Abstract: An assembly (127) for a wind turbine (100) includes a housing (126) having a first bearing (150) and a second bearing (154). A shaft (142) extends axially within the housing (126) and is supported by the first bearing (150) and the second bearing (154) for rotation relative to the housing (126). A radially outer portion of the shaft (142) includes at least one shaft engagement formation (146) positioned between the first bearing (150) and the second bearing (154). A retention mechanism (156) is moveable axially between: an engaged position in which it can engage the shaft engagement formation (146), such that rotation of the shaft (142) is constrained; and a disengaged position in which the retention mechanism (156) cannot engage the shaft engagement formation (146), thereby allowing rotation of the shaft (142). Additionally, a method of operating such an assembly.

Abstract: A rotor restraining apparatus (200) and methods for a wind turbine (1). The rotor restraining apparatus has a locking element (204) associated with a rotor (8, 203) of the wind turbine, a rotational axis of said rotor defining an axial direction, the locking element being at least part-circular in form. The locking element comprises a plurality of engagement formations (205) disposed on a periphery thereof. The apparatus also has a restraining member (206), comprising a plurality of engagement formations (207). The restraining member is movable substantially along said axial direction between: (a) a non-restraining position; and (b) a restraining position in which the restraining member engagement formations are able to engage the locking element engagement formations. At least a portion of the restraining member has an arcuate form that substantially matches the curvature of the locking element.

Abstract: An assembly for a wind turbine, comprising a shaft extending within a main shaft housing. A radially outer portion of the shaft includes at least one engagement formation. A retention mechanism is moveable radially between a radially inward position in which the retention mechanism can engage the at least one engagement formation, such that rotation of the shaft is constrained, and a radially outward position in which the retention mechanism cannot engage the engagement formation, thereby allowing rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: Rotor restraining apparatus (200) and methods for a wind turbine (1) are disclosed. A rotor restraining apparatus has a locking element (204) associated with a rotor (8, 203) of the wind turbine, a rotational axis of said rotor defining an axial direction, the locking element being at least part-circular in form. The locking element comprises a plurality of engagement formations (205) disposed on a periphery thereof. The apparatus also has a restraining member (206), comprising a plurality of engagement formations (207). The restraining member is movable substantially along said axial direction between: (a) a non-restraining position; and (b) a restraining position in which the restraining member engagement formations are able to engage the locking element engagement formations. At least a portion of the restraining member has an arcuate form that substantially matches the curvature (A) of the locking element.

Abstract: An assembly (127) for a wind turbine (100) comprises a housing (126), the housing comprising a first bearing (150) and a second bearing (154). A shaft (142) extends axially within the housing (126) and is supported by the first bearing (150) and the second bearing (154) for rotation relative to the housing (126). A radially outer portion of the shaft (142) comprises at least one shaft engagement formation (146) positioned between the first bearing (150) and the second bearing (154). A retention mechanism (156) is moveable axially between: an engaged position in which it can engage the shaft engagement formation (146), such that rotation of the shaft (142) is constrained; and a disengaged position in which the retention mechanism (156) cannot engage the shaft engagement formation (146), thereby allowing rotation of the shaft (142). A method of operating such an assembly is also described.

Abstract: An assembly for a wind turbine, comprising a shaft extending within a main shaft housing. A radially outer portion of the shaft includes at least one engagement formation. A retention mechanism is moveable radially between a radially inward position in which the retention mechanism can engage the at least one engagement formation, such that rotation of the shaft is constrained, and a radially outward position in which the retention mechanism cannot engage the engagement formation, thereby allowing rotation of the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wind turbine comprising a tower, a nacelle, and a descent module configured to accommodate at least one person while descending down at least a portion of a height of the tower, wherein the descent module is arranged to be magnetically attracted to the tower to guide the descent module relative to the tower over at least a portion of the descent. The present invention also provides a descent module for a wind turbine, and a method of lowering at least one person down at least a portion of a height of a tower of a wind turbine.

Abstract: A nacelle for a wind turbine generator comprises a crane articulated on a base fixed to said nacelle. The crane includes a cantilevered telescopic boom, a principal winch with a lifting line and respective azimuth and elevation drive units for moving said boom in azimuth and in elevation relative to said nacelle. The crane has a deployed condition in which said boom is moveable in azimuth and in elevation and a stowed condition. The nacelle comprises a support structure against which said boom is brought to rest in said stowed condition thereof and wherein when in said stowed condition said boom is located into a predetermined position at which it is held to rest at a point along its length against said support structure and wherein said lifting line is in a reference position in relation to said nacelle when said crane is in its stowed condition.

Abstract: A nacelle for a wind turbine generator comprises a crane articulated on a base fixed to said nacelle. The crane includes a cantilevered telescopic boom, a principal winch with a lifting line and respective azimuth and elevation drive units for moving said boom in azimuth and in elevation relative to said nacelle. The crane has a deployed condition in which said boom is moveable in azimuth and in elevation and a stowed condition. The nacelle comprises a support structure against which said boom is brought to rest in said stowed condition thereof and wherein when in said stowed condition said boom is located into a predetermined position at which it is held to rest at a point along its length against said support structure and wherein said lifting line is in a reference position in relation to said nacelle when said crane is in its stowed condition.