the service unit after it has been attached to the main unit. Figure 7 In this state, the bolt-shaped fixing pin 78 extends laterally to the left and thereby engages in the crane support assembly 79. The crane support assembly is connected to the main frame so that the load from the crane is directed directly into the tower via the main frame. Figure 37 Further details of the crane support assembly are shown.

[0073] The bolt-shaped fixing pin now forms what is referred to herein as the "second interface" through which the crane is directly carried by the main unit. The second interface forms part of the load path from the crane into the tower, and the service unit interface between the main unit and the service unit forms part of another load path from the service unit into the tower.

[0074] exist Figures 7 and 8In the embodiment shown, both the first and second interfaces are formed by the same set of bolts extending from the crane to one or both of the service unit or the main unit.

[0075] Figure 9 An embodiment is shown in which the second interface is formed by a bolt-shaped fixing pin and the first interface is formed by a support leg 91 between the bottom of the crane and the bottom of the service unit.

[0076] Figure 10 Another embodiment of the first and second interfaces is shown in more detail. In this embodiment, the main unit 101 and the service unit 102 are coupled via a unit interface formed by a fixed structure consisting of corner lifting points 103 of the container constituting the service unit 102 .

[0077] The crane 27 is carried by a support frame 105 resting on the bottom of the service unit 102 and is suspended directly from a main frame 106 within the main unit 101. The main frame thus forms part of the load path for the crane to enter the tower.

[0078] At least 50% of the weight of the crane 27 is thus carried by the main unit 101, the remaining weight being carried by the service unit 102, which in turn is carried by the main unit 101. The remainder of the weight is therefore not carried directly by the main unit 101.

[0079] Figure 11 Shows that Figure 10 , but in which the crane 27 is fixed directly to the main frame using brackets 111 extending through the side walls in the main unit and thereby forming a load path for the crane to enter the tower via the main frame.

[0080] Figures 12 to 15 Four different embodiments of the unit interface with different fixing structures between the main unit and the service unit are shown. In each of the four illustrations, the main unit 121 and the service unit 122 are connected by a cooperating structure that forms the unit fixing structure and will be described in further detail below.

[0081] exist Figure 12 In the embodiment, the cooperating structure is constituted by a bracket 123, by means of which the main unit and the service unit are joined by bolts.

[0082] exist Figure 13 In the collaboration structure, Figure 12The main unit and the service unit are assembled at the upper edge by means of a hook 131 pivotally connected to the main 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 service unit. When the lower bracket 123 is removed and the hook 131 is rotated into the main unit, the service unit can be lowered to the ground.

[0083] 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.

[0084] exist Figure 15 In the embodiment, the lower and upper brackets are used to bolt the service unit to the main unit, and the slidable support 151 supports the lower surface of the service unit in the bolted state. If the service unit needs to be lowered to the ground, for example, for replacement or maintenance of the crane, or if the crane is no longer to be used, the slidable support can be slid to the left, and the service unit can be lowered, for example, by using an additional crane built into the main unit or directly attached to the tower, etc.

[0085] exist Figures 12 to 15 In any of the embodiments shown, the bracket or hook directs the load from the service unit into a rigid portion of the main unit, for example, into a load-bearing column such as a corner column of the main unit. Various structural features can connect the bracket or hook carrying the service unit directly to the main frame in the main unit, thereby establishing a load path into the tower.

[0086] Apart from Figures 12 to 15 In addition to the hook and bracket unit fixing structure shown in , a second interface (not shown) connects the crane (not shown) directly to the main frame within the main unit.

[0087] Figures 16 to 18 An embodiment is shown in which the main unit and the service unit are assembled by an articulated structure comprising articulated elements 163, 164, 165 having holes for receiving articulated pins 166 extending through the articulated elements. Figure 16 Also shown is a service unit interface forming a gap 167, allowing air to pass through the gap, 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.

[0088] Such a gap may increase heat convection and thus increase cooling of the space within the main unit and the service unit.The gap is not limited to an embodiment having a hinged structure, but may be combined with any other assembly method.

[0089] 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 of the present invention, the hinge pin is inserted through the hole of the hinge element.

[0090] Figure 19 Further details are shown of the hook used to attach the service unit 191 to the main unit 192. The hook 193 is rotatably suspended from the main unit at a hinge 194. The hook can be rotated through an opening 195 in the service unit and catch a notch or edge 196 in the service unit.

[0091] The hook may also be attached in the service unit and catch a notch or edge in the main 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.

[0092] Figure 21 The hook is shown in an open position, in which the secondary unit is free to be lowered to the ground.

[0093] Figure 22 A cross section is shown in which two bolt holes 221 are visible. The bolt holes facilitate attachment of the service unit to the main unit using bolts for secure fixing. In this embodiment, the hooks are primarily used to position the service unit at the correct height relative to the main unit, and the bolts are used to join the units together.

[0094] 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.

