GB2541643A

GB2541643A - A Connector For Releasably Attaching A Wind Turbine To A Crane

Info

Publication number: GB2541643A
Application number: GB1513327.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hayes Darren; Grehan Patrick
Original assignee: D A Renewable Energy Tech Ltd
Current assignee: D A Renewable Energy Tech Ltd
Priority date: 2015-07-29
Filing date: 2015-07-29
Publication date: 2017-03-01
Also published as: WO2017017213A1; GB201520001D0; GB2561694B; GB2561694A; GB201803307D0; GB201513327D0

Abstract

A connector, for releasably attaching a wind turbine 6 to the arm 8 of a crane, comprising a first section for engaging with the end of the crane, a second section connected to the first section and being configured for connecting to and providing a support for the wind turbine so that the crane arm may act as a support tower for the wind turbine. Preferably the first section comprises multiple walls defining an opening to allow it to be slid over the end of the crane arm. The connector may have locking features. The system employs the crane as a support tower for a wind turbine, thus a wind turbine may be used to generate power on the vessel without a dedicated support tower or structure.

Description

A Connector For Releasably Attaching A Wind Turbine To A Crane

Field

The present application relates to wind turbines and provides a connector to allow a wind turbine to employed on a crane.

Background

Commercial marine working vessels, such as tugs, have periods of use where they are tied up in port or at anchor. These periods may arise during times of poor weather when the vessel cannot operate for safety reasons and are commonly referred to as ‘downtime’.

During downtime or any other time the vessel is tied up, the vessels generators are generally still operational to provide power to the vessels electrical systems. This incurs a significant cost in fuel and also generates noise and pollution.

Whilst it is known to employ small wind turbines on smaller boats such as sailing or motor yachts, their size and scale make them entirely unsuitable for use on larger vessels, where the power requirements are significantly higher.

As a result, the small versions of wind turbines which are intended for mounting to a rail or other structure would not be sufficient to meet power requirements of a working vessel. Several smaller wind turbines could be mounted but this would be impractical and inefficient.

Conceivably larger turbines could be mounted on a more substantial structure on the vessel, for example a tower provided on the roof of a pilot house, e.g. as might currently be employed for mounting radio antennas, radar or other electronics equipment.

However, mounting a wind turbine with sufficient capacity to meet the power requirements of a working vessel would present structural stabilities in providing a sufficiently strong support and stability issues for the vessel when at sea because of their weight and position high up on a vessel.

The present application is directed at providing a solution to these problems.

Summatv

The present application provides a system for use on a vessel having a crane. The system employs the crane as a support tower for a wind turbine. Thus a wind turbine may be used to generate power on the vessel without a dedicated support tower or structure.

Accordingly a first aspect provides a connector for releasably attaching a wind turbine to the arm of a crane. The connector comprises a first section for engaging with the end of the crane arm and a second section connected to the first section and being configured for connecting to and providing a support for the wind turbine. Using this connector the crane arm may act as a support tower for the wind turbine when in use.

The first section suitably comprises a plurality of walls defining an opening, where the opening is dimensioned to permit the first section to be slid over the end of the crane arm.

In one arrangement, one of the walls has a slot defined therein for accommodating a loading hook of the crane, removing the necessity to remove the hook of the crane before sliding on the connector. To match with the shape of the crane arm, the opening may be generally rectangular in shape. It will be appreciated that the opening will be dimensioned according to the particular crane arm it is to be employed with. Thus, the width of the rectangular opening may be in the range of 75 mm to 500mm with the length in the range of range of 100mm to 600mm.

At least one locking feature may be provided to allow the connector to be locked onto the crane arm. The locking feature may be movable from a first position where the locking feature is aiding in the retention of the crane arm within the first section and a second position where crane arm is free to move with respect to the first section. To ensure a tight connection, a plurality of locking features may be provided.

Where there are a plurality of locking features, a first set of the locking features are arranged in opposing walls of the end section so that the crane arm is restrained between the opposing locking features when the locking features are in their respective first positions.

The second section suitably comprises a post for engaging with a corresponding socket on a main body of the wind turbine. The post is suitably generally cylindrical in nature to allow rotation relative to the socket. A yaw limiter may be provided to limit the yaw of the turbine relative to the crane arm/connector

In one implementation, the yaw limiter comprises at least one spline arranged on the cylindrical post for engaging with a corresponding feature on the socket of the wind turbine.

