Nacelles for wind turbines and methods for transferring components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nacelle (14) for a wind turbine generator (10), and a method for transferring components into and out of the wind turbine generator (10). The nacelle (14) includes a housing (26) surrounding an internal volume (24) of the nacelle (14). The housing (26) has a maintenance opening (50). The nacelle includes a bracket (54) configured to hold a component (48), the bracket (54) being movable between a first position and a second position to transfer the component (48) through the maintenance opening (50). When the bracket (54) is in the first position, the component (48) is held within the internal volume (24). When the bracket (54) is in the second position, the component (48) is held such that at least a portion of the component (48) is outside the housing (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a nacelle for a wind turbine generator, a wind turbine generator, and a method for performing maintenance on the nacelle of a wind turbine generator. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines used for power generation are well known in the art. In a common arrangement, at least one nacelle is mounted on a tower, with the rotor and blades mounted on the nacelle.

[0003] Routine maintenance and inspections of wind turbine generators, often simply referred to as wind turbines, are typically performed manually. Whenever work is required, technicians climb the wind turbine tower when the turbine is not in operation, carry bags containing tools and replacement parts, and perform maintenance as needed.

[0004] This manual labor typically requires safety and precautionary measures for technicians. As already noted, the wind turbine must be non-operational to allow for maintenance, meaning time is wasted shutting down turbines that could otherwise be used for power generation. Sometimes, maintenance may not even be permitted unless certain weather conditions are present. In cases where the wind turbine is part of an offshore or remote wind farm, technicians may spend considerable time traveling to the turbine to perform maintenance.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address one or more drawbacks associated with the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the invention, a nacelle for a wind turbine generator is provided. The nacelle includes a shell surrounding an internal volume of the nacelle. The shell has a maintenance opening for transferring one or more components in and out of the nacelle. The nacelle includes a bracket configured to hold one or more components. The bracket is movable between a first position and a second position to transfer one or more components through the maintenance opening. When the bracket is in the first position, one or more components are held within the internal volume. When the bracket is in the second position, one or more components are held such that at least a portion of the one or more components is outside the shell.

[0007] Providing maintenance openings within the cabin shell offers a useful way to pass components in and out of the cabin. Similarly, providing brackets to pass components through maintenance openings offers a useful and uncomplicated solution to allow drone maintenance or to allow aircraft access, removal, and replacement of components within the cabin.

[0008] Optionally, the bracket includes a plate arranged to cover the maintenance opening when the bracket is in the first position.

[0009] Optionally, the bracket is configured to pivot about an axis to move between a first position and a second position. The axis may be parallel to the lower edge of the opening. When the bracket is in the second position, it forms a shelf below the maintenance opening. Alternatively, the bracket may be configured to move along the axis to move between the first and second positions.

[0010] Optionally, the bracket includes one or more mounting members for removably securing one or more components to the bracket. The one or more components may include modular components of a modular interior system for the cabin. The modular interior system may include at least one of the following: an electric converter; a control system; a drivetrain; and a sensing system.

[0011] One or more components may include a fluid container. A bracket may be configured to connect the fluid container to a flow line to allow fluid flow between the cabin's internal systems and the container.

[0012] The housing may include a main opening in the top plate of the housing, which is separate from the maintenance opening. The main opening may have a larger area than the maintenance opening. The housing may include an access opening, separate from the maintenance opening, to allow access from the tower of the wind turbine generator.

[0013] Maintenance openings can be located in one of the following locations: the side of the housing, the top plate of the housing, the base of the housing, the front of the housing, and the rear of the housing.

[0014] Optionally, the cabin includes a drive system configured to move the bracket between a first position and a second position, and a control system for controlling the drive system. The cabin may also include a communication module for communicating with the unmanned aerial vehicle. The control system may be configured to control the drive system to move the bracket from the first position to the second position when it is determined that the aircraft is within a predetermined approach range relative to the cabin.

[0015] In the first position, the bracket can be positioned within the internal volume directly adjacent to the maintenance opening.

[0016] According to another aspect of the present invention, a wind turbine generator including the aforementioned nacelle is provided.

[0017] According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for transferring components to and from a wind turbine generator. The method includes: operating an aircraft to navigate from a base station to the wind turbine generator; exchanging one or more components between a mounting location on the aircraft and the internal volume of the nacelle by transferring one or more components through a maintenance opening in the nacelle; and operating the aircraft to return to the base station.

