Support structure for wind turbine and wind turbine

Abstract

A support structure for a wind turbine (100), the support structure comprising:-a rotor bearing housing (201), where the rotor bearing housing (201) is configured to accommodate a rotor bearing (250) for rotatably supporting a rotor shaft (114); -a base (202) wherein the base (202) is configured to be rotatably mounted on a top (103) of a tower (102) of the wind turbine (100) at a first end (203) of the base (202) wherein the base (202) is configured to be mounted with the rotor bearing housing (201) on a second end (204) of the base (202) wherein the base (202) comprises a side wall (205) extending between the first end (203) and the second end (204), and the side wall (205) comprises a passage opening (206) for people to pass through.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a support structure for a wind turbine, the support structure being in particular mountable on top of a tower of a wind turbine.The present disclosure also relates to a wind turbine, in particular a wind turbine comprising a support structure. Background Art

[0002] A wind turbine may include a rotor including a rotatable rotor hub assembly having a plurality of rotor blades. The rotor blades convert wind energy into drive torque that drives a generator via a drive train.

[0003] It is desirable to provide a support structure for a wind turbine which provides for reliable operation of the wind turbine. It is also desirable to provide a wind turbine which is capable of reliable operation. Summary of the invention

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a support structure for a wind turbine. The support structure includes a rotor bearing housing. The rotor bearing housing is configured to accommodate a rotor bearing. The rotor bearing is configured to support a rotor shaft in a rotatable manner. The support structure includes a base. The base is configured to be rotatably mounted on the top of a tower of a wind turbine at a first end of the base. The base is configured to be mounted together with the rotor bearing housing on a second end of the base. The base includes a side wall extending between the first end and the second end. The side wall includes a passage opening for personnel to pass through.

[0005] The support structure is configured to mount the rotor shaft on top of the tower. The base is rotatably mounted on top of the tower, for example, via a yaw mechanism. The base comprises a passage opening, which may also be referred to as a manhole. The passage opening is large enough to allow personnel to pass through. For example, a technician or other personnel may reach the outside of the base from the inside of the base via the passage opening. Of course, the passage opening is also configured to allow personnel to enter the inside of the base from the outside of the base. For example, the inside of the nacelle of the wind turbine may be reached from the tower through the base and the passage opening. In particular, it is not necessary to pass through the rotor bearing housing to reach the inside of the nacelle.

[0006] In particular, the rotor bearing housing and the base are two separate components that are manufactured independently and subsequently assembled together. The rotor bearing housing is supported on the top of the tower via the base. The base is arranged between the rotor bearing housing and the top of the tower. Since the passage opening is arranged at the base, the rotor bearing housing itself does not need a passage opening. Therefore, there is no need to provide space for the passage opening at the rotor bearing housing. This allows the rotor bearing housing to have greater design freedom. In particular, the rotor bearing housing can be designed to reliably support the rotor shaft independently of the passage opening. In particular, in addition, the lack of an opening at the rotor bearing housing or the reduction in the size of the opening allows for better load distribution in the rotor bearing housing. In addition, the arrangement of the passage opening at the base can provide a large passage opening and avoid the need for people to pass through the narrow space inside the rotor bearing housing, in particular, through the narrow space between the rotor bearing housing and the rotor shaft. In other words, this allows for improved access routes between the tower and the nacelle. In addition, this allows for greater design freedom for the nacelle. For example, the nacelle can be based on a single-layer or double-layer design.

[0007] According to a further embodiment, the side wall completely encloses the passage opening. Thus, the side wall completely surrounds and limits the passage opening. In other words, the side wall surrounds the passage opening. In particular, the side wall extends between the first end and the second end along a vertical direction, wherein the vertical direction in particular corresponds to the longitudinal direction of the tower. The passage opening in particular allows a horizontal passage through the vertical side wall.

[0008] According to a further embodiment, the base and the rotor bearing housing are fixed to each other. In particular, screws are used to fix the base and the rotor bearing housing to each other. During use, the base and the rotor bearing housing are fixed to each other so that a relative displacement between the rotor bearing housing and the base is not possible. The base and the rotor bearing housing are rigidly connected to each other.