Suitably, the connector is integrally formed with a wind turbine.

The wind turbine comprising the connector described suitably further comprises a rotor having a plurality of blades, a main body with a generator housed within the main body and driven by the rotor.

It will be appreciated that different types of wind turbine may be employed including both horizontally and vertically aligned wind turbines.

Where the wind turbine is a horizontally aligned wind turbine, the turbine may have a tailfin attached to the main body for maintaining the rotor direction into the wind.

To allow rotation with the wind, the main housing is suitably free to rotate with respect to the second section of the connector.

To avoid the requirement for a gear box, the generator is desirably driven directly by the rotor. To facilitate this the generator is a permanent magnet alternator.

To facilitate storage on the vessel, each of the plurality of blades may be removably attachable to the rotor. To perform this quickly, the rotor may comprise a rotor body having a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections are rotatable with respect to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration an opening is defined by said first and second sections allowing the end of a rotor blade to be inserted into or removed from the opening and in the second configuration the end of the rotor blade is held within the rotor body.

In a second aspect, a wind turbine is provided which is portable and may be stored relatively conveniently. In this second aspect, a wind turbine comprising a main body, a rotor and a plurality of blades is provided. The rotor comprises a main body having a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections are rotatable with respect to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration an opening is defined by said first and second sections allowing the end of a rotor blade to be inserted into or removed from the opening and in the second configuration the end of the rotor blade is held within the rotor body.

Suitably, the first section comprises a wall having a first opening defined therein and the second section comprises a wall having a second opening defined therein, wherein in the first configuration the first and second openings are aligned to define a larger opening and in the second configuration the first and second openings are not aligned. Each blade suitably comprises a blade end for engaging with and connecting to the rotor.

Each blade end has a locking section and a connecting section, with the connecting section provided between the locking section and an aerofoil section of the blade, wherein the locking section is larger in profile than the connecting section along the longitudinal axis of the blade. The blade end may be generally L shaped.

In a third aspect, a method of operating a wind turbine having a plurality of blades using an articulating knuckle boom crane is provided. An articulating knuckle boom crane comprises a boom supported from a base on a supporting structure. The method comprises the steps of: connecting the wind turbine to the end of the boom; providing an electrical connection from the wind turbine to the supporting structure; raising the boom of the crane up relative to the base to a position where the plurality of blades are free to rotate; allowing the blades to rotate to produce electricity which is provided through the electrical connection. Allowing the blades to rotate may comprise the step of releasing a brake on the wind turbine.

In a fourth aspect, the application provides the use of an articulating knuckle boom crane as a support tower for a wind turbine generating electricity.

Drawings

The present application will now be described in the context of the exemplary accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is representation of a working vessel with a wind turbine mounted on the crane of the working vessel;

Figure 2 is a side view of a connector provided on the end of a crane arm;

Figure 3 is a profile view of the connector provided on the end of the crane arm of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the connector provided on the end of the crane arm of Figure 2;

Figures 5-5B are views of the connector of Figure 2;

Figure 6 is a section of a main body of a wind turbine with a socket for engaging with the connector of Figure 5;

Figure 7 is a further view of the section of main body Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a base part of a rotor;

Figure 9 is a nose cone for a rotor;

Figure 10 illustrates different views and configurations of the base and nose cone of Figures 8 and 9;

Figure 11 is an exploded view of a turbine, connector and crane arm;

Figure 12 is a perspective view of a turbine, connector and crane arm;

Figure 13 is a view of a blade for use with a turbine having a rotor of the type shown in Figure 10; and

Figure 14 is a side view of a rotor engaging section of the blade of Figure 13.

Detailed Description

The present application solves the problems of the prior art by providing a portable wind turbine which has a connector configured to be mounted on the end of an arm of a vessel’s crane. During downtime, the wind turbine may be connected to the crane arm using the connector and the crane arm lifted so as to raise the wind turbine up above the surrounding deck structures. Once raised into position, the crane acts as a support for the wind turbine allowing electrical power to be produced from the wind turbine.

