DK201771039A1 - Methods and apparatus for handling wind turbine blades - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of handling a wind turbine blade comprises providing a plurality of internally threaded holes at the surface of the blade to serve as mounting hardpoints, installing a plurality of threaded eye bolts in some of the holes so as to be generally vertically oriented, installing a plurality of threaded pegs in others of the holes so as to be generally horizontally oriented, lifting the blade with lifting apparatus connected to the eye bolts, and supporting the blade by resting the pegs on support structure.

Description

(¹⁹) DANMARK (10)

DK 2017 71039 A1

(12)

PATENTANSØGNING

Patent- og Varemærkestyrelsen (51) Int.CI.: F03D 13/10 (2016.01) (21) Ansøgningsnummer: PA 2017 71039 (22) Indleveringsdato: 2017-12-29 (24) Løbedag: 2017-12-29 (41) Aim. tilgængelig: 2018-12-13 (43) Publiceringsdato: 2018-12-17 (71) Ansøger:

VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S, Hedeager 42, 8200 Århus N, Danmark (72) Opfinder:

Michael Kastrup, Løgtenvej 72,8543 Hornslet, Danmark

Kennet Hvid Nielsen, GI. Viborgvej 195,8920 Randers NV, Danmark (74) Fuldmægtig:

Vestas Wind Systems A/S Patents Department, Hedeager 42, 8200 Århus N, Danmark (54) Titel: METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING WIND TURBINE BLADES (56) Fremdragne publikationer:

EP 3139032 A1

EP 2806155 A1

WO 2007/033671 A1

ES 2371893 A1 (57) Sammendrag:

A method of handling a wind turbine blade comprises providing a plurality of internally threaded holes at the surface of the blade to serve as mounting hardpoints, installing a plurality of threaded eye bolts in some of the holes so as to be generally vertically oriented, installing a plurality of threaded pegs in others of the holes so as to be generally horizontally oriented, lifting the blade with lifting apparatus connected to the eye bolts, and supporting the blade by resting the pegs on support structure.

Fortsættes...

DK 2017 71039 A1

DK 2017 71039 A1

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR HANDLING WIND TURBINE BLADES

Technical Field [0001] This invention relates generally to wind turbines, and more particularly to methods and apparatus for handling wind turbine blades.

Background [0002] Wind turbines of the type designed to provide electrical power to a utility grid are quite large, with many designs having a rotor hub height in excess of 100 meters. The turbine blades for these machines can exceed 40 meters in length. The sheer size and weight of these blades present significant logistical challenges in transportation, installation, and maintenance of the wind turbines.

[0003] The blades are typically transported by truck or rail whereby they are supported by cradles or frames. Once on location, the blades may be lifted horizontally with straps or slings placed at various positions along the blade, for mounting to the hub.

[0004] Improved methods and apparatus for handling wind turbine blades are desired.

Summary [0005] In one aspect, a method of handling a wind turbine blade comprises providing a plurality of internally threaded holes at the surface of the blade to serve as mounting hardpoints, installing a plurality of threaded eye bolts in some of the holes so as to be generally vertically oriented, installing a plurality of threaded pegs in others of the holes so as to be generally horizontally oriented, lifting the blade with lifting apparatus connected to the eye bolts, and supporting the blade by resting the pegs on support structure.

[0006] The support structure can be a cradle. The eye bolts and pegs can be replaced with threaded plugs after the blade is mounted on a hub of a wind turbine.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of handling a wind turbine blade comprises providing a plurality of internally threaded holes at the surface of the blade to serve as mounting hardpoints, installing two pairs of threaded eye bolts in some of the holes so as to be generally horizontally oriented, the eye bolts of

-1 DK 2017 71039 A1 each pair being on opposite sides of the blade, installing a plurality of threaded pegs in others of the holes so as to be generally vertically oriented, supporting the blade with lifting apparatus connected to the eye bolts, the lifting apparatus comprising a first pulley line connected to the eye bolts of the first pair of eye bolts and passing over a first snatch block and a second pulley line connected to the eye bolts of the second pair of eye bolts and passing over a second snatch block, and applying a force component to the pegs generally perpendicular to the pegs to rotate the blade about its longitudinal axis.

