Figure 19 Nacelle cover, © MHI Vestas Offshore Wind.
Function
The nacelle cover provides weatherproof protection to the nacelle components plus support and access to external components such as coolers, wind measurement equipment and lighting protection devices.
What it costs*
The nacelle cover cost varies significantly for different nacelle layouts.
Who supplies them
Bach Composites Industry, Eikboom and Sigmatex.
Key facts
As well as providing environmental protection, frequently it supports lighting and other auxiliary supplies and acts as a faraday cage to protect nacelle components from lightning damage.
It is fitted during assembly of the nacelle, either before or after final test, and plays a valuable role in protecting nacelle components during transport to the wind farm site, as well as during operation.
It is designed to withstand wind loading and provide access to lifting points on the nacelle bedplate [T.1.1] for transport and installation.
Careful design also facilitates exchange of nacelle components through hatches or hinged openings in the roof, side or floor.
The nacelle cover is typically manufactured in a number of sections from glass fibre and may have mass up to 25 t.
What’s in it
- Fibreglass or steel construction
- Built-in or post-assembled auxiliary systems (for example lighting)
- Maintenance support features