WO2004022970A1 - A method and a device for lifting and/or lowering of objects at a wind turbine or the like and uses hereof - Google Patents
A method and a device for lifting and/or lowering of objects at a wind turbine or the like and uses hereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2004022970A1 WO2004022970A1 PCT/DK2003/000577 DK0300577W WO2004022970A1 WO 2004022970 A1 WO2004022970 A1 WO 2004022970A1 DK 0300577 W DK0300577 W DK 0300577W WO 2004022970 A1 WO2004022970 A1 WO 2004022970A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- wind turbine
- uplift
- wind
- lowering
- lifting
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F11/00—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for
- B66F11/04—Lifting devices specially adapted for particular uses not otherwise provided for for movable platforms or cabins, e.g. on vehicles, permitting workmen to place themselves in any desired position for carrying out required operations
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
- B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
- B66C23/20—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes with supporting couples provided by walls of buildings or like structures
- B66C23/207—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes with supporting couples provided by walls of buildings or like structures with supporting couples provided by wind turbines
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D80/00—Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00
- F03D80/50—Maintenance or repair
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method ⁇ or lifting and/or lowering of objects in connection with a wind turbine or a similar construction.
- the invention also relates to a device for lifting and/or lowering of objects in connection with a wind turbine or a similar construction.
- the invention relates to uses of such a method and/or such a device.
- the rotor blades of a wind turbine can be so defiled by dust, coatings of salt, dead insects, bird excrements and other surface deposits, that the efficiency of a given wind turbine can be reduced by up to 10 - 15% or even more, depending on the current wind strength.
- a lifting arrangement is thus known from German utility model document DE 296 03 278 U where, when the turbine has been brought to a halt with one rotor blade pointing vertically downwards, suspension elements have been secured on each of the two remaining rotor blades near the hub of the rotor.
- a special work platform with a through-going slot in the bottom has been secured to these suspension arrangements, so that the downwards-pointing rotor blade has been able to be introduced into this slot.
- the work platform has been able to be hoisted upwards stepwise, while the crew has manually cleaned the surface of the rotor blade, for example with one person placed on each side of the rotor blade.
- a method for lifting and/or lowering of objects in connection with a wind turbine or a similar construction is. characterised in that an uplift device is made to raise and/or lower itself in the proximity of the wind turbine or the similar construction, and in as much as the uplift device is possibly controlled in relation to the wind turbine or the similar construction, and that at least one object is supported by said uplift device, possibly as an integrated part of the uplift device.
- the uplift device will be of a relatively light construction, which by means of a relatively light vehicle can be transported to the wind turbine, where it is filled with a suitable air or gas, which is lighter than the atmospheric air.
- a suitable air or gas which is lighter than the atmospheric air.
- the uplift device which for example can be of balloon type or the like, is filled with this air or gas, with suitable dimensioning it will have such a buoyancy that it can lift itself together with that or those objects which are supported by the device.
- the uplift device will at least be partly controlled in such manner that it moves to the desired position, including the desired height, in relation to the wind turbine, or moves in a desired path, for example along a rotor blade. It shall be noted that configuration, dimensioning, choice of materials etc. in connection with the uplift device can be effected in a wide variety of ways, as will be obvious to a skilled person.
- said at least one object can consist of an arrangement for inspection, treatment or the like of at least part of the wind turbine or the similar construction.
- the device according to the invention supports or carries vision equipment, for example in the form of a camera which delivers pictures down to an operator, an inspection of a part of the wind turbine, for example of the surface of a rotor blade, can hereby be carried out in a relatively simple manner.
- vision equipment for example in the form of a camera which delivers pictures down to an operator
- an inspection of a part of the wind turbine, for example of the surface of a rotor blade can hereby be carried out in a relatively simple manner.
- Other forms of inspection equipment can also be envisaged, and the device can also carry relatively light equipment for e.g. processing, repair work or the like.
- said at least one object can consist of a locking device for the establishing of a securing to a part of the wind turbine or the similar construction.
- a locking device for the establishing of a securing to a part of the wind turbine or the similar construction.
- an anchoring or fastening at a desired place on, for example, a wind turbine, after which such an anchoring can be used for further operations, work tasks or the like, for example tasks which require lifting of equipment of greater weight and/or extent than can immediately be handled by the uplift device alone.
- the invention relates to a method for establishing a securing on or at a wind turbine which is characterised in that - an uplift device is positioned in the proximity of the wind turbine, that
- said uplift device is allowed to raise itself in an at least a partly controlled manner
- a locking device which is carried by said uplift device, is made to grip in or around a part of the wind turbine in a preferable disengageable manner.
- an anchoring can be achieved on or at the wind turbine, without the necessity of having to arrange hoists, cranes, scaffolding or the like for use hereof.
- the uplift device which will be of a relatively light construction, being transported to the wind turbine by means of a relatively light vehicle, where it is filled with a suitable air or gas, which is lighter than the atmospheric air.
- a suitable air or gas which is lighter than the atmospheric air.
- the uplift device will at least be partly controlled so that it moves to the desired position in relation to the wind turbine, where an activation of the locking device is effected so that this grips around or in a part of the wind turbine.
- the locking device is configured in such a manner that it can serve as an anchoring for lifting and/or lowering of various parts.
- Such an anchoring can thus be used for lifting and/or lowering of work platforms, cleaning apparatus, various work equipment and personnel, and the possibility is hereby established of being able to lift and/or lower various parts such as spare parts or parts which must be replaced.
- the method there will thus be achieved the basis for being able, for example, to replace a wind turbine blade in a relatively simple manner.
- said work operations shall be understood to be a wide range of operations or actions, which can be effected in connection with a rotor blade or a wind turbine as a whole.
- washing, other cleaning, drying for example with air, heated air, radiation heating etc., painting, pre-treatment, after- treatment, sealing of the surface etc.
