WO2014037507A1

WO2014037507A1 - Nacelle for a wind turbine

Info

Publication number: WO2014037507A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/068475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ben Becker
Original assignee: Suzlon Energy Gmbh
Priority date: 2012-09-06
Filing date: 2013-09-06
Publication date: 2014-03-13
Also published as: DE102012215834A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a nacelle for a wind turbine, consisting of a machine support and a cladding, the nacelle cladding being fastened to the machine support. The nacelle cladding comprises at least one film, the cladding being to some extent formed by said film. The aim of the invention is to provide an improved nacelle cladding. In particular, the improved nacelle cladding should have high strength and be lightweight.

Description

Machine house for a wind turbine

The present invention relates to a nacelle for a wind turbine, in particular a cladding for the nacelle, wherein the nacelle is attached to the machine frame.

Wind turbines have a tower on which a nacelle is rotatably arranged, which is also referred to as a nacelle. At the nacelle, a rotor connected to a rotor shaft is arranged, which in turn comprises a hub and at least one rotor blade. The machine house includes a machine carrier as well as almost all components required for the operation of the wind turbine, such as the drive shaft, the main bearing, the gearbox, the generator and the wind direction tracking.

The nacelle of a wind turbine has typical dimensions between 3 and 8 meters wide and 3 to 10 meters long. Therefore, the machine house lining is made of several shells and transported because the transportation of a complete machine house lining is very impractical. The machine house has a weight of over 50 tons.

The nacelle is provided with a nacelle housing or a housing to protect it against weathering. This includes protection against wind, ice and snow as well as tightness against water and dust. In addition to this main function, machine housing panels also fulfill many other tasks. For example, exit openings from the engine house and access openings are provided in the hub. Furthermore, machine housings serve the attachment of handrails, securing points etc. The machine housing cladding consists, for example, of glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP).

The use of rigid machine house panels composed of various shells is well known in the art and is used in existing wind turbines. Such machine house panels have some disadvantages, which are primarily in the production, transport and assembly costs.

New developments as well as design changes to the main components of a wind turbine also require extensive and time-consuming changes, which require repeated computational and experimental verification of the rigid machine house linings.

In DE102008027498A1 a cowling for a turbine house of a wind turbine is disclosed. It is provided a support structure of pipes or struts, are attached to the fixed rigid lining segments, which have a covering surface made of plastic and are self-supporting executed. The panel segments can be transported easier because they do not have to be supported consuming due to the self-supporting property.

EP221891 1 A1 discloses a composite machine shell for a wind turbine. The nacelle cover comprises two composite housing shells that are connectable. During transport, the housing shells are inserted into each other with the connection profiles embedded therein.

Self-supporting machine house constructions made of aluminum are also known. The manufacturing effort in the manufacture and in the construction of these machine house structures is high. It is an object of the invention to provide an improved machine house lining which, inter alia, avoids the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, while a machine housing lining with high strength and low weight to be achieved. The object is achieved with the features of the main claim 1. The nacelle is at least partially partially formed by a film. The machine house lining is no longer formed by rigid components, such as by GRP shells, but by a film, in particular a flexible film. There are therefore certain areas of the lining, which are formed exclusively by a film, in particular by a flexible film. Exactly these areas have no fixed and flexible trim parts. As a result, a significant reduction in weight of the cladding of the machine house is achieved.

A film can also be a stable but flexible tarpaulin, in particular a tarpaulin with several layers. A film is considered to be stable if this film has properties which enable the film to provide sufficient resistance to environmental influences such as storm or hail. The person skilled in the art knows the conditions which the stable foil must be able to withstand without damaging it. In this case, materials with different properties can be combined in the form of thin layers. The essential difference from the above-mentioned prior art is the foil lining, wherein the film has a low rigidity. In this case, a stiffness or flexibility of the film, which makes it possible to transport the film compactly or, respectively, that the film can be transported in a more compact state and only later, when installed on the machine house of the wind turbine, a final, less compact arrangement experiences. For example, the film can be transported in the folded or rolled state to the later Verbauungsort on the machine house. The foil cladding can be flexibly adapted to different machine house dimensions. In addition, the weight of the machine house is drastically reduced compared to existing machine house linings. This reduces the costs of production and additional equipment as well as transport costs. Additional retrofits, such as those found on rigid machine house panels, are reduced. In addition, the film offers a more flexible handling than rigid machine house panels.

