WO2020065103A1 - Wind turbine maintenance system and method - Google Patents

Wind turbine maintenance system and method Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020065103A1
WO2020065103A1 PCT/ES2018/070629 ES2018070629W WO2020065103A1 WO 2020065103 A1 WO2020065103 A1 WO 2020065103A1 ES 2018070629 W ES2018070629 W ES 2018070629W WO 2020065103 A1 WO2020065103 A1 WO 2020065103A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
tower
structural system
crane
wind turbine
elements
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ES2018/070629
Other languages
Spanish (es)
French (fr)
Inventor
Carlos COLINO LLAMAS
Original Assignee
Colino Llamas Carlos
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 Colino Llamas Carlos filed Critical Colino Llamas Carlos
Priority to PCT/ES2018/070629 priority Critical patent/WO2020065103A1/en
Publication of WO2020065103A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020065103A1/en

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Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G1/00—Scaffolds primarily resting on the ground
    • E04G1/02—Scaffolds primarily resting on the ground composed essentially of members elongated in one dimension only, e.g. poles, lattice masts, with or without end portions of special form, connected together by any means
    • 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
    • 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

  • This invention is related to the maintenance and replacement of components in wind turbines.
  • it defines a system and method for placing and supporting a crane in a modular structure.
  • This system is made up of prefabricated components that are assembled together to assemble the structure.
  • This crane can be used for maintenance work or to perform a component change on a wind turbine.
  • This invention also defines the adaptations necessary to be made in the wind turbine tower to be able to connect the structural system described in this invention with the wind turbine tower.
  • This invention defines ways of fixing the structural system to the wind turbine tower.
  • This invention finally describes the modifications to be made in the design of the wind turbine tower to simplify its connection with the proposed structural system in future wind turbines.
  • Wind turbines are generally made up of a metal or concrete tower that supports the nacelle and the blades. Sometimes it is necessary to replace some components and for this it is necessary to use cranes with the necessary load capacity and reaching the required height.
  • WO2014 / 071949 discloses the use of a crane that is mounted on the nacelle avoiding the use of cranes on the ground.
  • This invention has several disadvantages that must be solved such as the need to design specific supports for each type of turbine, the need to hoist the components of the crane to be used with the limited means available in the nacelle and the fact that they transmit loads raised to the nacelle for which they are not designed.
  • These scaffolding, falsework and similar structures are modular systems, usually made up of basic elements such as uprights, horizontal components such as stringers or crossbars and optionally diagonals. Typical characteristics of these structures are their ease of assembly and their versatility.
  • WO2017 / 207263 describes a modular formwork using prefabricated tubular elements that are connected to each other by means of plugs for the upright-upright connections and by means of rosettes that, fixed to the uprights, serve as accommodation for wedges located at the ends of the rest. Mainly horizontal and diagonal, of elements to connect with the uprights.
  • Typical components in a modular scaffolding system also include work platforms and access with ladders or railings.
  • wind towers have not been used as a support for horizontal loads of modular systems based on prefabricated components in which loads are transmitted through a large number of connections with relatively low transmitted loads in each of them.
  • DE102016102213A1 describes in figure 5 and figure 6 several fixings of a tower crane to a wind tower by means of a system placed at the height of the joints of the sections of the wind tower and not along the entire section.
  • This invention has several shortcomings since it does not define the connection between the wind tower and the plates that hold the connecting element.
  • the design of the complete system does not allow the installation of the connection without the help of lifting equipment to access the fixing point or handling elements for both the connection element and the fixing bolt.
  • This invention or other similar ones for fixing tower cranes allow the transmission of high loads, but are not suitable for fixing elements based on modular systems such as scaffolding or falsework. These latter systems require a large number of connections given their low rigidity compared to tower cranes.
  • This invention discloses a system for the use of a crane for use in wind turbines that is supported by a modular system consisting mainly of prefabricated elements, preferably tubular.
  • This system is assembled on site by technicians and its main characteristics are its ease of assembly and its versatility and to assemble different configurations, adapting for example to the geometry of the terrain, the taper of the tower or other geometric and load conditions.
  • the described structure is made up of precast components similar to those used in a scaffolding or falsework system in the construction sector.
  • the structure can be reinforced with smooth tubes fixed to the structure by means of flanges in a similar way as it is done on scaffolding or falsework in the construction field.
  • the elements used allow their manipulation by technicians without the need for cranes located on the ground regardless of the height at which they are mounted.
  • the structural system is preferably assembled piece by piece, forming modules and growing in height. As the height increases, the fixings are connected to the tower. For access to the different heights of the structural system it is possible to include in the design of the same a module with access stairs.
  • the structural system can be assembled in blocks previously assembled on the ground and lifted with a crane, received by operators at height to assemble and fix them to the wind tower. This system is much faster, but requires the use of a crane located on the ground.
  • the maximum height of the structural system is limited by the ability to make the connections that allow the horizontal loads to be transmitted to the wind turbine.
  • This invention preferably describes the maximum height of the structural system as the height that, in case of rotation of the nacelle, this or some other element such as the blades do not hit the structural system.
  • the crane rises above the nacelle just to carry out the maintenance or component change operation and will withdraw once it has been completed, leaving the structural system that supports it below the nacelle.
  • the fixings of the structural system are connected to the wind tower.
  • This invention also describes the possibility that the maximum height of the structural system exceeds the nacelle.
  • This configuration has the advantage that the The size of the crane used for the maintenance or change of the component is smaller and lighter since it does not need a mast as long as in the previous option.
  • this requires that the nacelie cannot rotate if necessary as it would collide with the structural system. It also fixes the structural system in two parts of the turbine that can rotate with each other. In both cases this poses a security risk if there is relative movement between tower and nacelie.
  • the structural system in addition to the necessary connections in the wind turbine tower, the structural system can be fixed to the nacelie or to the hub.
  • the first method of attaching the structural system to the nacelie is to drill one or more holes in the side panel of the nacelie to pass the connections that connect the structural system to the nacelie.
  • the second method of fixing the structural system to the nacelie is to assemble inside the nacelie a structure that protrudes above it and is prepared to connect it to the structural system.
  • the structural system disclosed in this invention is fixed to a multitude of points on the tower, distributed at more or less regular intervals, to withstand horizontal loads. These connections should be made as the structural system reaches the height where the connections are to be placed.
  • connection element will preferably be a tubular profile with the necessary adaptations at the ends.
  • This invention also discloses the use of cables, slings or similar elements for fixing the structural system to the wind turbine tower.
  • the cable, sling or the like is connected to the tower by surrounding it and to an element of the structural system and is tensioned by means of a built-in tensioner.
  • connecting elements mainly transfer horizontal loads, allowing vertical loads to be transmitted to the foundation by means of studs. This is due to the fact that the gaps and lack of rigidity of these systems do not allow correct control of the vertical load that would be transmitted to a fixture in the tower, being able to overload the support and causing its failure and even that of the entire structure.
  • connection element for fixing to the structural system can be of different types such as flanges, wedge joints or even bolted. This type of endings are widely used in scaffolding in the construction sector.
  • connections will be used that, transmitting the expected horizontal forces, avoid or minimize the transmission of vertical forces.
  • This invention discloses various options for making the necessary adaptations in the wind turbine towers already installed to be able to fix the structural system using the types of connections and their terminations described above. This definition of adaptations is necessary to guarantee the correct transmission of loads from the structural system to the wind tower and to do it quickly and easily.
  • this invention describes the preparation of the point of the tower that will receive the termination of the connection element in the tower of the wind turbine by placing a plate, preferably with threaded holes, in the tower on which it is It will fix the connecting element that will receive the completion of the connection element between the structural system and the wind turbine tower, either directly or through intermediate plates.
  • the fixing of the plates to the tower can be carried out in different ways depending on the type of tower, among which are: welded, glued or screwed, the latter more frequently in the case of concrete towers.