- inspection of the surface, examination of the surface or the rotor blade as such for example by means of known inspection methods such as radiation examinations etc.
- the uplift device can expediently be allowed to raise itself in at least a partly controlled manner under control in relation to one or more fixed points on the ground, for example with the help of one or more lines.
- one or more ground spikes can be placed, mounted for example with eyes, tackles or the like, which serve to guide lines, ropes, wires or the like which lead up to the device according to the invention, and which can be handled by one or possibly several persons.
- a vehicle, or a vessel where a sea-based wind turbine is involved can have such guide elements for lines, ropes, wires etc. mounted for example on arms which can be extended or unfolded to the correct positions.
- the arrangement of said fixture points on a vehicle or a vessel is to be preferred, in that this will give the easiest and most rational handling, and it is also to be preferred for reasons of time.
- fixture points can be secured to the turbine tower or the foundation beforehand, for example moulded into the foundation, or use can be made of fixture points which are mounted subsequently, or which are mounted upon the use of the invention and subsequently dismounted again. Use can thus also be made, for example, of securing elements, which are fastened by means of vacuum/under-pressure, such as suction cups, or similar elements, or by means of magnetic forces, for example when the turbine towers in question contain iron, steel etc.
- the uplift device can be allowed to raise itself in a manner which is at least partly controlled in relation to one or more parts of the wind turbine, including the rotor blade and/or the wind turbine tower.
- the control can be effected by a noose or the like being wrapped around the tower and connected to the device according to the invention, after which the uplift can be controlled with a single line which is drawn by a person the opposite way of the tower, naturally while paying regard to wind direction etc.
- the control will take place with use being made of a winch or the like which is mounted on or in a vehicle or a vessel, so that control etc. can be effected in a simple and reliable manner.
- the control is arranged in such a manner that a few persons and preferably only one can operate the device according to the invention.
- the locking device can be brought to grip on or around a wind turbine blade, preferably in the proximity of the root of the blade.
- an anchoring for use for an apparatus or a work tool such as for example a work platform, a washing robot or the like which is required to move up and down along a rotor blade
- the positioning in the proximity of the root of the rotor blade is particularly expedient, in that at this point the rotor blade will typically have a smaller cross-dimension, at least in one direction, so that an anchoring will be able to be established by narrowing-down a ring or the like, by allowing support elements or the like to go in against the blade or the like, so that security is achieved against the anchoring being drawn downwards.
- the locking device can be brought to grip on or around a hub for the blades of the wind turbine.
- an anchoring can be established which can be suitable for certain types of turbine, and which moreover can be used, for example, in the replacement and/or mounting of rotor blades.
- the locking device can be brought to grip in or around the turbine tower.
- the invention also relates to a device for lifting and/or lowering of objects in connection with a wind turbine or a similar construction, said device according to the invention being characterised in that the device comprises an uplift device, means for controlling the uplift device in relation to the wind turbine or the similar construction, and means for carrying at least one object, borne directly or indirectly by said uplift device.
- the uplift device will be of a relatively light construction, which by means of a relatively light vehicle or vessel can be transported to the wind turbine, where it is filled with a suitable air or gas which is lighter than the atmospheric air. When the uplift device is filled with this air or gas, with suitable dimensioning it will have such a buoyancy that it can lift itself and the object or objects which are supported by the device.
- the uplift device will have means for at least partial control so that it can be moved to the desired position in relation to the wind turbine, or such that it can be moved in or along a desired path, for example along a rotor blade.
- said at least one object can consist of an arrangement for inspection, treatment or the like of at least one part of the wind turbine or the similar construction.
- an inspection can be made of a part of the wind turbine in a relatively simple manner, for example of the surface of a rotor blade, if the device according to the invention supports or is equipped with vision equipment, for example in the form of a camera which transmits pictures down to an operating person.
- vision equipment for example in the form of a camera which transmits pictures down to an operating person.
- Other forms of inspection equipment can also be envisaged, and the device will also be able to carry relatively light equipment for e.g. treatment, repair or the like.
- the invention relates to a device for the establishing of a fastening on or at a wind turbine, said device being characterised in that it comprises an uplift device and - a locking device, said locking device having means for gripping in or around a part of the wind turbine, preferably in a releasable manner.
- a fastening can be established on or at a wind turbine, without the necessity of having to arrange cranes, including mobile cranes, hoists, scaffolding or the like for this purpose.
- the uplift device which will be of a relatively light construction, to the wind turbine by means of a relatively light vehicle or vessel, where it is filled with a suitable air or gas, for example helium, which is lighter than the atmospheric air.
- a suitable air or gas for example helium, which is lighter than the atmospheric air.
- the uplift device will be at least partly controlled so that it moves to the desired position in relation to the wind turbine, where an activation of the locking device is effected so that this grips around or in a part of the wind turbine.
- the locking device is configured in such a way that it can serve as an anchor for lifting and/or lowering of various parts.
- Such an anchoring can thus be used for lifting and/or lowering work platforms, cleaning apparatus, various work equipment and personnel, and there is thus also established the possibility of being able to lift and/or lower various parts such as spare parts or parts which are required for replacement.
- the basis will thus be established for being able, for example, to replace a wind turbine blade in a relatively simple manner.
- said work operations shall be understood to be a wide range of operations or actions, which can be effected in connection with a rotor blade or a wind turbine as a whole.
- it can include washing, other cleaning, drying, for example with air, heated air, radiation heating etc., painting, pre-treatment, after- treatment, sealing of the surface etc.
- inspection of the surface examination of the surface of the rotor blade as such, for example by means of known inspection methods such as radiation examinations etc.