[0008] The force component can be applied with taglines. The eye bolts and pegs can be replaced with threaded plugs after the blade is mounted on a hub of a wind turbine.

[0009] In another aspect, a wind turbine blade comprises an elongated blade body, two pairs of aerodynamic fins permanently mounted to the blade body, the pairs of fins being spaced from one another and spaced along the length of the blade body, the fins of each pair being on opposite sides of the blade body, and an aperture through each of the fins.

[0010] The wind turbine blade can include two pairs of the fins permanently mounted to the blade body at the hub end of the blade body. The fins may be evenly spaced about the circumference of the blade body at the hub end. The fins can be fabricated from a material selected from a group consisting of steel, titanium, lightweight high performance alloys, and composites. The fins can be connected to internal lightning shielding elements of the blade. The fins can be lightning receptors and a part of a lightning protection arrangement of the blade. [0011] In another aspect, a method of handling a wind turbine blade comprises: providing an elongated blade body, permanently mounting aerodynamic fins to the blade body, the fins being spaced from one another and spaced along the length of the blade body, providing an aperture through each of the fins, lifting the blade body with lifting apparatus connected to the fins spaced along the length of the blade body. In a further aspect, the method of handling a wind turbine blade may comprise permanently mounting two pairs of aerodynamic fins to the blade body, the pairs of fins being spaced from one another and spaced along the length of the blade body. In a further aspect, the fins may be arranged on opposite sides of the blade body. In a further aspect, the fins of each pair may be arranged on opposite sides of the blade body. In aspects, the method may further include supporting the blade body by resting at

-2 DK 2017 71039 A1 least one pair of said fins spaced along the length of the blade body on a support structure such as a blade transport frame. In aspects, the method may further include permanently mounting a pair of aerodynamic fins to the blade body at a hub end of the blade body. Therefore, in a further aspect, the method may include supporting the blade body by resting at least one pair of said fins spaced along the length of the blade body and a pair of fins on the blade body at a hub end of the blade body on a said support structure.

[0012] The support structure can be a cradle such as a transport cradle or transport frame. The method can further include the step of installing shafts in the apertures of the fins which are in turn supported on the support structure. The shafts may be in the form of dowel pins. The method can further comprise permanently mounting two pairs of the fins to the blade body at the hub end of the blade body, the fins being evenly spaced about the circumference of the blade body at the hub end. The method can further comprise the steps of supporting the blade body with lifting apparatus connected to the two pairs of fins spaced along the length of the blade body. The lifting apparatus may comprise a first pulley line connected to the fins of a first pair of fins and passing over a first snatch block and a second pulley line connected to the fins of a second pair of fins and passing over a second snatch block. In aspects, there may be applied a force component generally tangential to the blade body to rotate the blade body about its longitudinal axis. In aspects, a said force component may be applied to a pair of fins on the blade body at the hub end of the blade body to rotate the blade body about its longitudinal axis. The force component can be applied with taglines. The lifting apparatus can include a remote controlled lifting yoke for each fin, configured to automatically engage with and disengage from a respective one of the fins.

Brief Description of the Drawings [0013] 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.

[0014] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wind turbine.

-3DK 2017 71039 A1 [0015] Fig. 2A is perspective view of a wind turbine blade incorporating threaded lifting hardpoints with a combination of threaded eye bolts and threaded pegs in the hardpoints.

[0016] Fig. 2B illustrates use of the eye bolts and pegs to position and secure the blade of Fig. 2A in a pair of cradles.

[0017] Fig. 2C illustrates use of the eye bolts and pegs to rotate the blade of Fig. 2A about its longitudinal axis.

[0018] Fig. 2D illustrates use of the eye bolts and pegs to secure the blade of Fig. 2A to a tractor-trailer.

[0019] Fig. 2E illustrates removal of the threaded pegs in preparation for installation of the blade of Fig. 2A.

[0020] Fig. 2F is an enlarged view of the removal of a threaded peg from a threaded hardpoint and replacement of the peg with a threaded plug.

[0021] Fig. 2G illustrates installation of the blade of Fig. 2A.