  • the plates may have the necessary curvature to better fit the wind turbine tower.
  • This invention secondly describes the realization of holes, preferably threaded, but also through holes, directly in the wind tower to fix the support that allows fixing the end of the connection element that connects to the wind tower.
  • This invention thirdly describes a system for fixing the connection elements between the structural system and the wind turbine tower by means of a support on which a profile is preferably fixed, by means of a half flange, but also by other methods such as screwing. tubular.
  • These supports can be fixed to the plates described in point 1 but also directly to the tower by any method.
  • Preferably a circular tube will be used but it is also possible to use profiles of other geometries, such as, for example, square or triangular.
  • By placing several supports on the same vertical it is possible to install a tube that is fixed to the tower at two or more points.
  • By placing several vertical tubes one after the other it is possible to fix the structural system at any height of the tower in a quick and simple way.
  • This system not only allows fastening of the structural system to the wind turbine tower at any height, but also allows fastening in different directions so that loads that are tangential to the wind tower can be counteracted and not They can transmit by traction or compression with connecting elements directly.
  • connection element of the structural system that is fixed to the wind turbine tower will be connected to this tube, and this connection can be of different types, preferably by means of a flange.
  • the connections allow receiving horizontal loads and in turn can slide on the tubular profile to avoid or at least minimize the absorption of vertical loads.
  • This invention fourthly defines a system based on system 3 in which the flanges do not align vertically, but do so in another direction.
  • the connection tube can be curved or the fixings can be adjusted by means of spacers between the plate and the flange to compensate for the curvature of the tower.
  • This system is suitable for preparing connections to the tower at specific heights where high horizontal loads are estimated to be transmitted to the tower.
  • the pipes held by the flanges will preferably be disassembled once the structural system is dismantled for maintenance reasons, the plates remaining in case it is necessary to carry out another operation in the future. maintenance or component change.
  • this invention defines a system based on cables, slings or the like, that surround the wind turbine tower at a certain height and are tensioned to fix them to the tower.
  • Various shackles, hooks or carabiners have been previously introduced into this cable, sling or the like that allow other cables, slings or the like to be attached to that element. This is so because these elements are fixed between the tower and the cable, sling or similar that surrounds the tower.
  • This invention defines in sixth place a system based on the placement of cylindrical pins, preferably welded, but also glued or screwed, in the tower so that the connection element of the structural system can be subsequently connected by means of a termination with a hole that fits on the pin.
  • a pin will be placed to prevent it from leaking.
  • the design of the pieces that will receive the connection element can be very varied. Eyebolts with a hole or specially shaped pieces will preferably be used to support tubes that transmit compression forces, defined as those that go from the structural system to the tower and that compress the connection element.
  • the preparation of the wind turbine tower to receive the elements of connection with the structural system is a process that is necessary and that in general will be carried out only once since the preparation can be reused for future occasions when it needs to be carried out. a new maintenance or component change operation.
  • this process is time consuming and slows down the erection process of the structural system, so it is convenient to define a solution to avoid having to do it with the turbine already installed.
  • This invention discloses the preparation of the tower during its production process or in any case before the complete erection of the turbine, to receive the connections.
  • This preparation may include any of the above described on-site tower preparation systems 1 to 6, with the advantage that it is not necessary to do so in unfavorable altitude or atmospheric conditions. They will preferably include plates welded to metal towers and screwed or embedded in the case of concrete towers, but the solutions described above are also possible in the case of on-site preparation.
  • the tubes indicated in preparation systems 3 and 4 can be assembled on site to optimize their maintenance.
  • This invention discloses a method of compensating for eccentric or horizontal loads, which can lead to overturning of the structural system or overloading of part of the uprights of the structural system shown. For this, a system of introduction of additional loads is defined that partially compensates the mentioned actions.
  • the load exerted by these cables will be controlled in order to optimize the structure behavior! of the system described in this invention.
  • a drum can be used that collects the cable and is powered by a motor that allows controlling the torque exerted, albeit indirectly.
  • a third option, preferably in vertical cables, is to suspend a defined mass of them so that the force transmitted by that cable is defined.
  • this invention describes the use of cables that are attached on one side to the top of! structure system! and on the other at a distance from the tower, so that the cable is the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by the height of the structural system to which the cable is attached and the horizontal distance of the second point of attachment of the cable to the structural system. Tensioning this cable, preferably with a controlled force, will introduce into the structural system a force that can be decomposed into a vertical compression component and a horizontal force that must compensate for the momentum generated by eccentric or horizontal loads.
  • this invention describes the use of cables in a similar way to the description 1 in which the cables are not inclined but vertical, being fixed in supports located at the base of the structural system.
  • This system has the disadvantage that the capacity to counteract eccentric loads is less, but it has the advantage that no additional space is needed around the wind turbine. It is possible to use a bracket of! Modular system to increase the eccentricity of this load.
  • the support at the bottom can be fixed either to the structural system, self-supporting system, to the foundation or to the tower itself, for example, using one or more tower tie bolts to the foundation or to various masses.
  • this invention defines the possibility of making measurements of wind speed and direction to define the loads to be introduced in systems 1 and 2 defined above. This measurement is relevant since the structural system can receive significant wind loads and that are relevant to its stability.
  • this invention defines the possibility of measuring or estimating the position and value of the crane load at each moment and defining the load to be introduced to compensate for eccentric loads by means of systems 1 and 2 described above.
  • the force exerted by the cables is adjusted at all times to the value of the load supported by the crane to be used and the angular position of the load with respect to the horizontal line joining the vertical axes of! Structural system with the wind turbine tower.
  • the wind load calculated from! System 3 described above will also be considered.
  • the description of the crane to be used to be placed for the component change is not the object of this invention, any crane that allows fixing to the structural system and carrying out the planned maintenance and component change operations can be used.
  • this invention describes a method for hoisting a crane to the top of the structural system without the need to use a crane located on the ground that lifts the crane to be used to the top.
  • a type of crane is preferably proposed in which its main characteristic is that the boom of the crane can vary the angle it forms with the mast by actuating a cylinder, preferably hydraulic.
  • This crane mainly consists of a tubular mast that will be fixed to the structural system using specially designed parts for this purpose, a turning system located on the mast, a second mast that can rotate with respect to the first mast and that is fixed on its upper part the boom of the crane, the hook for the load at the end of the boom including the vertical movement of the load system and a hydraulic cylinder that regulates the inclination of the crane with respect to the mast, expanding or contracting and, therefore, regulating the height to which can be lifted as needed to cover the full range of the crane.
  • This type of crane is common in the industry. Based on this crane typology, this invention describes a method for lifting this crane to the operating position at the top of the structural system.
  • the crane to be used is initially placed at the base of the structural system with the boom as vertical as possible and in any case so that it is within the perimeter of the structural system and does not collide with any component during its vertical lifting.
  • the first modules of the structural system are mounted surrounding the crane. This is possible due to the great versatility of the described structural systems based on prefabricated tubular components.
  • This invention also reveals the possibility of placing the crane to be used inside the perimeter of the structural system once it is assembled. To do this, It introduces the crane to be used in the structural system on one side, provisionally dismantling the horizontal or diagonal elements that are necessary.
  • the boom crane will preferably be located at its lowest point and once the structural system elements that had been removed have been inserted and repositioned, the boom is positioned to the most vertical position, removing the structural system elements that are necessary.
  • the crane is lifted by using a series of cables that pass through pulleys located at the top of the structural system and return to make the shot from the bottom. It is also possible to make the shot from the top in which case it is not necessary to use pulleys that deviate the path of the cables.
  • the minimum number of cables to use is one, including in this case a hoisting tool, but the number can be increased to improve the crane's guidance during hoisting.
  • the cables will be fixed to the crane so that the center of gravity of the crane is centered and below the fixing points so that excessive tilting does not occur.
  • the crane can be loaded with additional masses to center the center of gravity if necessary.