- the device can expediently comprise means for use for control during the uplift, which means can comprise lines or the like for control in relation to fixture points, for example on or at a vehicle or a vessel or possibly on the ground, or means for control in relation to a part of the wind turbine, for example a wind turbine rotor or the wind turbine tower.
- one or more ground spikes can be used, mounted for example with eyes, tackles or the like, which serve to guide lines, ropes, wires or the like which lead up to the device according to the invention, and which can be handled by one or possibly more persons.
- a vehicle or a vessel if the given wind turbine is sea-based, can have such guide elements for lines, ropes, wires etc. mounted on for example arms which can be extended or unfolded to the correct positions.
- fixture points for example mounted on the turbine tower or the foundation, and mention can also be made of fixture elements which are mounted by means of magnetic forces, vacuum/under-pressure and the like.
- control can be effected by a noose being wrapped around the tower and connected to the device according to the invention, after which the uplift can be controlled with a single line which is drawn by a person the opposite way of the tower, naturally while paying regard to wind direction etc.
- control will take place with use being made of a winch or the like which is mounted on or in a vehicle or a vessel, so that control etc. can be effected in a simple and safe manner.
- control is arranged in such a manner that just a few persons and preferably only one can operate the device according to the invention.
- the device can expediently comprise means for the fastening of elements for use in positioning, lifting, lowering or the like of apparatus or parts.
- said uplift device can comprise at least one element, for example a U-shaped, round or annular element, which can be filled with an air or gas, for example helium.
- the device will take up relatively little space, as a part of the uplift can be taken care of by said element, which can be adapted to the space conditions, which exist between the wind turbine tower and the wind turbine rotor.
- the element can thus be made elongated and/or with a relatively small dimension where it is required to go in between tower and rotor.
- said uplift device can comprise at least two of said elements which can be filled with an air or gas, for example helium, and which are connected either directly or indirectly to said locking device.
- the device can expediently comprise a U-shaped or annular element, for example by said uplift device comprising at least one element which is U-shaped, round or annular, and which can be filled with an air or gas, for example helium, whereby said U-shaped or round element can serve to control the device during lifting and/or lowering, for example in relation to a wind turbine blade.
- said uplift device comprising at least one element which is U-shaped, round or annular, and which can be filled with an air or gas, for example helium, whereby said U-shaped or round element can serve to control the device during lifting and/or lowering, for example in relation to a wind turbine blade.
- control of the device during lifting and lowering is limited to that distance which exists between the ground and the tip of the wind turbine.
- the device When the device has first reached so far up that the wind turbine blade is surrounded by the annular element, the device will be more or less completely controlled by the rotor blade.
- a U-shaped element When a U-shaped element is used, this will moreover be able to be used also to control the uplift up to the tip of the wind turbine, in as much as the U-shaped element can grip around the turbine tower until the level for rotor tip is reached.
- the device can expediently comprise a frame arrangement, which is possibly annular, box-shaped or the like, and which is connected to the uplift device and/or the locking device.
- a frame arrangement which is possibly annular, box-shaped or the like, and which is connected to the uplift device and/or the locking device.
- the device can comprise a control part, possibly in the form of a wind vane, which under influence of the wind at least partly can control the position of the device in relation to the direction of the wind.
- a control part possibly in the form of a wind vane, which under influence of the wind at least partly can control the position of the device in relation to the direction of the wind.
- said locking device can be configured in such a manner that a loading of the device will result in a force being transferred to said means for gripping on or around a part of the wind turbine.
- the anchoring of the device which has been effected will be strengthened further when lifting or lowering is carried out, or when the device merely supports an object such as a washing robot, a machine, an instrument etc.
- an increased lifting capacity for the device can be obtained as well as the security is improved.
- the invention also relates, as disclosed in claim 21, use of a method according to one or more of the claims 1 - 9 and/or a device according to one or more of the claims 10 - 20 for lifting and/or lowering of a work platform, preferably in the treatment, inspection or the like of a part of a wind turbine, including especially a wind turbine blade
- the invention further relates to uses of a method according to one or more of the claims 1 — 9, and/or a device according to one or more of the claims 10 - 20 for lifting and/or lowering of an arrangement for cleaning, washing, surface treatment etc., for example an arrangement in the form of a washing robot, for a part of a wind turbine and including preferably a wind turbine blade.
- the invention relates to the use of a method according to one or more of the claims 1 - 9 and/or a device according to one or more of the claims 10 - 20 for lifting and/or lowering of a part of a wind turbine, including especially a wind turbine blade.
- the invention relates to the use of a method according to one or more of the claims 1 - 9 and/or a device according to one or more of the claims 10 - 20 for lifting and/or lowering of equipment, for example inspection equipment, vision equipment, measuring equipment etc., for inspection of a part of a wind turbine, including for example a wind turbine blade.
- fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in connection with a land- based wind turbine seen from the side
- fig. 2a illustrates the same embodiment as shown in fig. 1, with the device raised to the level of a blade tip
- fig. 2b illustrates the embodiment shown in fig. 2a with the device raised to the level of the blade root
- fig. 2c illustrates in a manner corresponding to fig. 2a a further embodiment of the invention
- fig. 2d illustrates in a manner corresponding to fig. 2c a further embodiment of the invention used in connection with a sea-based wind turbine, fig.
- FIG. 3 shows a vehicle which is arranged for use in connection with the invention, seen from above.
- fig. 4a illustrates the same embodiment as shown in fig. 1, 2a and 2b, with the device anchored to a wind turbine, where the device serves as anchor for a part which can be lifted and lowered in relation to the wind turbine,
- fig- 4b illustrates in a manner corresponding to fig. 4a the use of the embodiment shown in fig. 2c
- fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of an uplift device according to the invention
- fig- 6 shows a device according to the invention with an uplift device as shown in fig. 5 in a position close to the hub of a wind turbine
- fig. 7 is an enlarged detail view of the embodiment shown in fig.
