DK201770540A1 - A method for handling a device connected to a crane - Google Patents

A method for handling a device connected to a crane Download PDF

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Publication number
DK201770540A1
DK201770540A1 DKPA201770540A DKPA201770540A DK201770540A1 DK 201770540 A1 DK201770540 A1 DK 201770540A1 DK PA201770540 A DKPA201770540 A DK PA201770540A DK PA201770540 A DKPA201770540 A DK PA201770540A DK 201770540 A1 DK201770540 A1 DK 201770540A1
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DK
Denmark
Prior art keywords
crane
airship
flying machine
wind turbine
lifting
Prior art date
Application number
DKPA201770540A
Inventor
Larsen Gerner
J B K Jensen Ivar
Ladegaard Baun Torben
K Storgaard Pedersen Gunnar
Original Assignee
Vestas Wind Sys As
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vestas Wind Sys As filed Critical Vestas Wind Sys As
Priority to DKPA201770540A priority Critical patent/DK201770540A1/en
Publication of DK201770540A1 publication Critical patent/DK201770540A1/en
Publication of DK201770540A8 publication Critical patent/DK201770540A8/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
    • B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
    • B64B—LIGHTER-THAN AIR AIRCRAFT
    • B64B1/00—Lighter-than-air aircraft
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
    • B66F19/00—Hoisting, lifting, hauling or pushing, not otherwise provided for
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/10—Assembly of wind motors; Arrangements for erecting wind motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D80/00—Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
    • F03D80/50—Maintenance or repair
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Wind Motors (AREA)

Abstract

The invention provides a method for handling a device (101, 151), the method comprising connecting the device (101, 151) to a self-supporting crane (3), connecting, to the crane (3), a flying machine (2) with a capacity of providing a lifting force, and carrying the device (101,151) by means of the crane (3) and the flying machine (2).