[0022] Fig. 3A is a view of a blade similar to Fig. 2A but incorporating an alternative embodiment of lifting hardpoints in the form of aerodynamic fins.

[0023] Figs. 3B and 3C are cross-sectional views along the length of the blade of Fig. 3A further illustrating the aerodynamic fins.

[0024] Fig. 3D illustrates use of the aerodynamic fins to position and secure the blade of Fig. 3A in a pair of cradles.

[0025] Figs. 3E-3G illustrate use of various attachments with the aerodynamic fins of the blade of Fig. 3A.

[0026] Fig. 3H illustrates use of the aerodynamic fins to rotate the blade of Fig. 3A about its longitudinal axis.

[0027] Fig. 3I illustrates use of the aerodynamic fins to secure the blade of Fig. 3A to a tractor-trailer.

[0028] Fig. 3J illustrates a lifting yoke with automatically opening and closing functionality for use with the aerodynamic fins of the blade of Fig. 3A.

[0029] Fig. 3K illustrates installation of the blade of Fig. 3A.

Detailed Description [0030] Referring first to Fig. 1, there is illustrated a wind turbine 10 comprising a tower 12, a nacelle 14, and a rotor assembly 16 comprising a hub 18 and a plurality of blades 20.

-4DK 2017 71039 A1 [0031] Referring to Fig. 2A, blade 20 is illustrated by way of example, outfitted with a plurality of internally threaded holes 22 at the blade surface that serve as mounting hardpoints. Certain ones of the internally threaded holes 22 have threaded eye bolts 24 threaded thereinto and others of the internally threaded holes 22 have threaded pegs 26 threaded thereinto. The eye bolts 24 or pegs 26 may be used for lifting, handling, and/or transport of the blade 20. For example, referring to Fig. 2B, vertically oriented eye bolts 24 may provide a lifting interface point to lifting lines 30. Horizontally oriented pegs 26 may provide a supporting interface point to transport frames or cradles 32. More particularly, each frame or cradle 32 can include a pair of support brackets 36 each of which receives one of the pegs 32.

[0032] Referring now to Fig. 2C, a blade 20 may be rotated about its longitudinal axis, while suspended via lines 42 attached to said eye bolts 24. In aspects, this may be carried out by utilizing snatch blocks 40 and pulley lines 42, such that the blade 20 can be easily rotated about its axis e.g. by applying a force component to pegs 26 or to eye bolts 24. In aspects, in the event that the blade 20 needs to be rotated about its longitudinal axis, eye bolts 24 and pegs 26 can be repositioned such that eye bolts 24 are e.g. horizontally oriented and pegs 26 are e.g. vertically oriented. By utilizing snatch blocks 40 and pulley lines 42, the blade 20 can be easily rotated about its axis by applying a force component to pegs 26 generally perpendicular to the pegs 26 so as to torque the blade 20 about its axis. Such forces can be applied by, for example, taglines (not shown).

[0033] Fig. 2D illustrates use of eye bolts 24 for lowering the blade 20 onto the trailer 44 of a tractor-trailer 46, and use of pegs 26 for supporting the blade 20 on support pillars or cradles 48 on the trailer 44 of the tractor-trailer 46. [0034] Figs. 2E and 2F illustrate preparation of the blade 20 for installation on the hub 18. Eye bolts 24 may be installed in the horizontally oriented internally threaded holes 22. At the same time, pegs 26 may be removed and threaded plugs 50 may be installed in their internally threaded holes 22. Plugs 50 can have an alien head 52 or slotted head or the like for rotary drive into hole 22.

[0035] Fig. 2G illustrates lifting of the blade 20 for installation on the hub 18 with snatch blocks 40 and two pairs of horizontally oriented eye bolts 24. Lifting can also be accomplished flatwise without the snatch blocks 40 and with only -5

DK 2017 71039 A1 two eye bolts 24 (two legged sling). Once the blade 20 is installed the eye bolts 24 are preferably removed and replaced with plugs 50.