[0009] According to a further embodiment, the base comprises a first connection joint, in particular a first flange. The first connection joint is located at the second end of the base. The rotor bearing housing comprises a second connection joint, in particular a second flange. The first connection joint and the second connection joint can be connected to each other to mount the base and the rotor bearing housing to each other. This allows a reliable transmission of forces and moments between the base and the rotor bearing housing.

[0010] According to a further embodiment, the first connection joint and the second connection joint comprise a continuous circumferential shape, in particular a continuous circular shape or a continuous elliptical shape. In particular, the first connection joint and the second connection joint are continuous circular flanges. More specifically, the first connection joint and the second connection joint are continuous annular flanges. The continuous circumferential shape allows for a beneficial transmission of forces and moments between the rotor bearing housing and the base. More specifically, the transmission of forces and moments is distributed over the entire circumference of the connection joint, which results in an optimal transmission of forces and moments between the rotor bearing housing and the base. Local concentrations of high forces and moments are avoided. In particular, in the case of a continuous circular shape, the moment acting around the vertical axis is evenly and uniformly distributed along the entire circumference of the connection joint.

[0011] For example, the continuous circumferential shape also covers a substantially continuous circumferential shape with one or more small local interruptions, such as to allow one or more cables and / or hydraulic lines to pass through. According to other examples, the continuous circumferential shape covers the entire 360° circumference without any interruption. The connecting joint with the continuous circumferential shape includes a contact joint along the circumferential shape that is close enough to the entire 360° circumference so that forces and moments can be continuously transmitted between the rotor bearing housing and the base along the entire circumference.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, the first connection joint and the second connection joint each include a plurality of corresponding holes for receiving mounting screws. The holes are arranged along the circumference, in particular arranged in a circular or elliptical shape along the circumference. This allows forces and moments to be distributed along the entire circumference so as to avoid high forces and / or moments being concentrated on one or more specific screws. In particular, in the case where the holes are arranged in a circle, the moments acting around the vertical axis are evenly and uniformly distributed on all screws.

[0013] According to a further embodiment, the base comprises a yaw drive mounting interface for supporting at least one yaw drive, in particular for supporting a plurality of yaw drives. The yaw drive mounting interface is arranged at a first end of the base and protrudes from the side wall. The rotor bearing housing does not comprise an additional own yaw drive mounting interface. The yaw drive mounting interface is arranged below the rotor bearing housing. This provides a lot of space for the arrangement of the yaw drive. Therefore, the yaw drive can be arranged such that the yaw drive can be easily accessed, for example for maintenance or replacement purposes. Furthermore, the yaw drive can be arranged relative to the access opening such that the access route between the tower and the nacelle is further improved. Furthermore, the yaw drive can be arranged closer to the rotor shaft when viewed from above, which means that the width of the nacelle can be reduced.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, the base comprises a component carrier mounting interface for mounting one component carrier or a plurality of component carriers. The component carrier mounting interface is included in the side wall or protrudes from the side wall. The component carrier can be mounted on the base. The component carrier does not need to be mounted on the rotor bearing housing. For example, the base comprises a yaw drive mounting interface, a component carrier mounting interface and a passage opening. For example, the component carrier mounting interface and the passage opening are arranged in different areas of the side wall. In another example, the passage opening included in the side wall leads to the interior of the component carrier mounting interface protruding from the side wall. In this case, the component carrier mounting interface comprises a supplementary passage opening oriented in the horizontal direction or in the vertical direction and leading to the interior of the nacelle.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, the side wall is configured such that any cross section of the side wall in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tower and above the first end comprises at least a circular arc and / or at least an elliptical arc. In particular, the outer boundary and / or the inner boundary of the cross section comprises at least a circular arc and / or at least an elliptical arc. In particular, the side wall has a circular cross section at its first end. Since the tower usually has a circular cross section, an elliptical arc and even more circular arcs contribute to a beneficial transmission of forces and moments along the base to the tower. In addition, since the rotatable mounting of the base on the top of the tower is usually achieved via a yaw bearing with a circular shape, an elliptical arc and even more circular arcs contribute to a more uniform distribution of forces and moments on the circumference of the yaw bearing. Local concentrations of high forces and moments are avoided. For example, the cross section may additionally include one or more straight lines. Straight lines may be required for functional purposes, such as space requirements for yaw drives next to the side wall.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the cross section, in particular the outer boundary and / or the inner boundary of the cross section may for example comprise a combination of one or more circular arcs, one or more elliptical arcs and / or one or more straight lines. In particular, the outer boundary and the inner boundary of the cross section do not necessarily have corresponding circular arcs, elliptical arcs and / or straight lines, which means that the distance between the outer boundary and the inner boundary may vary along the circumference. In other words, the side wall may have an uneven thickness along its circumference. Alternatively or additionally, the side wall may have an uneven thickness in the vertical direction.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the cross section, in particular the outer and inner boundaries of the cross section, comprises only circular arcs. Thus, the cross section has a complete circular shape. More specifically, the cross section has a torus shape, which means that the side wall has the shape of a hollow cylinder or a hollow truncated cone. In particular, the component carrier mounting interface and / or the yaw drive mounting interface protrudes from the side wall and the component carrier mounting interface and / or the yaw drive mounting interface are not taken into account for the above-mentioned geometrical considerations regarding the side wall cross section. In particular, the passage opening is not taken into account for the above-mentioned geometrical considerations regarding the side wall cross section.

