DK201771014A1 - Method of installing a wind turbine component and associated system - Google Patents

Abstract

A method and associated system of installing a wind turbine component (34) of a wind turbine (10) using at least first and second ropes (36, 38) and first and second winches (74, 80). The method includes inserting the first and second ropes (36, 38) through respective first and second apertures (48, 54) of the wind turbine component (34) and through respective first and second apertures (68, 76) of the nacelle (14). The method also includes lowering the wind turbine component (34) toward the nacelle (14), and guiding the wind turbine component (34) to a predetermined position in the nacelle (14) using the first and second ropes (36, 38) and first and second winches (74, 80).

Description

(¹⁹) DANMARK (¹°) DK 2017 71014 A1

(12)

PATENTANSØGNING

Patent- og Varemærkestyrelsen

Int.CI.: B66C 1/10 (2006.01) F03D 80/50 (2016.01)

Ansøgningsnummer: PA 2017 71014

Indleveringsdato: 2017-12-22

Løbedag: 2017-12-22

Aim. tilgængelig: 2018-12-13

Publiceringsdato: 2018-12-17

Ansøger:

VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S, Hedeager 42, 8200 Århus N, Danmark

Opfinder:

Riccardo Cingolani, Hvidkløvervej 10, 8200 Århus N, Danmark

Fuldmægtig:

Vestas Wind Systems A/S Patents Department, Hedeager 42, 8200 Århus N, Danmark

Titel: METHOD OF INSTALLING A WIND TURBINE COMPONENT AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

Fremdragne publikationer:

EP 2604568 A1

EP 2806155 A1

JPH 06178417 A

US 2016/0327016 A1

US 2012/0141292 A1

Sammendrag:

A method and associated system of installing a wind turbine component (34) of a wind turbine (10) using at least first and second ropes (36,38) and first and second winches (74, 80). The method includes inserting the first and second ropes (36, 38) through respective first and second apertures (48,54) of the wind turbine component (34) and through respective first and second apertures (68, 76) of the nacelle (14). The method also includes lowering the wind turbine component (34) toward the nacelle (14), and guiding the wind turbine component (34) to a predetermined position in the nacelle (14) using the first and second ropes (36, 38) and first and second winches (74, 80).

Fortsættes...

DK 2017 71014 A1

DK 2017 71014 A1

METHOD OF INSTALLING A WIND TURBINE COMPONENT AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM

Technical Field [0001] The present invention generally relates to a method and system of installing a wind turbine component, and more specifically, to installing a wind turbine component into the nacelle at or near the top of a wind turbine.

Background [0002] Large, utility-scale horizontal-axis wind turbine generators (HAWTs) typically include a plurality of rotor blades mounted to a supporting structure, usually in the form of a tubular tower. In such HAWTs, the generating components, including the generator, gearbox, drive train and brake assembly, are located at the top of a tower in a nacelle behind the hub of the rotor blades. [0003] Large and very heavy nacelle elements sometimes need to be installed after a nacelle has already been installed at the top of a tower of the wind turbine. These are particularly heavy and large elements whose installation at the top of a wind turbine tower can pose safety risks. For example, the generator may weigh about 30 tons and the gearbox may weigh about 70 tons.

[0004] Maintenance of wind turbine components within the nacelle may be performed by personnel having access to the interior of the nacelle. These main elements sometimes need replacing during the life of a wind turbine. Sometimes servicing requirements are such that a heavy wind turbine component needs to be removed for reconditioning, replaced by a new component, or replaced by a reconditioned component. In some cases, a nacelle may be installed without one or more of these main components, possibly for reasons related to crane load capacity or for any other reasons.

[0005] When lowering a large, heavy component into a nacelle adjacent the top of a wind turbine tower, it may be difficult for a crane operator to clearly see if the wind turbine component is being properly positioned. Personnel located in or near the nacelle, and in radio contact with a crane operator, are usually

-1DK 2017 71014 A1 required to monitor the lowering of a large, heavy component into position on its relevant bearings or at its relevant seating or support in the nacelle.

[0006] As a result, personnel may find themselves close to heavy suspended loads during this process, either to aid the positioning, or to monitor the progress of the positioning to give feedback to other personnel, such as the crane operator. Such a situation may be hazardous.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved method of safely installing a wind turbine component in the nacelle, without the currently associated safety risks.

