Method for removing transformer of nacelle of wind turbine

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for extracting a transformer from a nacelle of a wind turbine. The method includes moving the cart along a guide system, where the cart carries the transformer, and where the guide system includes a first guide portion disposed inside the nacelle, and a second guide portion extending through an opening in the nacelle and beyond a first end of the nacelle. The method further includes moving the transformer along the second guide portion to position the transformer outside of the nacelle. A nacelle and a wind turbine suitable for use in such a method are also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for extracting electrical components of a nacelle of a wind turbine, and more particularly to a method for extracting a transformer from a nacelle of a wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply electricity to an electrical grid. This type of wind turbine generally comprises a tower and a rotor arranged on the tower. The rotor, which typically comprises a hub and a plurality of blades, is arranged to rotate under the influence of the wind on the blades. This rotation generates a torque, which is generally transmitted to a generator via a rotor shaft either directly ("direct drive" or "gearless") or by using a gearbox. In this way, the generator produces electricity that can be supplied to the electrical grid.

[0003] Wind turbines have developed rapidly over the past few decades, with a clear trend towards increasing size. The power generated by a wind turbine is proportional to the rotor swept area and therefore proportional to the square of the blade length. As a result, taller towers and longer blades are used with the goal of extracting more energy from the wind and achieving higher power generation. Over the years, the increase in size has led to a significant increase in the loads acting on wind turbine components and has posed new challenges to many disciplines including mechanical, electrical, material and civil engineering.

[0004] The electricity generated by the wind turbine generator is conditioned via different electrical components including, for example, transformers and power converters. The turbine transformer steps up the voltage amplitude of the electricity and then supplies the conditioned electricity to the grid.

[0005] These electrical components are generally placed in the base of the wind turbine tower. However, it is becoming a common practice to place them in the nacelle of the wind turbine.

[0006] Transformers and converters are relatively large and heavy, for example, they can weigh about 10-11 tons. When one of these components (e.g., a transformer) is damaged, a great deal of time and effort must be invested to replace it. Replacing such heavy components is a challenge, especially when they are placed in the nacelle of a wind turbine that is high above the ground.

[0007] For transformers located inside the nacelle, it is known to use a lifting device to remove the transformer from the roof of the nacelle. In this case, the lifting line of the crane is connected to the transformer, which is then lifted and removed through an opening in the roof of the nacelle. During removal, the lifting movement may cause oscillations of the transformer, which may result in the transformer, for example by hitting elements in the nacelle, possibly damaging them. This method is therefore very delicate and time-consuming.

[0008] It is also known to remove the transformer through the bottom of the nacelle, for example through a hatch. These methods require the use of a special crane located inside the nacelle.

[0009] The present disclosure provides methods and apparatus that at least partially overcome some of the above-mentioned disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0010] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for removing a transformer from a nacelle of a wind turbine is provided. The method includes moving a cart along a guide system, wherein the cart carries the transformer, and wherein the guide system includes a first guide portion arranged inside the nacelle, and a second guide portion extending through an opening in the nacelle and beyond a first end of the nacelle. The method further includes moving the transformer along the second guide portion to position the transformer outside the nacelle.

[0011] According to this aspect, the extraction of the transformer from the nacelle of the wind turbine may be simplified. The transformer may be extracted without the use of complex or cumbersome tools. The extraction time may also be significantly reduced. In addition, during extraction, the movement of the transformer is always controlled, eliminating or reducing the risk of damage to components inside the nacelle due to oscillations of the transformer.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a nacelle of a wind turbine is provided. The nacelle includes a transformer. The nacelle further includes a guide system configured to guide a cart. The guide system includes a first guide portion arranged in an interior of the nacelle, and a second guide portion, wherein the second guide portion is configured to extend beyond a first end of the nacelle through an opening, and wherein the cart is configured to carry the transformer.

[0013] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a wind turbine. The wind turbine comprises a tower, a nacelle, and one or more blades rotatably supported on the nacelle via a hub. The nacelle comprises a transformer. The nacelle further comprises a guide system configured to guide a cart. The guide system comprises a first guide portion arranged in an interior of the nacelle, and a second guide portion, wherein the second guide portion is configured to extend beyond a first end of the nacelle through an opening, and wherein the cart is configured to carry the transformer.

