WO2020043254A1 - Procédé d'installation d'une grue sur une partie d'une éolienne en mer et sur le navire prévu à cet effet - Google Patents

Procédé d'installation d'une grue sur une partie d'une éolienne en mer et sur le navire prévu à cet effet Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020043254A1
WO2020043254A1 PCT/DK2019/050250 DK2019050250W WO2020043254A1 WO 2020043254 A1 WO2020043254 A1 WO 2020043254A1 DK 2019050250 W DK2019050250 W DK 2019050250W WO 2020043254 A1 WO2020043254 A1 WO 2020043254A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
crane
vessel
wind turbine
tower
offshore wind
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2019/050250
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jens Andersen Gad
Frederik BUDDE
Peter FORNÉ
Allan Melgaard
Original Assignee
Maersk Supply Service A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Maersk Supply Service A/S filed Critical Maersk Supply Service A/S
Publication of WO2020043254A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020043254A1/fr

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02D—FOUNDATIONS; EXCAVATIONS; EMBANKMENTS; UNDERGROUND OR UNDERWATER STRUCTURES
    • E02D27/00—Foundations as substructures
    • E02D27/32—Foundations for special purposes
    • E02D27/42—Foundations for poles, masts or chimneys
    • E02D27/425—Foundations for poles, masts or chimneys specially adapted for wind motors masts
    • 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
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
    • F03D13/25—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B27/00—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers
    • B63B27/10—Arrangement of ship-based loading or unloading equipment for cargo or passengers of cranes
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0039—Methods for placing the offshore structure
    • E02B2017/0047—Methods for placing the offshore structure using a barge
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0091—Offshore structures for wind turbines
    • 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
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/10—Assembly of wind motors; Arrangements for erecting wind motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
    • F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
    • F05B2230/61—Assembly methods using auxiliary equipment for lifting or holding
    • F05B2230/6102—Assembly methods using auxiliary equipment for lifting or holding carried on a floating platform
    • 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
    • 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
    • Y02E10/727—Offshore wind turbines
    • 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
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product

Definitions

  • WTG wind turbine generators
  • Some wind turbine generators have been installed on land in windy areas such as on hilltops. Wind turbine generators installed on land are also known as“onshore” wind turbine generators.
  • wind turbine generators installed in coastal waters. Wind turbine generators installed in coastal waters, the sea or deep ocean are also known as“offshore” wind turbine generators.
  • WO2017/055598 Another alternative method of offshore wind turbine generator installation is contemplated in WO2017/055598.
  • This discloses installing separate parts of a wind turbine generator with a crane mounted to part of the tower. The crane is initially winched onto the tower from a barge.
  • a problem with this arrangement is that the cable must be pre-attached to the tower in order for the crane to be winched onto the tower. This means that the vessel must be in close proximity to the foundation and transition piece because otherwise the crane will be immersed in water during the winching operation
  • the method comprises determining the distance and position of the vessel with respect to the portion of the offshore wind turbine.
  • the compensating comprises maintaining the vessel at a fixed distance and position from the portion of the offshore wind turbine generator based on the determined distance.
  • the compensating comprises adjusting a moveable actuator of the support structure coupled to a motion compensation platform with respect to the vessel.
  • the compensating comprises adjusting the position of the crane with respect the vessel by moving one or more moveable actuators coupled to one or more adjustable arms of the support structure, wherein the adjustable arms are coupled between the vessel and the portion of the crane.
  • the adjustable arms are extendable and / or pivotable with respect to the vessel.
  • the adjustable arms are independently controllable.
  • a first adjustable arm releasably engages the portion of the crane on a first side and a second adjustable arm releasably engages the portion of the crane on a second side.
  • the securing comprises suspending the portion of the crane from cables from the portion of the offshore wind turbine generator.
  • a vessel comprising: a support structure mounted on a vessel for suspending and transferring a portion of crane installable on a portion of an offshore wind turbine generator; at least one moveable actuator coupled to the support structure and arranged to move the suspended portion of the crane to compensate for relative motion between the portion of the offshore wind turbine generator and the vessel such the portion of the crane is stable relative to the portion of the offshore wind turbine, wherein the support structure comprises a first adjustable arm engageable with the portion of the crane on a first side and a second adjustable arm engageable with the portion of the crane on a second side.
  • Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a vessel
  • Figure 7 shows a side view of a vessel with a crane in a second position according to an embodiment
  • Figure 10 shows a schematic view of a vessel
  • Figure 11 shows a flow diagram of a method of installing a crane on a portion of an offshore wind turbine generator
  • Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a vessel with a crane according to an embodiment
  • Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a vessel with a crane according to an embodiment
  • Figure 15 shows a perspective view of a crane mounted on a vessel according to an embodiment
  • Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a crane mounted on a vessel according to an embodiment
  • Figure 17 shows a perspective view of a crane mounted on a portion of a wind turbine generator according to an embodiment.
  • FIG. 1 shows a side view of a vessel 100 in the proximity of a wind turbine generator (WTG) 102.
  • WTG wind turbine generator
  • the WTG 102 comprises a foundation 104 anchored to the seabed 106.
  • the foundation 104 is a steel and / or concrete tube which is fixed to and protrudes from the seabed 106.
  • the foundation 104 engages with the seabed 106, but in some embodiments the foundation can be floating where the ocean is particularly deep.
  • other types of foundation 104 can be used including, but not limited to: monopile foundations, tripod foundations, jacket foundations, space-type foundations, floating foundations and / or gravity-based structure foundations.
  • a transition piece (TP) 108 is fixed to the monopile foundation 104 and the transition piece 108 projects out from the surface of the water 1 10.
  • the transition piece 108 comprises access ladders (not shown) for access to the WTG 102 from a boat.
  • the transition piece 108 further comprises a platform 1 12 and a door 1 14 for internal access to the WTG 102.
  • Each of the elements of the WTG 102 is installed with the vessel 100, which will be described in further detail below.
  • the vessel 100 as shown in Figure 1 is a subsea supply vessel.