- fig- 8 is a side view of the device shown in fig. 6, fig. 9 is an enlarged detail view of the embodiment shown in fig. 8, fig- 10 shows a locking device according to an embodiment of the invention seen in perspective, fig. lla-c shows use of an embodiment of the invention in connection with a wind turbine tower instead of a rotor blade, fig- 12 shows a further embodiment of the device according to the invention seen from the side, fifigg.- 1 133 shows the device shown in fig. 12 seen in section from above and on a larger scale, and fig. 14 shows this embodiment seen from the rear from a position between turbine tower and rotor blade.
- a commonly known land-based wind turbine 1 seen from the side.
- a wind turbine 1 comprises a turbine tower 2 placed on a foundation on the ground 3.
- a nacelle 4 is placed which contains generator, gear mechanisms, control equipment, bearings etc., and which in a commonly known manner can be turned depending on the direction of the wind.
- the nacelle 4 thus also supports the rotor hub 7 on which a number of rotor blades 5 are mounted - in the shown example three — as is most often the case.
- These rotor blades 5 are in a known manner arranged so that they can be turned substantially around a longitudinal axis with regard to wind speed etc.
- these rotor blades will most often be positioned so that they stand edgewise, i.e. turned so that the wind will blow substantially towards the leading edge (or trailing edge) of the rotor blades.
- the nacelle 4 of the wind turbine will be brought into a position where the wind blows in towards - or away from - the rotor hub 7 of the wind turbine.
- the rotor arrangement will be brought into a position where one of the rotor blades points substantially downwards towards the ground, and where the rotor blades are locked in this position.
- a vehicle 8 for example a van, a small lorry or a trailer of a suitable size which can transport the necessary apparatus, is parked under the rotor blades 5 such as illustrated.
- means 9 to assist in the execution of the invention, said means 9 comprising, for example, a work platform, possibly a lift or the like, as well as there can be arranged fixture points, tackles, lines, winches etc., such as will be explained in more detail later.
- various means can be provided which can be extended, folded or swung out or the like, for example arms which can be unfolded, as will be explained in the following.
- a device according to the invention (not shown in fig. 1) can from the vehicle 8, possibly from a position on the ground behind the vehicle or from a possible work platform behind the vehicle 8, be brought into an active state, i.e. that an uplift device is filled with an air or gas which is lighter than the atmospheric air, for example helium, and furthermore a control of the device will be initiated, for example by lines or the like which can be fastened to the device beforehand, being fixed in relation to the vehicle 8 or the ground 3.
- an active state i.e. that an uplift device is filled with an air or gas which is lighter than the atmospheric air, for example helium, and furthermore a control of the device will be initiated, for example by lines or the like which can be fastened to the device beforehand, being fixed in relation to the vehicle 8 or the ground 3.
- the uplift device is filled with, for example, helium, from for example a tank on the vehicle 8, in as much as it shall be noted that in the event that the device has already been used in connection with another rotor blade or a nearby wind turbine, the device can already be partly filled with helium as well as the helium which is filled in can have been used to fill the device earlier, and is for example filled from a special storage tank into which helium can be pumped, for example back from the uplift device.
- helium for example, from for example a tank on the vehicle 8
- fig. 2a such a device according to the invention, said device indicated in general by the designation 10, and which comprises an uplift device indicated in general by the designation 12, and a locking device indicated in general by the designation 20.
- the device 10 is shown in a situation where the uplift device 12 is filled with an amount of gas, for example helium, which is sufficient to lift the device 10 upwards towards the rotor blade 5.
- the device 10 can be controlled by means of lines, ropes, wires or the like (in the followed mentioned merely as lines) 34a and 34b, which from the device 10 extend down towards the vehicle 8 or towards the ground.
- Said lines 34a, 34b can be led down to fixture points in the form of eyes, tackles, winches or the like 32 and 33 which can be arranged on the part 9, for example on arms or the like 30 and 31 which can be swung, unfolded or extended from the vehicle, so that the fixture points 32 and 33 are positioned at suitable expedient places.
- the device 10 has reached a position where it has reached the lowermost part of the rotor blade 5.
- the device can have a form where one or more parts are arranged to be controlled by the tower 2.
- the device 10 or the uplift device 12 be configured with a substantially horseshoe-shaped fashion, so that the two legs extending rearwards can extend on each side of the tower 2, while the foremost closed part is positioned by the rotor blade as shown.
- the device can be configured with an annular or a substantially round part, which can be moved up over the tip of the rotor blade 5, so that there is hereby achieved a control over the continued uplift.
- the device 10 under control of the lines 34a and 34b has reached up in the proximity of the hub 7, i.e. at the root of the wind turbine blade 5, where by means of a locking device 20 an anchoring or locking to the rotor blade is effected, so that by means of the device there can for example be lifted objects of different kinds, apparatus, machines etc. up along the rotor blade, as will also be described later.
- fig. 2c which corresponds substantially to fig. 2a, an embodiment of the device is illustrated where the uplift device 12 is configured with a substantially annular part 14c, and with separate uplift elements 14a and 14b. It will be understood that there can be several such uplift elements, which can possibly stand in connection with one another or can constitute separate chambers. It will also be understood that this embodiment can be combined with the embodiment shown in fig. 2a and 2b.
- the uplift device 12 is filled with an amount of gas, for example helium, which is sufficient to lift the device 10 upwards towards the rotor blade 5.