[0018] Exchanging one or more components can include transferring one or more components from the aircraft to the cabin or vice versa. The exchange can be performed by the aircraft entering the cabin, extending a portion of the aircraft into the cabin via a maintenance opening and grasping the component, moving the component from the interior of the cabin to the exterior via a bracket and installing the component onto the aircraft, or by the aircraft depositing the component onto a bracket and the bracket moving the component into the cabin.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided for transferring components to and from a wind turbine generator. The system includes a wind turbine generator and an aircraft. The wind turbine generator includes a nacelle having a shell surrounding an internal volume of the nacelle. The shell has a maintenance opening for transferring one or more components in and out of the nacelle. The nacelle and / or the aircraft includes a bracket configured to hold one or more components. The bracket is movable between a first position and a second position to transfer one or more components through the maintenance opening. When the bracket is in the first position, one or more components are held within the internal volume. When the bracket is in the second position, one or more components are held such that at least a portion of the one or more components is outside the shell.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, a nacelle for a wind turbine generator is provided. The nacelle includes a shell surrounding an internal volume of the nacelle. The shell has a main opening in a top plate of the shell and a maintenance opening for transferring one or more components into and out of the nacelle. The main opening is separate from and larger than the maintenance opening. The nacelle also includes mounting members for removably securing modular components of the wind turbine generator to the nacelle. The mounting members are positioned directly adjacent to the maintenance opening.

[0021] Mounting components can be positioned within the internal volume of the cabin, directly adjacent to maintenance openings. Modular components can be part of the cabin's modular internal systems. Modular internal systems can include at least one of the following: electrical converters; control systems; drivetrains; and sensing systems.

[0022] The cabin may include a bracket on which mounting components are disposed. The bracket may be movable between a first position and a second position to pass one or more components through a maintenance opening, wherein: when the bracket is in the first position, one or more components are held within an internal volume; and when the bracket is in the second position, one or more components are held such that at least a portion of one or more components is outside the housing.

[0023] The bracket may be configured to pivot about an axis to move between a first position and a second position. Alternatively, the bracket may be configured to move along the axis to move between a first position and a second position.

[0024] The mounting element can be positioned on the outer surface of the housing. When the mounting element is positioned on the outer surface of the housing, the modular component may optionally include a maintenance station. The maintenance station may include a container for maintaining equipment. The container may include an access opening and may be configured to be secured to the cabin via the mounting element such that the access opening is adjacent to the maintenance opening.

[0025] Optionally, the housing includes an access opening separate from the maintenance opening, allowing access through the tower of the wind turbine generator.

[0026] Maintenance openings can be located in one of the following locations: the side of the housing, the top plate of the housing, the base of the housing, the front of the housing, and the rear of the housing.

[0027] The mounting element can be positioned on the base of the housing. The cabin may include a cover for selectively closing and opening maintenance openings. The mounting element can be mounted on the cover.

[0028] According to one aspect of the invention, a wind turbine generator is provided, which includes a nacelle as described above.

[0029] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, in the claims, and / or in the following description and drawings, particularly their individual features, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination, unless such features are incompatible. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend any initially filed claim or to file any new claim, including the right to modify any initially filed claim to be subordinate to any other claim and / or to any feature of any other claim, even though it was not originally claimed in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0030] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1A A front view of a single-rotor wind turbine generator is shown;

[0032] Figure 1B A front view of a multi-rotor wind turbine generator is shown;

[0033] Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine generator with a schematic representation of a nacelle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0034] Figure 3A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine having a nacelle including a bracket, schematically represented according to an embodiment of the present invention, is shown.

[0035] Figure 4 A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine having a nacelle, schematically represented including a bracket, according to another embodiment of the invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 5 A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine having a nacelle, schematically represented including a bracket, according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine having a nacelle, schematically represented according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown, the bracket being... Figure 6A China is in the first position and in Figure 6B It is in the second position;

[0038] Figure 7A and 7B A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine having a nacelle, schematically represented according to an embodiment of the invention, is shown, the bracket being... Figure 7A China is in the first position and in Figure 7B It is in the second position;

[0039] Figure 8 A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine having a nacelle, schematically represented including a bracket, according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0040] Figure 9 A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine having a nacelle, schematically represented including a bracket, according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 10 A perspective view of a portion of a wind turbine with an externally mounted maintenance station according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0042] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a control system for an aircraft cabin according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] For the sake of brevity, this discussion will refer to "aircraft" (also known as "AV") or "unmanned aerial vehicle" as any type of manned or unmanned aircraft. Aircraft can include relatively small rotorcraft, such as multi-rotor aircraft, for example, tri-rotor, quadcopter, pentaxial, hexacopter, octaxial, or larger helicopters. In the use of the terms "unmanned aerial vehicle" or "unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)" in this document, it should be understood that the same applies to manned rotorcraft. Similarly, "crane" is any type of lifting device, whether it is a small maintenance crane mounted on a wind turbine or a larger crane mounted on a maintenance platform, positioned on the ground, or positioned on a vessel.