As the wind turbine is lifted into and maintained in the wind stream using the existing lift mechanism of the crane and harnesses the power of the available wind, there is a resulting saving in operating costs, emissions and noise. At the same time, the turbine may be readily brought back down to the deck of the vessel, removed from the crane and stored when a vessel is going to sea thus ensuring the stability of the vessel is not adversely affected.

The arrangement will now be described in greater detail with reference to an exemplary implementation, various aspects of which are shown in the accompanying drawings.

Accordingly, as shown in Figure 1, a wind turbine 6 is shown in a deployed configuration where it has been lifted into place in the air flow (wind) by a crane 4 on a working vessel 2. Having been lifted into place, the arm 8 of the crane acts as the support tower for the wind turbine allowing it to produce electrical power. A connector 10 removably connects the body (nacelle) 12 of the wind turbine to the crane arm 8. An electrical cable (not shown) provides a connection between the generator of the wind turbine and the vessel’s electrical systems.

Whilst, any suitable crane may be employed, the advantage of the present approach is that working vessels generally always have a loader crane on board. By using the loader crane already present, there is no need to alter the vessel in any way, which for example, might require re-certification or other cost. Additionally, the cost of any support structure is eliminated.

The most common type of crane employed on working vessels is that of the articulating knuckle boom crane, because of its versatility and compact size. These types of crane are commonly referred to as HIAB cranes (referring to the abbreviation of the Swedish company Hydrauliska Industri AB) synonymous with their development. In the context of the present application, the crane acts normally as a crane and when not in use as a crane may be employed as a support tower for the wind turbine.

The idea of using an existing lifting mechanism (crane) on the vessel to hold the turbine in means that a wind turbine may conveniently be raised sufficiently high to produce electricity when required. At the same time, it may be taken down and stored when not in use ensuring that the vessels stability or general working is not affected. A detailed implementation of an exemplary arrangement will now be described commencing with a description of a connector for releasably attaching the wind turbine to the end of the boom of a crane, as shown in Figures 2 to 5B.

The connector 10 comprises two sections 22, 24. A first section 24 engages with the end of the crane arm 8. The first section is shaped to generally co-operate in shape with the end profile of the crane arm 8. The first section comprises a plurality of walls 25a-d. The walls combine to define an opening at one end for receiving the end of the crane arm 8. The opening provides a space between the walls for retaining the end of the crane arm. The space may be closed at the opposite end to the opening by a base plate which is connected to the walls. It will be appreciated that the arms of conventional articulating boom cranes have a generally rectangular profile. Accordingly, the opening defined by the walls of the first section provide a corresponding generally rectangular profile. The dimensions of the opening in the first section are selected with respect to the dimensions of the crane arm. More particularly, the dimensions are selected to be greater than those of the crane arm to allow the opening of the first section to be placed around the end of the crane arm and then slid along it. To ensure the first section remains attached to the crane arm, one or more fixing features may be provided which engage with the crane arm and lock the first section in place. For the purposes of most loader cranes employed on working vessels, the dimensions may be taken to be generally in the range of 75 mm to 500mm for the width of the opening (between walls 25a and 25b) and generally in the range of 100mm to 600mm length of the opening (between walls 25c and 25d).

Most loader cranes are provided with a loading hook 20 at the end of the crane arm.

It will be appreciated that the hook is generally provided on a swivel at the bottom side of the crane arm. To facilitate the placement of the connector onto the end of the crane arm, without the necessity of removing the loading hook, a slit may be defined in the corresponding bottom wall 25d of the first section. The slit is dimensioned to allow the first section to be slid along the crane arm past the crane hook.

Fixing features may be provided to ensure a firm connection between the first section and the end of the crane arm. As the connector is intended to be mounted on and removed from the crane arm regularly, the fixing features are selected to provide for speed of assembly and disassembly.

The fixing features 30 are configured to ensure a rigid connection between the crane arm and the first section. At the same time, they are adjustable to allow the first section to be slid onto the end of the crane. In the exemplary arrangement shown, each fixing feature is movable from a first position where the fixing feature is aiding in the retention of the crane arm within the first section and a second position where crane arm is free to move with respect to the first section.

