| The wind turbine nacelle is mounted on the turbine’s bed plate. The nacelle surrounds the turbine components – generator, gearbox, controls etc. – giving shelter from weather conditions. Jupiter’s nacelles are constructed from composite material, i.e. fibre reinforced plastic (FRP), which is characterized by lightweight, temperature resistance, non-corrosive, and rigid construction. Furthermore, nacelles are constructed to be aerodynamic. The first generations of nacelles were typically constructed with a single and thick layer of laminate glass fibre, which resulted in a more expensive and heavier solution – i.e. a 1.5MW single layer nacelle weighing approximately 2,500 kilos. While able to withstand twice the wind pressure, Jupiter’s 1.5MW nacelle as a sandwich construction only weighs approximately 1,500 kilos. Each wind turbine manufacturer has different nacelle designs. Furthermore, a single wind turbine manufacturer has different designs for different wind turbine models. The number of parts, in which a nacelle is manufactured, varies. Some of Jupiter’s nacelles have been optimized for transportation and are thus designed in several modules. The number of modules varies from five to 26 pieces for a typical 1.5MW nacelle. In our highly skilled and competent Technical Resources Department, Jupiter’s engineers are used to comply with the high standards set by train OEMs as regards parameters such as structural strength, weight reduction, fire resistance, traceability, compatibility, industrial repeatability, computer simulation, quality control, documentation and safety. This knowledge and knowhow we easily transfer to our windmill product line. The illustration shows a “finite elements analysis”, in which the strength and tension of a nacelle are tested. In a 3D software programme, the composite construction is exposed to virtual force, resulting in a test report on the expected deformation and stress that this force applies to the construction. The illustration shows, where the impact is greatest. |
 |
|