  • the vessel is another type of vessel including but not limited to an anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessel, a platform supply vessel (PSV), multipurpose support vessel (MSV), a tug boat, a barge or any other suitable vessel for installing WTGs 102.
  • AHTS anchor handling tug supply
  • PSV platform supply vessel
  • MSV multipurpose support vessel
  • WTGs 102 a tug boat
  • barge any other suitable vessel for installing WTGs 102.
  • the vessel 100 can be used for various marine operations such as anchor handling, towing, supply of offshore installations, and fire-fighting.
  • the vessel 100 comprises one or more winches (not shown) for handling towlines and anchors of offshore installations such as oil rigs.
  • the vessel 100 comprises an open aft portion 124 for storing and managing anchors.
  • the aft portion 124 is used for stowing one or more parts of the WTG 102.
  • the aft portion 124 can be used to store disassembled parts 302, 304, 306 of the tower 1 16 (as shown in Figure 3), the nacelle 1 18, the hub 120 and / or the blades 122.
  • disassembled parts of the WTG 102 can be stowed on a separate vessel (not shown) such as a barge which is positioned close to the vessel 100 when the WTG 102 is being installed.
  • Figure 1 shows that the open aft portion 124 is clear from anchors and towlines for the purposes of clarity.
  • the open aft portion 124 may comprise one or more cranes (not shown) fixed to the structure of the vessel 100 for lifting and moving objects.
  • the vessel 100 can use the winch together with a towline for towing the barge or other floating structures, if required.
  • the towline can be attached to a capstan or bollard secured to the deck 334 of the vessel 100 when towing the barge.
  • the method of towing barges with a towline and vessel is known and will not be discussed in any further detail.
  • the vessel 100 comprises a plurality of propulsors for moving the vessel 100 through the water.
  • the propulsors are one or more of the following: a propeller, a thruster, or an azimuth thruster.
  • the vessel 100 can have any number or configuration of propulsors.
  • the vessel 100 as shown in Figure 1 comprises two propellers 1002 (schematically represented in Figure 10).
  • the propellers 1002 are both coupled to a diesel two stoke engine 1000 (schematically shown in Figure 10) or each propeller 1002 is coupled to a separate diesel two stroke engine 1000.
  • the two propellers 1002 can be driven by one or more diesel four stroke engines 1000.
  • the propulsors can be powered with a diesel electric engine with or without a direct coupling.
  • the propellers 1002 are principally used for moving the vessel 100 in a direction towards the bow 126 of the vessel 100.
  • the vessel 100 will move in a direction towards the stern 128.
  • the vessel 100 only has one propeller mounted along the centreline X-X (as shown in Figure 2) of the vessel 100.
  • a rudder 130 is positioned aftwards of each propeller 1002 for steering the vessel 100.
  • the rudder 130 is used for directing a wash which is a mass of water moved by the propellers 1002.
  • Each propeller 1002 can have a nozzle which is a hollow tube that surrounds each propeller 1002 for increasing the propulsive force of the respective propellers 1002.
  • the vessel 100 comprises plurality of bow thrusters 132, 134, 136 and a plurality of stern thrusters 138, 140, 142.
  • Each of the bow thrusters 132, 134, 136 and the stern thrusters 138, 140, 142 are mounted in a tunnel 144.
  • the tunnel 144 is a hollow tube integral with the hull 146 of the vessel 100 and is open at both sides, e.g. port side and starboard side of the hull 146. This means a thrust force can be imparted at either side of the vessel 100.
  • the tunnel 146 which is integral with the hull 146 of the vessel 100 maintains a compact form and reduces drag on the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 when the vessel 100 is moving forwards.
  • the bow thrusters 132, 134, 136 and the stern thrusters 138, 140, 142 provide a side force with respect to the vessel 100. In this way, the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 increase the manoeuvrability of the vessel 100.
  • the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 are driven by an electric motor 1004 (schematically shown in Figure 10).
  • the electric motor 1004 is powered by a diesel engine which may be an auxiliary engine (not shown) in addition to the diesel engines 1000 driving the propellers 1002.
  • the electric motor 1004 can also drive the propellers 1002.
  • the electric motors 1004 can be powered from the same engine 1000 which drives the propellers 1002. Additionally or alternatively, the electric motors 1004 of the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 are powered by a battery (not shown). In other embodiments, the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 are driven by a diesel engine 1000 and gearing and linkages (both not shown) couple the engine 1000 to the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142. In operation, one or more thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 can generate a thrust on a side of the vessel 100. All the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 can generate a thrust on the same side of the vessel 100 or on different sides of the vessel 100.
  • one or more of the propellers 1002 or the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 are replaced with azimuth thrusters 1006 (as shown in Figure 10).
  • the azimuth thruster 1006 is housed in a pod and is also known as an“azipod”.
  • the azipod 1006 is rotatable by an angle (azimuth) around a horizontal plane parallel with a main horizontal plane of the vessel 100. In this way, the azipod 1006 can direct thrust in any direction. Similar to the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, the azipods 1006 can be driven by an engine 1000 or an electric motor 1004.
  • control of the vessel 100 is achieved by manual controls 1008 such as joysticks, helm, wheel etc. (shown schematically in Figure 10) located in the bridge 148.
  • the bridge 148 is usually located in position such that the crew members have good visibility of the vessel 100 and the surrounding sea.
  • the bridge 148 as shown in Figure 1 has 360 degree visibility of the sea surrounding the vessel 100. This means that crew members operating the vessel 100 can safely and easily control the vessel 100 irrespective of whether the vessel 100 is moving forwards, backwards or side to side.
  • the vessel 100 can be autonomously controlled with a dynamic positioning module 1010 and a vessel control module 1012 (as shown in Figure 10). Use of the dynamic positioning module 1010 will be discussed in further detail together with Figure 10 below.
  • FIG. 2 shows a perspective schematic view of the vessel 100.
  • the vessel 100 has three principle axis about which it can rotate, a longitudinal axis X-X, a transverse axis Y-Y, and a vertical axis Z-Z.