The fixing features may be any suitable features which co-operate to fix or lock the first section in place on the end of the crane arm. In the exemplary arrangement, each fixing feature comprises an end surface for engaging with a corresponding surface of the crane arm. The end surface is suitably configured to grip the crane arm surface. Accordingly, the end surface may comprise a material which presents a high degree of friction with the typically metal surface of the crane arm. Thus the material may be a resilient material such as rubber. The resilient material may be supported by a rigid base, which may for example be metal. Alternative methods for gripping may include for example using suction.

The end surface is attached to a longitudinal support member which extends to and connects the end surface to a wall of the first section. The longitudinal support member may be moved to allow the end surface to engage with or retract from the crane arm. In one arrangement, the longitudinal members are threaded and engage with a corresponding threaded hole in a wall of the first section. In this arrangement, the longitudinal support members may be retracted or extended by turning the longitudinal support member relative to the support wall. To facilitate this, a handle or tool engaging feature 32 may be provided on the opposite end of the longitudinal members to the engaging end surface. Suitably, for example the tool engaging feature may be in the shape of a nut allowing a spanners or similar device to be employed to fix the first section in place on the crane arm. A second section 22 of the connector extends from the base plate of the first section in a direction in line with and away from the opening of the first section. The second section provides a feature which engages with and acts as a support for the main body of the wind turbine. A corresponding feature is provided on the main body of the wind turbine which cooperates with and is mounted with the second section. The second section of the connector is shaped to engage with a corresponding feature on the body of the wind turbine. Thus for example, the second section could comprise a plate or similar structure having openings defined therein allowing bolts or other fastening features to engage with corresponding nuts on the body of the wind turbine.

In the exemplary arrangement shown the second section is selected to allow for ease of assembly. The exemplary second section comprises a post which is intended to slideably engage with a co-operating socket 50 on the wind turbine body 12 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. It will be appreciated that the use of cylindrical post is employed frequently on wind turbines of the power generation capacity that would be required for a working vessel. In the exemplary arrangement shown, the generally cylindrical post extends from the first section in a direction generally in line with the longitudinal axis of the crane arm when fixed to the first section.

In a preferred embodiment, the connector is integrally formed with the wind turbine body. In this configuration, the second section engages with the socket allowing the turbine body to rotate about the second section. In this configuration, a flange or plate may be provided on the top of the second section so as to retain the second section within the socket 50. A yaw limiter may be provided to prevent the electrical cable or cables for the turbine inadvertently wrapping around the crane arm or to prevent the turbine blades hitting the crane arm whilst rotating. The yaw limiter acts to limit the yaw of the turbine body relative to the crane arm or mount 10.

In one implementation, the yaw limiter comprises a spline 28 provided on the cylindrical wall of the post. A corresponding feature, for example a spline 52, on the socket 50 co-operate with the spline 28 allows rotation of the wind turbine body with respect to the post within a certain range. The law limiter suitably limits the rotation of the turbine with respect to crane arm to 270°.

During deployment, the crane arm may be lowered to the deck of the vessel or other working surface (e.g. a jetty or pier). The first section of the connector may then be slid over the end of the crane arm until the crane arm makes contact with the base plate.

Alternatively, the connector may be placed in a suitable position and the crane arm articulated to extend into the opening of the first section. Once the connector has been placed in situ, the connector may be fixed to the crane arm. To fix the connector to the crane arm, the fixing features previously described are moved from their respective first positions where they are retracted from a surface of the crane arm to a second position where they engage with and grip the surface of the crane arm. In the exemplary arrangement, a fixing feature is provided in the top wall which is opposite the bottom wall having the slit. Each of the two side walls have two fixing features each, which are arranged in opposition.

It will be appreciated, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, that the components of the wind turbine will generally be as found in a conventional wind turbine. Accordingly, the turbine may comprise a series of rotor blades 70 (aerofoils) connected to a rotor body 72 having a rotor nose 74. An associated drive shaft is driven by the rotor body.