  • the crane For guiding the crane during lifting it is possible to use different guiding systems. Preferably it is proposed to use wheels attached to the crane that roll on profiles expressly mounted for this purpose in the structural system. Alternatively, the crane can be guided by controlling its horizontal movement using a series of operator-controlled guide cables.
  • this invention describes that in the event that the maximum height of the structural system exceeds the naceile, this height will preferably be defined so that the crane to be used remains at its working height by means of the hoisting method described above and the crane is fixed to use the structural system by components that allow the transmission of the crane loads to be used in the structural system.
  • This invention describes that once the crane to be used is hoisted according to the method described above, the final hoisting of the crane to be used, if necessary, is carried out by means of one or more cylinders, preferably hydraulic. These cylinders will be fixed on the one hand to the mast of the crane to be used, preferably on its lower part to improve its stability, but it is also possible at other points, either directly or from intermediate supports. The second end of the cylinders will be fixed to one or more supports that will have been previously fixed to the structural system below the crane. This configuration is done with the cylinder with the stem retracted, so that when the cylinder expands, it moves the crane away from the support and raises it. The crane is vertically guided by the same system as in the first lift.
  • the crane will be hoisted the final meters using this method.
  • the crane to be used will be fixed to the structural system, either with cables, with the definitive connections or through other systems. Then the cylinder support can be released and raised so that the operation can be repeated.
  • the crane attachment to be used in the structural system is fixed by attaching the mast of the crane to different elements of the structural system at at least one height by joining plates, tubes or other specifically defined elements so that all stresses can be transmitted generated.
  • This invention discloses the fixing of the crane in more than one height, preferably in two heights, but they can be more, in order to better distribute the efforts in the structural system.
  • This invention describes the possibility of fixing the crane to be used directly to the wind turbine tower to transmit the horizontal stresses taking advantage of the greater rigidity of the tower compared to the proposed structural system.
  • the preparation of the connections to the tower by fixing pipes and with connection elements that do not transmit vertical stresses such as those described in this invention are especially indicated in this case.
  • Figure 1 shows an elevation view of a wind turbine, (in which for simplicity the blades have not been drawn), and a crane prepared for use supported by a structural system attached to the tower of the wind turbine.
  • Figure 2 shows an elevation and plan view of a structural system incorporating cables to compensate for eccentric and horizontal loads.
  • Figure 3 shows a plan view of a wind turbine (in which for simplicity the blades and nacelle have not been drawn), and a prepared crane supported by a structural system attached to the tower of the wind turbine.
  • Figure 4 shows a section of a tower with a tube fixed by a plate and flange to the tower to facilitate the fixing of the structural system to the tower of the wind turbine.
  • Figure 1 shows a horizontal axis wind turbine 1 in which tower 2 and nacelle 3 are seen and in which the blades have not been drawn for simplicity. Also shown is a crane 10 prepared for use in a component change or maintenance operation consisting of a lower mast 1 1, an upper mast 12, a slewing system 13, a boom 14 and a hydraulic actuator 15 that allows to regulate the inclination of the boom with the mast and with it the height of the load.
  • the crane 10 is fixed to a structural system 20 formed by precast elements as described in the description of the invention.
  • This structural system 20 is composed of several modules consisting mainly of uprights 21, horizontal components 22 and diagonals 23.
  • Figure 1 also includes brackets 24 that allow compensating for the taper of the tower for the access of the operators to the surface of the tower of safe way.
  • the structural system 20 is connected to the tower 2 by means of connection elements 30 that are connected to the tower at the connection points 31.
  • Figure 2 shows a structural system 20 in elevation and plan view, consisting of uprights 21 and horizontal elements 22. This figure does not represent either the tower or the necessary connection elements.
  • Figure 2 also shows vertical cables 41 fixed at the upper end of the structural system and at the bottom on the ground or at the base of the system.
  • the cable 41 is fixed at the upper end to a bracket 24 that protrudes from the vertical of the uprights.
  • Figure 2 also shows an inclined cable 42 that is fixed at the top in the structural system and at the base at a certain distance.
  • Figure 3 shows the plan view of a tower 2 of a wind turbine in the structural system 20 consisting mainly of uprights 21 and horizontal elements 22.
  • the main module of the structural system supports on its upper part the crane 10, whose mast is fixed to the main module of the structural system by means of special connection elements 16.
  • This structural system includes an additional module 320 formed by four columns of uprights 321 and horizontal elements 322.
  • This module includes platforms and access stairs, 26 through which to access the different heights of the structural system.
  • smooth tubes fixed by flanges 27 are used to join both modules and stiffen the structural system since the modular system described in this example does not have horizontal elements that adapt to the distance between studs defined in the configuration described.
  • Figure 4 shows a tower 2 of a wind turbine on which two plates 50 have been attached, including two flanges 51. These flanges allow a tube 60 to be fixed to the tower so that the connecting elements of the structural system to the tower of the wind turbine, not shown, can be connected to this tube, for example, by means of a flange. This allows a quick and easy fixing of the connection element of the structural system to the wind turbine tower.

Abstract

The invention describes a modular structural system formed by prefabricated, mainly tubular elements for supporting a crane for the maintenance or replacement of components in a wind turbine. The elements used are similar to those of the scaffolding or formwork used in the construction industry. This system does not require external cranes for the assembly thereof. The structural system is secured to the wind turbine tower by means of multiple connecting elements that transmit horizontal stresses. The invention defines a series of ways of preparing the tower to secure the structural system and also a series of changes in tower design to secure these connections in a simpler way in future wind turbine towers. The invention describes a method for lifting the crane to be used without the need to use external cranes and finally describes a method for compensating the eccentric and horizontal loads of the structural system.

Description

i  i
Titulo Title
SISTEMA Y MÉTODO PARA MANTENIMIENTO TURBINA EÓLICA  WIND TURBINE SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTENANCE
Sector técnico Technical sector
Este invento esta relacionado con el mantenimiento y cambio de componentes en turbinas eólicas. En particular define un sistema y un método para colocar y soportar una grúa en una estructura modular. Este sistema está formado por componentes prefabricados que son ensamblados entre sí para montar la estructura. Esta grúa se puede utilizar para labores de mantenimiento o para realizar un cambio de componente en una turbina eólica.  This invention is related to the maintenance and replacement of components in wind turbines. In particular, it defines a system and method for placing and supporting a crane in a modular structure. This system is made up of prefabricated components that are assembled together to assemble the structure. This crane can be used for maintenance work or to perform a component change on a wind turbine.
Este invento define también las adaptaciones necesarias a realizar en la torre de la turbina eólica para poder conectar el sistema estructural descrito en este invento con la torre de la turbina eólica.  This invention also defines the adaptations necessary to be made in the wind turbine tower to be able to connect the structural system described in this invention with the wind turbine tower.
Este invento define formas de fijar el sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica.  This invention defines ways of fixing the structural system to the wind turbine tower.
Este invento finalmente describe las modificaciones a realizar en el diseño de la torre de la turbina eólica para simplificar su conexión con el sistema estructural propuesto en futuras turbinas eólicas.  This invention finally describes the modifications to be made in the design of the wind turbine tower to simplify its connection with the proposed structural system in future wind turbines.
Técnica anterior. Prior art.
Las turbinas eólicas están compuestas generalmente por una torre metálica o de hormigón que soporta la nacelle y las palas. En ocasiones es necesario reemplazar algunos componentes y para ello es necesario utilizar grúas con la capacidad de carga necesaria y de alcanzar la altura requeridas.  Wind turbines are generally made up of a metal or concrete tower that supports the nacelle and the blades. Sometimes it is necessary to replace some components and for this it is necessary to use cranes with the necessary load capacity and reaching the required height.
El método mas habitual para realizar estas operaciones de mantenimiento o cambio de componentes es el uso de grandes grúas móviles transportadas en camiones. Estas grúas tienen como inconvenientes su alto coste y la dificultad de acceder a sitios remotos.  The most common method to carry out these maintenance or component change operations is the use of large mobile cranes transported by trucks. These cranes have as disadvantages their high cost and the difficulty of accessing remote sites.
