NO331392B1 - Method and apparatus for installing an offshore wind turbine device - Google Patents

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a method and device for installing an offshore wind turbine device.

Background

Several concepts and designs exist for offshore wind turbine devices. Basically, a wind turbine device comprises a tower device with a nacelle and rotor blades provided at a first end thereof, and a foundation provided at a second end thereof. Offshore wind turbine installations can have a floating foundation anchored to the seabed, or a foundation fixed to the seabed.

The installation of offshore wind turbine devices is a vulnerable operation until the foundation is anchored or fixed sufficiently to the seabed. A significant time window with good weather forecasts is often needed before the operation can begin.

DE 10332382 shows a vessel where an offshore wind turbine is transported in an inclined position and transferred to an offshore foundation in an inclined position. After mounting to the foundation, the wind turbine is turned to a vertical position.

GB 2434823 shows a vessel where an offshore wind turbine is transported and deployed in a standing position.

US 7112010, GB 2394498 and GB 2407114 show vessels for the deployment of offshore wind turbines where the wind turbine is transported in a horizontal position to the deployment site and where the wind turbine is turned to a vertical position in connection at the deployment site.

The purpose of the invention is to provide an efficient device and method for installing offshore wind turbine devices, so that a shorter time window is required. Furthermore, it is an aim that the method and device contribute to reduced exposure to weather conditions during installation. A further object is that the method and device allow the wind turbine device to be assembled at a land-based facility before transport to the installation site. Of course, the purpose is also to provide a method and device for dismantling and transporting similar structures from sea to land.

Summary of the invention

The above purpose is achieved by a device for installing an offshore wind turbine device, where the wind turbine device comprises a tower device with a nacelle and at least one rotor blade provided at a first end thereof, and a foundation provided at a second end thereof, where the device includes: - a vessel; - an outer frame rotatable in relation to the vessel between a substantially horizontal position for transporting the wind turbine device to the installation site, and a substantially vertical position for installing the wind turbine device at the installation site; - a coupling device for coupling the wind turbine device to the outer frame via longitudinal actuation devices;

wherein the coupling device comprises a first support member for providing the wind turbine device in a free-hanging configuration when the outer frame is in the substantially vertical position, and wherein the longitudinal actuation device is provided for lowering the wind turbine device towards the seabed when the wind turbine device is in the free-hanging configuration.

In one aspect, the coupling device comprises a cross beam slidably arranged relative to the outer frame by means of the longitudinal actuation device.

In one aspect, the first support member is connected to the cross beam.

In one aspect, the coupling device comprises a second support element for releasably coupling the wind turbine device in relation to the outer frame.

In one aspect, an inner frame is provided within the outer frame, the inner frame comprising a first support device for supporting the wind turbine device in the substantially horizontal position during transport to the installation site.

In one aspect, the inner frame includes a cross beam support device for supporting the cross beam relative to the inner frame.

In one aspect, the cross beam support device is configured to release the support of the cross beam in the substantially vertical position.

In one aspect, the inner frame is displaceable in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer frame.

In one aspect, the longitudinal actuator is rotatably mounted to the outer frame.

In one aspect, control means are provided to control the orientation of the wind turbine assembly in the cantilever configuration.

In one aspect, a locking device is provided to lock the inner frame to the outer frame.

The invention also relates to a method for installing an offshore wind turbine device, where the wind turbine device comprises a tower device with a nacelle and at least one rotor blade provided at a first end thereof, and a foundation provided at a second end thereof, where the method includes: - connection of the wind turbine assembly to an outer frame via a longitudinal actuation device, the outer frame being rotatable relative to a vessel; - transporting the wind turbine device to the installation site in a substantially horizontal position; - turning the outer frame to a substantially vertical position at the installation site; - providing the wind turbine device in a free-hanging configuration

via the longitudinal actuation device, when the outer frame is in the substantially vertical position; - lowering the wind turbine device towards the seabed by means of the longitudinal actuation device, when the wind turbine device is in the free-hanging configuration.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of providing the coupling device with a cross beam slidably arranged relative to the outer frame by means of the longitudinal actuation device.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of connecting the first support member to the cross beam.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of providing the coupling device with a second support element for releasably coupling the wind turbine device relative to the outer frame.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of providing an inner frame within the outer frame, the inner frame comprising a first support device for supporting the wind turbine device in the substantially horizontal position during transport to the installation site.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of providing the inner frame with a cross beam support device for supporting the cross beam relative to the inner frame.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of configuring the cross beam support device to release the support of the cross beam in the substantially vertical position.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of displacing the inner frame in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer frame.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of controlling the orientation of the wind turbine assembly in the free-hanging configuration.