Description

(19) DANMARK (1°) DK 2017 70540 A8
Figure DK201770540A1_D0001
(12)
PATENTANSØGNING
Korrektion publiceret 2018-07-19
Patent- og
Varemærkestyrelsen
Int.CI.: B66C 23/18 (2006.01) B64B 1/00 (2006.01) B66F19/00 (2006.01)
F03D 13/10 (2016.01) F03D 80/50 (2016.01)
Ansøgningsnummer: PA 2017 70540
Indleveringsdato: 2017-06-30
Løbedag:2017-06-30
Aim. tilgængelig: 2018-06-27
Korrektionen bkg. den: 2018-07-19
Ansøger:
VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S, Hedeager 42, 8200 Århus N, Danmark
Opfinder:
Gerner Larsen, Fusagervej 37, 8382 Hinnerup, Danmark
Ivar J.B.K. Jensen, Kaløvej 60, 8543 Hornslet, Danmark
Torben Ladegaard Baun, Studstrupvej 40, 8541 Skødstrup, Danmark
Gunnar K. Storgaard Pedersen, Letagervej 8 Dejbjerg, 6900 Skjern, Danmark
Fuldmægtig:
Vestas Patents Department, Hedeager 42,8200 Århus N, Danmark
Titel: A METHOD FOR HANDLING A DEVICE CONNECTED TO A CRANE
Fremdragne publikationer:
WO 2017/108050 A1
US 4109480 A
FR 2726260 A1
HR P950227 B1
WO 2015/000466 A2
Sammendrag:
The invention provides a method for handling a device (101,151), the method comprising connecting the device (101,151) to a self-supporting crane (3), connecting, to the crane (3), a flying machine (2) with a capacity of providing a lifting force, and carrying the device (101,151) by means of the crane (3) and the flying machine (2).
Fortsættes...
DK 2017 70540 A8
Figure DK201770540A1_D0002
DK 2017 70540 A8
A METHOD FOR HANDLING A DEVICE CONNECTED TO A CRANE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates a method for handling a device, the method comprising connecting the device to a self-supporting crane.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
In crane operation, challenges often appear in the form of payloads exceeding the capacity of cranes available. For example, in wind turbine installation, e.g. as described in
US2011221215, the crane capacity could be a limiting factor, in view of wind turbines increasing in size with technical progress. A lack of crane capacity, or the need to increase the crane capacity, could increase the cost of wind turbine projects, and set limitations for the feasibility of such projects. For example, wind farms in remote areas, with good wind resources, may be challenging and costly to realise due to the need to build roads large enough to transport very large cranes.
It has been suggested to use airship type lifting solutions, e.g. in WO2010145665. However, the size of airships needs to be surprisingly big for them to be capable of lifting the heaviest wind turbine elements. Also, docking at a wind turbine, and unloading from the airship to the wind turbine may require careful considerations, in order to avoid risks.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to facilitate the lifting of heavy objects, such as some wind turbine components.
The object is reached with a method according to claim 1. Hence, the invention provides a method for handling a device, the method comprising connecting the device to a selfsupporting crane, connecting, to the crane, a flying machine with a capacity of providing a lifting force, and carrying the device by means of the crane and the flying machine.
DK 2017 70540 A8
Thereby, said flying machine may take at least a part of the payload. Thus, the crane’s lifting capacity may be increased by the attachment of the flying machine. This means that the requirements on the crane may be reduced. The dimensions of the crane may be decreased. Carrying the device by means of the crane and the flying machine may be done while lifting the device by means of the crane and the flying machine.
Further, since the device is connected to the crane, and the flying machine is connected to the crane, the crane can be used to control the position of the device in an accurate manner. The flying machine may merely be used for increasing the lifting capacity of the crane. The flying machine may have the capacity of providing a lifting force while not moving.
Thereby, the lifting of the object is facilitated.
Preferably, carrying the device comprises carrying a portion of the weight of the device by the crane, and carrying another portion of the weight of the device by the flying machine. The device could be suspended from the crane, while the crane is assisted by the lifting force from the flying machine. For example, a total lift of 150 tons may be supported by a lift of 50 tons by the flying machine. More than half, e.g. 2/3, of the load could be supported by the crane, and less than half, e.g. 1/3, of the load could be supported by the flying machine.
Preferably, the flying machine is connected to the crane by at least one line, e.g. a rope or a wire. The line may extend between the crane and the flying machine. Where the flying machine is, as exemplified below, an airship, the line is preferably connected to the airship at an underside of the airship.
Preferably, the crane is a boom crane, for example a lattice boom crane, or a telescopic boom crane. Thereby, the flying machine is advantageously connected to a distal end of a lifting boom of the crane. The lifting force of the flying machine may be introduced close to a location, e.g. the distal end of the lifting boom, from which the device to be lifted is suspended.
Preferably, the flying machine is a lighter-than-air vehicle, such as an airship or a hot air balloon. Thereby a fuel saving solution with a high lift capacity may be provided. The lighterthan-air vehicle may be connected to the crane before the device to be lifted is connected to
DK 2017 70540 A8 the crane. A ballast of the lighter-than-air vehicle may be removed from the lighter-than-air vehicle before the device to be lifted is connected to the crane. The weight of the crane is preferably larger than the lifting force provided by the lighter-than-air vehicle. As an example, the lighter-than-air vehicle may provide a lifting force of 50 tons, and the crane itself may be provide a lifting force of 100 tons. The mass of a crane adapted to make a lift of at least 100 tons may be over 400 tons, including a counterweight.
It should be noted that the flying machine may be of some other type, such as a rotorcraft, e.g. a helicopter.
The device may be a wind turbine component. Thereby, the reduction of the crane size made possible by the invention, will facilitate the installation of large wind turbines, e.g. at remote locations, which are difficult to access. This reduces the cost of the wind turbine installation, and hence the cost of energy.
In some embodiments, where the device handling forms a part of a wind turbine installation process, or a part of a service process of an installed wind turbine, the crane may be borne independently from the wind turbine. The crane may be an external crane. For example, the crane may be placed on the ground next to the wind turbine. As a further example, the crane may be placed, when offshore, on a jack-up vessel.
In other embodiments, where the device handling forms a part of a wind turbine installation process, or a part of a service process of an installed wind turbine, the crane may be borne by the wind turbine. For example, the crane may be an on-board crane on said wind turbine. For example, the crane may be a wind turbine nacelle service crane. Thereby, the invention allows for reducing the size of on-board service cranes. For example, a nacelle service crane may be designed merely or mainly for the purpose of controlling the position of the lifted device, while the flying machine provides a major portion of the total lifting force.
Preferably, the method comprises controlling the position of the device by means of the crane. Thereby, the flying machine may be allowed to follow the movements of the crane. The method may comprise controlling the position of the flying machine so as to follow the movements of the crane. For example, where the flying machine is an airship, propulsion units of the airship, e.g. including propellers, may be used so as for the airship to follow