- the device 10 can similarly be controlled by means of lines, ropes, wires or the like (in the following simply referred to as lines) 34a and 34b, which from the device 10 extend downwards towards the vessel 13. Said lines 34a, 34b can be led down to fixture points in the form of eyes, tackles, winches or the like 32 and
- the method and the device according to the invention can be used for both land-based as well as water-based wind turbines, in as much as when the wind turbines are water- or sea-based, the only substantial difference will be that use is made of a vessel in the form of a barge, a work-boat, a smaller freight vessel or the like instead of a vehicle. It will thus also be understood that in the following where embodiments in connection with wind turbines on land are discussed, corresponding embodiments will find application with wind turbines at sea or water-covered areas in general. Thus, when a use in connection with a land- based wind turbine is discussed, this is not to be understood as a restriction in the use. In fig.
- the uplift device is shown in stylised embodiments, in as much as it will be understood that it can be configured in a wide variety of ways, as will be obvious to an expert.
- the device can comprise several separate uplift elements 14a and 14b, which can be completely separated or can be connected with one another, so that they can be filled with air or gas at the same time.
- the uplift element or elements can be divided into several chambers, so that a seepage or leak is limited to a single or just a few chambers.
- Said locking device 20 the function of which will be explained in more detail later, is illustrated in a general manner, and it will be understood that also this can be configured in a wide variety of ways.
- hi fig. 3 it is shown from above how the vehicle 8 and the fixture points 32 and 33 can be arranged in relation to a wind turbine 1 in the execution of the invention.
- the vehicle 8 (or a vessel in the event that the given wind turbine is sea- based), is placed so that the device 10 according to the invention (not shown in fig. 3) can be placed under a rotor blade 5 before being raised, for example behind the vehicle 8.
- the arms 30 and 31 are illustrated which can be swung or unfolded from the vehicle 8, so that fixture points 32 and 33 on these arms are suitably positioned. These fixture points, which can naturally be placed differently and in numbers other than shown in fig.
- fixture points can be configured as simple eyes, as tackles, as winches or other means for controlling the lines 34a and 34b, which can possibly also be led to winches or the like existing on the vehicle 8 (or the vessel) itself.
- these fixture points can also be placed on the ground, for example by means of ground spikes or the like if the wind turbine is land-based.
- the turbine tower itself or its foundation can be used as fixture point.
- the fixture points can thus be of the kind which are secured to the turbine tower or the foundation beforehand, for example moulded into the foundation, or fixture points which are subsequently mounted or which are mounted upon use of the invention and dismounted again afterwards.
- the locking device 20 can, for example, be brought to grip around the rotor blade, which can be effected by means of different means, as will be obvious to an expert.
- support parts can be made to move in against the surface of the rotor blade, such as indicated in fig. 4b, or an annular arrangement, for example of belt-like construction, can be tightened together around the rotor blade so that the anchoring arrangement 20 will sit firmly on the rotor blade 5, in as much as such locking can be effected by remote control or be initiated in another manner by an operator.
- the device When the securing of the device 10 has been carried out, the device can be used to raise and lower various objects, parts, work equipment etc. up a down. For example, this can be effected by exerting a pull on the lines 34a, 34b and 34c, which were used to control the device during the uplift, in as much as these can possibly be led in tackles, winches or the like, and in as much as they are possibly led down to tackles, winches or the like at the vehicle 8 or at the auxiliary equipment 9.
- special lines or the like for lifting or lowering said parts etc. may also be used.
- the lines which were used for control during the uplift, or the special lines can be replaced by lines of larger dimensions, in that the thinner lines which are used initially, for example 34a, 34b and 34c, are used to haul up thicker lines.
- an item 40 which can be a work platform, a washing robot or the like which can be moved, for example, by pulling itself up or down by means of lines, wires or the like. It will thus be possible to undertake various treatments of the rotor blades, repairs, inspections, washing, sealing etc.
- an apparatus for the treatment of rotor blades of the kind disclosed in WO 03/048569 maybe concerned.
- the locking of the device 10 can be released, for example by means of a remote control, after which the device according to the invention can be drawn down, for example by means of the lines 34a, 34b and 34c, and with the help of winches or the like on the vehicle 8.
- the possibility will also exist of emptying some of the gas from the uplift device 12, so that the uplift decreases sufficiently for the device to float down by itself, or such that the device will be easier to pull down.
- Such a controlled emptying of gas can possibly be effected by gas being pumped via a hose down to a special container on the vehicle 8.
- the lowering can be stopped here if work operations are to be carried out in connection with one of the other rotor blades.
- the rotor blades can thus be allowed to move until one of the other blades is in a position where it points down towards the ground, for example approximately 120° with a three-bladed turbine, after which the rotor axle is locked again.
- the device according to the invention can again be allowed to lift itself towards the rotor hub, where the anchoring etc. can be effected as described above.
- the device 10 can be drawn all the way down or almost all the way down to the vehicle 8 (or the vessel), after which, if a number of turbines have been located together, for example in a wind turbine park, it can be moved to the next turbine which is to be serviced or the like.
- the gas or air existing in the uplift device can be pumped back to a special container so that it can be reused later.
- the uplift device 12 and its possible additional uplift elements shall naturally be arranged so that they move free of the parts of the wind turbine, and including especially the rotor blades.
- the arrangement can be configured so that during its ascent, and when it reaches the uppermost level, it will occupy the space which will be available to as great a degree as possible without colliding in any way with the parts of the wind turbine.
- the device according to the invention can also be used without the presence of a locking device or, if this is present, without it being used.
- lighter equipment shall be lifted and/or lowered in relation to the wind turbine.
- This can thus include vision equipment, for example a camera etc. or other inspection equipment which is to be lifted up to and be led along the surface of e.g. a rotor blade, for example in order to be able to detect the condition of the surface, defiling etc. of the surface of the rotor blade.
- This equipment can be lifted by means of the uplift device, which, as mentioned, can be controlled in relation to the rotor blade, whereby the desired inspection can be carried out during ascent and/or descent.
- Use of a locking device will thus not be necessary in this and similar cases, such as will also appear from the patent claims.