For transporting a rigid machine house lining, which consists of several shells, special transports are required due to the dimensions. These transports are both logistically very complicated and costly. Therefore, the machine house lining according to the invention is no longer composed exclusively of shells, but some areas of the machine house lining are formed exclusively by a film. U. By the invention can be prevented that special transports are necessary. A robust and weather-resistant machine house lining is formed, which is easy to transport and cost-efficient, but at the same time very light.

A support structure made of struts, preferably made of plastic or composite material, in particular made of GRP, is provided as a kind of frame and connected to the machine frame. The machine house lining is formed by the supporting structure and the film fastened thereto, for example by screw connections. The support structure designed as a frame carries the film and in particular the flexible film can not thereby coincide. As a result of the interaction of the film and the supporting structure designed as a frame, a particularly stable and light overall structure is formed.

There are several ways of attaching the film. The film can be arranged on the inside of the support structure. This means that the film on the Inside a supporting frame structure is attached. This ensures a particularly good interchangeability of the film.

The inside of the space is defined, which is arranged in the machine house, or is enclosed by the panel. Accordingly, everything that is not surrounded by the machine housing lining is considered the outside.

The film may be arranged on the outside of the support structure. This means that the film is stretched and connected to a load-bearing frame structure. This variant is used in particular to protect the support structure.

The strut-shaped support structure forms windows or intermediate surfaces. In one possible embodiment of a machine house according to the invention, the film may essentially close the windows or intermediate surfaces. This means that, for example, the floor, the roof and / or the side segments are covered exclusively by a foil and that there are no firm and stiff parts of the cladding. A particular embodiment is a self-supporting film system without additional support structure. For example, the support structure is formed by air-filled structures in the film. The principle is similar to a bouncy castle or self-supporting inflatable screens, as used for example in the transmission of a major event. The loads are absorbed by the panel itself. The advantage of this form of performance is that no additional, executed as a separate component frame is necessary, making this film system is particularly easy to install.

Another embodiment of the machine housing lining according to the invention is based on a panel system. This means that the cladding is composed of surface pieces, with one panel frame each covered with foil. The film is clamped within this panel frame. Thus, a self-supporting frame system is formed. No additional frame is needed but it is formed a self-supporting structure. The individual panel frames are connected by connecting means. The function of the support structure is fulfilled by the interaction of the individual panel frames. The panel system has the advantage that prefabricated elements can be used when assembling the nacelle cover. This can reduce manufacturing errors when handling the film, as smaller pieces of film are used. These are easier to transport and thus cheaper.

According to a preferred embodiment, the cladding comprises at least one component of higher rigidity, which may be formed as a fixed cladding segment. These trim segments as components of higher rigidity can be carried self-supporting and have a covering surface, for example made of plastic. In particular, particularly heavily loaded parts, such as parts of the roof and / or the floor can be made of other more stable materials to ensure the accessibility of the machine house. This is also particularly necessary for the installation of add-on parts as well as for the accessibility of the machine house, for example for maintenance purposes. These trim segments of higher rigidity can be made of GRP, for example. The combination of solid components or cladding panels with areas which are covered exclusively by a film efficient and thus more cost-effective production of the machine house is possible because only in very heavily loaded areas solid and therefore more expensive components are used. In all places, which are less heavily loaded, less expensive components can be used.

The film may be formed as a single or multilayer film composite, which ensures special functions of the machine house lining. A single layer of the film composite can have several or all functions take. Ideally, the film composite consists of as few individual layers as possible.

All functions of the machine house cladding are fulfilled by the flexible multifunctional film composite. The film composite is designed so that the functions, such as wind and weather resistance over a period of over 20 years under on- and Offshorebedingungen, dust and water resistance, color stability, self-cleaning properties, sound insulation, and / or shielding against electromagnetic radiation are met ,

The order of these individual layers depends on the functions of the individual foils. A first film may be formed as externa ßere film. This foil must be resistant and weatherproof. It must ensure a color-stable and scratch-resistant protection against external chemical and physical stresses. These include water and dirt, fire and UV light, dust and other particles as well as animals and / or stored tools. Another film may be formed as a load-bearing layer for deriving all loads in the support structure. This film must be dimensionally stable.

Another film may have heat and / or sound insulating properties. The attenuation of electromagnetic fields in the event of a lightning strike is only required as a film feature if internal components do not have their own electromagnetic protection system. This film may be formed, for example, as aluminum foil to fulfill this function.

