Abstract: Some general aspects of the invention provide a foundation fixing unit (202, 204, 400) for fixing a tower (108) of a wind energy converter (100) onto a foundation (110). The unit comprises a fixation plate (202) fixable to the foundation (110), walls forming at least one tower fixation hole (300) in the intermediate plate (202) for passing a tower fixation bolt (220) through the fixation plate (202) in order to fix the tower (108) to the fixation plate (202), a tower fixation nut (400) arranged below the at least one tower fixation hole (300) for receiving a threaded portion of the tower fixation bolt (220) and a nut cage (204) holding the tower fixation nut (400), the nut cage (204) being attached to a bottom surface (222) of the fixation plate (202). Under further aspects, the invention provides a wind energy converter tower comprising the foundation fixing unit (202, 204, 400) and a method for fixing a wind energy converter tower onto a foundation.

Abstract: An apparatus for wind energy conversion includes a nacelle having a main frame, the main frame having a lower part and an upper part joined to the lower part, the upper part having a first strap extending across the lower part; a stator disposed within the nacelle; a rotor disposed within the nacelle; a mounting surface attached to the main frame and defining a rotor space, the mounting surface having a first side-face that exposes the rotor space; and a flange rotatably supported on the main frame and including a first end connected to the rotor. The rotor is cantilevered from the flange into the rotor space from the first side face.

Abstract: Some general aspects of the invention provide a method for operating a wind energy converter having a variable-ratio gear system (906, 172-178) mechanically coupled between a rotor (102) and a generator (104), wherein the variable-ratio gear system (906, 172-178) includes a first transmission unit (174) coupled to a first shaft (168) and a second transmission unit (172) coupled to a second shaft (165).

Abstract: Some general aspects of the invention provide a device (151, 152, 114) for adjustment of a pivotally mounted rotor blade (101) of a wind energy converter. The device comprises a first drive (151) and a second drive (152) that cooperate to turn the rotor blade (101) between an operating position and a feathered position. The device further comprises a first activatable lockout (191) connected to the rotor blade (101), which in an activated state prevents turning of the rotor blade (101) into the operating position, but allows turning of the rotor blade (101) into the feathered position. Under further aspects, the invention provides a wind energy converter comprising the device (151, 152, 114) and a method for adjusting a rotor blade (101), which is pivotally mounted on a rotor hub (103) of a wind energy converter.

Abstract: A variable ratio gear system is configured for use with a constant speed generator being driven by a variable speed rotor. The variable ratio system includes three shafts: The first shaft is mechanically coupled to the rotor; the second shaft is mechanically coupled to a variable gear system; and the third shaft is mechanically coupled to the generator and the variable gear system. A control system is configured to adjust the output of the variable gear system to control the rotational speed of the generator. A brake is configured to control the rotation of the second shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for wind energy conversion includes a nacelle having a main frame, the main frame having a lower part and an upper part joined to the lower part, the upper part having a first strap extending across the lower part; a stator disposed within the nacelle; a rotor disposed within the nacelle; a mounting surface attached to the main frame and defining a rotor space, the mounting surface having a first side-face that exposes the rotor space; and a flange rotatably supported on the main frame and including a first end connected to the rotor. The rotor is cantilevered from the flange into the rotor space from the first side face.

Abstract: A method for retro-fitting wind-energy conversion system includes disconnecting a first set of multiple windings from active circuitry; shorting together the first set of multiple windings; and connecting a second set of multiple windings to the active circuitry.

Abstract: This invention provides a nacelle of a wind energy converter and a corresponding mounting method of a nacelle of a wind energy converter and a generator for a wind energy converter. The nacelle includes a main frame; a generator including a stator and a rotor; a generator housing attached to the main frame and at least partially enclosing the stator and a rotor space; wherein the generator housing (20; 20?) has a first and second side face (S1, S2); wherein the first side face (S1) of the generator housing (20; 20?) exposes the rotor space (21); and a flange rotatably supported on the main frame and having a first end which is connected to the rotor; wherein the rotor extends into the rotor space (25) from the first side face (S1) without being supported in the generator housing.

Abstract: A power train for a wind power plant includes a rotor (1) for driving a gear (4), wherein the rotor blades (2) of the rotor are pivotally arranged around the longitudinal axis thereof on the hub of the rotor (1). A three-phase generator (5) is connected to the gear (4) and a power supply network (12). The gear (4) is also provided with an auxiliary variable speed drive (7). Each rotor blade (2) is provided with a drive for individually rotating around the longitudinal axis thereof for levelling the rotation speed and/or the torque of the power train.

Abstract: This invention provides a nacelle of a wind energy converter and a corresponding mounting method of a nacelle of a wind energy converter and a generator for a wind energy converter. The nacelle includes a main frame; a generator including a stator and a rotor; a generator housing attached to the main frame and at least partially enclosing the stator and a rotor space; wherein the generator housing (20; 20?) has a first and second side face (S1, S2); wherein the first side face (S1) of the generator housing (20; 20?) exposes the rotor space (21); and a flange rotatably supported on the main frame and having a first end which is connected to the rotor; wherein the rotor extends into the rotor space (25) from the first side face (S1) without being supported in the generator housing.

Abstract: A wind energy converter configured for transmitting power to an electric grid includes a variable ratio gear system mechanically coupled between a rotor and a generator. A control system is configured to mechanically control a rotational speed of the generator so that, during a low voltage event, the wind energy converter can continue to operate and supply power to the grid.

Abstract: A differential gear for a wind power plant, comprises a gearbox (7) with three inputs and outputs, wherein one input is connected to the rotor (3) of the wind power plant, the first output is connected to a generator (11) and the second output is connected to the input shaft of a continuously variable gearbox (12), the output shaft of which is connected to the generator side output of the gearbox (7). The input shaft of the continuously variable gearbox (12) is connected to the output shaft of the gearbox (7) by means of a variable gearbox (15).