A protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover.
By installing a protective structure at the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover, and utilizing soft bristles and elastic components, the safety hazards and the problem of items falling due to improper gap design were solved, thus improving safety and reliability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- HUANENG DINGBIAN NEW ENERGY POWER GENERATION CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-05-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Improperly designed gaps between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover can lead to safety hazards and the risk of objects falling, affecting the safety of workers and the operation of equipment.
Design a protective structure including components such as mounting plate, probe plate, brush plate, connecting plate and U-shaped elastic sheet, which provides an anti-slip platform by covering gaps with soft bristles, and enhances structural stability and safety by using elastic elements and airbags.
It effectively prevents rainwater from entering the gaps, reduces the risk of workers slipping, improves the safety of high-altitude operations, reduces the probability of items falling, and minimizes the impact on the operation of the unit.
Smart Images
Figure CN122485779A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind turbine technology, and more specifically, to a protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover. Background Technology
[0002] A wind turbine is a device that converts wind energy into electrical energy. It typically consists of main components such as a tower, nacelle, hub, and blades. The nacelle is located at the top of the tower and houses key components such as the generator set and gearbox. The hub is connected to the main shaft of the nacelle and is used to mount the blades. The fairing (also known as the hub cover) is installed on the outside of the hub, adjacent to the nacelle cover, and serves to protect the internal components of the hub, improve the aerodynamic shape, and guide airflow.
[0003] During the operation of wind turbine generators, a certain gap is usually maintained between the fairing and the nacelle to accommodate the relative movement of the generator during operation, manufacturing tolerances, and installation adjustments. However, in practical engineering applications, if this gap is not designed or installed properly, it can easily become too large. On the one hand, an excessively large gap can pose a safety hazard to personnel climbing onto the turbine, especially during high-altitude operations such as turbine maintenance and repair. Operators need to move in the transition area between the fairing and the nacelle, and an excessively large gap can easily lead to accidents. On the other hand, this gap can also easily become a channel for tools, parts, and other items to fall. Items falling from a height can not only cause property damage but may also injure people below. Summary of the Invention
[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover, which optimizes waterproofing of the gap and provides a supportive, anti-slip platform for workers.
[0005] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover, including a mounting plate, a probe plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of one side of the mounting plate, a transverse groove is opened in the middle section of the probe plate in the height direction, a brush plate is slidably connected in the transverse groove, and a number of brush bristles are provided on one side of the brush plate, with the brush bristles extending to the outside of the transverse groove.
[0006] The mounting plate has a vertical groove. A connecting plate is hinged to the side of the mounting plate near the probe plate. A U-shaped elastic sheet is fixedly connected to the side of the brush plate away from the bristles. The end of the U-shaped elastic sheet away from the brush plate passes through the vertical groove and is fixedly connected to the connecting plate. Several holes are opened on the U-shaped elastic sheet. Several sliding pieces are slidably connected to the top surface of the mounting plate. The sliding pieces are used to push out and lock the connecting plate after the connecting plate rotates.
[0007] Furthermore, the brush plate and the probe plate are connected by a telescopic rod. The telescopic rod is fitted with an elastic element, one end of which is fixedly connected to the brush plate and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the probe plate.
[0008] Furthermore, a number of fibers are fixedly connected to the end of the transverse groove away from the U-shaped elastic sheet.
[0009] Furthermore, a press-type airbag is provided on the side of the connecting plate away from the U-shaped elastic sheet, with the air outlet of the airbag facing the bristles.
[0010] Furthermore, a cushioning pad is provided on the side of the connecting plate near the U-shaped elastic sheet.
[0011] Furthermore, a sealing ring is provided inside the vertical groove.
[0012] Furthermore, reflective strips are provided on both the top and bottom surfaces of the connecting plate.
[0013] Furthermore, an ash collection trough is fixedly connected to the outside of the transverse trough.
[0014] Furthermore, the end of the mounting plate away from the connecting plate is provided with a vertical plate, and the vertical plate is provided with several threaded holes.