Another foil, which bears against the inside of the support structure, is designed so that it provides protection against chemical and physical stresses and damage from the inside. This is important, for example, for fire protection in the event of flying sparks. A technically expedient variant comprises an outer covering of the machine house with a resistant and weatherproof film and a film system on the inside with mainly heat and sound insulating properties. A particular embodiment of the machine housing lining concerns the arrangement of the different films at different locations. A first film is located at a first location where a less resilient film is needed. A second film is located at another point where a particularly stable film is required. The different variants of the covering of the film on the support structure can be varied as desired. This depends on the needs of the individual areas of the machine house. Especially the cladding for the roof, floor and / or front area depends on the specific requirement profiles of these particularly heavily loaded areas. The machine house includes attachments such as wind sensors, flight lights and other roof structures that require a more stable foundation. These can be connected directly to the support structure. Here, the demands on the punctual load capacity of the film are increased. Mechanisms are required to repeatedly open and close the foil cover. Further details of the invention will become apparent from the drawings with reference to the description.

Fig. 1 is a wind turbine with engine house

Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the machine house

Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view acc. Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the machine house Fig. 4 Schematic representation of the foil lining on the inside of a supporting frame structure

Fig. 5 Schematic representation of the film cladding on the outside about a load-bearing frame structure Fig. 6 Schematic representation of the panel system

In Fig. 1, a wind turbine 1 with a tower 2 and a rotatably mounted on the tower 2 nacelle 4 is shown. In the engine house 4, a drive train is provided, which comprises a rotatably mounted on a machine frame 13 rotor shaft 7, which is optionally connected via a transmission with a generator. On the rotor shaft 7, a rotor 5 is arranged, which in turn comprises a hub 22 and at least one rotor blade 3.

In Fig. 2, an embodiment of the basic structure of the machine house 4 according to the invention with a hub 22 with exemplary two indicated rotor blades 3 and a machine support is shown. The azimuth bearing 6, via which the tracking of the machine house 4 takes place, is indicated. The azimuth bearing 6 represents the rotatable connection between the machine house 4 and the tower 2, wherein the entire load is transmitted to the tower 2 via the azimuth bearing 6.

It can be seen a support structure 16, the transverse struts 14 and support struts 15 includes, and is connected to the machine frame 13. Evident are a roof segment 9, a ground segment 10, a front segment 12, a back segment 1 1 and two side segments. The front segment 12 is broken by the rotor shaft 7. The back segment 1 1 is formed parallel to the front segment 12.

The roof segment 9 and the ground segment 10 extend parallel to the axis of rotation eighth

The side segments are aligned with the tower 2. On the support structure 16, the film 18 is arranged. The places where the cladding 23 essentially made

Slide 18 is the non-hatched areas of the panel segments are in

Fig. 2 and Fig.3. The roof segment 9 is composed of various components. Parts of the panel 23 of the roof are made of solid components 17, which have a higher rigidity, which may be made of GRP, for example. The solid components 17 of higher rigidity are shown hatched. The panel 23 of the front segment 12 consists essentially of film 18. The panel 23 on the front segment 12 has an opening through which the rotor shaft 7 is guided. On the rotor shaft 7, a rotor 5 is arranged, which includes the hub 22 with the rotor blades 3 outside of the machine housing lining.

Not shown in Fig. 2 is that a connection between the fixed components 17 of the roof segment 9 is possible. This is important, for example, for an inspection of the machine house 4, which may be necessary for maintenance.

The floor segment 10, parts of the roof segment 9 and the front segment 12 are covered with foil 18. The attachment of the film 18 to the support structure 16 can be secured by not shown screw or other connections.

Another opening of the panel 23 is shown in the floor segment 10. As a result, the machine house 4 is connected via a rotatable connection with the tower 2 of the wind turbine 1.

Conceivable, but not shown in Fig. 2, is that the floor segment 10 of the machine house 4 analogous to the roof segment 9 or front segment 12 may contain solid components 17 of higher rigidity.

Solid components 17 of higher rigidity, as described for the roof segment 9 and the front segment 12, can be installed in all areas of the fairing 23 of the machine house 4, if the requirement profiles require it. This is possible for the ground segment 10, for example of the machine house. As inner side 20 of the space is defined, which is arranged in the machine house, or is enclosed by the panel 23. Accordingly, everything that is not surrounded by the cladding 23 applies as the outer side 21. The definition of the inside 20 and the outside 21 also applies to the following embodiments. 3 shows a further embodiment of the basic structure of the machine house 4. As in FIG. 2, the machine carrier 13 can be seen, the azimuth bearing 6 as connection between machine house 4 and tower 2 is indicated. The rotor 5 is not shown in this illustration.