[0044] Reference Figure 1A The image depicts a single-rotor wind turbine 10. The single-rotor wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12, a nacelle 14 mounted on top of the tower 12, and a rotor 16 rotatably mounted to the nacelle 14, the rotor 16 having a hub 18 to which multiple wind turbine rotor blades 20 are coupled. The nacelle 14 is mounted on the tower 12 such that the nacelle 14 can be rotated about the main (vertical) axis of the tower 12 via a nacelle yaw control system (not shown) to rotate and orient the rotor blades 20 in the wind direction. Multi-rotor wind turbines, such as... Figure 1B As shown. The multi-rotor wind turbine 11 has a single tower 13 from which multiple nacelles and rotor assemblies branch off. Figure 1B The turbine 11 in the middle has an attachment to the corresponding nacelle (in Figure 1B Four rotors 17 (not visible in the image). Each rotor 17 has a hub 19 to which multiple wind turbine rotor blades 21 are coupled. In other embodiments, a multi-rotor turbine may combine more or fewer than four rotors. Although the methods and systems of the invention are discussed below in relation to single-rotor wind turbines, it should be understood that the concepts described and illustrated can also be applied to multi-rotor wind turbines. Therefore, in the context of using the term "wind turbine," this should be considered to include any single-rotor or multi-rotor wind turbine.

[0045] Figure 2 Showing wind turbines (such as Figure 1A A perspective view of the wind turbine 10, showing the internal volume 24 of the nacelle 14 and its components. The tower 12, hub 18, and blades 20 are also shown. Figure 2Partially visible in the perspective view. The nacelle 14 includes a shell 26, also referred to as the body or cover, which is arranged to house and protect the components housed within the internal volume 24 of the nacelle 14. The shell 26 includes a first side wall 28 and a second side wall 30, a front wall 32, a rear wall 34, a nacelle base 36, and a nacelle top plate (not shown). It should be noted that, at this point, terms such as “front,” “rear,” and “side” are used here with reference to the orientation of the accompanying drawings, and the front wall 32 is regarded as the wall adjacent to the hub 18 of the wind turbine 10. The nacelle base 36 provides a platform on which the internal components of the nacelle 14 are mounted, although, as will become clear later, the internal components may also be mounted elsewhere within the nacelle. The nacelle top plate covers the internal volume 24, and it is Figure 2 The cabin top panel, not shown, makes the internal volume 24 of cabin 14 visible.

[0046] Within the internal volume 24, the nacelle 14 houses the power generation components of the wind turbine 10, which typically include a main bearing 38, a generator 40, a gearbox 42, and a braking assembly 44, as well as a power converter device 46 for converting the mechanical energy of the wind into electrical energy to be supplied to the grid. Typically, the hub 18 is supported on the nacelle 14 by the main bearing 38 and is configured to drive the gearbox 42, which in turn drives the generator 40. The generator 40 outputs AC voltage and current to the power converter 46, which then outputs grid voltage via a grid-side connection in the form of cables. It should be noted that "direct-drive" wind turbines are also known not to use gearboxes; therefore, a gearbox may be optional.

[0047] Nacelle 14 also houses components not directly related to wind power generation, such as wind turbine controllers, although these components are located in... Figure 2 The nacelle is not visible in the diagram. The controller is responsible for local command and control tasks, such as controlling power output, rotor speed, blade pitch, and communicating with the central power plant controller. It will also be understood that the illustrations of the nacelle and its components are simplified for this discussion, and the nacelle will actually include many other system components.

[0048] The systems within cabin 14 are increasingly modular and include multiple modular components. Although from Figure 2 While not explicitly shown, in this embodiment, the power converter 46 is a modular power conversion system. Various modules are shown, and some are labeled with reference numeral 48. The power converter, controller, drivetrain, and sensing system can all be modular, and such modularity facilitates interaction with the concepts addressed in this document, as will be described below.

[0049] In the context of the components discussed herein, this generally refers to operating components within turbine 10, such as system components, particularly modules of modular systems. Also included in this term are tools and other items used by maintenance workers for maintaining the wind turbine. For example, components as used below may include toolboxes or spare parts for assembly within systems within the turbine. Additionally, components may include fluid containers that hold replacement fluids, such as lubricants, oils, greases, coolants, or other operating fluids used within the wind turbine. In the embodiments discussed below, for simplicity, unless otherwise stated, components are modules of the modular power converter 46. However, it should be understood that embodiments may be adapted to any components listed herein.

[0050] Conventionally, wind turbine maintenance is performed by maintenance workers who climb the tower and enter the nacelle through an access opening between the tower and the nacelle. The nacelle's top panel is constructed with a main opening to allow access from above the turbine for the transport of larger components, such as by helicopter. In operation, the openings in the nacelle are typically covered by a movable door that exposes the main opening. Workers in the nacelle can then pass through the main opening to receive components and manually assemble them into place.

[0051] However, access for maintenance workers is limited in offshore and other hard-to-reach locations. If minor maintenance is required or expected, it is more direct to allow AVs or cranes to perform the maintenance. This also avoids unnecessary downtime. AVs and cranes can also perform routine component inspections.

[0052] Therefore, when considering how AVs and cranes can be used to perform component maintenance, component removal and replacement, and component inspection within the cabin, the arrangement of components and mechanisms that allow access to components within the cabin is important.

[0053] Therefore, as from Figure 2 As can be seen, some components (in this case, module 48 of the modular power converter 46) are positioned to allow direct access to one or more components by an AV and / or crane. Specifically, module 48 is mounted within the internal volume 24 of the nacelle 14 directly adjacent to the side wall 28 of the nacelle 14, and adjacent to the maintenance opening 50 provided in the side wall 28. Module 48 of the power converter 46 is mounted to a corresponding mounting (not shown) within the housing 26. The mounting is positioned adjacent to the maintenance opening 50.