[0018] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a wind turbine, in particular a wind turbine having a support structure according to one of the embodiments described herein. The wind turbine comprises a tower having a longitudinal axis extending in a vertical direction. The wind turbine comprises a yaw mechanism arranged on top of the tower. The wind turbine comprises a support structure, wherein a base is rotatably mounted on top of the tower of the wind turbine via the yaw mechanism.

[0019] The base acts as a joint between the tower and the rotor bearing housing. The base is arranged between the tower and the rotor bearing housing to provide a passage opening. Furthermore, the base is coupled to the yaw mechanism so that the base and thus the rotor bearing housing can rotate relative to the tower via the yaw mechanism.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, the wind turbine comprises a nacelle. The nacelle accommodates a support structure. The access opening enables access between the base and the interior of the nacelle. For example, the access opening provides access to a front side of the nacelle and a fairing around the rotor hub. Alternatively or additionally, the access opening provides access to a rear side of the nacelle, where electrical components are typically located. For example, the base comprises two or more access openings, enabling access to the front side and the rear side via different access openings. In this case, there are two or more access routes between the tower and the nacelle.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, the yaw mechanism comprises one or more yaw drives and a yaw bearing. The one or more yaw drives are mounted to the base. The base is connected to the tower via the yaw bearing. Due to the height of the base, the one or more yaw drives are arranged at least partially below the rotor bearing housing along the vertical axis. This provides a lot of space for the arrangement of the yaw drives.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, the wind turbine comprises a rotor shaft extending along an axial direction. The passage opening is configured such that a central axis of the passage opening and the axial direction are parallel to each other or perpendicular to each other when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. This provides symmetry of the base with respect to the axial direction, which is beneficial to load distribution in the base.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, the base comprises a yaw drive mounting interface for the yaw drive. The yaw drive mounting interface is aligned with a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. Arranging the yaw drive mounting interface at the base provides more space for arrangement of the yaw drive compared to the case where the yaw drive mounting interface would be directly attached to the rotor bearing housing.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the passage opening is arranged completely below the rotor shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the passage opening is arranged completely below the rotor bearing housing in the vertical direction. The passage opening has no area leading to the rotor bearing housing or the rotor shaft in the vertical direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, elements of the same structure and / or function may be referred to by the same reference numerals. It should be understood that the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a wind turbine according to an embodiment,

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a nacelle according to an embodiment,