Existen varios inventos relacionados con el uso de grúas torre en la erección de diversos componentes durante la instalación, no mantenimiento, de una turbina eólica. Por ejemplo, DE102016102213A1 .  There are several inventions related to the use of tower cranes in erecting various components during the installation, not maintenance, of a wind turbine. For example, DE102016102213A1.
La desventaja del uso de este tipo de grúa es el gran esfuerzo que se necesita para su instalación y retirada, lo que hace que en la practica no sea una opción utilizada, especialmente para tareas de mantenimiento y cambio de componentes  The disadvantage of using this type of crane is the great effort required for its installation and removal, which means that in practice it is not an option used, especially for maintenance tasks and component changes
Recientemente se están desarrollando sistemas para evitar el uso de estas grandes grúas en las operaciones de mantenimiento. WO2014/071949 desvela el uso de una grúa que se monta en la nacelle evitando el uso de grúas en el suelo. Este invento tiene varias desventajas que deben ser solucionadas como la necesidad de diseñar soportes específicos para cada tipo de turbina, la necesidad de izar ios componentes de la grúa que se va a utilizar con los limitados medios disponibles en la nacelle y el hecho de que transmiten cargas elevadas a la nacelle para las que no están diseñadas. Systems are recently being developed to prevent the use of these large cranes in maintenance operations. WO2014 / 071949 discloses the use of a crane that is mounted on the nacelle avoiding the use of cranes on the ground. This invention has several disadvantages that must be solved such as the need to design specific supports for each type of turbine, the need to hoist the components of the crane to be used with the limited means available in the nacelle and the fact that they transmit loads raised to the nacelle for which they are not designed.
Es por ello que se necesita desarrollar un sistema que, evitando el uso de grandes grúas en el suelo, permita el cambio de grandes componentes de forma general, sencilla y que no transmita excesivos esfuerzos a la turbina.  That is why it is necessary to develop a system that, avoiding the use of large cranes on the ground, allows the change of large components in a general, simple way and that does not transmit excessive efforts to the turbine.
En el campo de la construcción esta muy extendido el uso de sistemas de andamios y estructuras similares como cimbras, compuestas por elementos tubulares prefabricados, que se ensamblan in situ, de forma que se va construyendo la estructura. In the field of construction, the use of scaffolding systems and similar structures such as falsework is very widespread, made up of prefabricated tubular elements, which are assembled on site, so that the structure is built.
Estas estructuras de andamios, cimbras y similares son sistemas modulares, normalmente formados por elementos básicos como montantes, componentes horizontales como largueros o travesaños y opcionalmente diagonales. Características típicas de estas estructuras son su facilidad de ensamblaje y su versatilidad.  These scaffolding, falsework and similar structures are modular systems, usually made up of basic elements such as uprights, horizontal components such as stringers or crossbars and optionally diagonals. Typical characteristics of these structures are their ease of assembly and their versatility.
Por ejemplo, WO2017/207263 describe una cimbra modular utilizando elementos tubulares prefabricados que se conectan entre si mediante enchufes para las conexiones montante-montante y mediante unas rosetas que, fijadas a los montantes, sirven de alojamiento para unas cuñas situadas en los extremos del resto, horizontales y diagonales principalmente, de elementos a conectar con los montantes.  For example, WO2017 / 207263 describes a modular formwork using prefabricated tubular elements that are connected to each other by means of plugs for the upright-upright connections and by means of rosettes that, fixed to the uprights, serve as accommodation for wedges located at the ends of the rest. Mainly horizontal and diagonal, of elements to connect with the uprights.
Es posible diseñar piezas adicionales para mayor versatilidad del sistema modular como por ejemplo ménsulas para formar voladizos y poder adaptarse a diferentes geometrías. Componentes típicos en un sistema modular de andamio incluyen también plataformas de trabajo y acceso con escalera o barandillas. It is possible to design additional pieces for greater versatility of the modular system, such as brackets to form cantilevers and to be able to adapt to different geometries. Typical components in a modular scaffolding system also include work platforms and access with ladders or railings.
En casos donde el diseño de los elementos del sistema de andamio no incluya conexiones de roseta o similares, es posible utilizar junto con ios elementos básicos del andamio tubos lisos que se fijan al resto de elementos mediante diferentes tipos de bridas y conectores. Este sistema permite gran flexibilidad ya que no es necesario ajustarse a las medidas estandarizadas de ios elementos básicos del sistema modular. Algunos tipos de bridas y conectores son tan comunes que están normalizados, como por ejemplo los incluidos en la serie de normas europea EN 74 También es posible crear estructuras de andamios o cimbras basándose principalmente en tubo y brida, como por ejemplo el andamio “tubo y brida”, utilizado habitualmente en algunos países anglo-sajones. Estas estructuras están concebidas para resistir cargas verticales y debido a su esbeltez tienen problemas para resistir cargas horizontales o excéntricas en mucha mayor medida que las grúas torre. Estos problemas vienen generados por las holguras y la baja rigidez de las conexiones de ios elementos en contraposición con las secciones de torre formada por perfiles soldados entre si con gran rigidez y sin holguras. In cases where the design of the elements of the scaffold system does not include rosette connections or the like, it is possible to use together with the basic elements of the scaffold plain tubes that are fixed to the rest of the elements using different types of flanges and connectors. This system allows great flexibility since it is not necessary to adjust to the standardized measurements of the basic elements of the modular system. Some types of flanges and connectors are so common that they are standardized, such as those included in the European series of standards EN 74. It is also possible to create scaffold or falsework structures based mainly on pipe and flange, such as the “pipe and flange ”, commonly used in some Anglo-Saxon countries. These structures are designed to resist vertical loads and due to their slenderness they have problems to resist horizontal or eccentric loads to a much greater extent than tower cranes. These problems are generated by the gaps and the low rigidity of the connections of the elements as opposed to the tower sections formed by profiles welded together with great rigidity and without gaps.
Hasta la fecha las torres eólicas no han sido utilizadas como soporte para cargas horizontales de sistemas modulares basados en componentes prefabricados en los que las cargas se transmiten a través de un gran numero de conexiones con relativamente bajas cargas transmitidas en cada uno de ellos.  To date, wind towers have not been used as a support for horizontal loads of modular systems based on prefabricated components in which loads are transmitted through a large number of connections with relatively low transmitted loads in each of them.
Dado que la utilización de las grúas en el mantenimiento o cambio de componentes introducen cargas excéntricas en sus soportes, es necesario desarrollar un invento que defina los amarres necesarios de un sistema sistema tubular a la torre de la turbina eólica de forma sencilla, rápida y eficaz. Since the use of the cranes in the maintenance or change of components introduce eccentric loads in their supports, it is necessary to develop an invention that defines the necessary moorings of a tubular system system to the wind turbine tower in a simple, fast and efficient way. .