[0054] A mounting or component can be considered adjacent to an opening if it is positioned close to and accessible from the opening. In some aspects, this means that there are no other components or mountings between the maintenance opening 50 and the mounting or component. In some cases, the component and / or mounting can be directly adjacent to the opening, such that there is essentially no separation between the component / mount and the opening 50. In some embodiments, direct abutment can be achieved by positioning the mounting and / or component onto a cover, housing, or panel that opens and closes the maintenance opening 50 in use.

[0055] exist Figure 2 A maintenance opening 50, represented by a wireframe, is provided in the side wall 28 and covered by a cover 52. Although depicted herein as a single opening, in embodiments, each component or subset of components may be provided with a specific maintenance opening.

[0056] The main opening (not shown) in the top plate of the nacelle 14 and the access opening (not shown) in the base of the nacelle 14 located between the tower 12 and the nacelle 14 are separate from the maintenance opening 50. The top plate opening will typically be larger than the maintenance opening 50.

[0057] During operation of the wind turbine 10, the positioning of the maintenance opening 50 and the modular component 48 within the nacelle 14 adjacent to the maintenance opening 50 facilitates easy access for an AV or crane. The AV or crane can pass through the maintenance opening 50 to access the interior volume of the nacelle, allowing for the removal of components from the nacelle and / or the introduction of components into the interior volume 24.

[0058] To further improve the ease with which the crane and / or AV can interact with the cabin 14 and its components, in some embodiments a bracket for carrying components is provided. The bracket is configured to pass components through maintenance opening 50. For the transfer of one or more components, the bracket can move between a first position and a second position. When the bracket is in the first position, one or more components are held within the internal volume 24 of the cabin 14, inside the housing 26. When the bracket is in the second position, one or more components are held outside the internal volume 24 of the cabin 14, and outside the housing 26. Thus, when the AV and / or crane is deployed to inspect or remove components, the movement of the bracket to the second position to position the components outside the housing 26 makes removal or inspection more direct. When the AV and / or crane is deployed to transport components to the cabin 14, the bracket in its second position improves the speed and ease of transfer. In both cases, the bracket provides a target for the AV / crane and also provides an easy external system for receiving or presenting components. The presence of the bracket eliminates the difficult aspect of maneuvering the AV to pass components through the maintenance opening or through the maintenance opening itself.

[0059] The bracket can be positioned within the nacelle 14 adjacent to the maintenance opening, although its positioning can also be independent of the maintenance opening's location, provided it can be moved through the maintenance opening to achieve a secondary position. As will be clearly seen below, the bracket can be used in conjunction with other openings in the nacelle, such as the main roof opening, all of which aim to improve the speed and ease of interaction between the AV / crane (i.e., the component handling system) and the wind turbine generator.

[0060] The term "carrier" is intended to encompass the component receiving structure, the mechanism for allowing the components of the carrier to move relative to each other, the drive system, and the fixing structure for securing the carrier to the cabin. In some of the embodiments described below, components of the carrier are discussed separately where necessary. For example, the portion of the carrier configured to hold components is sometimes referred to as a carrier, and in other cases, the carrier is explicitly named a drawer, bracket, shelf, plate, or hanger. Where individual components of the carrier are not explicitly mentioned, it should be understood that these components are still present, for example, the carrier is connected to the cabin in a manner suitable for a particular embodiment and operation of the carrier.

[0061] Below, relative to Figures 3 to 8 B discusses the implementation of a bracket that can be installed within the cabin 14. Relative to... Figures 3 to 7B The bracket shown and described is one whose movement between a first position and a second position is linear along an axis passing through and substantially perpendicular to a plane through which the bracket moves. Relative to... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The bracket shown and described is one whose movement between a first position and a second position is a rotation about an axis (which is typically aligned with the plane of the opening through which the bracket moves). Figures 3 to 9 Each of the images shows a portion of a wind turbine, including a nacelle, which has a... Figure 2 The cabin has a similar layout. The same features are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0062] Now go to Figure 3 The nacelle 14 includes maintenance openings 50 in the sidewalls 28 of the hull 26, such as in Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, four brackets 54 are positioned adjacent to the maintenance opening 50. The brackets 54 are configured to move linearly through the maintenance opening 50 on a substantially horizontal axis. Figure 3In the diagram, the first bracket 54a, the one closest to the rotor of the wind turbine, has been moved to its second position. In this position, the component 48 mounted on bracket 54a is positioned and held outside the internal volume, allowing it to be accessed by an AV and / or crane. The other three brackets 54b are shown in their first positions, such that the components 48 they hold are located within the internal volume 24 of the nacelle 14. The form of the brackets 54 can vary depending on the components they are designed to hold. Figure 4 and Figure 5 Specific examples of brackets with different linear movements extending through maintenance openings 50 in the sidewall 28 of housing 26 are shown in Figures 6 and 7, respectively.

