Nacelle - System and Components

Yaw System Techniques

The Yaw System is the component that is responsible for the orientation of the Wind Turbine rotor towards the wind, allowing the turbine to head itself into the wind direction, but also keep itself locked in that position when wind direction is stable. There are two techniques used; both are based on a bearing, brakes, drives, and positioning system:

• Yaw Roller Bearing System
  Traditional design, based on roller bearing.
  Requires separate active brake callipers & brake disc. Mostly used for small/medium size (onshore) turbines.
• Yaw Slide Bearing System
  New design, based on polymer slide bearing.
  No need for additional brake callipers or brake disc (integrated). Mostly used for large and extra large size (offshore) turbines.

Solutions for the Drivetrain Systems

The Drive Train facilitates the adaptation of the rotor’s rotation speed into a suitable speed for the generator. There are two solutions for Drivetrain Systems: 

• Gearbox Drive
  Traditional design, based on increase of rotation speed of main shaft, to fit to generator. Mostly used for onshore turbines. 
• Direct Drive
  New design, using a (larger) generator, which is directly attached to the rotor (located between nacelle and rotor). Mostly seen at offshore turbines

Electrical System and Cabinets

The Electrical Systems and Cabinets convert the electricity of the generator into a suitable format to match the Electric Grid, frequency AC/DC. 

The nacelle houses many essential components that generators depend on. Therefore, manufacturers, constructors, and designers are challenged with a need for reliable parts and materials, which is what Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials can provide. So whether it’s your wind turbine nacelle’s yaw system, drive train, or electrical systems and cabinets, let our technical experts steer you towards the appropriate solution for your application!