DE102016102213A1 describe en la figura 5 y figura 6 varias fijaciones de una torre grúa a una torre eólica mediante un sistema colocado a la altura de las juntas de las secciones de la torre eólica y no a lo largo de toda la sección. Este invento tiene varias carencias ya que no define la conexión entre la torre eólica y las placas que sujetan el elemento conector. El diseño del sistema completo no permite la instalación de la conexión sin ayuda de equipos de elevación para acceder ai punto de fijación ni tampoco elementos de manipulación tanto para el elemento de conexión como el bulón de fijación. Este invento u otros similares para la fijación de grúas torre permiten la transmisión elevadas cargas, pero no son adecuados para la fijación de elementos basados en sistemas modulares como andamios o cimbras. Estos últimos sistemas necesitan un gran numero de conexiones dada su baja rigidez en comparación con las grúas torre. La instalación de un gran numero de fijaciones de este tipo no es adecuada para un sistema modular por las limitaciones de uniones de secciones disponibles en la torre eólica. Tampoco sería factible en la práctica por el excesivo tiempo de instalación que llevaría, especialmente teniendo en cuenta que estas conexiones se deben montar a medida que se va incrementando la altura del sistema modular durante el proceso de erección ya que estos sistemas requieren por diseño fijaciones laterales regularmente para soportar la carga de viento y permitir el montaje vertical sin excentricidades. Divulgación de la invención DE102016102213A1 describes in figure 5 and figure 6 several fixings of a tower crane to a wind tower by means of a system placed at the height of the joints of the sections of the wind tower and not along the entire section. This invention has several shortcomings since it does not define the connection between the wind tower and the plates that hold the connecting element. The design of the complete system does not allow the installation of the connection without the help of lifting equipment to access the fixing point or handling elements for both the connection element and the fixing bolt. This invention or other similar ones for fixing tower cranes allow the transmission of high loads, but are not suitable for fixing elements based on modular systems such as scaffolding or falsework. These latter systems require a large number of connections given their low rigidity compared to tower cranes. The installation of a large number of fixings of this type is not suitable for a modular system due to the limitations of section joints available in the wind tower. Nor would it be feasible in practice due to the excessive installation time it would take, especially considering that these connections must be assembled as the height of the modular system increases during the erection process since these systems require lateral fixings by design. regularly to withstand wind load and allow vertical mounting without eccentricities. Disclosure of the invention
Este invento desvela un sistema para la utilización de una grúa para su uso en turbinas eólicas que esta soportada por un sistema modular formado principalmente por elementos prefabricados, preferentemente tubulares.  This invention discloses a system for the use of a crane for use in wind turbines that is supported by a modular system consisting mainly of prefabricated elements, preferably tubular.
Este sistema se monta in situ por técnicos y tiene como características principales su facilidad de montaje y su versatilidad y para montar diferentes configuraciones adaptándose por ejemplo a la geometría del terreno, la conicidad de la torre u otros condicionantes geométricos y de carga.  This system is assembled on site by technicians and its main characteristics are its ease of assembly and its versatility and to assemble different configurations, adapting for example to the geometry of the terrain, the taper of the tower or other geometric and load conditions.
La estructura descrita está formada por componentes prefabricados similares a los utilizados en un sistema de andamio o cimbra en el sector de la construcción. En ocasiones la estructura se puede reforzar con tubos lisos fijados a la estructura mediante bridas de forma similar a como se realiza en andamios o cimbras en el campo de la construcción.  The described structure is made up of precast components similar to those used in a scaffolding or falsework system in the construction sector. Sometimes the structure can be reinforced with smooth tubes fixed to the structure by means of flanges in a similar way as it is done on scaffolding or falsework in the construction field.
Los elementos utilizados permiten su manipulación por los técnicos sin necesidad de grúas situadas en el suelo independientemente de la altura a la que se monten.  The elements used allow their manipulation by technicians without the need for cranes located on the ground regardless of the height at which they are mounted.
El sistema estructural se va montando preferentemente pieza a pieza formando módulos y creciendo en altura. A medida que se va incrementando la altura se conectan las fijaciones a la torre. Para el acceso a las diferentes alturas del sistema estructural es posible incluir en el diseño de la misma un módulo con escaleras de acceso.  The structural system is preferably assembled piece by piece, forming modules and growing in height. As the height increases, the fixings are connected to the tower. For access to the different heights of the structural system it is possible to include in the design of the same a module with access stairs.
Alternativamente se puede montar el sistema estructural en bloques previamente ensamblados en el suelo y elevados con una grúa, recibiéndolos los operarios en altura para ensamblarlos y fijarlos a la torre eólica. Este sistema es mucho más rápido, pero exige el uso de una grúa situada en el suelo.  Alternatively, the structural system can be assembled in blocks previously assembled on the ground and lifted with a crane, received by operators at height to assemble and fix them to the wind tower. This system is much faster, but requires the use of a crane located on the ground.
La altura máxima del sistema estructural está limitada por la capacidad de realizar las conexiones que permiten transmitir las cargas horizontales a la turbina eólica. The maximum height of the structural system is limited by the ability to make the connections that allow the horizontal loads to be transmitted to the wind turbine.
Este invento describe preferentemente la altura máxima del sistema estructural como la altura que, en caso de giro de la nacelle, esta o algún otro elemento como las palas no golpeen el sistema estructural. De esta forma la grúa se eleva por encima de la nacelle justo para la realización de la operación de mantenimiento o cambio de componente y se retirara una vez haya sido completada, quedando el sistema estructural que la soporta por debajo de la nacelle. En este caso las fijaciones del sistema estructural se conectan a la torre eólica.  This invention preferably describes the maximum height of the structural system as the height that, in case of rotation of the nacelle, this or some other element such as the blades do not hit the structural system. In this way, the crane rises above the nacelle just to carry out the maintenance or component change operation and will withdraw once it has been completed, leaving the structural system that supports it below the nacelle. In this case the fixings of the structural system are connected to the wind tower.
Este invento describe también la posibilidad de que la altura máxima del sistema estructural sobrepase la nacelle. Esta configuración tiene la ventaja de que el tamaño de la grúa utilizada para el mantenimiento o cambio del componente es menor y más ligera ya que no necesita un mástil tan largo como en la opción anterior. Sin embargo, esto exige que la nacelie no pueda girar en caso de necesidad ya que colisionaría con el sistema estructural. También fija el sistema estructural en dos partes de la turbina que pueden girar entre sí. En ambos casos esto supone un riesgo para ia seguridad si hay movimiento relativo entre torre y nacelie. This invention also describes the possibility that the maximum height of the structural system exceeds the nacelle. This configuration has the advantage that the The size of the crane used for the maintenance or change of the component is smaller and lighter since it does not need a mast as long as in the previous option. However, this requires that the nacelie cannot rotate if necessary as it would collide with the structural system. It also fixes the structural system in two parts of the turbine that can rotate with each other. In both cases this poses a security risk if there is relative movement between tower and nacelie.
En este segundo además de las conexiones necesarias en la torre de la turbina eólica, el sistema estructural se puede fijar a la nacelie o al hub.  In this second, in addition to the necessary connections in the wind turbine tower, the structural system can be fixed to the nacelie or to the hub.
Para fijar el sistema estructural a la nacelie este invento describe dos métodos preferentes. El primer método para fijar el sistema estructural a la nacelie es realizar uno o varios agujeros en el panel lateral de la nacelie para pasar las conexiones que conecte el sistema estructural con la nacelie.  To fix the structural system to the nacelie this invention describes two preferred methods. The first method of attaching the structural system to the nacelie is to drill one or more holes in the side panel of the nacelie to pass the connections that connect the structural system to the nacelie.
El segundo método para fijar el sistema estructural a la nacelie es ensamblar en el interior de la nacelie una estructura que sobresalga por encima de ella y que esté preparada para conectarla al sistema estructural.  The second method of fixing the structural system to the nacelie is to assemble inside the nacelie a structure that protrudes above it and is prepared to connect it to the structural system.
El sistema estructural desvelado en este invento se fija en una multitud de puntos de la torre, repartidos a intervalos más o menos regulares, para soportar las cargas horizontales. Estas conexiones deben ser realizadas a medida que el sistema estructural llega a la altura donde las conexiones deben colocarse.The structural system disclosed in this invention is fixed to a multitude of points on the tower, distributed at more or less regular intervals, to withstand horizontal loads. These connections should be made as the structural system reaches the height where the connections are to be placed.
El sistema estructural se fija a la torre de la turbina eólica mediante elementos de conexión. El elemento de conexión será preferentemente un perfil tubular con las adaptaciones necesarias en ios extremos. The structural system is fixed to the wind turbine tower by means of connecting elements. The connection element will preferably be a tubular profile with the necessary adaptations at the ends.