[0095] exist Figure 20 In the case where the hook forms part of the service unit, the edge in the main unit for the hook to engage may preferably be carried by the main frame in the main unit. Again, this may be a rod or post arranged along the inner surface of the main unit.

[0096] The hook can be moved in the open position ( Figure 21 ) and closed position ( Figure 19 、 Figure 20 、 Figure 22 ) to move between.

[0097] 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 service unit to the main unit. The hook in FIG23 is attached to the main unit and the hook in FIG24 is attached to the service unit.

[0098] In Figure 25a, hook 251 slides to the left, thereby disengaging the edge of the service unit and allowing the service unit to be lowered to the ground. In Figure 25b, hook 251 slides to the right, thereby engaging the edge of the service 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).

[0099] In the above description, Figure 19 to Figure 2 5 is interpreted as part of the unit fixing structure for fixing the service unit to the main unit. A similar structure can constitute the second interface through which the crane is releasably fixed to the main unit. A similar structure can also constitute the first interface through which the crane is releasably fixed to the service unit, and a similar structure can constitute the third fixing structure through which the two service units are fixed to each other.

[0100] Figure 26 The service unit is shown being hoisted upwards or downwards, for example, if it is used for a specific period of time during assembly of the wind turbine or during maintenance, etc. The service unit is hoisted using an internal crane 261 forming part of the main unit. Movement is essentially only in the vertical plane indicated by arrow 263, and attachment of the service unit to the main unit may be assisted by a unit securing structure as previously described, which includes movable securing features, such as hinged or slidable hooks, etc.

[0101] Figure 27An internal crane 261 is shown in an enlarged view. The crane is attached to the top of the main unit. The internal crane can vertically lift the service unit to a position where the unit's mounting structure can form a joint between the main unit and the service unit. This process can eliminate the need for movement in any direction other than vertical, thus simplifying the 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.

[0102] Figure 28 Another crane structure for an internal crane is schematically shown. This embodiment includes a dual cantilever beam 281 located on top of a main unit 282. The cantilever beam 281 can be extended laterally in a telescoping joint 283. The cantilever beam facilitates the lifting and connection of a service unit 284 to the main unit 282. Even though the unit securing structure disclosed herein (including pivotable or slidable hooks) generally facilitates the attachment of a service unit by lifting only in the vertical direction, the in-and-out movement also facilitates fine adjustment of the horizontal distance between the main unit and the service unit.

[0103] Figure 29 A lifting method is shown in which two cranes 27 , 27 ′ cooperate via a lifting bracket 291 to lift the hub 4 .

[0104] Figure 30 A lifting method is shown in which two cranes 27 , 27 ′ cooperate to lift the hub 4 directly at, for example, one common lifting point, for example formed by a lifting lug 301 attached to the hub.

[0105] Figure 31 A lifting method is shown in which two cranes 27, 27' work together in lifting the blade. One crane 27 works to lift the root end of the blade and the other crane 27' lifts the tip end of the blade.

[0106] Figure 32 A lifting method is shown in which two cranes 27, 27' cooperate to lift a gearbox, generator, or similar component 321 of a drive train. During this process, the component is lifted sideways out of the nacelle and lowered to the ground. Both cranes can be located in the same service unit, in this case, to the left of the main unit.

[0107] Figure 33A lifting method is shown in which two cranes 27, 27' cooperate in lifting a gearbox, generator, or similar component 321 of a drive train. In this process, the component is lifted through an opening 331 in the cabin floor. The two cranes can be located in the same service unit or, as shown, in different service units—in this case, one to the left of the main unit and one to the right of the main unit.

[0108] Figure 34 A lifting method is shown in which two cranes 27, 27' cooperate to lift a gearbox, generator, or similar component 321 of a drive train. During this process, the component is lifted rearwards out of the nacelle. The two cranes can be located in the same service unit or, as shown, in different service units—in this case, one to the left of the main unit and one to the right of the main unit.

[0109] Figure 35 to Figure 36 An embodiment of a main frame is shown, the main frame being configured to carry the weight of a crane.

[0110] exist Figure 35a In FIG, a portion of the main frame is shown in a perspective view from one side. A shaded plane 351 illustrates the side panels of the main unit, and the bearing support is attached to or forms part of the main frame 352, which is enclosed within the main unit. The main frame is supported by the wind turbine tower via the yaw mechanism. Main frame 352 carries a crane support assembly 353.

[0111] Figure 35b The support assembly is shown configured to carry a crane positioned along the outer side wall formed by the panels. The crane is thereby directly connected to the main frame in a load-bearing manner. Figure 35b In the example shown, the crane attachment is shown by dashed lines. This could be, for example, a bolted connection through the side wall of the main unit into the crane support assembly.

