Nacelle (wind turbine)

A nacelle /nəˈsɛl/ is a cover housing that houses all of the generating components in a wind turbine, including the generator, gearbox, drive train, and brake assembly.^[1]

Components of a horizontal axis wind turbine (gearbox, rotor shaft and brake assembly) being lifted into the nacelle.

200-ton wind turbine rotor hubs that will be installed at the forward end of the nacelles.

A notable feature now found on some off-shore wind turbines is a large sturdy helicopter-hoisting platform built on top of the nacelle, capable of supporting service personnel and their tools, winched down to the platform from a helicopter hovering above it.^[2] Wind turbine rotors are stopped, feathered and locked before personnel are dropped down to or picked up from the platforms.^{[citation needed]}

Production

The European company Nordex produces nacelles in Rostock, Germany and has been producing nacelles at Barásoain, in Navarre, Spain..^[3] As of 2024 it was due to restart production at its nacelle manufacturing plant in West Branch, Iowa.^[4] As of February 2025, the company stuck to its plans despite the anti- wind executive orders of the second Trump administration.^[5]