Segmented Nacelle Cover with Integrated Generator Unit

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of large wind turbine nacelles is hindered by their heavy weight, requiring large cranes and being sensitive to wind and wave conditions, leading to costly and time-consuming processes, with existing solutions failing to effectively prevent rainwater ingress and efficiently manage component replacement.

Innovation Solution

Designing a nacelle cover with interlocking parts, where the generator and a second cover part form a single unit, allowing for simultaneous hoisting and installation, using flexible sealing lips to prevent water ingress, and incorporating installation means for easy hoisting and replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the nacelle cover is designed as separate parts that can be opened, then access to the nacelle for component replacement is enabled, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to nacelle for component replacementVSAvoidnacelle cover assembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nacelle cover is divided into multiple parts (first part and second part) that can be separated to provide access to the nacelle interior for component replacement, while each part can be independently handled during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The generator and the second part of the nacelle cover are combined into a single integrated unit, allowing them to be hoisted and installed simultaneously as one assembly, reducing installation time and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If the nacelle cover parts are bolted together, then structural connection is achieved, but rain water can still access the nacelle through the interfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural connection of cover partsVSAvoidrain water ingress

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Flexible sealing lips are incorporated at the interfaces between nacelle cover parts to create a waterproof seal that prevents rain water from entering the nacelle, while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction movements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing solution combines rigid bolted connections for structural strength with flexible sealing elements to create a composite joint that provides both mechanical strength and waterproofing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If large cranes are used to hoist the complete nacelle, then installation can be done in one piece, but the operation is limited to low wind speeds and becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidwind speed tolerance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The nacelle cover is segmented into multiple parts that can be hoisted and installed separately using smaller cranes, enabling installation operations to proceed at higher wind speeds that would be unsafe for hoisting the complete nacelle as one piece

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The generator and second cover part are merged into one unit that can be installed simultaneously with the cover parts, reducing the number of separate hoisting operations required and maintaining installation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method reduces installation time and costs by minimizing crane usage and enabling installation within narrower wind windows, while ensuring the nacelle remains watertight and facilitating efficient generator replacement.

Implementation Method 1

the interface on the first and second part of the nacelle cover is arranged at an angle between 0 and 90 degrees to horizontal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible sealing: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9458820B2Wind turbine nacelle cover and a method for installing a generator on a mainframe in a nacelle

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 ENVISION ENERGY TECHNOLOGY PTE LTD

AI summary

A wind turbine and to a method for installing a generator for a wind turbine, in which a nacelle and a mainframe for installation of, e.g., a generator and a main shaft, is installed on top of a tower. The nacelle further has a nacelle cover extending over the main frame from the hub and to a rear end, covering components installed on the main frame. The nacelle cover has at least a first part and a second part, the first part having a interface for engagement with a corresponding interface on the second part, the second part of the nacelle cover housing a generator as one unit. By having the generator and the second part of the nacelle cover as a single unit, installation can be performed in one go and then only one hoist with a crane is needed.