  • Rotation about the longitudinal axis or centreline X-X of the vessel 100 is called roll.
  • Rotation about the transverse axis Y-Y which is the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X is called pitch.
  • Rotation about the vertical axis Z-Z is called yaw.
  • the vessel 100 can also experience translational motion along each of the axes.
  • Translational motion about the longitudinal axis X-X, the transverse axis Y-Y and the vertical axis Z- Z is respectively known as surge, sway and heave.
  • motion compensation of the vessel 100 is carried out to compensate for one or more of roll, pitch, yaw, sway, surge, and heave.
  • measurement of the motion of the vessel 100 is carried out by one or more sensors.
  • Figure 2 schematically represents a pitch motion sensor, 200, a roll sensor 202, a yaw sensor 204, a surge sensor 206, a sway sensor 208 and a heave sensor 210.
  • the sensors for detecting the motion of the vessel 100 can be accelerometers, gyroscopes, cameras, or any other suitable sensor for detecting motion of the vessel 100.
  • the translation movement of the vessel 100 in a plane substantially parallel to the surface of the water is detected with a global positioning system (GPS) 1016 of the vessel 100.
  • GPS global positioning system
  • the one or more sensors 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 in some embodiments, can be one or more accelerometers for detecting motion in three perpendicular axes.
  • one or more sensors can detect motion of the vessel 100 in all six degrees of freedom (roll, pitch, yaw, surge, sway, heave).
  • the sensors 200, 202, 204, 206, 208, 210 are connected to a motion compensation module 1014.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 determines the motion of the vessel 100 due to the wind and the waves based on the received sensor information. The compensating for the motion of the vessel 100 will be described in further detail below.
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of a vessel 100 with a crane 300 in a first position according to an embodiment.
  • the crane 300 In the first position, the crane 300 is positioned at the aftmost part of the vessel 100.
  • the crane 300 is mounted on the deck 334 or positioned on a platform 324 mounted on the deck 334.
  • the crane 300 is arranged to hoist the parts of the WTG 102 during installation of the WTG 102 when mounted on the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 can be any suitable shape, size or form for lifting the parts of the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 is mountable on a portion 308 of the WTG 102.
  • the portion 308 of the WTG 102 is a first section 308 of the tower 1 16.
  • the first section 308 has been installed and fixed to the transition piece 108 before the crane 300 is mounted on the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 is mountable on other parts of the WTG 102 such as the transition piece 108 or the foundation 104.
  • the crane 300 comprises a crane body 310 engageable with the tower 1 16.
  • the crane body 310 will be described in further detail.
  • Figure 9 shows a plan view of the crane 300.
  • the crane body 310 optionally comprises a first door 900, and a second door 902 pivotally hinged to the crane body 310.
  • the first and second doors 900, 902 are arranged to move between a first position in which the doors 900, 902 in an open position and a second position in which the doors 900, 902 are in a closed position. In the open position, the crane body 310 can be positioned around the tower 1 16.
  • the crane body 310 In the closed position, the crane body 310 envelops the tower 116 and secures the crane body 310 to the tower 1 16. In some embodiments, as discussed below one or more other mechanisms for securing the crane body 310 to the tower 1 16 are additionally or alternatively used.
  • the doors 900, 902 do not perform a securing function but instead when the doors 900, 902 are closed, the crane body 310 guides the vertical movement of the crane 300 on the WTG 102.
  • the doors 900, 902 are actuated with hydraulic arms (not shown for clarity).
  • the doors 900, 902 can be held together with a locking mechanism (not shown).
  • the hydraulic arms can be connected to the vessel hydraulic system 1022.
  • the crane body 310 comprises a single pivotally hinged door (not shown). In other embodiments, the doors 900, 902 slide against the crane body. In yet other embodiments, the crane body 310 does not have doors. Optionally there is a strap or other securing mechanism which secures around the tower 1 16 when there are no doors.
  • the crane body 310 comprises one or more shock absorbers 904 for engaging with an external surface 906 of the tower 1 16.
  • the shock absorbers 904 can be sprung mounted to absorb the impact of the crane body 310 abutting against the tower 116.
  • the shock absorbers 904 are sprung mounted wheels. The wheels reduce the friction between the inside surface 908 of the crane body 310 and the external surface 906 of the tower 1 16.
  • the shock absorbers are resiliently deformable pads made from rubber or a similar material.
  • the one or more shock absorbers 904 guide the vertical movement of the crane 300 on the WTG 102 and protect both the WTG 102 and the crane 300 from damage.
  • a plurality of shock absorbers 904 engage the tower 1 16.
  • Figure 9 shows three shock absorbers 904 surrounding the tower 1 16, however there can be any number of shock absorbers positioned on the inside surface 908 of the crane body 310.
  • the position and orientation of the plurality of shock absorbers 904 can be in any suitable arrangement.
  • the shock absorbers 904 are arranged in a plurality of circles and each circle of shock absorbers 904 is positioned at a different height on the crane body 310.
  • the crane 300 comprises a boom 312 which is pivotally coupled to the crane body 310 at pivot 314.
  • the crane 300 comprises one or more cables 316 which are coupled to a winch 318.
  • the cable 316 is connected to yoke 320 for engaging with a load, such as a tower segment 302, 304, 306 to be lifted.
  • the boom 312 projects laterally from the crane body 310 so that the load can be lifted clear from the crane body 310.
  • the boom 312 is optionally pivotally connected to an additional jib portion (not shown). The jib portion fixed to the boom 312 or is pivotally mounted to the boom 312 and increase the lateral reach of the crane 300.
  • the crane 300 comprises a counterweight 322 positioned on the opposite side of the crane body 310 to the boom 312.
  • the counterweight 322 is a water filled container suspended from the crane body 310. In this way, the counterweight 322 is emptied of water when the crane 300 is being transferred from the vessel 100 to the WTG 102. This reduces the weight of the crane 300 during the lift operation.
  • the crane 300 as shown in Figure 3 is mounted in a first position on the aftmost portion of the vessel 100.