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a base according to an embodiment,

[0029] Figure 4 and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a support structure according to an embodiment,

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a base according to another embodiment, and

[0031] Figure 7 is based on Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a support structure of an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Although various modifications and alternative forms may be made to the present invention, the details thereof have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments described. On the contrary, the present invention will cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown in FIG. 1 , a wind turbine 100 includes a tower 102. The tower 102 is connected to a base 104 fixed to the ground. The base 104 is formed on the ground and supported by the ground. The tower 102 extends in a vertical direction 101. A nacelle 106 is arranged on a top end 103 of the tower 102 opposite to the base 104. The nacelle 106 accommodates a drive train. For example, a generator is arranged inside the nacelle 106, and the generator is connected to a rotor 108 via a drive train, and the drive train includes, for example, a gearbox and a rotor shaft 114 ( Figure 2 ). The rotor 108 includes a plurality of rotor blades 110. The rotor blades 110 are mounted on a rotor hub 112. The rotor hub 112 is connected to a rotor shaft 114.

[0034] The rotor 108 is driven by airflow, such as wind, during operation. The rotational motion of the rotor 108 is transmitted to the generator via a transmission system. The generator converts the energy of the rotor 108 into electrical energy.

[0035] Figure 2 The nacelle 106 including a support structure 200 is schematically shown. Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 A support structure 200 arranged inside the nacelle 106 on the top 103 of the tower 102 is schematically shown.

[0036] The support structure 200 comprises a rotor bearing housing 201. The support structure 200 further comprises a base 202.

[0037] The rotor bearing housing 201 is configured to hold and support two rotor bearings 250. The rotor bearing housing 201 at least partially surrounds the rotor shaft 114. The rotor bearings 250 are arranged between the rotor shaft 114 and the rotor bearing housing 201 to allow the rotor shaft 114 to rotate relative to the rotor bearing housing 201. The rotor bearing housing 201 supports and holds the rotor shaft 114, in particular so that axial loads and / or radial loads can be transmitted between the rotor shaft 114 and the rotor bearing housing 201.

[0038] The base 202 is arranged between the tower 102 and the rotor bearing housing 201 along the vertical direction 101. The base 202 may also be referred to as a machine frame or a main frame. The base 202 comprises a hollow cylindrical shape. Other shapes are also possible. The base 202 is, for example, made of cast iron or comprises cast iron. For example, the base 202 has an extension of more than 1 m along the vertical direction 101. For example, the base 202 has an extension of between 0.75 m and 3 m, in particular between 1 m and 2 m, along the vertical direction 101.

[0039] The base 202 includes a first end 203 along the vertical direction 101. The base 202 is rotatably coupled to the tower 102 at the first end 203. The base 202 includes a second end 204. The second end 204 is opposite to the first end 203 along the vertical direction 101. The rotor bearing housing 201 is fixed to the base 202 at the second end 204.

[0040] The base 202 includes a side wall 205 extending along the vertical direction 101 between the first end 203 and the second end 204. The side wall 205 surrounds a hollow interior 219 of the base 202. The side wall 205 is configured to transfer forces and moments between the rotor bearing housing 201 and the tower 102.

[0041] The base 202 includes a first connection joint 207, in particular a first flange 207, to mount and rigidly connect the rotor bearing housing 201 to the base 202. In particular, the rotor bearing housing 201 and the base 202 are fixed to each other at the first connection joint 207 so that the rotor bearing housing 201 and the base 202 cannot move relative to each other.

[0042] The rotor bearing housing 201 includes a second connection engagement portion 208 such as a second flange. The first connection engagement portion 207 and the second connection engagement portion 208 can be connected to each other to fix the base 202 and the rotor bearing housing 201 to each other.