[0014] Technical Solution 1. A method for removing a transformer (90) from a nacelle (16) of a wind turbine, the method comprising:

[0015] A trolley (130) is moved along a guide system (100), wherein the trolley (130) carries the transformer (90), and wherein

[0016] The guide system (100) comprises a first guide portion (111) arranged inside the nacelle (16), and a second guide portion (112) extending through an opening (19) in the nacelle and beyond a first end (17) of the nacelle, the method further comprising:

[0017] The transformer (90) is moved along the second guide portion (112) to position the transformer (90) outside the nacelle (16).

[0018] Technical Solution 2. The method according to Technical Solution 1 is characterized in that the method further includes connecting the transformer (90) to the cart (130) before moving the cart (130) along the guide system (100).

[0019] Technical Solution 3. The method according to Technical Solution 2 is characterized in that connecting the transformer (90) to the cart (130) includes hanging the transformer (90) on the cart (130).

[0020] Technical Solution 4. The method according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 3 is characterized in that the first end (17) of the nacelle is the rear end of the nacelle.

[0021] Technical Solution 5. A method according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 4, characterized in that the method comprises moving the components within the cabin out of the trajectory of the transformer (90) within the cabin.

[0022] Technical Solution 6. The method according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to Technical Solution 5 is characterized in that the guide system (100) is a telescopic guide system, wherein the second guide part (112) is capable of moving along the longitudinal axis relative to the first guide part (111).

[0023] Technical Solution 7. The method according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 6 is characterized in that the method includes attaching the second guide part (112) to the first guide part (111).

[0024] Technical Solution 8. The method according to Technical Solution 7 is characterized in that the method includes lifting the second guide part (112) toward the cabin (16) using a crane.

[0025] Technical Solution 9. A method according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to 8, characterized in that the guiding system (100) further includes a hoist, and wherein the method includes lifting the transformer (90) from the bottom plate of the cabin (16) using the hoist.

[0026] Technical Solution 10. A method according to any one of Technical Solutions 1 to Technical Solution 9, characterized in that the method further includes lifting the transformer (90) with a crane after moving the transformer (90) to the outside of the cabin (16), optionally wherein the crane lifts when attached to the second guide part.

[0027] Technical Solution 11. A nacelle (16) of a wind turbine, comprising:

[0028] a transformer (90); and

[0029] A guide system (100) configured to guide a cart (130), wherein

[0030] The guide system (100) comprises a first guide portion (111) arranged inside the nacelle (16), and a second guide portion (112), wherein the second guide portion (112) is configured to extend beyond a first end (17) of the nacelle through an opening (19), and wherein

[0031] The cart (130) is configured to carry the transformer (90).

[0032] Technical Solution 12. The cabin (16) according to Technical Solution 11 is characterized in that the guide system (100) includes a longitudinal track (110), and wherein the trolley (130) includes one or more rollers or sliding pads (120) configured to shift along the track.

[0033] Technical Solution 13. The cabin (16) according to Technical Solution 11 or Technical Solution 12 is characterized in that both ends of the cart (130) are elastically connected to the guide system (100) to form a tuned mass damper.

[0034] Technical Solution 14. A cabin (16) according to any one of Technical Solutions 11 to 13, characterized in that the guide system (100) is a telescopic guide system, wherein the second guide part (112) is capable of moving along the longitudinal axis relative to the first guide part (111) of the longitudinal track (110).

[0035] Technical Solution 15. A wind turbine (10), comprising:

[0036] Tower (15);

[0037] A cabin (16) according to any one of technical solutions 11 to 14; and

[0038] One or more blades (22) are rotatably supported on the nacelle (16) via a hub (20).

[0039] Additional objects, advantages, and features of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the description, or may be learned by practice. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine;

[0041] Figure 2 An example of a hub and nacelle of a wind turbine is shown;

[0042] Figure 3 A flow chart showing an example of a method for extracting a transformer from a nacelle of a wind turbine is shown.