In some arrangements, a gear box is provided for converting the relatively low speed of the drive shaft rotation to a higher speed. A generator may then be driven by the gear box for generating electricity. Equally, as described previously the turbine may comprise a brake for locking the drive shaft (and thus the blades) either directly or through the gear box. It will be appreciated that in the present application, where the wind turbine may be taken down and put up on a daily basis, it is important that weight is minimised. Accordingly, the preferred implementation does away with a gear box and instead the generator 78 is driven directly from the rotor drive shaft, in a configuration referred to as direct drive. In this direct drive configuration, a permanent magnet alternator may be used as the generator. An exemplary generator suitable for this purpose is the frameless STK range from AIxion, of Colombes France. A suitable model is the 400STK. This is driven directly by the drive shaft of the rotor. This arrangement is described in greater detail below. An end plate 80 suitably provides bearings to allow the mounting of the drive shaft within the generator 78. A tailfin section 82 is provided extending from the main body of the wind turbine in a direction away from the rotor at the end of which is provided the tailfin 84. The tailfin acts as a wind vane forcing the turbine to face into the wind. Less desirably, the direction may actively be controlled by means of a yaw drive as this would add considerable, weight complexity and cost. Suitably the wind turbine has a controller for controlling the various elements of the turbine and ensuring that the turbine produces power and acts within limits.

In particular, it is advantageous that the brake of the wind turbine be remotely controlled. In this way, the brake may be applied whilst the turbine and blades are being assembled and fixed to the connector and the crane arm. Once the wind turbine has been connected to the crane arm and the crane arm lifted into free air, the brake may be released and the blades of the wind turbine allowed to turn.

In a preferred arrangement, the brake’s default state is on, i.e. the brake is set to prevent rotation. The brake is required to be released before the turbine blades can rotate. In this arrangement, the brake may be released when the turbine has been raised into position by the crane. Additional safety features may be provided which might not normally be found in a wind turbine. For example, one or more inclinometers may be provided to measure the angle of the wind turbine with respect to the earth’s surface. The control system may activate the break if for some reason the wind turbine is no longer generally level, for example if the crane arm is advertently moved. Similarly an accelerometer may be provided within the wind turbine for detecting excessive motion, for example, due to waves causing the vessel to rock. Again the control system may be responsive to accelerometer and cause the brake to be applied. Similarly, if the turbine is detected to be rotating too fast, e.g. in high winds, the control system may cause the brake to be applied.

The control system may also be configured to sound an alarm in the pilot house of the vessel whenever a fault or other condition arises as described above in the context of over speed, and the inclinometers and accelerometers.

An advantage of using wind turbines in a marine environment is that there is already generally an energy storage system in place in the form of a battery bank meaning that there is no general need for additional storage capacity. As a result, the power from the wind turbine may simply be used to charge the battery bank through a suitable charging circuit. Whilst AC mains voltages are commonly available on board, they are typically provided using an electronic inverter which in turn powered by the batteries. It will be appreciated that this approach means that it fits neatly with the conventional approach of using a diesel generator to charge the batteries. Indeed, in the event of the batteries running low and there being insufficient wind for the wind turbine, the conventional diesel generator may be employed to produce power. In the case of a AC generator, the charging circuitry may be a switched mode type power supply for converting the generated AC voltage to a DC charging voltage. Monitoring circuitry may be provided to ensure that the wind turbine is providing sufficient power to the batteries or to prevent over charging. In the case of over-charging, the monitoring circuit may cause excess power to be dumped in a resistor dump. The resistor dump may for example comprise a heating element in a water storage unit of the vessel.

An electrical cable is suitably provided from the wind turbine to the vessel deck. The electrical cable may have a connector at the end for mating with a corresponding connector on the vessel deck. The electrical cable provides power from the wind turbine and allows for control signals (e.g. for activating/deactivating the brake). The connectors are suitably of the type used in marine environments.

Clips may be mounted on the crane arm to allow the electrical cable to be clipped on to the crane arm to prevent movement in the wind.

It will be appreciated that whilst the use of a crane to act as a support for a wind turbine to generate power overcomes a significant amount of the problems of the prior art, storage space on board a working vessel can be limited. At the same time, the nature of the marine environment is such that even where space is available that parts of the wind turbine may be prone to damage from movement when stored.

The present application also addresses this problem by providing a wind turbine which may be dis-assembled in a convenient manner for storage when going to sea. This also has the added advantage of improving the handling ability since the weight of any one piece of the dis-assembled turbine is considerably less than that of the overall weight.