Summary [0008] To address these and other shortcomings, a method of installing a wind turbine component of a wind turbine using at least first and second ropes is disclosed. The wind turbine includes a tower and a nacelle. The method includes inserting the first rope through a first aperture of the wind turbine component, inserting the second rope through a first aperture of the wind turbine component, positioning the wind turbine component adjacent the nacelle, inserting the first rope through a first aperture of the nacelle and operatively coupling the first rope to a first winch, inserting the second rope through a second aperture of the nacelle and operatively coupling the second rope to a second winch, lowering the wind turbine component toward the nacelle, and guiding the wind turbine component to a predetermined position in the nacelle using the first and second ropes and the first and second winches.

[0009] According to some embodiments, a first sensor is operatively coupled to the first winch and a second sensor is operatively coupled to the second winch to maintain the respective first and second ropes under tension, preferably at or above a predetermined tension. A constant, preferably predetermined, tension may be applied to the first and second ropes that are operatively coupled to the first and second winches, respectively. Maintaining a constant tension may include maintaining a tension, preferably maintaining a predefined level of tension. The application of a requisite level of tension in the ropes will serve to stiffen the stretch of rope along which the wind turbine component slides as it approaches its seating position in the nacelle. Stiffer

-2DK 2017 71014 A1 rope will ensure accurate positioning of the relevant component. Stiffer rope will in particular ensure alignment of fastening holes between the component and the nacelle. The first and second winches may be in electrical communication or wireless communication with a controller, and the controller controls the tension of the first and second winches remotely from the nacelle. Optionally, the winches may additionally be controlled to reduce the applied tension to said ropes if a tension in said ropes is detected, above a maximum threshold tension. This may prevent overloading the ropes. This may prevent overloading the crane, from which the wind turbine component is suspended. [0010] According to some embodiments, the first and second winches are at least partially disposed underneath the first and second torque arm supports of a bed frame of the nacelle. The first rope is inserted through the first aperture of a first torque arm support of the nacelle, and the second rope is inserted through the first aperture of the second torque arm support of the nacelle. The first aperture extends through a first foot of the wind turbine component, and the second aperture extends through a second foot of the wind turbine component, the first and second feet are disposed on opposite sides of the wind turbine component.

[0011] According to an embodiment, prior to the positioning the wind turbine component adjacent the nacelle, an end of the first rope is fixedly secured to a lifting structure of a crane, and an end of the second rope is fixedly secured to the lifting structure of the crane. Alternatively, prior to the positioning the wind turbine component adjacent the nacelle, a first blocking element is attached to the first rope to prevent the first rope from passing through the first aperture, and attaching a second blocking element to the second rope to prevent the second rope from passing through the second aperture.

[0012] According to some embodiments, securing the wind turbine component to the nacelle includes inserting a first bolt through the first aperture of the nacelle and through the first aperture of the wind turbine component and subsequently securing the first bolt with a threaded nut, and inserting a second bolt through the second aperture of the nacelle and through the second aperture of the wind turbine component and subsequently securing the second bolt with a threaded nut.

-3DK 2017 71014 A1 [0013] The invention also generally provides a system for installing a wind turbine component. The system includes a wind turbine including a tower, a nacelle, a first rope inserted through a first aperture of the wind turbine component and through a first aperture of the nacelle, a second rope inserted through a second aperture of the wind turbine component and through a second aperture of the nacelle, a first winch operatively coupled to the first rope, and a second winch operatively coupled to the second rope, where the first and second ropes and the first and second winches guide the wind turbine component to a predetermined position in the nacelle.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the system includes a first sensor operatively coupled to the first winch, and a second sensor operatively coupled to the second winch, where the first and second sensors are configured to maintain the tension of the first and second ropes below a predetermined tension. The first and second sensors apply a constant predetermined tension to the first and second ropes that are operatively coupled to the first and second winches, respectively. The first and second winches may be in electrical communication or wireless communication with a controller, and the controller controls the tension of the first and second winches remotely from a position within the nacelle.