[0043] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of a nacelle according to the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an example of a portion of a guidance system according to the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 6 schematically illustrates an example of a nacelle according to the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 7 A flow chart showing an example of a method for introducing a transformer into a nacelle of a wind turbine is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation and not as a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present teachings. For example, a feature shown or described as a part of an embodiment may be used in conjunction with another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0048] Figure 1is a perspective view of an example of a wind turbine 10. In the example, the wind turbine 10 is a horizontal-axis wind turbine. Alternatively, the wind turbine 10 may be a vertical-axis wind turbine. In this example, the wind turbine 10 includes a tower 15 extending from a support system 14 on the ground 12, a nacelle 16 mounted on the tower 15, and a rotor 18 coupled to the nacelle 16. The rotor 18 includes a rotatable hub 20, and at least one rotor blade 22 coupled to the hub 20 and extending outward from the hub. In this example, the rotor 18 has three rotor blades 22. In alternative embodiments, the rotor 18 includes more or less than three rotor blades 22. The tower 15 may be made of tubular steel to define a cavity ( Figure 1 1 ). In an alternative embodiment, the tower 15 is any suitable type of tower having any suitable height. According to an alternative, the tower may be a hybrid tower including a portion made of concrete and a tubular steel portion. Moreover, the tower may be a partial or full lattice tower.

[0049] Rotor blades 22 are spaced about hub 20 to facilitate rotation of rotor 18 to enable kinetic energy to be converted from the wind into usable mechanical energy and subsequently into electrical energy. Rotor blades 22 are mated to hub 20 by coupling blade root portions 24 to hub 20 at a plurality of load transfer regions 26. Load transfer regions 26 may have hub load transfer regions and blade load transfer regions (neither of which is present in the hub load transfer region). Figure 1 The loads induced to the rotor blades 22 are transferred to the hub 20 via the load transfer regions 26 .

[0050] In an example, rotor blades 22 may have a length ranging from about 15 meters (m) to about 90 m or more. Rotor blades 22 may have any suitable length that enables wind turbine 10 to function as described herein. For example, non-limiting examples of blade lengths include 20 m or less, 37 m, 48.7 m, 50.2 m, 52.2 m, or a length greater than 91 m. As wind strikes rotor blades 22 from a wind direction 28, rotor 18 rotates about rotor axis 30. As rotor blades 22 rotate and are subjected to centrifugal forces, rotor blades 22 are also subjected to various forces and moments. Thus, rotor blades 22 may deflect and / or rotate from a neutral position or a non-deflected position to a deflected position.

[0051] In addition, the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22 (i.e., the angle that determines the orientation of the rotor blades 22 relative to the wind direction) can be changed by the pitch system 32 to control the load and the power generated by the wind turbine 10 by adjusting the angular position of at least one rotor blade 22 relative to the wind vector. A pitch axis 34 is shown for the rotor blades 22. During operation of the wind turbine 10, the pitch system 32 can specifically change the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22 so that the angle of attack of (portions of) the rotor blades is reduced, which facilitates reducing the rotational speed and / or facilitating stalling of the rotor 18.

[0052] In an example, the blade pitch of each rotor blade 22 is individually controlled by wind turbine controller 36 or by pitch control system 80. Alternatively, the blade pitch of all rotor blades 22 may be controlled simultaneously by the control system.

[0053] Further, in an example, when wind direction 28 changes, nacelle 16 may be rotated about yaw axis 38 to position rotor blades 22 relative to wind direction 28 .

[0054] In the example, the wind turbine controller 36 is shown as being centralized within the nacelle 16, however, the wind turbine controller 36 may be a distributed system throughout the wind turbine 10, on the support system 14, within the wind farm, and / or at a remote control center. The wind turbine controller 36 includes a processor 40 configured to perform the methods and / or steps described herein. Further, many of the other components described herein include a processor.