[0043] The support structure 200 is rotatably mounted on the top 103 of the tower 102 via a yaw mechanism 260. For example, the yaw mechanism 260 includes a yaw bearing 217 and one or more yaw drives 213, wherein the one or more yaw drives 213 are mounted on a yaw drive mounting interface 212 of the base 202. The yaw mechanism 260 may include additional elements, such as a yaw plate (not shown), for supporting the one or more yaw drives 213. For example, the yaw plate is a plate separate from the base 202, which may be arranged between the base 202 and the yaw bearing 217. In particular, in the case where the yaw mechanism 260 includes such additional elements for supporting the one or more yaw drives 213, the base 202 does not include any yaw drive mounting interface 212.

[0044] like Figure 2As shown, the base 202 includes a yaw drive mounting joint 212 at the first end 203. The yaw drive mounting joint 212 protrudes radially on the side wall 205. A yaw drive 213 is arranged at the yaw drive mounting joint 212 to drive a rotational movement between the base 202 and the tower 102 about the vertical direction 101. The base 202 is supported at the top 103 of the tower 102 so that the support structure 200 and thus the rotor shaft 114 and the nacelle 106 can rotate relative to the tower 102. For example, a yaw bearing 217 is arranged between the base 202 and the tower 102 to allow rotation between the base 202 and the tower 102.

[0045] The base 202 includes a component carrier mounting interface 214 (see also Figure 3 ). The component carrier 215 may be mounted and fixed to the component carrier mounting interface 214 so that the component carrier 215 is supported on the base 202 .

[0046] The component carrier 215 is configured to carry and support one or more components 216, in particular electrical components such as generators, converters, transformers or electrical cabinets. Of course, other electrical components 216 are also possible. Alternatively or additionally, the component carrier 215 is configured to carry mechanical components 216 such as gearboxes or nacelle covers or other components. The component carrier may consist of a single component carrier 215, or the component carrier 215 may include two or more component sub-carriers 215. For example, a single component carrier 215 is arranged to carry a component 216. For example, several component carriers 215 are used to carry the same component 216. For example, several component carriers 215 are used to carry several components 216, wherein each component carrier 215 carries one or more of the several components 216.

[0047] One or more component carriers 215 are mounted to the base 202 via a component carrier mounting interface 214, which transfers loads between the component carrier 215 and the tower 102. The component carrier mounting interface 214 radially protrudes on the side wall 205 of the base 202. The component carrier mounting interface 214 includes a lateral surface 220 perpendicular to the radial direction of the protrusion (see Figure 3 ). The component carrier 215 can be mounted and fixed to the lateral surface 220, such as Figure 4 As shown.

[0048] The base 202 includes two passage openings 206 in the side wall 205. According to other embodiments, the base 202 includes only a single passage opening 206 or more than two passage openings 206, such as three, four or more passage openings 206, in the side wall 205. Optionally, the base 202 may include one or more additional openings that are not passage openings in the side wall 205. For example, these additional openings may be used to pass electrical cables and / or hydraulic lines.

[0049] The access opening 206 is arranged in the side wall 205 such that the side wall 205 completely surrounds the access opening 206. The access opening 206 allows horizontal access through the side wall 205. Thus, access from the tower 102 via the base 202 and through the side wall 205 to the interior of the nacelle 106 is possible.

[0050] For example, the access opening 206 is configured to allow personnel to pass through. Technicians, engineers, workers and other personnel can reach the nacelle 106 from the tower 102 via the access opening 206. In the opposite manner, personnel can reach the tower 103 from the nacelle 106 via the access opening 206 and the base 202. For example, the access opening 206 includes a diameter of about 0.8 m, for example, between 0.5 m and 1.5 m.

[0051] The passage opening 206 is arranged completely below the rotor bearing housing 201 and the rotor shaft 114 in the vertical direction 101 . The rotor bearing housing 201 can therefore be designed without taking the required passage into account. This allows, for example, a larger diameter of the rotor shaft 114 .

[0052] There is enough space at the base 202 to provide the passage opening 206 and to provide the yaw drive 213 for the yaw drive mounting interface 212 , since the base 202 is arranged below the rotor bearing housing 201 and below the rotor shaft 114 .