Este invento desvela también el uso de cables, eslingas o elementos similares para la fijación del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica. El cable, eslinga o similar se conecta a la torre rodeándola y a un elemento del sistema estructural y se tensa mediante un tensor incorporado.  This invention also discloses the use of cables, slings or similar elements for fixing the structural system to the wind turbine tower. The cable, sling or the like is connected to the tower by surrounding it and to an element of the structural system and is tensioned by means of a built-in tensioner.
Estos elementos de conexión transfieren principalmente cargas horizontales, dejando que las cargas verticales se transmitan a ia fundación mediante ios montantes. Ello es debido a que las holguras y falta de rigidez de estos sistemas no permiten controlar de forma correcta la carga vertical que se transmitiría a una fijación en ia torre, pudiendo cargar excesivamente el soporte y provocando su fallo e incluso el de la estructura completa.  These connecting elements mainly transfer horizontal loads, allowing vertical loads to be transmitted to the foundation by means of studs. This is due to the fact that the gaps and lack of rigidity of these systems do not allow correct control of the vertical load that would be transmitted to a fixture in the tower, being able to overload the support and causing its failure and even that of the entire structure.
La terminación del elemento de conexión para la fijación al sistema estructural puede ser de diferentes tipos como bridas, uniones de cuña o incluso atornilladas. Este tipo de terminaciones son ampliamente utilizadas en andamios en el sector de la construcción. Para la terminación del elemento de conexión en el lado de la torre de la turbina eólica, se utilizarán conexiones que, transmitiendo las fuerzas horizontales previstas, eviten o minimicen la transmisión de fuerzas verticales. The termination of the connection element for fixing to the structural system can be of different types such as flanges, wedge joints or even bolted. This type of endings are widely used in scaffolding in the construction sector. For the completion of the connection element on the side of the wind turbine tower, connections will be used that, transmitting the expected horizontal forces, avoid or minimize the transmission of vertical forces.
Este invento desvela diversas opciones para realizar las adaptaciones necesarias en las torres de las turbinas eólicas ya instaladas para poder fijar el sistema estructural mediante los tipos de conexiones y sus terminaciones descritos anteriormente. Esta definición de las adaptaciones es necesaria para garantizar la correcta transmisión de las cargas del sistema estructural a la torre eólica y hacerlo de manera rápida y sencilla. This invention discloses various options for making the necessary adaptations in the wind turbine towers already installed to be able to fix the structural system using the types of connections and their terminations described above. This definition of adaptations is necessary to guarantee the correct transmission of loads from the structural system to the wind tower and to do it quickly and easily.
Estas adaptaciones consumen bastante tiempo de preparación, por lo que en general se definen para permanecer en la torre eólica una vez retirado el sistema estructural. De esta forma se podrán aprovechar en caso de que sea necesaria una segunda intervención en la turbina eólica utilizando el sistema estructural descrito. Dado que es necesario tener acceso ai punto concreto de la torre donde se van a fijar las conexiones, se utilizará el sistema estructural para tener acceso al mismo.  These adaptations consume a lot of preparation time, so they are generally defined to remain in the wind tower once the structural system has been removed. In this way they can be used in the event that a second intervention in the wind turbine is necessary using the described structural system. Since it is necessary to have access to the specific point of the tower where the connections are to be fixed, the structural system will be used to have access to it.
En primer lugar, este invento describe la preparación del punto de la torre que va a recibir la terminación del elemento de conexión en la torre de la turbina eólica mediante la colocación de una placa, preferentemente con agujeros roscados, en la torre sobre la que se fijara el elemento de unión que se va recibir la terminación del elemento de conexión entre el sistema estructural y la torre de la turbina eólica, bien directamente o bien a través de placas intermedias. La fijación de las placas a la torre se puede realizar de diferentes maneras según sea el tipo de torre, entre las que se encuentran: soldada, pegada o atornillada, esta última más frecuentemente en el caso de torres de hormigón. Las placas pueden tener la curvatura necesaria para adaptarse mejor a la torre de la turbina eólica.  First of all, this invention describes the preparation of the point of the tower that will receive the termination of the connection element in the tower of the wind turbine by placing a plate, preferably with threaded holes, in the tower on which it is It will fix the connecting element that will receive the completion of the connection element between the structural system and the wind turbine tower, either directly or through intermediate plates. The fixing of the plates to the tower can be carried out in different ways depending on the type of tower, among which are: welded, glued or screwed, the latter more frequently in the case of concrete towers. The plates may have the necessary curvature to better fit the wind turbine tower.
Este invento describe en segundo lugar la realización de agujeros, preferentemente roscados, pero también pasantes, directamente en la torre eólica para fijar el soporte que permite fijar el extremo del elemento de conexión que se conecta a la torre eólica.  This invention secondly describes the realization of holes, preferably threaded, but also through holes, directly in the wind tower to fix the support that allows fixing the end of the connection element that connects to the wind tower.
Este invento describe en tercer lugar un sistema para fijar los elementos de conexión entre el sistema estructural y la torre de la turbina eólica mediante un soporte sobre el que se fija, preferentemente mediante una media brida, pero también por otros métodos como atornillado, un perfil tubular. Estos soportes se pueden fijar a las placas descritas en el punto 1 pero también directamente a la torre por cualquier método. Preferentemente se utilizará un tubo circular pero también es posible utilizar perfiles de otras geometrías, como, por ejemplo, cuadrado o triangular. Mediante la colocación de varios soportes en la misma vertical, es posible instalar un tubo que se fija a la torre en dos o más puntos. Colocando varios tubos verticales uno a continuación de otro es posible fijar el sistema estructural a cualquier altura de la torre de una manera rápida y sencilla. Este sistema permite no solo realizar fijaciones del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica en cualquier altura, sino que permite también realizar fijaciones en diferentes direcciones de forma que se puedan contrarrestar las cargas que van en dirección tangencial a la torre eólica y no se pueden transmitir por tracción o compresión con elementos de conexión directamente. This invention thirdly describes a system for fixing the connection elements between the structural system and the wind turbine tower by means of a support on which a profile is preferably fixed, by means of a half flange, but also by other methods such as screwing. tubular. These supports can be fixed to the plates described in point 1 but also directly to the tower by any method. Preferably a circular tube will be used but it is also possible to use profiles of other geometries, such as, for example, square or triangular. By placing several supports on the same vertical, it is possible to install a tube that is fixed to the tower at two or more points. By placing several vertical tubes one after the other it is possible to fix the structural system at any height of the tower in a quick and simple way. This system not only allows fastening of the structural system to the wind turbine tower at any height, but also allows fastening in different directions so that loads that are tangential to the wind tower can be counteracted and not They can transmit by traction or compression with connecting elements directly.
Además, es posible reducir el numero de interfaces en contacto directo con la torre, reduciendo el tiempo de preparación y el impacto sobre la torre en términos estructurales y también de mantenimiento como daños a la pintura, por ejemplo. In addition, it is possible to reduce the number of interfaces in direct contact with the tower, reducing the preparation time and the impact on the tower in structural terms and also in terms of maintenance such as paint damage, for example.
Sobre este tubo se conectará el extremo del elemento de conexión del sistema estructural que se fija a la torre de la turbina eólica, pudiendo ser esta conexión de diferentes tipos, preferentemente mediante brida. En cualquier caso, las conexiones permiten recibir las cargas horizontales y a su vez pueden deslizar sobre el perfil tubular para evitar o al menos minimizar la absorción de cargas verticales. The end of the connection element of the structural system that is fixed to the wind turbine tower will be connected to this tube, and this connection can be of different types, preferably by means of a flange. In any case, the connections allow receiving horizontal loads and in turn can slide on the tubular profile to avoid or at least minimize the absorption of vertical loads.