[0015] Various additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description of one or more illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0016] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the one or more embodiments of the invention.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a wind turbine;

[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an upper portion of the wind turbine of

FIG. 1;

-4DK 2017 71014 A1 [0019] FIG. 3A is a schematic rear cross-sectional view of a wind turbine component suspended above a nacelle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] FIG. 3B is a schematic rear cross-sectional view of the wind turbine component being lowered into a predetermined position in the nacelle using first and second winches;

[0021] FIG. 3C is a schematic rear cross-sectional view of the wind turbine component in its predetermined position in the nacelle once lowered;

[0022] FIG. 3D is a schematic rear cross-sectional view of the wind turbine component secured in its predetermined position in the nacelle using at least first and second connection elements;

[0023] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the wind turbine component being lowered into the nacelle, with the lifting structure and first and second ropes attached to a main winch of a crane according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the wind turbine component being lowered into the nacelle, with the first and second ropes attached to the wind turbine component similar to FIG. 3A;

[0025] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the wind turbine component being lowered into the nacelle, with the first rope attached to both the wind turbine component and the first winch, and the second rope attached to both the wind turbine component and the first and the second winches; and [0026] FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view of the nacelle with the first and second torque arm supports coupled to the bed frame of the nacelle.

Detailed Description [0027] This is a description of various illustrative and non-limiting examples of the invention. Like reference numerals throughout the various figures refer to like elements, components or features having the same general function. For this reason, and to eliminate redundancy, repeated discussion or explanation of such like elements, components or features may not be included in later described embodiments.

-5DK 2017 71014 A1 [0028] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12, a nacelle 14 disposed at the apex of the tower 12, and a rotor 16 operatively coupled to a generator 18 housed inside the nacelle 14. In addition to the generator 18, the nacelle 14 houses miscellaneous components required for converting wind energy into electrical energy and various components needed to operate, control, and optimize the performance of the wind turbine 10. The tower 12 supports the load presented by the nacelle 14, the rotor 16, and other components of the wind turbine 10 that are housed inside the nacelle 14, and also operates to elevate the nacelle 14 and rotor 16 to a height above ground level or sea level, as may be the case, at which faster moving air currents of lower turbulence are typically found.

[0029] The rotor 16 of the wind turbine 10, which is represented as a horizontal-axis wind turbine, serves as the prime mover for the electromechanical system. Wind exceeding a minimum level will activate the rotor 16 and cause rotation in a direction substantially perpendicular to the wind direction. The rotor 16 of the wind turbine 10 includes a hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 that projects outwardly from the hub 20. In the representative embodiment, the rotor 16 includes three rotor blades 22 at locations circumferentially distributed thereabout, but the number may vary. The rotor blades 22 are configured to interact with the passing air flow to produce lift that causes the hub 20 to spin about a longitudinal axis 24. The design and construction of the rotor blades 22 are familiar to a person having ordinary skill in the art and will not be further described.

[0030] The rotor 16 is mounted on an end of a main rotary shaft 26 that extends into the nacelle 14 and is rotatably supported therein by a main bearing assembly 28 coupled to the framework of the nacelle 14. The main rotary shaft 26 is coupled to a gearbox 30 having as an input the main rotary shaft 26 an output a secondary rotary shaft 32. The main rotary shaft 26 has a relatively low angular velocity, while the secondary rotary shaft 32 has a higher angular velocity and is operatively coupled to the generator 18.

[0031] The wind turbine 10 may be included among a collection of similar wind turbines belonging to a wind farm or wind park that serves as a power

-6DK 2017 71014 A1 generating plant connected by transmission lines with a power grid, such as a three-phase alternating current (AC) power grid. The power grid generally consists of a network of power stations, transmission circuits, and substations coupled by a network of transmission lines that transmit the power to loads in the form of end users and other customers of electrical utilities. Under normal circumstances, the electrical power is supplied from the generator 18 to the power grid as known to a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[0032] FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the inventive method that establishes a suitable “docking system” for safely installing various wind turbine components 34. As used herein, wind turbine component 34 is intended to describe any uptower component, this expressly includes drivetrain components, such as the generator 18, the gearbox 30, the main rotary shaft 26, the main bearing assembly 28, the secondary rotary shaft 32, as well as other uptower components. These components are considered “uptower”, as these wind tower components are located at or near the top of the tower 12. Although the various Figures show the wind turbine component 34 being within the nacelle 14 of the wind turbine 10, this is according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] As will be described in greater detail below, this method of installing a wind turbine component 34 uses at least two ropes, such as a first rope 36 and a second rope 38. Additional ropes may also be used to provide even greater maneuverability of the wind turbine component 34. One such suitable rope is a synthetic rope, such as a Spydura Synthetic Rope, commercially available from Warn Industries of Clackamas, Oregon. Synthetic rope generally prevents damage to the threads of threaded apertures. However, a variety of other ropes, including cables, are also suitable. The exact rope used may depend on the weight of the wind turbine component being installed. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first and second ropes may have a length of up to 25 meters.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 3A, the first rope 36 includes a first end 40 and a second end 42 disposed opposite the first end 40, and the second rope 38 includes a first end 44 and a second end 46 disposed opposite the first end 44. As shown, the first end 40 of the first rope 36 is inserted through a first aperture