[0053] As shown, the passage opening 206 can be arranged along the axial direction 115 when projected on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction 101. The passage opening 206 is arranged below the shaft 114 along the vertical direction 101. The shaft 114 is arranged completely above the passage opening 206. Alternatively or additionally, the passage opening 206 is arranged perpendicular to the axial direction 115 when projected on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction 101. The arrangement of the passage opening 206 is shown in the figures as parallel to the axial direction 115. This arrangement allows passage in the extension direction of the rotor shaft 114. The figures also show a component carrier mounting engagement 214 protruding from the side wall 205 perpendicular to the axial direction 115. The component carrier mounting engagement 214 can alternatively protrude from the side wall 205 parallel to the axial direction 115. In addition, other protrusion directions of the component carrier mounting engagement 214 are also possible.

[0054] Figure 3 A base 202 according to an embodiment is shown. A component carrier mounting interface 214 is arranged perpendicular to the passage opening 206. A yaw drive mounting interface 212 is arranged at the first end 203. The yaw drive mounting interface 212 is projected onto the side wall 205 parallel to the axial direction 115 when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0055] The first connection joint 207 includes a plurality of holes 209. The holes 209 are arranged in a circular shape. In particular, the holes 209 are arranged in a complete circular shape. In particular, the first connection joint 207, such as the flange 207, includes a continuous circular shape, in particular a continuous annular shape. There may be small interruptions in the continuous shape of the first connection joint 207, such as interruptions of 5° or less. Figure 3 As shown, the first connecting engagement portion 207 is designed to have a continuous annular shape without any interruption.

[0056] Figure 4 A side view of a component carrier 215 mounted on a base 202 is schematically shown. A yaw drive 213 is arranged in front of and behind the component carrier mounting interface 214. The component carrier 215 is fixed to the base 202, for example, by a plurality of screws. Figure 4 As shown, the rotor bearing housing may optionally include one or more openings. The rotor bearing housing may, for example, include such openings in order to save material in areas of the rotor bearing housing where no material is required in view of the load distribution within the rotor bearing housing.

[0057] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown. The rotor bearing housing 201 is fixed to the base 202 by means of mounting screws 211. The mounting screws 211 pass through holes 209 of the base 202 into corresponding holes 210 of the rotor bearing housing 201. The holes 210 of the rotor bearing housing 201 are arranged in a circular shape like the holes 209. The holes 210 are arranged at the second connection joint 208, which in particular also comprises a circular shape, in particular a ring shape. The circular shapes of the first connection joint 207 and the second connection joint 208 and the circular arrangement of the holes 209, 210 enable forces to be reliably transmitted between the rotor bearing housing 201 and the base 202 along the entire contact surface between the rotor bearing housing 201 and the base 202. The mounting screws 211 extend along the vertical direction 101. For example, the hole 209 extends completely through the first connection joint 207. The first connection joint 207 is, for example, an L-shaped flange. The second connection joint 208 can also be L-shaped (not shown). Alternatively, the first connection joint 207 and / or the second connection joint 208 may be, for example, a T-shaped flange.

[0058] Figure 6 A base 202 according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 3 In addition to the illustrated lateral surface 220, the component carrier mounting interface 214 also includes a radial surface 221 extending in the radial direction of the protrusion. The component carrier 215 can be mounted and fixed to the radial surface 221, such as Figure 7 In another example, the component carrier 215 may be mounted and fixed to the lateral surface 220 and the radial surface 221 . In another example, one component carrier 215 may be mounted and fixed to the lateral surface 220 , and another component carrier 215 may be mounted and fixed to the radial surface 221 .

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the nacelle 106 can be designed to have an upper nacelle layer and a lower nacelle layer. The rotor bearing housing 201 is arranged in the upper nacelle layer. The base 202 is arranged in the lower nacelle layer. Different components 216 can be arranged in the lower nacelle layer and / or the upper nacelle layer according to the available space. The stacking of the rotor bearing housing 201 and the base 202 on the top 103 of the tower 102 along the vertical direction 101 avoids the need to arrange all components 216 horizontally relative to the shaft 214.