  • the crane 300 is removably mounted on the stern 128 of the vessel 100.
  • the crane 300 is attached to the vessel 100 with quick release fixings. This means that the crane 300 can be fixed in place when the vessel 100 sails to the location of the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 can be released from the vessel 100 and prepared for the transfer to the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 is mounted on a moveable platform 324.
  • the moveable platform 324 can be mounted on wheels or rails (not shown) on the deck 334 of the vessel 100.
  • the moveable platform 324 can undergo a translational movement on the deck 334 of the vessel 100.
  • the crane 300 can be moved from a stowed position on the aft portion 124 of the vessel 100 to a transfer position at the aftmost part of the vessel 100 (as shown in Figure 3).
  • the parts of the WTG stowed on the vessel 100 can also be mounted on moveable platforms (not shown) to move them from a stowed position to a position ready for transfer.
  • the crane 300 is releasably coupled to a support structure 332 arranged to suspend the crane 300 above the deck 334 of the vessel 100 as shown in Figure 4.
  • the support structure 332 comprises a first adjustable arm 326 which is releasably engageable to a first side of the crane 300 and a second adjustable arm 500 (better viewed from Figure 5) releasably engageable to a second side of the crane 300.
  • the first and second adjustable arms 326, 500 are moveably mountable to the platform 324.
  • the adjustable arm 326 is moveably mounted on the vessel 100.
  • the adjustable arms 326, 500 are each pivotally mountable with first and second orthogonal pivoting joints 508.
  • the adjustable arms are mounted in ball and socket joints.
  • the adjustable arms 326, 500 can be moveably mounted using any suitable mechanism for permitting multiple degrees of freedom.
  • the adjustable arms 326, 500 are configured to pivot with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X of the vessel 100. In this way, the adjustable arms 326, 500 can increase the outreach of the crane 300 as the adjustable arms 326, 500 tends towards the horizontal.
  • the adjustable arms 326, 500 are configured to pivot with respect to the vertical axis Z-Z of the vessel 100. Accordingly, as the vessel 100 experiences roll or pitch in the X-X axis or Y axis respectively due to waves, the adjustable arms 326, 500 can be moved to remain upright.
  • the crane body 310 comprises one or more crane couplings 502.
  • Figure 5 shows a first crane coupling 502 mounted on a first side of the crane body 310.
  • the opposite side of the crane body 310 comprises a second crane coupling (not shown).
  • the first and second crane couplings 502 are configured to mount the crane 300 to the support structure 332 during the transfer operation.
  • the first and second crane couplings 502 permit relative movement between the crane 300 and the support structure 332.
  • the crane couplings 502 permit pivotal movement of the crane 300 about the centre axis B-B of the crane couplings 502.
  • the first adjustable arm 326 and the second adjustable arm 500 are independently controllable. In this way, the first adjustable arm 326 can be moved with respect to the second adjustable arm 500.
  • the relative movement between the first and second adjustable arms 326, 500 can be due to pivotal movement or extension of the telescopic arms. This means that the crane 300 can be tilted and rotated due to the relative movement between the first and second adjustable arms 326, 500.
  • the crane couplings 502 permit movement in more than one degree of freedom. In this way, the crane couplings 502 can be ball and socket joints or a plurality of orthogonal pivoting joints.
  • the crane couplings 502 only permit pivoting movement along the X-X axis. Accordingly, the relative movement of crane 300 with respect to the adjustable arms 326, 500 is constrained. Instead in some embodiments, the support structure 332 is mounted on a motion compensated platform 324. This means that the roll, pitch and heave of the vessel is compensated by the platform 324. In this way, the pivoting movement of the crane 300 about axis B-B is to compensate for the change in angle of the adjustable arms 326, 500 as the adjustable arms 326, 500 extend from the first position to the second position.
  • the platform 324 is rotatable with respect to the vessel 100 about an axis parallel with the Z-Z axis of the vessel 100.
  • the platform 324 comprises a rotatable bearing (not shown) mounted on the deck 334 of the vessel 100. In this way, the crane 300 can slew whilst mounted to the vessel 100.
  • Figure 10 is a schematic view of the components and control systems of the vessel 100.
  • Figure 11 is a flow diagram of the method installing the crane 300 on the WTG 102.
  • the adjustable arms 326 are telescopic and have extended from the first, transfer position as shown in Figure 3 to a second position in which the crane 300 is in a suspended position in Figure 4. As the adjustable arms 326, 500 extend, the crane 300 is moved closer to the tower 1 16.
  • the telescopic arms are hydraulically actuated.
  • the extension of the telescopic arms 326, 500 is carried out with a rack and pinion mechanism (not shown) or any other suitable mechanism.
  • the extension of the telescopic arms is controllable via a hydraulic system 1022 (as shown in Figure 10).
  • the adjustable arms 326, 500 extend along their longitudinal axis.
  • the adjustable arms 326, 500 can also pivot with respect to the vessel 100.
  • the crane 300 In the suspended position, the crane 300 is ready to be mounted on the tower 1 16. As shown in Figure 4, the crane body 310 is surrounding the tower 1 16. When the crane 300 is being suspended from the support structure 332, movement of the vessel 100 from the wind and the waves are exaggerated.
  • the boom 312 is in a horizontal position as shown in Figure 4. Placing the boom 312 in a horizontal position can protect the crane 300 during the transfer of the crane 300 from the vessel 100 to the WTG 102. Accordingly, the doors 900, 902 of the crane body 310 have been closed and secured together. Accordingly, the motion of the vessel 100 is compensated in order to keep the suspended crane stable relative to the tower 1 16.
  • step 1 102 of Figure 1 1 Compensation for relative motion between the portion of the offshore wind turbine generator 102 and the vessel 100 is then carried out as shown in step 1 102 of Figure 1 1 . Discussion of compensating the motion of the vessel 100 will now be discussed in reference to Figures 5 and 10.
  • the vessel 100 comprises a plurality of different modules for controlling one or more aspects of the vessel 100.