-7DK 2017 71014 A1 disposed on a first side 50 of the wind turbine component 34. Similarly, the first end 44 of the second rope 38 is inserted through a second aperture 54 disposed on a second side 56 of the wind turbine component 34. It is desirable that at least one rope, and potentially more if desired, is used for each of the first and second sides 50, 56. While the first and second apertures 48, 54 are shown as threaded, the first and second apertures 48, 54 may alternatively be non-threaded, if desired.

[0035] According to an exemplary embodiment, once the first and second ropes 36, 38 are passed though the wind turbine component 34, a first blocking element 52 may be secured to the second end 42 of the first rope 36, and a second blocking element 58 may be secured to the second end 46 of the second rope 38. The first blocking element 52 is configured to prevent the first rope 36 from passing through the first aperture 48, and the second blocking element 58 is configured to prevent the second rope 38 from passing through the second aperture 54. Alternatively, the first and second blocking elements 52, 58 may be omitted, and the first and second ropes 36, 38 may be secured by knotting the respective second ends 42, 46. The first blocking element 52 may be coupled to the first rope 36 and the second blocking element 58 is coupled to the second rope 38 at any time prior to, or even after, inserting the first ends 40, 44 through the wind turbine component 34. Initially, the first ends 40, 44 of the first and second ropes 36, 38 remain free.

[0036] With continued reference to FIG. 3A, the wind turbine component 34 is moved to a position adjacent the nacelle 14 using the lifting structure 60 of a crane (not shown) attached to the wind turbine component 34. The lifting structure 60 includes a plurality of lifting cables 62 and an attachment mechanism. Each of the plurality of lifting cables 62 is operatively coupled to the attachment mechanism, which may include, for example, a hook 64 as shown in FIG. 3A or a main winch 66 as shown in FIG. 4A.

[0037] As shown in FIGS. 3B, 5 and 6, the first end 40 of the first rope 36 is inserted through a first aperture 68 of a first torque arm support 70 of a bed frame 72 of the nacelle 14. Similarly, the first end 44 of the second rope 38 is inserted through a second aperture 76 disposed in a second torque arm support 78 of the bed frame 72. The location of the first and second apertures 68, 76

-8DK 2017 71014 A1 with respect to the first and second torque arm supports 70, 78 correspond to the first and second apertures 48, 54 on the first and second sides 50, 56 of the wind turbine component 34 used for routing the first and second ropes 36, 38. However, as previously described, more ropes may be used and may provide enhanced maneuverability of the wind turbine component 34.

[0038] Each wind turbine component 34 is positioned at its predetermined position, usually on bearing surfaces in the nacelle 14, such as the first and second torque arm supports 70, 78 in the bed frame 72 that are designed to support the weight of these heavy wind turbine components. It is desirable to have drivetrain components such as the gearbox 30, the generator 18 and the main rotary shaft 26 in precise alignment for mechanical operational reasons. [0039] With continued reference to FIGS. 3B, 5 and 6, the first end 40 of the first rope 36 is subsequently operatively coupled to a first winch 74. Similarly, the first end 44 of the second rope 38 is operatively coupled to a second winch 80. While the first and second winches 74, 80 are shown, more winches may be used in any suitable arrangement. One such suitable winch is an electric winch commercially available from Ironman 4x4 of Melbourne, Australia. As shown, the first and second winches 74, 80 are disposed at least partially underneath the first and second torque arm supports 70, 78 of the bed frame 72 of the nacelle 14. The first and second torque arm supports 70, 78 provide a designed interface for the nacelle 14. Alternatively, the first and second winches 74, 80 may be counterweighted without any physical connection with the nacelle 14, if desired.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 3B, the wind turbine component 34 is then further lowered toward the nacelle 14 using the crane and the lifting structure 60. The wind turbine component 34 is guided to a predetermined position, also known as its seat or bearing location, using the combination of the first winch 74 operatively coupled to the first rope 36 and the second winch 80 operatively coupled to the second rope 38. As the wind turbine component 34 is brought closer to its predetermined position, the first and second ropes 36, 38 are tensioned.