[0055] As used herein, the term "processor" is not limited to the integrated circuits known in the art as computers, but broadly refers to controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application specific integrated circuits, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein. It should be understood that the processor and / or control system may also include memory, input channels, and / or output channels.

[0056] Figure 2is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of a wind turbine 10. In an example, the wind turbine 10 includes a nacelle 16 and a rotor 18 rotatably coupled to the nacelle 16. More specifically, the hub 20 of the rotor 18 is rotatably coupled to a generator 42 positioned within the nacelle 16 by a main shaft 44, a gearbox 46, a high-speed shaft 48, and a coupling 50. In an example, the main shaft 44 is at least partially disposed coaxially with a longitudinal axis (not shown) of the nacelle 16. The rotation of the main shaft 44 drives the gearbox 46, which then drives the high-speed shaft 48 by converting the relatively slow rotational motion of the rotor 18 and the main shaft 44 into a relatively fast rotational motion of the high-speed shaft 48. The latter is connected to the generator 42 by means of a coupling 50 to generate electrical energy. In addition, a transformer 90 and / or suitable electronic devices, switches and / or inverters may be arranged in the nacelle 16 to convert the electrical energy generated by the generator 42 having a voltage between 400 V and 1000 V into electrical energy having a medium voltage (e.g., 10-35 KV). The electrical energy is conducted from the nacelle 16 to the tower 15 via power cables.

[0057] The gearbox 46, the generator 42 and the transformer 90 may be supported by a main support structural frame of the nacelle 16, which may optionally be embodied as a main frame 52. The gearbox 46 may include a gearbox housing connected to the main frame 52 by one or more torque arms 103. In this example, the nacelle 16 also includes a main front support bearing 60 and a main rear support bearing 62. Furthermore, in particular to prevent vibrations of the generator 42 from being introduced into the main frame 52 and thereby causing a source of noise emission, the generator 42 may be mounted to the main frame 52 by a decoupling support device 54.

[0058] Optionally, the main frame 52 is configured to carry all loads caused by the weight of the components of the rotor 18 and the nacelle 16 and by wind and rotational loads, and also introduce these loads into the tower 15 of the wind turbine 10. The rotor shaft 44, the generator 42, the gearbox 46, the high-speed shaft 48, the coupling 50, and any associated fastening, support, and / or fixing devices (including but not limited to the main frame 52 and the front and rear support bearings 60, 62) are sometimes referred to as the drive train 64.

[0059] In some examples, the wind turbine may be a direct drive wind turbine without a gearbox 46. In a direct drive wind turbine, the generator 42 operates at the same rotational speed as the rotor 18. Therefore, they generally have a much larger diameter than the generators used in wind turbines with a gearbox 46 for providing a similar amount of electrical power as a wind turbine with a gearbox.

[0060] The nacelle 16 may also include a yaw drive mechanism 56 that may be used to rotate the nacelle 16 , and thereby the rotor 18 , about the yaw axis 38 to control the projection of the rotor blades 22 relative to the wind direction 28 .

[0061] In order to properly position the nacelle 16 relative to the wind direction 28, the nacelle 16 may also include at least one meteorological measurement system 58, which may include a wind vane and anemometer. The meteorological measurement system 58 may provide information to the wind turbine controller 36, which may include the wind direction 28 and / or the wind speed. In an example, the pitch system 32 is at least partially arranged as a pitch assembly 66 in the hub 20. The pitch assembly 66 includes one or more pitch drive systems 68 and at least one sensor 70. Each pitch drive system 68 is coupled to a corresponding rotor blade 22 ( Figure 1 ), for adjusting the pitch angle of rotor blades 22 along pitch axis 34 . Figure 2 Only one of three pitch drive systems 68 is shown.

[0062] In this example, pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch bearing 72 coupled to hub 20 and to a corresponding rotor blade 22 ( Figure 1 ), for rotating the corresponding rotor blade 22 about the pitch axis 34. Pitch drive system 68 includes a pitch drive motor 74, a pitch drive gearbox 76, and a pitch drive pinion 78. Pitch drive motor 74 is coupled to pitch drive gearbox 76 so that pitch drive motor 74 applies mechanical force to pitch drive gearbox 76. Pitch drive gearbox 76 is coupled to pitch drive pinion 78 so that pitch drive pinion 78 is rotated by pitch drive gearbox 76. Pitch bearing 72 is coupled to pitch drive pinion 78 so that rotation of pitch drive pinion 78 causes rotation of pitch bearing 72.