[0063] exist Figure 4 The bracket 56 in the second position is shown in enlarged view. The bracket 56 extends through the maintenance opening 50. The bracket 56 includes a drawer 60 for holding one or more components 48. A track 62 attached to the side of the drawer 60 cooperates with a corresponding track 64 of a support structure 66 attached to the internal volume 24 of the cabin 14, such that the drawer 60 moves between a first position and a second position by sliding the tracks 62, 64 relative to each other. The support structure 66 is secured to the base 36 and / or sidewall 28 of the cabin 14 to support linear movement of the drawer 60. The support structure 66 is secured to the cabin 14 by a fastener (not shown) that is strong enough to hold the drawer 60 in the second position. Figure 4 The location shown.

[0064] exist Figure 4 The label shows a single drawer 60. In some embodiments, the maintenance opening is sized to allow a single bracket to pass through, while in other embodiments, the opening is sized to allow multiple brackets to pass through simultaneously. For example, Figure 4The opening in the drawer is sized to allow movement through two trays stacked vertically relative to each other, although only a single drawer is shown. In some embodiments, more than one tray is configured to pass through the maintenance opening, although the maintenance opening is sized to allow only one tray to pass through it. In some embodiments, the tray may include a slot or opening for receiving components and a drive system for moving components within the tray, such that the tray holds multiple components and is configured to receive up to its capacity of components through the slot. In these embodiments, the controller is also configured to select a component to be presented to the AV and operate the drive system such that the selected component is in the slot for removal by the AV. For example, such a system may allow for the provision of insertable cartridges. The cartridge may be a replacement filter or other replaceable component part for a filtration system within the cabin. Multiple cartridges may be loaded and used, or only one cartridge may be used at any given time, with the remaining cartridges configured to replace one cartridge.

[0065] Back Figure 4 In one embodiment, drawer 60 includes a base 68 and four sides, two of which are sides to which rails 62 are attached. Attached to the front side 74 of drawer 60 is a cover 76 configured to be flush with the housing 26 of cabin 14 when drawer 60 is in a first position, so as to close part or all of opening 58. The front side of the drawer may include a cover.

[0066] Drawer 60 allows access to components held therein, or, if no components are held therein, to the space it provides for those components. Figure 4 In the diagram, component 78 is indicated by a dashed line. Component 78 and / or the space in drawer 60 can be accessed from above. Once drawer 60 has been moved to the second position, the component held by drawer 60 can be lifted directly upwards from the drawer by an AV or crane. Of course, when in the first position, the component can be removed from drawer 60 by maintenance workers inside the engine room 14.

[0067] Figure 5 A bracket 80 including a support 82 is shown. (With) Figure 4 Like drawer 60, bracket 82 is configured to move along an axis along the side 28 of the shell 26 passing through the cabin 14. Figure 4 Similar to the implementation method, the axis along which the support moves is also a horizontal axis extending through the maintenance opening. Typically, these axes are transverse to the longitudinal axis of the nacelle.

[0068] The bracket 82 can be mounted on a sliding platform and may have a set of tracks attached thereto, similar to... Figure 4 The drawer, and / or may be otherwise mounted to the cabin to allow sliding through the opening between a first position and a second position. The bracket 82 is relative to the support structure attached to the cabin 14 (in... Figure 5 (Invisible in the middle) Slide.

[0069] exist Figure 5 The bracket 82, shown in more detail in the annotation, includes a plurality of shelves 84, which are stacked vertically on top of each other and held relative to each other by supports 86. In some embodiments, the bracket 82 includes a single shelf. The bracket 82 is configured to allow access to a plurality of components 88 disposed on each shelf. Access is obtained from the side of the bracket 82. Components on the top shelf can also be accessed from above. The arrangement of the bracket 82, which allows lateral access, facilitates access to smaller components such as battery cells.

[0070] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The diagram shows a cabin 14 including a bracket 90 configured to move vertically between a first position and a second position. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The image depicts the rotor 18, the root of the blades 20, and the nacelle 14 as viewed from the front perspective. A portion of the casing 26 of the nacelle 14 is cut away to show the internal volume 24.

[0071] exist Figure 6A In the diagram, bracket 90 and its supported component 92 are shown within the internal volume 24, with bracket 90 in a first position. Figure 6B In the figures, bracket 90 is depicted in a second position, with bracket 90 and component 92 located outside and suspended below housing 26. Bracket 90 and component 92 move along a vertical axis between the first and second positions through a maintenance opening in the base 36 of nacelle 14 (not visible in these figures). In other words, the first position is vertically above the second position. Bracket 90 includes a component holding hanger 94 and a system for moving the hanger 94. The system for moving the hanger 94 may include rails for sliding the hanger between multiple positions, and / or a winch system for lowering the hanger using cables passing through the opening. The hanger 94 may be configured to release component 92 vertically downwards, such that an AV or crane positions itself below the component for installation or removal. In other examples, the component may be removed from hanger 94 upwards or laterally.

