A generator housed in a wind turbine nacelle includes a generator rotor
that is mounted to gearbox output pinions, thereby eliminating the need
for couplings. The generator frame is located directly on the gearbox and
is located to control the air gap. To facilitate removal of the
generator, tapers are used that have steep angles that exceed the
friction coefficient of the materials used. To provide adequate support
over its length, the shaft employs dual tapers, each short and precisely
located conical surface of which provides exact location on the near and
far sides of the shaft. The length of straight shaft between the dual
locating tapers serves to support the generator during mounting and
de-mounting. During installation, the tapers center the rotor and bullet
pins center the frame (stator). When the system aligns the rotor and
stator, retainer elements act as labyrinth seals designed to protect the
generator interior from contamination.