[0063] Pitch drive system 68 is coupled to wind turbine controller 36 for adjusting the pitch angle of rotor blades 22 upon receiving one or more signals from wind turbine controller 36. In an example, pitch drive motor 74 is any suitable motor driven by an electrical and / or hydraulic system that enables pitch assembly 66 to function as described herein. Alternatively, pitch assembly 66 may include any suitable structure, construction, arrangement, and / or components, such as, but not limited to, a hydraulic cylinder, a spring, and / or a servo mechanism. In certain embodiments, pitch drive motor 74 is driven by energy extracted from the rotational inertia of hub 20 and / or a stored energy source (not shown) that supplies energy to components of wind turbine 10.

[0064] The pitch assembly 66 may also include one or more pitch control systems 80 for controlling the pitch drive system 68 according to control signals from the wind turbine controller 36 in the event of certain priority situations and / or during overspeed of the rotor 18. In an example, the pitch assembly 66 includes at least one pitch control system 80 that is communicatively coupled to a corresponding pitch drive system 68 for controlling the pitch drive system 68 independently of the wind turbine controller 36. In an example, the pitch control system 80 is coupled to the pitch drive system 68 and to the sensor 70. During normal operation of the wind turbine 10, the wind turbine controller 36 may control the pitch drive system 68 to adjust the pitch angle of the rotor blades 22.

[0065] According to an embodiment, a generator 84, for example including a battery and a capacitor, is arranged at or within the hub 20 and is coupled to the sensor 70, the pitch control system 80, and the pitch drive system 68 to provide power to these components. In an example, the generator 84 provides a continuous power supply to the pitch assembly 66 during operation of the wind turbine 10. In an alternative embodiment, the generator 84 provides power to the pitch assembly 66 only during a power loss event of the wind turbine 10. The power loss event may include a loss or drop in the power grid, a failure of the electrical system of the wind turbine 10, and / or a failure of the wind turbine controller 36. During the power loss event, the generator 84 operates to provide power to the pitch assembly 66 so that the pitch assembly 66 can operate during the power loss event.

[0066] In the example, pitch drive system 68, sensor 70, pitch control system 80, cables, and generator 84 are each positioned in a cavity 86 defined by an inner surface 88 of hub 20. In alternative embodiments, the components are positioned relative to an outer top deck surface of hub 20 and may be coupled directly or indirectly to the outer top deck surface.

[0067] In one aspect of the invention, a method 300 for extracting a transformer from a nacelle of a wind turbine is disclosed. Figure 3 A flow chart of method 300 is shown.

[0068] The method 300 includes moving a cart along a guide system at step 302, wherein the cart carries a transformer, and wherein the guide system includes a first guide portion disposed inside the nacelle, and a second guide portion extending through an opening in the nacelle and beyond a first end of the nacelle. The method further includes moving the transformer along the second guide portion at step 304 to position the transformer outside the nacelle.

[0069] The method may provide a means of extracting the transformer from the nacelle without the use of complex and cumbersome tools. Extraction of the transformer may be relatively quick and simplified.

[0070] Figure 4-6 Various embodiments of a method of extracting a transformer from a nacelle of a wind turbine are schematically illustrated.

[0071] Figure 4 Schematically presented is an example of a nacelle 16 of a wind turbine, comprising a transformer 90 and a guide system 100. The guide system 100 is configured to guide a cart. The guide system 100 comprises a first guide portion 111 arranged inside the nacelle 16, and a second guide portion 112. The second guide portion 112 of the guide system is configured to extend beyond the first end 17 of the nacelle through the opening 19, and the cart is configured to carry the transformer 90.

[0072] Throughout the present disclosure, a trolley may be regarded as any type of transport element suitable for carrying a transformer and for being displaced along guides, for example by wheels or rollers, or by sliding on pulleys or pads.