[0072] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Another bracket 100 is shown, which is configured to move vertically between a first position and a second position. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The implementation methods and Figure 6A and Figure 6B The difference in the implementation is that the second position is vertically located above the first position instead of vertically located below the first position. Therefore, Figure 7A and Figure 7BThe maintenance opening (not shown) is located in the top plate 102 of the nacelle 14. If the main opening were located in the top plate of the nacelle, the maintenance opening and the main opening would be separate. It is assumed that the main opening would have a larger surface area than the maintenance opening.

[0073] As in Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the bracket 100, there is a hanger 94 that supports the component 92. The hanger is moved by a hanger moving system 96.

[0074] An AV or crane can be controlled to remove part 92 by positioning its lifting device above part 92 and lifting the part vertically upward or laterally. In order to place part 92 into bracket 100, when bracket 100 is in the second position, the AV or crane lowers part 92 from above bracket 100 into bracket 100.

[0075] The bracket that raises the component vertically upward between the first and second positions is also compatible with the main opening - in cases where the bracket raises the component upward and outward, a separate maintenance opening is not required.

[0076] In some implementations, particularly Figure 6A / Figure 6B and 7A / Figure 7B In this implementation, the bracket or a portion thereof can be removed by an AV or crane. The bracket includes a release mechanism, rather than a removal component. In use, the component carrier of the bracket is moved to a second position, and the AV / crane is manipulated and operated to securely connect to the component carrier of the bracket. Once a secure connection is established, the release mechanism at least disengages the component carrier of the bracket (differently referred to as a hanger, bracket, or drawer) from the cabin. The removed component of the bracket can then be replaced with a replacement part and component carrier. This simplifies the interaction between the bracket and the AV / crane and allows different component carrier hangers to be used with the same bracket system.

[0077] The brackets discussed so far are linearly moving brackets. However, in some implementations, such as Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the embodiments shown, the bracket can be moved between a first position and a second position by rotating about an axis.

[0078] Figure 8 The nacelle 14 and other components of the wind turbine 10 are shown, which are already relative to... Figure 3 Shown and described. In Figure 8In the bracket 110, a door 112 is included that rotates about a hinge 114 along the bottom edge 116 of a maintenance opening 118 in the side wall 28 of the housing 26. The door 112 of the bracket 110 in a first position, shown in the left-hand diagram, is configured to close the maintenance opening 118. Figure 8 In the second position shown on the right side of the label, door 112 is rotated to a generally horizontal position relative to maintenance opening 118. Movement of door 112 can be restricted so that it does not rotate excessively. Here, rotation is constrained by a pair of hydraulic arms 120 connecting door 112 and housing 26.

[0079] In the second position, door 112 forms a shelf extending from and below maintenance opening 118. Components indicated here by dashed lines and reference numeral 122 are placed on the shelf by means of installation onto door 112 or by being passed to door 112 via an internal system or by a worker passing through opening 118. Thus, components are moved from the outside to the inside of the cabin housing by moving the door from the second position to the first position.

[0080] Although Figure 8 Door 112 is intended for use with a single component, but a revolving door can also be used with multiple components. Figure 9 In the middle, multiple components 124 are provided, each component being mounted to a specific mounting part (not visible) provided on the door 126 of the bracket 128. Although Figure 8 The door 112 is sized to accommodate only a few parts 122, but Figure 9 The door 126 is constructed to have a number of parts 124 to which it is mounted, and is therefore appropriately sized. Furthermore, Figure 9 The door 126 allows components 124 to be directly mounted to the door, which is particularly helpful for modularity because the entire converter, control system, and / or other large components of the turbine 10 can be mounted to the door 126 and rotated as needed. In this case, multiple mounting brackets (not visible) are provided on the door for receiving components, and the mounting brackets may include mechanisms for disconnecting their respective components 124 from the mounting brackets. Modular components can be configured to be directly connected to each other to realize a modular system and / or door 126, and the mounting brackets can also interconnect the components to allow the operation of the modular system. In doing so, the door can become part of the modular system, serving as the base of the system and allowing operation through it.

[0081] Although the swivel bracket is shown in the figure as rotating about a substantially horizontal axis, in other embodiments, the bracket rotates about a non-horizontal axis. The swivel bracket can be deployed to expose maintenance openings in the base or top of the nacelle.

[0082] In some implementations, the movement of the bracket can be a combination of rotational and linear movement. The bracket can also be configured to perform further movement once a component is positioned outside the cabin to expose it for pickup or to allow placement into the bracket. For example, a cover can be provided on the volume of the bracket, which opens once the bracket has been moved to its second position. In use Figure 5 In the case of a support, further movement may include advancing one or more components to position them outside the support.

[0083] The brackets described herein automatically close the maintenance openings by means of end plates or doors when they are in the first position. In other embodiments, separate plates or covers may be provided to cover and expose the openings.