[0041] One or more technicians may operate the first and second winches 74, 80 after collecting the first ends 40, 44 in the first and second drums 82, 84

-9DK 2017 71014 A1 of the first and second winches 74, 80. According to an exemplary embodiment, a piece of wire may be attached to each of the first ends 40, 44 (which may be looped), and then inserted into the respective first and second drums 82, 84. A puck may then be inserted, as is generally known to secure a synthetic rope to a winch. Remote cameras and/or guide pins may also be used which may result in a safer installation. Coordinating the crane’s movement with the operation of the first and second winches 74, 80, guides the wind turbine component 34 to its predetermined position. The first and second winches 74, 80 may permit a fine-tuning during the docking operation, correcting for wind gusts or relative movement of the crane. This may be carried out while the suspended wind turbine component 34 is at a safe distance from its predetermined position in the nacelle 14.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3A-3C, a first sensor 86 is operatively coupled to the first winch 74 and a second sensor 88 is operatively coupled to the second winch 80. Actuating the winches affects the tension in the first and second ropes 36, 38. The first and second winches 74, 80 using the respective first and second sensors 86, 88 maintain the tension of the respective first and second ropes 36, 38 below a predetermined tension. The first and second winches 74, 80 may be pre-set to apply a desired tension. Moreover, the first and second winches 74, 80 may apply a constant predetermined tension to the first and second ropes 36, 38. Alternatively, the tension may vary if desired. As shown in FIG. 3B, the first and second winches 74, 80 and/or the first and second sensors 86 88 may be controlled and in electrical communication or wireless communication with a controller 89. The controller 89 may control the tensions of the first and second winches 74, 80 and may be operated remotely from the rear of the nacelle 14 or from another suitable location.

[0043] The first and second winches 74, 80 may be set to ease over-tension as well. For example, if the tension is sensed too high by one of the first or second sensors 86, 88, the first or second winch 74, 80 may be eased to bring the tension below a given maximum limit, while maintaining the tension above the required minimum tension level for effectively carrying out the guiding function. Maximum allowed tension may be calculated by working down from the maximum crane load for the particular lift, subtracting the payload weight,

-10DK 2017 71014 A1 and then using the difference to determine the respective allowable tension level in the number of ropes envisaged (e.g. two, four or more ropes may be envisaged, depending on the number of bearing points at the nacelle 14 for the wind turbine component in question.) [0044] Once the wind turbine component 34 is in its predetermined position, the first and second ropes 36, 38 may be removed, leaving the wind turbine component 34 perfectly aligned with its predetermined position. The first and second blocking elements 52, 58 may be removed from the respective first and second ropes 36, 38. Similarly, the first and second ropes 36, 38 are removed through the first and second apertures 68, 76, respectively. Similarly, the first and second winches 74, 80 may be removed.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3D, the wind turbine component 34 is subsequently secured to the nacelle 14. Connection elements, such as first and second bolts 90, 94, may fixedly secure the wind turbine component 34 in the desired predetermined position. As shown, a first bolt 90 extends through the first aperture 68 of the nacelle 14, through the first aperture 48 disposed on a first side 50 of the wind turbine component 34, and is secured using a threaded nut 92. Similarly, a second bolt 94 extends through the second aperture 76 of the nacelle 14, through the second aperture 54 disposed on a second side 56 of the wind turbine component 34, and subsequently secured with a threaded nut 96. As shown, the first and second apertures 48, 54 of the respective first and second feet 98, 100 are threaded, however, this is not required.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3D, precise alignment using the crane allows the connection elements, such as the first and second bolts 90, 94, to pass through the first and second torque arms supports 70, 78 and into the base (also known as the feet) of the relevant wind turbine component 34. Once the wind turbine component 34 is released from the crane, the weight of wind turbine component 34 makes subsequent positioning adjustments practically impossible. As shown in FIG. 3D, the first and second apertures 48, 54 of the wind turbine component 34 and the first and second apertures 68, 76 of the nacelle 14 through which the respective first and second ropes 36, 38 extend as shown in in FIGS. 3A-3C, may also be used as the apertures that receive the first and second bolts 90, 94 as shown in FIG. 3D. The positioning of the wind turbine