[0073] The method may comprise opening or removing a cover to form an opening 19 at a first end 17 of the nacelle. The nacelle may comprise a first end 17 comprising a cover that may be opened and / or removed.

[0074] like Figure 4 As shown in , the first end 17 of the nacelle may include the rear end of the nacelle. Depending on the location of the transformer in the nacelle and the distribution of other components in the nacelle, the opening 19 may be located at a certain position in the outer wall of the nacelle. In other examples, the first end 17 of the nacelle may include one of the lateral ends of the nacelle.

[0075] The opening 19 may be large enough to fit the transformer 90, the cart and the guide system 100 therethrough. The cover may be opened or removed manually or automatically.

[0076] The method may further include connecting the transformer 90 to the cart 130 prior to moving the cart 130 along the guide system 100 .

[0077] like Figure 4 As shown in , by hanging the transformer 90 on the cart, the transformer 90 can be moved along the guide system 100. In addition, the cart can move the transformer 90 from a first position to a second position through the opening 19. In some examples, the first position can be a position in the interior portion of the cabin, and the second position can be a position outside the cabin. In other examples, the transformer can be moved from the outside of the cabin to the interior portion of the cabin.

[0078] In some examples, the method may include moving elements within the nacelle out of the track of the transformer 90 within the nacelle. Before moving the cart carrying the transformer, elements within the nacelle 16 between the opening 19 and the transformer 90 may be moved. These elements may be moved out of the track of the transformer 90 within the nacelle 16. The track may be considered as a path of movement that the transformer 90 may follow as it moves along the guide system 100.

[0079] Figure 5 An example of a portion of a guide system 100 configured to guide a cart 130 for carrying a transformer 90 is shown in FIG.

[0080] like Figure 5 As schematically shown in , the guide system 100 may include a longitudinal track 110 , and the cart 130 may include one or more rollers or sliding pads 120 configured to move along the longitudinal track 110 .

[0081] In some examples, the longitudinal rail 110 may include a beam, such as an I-beam. The longitudinal rail 110 may be substantially straight and may be substantially parallel to the floor of the nacelle. The longitudinal rail 110 may be configured to bear the weight of the transformer 90. The longitudinal rail 110 may be made of steel.

[0082] The cart 130 may be configured to be displaced along the longitudinal track 110 and may be configured to carry the transformer 90. Figure 5 In the example shown in FIG. 1 , the trolley is guided along the longitudinal rail 110 by two rollers. The trolley 130 can be moved along the longitudinal rail 110, for example, using an electric motor.

[0083] Further, the guide system 100 may include a fixing or locking element 140 connected to the cart 130. The fixing element 140 may have an open or "unlocked" configuration and a closed or "locked" configuration. In the open configuration, the fixing element 140 may allow the cart 130 to move along the longitudinal track 110. In the closed configuration, the fixing element 140 may be connected to the longitudinal track 110 in addition to being connected to the cart 130, thereby preventing the cart 130 from moving along the longitudinal track 110. The fixing element 140 may ensure that the cart 130 moves along the longitudinal track 110 only when desired.

[0084] In some examples, during normal operation of the wind turbine, transformer 90 can be suspended on cart 130. In some examples, both ends of cart 130 can be elastically connected to guide system 100, such as longitudinal rails 110, to form a tuned mass damper (not shown). By using the transformer for damping, the use of additional mass dampers can be avoided and the overall weight of the nacelle can be reduced.

[0085] In other examples, the transformer 90 may be lifted from the floor of the nacelle before it is removed from the nacelle. In some examples, the guide system 100 may include a hoist (not shown) that may be configured to connect to the transformer 90. The transformer 90 may be lifted from the floor of the nacelle with a hoist (e.g., one or more chain hoists) and may be connected to the cart 130. In some examples, the hoist may be part of the cart 130.