[0036] Referring now to Fig. 3A-3C, there is illustrated an alternative embodiment of a mounting hardpoint at the surface of the blade 20. In this embodiment, the hardpoints take the form of aerodynamic fins or winglets permanently or immovably fixed to the surface of the blade 20. For example, blade 20 can have two pairs of horizontally oriented fins 60 spaced along the length of the blade 20 between the hub end of the blade 20 and the tip end of the blade 20. In Fig. 3A, there is illustrated a pair of lifting fins 62 on each surface of a blade 20, i.e. a pair of fins spaced apart on a suction side and a pair of fins spaced on a pressure side of said blade 20. Optionally, there may be additional fins, 62, e.g. four fins 62, spaced circumferentially around the blade 20 at the hub end of the blade 20. Each fin 60, 62 includes an aperture 64 therethrough for connection of a lifting line or tagline via appropriate hardware. Making the fins 60, 62 immovable or permanent allows the hardpoint to remain in place, saving time, and therefore costs, of transport, lifting, or servicing. For the avoidance of doubt, the lifting fins 62 at a hub end of a blade 20 are optional.

[0037] The lifting fins 60, 62 need to be strong enough to support the weight of the blade 20 at possibly two lifting points only. The fins 60, 62 can be fabricated of steel, titanium, or other lightweight high performance alloy. They may also be fabricated of a composite material. If fabricated of a metallic material, the lifting fins 60, 62 could be connected to the blade’s internal lightning shielding elements. In fact, the fin could be a lightning receptor, and part of the blade’s lightning protection arrangement.

[0038] Referring to Fig. 3D, the winglets 60, 62 can interface with transport equipment, for example cradles 32. This may be accomplished for example with brackets 36 at a lifting cradle 32 co-operating with a shaft 68, which may be inserted through aperture 64 of a lifting fin 60, 62. Optionally, the winglets 60, 62 can also interface directly with lifting equipment such as pulley lines 42. [0039] Figs. 3E-3G illustrate use of a lifting fin or winglet 60 and 62 with pulley lines 42 attached directly to a lifting fin aperture 64 and/or with a lifting strap 70 attached to a lifting fin aperture 64 via a shackle 72.

[0040] Fig. 3H illustrates rotation ofthe blade 20 about its longitudinal axis with the use of the aerodynamic fins 60 along the blade body. In the example -6DK 2017 71039 A1 shown, additional lifting fins 62 are provided at the hub end of a blade 20. The, hub end fins 62 may additionally be used during a rotation operation of a suspended blade 20. For example, a blade 20 may be suspended using snatch blocks 40 and pulley lines 42 acting on lifting fins 60 at a blade body, between the hub and tip. The blade 20 may be rotated about its longitudinal axis by applying a tangential force to said blade 20, preferably via said lifting fins 60. For example, taglines 74 may be attached to lifting fins 60 along the blade body. Alternatively, a rotational force may be applied to a blade 20 via additional lifting fins 62 at a blade hub end. This may be accomplished as illustrated in Fig. 3H, using taglines 74, which may be attached to lifting fins 62 at a blade hub end. In this respect, the method may be substantially identical to that shown in Fig. 2C described above.

[0041] Fig. 3I illustrates use of aerodynamic fins 60, 62 for lowering the blade 20 onto the trailer 44 of a tractor-trailer 46, and use of aerodynamic fins 60, 62 for supporting the blade 20 on support pillars or cradles 48 on the trailer 44 of the tractor-trailer 46, the method being substantially identical to that shown in Fig. 2D described above.

[0042] Referring now to Fig. 3J, an automatically opening and closing lifting yoke 80 for use with aerodynamic fins 60, 62 is illustrated. The opening and closing function of the yoke 80 can be performed remotely, for example from a helicopter from which the yoke 80 is suspended. One pair or two pairs of the automatically opening and closing lifting yokes 80 are used to connect to aerodynamic fins 62 on opposite sides of the blade 20. An upwardly directed vertical tagline 82 and a downwardly directed vertical tagline 84 are used in conjunction with the lifting yokes 80 to install the blade 20 on the hub 18. See Fig. 3K.

[0043] The various embodiments of the invention shown and described are merely for illustrative purposes only, as the drawings and the description are not intended to restrict or limit in any way the scope of the claims. Those skilled in the art will appreciate various changes, modifications, and improvements which can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope thereof. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details and representative apparatus and methods shown and described. The invention resides in each individual feature described herein, alone, and in all combinations of any and all of those features. Departures may therefore be

-7 DK 2017 71039 A1 made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. Accordingly, the scope of the invention shall be limited only by the following claims and their equivalents.