In one aspect, the method comprises the step of locking the inner frame to the outer frame.

Detailed description

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, where: Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vessel; Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a first or outer frame; Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a second or inner frame; Fig. 4a and fig. 4b illustrates a perspective view of parts of a coupling device in respectively closed and open positions; Fig. 4c illustrates a perspective view of the coupling device from below; Fig. 5a illustrates a partial perspective view of the vessel, the inner frame and the outer frame assembled; Figures 5b and 5c illustrate an enlarged perspective view of the locking device for locking the inner frame to the outer frame, respectively in an open and closed position; Fig. 6a illustrates a partial top view of fig. 5a; Fig. 6b illustrates a partial front view of the embodiment in fig. 5a; Fig. 7a illustrates how the wind turbine assembly is supported on the inner frame of a land-based facility; Fig. 7b illustrates how the inner frame is drawn into the second frame of the vessel; Fig. 7c illustrates the transport to the installation site;

Fig. 7d illustrates a side view of the arrival at the installation site,

Fig. 7e and f illustrate respectively a side view and a perspective view of the rotation of the second frame in relation to the vessel;

Fig. 7g-7n illustrate additional steps of the installation procedure.

A first embodiment of a device 1 for installing an offshore wind turbine device 2 will now be described in detail.

First, reference is made to fig. 7a. Here it is shown that the offshore wind turbine device comprises a tower device 3 with a nacelle 4, and at least one rotor blade 5, provided at a first end thereof, and a foundation 6 provided at a second end thereof. The wind turbine device is considered known to a person skilled in the field, and will not be described here in detail. It should be noted that the present invention can be used for both floating wind turbine devices for anchoring to the seabed, and wind turbine devices for fixing to the seabed. The foundation 6 can typically be a jacket foundation, a single pile foundation, a three-legged foundation, a gravity foundation, etc.

The device 1 comprises a vessel 10. In the present invention, the vessel 10 is a barge intended to be towed to the installation site by means of a towing vessel 8 (see fig. 7c). Alternatively, the vessel 10 can be self-propelled by means of propulsion means, etc. In the present invention, the vessel 10 comprises a main hull structure 10a with a main deck, and two parallel projecting hull elements 10b, 10c, where a track 11 is provided between the two parallel projecting "catamaran-like" the hull elements 10b, 10c. The track 11 is provided for lowering the foundation 6 into the sea between the two parallel projecting hull elements 10b, 10c. Thus, the vessel 10 as shown in fig. 1 essentially U-shaped when viewed from above. In fig. 1 and 2 is a longitudinal direction indicated by the line X-X. The longitudinal direction is used in the description below to indicate the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine device 2, more specifically the tower device 3, when provided in a horizontal position on the device 1.

Reference is now made to fig. 2, where the first or outer frame 20 is illustrated. The outer frame 20 comprises a first outer frame element 20a, a second outer frame element 20b, and a third outer frame element 20c, where the second and third outer frame elements 20b, 20c are attached perpendicularly to the first outer frame element 20a, as shown in fig. 2. It should be noted that the width Wo of the outer frame 20 is smaller than the distance between the two hull elements 10b, 10c of the vessel.

The device 1 further comprises a turning system for turning the outer frame 20 in relation to the vessel 10.1 the present embodiment, the turning system comprises turning pins 12 provided on the vessel 10, and turning openings 21 provided on the second and third outer frame elements 20b, 20c, provided to receive the turning pins 12. Accordingly, the outer frame 20 can be rotated relative to the axis I-1 indicated in fig. 1 and 2, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X. The turning system further comprises a turning actuation device 25, fixed between the outer frame 20 and the vessel 10.1 the present invention, the turning actuation device 25 comprises a hydraulic cylinder device, connected to each of the second and third outer frame elements 20b and 20c, where the piston of the hydraulic cylinder device is attached to ears 13 at the vessel.

