Wind Turbine Nacelle Segmented Base Frame Load Path
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing size of wind turbine generators poses challenges in designing nacelle structures that must withstand large dynamic loads while minimizing overall mass and transportation costs, as conventional designs require excessive strength and rigidity.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine nacelle structure with a separate base frame and nacelle structure connected via a second connection point above the rotor axis, allowing the main bearing housing to form part of the load path and enabling a lighter nacelle design, with a connecting member that can be pivoted for efficient force transmission and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the nacelle structure is designed to withstand large dynamic loads and torsional forces, then the strength and rigidity are improved, but the mass of the nacelle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle is divided into separate components: a base frame, a main bearing housing, and a nacelle structure. These components are connected through multiple connection points, allowing the load path to be distributed across separate structural elements rather than requiring the entire nacelle structure to bear all loads independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The main bearing housing is integrated into the load path by connecting it to both the base frame and the nacelle structure through multiple connection points. This merging of the housing into the structural load path allows the housing to contribute to load bearing, reducing the required mass of the nacelle structure while maintaining overall strength.
2Strength
If the nacelle structure is designed with increased strength to support heavier power generation equipment, then the load bearing capacity is improved, but the transportation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle components (base frame, main bearing housing, nacelle structure) are designed as separate segments that can be manufactured and transported independently. This segmentation allows optimization of each component's mass for its specific function while reducing total transportation requirements compared to transporting a single heavy integrated structure.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the nacelle structure is designed as a single integrated component, then the structural integrity is improved, but the complexity of assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nacelle is segmented into separate components (base frame, main bearing housing, nacelle structure) that can be manufactured and assembled independently. Multiple connection points are provided to ensure proper alignment and structural integrity during assembly, reducing the complexity compared to manufacturing a single large integrated component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection points are designed with features such as alignment pins, keyed connections, or pre-drilled holes that guide the assembly process. This preliminary design of connection features ensures proper alignment and reduces the skill level and time required for assembly while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A nacelle of a wind turbine generator comprising: a base frame (10) that is separate from and which supports a main bearing housing (12), in use, the base frame (10) being configured to connect with a lower portion of the main bearing housing (12); and a nacelle structure (8) that is separate from and which is connected to the base frame (10) at a first connection, wherein that nacelle structure (8) extends away from the base frame (10) and defines at least in part an interior nacelle volume; characterised in that the nacelle structure (8) is connected to the main bearing housing (12) by way of a second connection at a point arranged above a plane of a rotor axis of the main bearing housing (12).