Y-Shaped Generator Support for Wind Turbine Nacelle Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional generator supports in wind turbines waste valuable height space within the nacelle and require a more rigid structure to accommodate additional components, limiting the integration of medium-voltage components and increasing the demand for efficient use of available space.
Innovation Solution
A Y-shaped generator support structure is introduced, comprising a center girder and two support arms connected to a machine support via connecting elements, allowing for deeper placement of lateral components and distributing loads effectively through a central support, thereby increasing usable space and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional generator support construction is used, then the structure is simple, but a relatively large amount of height within the nacelle is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional horizontal/vertical support arrangements to a three-dimensional Y-shaped spatial configuration. The support arms extend laterally from the central girder at optimized angles, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently to reduce the vertical height requirement while maintaining structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure employs composite construction combining different materials and structural forms - the central girder, support arms, and connecting elements are designed as integrated composite structures that optimize both strength and space utilization, allowing reduced height while maintaining rigidity.
2Power
If the performance class is increased and medium-voltage components are integrated, then the nominal output increases, but the available space within the nacelle must be used more efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The Y-shaped support structure creates optimized three-dimensional spatial arrangement that frees up vertical space and redistributes structural volume, enabling more efficient accommodation of medium-voltage components and other systems within the nacelle while supporting higher power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into distinct functional zones - the central girder area, support arm regions, and connecting element zones - allowing optimized placement of different components (generator, medium-voltage equipment, control systems) in spatially separated zones, improving both power capacity and space efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a more rigid support structure is required, then additional plant components can be supported, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated Y-shaped composite structure combines multiple structural elements (central girder, support arms, connecting elements) into a unified rigid framework that provides enhanced stiffness and load-bearing capacity for additional components while maintaining design efficiency and avoiding excessive complexity through integrated construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the central support girder with laterally extending support arms into a single integrated Y-shaped structure, combining multiple support functions into one unified rigid framework that accommodates various components (generator, medium-voltage equipment, control systems) without requiring separate complex support structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a nacelle for a wind turbine and the structure of a generator support. The object of the invention is to position large and heavy components (generator, transformer, switchgear, etc.) far to the rear and laterally on the generator support, thereby creating more usable space within the nacelle, particularly in terms of height. Furthermore, the structure of the generator support is to be reinforced to enable it to transfer higher loads into the machine support. The nacelle for a wind turbine according to the invention comprises a support structure consisting of a machine support and a generator support, which are connected to each other in the usual manner via connecting elements. According to the invention, the generator support has a Y-shaped structure.