The device 1 further comprises a coupling device 40 for connecting the wind turbine device 2 to the outer frame 20 by means of a longitudinal actuation device 42. The longitudinal actuation device 42 is provided to move the wind turbine device 2 in its longitudinal direction. In the present embodiment, the longitudinal actuation device 42 comprises a hydraulic cylinder device connected to the end of each of the second and third outer frame members 20b, 20c, as illustrated in fig. 2. The coupling device 40 comprises a first support element 41 which can be attached to the piston of the hydraulic cylinder devices by means of coupling elements 47. The first support element 41 in the present embodiment is a support ring attached around the tower device 6. The coupling elements 47 can be flexible coupling elements such as chain , wires, cables, etc. Alternatively, the connecting elements 47 can be rods connected to the pistons and/or the first support element 41 by means of articulated connections, etc.

The purpose of the coupling elements 47 is to provide the wind turbine device 2 in a free-hanging configuration when the outer frame 20 is in the substantially vertical position. The free-hanging configuration allows a simple orientation of the foundation 6 of the wind turbine device in relation to the seabed, or in relation to anchoring devices (not shown) at the installation site. The longitudinal actuation device 42 is provided for lowering the wind turbine device 2 towards the seabed when the wind turbine device 2 is in the free-hanging configuration.

The weight of the wind turbine device 2 in the vertical position is carried by the outer frame 20 via the first support element 41, the coupling elements 47, and the longitudinal actuation device 42.

Consequently, by actuation of the turning actuation device 25, the outer frame 20 can be turned relative to the vessel by an angle a between 0 and approx. 100° (as shown in Fig. 7j). Here it can be seen that the outer frame 20 is rotatable in relation to the vessel 10 between a substantially horizontal position for transporting the wind turbine device 2 to the installation site, and a substantially vertical position for installing the wind turbine device 2 at the installation site.

In the embodiment described above, the free-hanging configuration can be achieved when the rotation of the outer frame 20 is substantially perpendicular to the vessel (i.e. an angle a approximately equal to 90°), i.e. the position shown in fig. 7g. In this position, the orientation of the foundation 6 is limited due to its contact with the outer frame 20. Thus, by further increasing the rotation of the outer frame 20, e.g. to a position where the angle a is 95-100° (fig. 7j), the possibilities for orientation of the wind turbine device 2 increase.

The longitudinal actuation device 42 can be rotatably mounted to the outer frame 20. In this way, the distance between the outer frame 20 and the wind turbine device 2 increases further, when the angle a is increased to more than 90°. For

implementation of the orientation itself, the vessel 10 can include control devices 14 (Fig. 1) e.g. winches or the like, to control the orientation of the wind turbine device 2 in the free-hanging configuration. In the present invention, there is one winch at each end of the projecting hull elements 10b, 10c, connected to the foundation 6 by means of cables. The steering devices 14 can be used to rotate the wind turbine around its longitudinal axis, by using one of the winches, or by pulling the foundation 6 away from the outer frame 20. Alternatively, a dynamically positioned vessel can help with the orientation of the wind turbine device 2. Furthermore, if the wind turbine device 2 is anchored to the seabed, the orientation can be carried out by slackening or tightening the anchor cables.

The application of the first embodiment described above will now be described. In a first step, the wind turbine device 2 is connected to the outer frame 20 via the longitudinal actuation device 42, where the outer frame 20 is rotatable in relation to the vessel 10. The wind turbine device 2 is transported to the installation site in a substantially horizontal position, i.e. essentially parallel with the vessel 10. At the installation location, the outer frame 20 is rotated to a substantially vertical position, thereby providing that the wind turbine 2 is in a free-hanging configuration via the longitudinal actuation device 42, when the outer frame 20 is in a substantially vertical position. In the free-hanging configuration, the wind turbine can be lowered towards the seabed, using the longitudinal actuation device 42.

The foundation 6 of the wind turbine device is then attached to the seabed or anchored to the seabed using anchoring devices. In the present invention, a seabed support frame 9 has been pre-installed, and is attached to the seabed. The seabed support frame 9 is assumed to be known to a specialist in the field. Consequently, the foundation of the wind turbine device only needs to be lowered down, and into the seabed support frame 9, before attaching the seabed support frame 9 to the foundation of the wind turbine device. This represents a very efficient way of installing an offshore wind turbine device, as no interaction with the seabed is required.

In the embodiment described above, the coupling elements 47 are connected directly between the first support element 41 and the longitudinal actuation device 42. It should be noted that it will be possible to use only one coupling element and one hydraulic cylinder as the longitudinal actuation device 42. A free-hanging configuration would be able is achieved between the cables and the control devices 14, and only one connecting element 47.