[0060] There may be one or more components between the base 202 and the tower 102, in particular one or more components that enable relative rotation between the base 202 and the tower 102. For example, as an alternative to the yaw drive mounting joint 212 being an integral part of the base 202, the yaw mechanism 260 includes a yaw plate arranged between the yaw bearing 217 and the base 202. For example, the yaw plate is configured to support the yaw drive 213. The yaw plate is designed as a component separate from the base 202 and may be fixed to the base 202.

[0061] The base 202 comprises a tower access opening 218 providing personnel access between the tower 102 and an interior 219 of the base 202. The tower access opening 218 allows vertical access along the vertical direction 101. The tower access opening 218 and the access opening 206 are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0062] A technician who needs to reach components 216 inside the nacelle 106 ascends the tower 102 and enters the interior 219 of the base 202 via the tower access opening 218. From the interior 219, the technician passes through the access opening 206 to enter the nacelle 106.

[0063] Access opening 206 facing rotor hub 112 allows access to the front side of nacelle 106 and, for example, to a spinner surrounding rotor hub 112. Access opening 206 facing away from rotor hub 112 allows access to the rear side of nacelle 106, for example, where electrical components 216 are located.

[0064] For example, the nacelle 106 is constructed of a single module that includes all relevant nacelle components such as a drive train, a generator, and other electrical and mechanical components 216. In this embodiment, the access opening 206 provides access to the interior of the nacelle including all of the relevant nacelle components. The relevant nacelle components may all be arranged at the same level inside the nacelle. Alternatively, the nacelle components may be divided into two or more groups, wherein each group is arranged at a layer or level within a multi-layer nacelle (e.g., Figure 2 ). The access opening can then, for example, provide access to the lower level of the nacelle. Such a nacelle cover of a multi-layer nacelle can, for example, consist of two main cover parts connected to each other.

[0065] In another example, the access opening 206 provides access to a lower module of a modular nacelle comprising two or more different modules positioned on top of each other.

[0066] The support structure 200 according to various embodiments comprises a rotor bearing housing 201 and a base 202 as separate, vertically stacked components. The base 202 comprises a passage opening 206, a component carrier mounting interface 214 and a coupling structure for mounting the base 202 on the top 103 of the tower 102 via a yaw mechanism 260. The rotor bearing housing 201 on top of the base 202 accommodates at least a part of the drive train, in particular the rotor shaft 114 and the rotor bearing 250.

[0067] The design of the first connection joint 207 and the second connection joint 208, in particular as a complete annular flange, realizes a closed structure, which can absorb and transmit forces and moments along its entire circumference. For example, the load from the rotor shaft 114 can be uniformly transmitted to the tower 102 via the rotor bearing housing 201 and the joints 207, 208 and the base 202.

[0068] The passage opening 206 opens along the main extension of the rotor shaft 114 . This allows easy access to the interior of the nacelle 106 and through the rotor hub 112 .

[0069] The passage opening 206 can be designed to be large enough to facilitate access and in particular to improve the access route between the tower and the nacelle. Forces can be reliably transmitted at the first end 203 and at the second end 204 of the base 202 .