[0086] In some examples, the transformer 90 may be connected to the cart 130 via one or more silent blocks 135. The silent blocks 135 may be made of a flexible or elastomeric material and may be configured to absorb vibrations to attenuate any energy that may be transmitted through the silent blocks. Figure 5 As shown in , the transformer 90 can be connected to the cart 130 via two silent blocks 135.

[0087] See again Figure 4 , the longitudinal track of the guide system 100 may include a first guide portion 111 and a second guide portion 112 .

[0088] The first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal rail may be arranged inside the nacelle 16. In the nacelle, the first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal rail may be located above the transformer 90 to allow connection between the transformer 90 and a trolley 130 configured to be displaced along the guide system.

[0089] Installing the first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal rail inside the nacelle allows a part of the guide system to be permanently in standby state, simplifying the process of moving the transformer.

[0090] In some examples, the first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal rail may be attached to an inner wall of the nacelle. In other examples, the first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal rail may be attached to a wall parallel to the floor of the nacelle and defining a ceiling above the transformer 90. The first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal rail may extend toward the first end 17 of the nacelle, i.e., toward the opening 19.

[0091] like Figure 4 , the second guide portion 112 of the guide system extends beyond the first end 17 of the nacelle through the opening 19, so that the transformer 90 can be moved from the inside of the nacelle to the outside of the nacelle, that is, in this example, the nacelle is moved from the first guide portion 111 of the guide system to the second guide portion 112 of the guide system. In other examples, when installing or reinstalling the transformer, the transformer 90 can be moved from the second guide portion 112 of the guide system to the first guide portion 111 of the guide system.

[0092] In some examples, the guide system 100 can be a telescoping guide system, and the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track can be movable along the longitudinal axis relative to the first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal track.

[0093] In such an example, the telescopic guide system may allow the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track to be in a retracted position or in an extended position. The retracted position may include a position where the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track is located in the interior portion of the nacelle. In its extended position, the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track may extend beyond the first end 17 of the nacelle through the opening 19.

[0094] The telescopic guide system may provide a guide system permanently installed inside the nacelle. The extraction and / or introduction process of the transformer may be simplified, as no additional tools or equipment are required to prepare the guide system for moving the transformer from a first position inside the nacelle to a second position outside the nacelle.

[0095] During normal operation of the nacelle, the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track may be in the retracted position. When the transformer must be taken out of the nacelle 16 (or introduced into the nacelle 16), the cover in the first end 17 of the nacelle may be opened and / or removed to form the opening 19. Once the opening 19 is formed, the second portion 112 of the longitudinal track may be moved to its extended position. In this example, the cart 130 may be configured to move along the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track once it is in its extended position.

[0096] In some examples, the telescopic guide system may be connected to the electrical device. In other examples, the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track may be manually moved to its extended position or its retracted position.

[0097] In a further example, the method may include attaching the second guide portion 112 (releasably) to the first guide portion 111. In some examples, the method may include lifting the second guide portion 112 toward the nacelle with a crane. A lifting device (e.g., a crane) may carry the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track and may position it near the first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal track through an opening 19 in the nacelle. The first guide portion 111 and the second guide portion 112 may then be attached together, for example, a professional operator may attach the two portions together with bolts or other suitable fasteners. The second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track does not need to be permanently arranged in the nacelle, and additional weight may be avoided.

[0098] In other examples, the second guide portion 112 may be lifted by an internal crane of the nacelle.

[0099] Figure 6 Schematically shows the Figure 4 and Figure 5 The nacelle 16 of the guide system 100 of the example shown in FIG. A second guide portion 112 of the guide system extends through an opening in the nacelle and beyond a first end of the nacelle and carries the transformer 90 .

[0100] In some examples, transformer 90 may be a damaged transformer that is being removed from the nacelle.

[0101] The method for removing the transformer from the nacelle may further include lifting the transformer 90 with a crane after moving the transformer 90 to the outside of the nacelle 16 .

[0102] In some examples, a lifting device (not shown) can be used to lift the damaged transformer 90 from the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track. The lifting device can be connected to the transformer 90 and can then release the transformer from the cart 130.