- the uplift element 12 itself and possible separate uplift elements can be produced in suitably gas-tight materials which are preferably configured by materials which are also secured against leaks, i.e. for example that they are tear- and puncture-proof and in general resistant to the mechanical influences to which they are exposed during use.
- This or these uplift elements can be provided with various straps, securing of locking device or the like, or a special enveloping such as a harness arrangement, so that influences, traction etc. from wires, lines, locking devices etc. will be distributed over large parts of the uplift device's uplift elements.
- uplift element or elements can. each be configured as single chambers, or that there can be a dividing up into several separate chambers.
- an uplift device 112 is substantially U-shaped or shaped like a horseshoe. It is thus composed of a number of uplift elements 114, 115, 116 and 117, which can consist of flexible chambers, which are filled with a gas, for example helium, which is lighter than the atmospheric air. These elements can be cylindrical and can be separated, for example at the joints 118 and 119, but can also form a continuous chamber. As will be seen, the elements 114 form the rearwards-pointing legs of the U, while the elements 115, 116 and 117 form the closed end.
- a space 121 which is large enough to accommodate the rotor blade, and which also has such a width, at least at the open end, which can grip around the turbine tower or at least around a section or a part of the periphery of the turbine tower.
- Said uplift elements can be configured and produced as already described earlier.
- an uplift device 112 as a part of a device 110 according to yet another embodiment of the invention, which also includes a locking device 120.
- the device 10 is shown in a position where it has reached up to the root of a rotor blade 5, controlled for example by means of lines (not shown) and by an interaction between the U-shape of the device and the rotor blade and the tower. In this position, the locking device 120 is activated so that the device 110 can serve as an anchoring for lifting and lowering of items.
- fig. 7 On a larger scale in fig. 7 there is shown a detail section of the embodiment shown in fig. 6, and here it is seen how the locking device 120 is disposed inside the uplift device 112. There is also shown a frame 122 for the locking device which, as will be understood, can be connected to the uplift device 112.
- fig. 8 and 9 this embodiment is seen from the side, where fig. 9 is an enlarged detail section of fig. 8. Also seen in these two figures is the locking device 120 and it's positioning in relation to the uplift device 112. In fig. 9 it is also shown that on the frame 122 wires, lines and the like 124 can be mounted which can be used in the lifting or lowering of items. It will be understood that these lines or wires 124, of which for example there can be four on a frame 122, can possibly be used for controlling the uplift of the device, but that there can also be separate lines (not shown in fig. 9) for this purpose.
- FIG. 10 An example of a locking device 120 as shown in the foregoing figures 6 - 9 is shown on a larger scale in fig. 10. In this figure it is shown how the locking device 120 can clamp around the root of a rotor blade 5, where the rotor blade has a smaller extent and for example can have an approximately circular cross-section as shown, or for example around the top of a wind turbine tower 2.
- the locking device has a frame 122 which, for example, can be produced in tubular or bar materials, and as shown can be in the form of a box-like construction.
- clamping together or the locking is effected by means of two clamping plates 128 which can be configured from a flexible material so that these adapt themselves to the surface of the root of the rotor blade, but they can also be configured with a relatively static shape. That side of the clamping plates 128 which faces towards the rotor blade can be configured with a surface which in structure and/or material ensures a good friction to the rotor blade. It can thus be a surface coating of a rubber material which, for example, can also have a pattern, grooves, projections or the like on the surface to provide a good grip.
- Said clamping plates 128 are each mounted on each side by means of two arms 130. These four arms 130 are suspended in a pivotal manner in relation to the frame 12, for example by bearings 132 and 134. Moreover, it will be understood that the arms 130 and the clamping plates 128 are pivotally connected, so that the clamping plates 128 can be turned back and away from the rotor blade 2. Moreover, the bearings for the one or both clamping plates can be configured in such a manner that they can be displaced in the longitudinal direction for the frame 122. For example, the bearings 134 for the one clamping plate can as shown be configured so that at the top and bottom of the frame 122 they can be moved along the frame.
- the clamping plates 128 can be drawn together towards each other and towards the rotor blade by, for example, each arm being mounted with multiple pulleys 138, which by use of a rope, a wire, a line or the like 136 form part of a tackles system so that an exchange is achieved.
- the free end of the line 136 extends to the end of the frame 122 where it changes direction via two pulleys 142, after which it extends to the other end of the frame.
- it changes direction again and is led to yet another pulley 142 which is mounted above a pulley 126 for one of the lines 124, which is used for the lifting and lowering of objects.
- This arrangement is seen, for example, on the front of the frame in fig. 10, and it is seen that the line which draws the clamping plates 128 together extends down to said pulley 126.
- This pulley is suspended in such a manner that it can be moved in the vertical direction, and thus it will be understood that when this pulley 126 is loaded, for example when an object such as an instrument or an apparatus is suspended in the lines 124 or is lifted up by these, a traction will be applied on the line 136, and the clamping plates will be pressed in towards the rotor blade 5 or the turbine tower 2 with greater force.
- the anchoring of the device according to the invention will thus be reinforced by loading in this manner.
- the locking device can be configured in many different ways, so that the clamping plates or the like can be brought so far away from each other that, for example, a rotor blade can pass unhindered through it despite its varying width, after which the clamping plates can again be brought in against the rotor blade, after which a locking or clamping- together can be effected.
- clamping plates being brought towards each other in two stages, first a stage where a movement is preferably effected over a relatively large distance and without the use of any particularly great force, and thereafter a stage where the clamping plates are brought towards each other and herewith also the remaining part in against a rotor blade, a turbine tower or the like, with use being made of a relatively great force, so that a sufficient anchoring is achieved.