It can be seen a support structure 16, the transverse struts 14 and struts 15 includes. In this embodiment, the panel 23 is substantially completely formed by the film 18. The film 18 covers substantially the entire surface of the machine house 4. Attachments not shown, such as anemometers, flight lights and / or other roof structures that require a more stable and stable ground can be connected directly to the support structure 16.

4, 5 and 6 show different variants of the possible connections between support structure 16 and film 18. In Fig. 4, 5 and 6, the film 18 is shown crosshatched for better illustration. In Fig. 4, the film 18 is fixed to the inside 20 of a support structure 16. In Fig. 5, the film 18 is attached to the outside 21 of the support structure 16 and connected to the support structure 16 by means not shown.

The variant shown in Fig. 6 shows a panel system, wherein the panel 23 is composed of surface pieces 24 and the film 18 is respectively clamped within the individual panel frame 19 of the surface pieces 24, or the film 18 is surrounded by the individual panel frame 19. This results in various covered with film 18 surface pieces 24, from which thus the panel 23 is formed. This creates a self-supporting frame system. The individual panel frames 19 are connected by connecting means 25. In this embodiment, no additional frame is needed, but it is formed a stand-alone support structure. The function of the support structure is fulfilled by the interaction of the individual panel frames 19. There are further embodiments of the film covering according to the invention possible, which are not shown. A combination of FIGS. 4 and 5 is conceivable, wherein, for example, a resistant, weatherproof film is fastened to the outer side 21 of the support structure 16 and a heat and sound insulating film 18 is applied to the inner side 20 of the support structure 16. Also conceivable are other combinations, depending on the requirement profile.

The feature combinations disclosed in the described exemplary embodiments are not intended to limit the invention, but rather the features of the different embodiments can also be combined with one another.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 wind turbine 16 supporting structure

Tower 17 Fixed components Rotor blade 18 Foil

Machine house 19 Panel frame rotor 20 inside

6 azimuth bearings 21 outside

7 rotor shaft 22 hub

8 axis of rotation 23 cladding

9 roof segment 24 surface piece

10 ground segment 25 connecting means

1 1 back segment

12 front segment

13 machine carriers

14 cross strut

15 support strut

Claims

claims

1. nacelle (4) for a wind turbine (1),

with a machine carrier (13) and a lining (23),

- wherein the cladding (23) is attached to the machine carrier (13),

characterized in that

the lining (23) comprises at least one flexible film (18),

- Wherein areas of the cladding (23) are formed exclusively by one or more films (18).

2. nacelle (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Cladding (23) comprises a support structure (16), wherein the support structure (16) is connected to the machine carrier (13) and the film (18) on the support structure (16) is arranged.

3. machine house (4) according to claim 2, characterized in that the film (18) on an inner side (20) of the support structure (16) is arranged.

4. nacelle (4) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the

Film (18) on an Au ßenseite (21) of the support structure (16) is arranged.

5. machine house (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support structure (16) windows and / or intermediate surfaces, wherein at least a portion of these windows and / or intermediate surfaces are closed exclusively by the film (18).

6. machine house (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Support structure (16) in the cladding (23) is integrated.

7. machine house (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that panel systems is provided, wherein the film (18) is clamped within a panel frame (19), wherein the cladding (23) from foil (18) covered area pieces (24) is assembled.

8. nacelle (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lining (23) comprises at least one fixed component (17) of higher rigidity.

9. machine house (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims 2 to 8, characterized in that parts of the roof segment (9) and / or the bottom segment (10) of the lining (23) of the machine house (4) as a solid component (17 ) of higher rigidity are formed.

10. machine house (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the covering (23) comprises a first film (18) and a second films and / or a further film.

1 1. Machine house (4) according to claim 10, characterized in that the

Cladding (23) of the machine house (4) is formed from different films, wherein the first film (18) is formed differently from the second film and / or to another film.

12. machine house (4) according to claim 10 or 1 1, characterized in that the first film (18) with respect to the second film on an inner side (20) is arranged.

13. machine house (4) according to claim 10, 1 1 or 12, characterized in that the films are arranged at different locations.

14. engine house (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Cladding (23) is completely formed by the film (18).

15. Wind turbine (1), comprising a machine house (4) according to one or more of the preceding claims, that is rotatably mounted on a tower (2).