Thus in a first aspect of this wind turbine allows for the individual blades to be detachable allowing them to be easily removed from or attached to the wind turbine. Whilst, it is known generally to provide for detachable blades, the methods employed are cumbersome and intended for applications where the blades are to be replaced for example after a number of years of use. These methods include the use of a flanged root bolted to the rotor nose by means of multiple bolts that required specific levels of torque. Whilst, this is acceptable in a situation where the turbine blades are infrequently attached or removed, it will be appreciated that in the context of a working vessel, the blades may need to be attached or removed on a daily basis.

Accordingly, the present application provides an arrangement which facilitates rapid assembly and disassembly as will now be explained. Each blade 70, as shown in Figure 13, comprises an aerofoil shaped section 94 which is shaped to react to the wind. At one end of each blade is the aerofoil tip 92 and at the other is the rotor engaging section 80 which is fixable to the rotor body 72. More specifically, the rotor engaging section 80 is shaped to be positionable within a corresponding opening 100 formed within the rotor body. The rotor body is arranged such that the corresponding openings provided are adjustable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the openings are dimensioned to allow the insertion of the rotor section. Once the rotor section is positioned in the rotor body, the rotor body is manipulated to the second configuration in which the rotor section is prevented from being removed. More particularly, the size of the opening in the second configuration is smaller than that of the first configuration. As shown, in figures 8 to 10, each of the three openings 100 for each of the three blades is provided in part by a opening 100a in the base of the rotor body with a second part 100b of the opening provided by corresponding openings 100b provided in the rotor nose. By rotating, the nose 74 with respect to the rotor base 72, the openings may be caused to be aligned (i.e. first (open) configuration/position) or not aligned (i.e. second (closed) configuration/position)

In the exemplary arrangement shown, the rotor section 80 comprises a longitudinal member 110 generally having a section 112 extending transverse thereto at the end, thus defining a generally L shaped rotor section. In turn, the rotor body comprises a head 74 (or nose cone) shown in Figure 9 and a base 72 shown in figure 8 which as described above are rotatable with respect to one and other as illustrated in Figure 10. Each of the head and base has a respective opening 100a, 100b defined in their outer walls for receiving the end of each rotor section. In the first configuration, the openings of the head and base are aligned allowing for the L shaped end of the rotor section to pass there through. In the second configuration, the openings of the head and base are not aligned and the rotor end is held within the rotor body. A locking feature, such as a pin or bolt, may be provided for locking the rotor head in the second configuration with respect to the rotor base. In one arrangement, the rotor head is rotatable with respect to the rotor base. In one specific implementation, the head is rotatable by an angle of 60° between the first and second configurations. It will be appreciated that different angles may be employed for the openings associated with each blade. Thus at a first angle (head relative to body), a first opening in the head may align with a first opening in the base permitting the insertion of the end of a first blade. At a second angle, a second opening in the head may align with a second opening in the base permitting the insertion of the end of a second blade. Similarly, at a third angle a third opening in the head may align with a third opening in the base permitting the insertion of the end of a third blade. Using this approach, it allows for the insertion and retention of successive blades. It will be appreciated that there will be a final angle, where none of the respective openings align and the blade ends are retained in the rotor body.

The blades are suitably selected to be light and stiff. Thus for example, the aerofoils of each blades may be manufactured from a composite material such as glass or carbon fibre reinforced plastic. The rotor engaging section of each blade may also be made from these materials or may be formed using an alternative material such as aluminium, which extends into the composite material.

Whilst the present application is explained with respect to and illustrated in the context of a horizontal aligned wind turbine, it will be appreciated that it may also be employed with a vertical aligned wind turbine.

Similarly, whilst the application has been described in the context of working vessels, it will be appreciated that the technique is not so restricted and may be employed generally with any articulating knuckle boom crane.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, Furthermore, the terms “a” or “an,” as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as “at least one” and “one or more” in the claims should not be construed to imply that the introduction of another claim element by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an." The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as “first” and “second” are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

Claims:

1. A connector for releasably attaching a wind turbine to the arm of a crane, the connector comprising: a first section for engaging with the end of the crane arm; a second section connected to the first section and being configured for connecting to and providing a support for the wind turbine so that the crane arm may act as a support tower for the wind turbine when in use .

2. A connector according to claim 1, wherein the first section comprises a plurality of walls defining an opening, where the opening is dimensioned to permit the first section to be slid over the end of the crane arm.