-8DK 2017 71039 A1

Claims (18)

1. Claims

   1. A method of handling a wind turbine blade comprising:

   providing a plurality of internally threaded holes at the surface of the blade to serve as mounting hardpoints, installing a plurality of threaded eye bolts in some of the holes so as to be generally vertically oriented, installing a plurality of threaded pegs in others of the holes so as to be generally horizontally oriented, lifting the blade with lifting apparatus connected to the eye bolts, and supporting the blade by resting the pegs on support structure.
2. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the support structure is a cradle.
3. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the eye bolts and pegs are replaced with threaded plugs after the blade is mounted on a hub of a wind turbine.
4. 4. A method of handling a wind turbine blade comprising:

   providing a plurality of internally threaded holes at the surface of the blade to serve as mounting hardpoints, installing two pairs of threaded eye bolts in some of the holes so as to be generally horizontally oriented, the eye bolts of each pair being on opposite sides of the blade, installing a plurality of threaded pegs in others of the holes so as to be generally vertically oriented, supporting the blade with lifting apparatus connected to the eye bolts, the lifting apparatus comprising a first pulley line connected to the eye bolts of the first pair of eye bolts and passing over a first snatch block and a second pulley line connected to the eye bolts of the second pair of eye bolts and passing over a second snatch block, and applying a force component to the pegs generally perpendicular to the pegs to rotate the blade about its longitudinal axis.

   -9DK 2017 71039 A1
5. 5. The method of claim 4 wherein the force component is applied with taglines.
6. 6. The method of claim 4 wherein the eye bolts and pegs are replaced with threaded plugs after the blade is mounted on a hub of a wind turbine.
7. 7. A wind turbine blade comprising:

   an elongated blade body, two pairs of aerodynamic fins permanently mounted to the blade body, the pairs of fins being spaced from one another and spaced along the length of the blade body, the fins of each pair being on opposite sides of the blade body, and a lifting aperture through each of the fins.
8. 8. The wind turbine blade of claim 7, said blade further including a pair of aerodynamic fins permanently mounted to the blade body at a hub end of the blade body, said fins preferably being evenly spaced about the circumference of the blade body at the hub end.
9. 9. The wind turbine blade of claim 7 wherein the fins are fabricated from a material selected from a group consisting of steel, titanium, lightweight high performance alloys, and composites.
10. 10. The wind turbine blade of claim 7 wherein the fins are connected to internal lightning shielding elements of the blade.
11. 11. The wind turbine blade of claim 7 wherein the fins are lightning receptors and a part of a lightning protection arrangement of the blade.
12. 12. A method of handling a wind turbine blade comprising:

    providing an elongated blade body, permanently mounting aerodynamic fins to the blade body, the fins being spaced from one another and spaced along the length of the blade body, providing an aperture through each of the fins, lifting the blade body with lifting apparatus connected to the fins spaced along the length of the blade body.

    -10DK 2017 71039 A1
13. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein a pair of aerodynamic fins is permanently mounted to the blade body at a hub end of the blade body,
14. 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the support structure is a cradle.
15. 15. The method of claim 12 further including the step of installing shafts in the apertures of the fins which are in turn supported on the support structure.
16. 16. The method of claim 12 further comprising the steps of:

    supporting the blade body with lifting apparatus connected to said fins spaced along the length of the blade body, the lifting apparatus comprising a first pulley line connected to the fins of a first pair of fins and passing over a first snatch block and a second pulley line connected to the fins of a second pair of fins and passing over a second snatch block, and applying a force component to one or more said fins, generally tangential to the blade body, to rotate the blade body about its longitudinal axis.
17. 17. The method of claim 16 wherein the force component is applied to said blade body, via one or more said fins, with taglines.
18. 18. The method of claim 12 wherein the lifting apparatus includes a remote controlled lifting yoke for each fin, said lifting yoke being configured to automatically engage with and disengage from a respective one of the fins.

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