Este invento define en cuarto lugar un sistema basado en el sistema 3 en el que las bridas no se alinean verticalmente, sino que lo hacen en otra dirección. En ese caso dependiendo de la orientación, el tubo de conexión puede ser curvo o bien ajustar las fijaciones mediante espaciadores entre la placa y la brida para compensar la curvatura de la torre. Este sistema es apto para preparar las conexiones a la torre en alturas especificas donde se estiman altas cargas horizontales a transmitir a la torre.  This invention fourthly defines a system based on system 3 in which the flanges do not align vertically, but do so in another direction. In this case, depending on the orientation, the connection tube can be curved or the fixings can be adjusted by means of spacers between the plate and the flange to compensate for the curvature of the tower. This system is suitable for preparing connections to the tower at specific heights where high horizontal loads are estimated to be transmitted to the tower.
En ios sistemas 3, 4 de preparación de la torre descritos anteriormente, los tubos sujetos por las bridas se desmontarán preferentemente una vez se vaya desmontando el sistema estructural por motivos de mantenimiento, permaneciendo las placas por si en un futuro fuera necesario realizar otra operación de mantenimiento o cambio de componente.  In the tower preparation systems 3, 4 described above, the pipes held by the flanges will preferably be disassembled once the structural system is dismantled for maintenance reasons, the plates remaining in case it is necessary to carry out another operation in the future. maintenance or component change.
Este invento define en quinto lugar un sistema basado en cables, eslingas o similares, que rodean la torre de la turbina eólica a una determinada altura y se tensan para fijarlos a la torre. En este cable, eslinga o similar, se han introducido previamente varios grilletes, ganchos o mosquetones que permitan a otros cables, eslingas o similares, fijarse a ese elemento. Esto es así porque estos elementos quedan fijados entre la torre y el cable, eslinga o similar que rodea la torre.  Fifth, this invention defines a system based on cables, slings or the like, that surround the wind turbine tower at a certain height and are tensioned to fix them to the tower. Various shackles, hooks or carabiners have been previously introduced into this cable, sling or the like that allow other cables, slings or the like to be attached to that element. This is so because these elements are fixed between the tower and the cable, sling or similar that surrounds the tower.
Este invento define en sexto lugar un sistema basado en la colocación de unos pines cilindricos, preferentemente soldados, pero también pegados o atornillados, en la torre de forma que pueda conectarse posteriormente el elemento de conexión del sistema estructural mediante una terminación con un agujero que encaje en el pin. A continuación de forma preferente se colocará un pasador para evitar que saiga. El diseño de las piezas que van a recibir el elemento de conexión puede ser muy variado. Preferentemente se utilizarán cáncamos con un agujero o piezas con formas especiales para apoyar tubos que transmitan las fuerzas de compresión, definidas como las que van del sistema estructural a la torre y que comprimen el elemento de conexión. This invention defines in sixth place a system based on the placement of cylindrical pins, preferably welded, but also glued or screwed, in the tower so that the connection element of the structural system can be subsequently connected by means of a termination with a hole that fits on the pin. Next, preferably a pin will be placed to prevent it from leaking. The design of the pieces that will receive the connection element can be very varied. Eyebolts with a hole or specially shaped pieces will preferably be used to support tubes that transmit compression forces, defined as those that go from the structural system to the tower and that compress the connection element.
La preparación de la torre de la turbina eólica para recibir ios elementos de conexión con el sistema estructural es un proceso que es necesario y que en general se realizara una sola vez ya que la preparación puede ser reutilizada para futuras ocasiones en las que se necesite realizar una nueva operación de mantenimiento o de cambio de componente. Sin embargo, este proceso consume tiempo y ralentiza el proceso de erección del sistema estructural por lo que es conveniente definir una solución para evitar tener que realizarlo con la turbina ya instalada. The preparation of the wind turbine tower to receive the elements of connection with the structural system is a process that is necessary and that in general will be carried out only once since the preparation can be reused for future occasions when it needs to be carried out. a new maintenance or component change operation. However, this process is time consuming and slows down the erection process of the structural system, so it is convenient to define a solution to avoid having to do it with the turbine already installed.
Este invento desvela la preparación de la torre durante su proceso de producción o en cualquier caso antes de la erección completa de la turbina, para recibir las conexiones. Esta preparación puede incluir cualquiera de ios sistemas de preparación de la torre in situ descritos anteriormente, del 1 al 6, con la ventaja de que no es necesario hacerlo en condiciones desfavorables de altura o atmosféricas. Preferentemente incluirán placas soldadas en torres metálicas y atornilladas o embebidas en el caso de torres de hormigón, pero siendo también posible las soluciones descritas anteriormente para el caso de la preparación in situ. Los tubos indicados en ios sistemas de preparación 3 y 4 pueden ser ensamblados in situ para optimizar su mantenimiento.  This invention discloses the preparation of the tower during its production process or in any case before the complete erection of the turbine, to receive the connections. This preparation may include any of the above described on-site tower preparation systems 1 to 6, with the advantage that it is not necessary to do so in unfavorable altitude or atmospheric conditions. They will preferably include plates welded to metal towers and screwed or embedded in the case of concrete towers, but the solutions described above are also possible in the case of on-site preparation. The tubes indicated in preparation systems 3 and 4 can be assembled on site to optimize their maintenance.
Este invento desvela un método para compensar las cargas excéntricas u horizontales, que pueden llevar a un vuelco del sistema estructural o a una sobrecarga de parte de ios montantes del sistema estructural mostrado. Para ello se define un sistema de introducción de cargas adicionales que compensen parcialmente las acciones mencionadas. This invention discloses a method of compensating for eccentric or horizontal loads, which can lead to overturning of the structural system or overloading of part of the uprights of the structural system shown. For this, a system of introduction of additional loads is defined that partially compensates the mentioned actions.
Estas cargas adicionales se introducen mediante cables fijados en la parte superior del sistema estructural por un lado y por otro a nivel del suelo. El número de cables necesario para compensar eficazmente las cargas excéntricas u horizontales en el sistema estructural descrito depende del ángulo de giro de la grúa a utilizar. Para poder compensar en todas las direcciones son necesarios 4 cables que introduzcan momentos en los sentidos positivo y negativo de dos direcciones horizontales ortogonales ya que los cables permiten únicamente transmitir cargas en un sentido, tracción, y no en el otro, compresión. Sin embargo, el numero de cables puede reducirse teniendo en cuenta que no es esperadle un giro de 360° de la grúa a utilizar. G These additional loads are introduced by cables attached to the top of the structural system on the one hand and on the other at ground level. The number of cables necessary to effectively compensate for eccentric or horizontal loads in the described structural system depends on the angle of rotation of the crane to be used. To be able to compensate in all directions, 4 cables are necessary that introduce moments in the positive and negative directions of two orthogonal horizontal directions, since the cables only allow loads to be transmitted in one direction, traction, and not the other, compression. However, the number of cables can be reduced taking into account that a 360 ° turn of the crane to be used is not expected. G
Preferentemente se controlará ¡a carga ejercida por estos cables de forma que se optimice el comportamiento estructura! del sistema descrito en este invento. Para ello se propone controlar el esfuerzo en cada cable mediante un cilindro, preferentemente hidráulico, en el que se controle el valor de la fuerza en cada momento. Alternativamente se puede utilizar un tambor que recoja el cable y este accionado por un motor que permita controlar el par ejercido, aunque sea de forma indirecta. Una tercera opción, preferentemente en ios cables verticales, es suspender una masa definida de ellos de forma que quede definida la fuerza que transmite ese cable. Preferably, the load exerted by these cables will be controlled in order to optimize the structure behavior! of the system described in this invention. For this, it is proposed to control the effort in each cable by means of a cylinder, preferably hydraulic, in which the value of the force is controlled at all times. Alternatively, a drum can be used that collects the cable and is powered by a motor that allows controlling the torque exerted, albeit indirectly. A third option, preferably in vertical cables, is to suspend a defined mass of them so that the force transmitted by that cable is defined.