-11DK 2017 71014 A1 component 34 requires the precise alignment of positioning elements such as apertures in the base or feet of the relevant wind turbine component 34, with co-operating locating features, such as apertures or lugs, at the relevant seat or support or bearing.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4A, the first and second ropes 36, 38 may attach to the main winch 66. More specifically, the first and second ropes 36, 38 may be fixed to the main winch 66 and pass through the first and second apertures 48, 54 of the wind turbine component 34. In addition, the plurality of lifting cables 62 used for the wind turbine component 34 lifting procedure may also be attached to the main winch 66. Distribution of the wind turbine component 34 load may be sensitive to adjustments, but in the embodiment shown, the hook 64 is not positioned close to the rear lifting points and the first and second ropes 36, 38 are not adding any relevant loads or external forces to the lifting operation. Alternatively, as previously discussed with respect to FIGS. 3A-3B, FIG. 4B shows the first and second ropes 36, 38 being fixed to the wind turbine component 34 using first and second blocking elements 52, 58.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, when the wind turbine component 34 is positioned close to the nacelle 14, two or more installation crew members (not shown) may collect the first ends 40, 44 of the respective first and second ropes 36, 38, while avoiding being located under the suspended wind turbine component 34. According to an exemplary embodiment, when the first ends 40, 44 of the first and second ropes 36, 38 are being collected, the wind turbine component 34 may be moved out of the nacelle 14 to avoid a potential unsafe situation caused by working under the suspended load.

[0049] Benefits of this inventive method and associated system include being a semi-autonomous process, a much safer docking procedure, the first and second winches 74, 80 may be operated by only one technician, capability of increasing the wind speed limit due to additional physical constraints, an additional tagline, and a fail-safe system where the synthetic rope may break without fragmentation thrown out caused by an excess of load. Additionally, the inventive method and associated system improves safety, since workers do not have to work close to the wind turbine component 34 during the docking

-12DK 2017 71014 A1 procedure. This also improves the stability of the lifting procedure. As previously discussed, the additional constraint provided by the first and second ropes 36, 38 permit a lifting and docking procedure in higher wind conditions. [0050] Use of this inventive method may require additional operations for the installation crew, additional tools in the installation kit, increasing of capital expenditure costs due to new tools, increasing of consumables: needs of replacing synthetic ropes for each installation, and design and verifications for verifying the proper installation of the first and second winches 74, 80.

[0051] A system for installing a wind turbine component 34 is also described. The system includes a wind turbine 10 including a tower 12 and a nacelle 14. The system also includes a first rope 36 including a first end 40 and an oppositely disposed second end 42, where the first end 40 of the first rope 36 is inserted through a first aperture 48 of a first side 50 of the wind turbine component 34 and through a first aperture 68 of the nacelle 14. A first blocking element 52 may be coupled to the first rope 36. A second rope 38 includes a first end 44 and an oppositely disposed second end 46. The first end 44 of the second rope 38 is inserted through a second aperture 54 of a second side 56 of the wind turbine component 34 and through a second aperture 76 of the nacelle 14. A second blocking element 58 may be coupled to the second rope 38. A first winch 74 is operatively coupled to the first end 40 of the first rope 36. A second winch 80 is operatively coupled to the first end 44 of the second rope 38. The first and second winches 74, 80 guide the wind turbine component 34 to a predetermined position in the nacelle 14.

[0052] While the invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, while aspects of the invention have been described with the wind turbine component 34, the invention is not so limited. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative methods, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly,

-13DK 2017 71014 A1 departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

-14DK 2017 71014 A1

Claims (17)

1. What is claimed is:

   1. A method of installing a wind turbine component (34) of a wind turbine (10) using at least first and second ropes (36, 38), wherein the wind turbine (10) includes a tower (12), a nacelle (14), the method comprising:

   inserting the first rope (36) through a first aperture (48) of the wind turbine component (34);

   inserting the second rope (38) through a second aperture (54) of the wind turbine component (34);

   positioning the wind turbine component (34) adjacent the nacelle (14);

   inserting the first rope (36) through a first aperture (68) of the nacelle (14) and operatively coupling the first rope (36) to a first winch (74);

   inserting the second rope (38) through a second aperture (76) of the nacelle (14) and operatively coupling the first end (44) of the second rope (38) to a second winch (80);

   lowering the wind turbine component (34) toward the nacelle (14), and guiding the wind turbine component (34) to a predetermined position in the nacelle (14) using the first and second ropes (36, 38) and the first and second winches (74, 80); and subsequently securing the wind turbine component (34) to the nacelle (14).
2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the lowering the wind turbine component (34) further comprises:

   using a first sensor (86) operatively coupled to the first winch (74) and a second sensor (88) operatively coupled to the second winch (80) to maintain the tension of the respective first and second ropes (36, 38) at or above a predetermined minimum tension.
3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the lowering the wind turbine component (34) further comprises:

   applying a constant tension to the first and second ropes (36, 38) that are operatively coupled to the first and second winches (74, 80), respectively.