[0015] Furthermore, the mounting plate, probe plate, and connecting plate are all made of fiberglass.
[0016] The technical solution of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0017] When in use, remove the rainproof ring from the nacelle of the wind turbine, install the mounting plate onto the fairing, and extend the bristles to the nacelle fairing.
[0018] Under normal wind turbine operation, the mounting plate will not interfere with the rotation of the fairing, and the protrusion of the mounting plate and probe plate will cover the gap between the fairing and the nacelle cover. Since the mounting plate and probe plate are both rigid structures, their fit with the nacelle cover is not sufficient, and rainwater may enter the gap between the fairing and the nacelle cover. Therefore, brush bristles are designed. The bristles are soft and can effectively follow the rotation of the fairing and maintain continuous contact with the nacelle cover.
[0019] During maintenance, workers climb from the nacelle canopy onto the fairing. The mounting plate and probe act as a bridge, preventing workers from stepping into the gap between the nacelle canopy and the fairing. However, the mounting plate's structure is similar to a cantilever beam, bearing greater torque and more prone to deformation. Therefore, a connecting plate can be added. After rotating, the connecting plate rests on the nacelle canopy and is locked in place by sliding plates, enhancing stability. This allows the nacelle canopy to support a portion of the worker's weight when they climb onto the mounting plate or connecting plate, increasing load-bearing capacity.
[0020] The U-shaped elastic sheet acts as a connector. When the connecting plate rotates, it pulls on the U-shaped elastic sheet, causing it to elastically deform and tighten. Simultaneously, this pulls on the brush plate at the bottom of the mounting plate. As the brush plate is pulled, the bristles on it retract into the transverse grooves, preventing them from being squeezed by the connecting plate. At the same time, the holes in the U-shaped elastic sheet are stretched, forming a mesh structure that adheres tightly to the top surface of the mounting plate, creating an anti-slip texture. This reduces the likelihood of workers slipping on the mounting plate or connecting plate during subsequent operations. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is an isometric schematic diagram of an embodiment of the protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 2 for Figure 1 An enlarged schematic diagram of part A in the diagram;
[0023] Figure 3 This is a side view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover of the present invention;
[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover of the present invention;
[0025] Figure 5 This is a bottom view schematic diagram of an embodiment of the protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover of the present invention;
[0026] Figure 6 This is an isometric view of the connecting plate after rotation, representing an embodiment of the protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 7 This is a top view of the connecting plate after rotation, representing an embodiment of the protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover of the present invention.
[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the sliding plate after removing the connecting plate, representing an embodiment of the protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover of the present invention.
[0029] Reference numerals: 1. Mounting plate; 2. Probe plate; 3. Horizontal groove; 4. Brush plate; 5. Brush bristles; 6. Vertical groove; 7. Connecting plate; 8. U-shaped elastic sheet; 9. Hole; 10. Sliding piece; 11. Telescopic rod; 12. Elastic element; 13. Fleece; 14. Press-type airbag; 15. Buffer pad; 16. Reflective strip; 17. Dust collection groove; 18. Vertical plate. Detailed Implementation
[0030] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.
[0033] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method:
[0034] Example 1
[0035] As attached Figures 1-8 As shown, a protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover includes a mounting plate 1. A probe plate 2 is bolted to the bottom of one side of the mounting plate 1. A transverse groove 3 is provided in the middle section of the probe plate 2 in the height direction. A brush plate 4 is slidably connected in the transverse groove 3. Several bristles 5 are glued and fixed to one side of the brush plate 4, and the bristles 5 extend to the outside of the transverse groove 3.