[0103] In some examples, lifting the transformer 90 with a crane may include connecting a lifting device to the second guide portion 112 of the guide system. Then, for example, a professional operator may separate the second guide portion 112 from the first guide portion, and the transformer 90, the second guide portion 112, and the cart 130 may all be lifted with a crane. The second guide portion may include appropriate locking elements or stops to hold the transformer in a fixed position relative to the second guide portion. Since the transformer can be lifted without requiring a professional operator to access an exterior portion of the nacelle, the removal process may be safer.

[0104] In other examples, a lifting device can be used to attach a transformer 90 (e.g., a new transformer) to a cart 130 located in the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track. The cart 130 carrying the new transformer 90 can be moved along the second guide portion 112 of the longitudinal track and the first guide portion 111 of the longitudinal track. In some examples, in a further step, the transformer 90 can be placed in its proper position in the nacelle, for example, by a hoist in the guide system. In other examples, both ends of the cart 130 can be elastically connected to the longitudinal track 110 to form a tuned mass damper.

[0105] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a wind turbine 10 is provided. The wind turbine 10 includes a tower 15, a nacelle 16, and one or more blades 22 rotatably supported by the nacelle 16 via a hub 20. The nacelle 16 includes a transformer 90 and a guide system 100 configured to carry a cart 130. The guide system 100 includes a first guide portion 111 arranged inside the nacelle, and a second guide portion 112. The second guide portion 112 is configured to extend beyond the first end 17 of the nacelle through the opening 19, and the cart 130 is configured to carry the transformer 90.

[0106] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method 700 of introducing a transformer into a nacelle of a wind turbine is provided. Figure 7 A flow chart of method 700 is shown.

[0107] The method includes moving a cart along a guide system at step 702, wherein the cart carries a transformer, and wherein the guide system includes a first guide portion disposed within an interior of the nacelle, and a second guide portion extending through an opening in the nacelle and beyond a first end of the nacelle. The method further includes moving the transformer along the first guide portion to position the transformer within the interior of the nacelle at step 704.

[0108] The aspects and explanations regarding method 300 may be combined and applied to method 700 in reverse order.

[0109] This written description uses examples to disclose teachings, including preferred embodiments, and also enables any person skilled in the art to implement the teachings, including making and using any device or system, and performing any incorporated method. The patentable scope is defined by the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are expected to be within the scope of the claims if such other embodiments have structural elements that are not different from the written language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the written language of the claims. Aspects from the various embodiments described and other known equivalents of each such aspect may be mixed and matched by those skilled in the art to constitute additional embodiments and techniques according to the principles of the present application. If reference marks relating to the drawings are placed in brackets in the claims, they are used only to attempt to increase the intelligibility of the claims and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for removing a transformer (90) from a nacelle (16) of a wind turbine, the method comprising: A trolley (130) is moved along a guide system (100), wherein the trolley (130) carries the transformer (90), and wherein The guide system (100) comprises a first guide portion (111) arranged inside the nacelle (16), and a second guide portion (112) extending through an opening (19) in the nacelle and beyond a first end (17) of the nacelle, the method further comprising: The transformer (90) is moved along the second guide portion (112) to position the transformer (90) outside the nacelle (16).

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method further includes connecting the transformer (90) to the cart (130) prior to moving the cart (130) along the guide system (100).

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Connecting the transformer (90) to the cart (130) includes suspending the transformer (90) from the cart (130).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The first end (17) of the nacelle is the rear end of the nacelle.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The method includes moving components within the nacelle out of the path of the transformer (90) within the nacelle.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The guide system (100) is a telescopic guide system, wherein the second guide portion (112) is movable relative to the first guide portion (111) along a longitudinal axis.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The method includes attaching the second guide portion (112) to the first guide portion (111).

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that The method includes lifting the second guide portion (112) toward the nacelle (16) using a crane.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The guide system (100) further comprises a hoist, and wherein the method comprises lifting the transformer (90) from a floor of the nacelle (16) with the hoist.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The method further comprises lifting the transformer (90) with a crane after moving the transformer (90) to the outside of the nacelle (16), optionally wherein the crane lifts while attached to the second guide section.

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