  • the modules may be implemented on hardware, firmware or software operating on one or more processors or computers.
  • a single processor can operate the different module functionalities or separate individual processors, or separate groups of processors can operate each module functionality.
  • the vessel 100 further comprises modules for determining parameter information relating the vessel 100.
  • Figure 10 is a non-exhaustive list of the different control modules of a vessel 100.
  • the vessel 100 comprises a vessel control module 1012 for controlling the movement, positioning and orientation of the vessel 100 by sending instructions to the propulsors e.g. the propellers 1002, the thrusters 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142 and / or azipods 1006.
  • the vessel control module 1012 can control one or more other aspects of the vessel 100 such as the motion compensation module 1014.
  • the vessel control module 1012 receives position information from a dynamic positioning module 1010.
  • the dynamic position module 1010 receives positioning information from one or more inputs such as a global positioning system (GPS) 1016, global navigation satellite system (GLONASS) 1018, and a compass 1020 for determining the current position and heading of the vessel 100.
  • the dynamic positioning module 1010 can receive additional positioning input information from other input sources, if required such as a WTG distance module 1026.
  • the dynamic position module 1010 sends target position information to vessel control module 1012.
  • the target position information received from the dynamic positioning module 1010 is position information for moving the vessel 100 from a current position to a desired target position of the vessel 100.
  • the target position information can be position information for maintaining the vessel 100 in a static position for the vessel 100 or a maintaining the vessel on a course or heading.
  • At least one beacon or 400 is placed on a surface of the WTG 102 for measuring the distance between the WTG 102 and the vessel 100 by the WTG distance module 1026.
  • the beacon 400 can be passive and provide a surface which is better for reflecting the measurement signals e.g. light, radio waves, sound waves. In this way, the beacon 400 can be made from a reflective material such as foil.
  • the beacon 400 can be active and send a signal to a distance sensor 1024 for measuring the distance.
  • the distance sensor 1024 can be a laser range finder, LIDAR, a camera, radar, sonar or any other suitable sensor for measuring distance between the vessel 100 and the WTG 102.
  • the active beacon 400 can comprises a GPS detector for determining position of the WTG 102 which is sent to the distance sensor 1024.
  • the beacon 400 can be launched from the vessel 100 to the WTG 102 using a drone, cannon or any other suitable means for delivering the beacon 400 to the WTG 102.
  • the WTG distance module 1026 sends target position information based on the measured distance between the WTG 102 and the vessel 100. Based on the measured distance, the WTG distance module 1026 issues a command to the dynamic positioning system to move the vessel 100 to a safe operating distance. In this way, the WTG distance sensor 1024 can provide accurate distance information to the dynamic positioning module 1010 which the dynamic positioning module 1010 may not be able to determine using only information from the GPS sensor 1016.
  • the dynamic positioning module 1010 can compensate for vessel motion due to drift from the wind and the waves. That is the sway, surge and yaw motion of the vessel 100 can be compensated with use of the thrusters and propellers. As mentioned above, the vessel 100 can also experience motion due to roll, pitch and heave from the waves.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 moves the support structure 332 in order to compensate for the roll, pitch and heave of the vessel 100.
  • Figure 5 shows a close up perspective view of the crane 300 mounted on the vessel 100. Only the aft portion of the vessel 100 is shown for the purposes of clarity.
  • the support structure 332 is suspending the crane 300 above the deck 334 of the vessel 100. Indeed, the first and second adjustable arms 326, 500 are in the extended, second position.
  • the doors 900, 902 of the crane body 310 are open so that the crane body 310 can be positioned to surround the tower 1 16. In comparison with Figure 4, the doors 900, 902 are in the closed position.
  • the support structure 332 comprises at least one actuator for moving the suspended crane 300 with respect to the vessel 100.
  • the second adjustable arm 500 comprises first and second actuators 504, 506 for moving the second adjustable arm 500.
  • the actuators 328, 330, 504, 506 are configured to move the adjustable arms 326, 500 to compensate for the motion of the vessel.
  • the actuators 328, 330, 504, 506 are hydraulically actuated extendable pistons and are coupled to the hydraulic system 1022.
  • the actuators 328, 330, 504, 506 moved by linkages and gearing or any other suitable mechanism.
  • the pitch, roll and heave motion of the vessel 100 is detected using the pitch motion sensor, 200, the roll sensor 202, and the heave sensor 210.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 receives the sensor data relating to the detected motion of the vessel 100.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 determines the deviation of the crane 300 due to the detected motion of the vessel from a stable crane position.
  • the stable crane position is a position whereby the movement of the vessel 100 due to the waves and wind does not affect the position of the crane 300 with respect to the tower 1 16. Instead, translational movement of the crane 300 with respect to the tower 1 16 is due to transferring the crane 300 from the vessel 100 to the tower 1 16. In this way, the translational movement of the crane 300 is with respect to the tower 1 16 is due to the extension of the support structure 332 or from a controlled thrust of the vessel 100 itself required to move the crane 300 closer to the tower 116.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 calculates the deviation from a position of the crane suspended above the vessel at a height corresponding to the position on the WTG 102 where the crane 300 is to be transferred to. On detection of deviation from a stable crane position, the motion compensation module 1014 then sends one or more instructions to the actuators 328, 330, 504, 506 to move the crane 300 back to a stable position. In this way, the motion compensation module 1014 controls the actuators 328, 330, 504, 506 to keep the crane 300 fixed at a height with respect to the WTG 102.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 generates a model of the motion of the vessel 100 over a period time based on observed vessel motion. Accordingly, the generated model is a prediction of the motion of the vessel 100 based on recent motion on the vessel.
  • the motion compensation model sends control instructions to the actuators 328, 330, 504, 506 based on the vessel motion model.
  • the platform 324 is coupled to actuators connected to the motion compensation module 1014. Accordingly, the platform 324 can be used for loading the crane 300 and / or parts 302, 304, 306 of the WTG 102 and stabilized. Once the crane 300 is in a stable position and in a suspended position, the crane can be transferred to a portion of the WTG 102 as shown in step 1 104 of Figure 11 .