[0084] As described above, components can be modular components, spare parts for systems within the cabin, tools, and other items for maintenance workers and / or fluid containers. When a component includes a fluid container, the fluid flow line can be located within the mounting of the bracket, within the bracket itself, or in an area of ​​the bracket. When the fluid container is mounted to the bracket, the fluid flow line is configured to connect to the container to allow the fluid to be released to its desired location within the cabin. Therefore, fluid replacement becomes more straightforward and can be performed using an AV or a crane.

[0085] In addition to the brackets described herein, brackets may also take the form of extendable arms configured to extend from the cabin, with components mounted to the arms. Other bracket types are also possible.

[0086] The cabin may also include a lifting system, such as a lifting arm, as part of a bracket or as a separate component, which can be controlled to move parts in and out of the bracket. The bracket and / or lifting arm may be configured to have some degree of operational autonomy, allowing components to be automatically positioned, loaded, and / or transferred between the interior and exterior of the cabin.

[0087] While the above embodiments all involve using brackets to move components from inside the housing to the outside, mounting brackets and positioning of components near maintenance openings in the housing can be used in different situations. Specifically, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the mounting element (not visible) may be disposed on the outer surface of the housing 26 adjacent to the maintenance opening 130. Figure 10 In the figure, a mounting element is disposed on the second sidewall 30. The mounting element may be configured to allow the installation of components including the maintenance station 132 or a support system. As shown, the maintenance station 132 includes a container 134, within which maintenance equipment 136 is disposed. The container 134 includes an access opening in one of its surfaces (in... Figure 10 (not visible in the middle) and mounting parts for connecting to the shell 26 of the cabin 14 (in the middle) Figure 10(Not visible in the interior). The mounting components are configured to connect and secure the maintenance station 132 to the exterior of the housing 26 such that the maintenance opening 130 and the container's access opening face each other. Therefore, when maintenance personnel inside the cabin 14 wish to access the equipment within the maintenance station 132, the access opening and maintenance opening are exposed to create a path between the maintenance station 132 and the interior volume 24 of the cabin 14. As an alternative to a bracket, the maintenance station 132 can also be used to transport components into the cabin.

[0088] To enable the transfer of components between the internal and external volumes of the nacelle, coordination is required between the wind turbine and the AV (Automatic Vehicle) to deliver or remove components. Therefore, in some embodiments, the nacelle is equipped with a control system configured to communicate with the AV and a control hub associated with the AV, enabling the deployment of brackets as needed. Example control systems are shown in... Figure 11 As shown in the diagram. It will be understood that, in other components, the movement of the bracket can be achieved via AV and / or by maintenance workers.

[0089] The control system 140 includes a bracket controller 142 that communicates with the wind turbine controller 144. The wind turbine controller 144 is depicted separately here for ease of description; however, it is possible that the bracket controller 142 will be integrated within the wind turbine controller 144, and that the bracket controller 142 will maintain communication with other components and functions of the wind turbine controller 144. The bracket controller 142 receives data from a bracket sensor 146, a proximity sensor 148, and a communication module 150, the bracket sensor 146 being configured to determine the proximity of a component to the bracket and / or the presence of a component within the bracket. The bracket controller 142 outputs commands to the bracket drive system 152 and the communication module 150. The communication module 150 is configured to communicate with one or both of the UAV 154 and the control center 156, which controls or associates with the UAV 154, while the proximity sensor 148 detects the proximity of the UAV 154 to the wind turbine 10. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 148 and the communication module 150 are integrated with each other.

[0090] In use, the control center 156 and UAV 154 communicate with the bracket controller 142 via the communication module 150. The bracket controller 142 determines the optimal time to move the bracket from a first position to a second position based on the communication via the communication module 150 and (if applicable) data received from the proximity sensor 148. The drive system 152 may include a motor configured to drive one or more belts, chains, or gears to move the bracket. The drive system 152 receives instructions from the bracket controller 142 and operates to move the bracket accordingly. When the bracket is in the second position, the bracket sensor 146 determines when a component is placed in or removed from the bracket and transmits this information to the bracket controller 142. Once the UAV 154 has moved away from the turbine based on additional communication between the UAV 154, the control center 156, and the communication module 150 and / or based on data from the proximity sensor 148, the bracket controller 142 commands the drive system 152 to move the bracket from the second position to the first position.

[0091] If the system includes a disconnect mechanism or operable mounting element configured to release components during installation for removal or connection of components, the bracket controller can also assign commands to the mechanism to enable the correct actions to be performed.

[0092] UAVs can be deployed relatively autonomously, as they are able to follow pre-programmed schedules and locate turbine positions, but they can also be controlled in operation by an operator at a control hub (which may also be called a base station or central UAV control station) using a suitable user terminal or interface. UAVs are appropriately equipped for autonomous flight and therefore will have suitable onboard software platforms for this purpose. Autonomous flight systems are well known in the art and will not be discussed in detail here. However, briefly, for example, each UAV will include suitable sensing systems to provide it with flight data relating to its position, orientation, velocity, angular velocity, and acceleration. Such data can be derived from a state estimator coupled to the sensing systems (such as GPS, LiDAR, optical imaging systems, inertial measurement units (IMUs), etc.).