[0036] A vertical groove 6 is provided on the mounting plate 1. A connecting plate 7 is hinged to the side of the mounting plate 1 near the probe plate 2. A U-shaped elastic sheet 8 is welded and fixed to the side of the brush plate 4 away from the bristles 5. The end of the U-shaped elastic sheet 8 away from the brush plate 4 passes through the vertical groove 6 and is welded and fixed to the connecting plate 7. Several holes 9 are provided on the U-shaped elastic sheet 8. Several sliding pieces 10 are slidably connected to the top surface of the mounting plate 1. The sliding pieces 10 are used to push out after the connecting plate 7 rotates to lock the connecting plate 7. A vertical plate 18 is provided at the end of the mounting plate 1 away from the connecting plate 7. Several threaded holes are provided on the vertical plate 18.
[0037] The brush plate 4 and the probe plate 2 are connected by a telescopic rod 11. An elastic element 12 is fitted over the telescopic rod 11. One end of the elastic element 12 is fixedly connected to the brush plate 4, and the other end of the elastic element 12 is fixedly connected to the probe plate 2. The mounting plate 1, the probe plate 2, and the connecting plate 7 are all made of fiberglass.
[0038] During operation, the nacelle rain shield is removed from the wind turbine. A typical nacelle rain shield is a flexible ring-shaped seal usually made of rubber, PVC, or composite materials. It is installed on the edge of the nacelle cover, with its front end overlapping or contacting the rear end of the fairing. Its purpose is to block rain, but due to its soft texture, it cannot withstand workers stepping on it, and tools, parts, and other items can easily fall into the gaps. After removing the nacelle rain shield, the mounting plate 1 is installed onto the fairing, extending the bristles 5 to the nacelle cover, where they rest on the cover. Because the mounting plate 1 is long enough, it can cover the gap between the nacelle cover and the fairing during rain, reducing the ingress of rainwater.
[0039] Under normal wind turbine operation, mounting plate 1 will not interfere with the rotation of the fairing, and the protrusion of mounting plate 1 and probe plate 2 will shield the gap between the fairing and the nacelle cover. Since mounting plate 1 and probe plate 2 are both rigid structures, their fit with the nacelle cover is insufficient, and rainwater may enter the gap between the fairing and the nacelle cover. Therefore, brush bristles 5 are designed. Bristles 5 are soft and can effectively follow the rotation of the fairing and maintain continuous contact with the nacelle cover. The dense arrangement of brush bristles 5 effectively prevents rainwater from flowing into the gap between the fairing and the nacelle cover.
[0040] During maintenance, personnel climb from the nacelle cowl onto the fairing. Mounting plate 1 and probe plate 2 act as a bridge, preventing personnel from stepping into the gap between the nacelle cowl and the fairing. However, mounting plate 1, with its cantilever beam structure and connection only to the fairing, is subject to greater torque and is more prone to deformation. Therefore, a connecting plate 7 is added. Connecting plate 7, when rotated, rests on the nacelle cowl and is locked in place by sliding plate 10, preventing rotation and enhancing stability. This allows the nacelle cowl to support a portion of the personnel's weight when they climb onto mounting plate 1 or connecting plate 7, thus increasing load-bearing capacity. Mounting plate 1, probe plate 2, and connecting plate 7 are all made of fiberglass. Fiberglass is lightweight and high-strength; its lightweight design does not add excessive rotational inertia or additional load to the hub and pitch system, minimizing its impact on the unit's operational safety. It also possesses sufficient impact and fatigue resistance to withstand personnel stepping on it.
[0041] The U-shaped elastic sheet 8 can serve as a connector. Under normal conditions, the connecting plate 7 is attached to the upper surface of the mounting plate 1. The U-shaped elastic sheet 8 can push the brush plate 4, causing the brush plate 4 to push into the transverse groove 3, and the brush bristles 5 to protrude out of the transverse groove 3.