  • the crane 300 is positioned such that it is orientated around the tower 1 16 as shown in Figure 4. Accordingly the crane 300 can be transferred and secured to the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 can be secured to any portion of the offshore wind turbine 102.
  • the securing comprises abutting shock absorbers 904 against the outer surface 906 of the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 is secured to the WTG 102 by engaging a coupler (not shown) mounted on the crane 300 with an external protrusion of the portion of the offshore wind turbine generator 102.
  • the coupler moves between a retracted and a deployed position when the crane 300 is being secured.
  • the coupler engages with a flange, eye, bracket or any other suitable protrusion on the outer surface 906 of the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 is secured to the WTG 102 by suspending the crane 300 from cables 316 from the portion of the offshore wind turbine generator.
  • the cables 316 are attached to the top of the tower 116 or the nacelle 1 18. In this way, the cables 316 support the weight of the crane 300.
  • the vessel 100 can move away from the WTG 102.
  • the crane 300 can then hoist parts 302, 304, 306 of the WT G 102 to be installed from the vessel 100 or another vessel such as a barge (not shown).
  • the crane 300 can be transferred to the WTG 102 without endangering the vessel 100 or damaging the WTG 102 or the crane 300. Furthermore by suspending at least one portion of the crane or the entire crane 300 above the vessel 100, the crane 300 does not have to climb the WTG 102 up to an operational height. This means that the crane 300 will move less along the WTG 102, have less physical contact with the WTG 102, and cause less damage to the WTG 102.
  • Figures 6 and 7 show a side view of a vessel 100 with a crane 300 in a first position and a second position. Identical reference numbers will be used for the same features which have been previously described.
  • the support structure 332 comprises a pivoting frame 600 which pivots with respect to the vessel 100.
  • the pivoting frame 600 is arranged to move the crane 300 from a first position on the deck 334 of the vessel 100 as shown in Figure 6 to a second, suspended position as shown in Figure 7.
  • the pivoting frame 600 comprises a two pairs of pivoting arms 602, 604. Each pair of pivoting arms 602, 604 is positioned on each side of the crane body 310, similar to the arrangement as shown in Figure 5. Figures 6 and 7 only show one pair of the pivoting arms 602, 604.
  • the first pivoting arm 602 is pivotally mounted to the vessel 100 and the second arm 604 is pivotally mounted to the first pivoting arm 602.
  • the first pivoting arm 602 comprises a free end 606 which can use support the boom 312 during the step of transfer 1 104.
  • the second pivoting arm 604 is pivotally mounted to the crane body 310 via crane couplings 608.
  • Each of the first and second pivoting arms 602, 604 comprise actuators 610, 612 for moving the first and second pivoting arms 602, 604.
  • the operation and control of the actuators 610, 612 for motion compensation and movement of the pivoting frame 600 is the same as previously discussed in reference to the previous embodiments.
  • the boom 312 no longer rests on the free end 606 of the first pivoting arm 602.
  • the crane 300 is then transferred to the WTG 102 according to step 1 104.
  • the fixed length pivoting arms 602, 604 mean that the support structure 332 can move a heavier crane 300. Fixed length pivoting arms 602, 604 can be preferable because the telescopic extending mechanism as shown in Figure 5 may require enhanced maintenance in the marine environment.
  • the support structure 332 can be any suitable structure for suspending the crane 300 above the deck 334 of the vessel 100 and transferring the crane 300 to the WTG 102. Indeed in some embodiments, the support structure 332 is a structure fixed with respect to the vessel 100. In other embodiments, the support structure 332 is releasably mountable on the motion compensation platform 324. Optionally the support structure is transferrable to the WTG 102 together with the crane 300.
  • FIG. 8 shows a side view of a support structure 800 holding the crane 300.
  • Figure 9 shows a plan view of the support structure 800.
  • the fixed support structure 800 comprises a lattice structure with a fixed length boom 802.
  • the fixed length boom 802 couples to the crane 300 via couplings 910, 912. In this way, the crane 300 is suspended above the vessel 100.
  • the crane 300 is mounted on the fixed support structure 800 remote from the WTG 102. In some embodiments, the crane 300 is loaded on to the fixed support structure 800 in port. Alternatively another vessel can load the crane 300 on to the fixed support structure.
  • the fixed support structure 800 may be mounted on a motion compensation platform 324.
  • the motion compensation platform 324 may comprise one or more actuators (not shown) for moving the entire fixed support structure 800. The actuators are connected to the motion compensation module 1014 to compensate for the motion of the vessel 100. The compensation of the motion of the vessel 100 is the same as described in connect to the previous embodiments.
  • the couplings 910, 912 are hydraulically moveable arms connected to the crane body 310. This means that the couplings 910, 912 can move the crane 300 with respect to the vessel. In this way, the couplings 910, 912 are connected to the motion compensation module 1014. The coupling 910, 912 are connected to the motion compensation module 1014 to compensate for the motion of the vessel 100. The compensation of the motion of the vessel 100 is the same as described in connect to the previous embodiments.
  • the motion compensated platform 324 can compensate for large movements and the couplings 910, 912 can fine tune the motion compensation.
  • the support structure 332 can be releasably mountable on the vessel 100.
  • the embodiments discussed in reference to Figures 1 to 1 1 discussed the entire crane 300 being suspended by the support structure 332. However in alternative embodiments, only a portion of the crane is suspended by the support structure 1228 above the vessel.
  • Figure 12 shows a perspective view of a vessel 100 with a crane 1200 mounted on the deck. The parts of only one WTG 102 are shown in Figure 12, however the vessel 100 is capable of transporting more WTGs 102.
  • the crane 1200 is shown in a first position according to an embodiment. In the first position, the crane 1200 is positioned at the aftmost part of the vessel 100. In the first position, the crane 1200 is mounted on the deck or optionally positioned on a motion compensation platform 324 mounted on the deck. The motion compensation platform 324 will be discussed in further detail below.