DK 2017 70540 A8 movements of the airship. In some embodiments, propulsion units of the airship may be used to counteract the effects of wind gusts encountered by the airship. Propulsion units of the airship may be used to manoeuvre the airship when it is not connected to the crane. Propulsion units of the airship may be used to move the airship into a position for a connection to the crane. The propulsion units may be arranged to change the direction of thrust forces of the propulsion units, to increase the controllability of the airship.
In addition, or alternatively, a line, provided for the connection of the flying machine to the crane, may be long enough for movements of the crane to not entail any substantial movements of the flying machine.
It should be noted that in some embodiments, a plurality of flying machines may be connected to the crane, whereby the method may comprise lifting the device by means of the crane and the flying machines.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Below, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an airship as well as parts of a wind turbine and a crane, fig. 2 is a diagram depicting steps in a method according to an embodiment of the invention, and fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an airship, as well as parts of a wind turbine with a crane, used in a method according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
With reference to fig. 1 and fig 2, a method for handling a device 101, in this example in the wind turbine blade 101 of a horizontal axis wind turbine 1, will be described.
The wind turbine 1 comprises a tower 104, a nacelle 103, and a rotor hub 102. The hub 102 is rotatably mounted to the nacelle 103 for driving an electric generator (not shown) of a drivetrain (not shown) in the nacelle. Three blades 101 are mounted to the hub 102. The
DK 2017 70540 A8 nacelle 103 is mounted to the tower 104 such that the nacelle 103 may be rotated, by means of a plurality of yaw drives, in relation to the tower 104 around a substantially vertical axis.
For the method, a boom crane 3 in the form of a lattice crane, is provided. The crane comprises a lifting boom 301. The crane 3 may be a self-supporting crane. The crane 3 may be borne on the ground, next to the wind turbine 1.
Further, for the method, a flying machine, in this example in the form of an airship 2, is provided. The airship 2 may be provided with propulsion units 201 including respective propellers. For control of the airship movements, one, some, or all of the propulsion units 201 may be arranged to change the angles of the propellers, so as to change the direction of thrust forces of the propulsion unit(s).
The method in this example involves removing one of the blades 101 of the wind turbine 1, for maintenance. The airship 2 may be connected S1 to a distal end 303 of the lifting boom 301 of the crane 3. For connecting SI the airship 2 to the crane 3, the airship may be moved into a position above the crane 3. The airship 2 may be connected to the crane 3 by one, two, or more lines 23 extending between the crane 3 and the airship 2. Connecting SI the airship 2 to the crane 3, e.g. by one or more lines 23, may be done when the boom 301 is in a nonerected position, e.g. horizontal. Thereby, the distal end 303 may be easily accessibly at the ground. The lines 23 may be fed from a winch in the airship 2. When the airship 2 has been connected to the boom 3, ballast (not shown) of the airship may be unloaded from the airship.
When the airship 2 has been connected SI to the crane 3, the crane boom 301 may be erected. A blade gripping yoke 302 may be connected to a lifting hook of the crane 3. The crane may be manoeuvred so that the blade gripping yoke 302 is positioned above a blade 101 of the wind turbine. Thereupon, the blade 101 may be connected to the gripping yoke 302, whereby the blade 101 is connected S2 to the crane 3.
When the blade 101 has been connected S2 to the crane 3, the blade 101 may be detached from the hub 102. Thereupon, the blade 101 may be carried S3 by means of the crane 3 and the airship 2. A portion of the weight of the blade 101 may be carried by the crane 3, and another portion of the weight of the blade 101 may be carried by the airship 2.
DK 2017 70540 A8
The blade may be moved to the ground, while being carried S3 by the crane 3 and the airship
2. The position of the blade 101 may be controlled by means of the crane 3, e.g. similarly to a traditional crane operation. The lines 23 may be long enough so as for the movements of the crane 3 to not affect the airship to any significant extent. The airship could simply be made to follow the movements of the crane 3, e.g. similarly to a boat following the movements of another boat to which it is tied. The position of the airship 2 may in some examples be controlled by means of the propulsion units 201, so as to follow the movements of the crane
3. The propulsion units 201 may in some examples be used to counteract the effects of wind gusts encountered by the airship.
With reference to fig. 3, a method according to an alternative embodiment of the invention will be described.
For the method, a boom crane 3 in the form of a wind turbine nacelle service crane 3, is provided. The crane 3 may be installed in the nacelle 103 of the wind turbine The crane 3 may be borne by the wind turbine. The crane may comprise a lifting boom 301.
The method may involve installing a device, in this example a gearbox 151, in the nacelle 103. The method may comprise connecting an airship 2 to a distal end 303 of the lifting boom 301 of the crane 3. The airship may be moved into a position above the crane 3. The airship 2 may be connected to the crane 3 by one, two, or more lines 23 extending between the crane 3 and the airship 2. The connection of airship 2 to the crane 3 may be done by one or more persons in the nacelle 103. The lines 23 may be fed from a winch in the airship 2. When the airship 2 has been connected to the boom 3, ballast (not shown) of the airship may be unloaded from the airship.
The device, e.g. a gearbox 151, may be located on the ground. When the airship 2 has been connected to the crane 3, the crane may be manoeuvred so that a lifting hook of the crane is lowered externally of the nacelle 103 towards the ground. The device 151 may be connected to the crane lifting hook. Thereupon, the device 151 may be lifted from the ground to the nacelle by means of the crane 3 and the airship 2. A portion of the weight of the device 151 may be carried by the crane 3, and another portion of the weight of the device 151 may be carried by the airship 2.
DK 2017 70540 A8
The device 151 may be moved to into the nacelle 103, while being carried S3 by the crane 3 and the airship 2. The device 151 may be moved to into the nacelle 103, through an opening in the nacelle roof. Thereby, the position of the gearbox 151 may be controlled by means of the crane 3. The one or more lines 23 may be long enough so as for the movements of the crane 3 to not affect the airship to any significant extent. The airship could simply be made to follow the movements of the crane 3. The position of the airship 2 may be controlled by means of the propulsion units 201, so as to follow the movements of the crane 3. The propulsion units 201 may be used to counteract the effects of wind gusts encountered by the airship.
As will be understood by those skilled in the present field of art, numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above described and other embodiments of the present invention, without departing from its scope as defined in the appending claims.
DK 2017 70540 A8