[0042] When the connecting plate 7 rotates, it pulls the U-shaped elastic sheet 8, causing it to elastically deform and tighten. Simultaneously, it pulls the brush plate 4 at the bottom of the mounting plate 1. As the brush plate 4 is pulled, the bristles 5 on it retract into the transverse groove 3, preventing them from being squeezed by the connecting plate 7. This prevents the bristles 5 from being pulled off if the connecting plate 7 twists laterally. The width of the transverse groove 3 can be set relatively small. When the bristles 5 retract, the transverse groove 3 acts on the bristles 5, squeezing off any dust adhering to them to prevent the bristles 5 from sticking together and causing performance degradation. The brush plate 4 is connected to the probe plate 2 via a telescopic rod 11. The telescopic rod 11 prevents the brush plate 4 from tilting when pulled by the U-shaped elastic sheet 8. The elastic element 12 fitted over the telescopic rod 11 drives the brush plate 4 back into the transverse groove 3 after the connecting plate 7 resets.
[0043] Wind turbines are located at considerable heights, making high-altitude operations highly dangerous; therefore, it is necessary to improve operational safety. When the U-shaped elastic sheet 8 is taut, the holes 9 on the U-shaped elastic sheet 8 are also stretched, causing the U-shaped elastic sheet 8 to form a mesh structure that adheres tightly to the top surface of the mounting plate 1, creating an anti-slip texture. The tread pattern of the worker's shoes will embed into the stretched holes 9, reducing the chance of subsequent workers slipping on the mounting plate 1 or connecting plate 7.
[0044] Example 2
[0045] The difference from the above embodiment is that a number of fluffy bristles 13 are glued and fixed to the end of the transverse groove 3 away from the U-shaped elastic sheet 8. A press-type airbag 14 is glued and fixed to the side of the connecting plate 7 away from the U-shaped elastic sheet 8, and the air outlet of the airbag faces the bristles 5.
[0046] The bristles 5 can retract into the transverse groove 3 under the drive of the U-shaped elastic sheet 8, but the scraping effect of the transverse groove 3 alone is limited. Therefore, bristles 13 can be added to the edge of the transverse groove 3. When the bristles 5 retract, the bristles 5 and the bristles 13 will move relative to each other. During this process, the bristles 13 at the edge of the transverse groove 3 can clean the bristles 5 to a certain extent and brush off the dust on the bristles 5.
[0047] The connecting plate 7 will rest on the nacelle canopy after rotation, allowing operators to step on it. However, if the force applied during rotation is too great, the connecting plate 7 may collide with the nacelle canopy, potentially damaging it. Therefore, a press-type airbag 14 is provided on the side of the connecting plate 7 away from the U-shaped elastic sheet 8. When the connecting plate 7 is flipped, the press-type airbag 14 acts as a buffer, cushioning the impact of the connecting plate 7 on the nacelle canopy. Simultaneously, the structure of the press-type airbag 14 also functions as a blower component. Operators can step on the press-type airbag 14 to generate an airflow that blows towards the brush bristles 5, dislodging dust from the bristles 5. Specifically, when the connecting plate 7 is not rotating, the press-type airbag 14 is located above the connecting plate 7. Users can step on the nacelle canopy to press the press-type airbag 14, causing it to generate airflow towards the brush bristles 5. When the connecting plate 7 rotates, although the air outlet direction of the press-type airbag 14 is reversed, the brush plate 4 is pulled back into the transverse groove 3 by the U-shaped elastic sheet 8. Therefore, when the connecting plate 7 rotates, the air outlet of the press-type airbag 14 still faces the brush bristles 5. Subsequently, the press-type airbag 14 is squeezed by the connecting plate 7 and the cabin cover, generating an airflow towards the brush bristles 5, which washes the dust off the brush bristles 5.
[0048] Example 3
[0049] The difference from the above embodiment is that a buffer pad 15 is provided on the side of the connecting plate 7 near the U-shaped elastic sheet 8. A sealing ring is provided in the vertical groove 6. A dust collection groove 17 is fixedly connected to the outside of the horizontal groove 3.
[0050] The U-shaped elastic sheet 8 needs to pass through the vertical groove 6 and the connecting plate 7. Although the vertical groove 6 is normally covered by the connecting plate 7, there is still a risk of water leakage. Therefore, a buffer pad 15 is set on the side of the connecting plate 7 near the U-shaped elastic sheet 8. The buffer pad 15 can not only buffer the impact generated when the connecting plate 7 is rotated, but also improve the sealing performance and reduce the risk of water seepage in the vertical groove 6.