3. A connector according to claim 2, wherein one of the walls has a slot defined therein for accommodating a loading hook of the crane.

4. A connector according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the opening is generally rectangular in shape.

5. A connector according to claim 4, wherein the width of the rectangular opening is in the range of 75 mm to 500mm.

6. A connector according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the length of the rectangular opening is in the range of range of 100mm to 600mm.

7. A connector according to any preceding claim, further comprising at least one locking feature, the locking feature being movable from a first position where the locking feature is aiding in the retention of the crane arm within the first section and a second position where crane arm is free to move with respect to the first section.

8. A connector according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of locking features are provided.

9. A connector according to claim 6, wherein a first set of the locking features are arranged in opposing walls of the end section so that the crane arm is restrained between the opposing locking features when the locking features are in their respective first positions.

10. A connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the second section comprises a post for engaging with a corresponding socket on a main body of the wind turbine.

11. A connector according to claim 10, wherein the post is a generally cylindrical post.

12. A connector according to claim 11, further comprising at least one spline arranged on the cylindrical post for engaging with a corresponding feature on the socket of the wind turbine to limit yaw.

13. A wind turbine comprising the connector of any preceding claim and further comprising a rotor having a plurality of blades, a main body, a generator housed within the main body and driven by the rotor.

14. A wind turbine according to claim 13, wherein the wind turbine is a horizontally aligned wind turbine.

15. A wind turbine according to claim 14, further comprising a fin attached to the main body for maintaining the rotor direction into the wind.

16. A wind turbine according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the main housing is free to rotate with respect to the second section of the connector.

17. A wind turbine according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the generator is driven directly by the rotor.

18. A wind turbine according to any one of claim 13 to 17, wherein the generator is a permanent magnet alternator.

19. A wind turbine according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of blades are removably attached to the rotor.

20. A wind turbine according to claim 19, wherein the rotor comprises a rotor body having a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections are rotatable with respect to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration an opening is defined by said first and second sections allowing the end of a rotor blade to be inserted into or removed from the opening and in the second configuration the end of the rotor blade is held within the rotor body.

21. A wind turbine comprising a main body, a rotor and a plurality of blades, wherein the rotor comprises a main body having a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections are rotatable with respect to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration an opening is defined by said first and second sections allowing the end of a rotor blade to be inserted into or removed from the opening and in the second configuration the end of the rotor blade is held within the rotor body.

22. A wind turbine according to claim 21, wherein the first section comprises a wall having a first opening defined therein and the second section comprises a wall having a second opening defined therein, wherein in the first configuration the first and second openings are aligned to define a larger opening and in the second configuration the first and second openings are not aligned.

23. A wind turbine according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein at least one of plurality of blades comprises a blade end for engaging with and connecting to the rotor.

24. A wind turbine according to claim 23, wherein the blade end has a locking section and a connecting section, with the connecting section provided between the locking section and an aerofoil section of the blade, wherein the locking section is larger in profile than the connecting section along the longitudinal axis of the blade.

25. A wind turbine according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the blade end is generally L shaped.

26. A method of operating a wind turbine having a plurality of blades using an articulating knuckle boom crane, the crane comprising a boom supported from a base on a supporting structure, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the wind turbine to the end of the boom; providing an electrical connection from the wind turbine to the supporting structure; raising the boom of the crane up relative to the base to a position where the plurality of blades are free to rotate; allowing the blades to rotate to produce electricity which is provided through the electrical connection.

27. A method of operating a wind turbine according to claim 26, wherein the step of allowing the blades to rotate comprises releasing a brake on the wind turbine.

28. The use of an articulating knuckle boom crane as a support tower for a wind turbine generating electricity.

29. A connector substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

30. A wind turbine substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

31. A method of use of a wind turbine substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

32. A method of use of an articulating knuckle boom crane substantially as described herein with reference to and/or as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows: Claims:

1. A vessel comprising: a knuckle boom articulating crane having an arm and a loading hook, a wind turbine having a connector for releasably attaching the wind turbine to the arm of the crane, the connector comprising: a first section for engaging with the end of the crane arm; a second section connected to the first section and being configured for connecting to and providing a support for the wind turbine so that the crane arm may act as a support tower for the wind turbine on the vessel when the wind turbine is in use.