Claims (14)

1. A method for handling a device (101, 151), the method comprising connecting the device (101, 151) to a self-supporting crane (3), characterized by connecting, to the crane (3), a flying machine (2) with a capacity of providing a lifting force, and carrying the device (101, 151) by means of the crane (3) and the flying machine (2).
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein carrying the device (101, 151) comprises carrying a portion of the weight of the device (101, 151) by the crane (3), and carrying another portion of the weight of the device (101, 151) by the flying machine (2).
3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flying machine (2) is connected to the crane (3) by at least one line extending between the crane (3) and the flying machine (2).
4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crane (3) is a boom crane (3).
5. A method according to claim 4, wherein the flying machine (2) is connected to a distal end of a lifting boom of the crane (3).
6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flying machine (2) is a lighter-than-air vehicle.
7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flying machine (2) is an airship.
8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device (101, 151) is a wind turbine component.
9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device handling forms a part of a wind turbine installation process, or a part of a service process of an installed wind turbine, the crane (3) being borne independently from the wind turbine.
DK 2017 70540 A8
10. A method according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the device handling forms a part of a wind turbine installation process, or a part of a service process of an installed wind turbine, the crane (3) being borne by the wind turbine.
11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crane (3) is a wind turbine nacelle service crane (3).
12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising controlling the position of the device (101, 151) by means of the crane (3).
13. A method according to claim 12, comprising allowing the flying machine to follow the movements of the crane (3).
14. A method according to any one of claims 12-13, comprising controlling the position of the flying machine (2) so as to follow the movements of the crane (3).
DK 2017 70540 A8
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Figure DK201770540A1_C0001
DK 2017 70540 A8
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Figure DK201770540A1_C0002
DKPA201770540A 2017-06-30 2017-06-30 A method for handling a device connected to a crane DK201770540A1 (en)

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