  • the crane 1200 is removably mounted on the stern 128 of the vessel 100. In some embodiments, the crane 1200 is attached to the vessel 100 or to the motion compensation platform 324 with quick release fixings (not shown).
  • the crane 1200 is an erectable tower crane 1200 which comprises a plurality of connectable tower segments 1204, 1206, 1208 when erected. Whilst Figure 12 shows three additional connectable tower segments 1204, 1206, 1208, the erected tower crane 1200 can comprise any number of connectable tower segments. This means that the height of the tower crane 1200 is variable.
  • the connectable tower segments 1204, 1206, 1208 comprise a hollow lattice structure.
  • this reduces the weight of the components of the tower crane 1200 and can make installation of the tower crane 1200 on the transition piece 108 easier.
  • the tower crane 1200 comprises a slewing hoisting unit 1210 mounted on a first tower segment 1212.
  • the slewing hoisting unit 1210 is rotatably mounted on the first tower segment 1212 and is rotatable about a central longitudinal axis W-W of the tower crane 1200. This means that the tower crane 1200 can hoist loads in a circular working area about the axis W-W.
  • the tower crane 1200 comprises a boom 1214 which is pivotally coupled to the crane body 1218 at pivot 1216.
  • the tower crane 1200 comprises one or more cables 1220 which are coupled to a winch 1222 mounted in the crane body 1218.
  • the cable 1220 is connected to yoke 1224 for engaging with a load, such as a WTG tower or any other suitable load.
  • the hoisting unit 1210 is raising a removeable crane adapter 1226.
  • the tower crane 1200 is arranged to hoist the removeable crane adapter 1226 on to the transition piece 108 of the WTG 102 whilst the tower crane 1200 is mounted on the vessel 100.
  • the tower crane 1200 is optionally configured to be operational whilst mounted on the vessel 100.
  • the boom 1214 projects laterally from the crane body 1218 so that the load can be lifted clear from the crane body 1218.
  • the boom 1214 is optionally pivotally connected to an additional jib portion (not shown).
  • the tower crane 1200 comprises a counterweight (not shown) positioned on the opposite side of the crane body 1218 to the boom 1214 for limiting the turning moment about the tower crane structure 1228.
  • Figure 12 shows a tower crane 1200 with a slewing hoisting unit 1210 with a pivoting boom 1214 such that the angle that the boom 1214 makes with the longitudinal axis W-W can be varied.
  • the tower crane 1200 is mountable on a portion of the WTG 102 via the removeable crane adapter 1226.
  • the portion of the WTG 102 as shown in Figure 12 is the transition piece 108 of the WTG 102.
  • the tower crane 1200 is mountable via the removeable crane adapter 1226 on other parts of the WTG 102 such as the foundation 104, a part of the WTG tower 1 10 or the entire WTG tower 110.
  • the tower crane 1200 is directly mountable on a portion of the WTG 102.
  • the portion of the WTG 102 such as the foundation 104, the transition piece 108 or the WTG tower comprises mounting elements, such as bolts, brackets, pad eyes, loops, hooks or any other suitable fixing for supporting the weight of the tower crane 1200.
  • the tower crane 1200 comprises a tower segment receiving unit 1230.
  • the tower segment receiving unit 1230 is mountable directly on the WTG 102 or to the removeable crane adapter 1226 mounted on the WTG 102.
  • the tower segment receiving unit 1230 engages the WTG 102 or the adapter 1226, the tower segment receiving unit 1230 supports the weight of the tower crane structure 1228. This means that the foundation 104 of the WTG 102 supports the weight of both the tower crane 1200 and the WTG 102.
  • the tower segment receiving unit 1230 is arranged to receive new connectable tower segments 1204, 1206, 1208 to couple to the existing crane tower structure 1228 to increase the height of the tower crane 1200. Installation of the tower crane 1200 will be described in further detail below.
  • the tower segment receiving unit 1230 comprises a frame 1234 which surrounds a portion of the tower crane structure 1228 formed from the first tower segment 1212 and/ or the connectable tower segments 1204, 1206, 1208.
  • the frame 1234 as shown in Figure 12 comprises solid walls, but in other embodiments the frame 1234 can comprise a lattice structure similar to the connectable tower segments 1204, 1206, 1208.
  • the frame 1234 is in mechanical engagement with the tower crane structure 1228. This means that the tower segment receiving unit 1230 can be fixed in position with respect to the tower crane structure 1228. However, the tower segment receiving unit 1230 is moveable with respect to the tower crane structure 1228. This means that the tower segment receiving unit 1230 can be fixed with respect to the WTG 102 and the tower crane structure 1228 can move with respect to the WTG 102 and the tower segment receiving unit 1230. Movement of the tower segment receiving unit 1230 will be discussed later on.
  • the tower segment receiving unit 1230 as shown in Figure 12 is in a lowered position adjacent to the motion compensation platform 324 on the deck 1 18 of the vessel 100.
  • the tower crane 1200 as shown in Figure 12 is mounted on the motion compensation platform 324.
  • the motion compensation platform 324 is coupled to at least one actuator 1232 connected to a motion compensation module 1014 for controlling actuation of the at least one actuator 232.
  • the motion compensation platform 324 can be used for stabilizing the tower crane 1200 whilst transferring the tower crane 1200 to the WTG 102 and / or during operation of the tower crane 1200 when mounted on the vessel 100 as shown in step 1 102 of Figure 1 1 .
  • the motion compensation platform 324 method is used for attaching the removeable crane adapter 1226 to the transition piece 108 as shown in Figure 12. Accordingly, the movement of the vessel 100 due to the vessel 100 does not affect movement of the removeable crane adapter 1226 when hoisted and transferred to the transition piece 108.
  • the pitch, roll and heave motion of the vessel 100 is detected using sensors (not shown) for determining pitch, roll, and / or heave.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 receives the sensor data relating to the detected motion of the vessel 100.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 determines the deviation of the tower crane 1200 mounted on the motion compensation platform 324 due to the detected motion of the vessel 100 from a stable crane position.