2. A vessel according to claim 1, wherein the first section of the connector comprises a plurality of walls defining an opening, where the opening is dimensioned to permit the first section to be slid over the end of the crane arm,

3. A vessel according to claim 2, wherein one of the walls of the connector has a slot defined therein for accommodating a loading hook of the crane.

4. A vessel according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the opening of the connector is generally rectangular in shape.

5. A vessel according to claim 4, wherein the width of the rectangular opening of the connector is in the range of 75 mm to 500mm.

6. A vessel according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the length of the rectangular opening of the connector is in the range of 100mm to 600mm.

7. A vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the connector further comprising at least one locking feature, the locking feature being movable from a first position where the locking feature is aiding in the retention of the crane arm within the first section and a second position where crane arm is free to move with respect to the first section.

8. A vessel according to claim 5, wherein a plurality of locking features are provided on the connector.

9. A vessel according to claim 6, wherein a first set of the locking features on the connector are arranged in opposing walls of the end section so that the crane arm is restrained between the opposing locking features when the locking features are in their respective first positions.

10. A vessel according to any preceding claim, wherein the second section of the connector comprises a post for engaging with a corresponding socket on a main body of the wind turbine.

11. A vessel according to claim 10, wherein the post of the second section of the connector is a generally cylindrical post.

12. A vessel according to claim 11, the connector further comprising at least one spline arranged on the cylindrical post for engaging with a corresponding feature on the socket of the wind turbine to limit yaw.

13. A vessel according to any preceding claim wherein the wind turbine comprises a rotor having a plurality of blades, a main body, a generator housed within the main body and driven by the rotor.

14. A vessel according to claim 13, wherein the wind turbine is a horizontally aligned wind turbine.

15. A vessel according to claim 14, wherein the wind turbine further comprises a fin attached to the main body for maintaining the rotor direction into the wind.

16. A vessel according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the main housing of the wind turbine is free to rotate with respect to the second section of the connector.

17. A vessel according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the generator of the wind turbine is driven directly by the rotor.

18. A vessel according to any one of claim 13 to 17, wherein the generator of the wind turbine is a permanent magnet alternator.

19. A vessel according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein each of the plurality of blades of the wind turbine are removably attached to the rotor.

20. A vessel according to claim 19, wherein the rotor of the wind turbine comprises a rotor body having a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections are rotatable with respect to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration an opening is defined by said first and second sections allowing the end of a rotor blade to be inserted into or removed from the opening and in the second configuration the end of the rotor blade is held within the rotor body.

21. A vessel according to claim 1, wherein the wind turbine comprises a main body, a rotor and a plurality of blades, wherein the rotor comprises a main body having a first section and a second section, wherein the first and second sections are rotatable with respect to one another between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration an opening is defined by said first and second sections allowing the end of a rotor blade to be inserted into or removed from the opening and in the second configuration the end of the rotor blade is held within the rotor body.

22. A vessel according to claim 21, wherein the first section of the main body of the wind turbine comprises a wall having a first opening defined therein and the second section comprises a wall having a second opening defined therein, wherein in the first configuration the first and second openings are aligned to define a larger opening and in the second configuration the first and second openings are not aligned.

23. A vessel according to any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein at least one of plurality of blades of the wind turbine comprises a blade end for engaging with and connecting to the rotor.

24. A vessel according to claim 23, wherein the blade end of at least one of plurality of blades of the wind turbine has a locking section and a connecting section, with the connecting section provided between the locking section and an aerofoil section of the blade, wherein the locking section is larger in profile than the connecting section along the longitudinal axis of the blade.

25. A vessel according to claim 23 or claim 24, wherein the blade end is generally L shaped.

26. A method of operating a wind turbine on a vessel, the wind turbine having a plurality of blades, the vessel having an articulating knuckle boom crane, the crane comprising a boom supported from a base on a supporting structure of the vessel, the method comprising the steps of: connecting the wind turbine to the end of the boom; providing an electrical connection from the wind turbine to the supporting structure; raising the boom of the crane up relative to the base to a position where the plurality of blades are free to rotate; allowing the blades to rotate to produce electricity which is provided through the electrical connection.