A second embodiment will now be described. In the second embodiment, the coupling device 40 comprises a cross beam 43, slidably arranged in relation to the outer frame 20 by means of the longitudinal actuation device 42. The cross beam 43 is shown in detail in fig. 4a and 4b. Each end 44 of the cross beam comprises different connection interfaces: a first connection interface 44a for supporting the cross beam 43 between the second and third outer frame elements 20b, 20c in the horizontal position, i.e. for supporting the cross beam against the upper edges of the second and third outer frame elements 20b, 20c in the horizontal position; a second connection interface 44b for connection to the longitudinal actuation device 42, e.g. ears for connection to the piston of the longitudinal actuation device 42; and a third connection interface 44c, e.g. ears, for connection to the coupling elements 47.1 of the present invention, the longitudinal actuation device 42 comprises two hydraulic cylinders. Furthermore, two coupling elements 47 are connected between the first support element 41 and the cross beam 43, i.e. to each of the third coupling interfaces 44c of the cross beam 43.

The coupling device 40 may comprise a second support element 45 for releasable coupling of the wind turbine device 2 in relation to the outer frame 20 (Fig. 4a, 4b). In the present embodiment, the second support element 45 comprises two locking arms 45a rotatably connected to the cross beam 43, where the locking arms 45a can be opened and closed by means of hydraulic cylinders 46. Thus, the tower device 6 of the wind turbine device 2 can be releasably locked to the cross beam 43. It should be noted that the the hydraulic cylinders 46 in the present embodiment are not provided to support the weight of the wind turbine assembly when in the vertical position, they only lock the tower assembly 6 in relation to transverse movements of the tower assembly, not axial movements. The coupling device 40 also comprises a rear protruding pin 48 as shown in fig. 4c.

Reference is now made to fig. 3 and fig. 5a-c and fig. 6a-b. The device 1 in accordance with the present invention may comprise an inner or second frame 30 provided into the outer frame 20. The inner frame comprises a first inner frame element 30a, a second inner frame element 30b, and a third inner frame element 30c, where the other and the third inner frame elements 30b, 30c are attached perpendicularly to the first inner frame element 30a as shown in fig. 2. It should be noted that the width Wi of the inner frame 30 is smaller than the distance between the second and third outer frame elements 20b, 20c of the outer frame 20. As shown in fig. 5a, the inner frame 30 can be placed on the inside of the outer frame 20.

The inner frame 30 is displaceable in a longitudinal direction in relation to the outer frame 20. The inner frame 30 can e.g. include rolling devices, skid plates or wheels for rolling within the outer frame 20. This will be described in more detail below. Furthermore, locking devices 60 can be provided to lock the inner frame 20 to the outer frame 30.1 fig. 5b and 5c such an example of a locking device is shown. The locking device comprises a rack attached to the inner frame, and a movable locking arm attached to the outer frame to lock to the rack. In the open position, the inner frame can be moved relative to the outer frame, and in the locked position, this movement is prevented. It should be noted that the outer frame 20 may comprise one such locking device 60 on each side.

As shown in fig. 3, the inner frame comprises first support devices 31, 32, for supporting the wind turbine device 2, in the substantially horizontal position during transport to the installation site. The first support devices 31, 32 may comprise a substantially neck-circular surface adapted to receive the tower device 3, where the substantially semi-circular surface is attached to the first inner frame element 30a, the second inner frame element 30b, and the third inner frame element 30c by means of support beams. It should be noted that the inner frame may comprise only one of the respective first support devices 31 or 32, or no such support devices at all. It should also be noted that the foundation 6 of the wind turbine device 2 will normally rest against, or be supported by, the inner frame 30.

The inner frame 30 may also comprise a cross beam support device 33, for supporting the cross beam 43 in relation to the inner frame 30.1 the present invention, the cross beam support device 33 comprises an opening to receive the rear projecting pin 48 of the coupling device 40. The cross beam support device 33 is configured to release the cross beam 43 in the substantially vertical position. When the rotation of the outer frame reaches an angle of 90° or more, the protruding pin 48 is no longer supported by the cross beam support device 33, and thus the above-mentioned hanging configuration is obtained. The transverse beam 43 can now be lowered (and if necessary also raised), in relation to the inner frame 30. It should be noted that the inner frame 30 should be locked to the outer frame before turning the outer frame in relation to the vessel.

The procedure for installing the wind turbine device 2 using the second embodiment will now be described. As described above, a seabed support frame 9 is pre-installed to, and attached to, the seabed.

