Nacelle Dimension of NREL 5MW Wind Turbine

Wind & Water Structural Analysis
1

Dear Jason,

In the 5MW wind turbine document NREL/TP-500-38060, I find the nacelle height is 3.5m, but it seems the length and width of it are not determined.
I also checked the referred document “DOWEC 6 MWPRE-DESIGN”, it is specified that

nacelle height 3.5 m
nacelle side area for aerodynamic drag 50 m2 (estimated: cd side = 1.2)
nacelle front area for aerodynamic drag 8 m2 (estimated: cd front = 1.0)

so I am wondering that whether I can use this parameters to specify the nacelle length and width, i.e. length=14.2m, width=2.3m. Thanks.

Kind regards,
Yulin

2

Dear Yulin,

I’m not sure what you need the nacelle dimensions for, but I agree that you must make some of your own assumptions to estimate these because they have never been specified for the NREL 5-MW turbine. I agree that the DOWEC report would be a good basis for making your assumptions.

Best regards,

3

Dear Jason,

Thank you for your reply. I need it since I want to do some research work on the structural control design, and I think I will follow your suggestions to make the assumption.

Kind regards,
Yulin