[0070] Reference numerals

[0071] 100 wind turbines

[0072] 101 Vertical direction

[0073] 102 Tower

[0074] 103 Top

[0075] 104 Base

[0076] 106 Cabin

[0077] 108 Rotor

[0078] 110 Rotor Blades

[0079] 112 Rotor Hub

[0080] 114 rotor shaft

[0081] 115 Axis direction

[0082] 200 Support structure

[0083] 201 Rotor bearing housing

[0084] 202 Base

[0085] 203 First end

[0086] 204 Second End

[0087] 205 Sidewall

[0088] 206 Channel Opening

[0089] 207 first connection joint

[0090] 208 second connection joint

[0091] 209, 210 holes

[0092] 211 Mounting screw

[0093] 212 Yaw drive mounting joint

[0094] 213 Yaw drive

[0095] 214 Component carrier mounting joint

[0096] 215 Component carrier

[0097] 216 Parts

[0098] 217 Yaw bearing

[0099] 218 Tower access opening

[0100] 219 Interior of the base

[0101] 220 Lateral surface

[0102] 221 Radial surface

[0103] 250 Rotor bearing

[0104] 260 Yaw mechanism

Claims

1. A support structure for a wind turbine (100), the support structure comprising: - a rotor bearing housing (201), wherein the rotor bearing housing (201) is configured to accommodate a rotor bearing (250) for rotatably supporting a rotor shaft (114); - a base (202), wherein the base (202) is configured to be rotatably mounted on a top (103) of a tower (102) of the wind turbine (100) at a first end (203) of the base (202), wherein the base (202) is configured to be mounted together with the rotor bearing housing (201) at a second end (204) of the base (202), wherein the base (202) comprises a side wall (205) extending between the first end (203) and the second end (204), and the side wall (205) comprises a passage opening (206) for the passage of personnel.

2. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein: The side wall (205) completely encloses the passage opening (206).

3. The support structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The base (202) and the rotor bearing housing (201) are fixed to each other.

4. The support structure according to claim 1, wherein: The base (202) comprises a first connecting joint (207), in particular a first flange (207), located at the second end (204), and the rotor bearing housing (201) comprises a second connecting joint (208), in particular a second flange (208), wherein the first connecting joint (207) and the second connecting joint (208) are capable of being connected to each other to mount the base (202) and the rotor bearing housing (201) to each other.

5. The support structure according to claim 4, wherein: The first connection joint (207) and the second connection joint (208) include a continuous circumferential shape, in particular a continuous circular shape or a continuous elliptical shape.

6. The support structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The first connection joint (207) and the second connection joint (208) each include a plurality of corresponding holes (209, 210) for receiving mounting screws (211), wherein the holes (209, 210) are arranged along a circumference, in particular, are arranged along a circumference in a circular or elliptical shape.

7. The support structure according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The base (202) comprises a yaw drive mounting interface (212) for supporting at least one yaw drive (213), wherein the yaw drive mounting interface (212) is arranged at the first end (203) of the base (202) and protrudes from the side wall (205).

8. Support structure according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The base (202) includes a component carrier mounting interface (214) for mounting one or more component carriers (215), wherein the component carrier mounting interface (214) is included in the side wall (205) or protrudes from the side wall (205).

9. The support structure according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The side wall (205) is configured such that any cross section of the side wall (205) in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tower (102) and above the first end (203) includes at least a circular arc and / or at least an elliptical arc.

10. A wind turbine, comprising: - a tower (102) having a longitudinal axis extending along a vertical direction (101), - a yaw mechanism (260), the yaw mechanism (260) being arranged on the top (103) of the tower (102), - The support structure (200) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the base (202) is rotatably mounted on a top (103) of the tower (102) of the wind turbine (100) via the yaw mechanism (260).

11. The wind turbine according to claim 10, comprising: A nacelle (106) accommodating the support structure (200), wherein the passage opening (206) enables passage between the base (202) and the interior of the nacelle (106).

12. A wind turbine according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The yaw mechanism (260) comprises one or more yaw drives (213) and a yaw bearing (217), wherein the one or more yaw drives (213) are mounted to the base (202), and wherein the base (202) is connected to the tower (102) via the yaw bearing (217).

13. A wind turbine according to one of claims 10 to 12, comprising: - a rotor shaft (114) extending along an axial direction (115), wherein the passage opening (206) is configured such that a central axis of the passage opening (206) and the axial direction (115) are parallel to or perpendicular to each other when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (101).

14. A wind turbine according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The base (202) includes a yaw drive mounting interface (212) for a yaw drive (213), the yaw drive mounting interface (212) being aligned with a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (101).

15. A wind turbine according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The passage opening (206) is arranged along the vertical direction (101) completely below the rotor shaft (114) and / or the rotor bearing housing (201).

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