Reference must now be made to fig. 7a, where the inner frame 30 is separated from the outer frame 20, and the vessel 10. The inner frame 30 is movable on rails on a quay. As shown, the wind turbine device is supported in a horizontal position on the inner frame 30. More specifically, the foundation 6 is supported directly on the inner frame member 30a, and the tower device 3 is supported on the first support devices 31, 32.

Furthermore, parts of the coupling device 40 are here connected to the inner frame 30, i.e. the cross beam support device 33 supports the cross beam 43 in relation to the inner frame 30, since the rear projecting pin 48 is inserted into the opening of the cross beam support device 33. Furthermore, the first support element is 41 connected around the tower device 6, and is connected to the cross beam 43 via the connection elements 47. Furthermore, the second support element 41 of the connection device is connected to the tower device.

In fig. 7a and 7b, the inner frame 30 with the coupling device 40 is driven onto or into the outer frame 20. This can be achieved by using the longitudinal actuation devices 42, e.g. connected to the inner frame 30 by means of chains or the like (shown in Fig. 7a), and gradually pulling the inner frame towards the outer frame. Alternatively, a separate vehicle, etc. may be used to push the inner frame, and the coupling device 40 onto or into the outer frame 20.

The inner frame 30 can now also lock to the outer frame 20, using the locking device 60, however, this is not strictly necessary. Furthermore, the cross beam 43 is connected to the longitudinal actuation devices 42 via the connection interface 44b.

The device 1 is transported to the installation site with the tower device 2 in a substantially horizontal position. In fig. 7c, it is shown that a towing vessel 8 is used.

Fig. 7d illustrates the situation at the installation site, with the seabed support frame 9 provided on the seabed. Note that the wires 14a are connected between the control devices 14 and the foundation 6.

In fig. 7e and 7f, the outer frame 20 is rotated in relation to the vessel 10 by means of the rotary actuation devices 25.

In fig. 7g and 7h, the outer frame 20 has reached a substantially vertical position. If necessary, the locking device 60 may have been unlocked to adjust the inner device 30 relative to the outer frame 20 in the horizontal position, or before the outer frame 20 reaches the vertical position. This can e.g. is done to prevent the foundation 6 from crashing into the seabed during turning.

As described above, the wind turbine assembly is supported by the coupling devices 40 in relation to the outer frame. Because of the cross beam 43, and its support in the support device 33 in the inner frame, the inner frame is also supported in relation to the outer frame. Thus, the locking device 60 is not necessary to support the inner frame relative to the outer frame as long as the rear projecting pin 48 of the cross beam 43 is supported by the support device. This will be the case for turning angles between 0 and 90°.

When the turning angle exceeds 90°, the protruding pin 48 will come out of the support device 33. Before this happens, the inner frame should have been locked to the outer frame by means of the locking device 60.

By turning the outer frame 30 further, e.g. to the position shown in fig. 7i and 7k, the cross beam 43 will thus be released from the support beam support device 33 of the inner frame, since the longitudinal actuation device 42 is rotatably mounted to the outer frame 20, as described above. Thus, the weight of the wind power device ensures that the longitudinal actuation devices 42 hang downwards from the outer frame. Accordingly, the wind power device is in a substantially vertical position, even if the outer frame is turned to an angle greater than 90°.

The wind turbine device is now in a free-hanging configuration, and can be lowered towards the seabed by means of the longitudinal actuation devices 42 (Figs. 7j and 71). The positioning of the wind turbine device can be carried out by moving the vessel in relation to the seabed.

The tower device can now be released from the cross beam 43 by opening the second support element 45. The control device 14 can control the orientation of the foundation in relation to the seabed support device 9, using the cables 14a, before the foundation is further lowered onto the seabed support frame 9.

The foundation is now attached to the seabed support frame 9, and the coupling devices 40 are released from the wind turbine device, allowing the vessel 10 with the outer and inner frames 30, 20 to leave the now installed wind turbine device.

For the retrieval or dismantling of offshore wind turbine devices, the reverse procedure can be utilized.

Alternative embodiments

It should be noted that the vessel 10 may have many other suitable designs and configurations than that shown in FIG. 1. E.g. is the length of the vessel shorter than the length of the wind turbine device 2, but the invention is not limited to such embodiments.