[0112] Figure 36 The main frame and crane support assembly are shown as seen from above, with the main unit 361 schematically drawn to illustrate the crane support assembly directly against the inner surface of the main unit, allowing a crane to be positioned along the outer surface of a side wall portion of the main unit and connected directly to the main frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the main frame includes two crane support assemblies 353, i.e., two crane support assemblies located on one or both sides of a vertical plane of the rotor axis, shown by dashed line 362. The main unit includes two side wall portions 363, 364, which extend in the direction of the rotation axis 362 (dashed line) on opposite sides of the rotation axis 362.

[0113] Figure 37 Shown Figure 36 , but with two optional side units 371 , 372 into which the crane can be housed and still suspended directly from the main frame via the crane support assembly 353.

[0114] Figure 38 A tower crane 381 is shown, which is directly attached to the main frame of the nacelle 382 and is located outside the main unit. The tower crane is configured with a lifting tool 383 for lifting a blade 384. The use of a tower crane provides good accessibility for long blades and thus improves the blade installation and removal process. The tower crane includes a counterload 385. The counterload can be enclosed in a separate unit, such as a service unit. The tower crane may or may not be part of the service unit. In one embodiment, the tower crane is located in the service unit, for example, together with the counterload or other related components.

[0115] definition

[0116] 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.

[0117] The terms "primary unit", "service unit" and "secondary unit" herein refer to a unit that can be transported alone and that can be assembled with one or more other units to form a nacelle.

[0118] 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.

Claims

1. A wind turbine nacelle (2), comprising a main unit (20, 101), said main unit housing a main frame (106, 352) supporting a rotor assembly and located at a bottom of said main unit, said rotor assembly defining a rotation axis, said main unit being arranged to be mounted on said wind turbine tower (3) via said main frame, said wind turbine further comprising at least one crane (27, 381), said at least one crane being placed outside said main unit and directly connected to said main frame.

2. The nacelle according to claim 1, wherein: The main unit comprises at least two side wall portions (363, 364) extending along the rotation axis on opposite sides of the rotation axis, and wherein the crane (27, 381) is arranged along one of the at least two side wall portions (363, 364).

3. The nacelle according to claim 2, further comprising at least one service unit (21, 22, 191, 284) placed along one of the at least two side wall sections, wherein The main unit and the service unit are independent units that are releasably assembled at a service unit interface, and the service unit accommodates the crane.

4. The nacelle of claim 3, comprising a first interface configured for releasably connecting the crane to the service unit.

5. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising a second interface configured for releasably connecting the crane to the main frame.

6. The nacelle according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The crane is movable between a collapsed configuration in which the crane is completely enclosed by the service unit and a deployed configuration in which the crane extends through an opening in the service unit.

7. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The crane is configured to operate components of a rotor carried by the rotor support assembly.

8. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The crane includes a power interface configured to releasably connect to a power source in the main unit.

9. The nacelle according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The service unit comprises accommodation facilities for personnel.

10. The nacelle of claim 1, further comprising an additional crane connected to the main frame.

11. The nacelle of claim 2, further comprising an additional crane connected to the main frame, wherein: The additional crane is positioned along another side wall portion of the at least two side wall portions of the main unit.

12. The nacelle according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a control unit configured to operate the crane and the additional crane in a coordinated process, in which the winding of the crane line of the crane and the winding of the additional crane line of the additional crane are performed simultaneously.

13. The nacelle according to claim 12, wherein: The crane line is wound by a power driven winch and the additional crane line is wound by an additional power driven winch, the power driven winch and the additional power driven winch being powered by the same power source.

14. The nacelle according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an internal crane forming part of the main unit.

15. The nacelle according to claim 14, wherein: The internal crane is arranged to lift the crane or service unit to and from the main unit.

16. A wind turbine having a nacelle according to any one of the preceding claims.

17. A method of manufacturing a wind turbine, the method comprising: receiving a main unit having a main frame configured to form part of a rotor support assembly and located at a bottom of the main unit and arranged to be connected to a wind turbine tower via the main frame; receiving at least one crane; attaching the main unit to the tower via the main frame; arranging the crane outside the main unit and directly connecting the crane to the main frame; as well as The crane is operated to lift wind turbine components.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The main unit comprises at least two side wall portions extending along the rotation axis on opposite sides of the rotation axis, and wherein the crane is positioned along one of the at least two side wall portions.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein The at least one crane is received in at least one service unit, the service unit being arranged to be releasably connected to the main unit, and wherein the crane is positioned along the first outer sidewall portion by attaching the service unit to the main unit and attaching the crane directly to the main frame.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein The crane is used to lift at least a portion of the rotor.

21. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein The service unit or the crane is attached to the main unit before the main unit is attached to the wind turbine tower.

22. The method according to claim 19 or 20, wherein The service unit or the crane is attached to the main unit after the main unit is attached to the wind turbine tower.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein When the crane has been used to lift the component, the service unit or the crane is detached from the main unit.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein A secondary unit is attached to the primary unit to replace the service unit or crane, the secondary unit housing working parts of the wind turbine.

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