- a device 10 can lift itself in relation to a turbine tower 2, where in the same manner as described in connection with fig. 2a and 2b it is controlled by means of lines 34a and 34b which are connected to fixture points 32 and 33 on or at a vehicle, possibly on outrigger arms 30 and 31, or on or at the turbine tower 2 etc.
- lines 34a and 34b which are connected to fixture points 32 and 33 on or at a vehicle, possibly on outrigger arms 30 and 31, or on or at the turbine tower 2 etc.
- the device 10 has initially been brought to the foot of the turbine tower 2, and in as much as the U-shaped uplift elements 14 are arranged with the legs on each side of the turbine tower. With the uplift, the device is thus also controlled by the turbine tower itself.
- the device 10 comprises a locking device 20 which extends all the way around the turbine tower during the uplift
- the device is arranged in such a manner that an opening can be effected so that it can be pushed in around the turbine tower and subsequently closed again.
- the locking device 20 which can immediately be disposed around or at the turbine tower 2.
- the device 10 is allowed to lift itself until it reaches the desired height, for example as shown in fig. 1 lb, where it has essentially reached up to the underside of the nacelle.
- the locking device can be activated so that an anchoring to the turbine tower is established.
- the device 10 can be used to lift various objects in relation to the wind turbine, as shown by way of example in fig. lie, where e.g.
- a washing or cleaning robot, a work platform or the like 40 can be hoisted up and down (or can move up and down) by means of lines or the like 34b, 34c, and 34d, which can be the same lines as those used to control the uplift of the device, or which can be special lines which are used only for the raising and the lowering of an object.
- lines or the like 34b, 34c, and 34d which can be the same lines as those used to control the uplift of the device, or which can be special lines which are used only for the raising and the lowering of an object.
- Different working operations can hereby be carried out on the turbine tower, such as for example especially surface treatment, rust work, cleaning, grinding, painting, inspection etc.
- various work tasks can also be carried out during the uplift and/or the lowering of the device 10 itself.
- the device 150 comprises a frame, a bracket or the like 160 which serves substantially to support and carry the essential construction parts of the device. As shown, the frame
- the frame 160 has an upper part 166, which - in the position shown - in the proximity of the turbine tower 2 is connected to a part 162, which extends downwards. At the lower part of this there is connected a part 164 which extends upwards to the outer part of the frame part 162.
- the frame 160 preferably forms a closed figure, which can surround the rotor blade 5.
- the uplift device 152 can comprise several parts, which are connected to or surround frame parts. In connection with the frame part 162 there is thus disposed a larger uplift part 154 which is also connected to an uplift part 156 which extends along the frame part 164. It is obvious that uplift parts could also be connected to the remaining frame parts, and it can also be mentioned that the uplift elements could extend along the frame also at the parts which are lying away from the turbine tower, i.e. the outer parts of the frame.
- wind vanes 170 which, in a similar manner to the systems known from e.g. sailboats, serve to exercise an automatic controlling of the device according to the invention, so that this will always face against the direction of the wind, or in general be controlled in relation to the wind direction.
- the frame 160 as well as the frame 122 described in connection with fig. 10 will be made of parts, which fulfill the requirements with regard to both strength and minimal weight.
- Use can thus be made of materials such as aluminium, other alloys, synthetic materials such as carbon fibre or glass-fibre reinforced plastic materials, including polyester, epoxy etc., as well as other materials such as wood, especially including light woods such as balsa wood can be used.
- Use can also be made of a composition of different materials, for example wood, for example balsa, reinforced with various plastics such as glass-fibre or carbon reinforced polyester, epoxy etc.
- composite materials in general will be able to be used. As will be obvious to an expert, other possibilities of selection among materials, which are available at any given time, can also be used.
- the frame can be configured in ways other than as shown. There can thus be various forms of lattice constructions configured from bars and/or tubes. Moreover, the construction can comprise plate-formed parts, as well as constructions with features from several of the above-mentioned constructions are possible. Tubular or hollow parts of the frame construction itself can also serve as uplift elements, i.e. they can be configured in an air-tight manner and with the possibility of filling the cavity with a gas or air which is lighter than the atmospheric air. For example, this can be done by providing such a cavity with a flexible inner bag which can be filled with said gas or air, and where this gas or air can also be pumped out again while the inner bag folds together inside the cavity.
- the device 150 is shown on an even larger scale in a section along the line Xi ⁇ -XIII in fig. 12.
- the uplift parts 156 and 154 are connected by a transverse uplift part 158. It is thus also seen that with this embodiment an optimal positioning of the uplift elements is achieved, at the same time as the space available between the turbine tower 2 and the rotor blade 5 is utilised.
- said frame or rack part is configured in such a manner that it can be folded together, so that in addition to being relatively light it will only occupy very little space when it is to be transported, stored etc.
- This can be effected, for example, by the frame parts being configured in a known manner with lock parts and/or hinges, for example so that in a substantially triangular form a de-coupling takes place between two sides at one corner, after which these two sides are folded down towards the third side, in that hinges are arranged at the two last corners.
- the frame construction can be configured with other forms of collapsibility.
- the device according to this embodiment of the invention is shown seen from the rear from a position between turbine tower and rotor blade 5.
- the device 150 and the uplift device 152 form a horseshoe-like shape in the vertical plane.
- the frame which is not shown in this figure, can be included as an integrated part of the device and, in the case where such an arrangement is present, can also serve to support the locking device (not shown in this figure) or other means, technical arrangements etc.
- the locking device can be configured so that it can grip around the root of a rotor blade 5.
- the locking device can, however, also be configured so that it can grip around the hub 7 itself for the rotor blades. It will also be realised that the locking device can be configured in such a manner that it can grip around or in any other suitable part of the wind turbine and/or parts of this. As mentioned earlier, a locking device can be dispensed with in cases where the lifting of relatively light materials, camera equipment, inspection equipment etc. is involved, where use of only the uplift device alone will be adequate for carrying out lifting and lowering.