Claims (21)

1. Device for installing an offshore wind turbine device, where the wind turbine device (2) comprises a tower device (3) with a nacelle (4) and at least one rotor blade (5) provided at a first end thereof, and a foundation (6) provided in a second end thereof, where the device comprises: - a vessel (10); - an outer frame (20) rotatable in relation to the vessel (10) between a substantially horizontal position for transporting the wind turbine device (2) to the installation site, and a substantially vertical position for installing the wind turbine device (2) at the installation site; - a coupling device (40) for coupling the wind turbine device (2) to the outer frame (20) via a longitudinal actuation device (42); wherein the coupling device (40) comprises a first support element (41) for providing the wind turbine device (2) in a free-hanging configuration when the outer frame (20) is in a substantially vertical position, and wherein the longitudinal actuation device (42) is provided for lowering the wind turbine device (2) towards the seabed when the wind turbine device (2) is in the free-hanging configuration. 2. Device in accordance with patent claim 1, where the coupling device (40) comprises a cross beam (43) slidingly arranged in relation to the outer frame (20) by means of the longitudinal actuation device (42). 3. Device in accordance with patent claim 2, where the first support element (41) is connected to the cross beam (43). 4. Device in accordance with patent claim 2, where the coupling device (40) comprises a second support element (45) for releasable coupling of the wind turbine device (2) in relation to the outer frame (20). 5. Device in accordance with patent claim 1, where an inner frame (30) is provided on the inside of the outer frame (20), where the inner frame comprises a first support device (31, 32) for supporting the wind turbine device (2) in the substantially horizontal position during transport to the installation site. 6. Device in accordance with patent claim 5, where the inner frame (30) comprises a cross beam support device (33) for supporting the cross beam (43) in relation to the inner frame (30). 7. Device according to claim 6, wherein the cross beam support device (33) is configured to release the support of the cross beam (43) in the substantially vertical position. 8. Device in accordance with patent claim 5, where the inner frame (30) is displaceable in a longitudinal direction in relation to the outer frame (20). 9. Device in accordance with patent claim 1, where the longitudinal actuation device (42) is rotatably mounted to the outer frame (20). 10. Device according to claim 1, wherein control devices (14) are provided to control the orientation of the wind turbine device (2) in the free-hanging configuration. 11. Device according to claim 5, wherein a locking device (60) is provided to lock the inner frame (30) to the outer frame (20). 12. Method for installing an offshore wind turbine device (2), where the wind turbine device (2) comprises a tower device (3) with a nacelle (4) and at least one rotor blade (5) provided at a first end thereof, and a foundation (6 ) provided at a second end thereof, where the method comprises: - coupling of the wind turbine device (2) to an outer frame (20) via a longitudinal actuation device (42), where the outer frame (20) is rotatable in relation to a vessel ( 10); - transporting the wind turbine device (2) to the installation site in a substantially horizontal position; - turning the outer frame (20) to a substantially vertical position at the installation site; - providing the wind turbine device (2) in a suspended configuration via the longitudinal actuation device (42), when the outer frame (20) is in the substantially vertical position; - lowering the wind turbine (2) towards the seabed by means of the longitudinal actuation device (42), when the wind turbine (2) is in the free-hanging configuration. 13. Method in accordance with patent claim 12, further comprising the step of providing the coupling device (40) with a cross beam (43) slidingly arranged in relation to the outer frame (20) by means of the longitudinal actuation device (42). 14. Method in accordance with patent claim 13, further comprising the step of connecting the first support element (41) to the cross beam (43). 15. Method in accordance with patent claim 13, further comprising the step of providing the coupling device (40) with a second support element (45) for releasable coupling of the wind turbine device (2) in relation to the outer frame (20). 16. Method in accordance with patent claim 12, further comprising the step of providing an inner frame (30) inside the outer frame (20), where the inner frame comprises first support devices (31, 32) for supporting the wind turbine device (2) in the substantially horizontal position during transport to the installation site. 17. Method according to patent claim 16, further comprising providing the inner frame (30) with a cross beam support device (33) for supporting the cross beam (43) in relation to the inner frame (30). 18. Method according to claim (17), further comprising the step of configuring the cross beam support device (33) to release the support of the cross beam (43) in the substantially vertical position. 19. Method according to claim 12, further comprising the step of displacing the inner frame (30) in a longitudinal direction relative to the outer frame (20). 20. Method in accordance with patent claim 12, further comprising the step of controlling the orientation of the wind turbine device in the free-hanging configuration. 21. Method according to patent claim 12, further comprising the step of locking the inner frame (30) to the outer frame (20).