  • the motion compensation method is similar to the method discussed with reference to the previous embodiments.
  • the stable crane position can be a predetermined position whereby the movement of the vessel 100 due to the waves and wind does not affect the position of the tower crane 1200 with respect to the transition piece 108. Whilst the tower crane 1200 is mounted on the activated motion compensation platform 324, any translational movement of the tower crane 1200 with respect to the WTG 102 may due to a controlled thrust of the vessel 100. The controlled thrust of the vessel 100 may be required to move the tower crane 1200 closer to the WTG 102 for transfer. In some embodiments, the motion compensation module 1014 calculates the deviation of a portion of the tower crane 1200 from the predetermined stable crane position.
  • the predetermined stable crane position is a height of the portion of the tower crane 1200 above the vessel 100 required during transferred of the tower crane 1200 to the WTG 102.
  • the motion compensation module 1014 On detection of deviation from a stable crane position, the motion compensation module 1014 then sends one or more instructions to the actuators 1232, to move the motion compensation platform 324. In this way, the motion compensation module 1014 controls the actuators 1232 to keep the tower crane 1200 fixed at a height with respect to the WTG 102.
  • the removeable crane adapter 1226 as shown in Figure 12 is attachable to the to the transition piece 108 or the foundation 104 or another part of the WTG 102.
  • the removeable crane adapter 1226 is circular in cross section and circumferentially surrounds the transition piece 108. Accordingly, in some embodiments the tower crane 1200 lifts the removeable crane adapter 1226 above the transition piece 108 and lowers the removeable crane adapter 1226 so that the transition piece 108 projects through the removeable crane adapter 1226.
  • the removeable crane adapter 1226 is bolted to the transition piece 108. However, in other embodiments the removeable crane adapter 1226 clamps onto a flange at the top of the transition piece 108. Additionally or alternatively, the removeable crane adapter 1226 can use hooks, loops, brackets, clamps, clips, welds or any other suitable fastening device for fixing the removeable crane adapter 1226 to the transition piece 108.
  • the removeable crane adapter 1226 is arranged to support the weight of the tower crane 1200 when the tower crane 1200 is installed on the WTG 102.
  • the removeable crane adapter 1226 can be any shape or size and need not be circular in cross section.
  • the removeable crane adapter 1226 allows the tower crane 1200 to be mounted on the WTG 102 without scratching the WTG tower 1 10 or the transition piece 108. This means that the WTG 102 will not need an additional coat of paint to treat scratches left by the installation and operation of the tower crane 1200.
  • Figures 13 and 14 show a perspective view of a crane according to an embodiment.
  • the tower crane structure 1228 is a support structure 1228 which suspends at least one portion of the crane 1200 above the vessel as shown in step 1 100 of Figure 11 .
  • the tower segment receiving unit 1230 optionally comprises a drive mechanism (not shown) mounted in the frame 1234 for lifting the tower segment receiving unit 1230 up the tower crane structure 1228.
  • the drive mechanism comprises a drive pinion coupled to a drive shaft of a motor (not shown).
  • the drive pinion engages with one or more racks on one or more surfaces of the first tower segment 1212 and also the new tower segments 1204, 1206, 1208.
  • the drive pinions engage the rack and rotate, the rack moves with respect to the drive pinions.
  • the tower segment receiving unit 1230 moves with respect to the first tower segment 1212. This means that the tower segment receiving unit 1230 can climb the tower structure 1228 and move from the lowered position as shown in Figure 12 to the raised suspend position as shown in Figure 13.
  • the relative movement of the vessel 100 with respect to the transition piece 108 of WTG 102 can be limited. This can make the motion compensation when transferring the tower crane 1200 easier because there will be fewer degrees of relative movement between the vessel 100 and the transition piece 108. Additionally or alternatively, the vessel 100 can use dynamic positioning to fix the position of the vessel 100 with respect to the transition piece 108 as mentioned above.
  • the tower segment receiving unit 1230 is then lowered on to the removeable crane adapter 1226 so that the coupling arms 1300, 1302 engage the pegs 306, 310 of the crane adapter 1226.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne également un procédé d'installation d'au moins une partie d'une grue sur une partie d'une éolienne en mer à partir d'un navire ayant une structure de support de grue, le procédé consistant à suspendre la partie de la grue dans la structure de support au-dessus du navire. Le procédé comprend la compensation du mouvement relatif entre la partie de l'éolienne en mer et le navire, de telle sorte que la partie suspendue de la grue est stable par rapport à la partie de l'éolienne en mer. Le procédé comprend également le transfert de la partie suspendue de la grue entre le navire et la partie de l'éolienne en mer.
PCT/DK2019/050250 2018-08-31 2019-08-28 Procédé d'installation d'une grue sur une partie d'une éolienne en mer et sur le navire prévu à cet effet WO2020043254A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DKPA201800518 2018-08-31
DKPA201800518A DK201800518A1 (en) 2018-08-31 2018-08-31 A method of installing a crane on a portion of an offshore wind turbine generator and a vessel therefor

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NL2027021B1 (en) * 2020-12-01 2022-07-06 U Sea Beheer B V Motion compensation and transportation unit, motion compensation and transportation system and method therefor
WO2022200268A1 (fr) 2021-03-23 2022-09-29 Fred. Olsen Ocean Ltd. Agencement et procédé d'entretien et de maintenance
WO2023004117A3 (fr) * 2021-07-22 2023-02-16 Trendsetter Vulcan Offshore, Inc. Système d'éolienne en mer et procédé d'installation
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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2021245175A1 (fr) * 2020-06-05 2021-12-09 Macgregor Norway As Installation d'installation de pieux et procédés associés
NL2027021B1 (en) * 2020-12-01 2022-07-06 U Sea Beheer B V Motion compensation and transportation unit, motion compensation and transportation system and method therefor
WO2022200268A1 (fr) 2021-03-23 2022-09-29 Fred. Olsen Ocean Ltd. Agencement et procédé d'entretien et de maintenance
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