[0093] Processors and / or controllers may include one or more computing processors, and / or control elements having one or more electronic processors. The terms “processor” or “controller” as used herein should therefore be considered to refer to a single processor, controller, or control element, or multiple identical processors, controllers, or control elements that can operate uniformly to provide the described functions. Furthermore, the individual and / or separate functions of (one or more) processors or (one or more) controllers may be hosted by different control units, processors, or controllers, or may be performed in different control units, processors, or controllers.

[0094] To construct a processor or controller, a suitable instruction set can be configured that, when executed, causes the control unit, computer system, computer device, etc., to implement the techniques described herein. The instruction set can be appropriately embedded in one or more electronic processors. Alternatively, the instruction set can be provided as software to be executed on a computing device.

[0095] While the components discussed in this article are functional parts or tools within the cabin, the components in the tray can be for connection to the drone. For example, in some examples, the components may include a charging station for the AV. Thus, in use, the tray moves the charging station outside the cabin, the AV lands on the charging station, and recharges. Once the AV is charged, it can take off again and return for maintenance.

[0096] In another embodiment, the component may include a fluid filling station on which the AV lands to form a fluid flow path with one or more other components within the wind turbine. The AV may be a container carrying fluid or a storage container for fluid, as well as a pump for pumping fluid along connector lines. The AV's connector lines are configured to engage valves in the fluid filling station and to sample or replenish operating fluids such as lubricants, coolants, or other operating fluids within the component.

[0097] While the bracket has been described above as being mounted to the cabin, in some embodiments, the bracket may be mounted on the AV and used to transfer components in and out of the cabin. The bracket on the AV may be as described herein, or alternatively, may be in the form of a robotic arm configured to reach and access components through a maintenance opening.

[0098] It should be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to this invention without departing from the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A nacelle (14) for a wind turbine generator (10), the nacelle (14) comprising: A housing (26) that encloses an internal volume (24) of the nacelle (14), the housing (26) having a maintenance opening (50) for passing one or more components (48) into and out of the nacelle (14); And A carriage (54) configured to hold the one or more components (48), the carriage (54) being movable between a first position and a second position to pass the one or more components (48) through the maintenance opening (50), wherein: When the carriage (54) is in the first position, the one or more components (48) are held within the internal volume (24); and, When the carriage (54) is in the second position, the one or more components (48) are held such that at least a portion of the one or more components (48) is outside the housing (26), The nacelle (14) further includes a drive system (152) and a control system (142), the drive system (152) being configured to move the carriage (54) between the first position and the second position, the control system (142) for controlling the drive system (152), The nacelle (14) further includes a communication module (150) for communicating with an aircraft (154), the control system (142) being configured to control the drive system (152) to move the carriage (54) from the first position towards the second position when it is determined that the aircraft (154) is within a predetermined proximity range relative to the nacelle (14).

2. The nacelle (14) according to claim 1, wherein The carriage includes a plate (74) arranged to cover the maintenance opening (50) when the carriage is in the first position.

3. The nacelle (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The carriage is configured to pivot about an axis to move between the first position and the second position.

4. The nacelle (14) according to claim 3, wherein The axis is parallel to the lower edge of the opening, and wherein when the carriage is in the second position, the carriage forms a shelf below the maintenance opening.

5. The nacelle (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The carriage (54) is configured to move along an axis to move between the first position and the second position.

6. The nacelle (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The carriage (54) includes one or more mounts for removably securing the one or more components (48) to the carriage (54).

7. The nacelle (14) according to claim 6, wherein The one or more components (48) include modular components of a modular internal system of the nacelle, the modular internal system including at least one of the following: an electrical converter; a control system; a drivetrain; and a sensing system.

8. The nacelle (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The one or more components (48) include a fluid container, and wherein the carriage is configured to connect the fluid container to a flow line to allow fluid flow between an internal system of the nacelle (14) and the container.

9. The nacelle (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The housing (26) includes: A main opening, which is located in the top plate (102) of the housing (26), is separated from the maintenance opening (50) and has a larger area than the maintenance opening (50); and An access opening, which is used to allow access from the tower (12) of the wind turbine generator (10), is separated from the maintenance opening (50).

10. The nacelle (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The maintenance opening (50) is provided in one of the following: the side part (28; 30), the top plate (102), the base part (36), the front part (32) and the rear part (34) of the housing (26).

11. The nacelle (14) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein In the first position, the bracket (54) is positioned within the internal volume and directly adjacent to the maintenance opening (50).

12. A wind turbine generator (10), which includes the nacelle (14) according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. A method for transferring components to and from the wind turbine generator (10) according to claim 12, the method comprising:[[]] Operating an aircraft (154) to navigate from a base station to the wind turbine generator (10); Exchanging the one or more components (48) between an installation position on the aircraft (154) and the internal volume (24) of the nacelle (14) by transferring the one or more components (48) through the maintenance opening (50) in the nacelle (14); and Operating the aircraft (154) to return to the base station.

Images