[0051] A sealing ring is further added inside the vertical groove 6 to further seal the vertical groove 6 and further reduce the risk of water leakage from the vertical groove 6.
[0052] When dust is washed off the bristles 5, it falls into the gap between the fairing and the fuselage cover. Although the impact is minimal, this area is difficult to clean. Therefore, a dust collection trough 17 is fixed outside the transverse groove 3. The dust collection trough 17 can be made of soft rubber to collect the dust falling from the bristles 5. Since the fairing rotates, when the dust collection trough 17 rotates to the bottom of the fairing, it will empty the dust, reducing the amount of dust accumulating in the gap between the fairing and the fuselage cover.
[0053] Example 4
[0054] The difference from the above embodiment is that reflective strips 16 are provided on both the top and bottom surfaces of the connecting plate 7.
[0055] Although the mounting plate 1 is installed in the gap between the fairing and the nacelle, due to the danger of working at height, the workers still need to be careful about their footing. Therefore, reflective strips 16 are installed on the top and bottom surfaces of the connecting plate 7. The reflective strips 16 make the connecting plate 7 more visible so that the workers can accurately step on the connecting plate 7 and climb onto the mounting plate 1 even in poor lighting conditions.
[0056] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.
Claims
1. A structure for protecting the gap between the nacelle cover and the spinner of a wind turbine generator, characterized in that, Includes a mounting plate (1), a probe plate (2) is fixedly connected to the bottom of one side of the mounting plate (1), a transverse groove (3) is opened in the middle section of the height direction of the probe plate (2), a brush plate (4) is slidably connected in the transverse groove (3), and a number of brush bristles (5) are provided on one side of the brush plate (4), with the brush bristles (5) extending to the outside of the transverse groove (3). A vertical groove (6) is provided on the mounting plate (1). A connecting plate (7) is hinged to the side of the mounting plate (1) near the probe plate (2). A U-shaped elastic sheet (8) is fixedly connected to the side of the brush plate (4) away from the bristles (5). The end of the U-shaped elastic sheet (8) away from the brush plate (4) passes through the vertical groove (6) and is fixedly connected to the connecting plate (7). Several holes (9) are provided on the U-shaped elastic sheet (8). Several sliding pieces (10) are slidably connected to the top surface of the mounting plate (1). The sliding pieces (10) are used to push out after the connecting plate (7) rotates to lock the connecting plate (7).
2. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover according to claim 1, characterized in that, The brush plate (4) and the probe plate (2) are connected by a telescopic rod (11). The telescopic rod (11) is covered with an elastic element (12). One end of the elastic element (12) is fixedly connected to the brush plate (4), and the other end of the elastic element (12) is fixedly connected to the probe plate (2).
3. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover according to claim 2, characterized in that, Several fibers (13) are fixedly connected to the end of the transverse groove (3) away from the U-shaped elastic sheet (8).
4. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover according to claim 3, characterized in that, A press-type airbag (14) is provided on the side of the connecting plate (7) away from the U-shaped elastic sheet (8), and the air outlet of the airbag faces the bristles (5).
5. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting plate (7) has a cushioning pad (15) on the side near the U-shaped elastic sheet (8).
6. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover according to claim 5, characterized in that, A sealing ring is provided inside the vertical groove (6).
7. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover according to claim 6, characterized in that, The top and bottom surfaces of the connecting plate (7) are provided with reflective strips (16).
8. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle as described in claim 7, wherein a dust accumulation groove (17) is fixedly connected to the outside of the transverse groove (3).
9. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover according to claim 8, characterized in that, The mounting plate (1) has a vertical plate (18) at one end away from the connecting plate (7), and the vertical plate (18) has several threaded holes.
10. The protective structure for the gap between the wind turbine fairing and the nacelle cover according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting plate (1), probe plate (2) and connecting plate (7) are all made of fiberglass.