- a device according to the invention can be brought to the site by means of a relatively simple vehicle or a vessel, which in addition to the device according to the invention shall bring with it a supply of said gas or air, pump equipment for handling of this, required winches, lines, tackles and the like, and control equipment, including remote control.
- equipment which is to be hoisted up in the wind turbine such as work platform, camera equipment, for example for inspection or to assist in the control, equipment for use e.g. for cleaning or treatment of parts of the wind turbine including the rotor blades etc.
- the vehicle or the vessel is placed under a wind turbine blade when the wind turbine has been stopped in a certain position in relation to possible wind, for example with the rotor blades towards the wind and with a rotor blade pointing downwards.
- the device according to the invention is unfolded on the vehicle or the vessel, possibly on a platform or the like on the vessel or the vehicle, for example on the back of it. For reasons of the relatively low weight, a single person can carry this out.
- the said gas or air is pumped into the uplift element or elements of the device, and at the same time or prior to this the control equipment of the device is made ready, i.e.
- the device will be ready to lift itself when it is filled with a sufficient amount of uplift gas.
- the device can be allowed to lift itself, controlled by means of said lines or in other ways, for example by a control also in relation to the turbine tower, so that it will raise itself towards the tip of the downwards-pointing turbine blade.
- the uplift towards the blade tip can also be effected under control in relation to the turbine tower, in as much as the horseshoe shape or at least the rearwards-extending parts will be able to grip around the tower, and thus serve to control the uplift towards the tip of the blade.
- a possible wind which as mentioned earlier will come in towards the wind turbine mainly from the front, will help to keep the device in the right place.
- the device engages the tip of the turbine blade, for example by the foremost closed end of the device, by a possibly annular part of the device, for example a frame construction or the like.
- the remaining part of the uplift will be controlled partly by the interaction between the turbine blade and the shape of the device, for example a horseshoe shape, an annular or correspondmg shape and, if the device is horseshoe shaped, the rearwards-extending legs will move on each side of the turbine tower and hereby control the position of the device.
- an aerodynamically correct configuration of the device possibly combined with one or more wind vanes, can be contributory in ensuring that also during the remaining part of the uplift the device is placed correctly in relation to turbine tower and rotor blade, also during relatively hard and/or changing wind conditions. If necessary, however, correcting controls can possibly be effected by means of said lines, winches etc. during the uplift.
- the uplift is possibly halted, or the device can quite simply be allowed to abut against hub, nacelle or other part, which as mentioned above cannot give rise to damage.
- it can be ascertained whether the device is placed correctly, so that in this position the locking device can grip correctly around the relevant part of the wind turbine.
- the locking device can, if necessary, be operated by a remote control, after which it is firmly locked.
- the work tasks desired to be carried out are now effected as described earlier, for example by lifting/ lowering of a work platform, washing equipment, processing or inspection equipment etc.
- the locking device is released, for example by a remote control, and the device according to the invention is lowered or allowed to descend, in that gas is pumped back to a container on or in the vessel or the vehicle as described earlier. If the gas is of a kind, which is not detrimental to the environment, it can possibly be allowed to be released.
- the device can be used without using a locking device, for example for the inspection of e.g. rotor blades, where it is simply a desire to effect an upwards and/or downwards movement along the rotor blade with a camera or the like, for which a locking is not required.
- a locking device for example for the inspection of e.g. rotor blades, where it is simply a desire to effect an upwards and/or downwards movement along the rotor blade with a camera or the like, for which a locking is not required.
- the device is only brought down to a height which is slightly below the level of the tip of the blade.
- the rotor blades are rotated until the next rotor blade is pointing downwards, after which the device is allowed to lift itself again and engage the tip of the new blade, possibly after gas has been pumped back into the uplift element or elements of the device, preferably from said tank or tanks for the reuse of gas.
- the process is repeated as described.
- the device When no further working operations are required on the relevant wind turbine, the device is drawn — or lowered - completely or almost completely down to the vessel or the vehicle, possibly with gas being led from the device to said tank. If work is to be carried out in connection with other wind turbines in the vicinity or in the same wind turbine park, the vessel or the vehicle is moved over to the next wind turbine and the process is repeated. If no further work on wind turbines is required, the device is completely emptied of air or gas and is folded/packed together in the vessel or the vehicle, after which it will be immediately ready for use in another place.
- uplift device there is possibility of variation in, among other things, number, shape, arrangement etc., and there are wide possibilities for use of various kinds or air and gas, where under the given conditions it is merely required that an uplift in relation to the surrounding air is achieved.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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AU2003258492A AU2003258492A1 (en) | 2002-09-04 | 2003-09-04 | A method and a device for lifting and/or lowering of objects at a wind turbine or the like and uses hereof |
US10/526,684 US20060175465A1 (en) | 2002-09-04 | 2003-09-04 | Method and a device for lifting and/or lowering of objects at a wind turbine or the like and uses hereof |
EP03793607A EP1534953A1 (en) | 2002-09-04 | 2003-09-04 | A method and a device for lifting and/or lowering of objects at a wind turbine or the like and uses hereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DKPA200201299 | 2002-09-04 | ||
DKPA200201299 | 2002-09-04 |
Publications (1)
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WO2004022970A1 true WO2004022970A1 (en) | 2004-03-18 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/DK2003/000577 WO2004022970A1 (en) | 2002-09-04 | 2003-09-04 | A method and a device for lifting and/or lowering of objects at a wind turbine or the like and uses hereof |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20060175465A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1534953A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003258492A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004022970A1 (en) |
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US20060175465A1 (en) | 2006-08-10 |
AU2003258492A1 (en) | 2004-03-29 |
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