   -15DK 2017 71014 A1
4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein first and second winches (74, 80) are in electrical communication or wireless communication with a controller (89), and wherein the controller (89) controls the tension of the first and second winches (74, 80) remotely from the nacelle (14).
5. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the first aperture (48) is disposed on a first side (56) of the wind turbine component (34) and the second aperture (54) is disposed on a second side (56) of the wind turbine component, the second side (56) being disposed opposite the first side (50).
6. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second winches (74, 80) are at least partially disposed underneath first and second torque arm supports (70, 78) of a bed frame (72) of the nacelle (14).
7. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the inserting of the first rope (36) is through the first aperture (68) of a first torque arm support (70) of the nacelle (14); and wherein the inserting of the second rope (38) is through the second aperture (76) of a second torque arm support (78) of the nacelle (14).
8. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first aperture (48) is disposed on the first side (50) of the wind turbine component (34) and extends through a first foot (98) of the wind turbine component (34), and wherein the second aperture (54) is disposed on the second side (56) of the wind turbine component (34) and extends through a second foot (100) of the wind turbine component (34), the first and second feet (98, 100) being disposed on opposite sides (50, 56) of the wind turbine component (34).

   -16DK 2017 71014 A1
9. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to the positioning the wind turbine component (34) adjacent the nacelle (14), the method further comprises:

   wherein an end (42) of the first rope (36) is fixedly secured to a lifting structure (60) of a crane, wherein an end (46) of the second rope (38) is fixedly secured to the lifting structure (60) of the crane.
10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the lifting structure includes at least one of a hook (64) or main winch (66).
11. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to the positioning the wind turbine component (34) adjacent the nacelle (14), the method further comprises:

    attaching a first blocking element (52) to the first rope (36) to prevent the first rope (36) from passing through the first aperture (48); and attaching a second blocking element (58) to the second rope (38) to prevent the second rope from passing through the second aperture (54).
12. 12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein securing the wind turbine component (34) to the nacelle (14) further comprises:

    inserting a first bolt (90) through the first aperture (68) of the nacelle (14) and through the first aperture (48) disposed on a first side (50) of the wind turbine component (34) and subsequently securing the first bolt (90) with a threaded nut (92); and inserting a second bolt (94) through the second aperture (76) of the nacelle (14) and through the second aperture (54) disposed on a second side (56) of the wind turbine component (34) and subsequently securing the second bolt (94) with a threaded nut (96).
13. 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the inserting the first and second ropes further comprises:

    -17DK 2017 71014 A1 allowing ends (40, 44) of the first and second ropes (36, 38) to hang freely while the crane and the associated lifting structure (60) moves the wind turbine component (34).
14. 14. A system for installing a wind turbine component (34), the system comprising:

    a wind turbine (10) including a tower (12), a nacelle (14);

    a first rope (36) inserted through a first aperture (48) of the wind turbine component (34) and through a first aperture (68) of the nacelle (14);

    a second rope (38) inserted through a second aperture (54) of the wind turbine component (34) and through a second aperture (76) of the nacelle (14);

    a first winch (74) operatively coupled to the first rope (36); and a second winch (80) operatively coupled to the second rope (38), wherein the first and second ropes (36, 38) and the first and second winches (74, 80) guide the wind turbine component (34) to a predetermined position in the nacelle (14).
15. 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising:

    a first sensor (86) operatively coupled to the first winch (74); and a second sensor (88) operatively coupled to the second winch (80), wherein the first and second sensors (86, 88) are configured to maintain the tension of the first and second ropes (36, 38) at or above a predetermined tension.
16. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the first and second sensors (86, 88) apply a constant predetermined tension to the first and second ropes (36, 38) that are operatively coupled to the first and second winches (74, 80), respectively.
17. 17. The system of claim 14, wherein first and second winches (74, 80) are in electrical communication or wireless communication with a controller (89), and

    -18DK 2017 71014 A1 wherein the controller (89) controls the tension of the first and second winches (74, 80) remotely from a position within the nacelle (14).

    -19DK 2017 71014 A1