En primer lugar, este invento describe el uso de cables que se fijan por un lado en la parte superior de! sistema estructura! y por otro a una distancia de la torre, de forma que el cable es la hipotenusa del triangulo formado por la altura dei sistema estructural a la que se fija el cable y la distancia horizontal dei segundo punto de fijación dei cable al sistema estructural. Tensionando este cable, preferentemente con una fuerza controlada, se introducirá en el sistema estructural una fuerza que se puede descomponer en una componente vertical de compresión y una fuerza horizontal que debe compensar el momento generado por las cargas excéntricas u horizontales.  First of all, this invention describes the use of cables that are attached on one side to the top of! structure system! and on the other at a distance from the tower, so that the cable is the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by the height of the structural system to which the cable is attached and the horizontal distance of the second point of attachment of the cable to the structural system. Tensioning this cable, preferably with a controlled force, will introduce into the structural system a force that can be decomposed into a vertical compression component and a horizontal force that must compensate for the momentum generated by eccentric or horizontal loads.
En segundo lugar, este invento describe el uso de cables de forma similar a la descripción 1 en el que ios cables no se sitúan inclinados sino verticales fijándose en unos soportes situados en la base del sistema estructural. Este sistema tiene la desventaja de que la capacidad de contrarrestar las cargas excéntricas es menor, pero tiene la ventaja de que no se necesita espacio adicional alrededor de la turbina eólica. Es posible utilizar una ménsula de! sistema modular para aumentar la excentricidad de esta carga. El soporte en la parte inferior puede estar fijado indistintamente ai sistema estructural, sistema autoportante, a la fundación o a la propia torre, por ejemplo, utilizando uno o varios pernos de amarre de la torre a la fundación o a varias masas.  Secondly, this invention describes the use of cables in a similar way to the description 1 in which the cables are not inclined but vertical, being fixed in supports located at the base of the structural system. This system has the disadvantage that the capacity to counteract eccentric loads is less, but it has the advantage that no additional space is needed around the wind turbine. It is possible to use a bracket of! Modular system to increase the eccentricity of this load. The support at the bottom can be fixed either to the structural system, self-supporting system, to the foundation or to the tower itself, for example, using one or more tower tie bolts to the foundation or to various masses.
En tercer lugar, este invento define la posibilidad de realizar mediciones de la velocidad y dirección de viento para definir las cargas a introducir en ios sistemas 1 y 2 definidos anteriormente. Esta medición es relevante ya que el sistema estructural puede recibir cargas importantes de viento y que son relevantes para su estabilidad.  Thirdly, this invention defines the possibility of making measurements of wind speed and direction to define the loads to be introduced in systems 1 and 2 defined above. This measurement is relevant since the structural system can receive significant wind loads and that are relevant to its stability.
En cuarto lugar, este invento define la posibilidad de medir o estimar la posición y valor de la carga de la grúa en cada momento y definir la carga a introducir para compensar las cargas excéntricas mediante los sistemas 1 y 2 descritos anteriormente. En este caso la fuerza ejercida por ios cables se ajusta en cada momento al valor de la carga soportada por la grúa a utilizar y la posición angular de la carga con respecto a la línea horizontal que unen los ejes verticales de! sistema estructural con la torre de la turbina eólica. En su caso, la carga de viento calculada a partir de! sistema 3 descrito anteriormente también se tendrá en cuenta. La descripción de la grúa a utilizar que se va a colocar para para el cambio de componente no es objeto de esta invención, pudiendo utilizarse cualquier grúa que permita la fijación al sistema estructural y la realización de las operaciones de mantenimiento y cambio de componente previstas. Fourth, this invention defines the possibility of measuring or estimating the position and value of the crane load at each moment and defining the load to be introduced to compensate for eccentric loads by means of systems 1 and 2 described above. In this case the force exerted by the cables is adjusted at all times to the value of the load supported by the crane to be used and the angular position of the load with respect to the horizontal line joining the vertical axes of! Structural system with the wind turbine tower. In your case, the wind load calculated from! System 3 described above will also be considered. The description of the crane to be used to be placed for the component change is not the object of this invention, any crane that allows fixing to the structural system and carrying out the planned maintenance and component change operations can be used.
La colocación de la grúa en la parte superior del sistema estructural se puede realizar mediante varios métodos. El más general es la utilización de una grúa situada en el suelo que coloque la grúa en la parte superior. Este método es el más sencillo. Sin embargo, elimina varias de las ventajas descritas en este invento, aunque no todas ya que puede utilizarse una grúa de menor capacidad que la se necesitaría para la operación de mantenimiento o de cambio de componente prevista.  Placing the crane on top of the structural system can be done using various methods. The most general is the use of a crane located on the ground that places the crane on top. This method is the simplest. However, it eliminates several of the advantages described in this invention, although not all since a crane with a smaller capacity than would be needed for the planned maintenance or component change operation can be used.
Para solucionar este problema, este invento describe un método para el izado de una grúa hasta la parte superior del sistema estructural sin necesidad de utilizar una grúa situada en el suelo que eleve la grúa a utilizar hasta la parte superior.  To solve this problem, this invention describes a method for hoisting a crane to the top of the structural system without the need to use a crane located on the ground that lifts the crane to be used to the top.
Para ello se propone preferentemente un tipo de grúa en la que su característica principal es que la pluma de la grúa puede variar el ángulo que forma con el mástil mediante el accionamiento de un cilindro, preferentemente hidráulico. Esta grúa se compone principalmente de un mástil tubular que se fijara al sistema estructural mediante piezas especialmente diseñadas al efecto, un sistema de giro situado en el mástil, un segundo mástil que puede girar con respecto al primer mástil y que en su parte superior va fijada la pluma de la grúa, el gancho para la carga al final de la pluma incluyendo el sistema de movimiento vertical de la carga y un cilindro hidráulico que regula la inclinación de la grúa con respecto al mástil expandiéndose o contrayéndose y con ello regulando la altura a la que se puede elevar la carga según necesidad para abarcar todo el radio de acción de la grúa.  For this purpose, a type of crane is preferably proposed in which its main characteristic is that the boom of the crane can vary the angle it forms with the mast by actuating a cylinder, preferably hydraulic. This crane mainly consists of a tubular mast that will be fixed to the structural system using specially designed parts for this purpose, a turning system located on the mast, a second mast that can rotate with respect to the first mast and that is fixed on its upper part the boom of the crane, the hook for the load at the end of the boom including the vertical movement of the load system and a hydraulic cylinder that regulates the inclination of the crane with respect to the mast, expanding or contracting and, therefore, regulating the height to which can be lifted as needed to cover the full range of the crane.
Esta tipología de grúa es habitual en la industria. En base a esta tipología de grúa, este invento describe un método para el izado de esta grúa hasta la posición de operación en la parte superior del sistema estructural.  This type of crane is common in the industry. Based on this crane typology, this invention describes a method for lifting this crane to the operating position at the top of the structural system.
En primer lugar, la grúa a utilizar se coloca inicialmente en la base del sistema estructural con la pluma lo mas vertical posible y en todo caso de forma que quede dentro del perímetro del sistema estructural y no colisione con ningún componente durante su izado vertical.  Firstly, the crane to be used is initially placed at the base of the structural system with the boom as vertical as possible and in any case so that it is within the perimeter of the structural system and does not collide with any component during its vertical lifting.
A continuación, se montan ios primeros módulos del sistema estructural rodeando la grúa. Esto es posible debido a la gran versatilidad de los sistemas estructurales descritos basados en componentes tubulares prefabricados.  Next, the first modules of the structural system are mounted surrounding the crane. This is possible due to the great versatility of the described structural systems based on prefabricated tubular components.
Este invento también desvela la posibilidad de colocar la grúa a utilizar en el interior del perímetro del sistema estructural una vez montado este. Para ello se introduce ¡a grúa a utilizar en ¡a base del sistema estructural por un lateral desmontando provisionalmente los elementos horizontales o diagonales que sean necesarios. En este caso la grúa de la pluma estará situada preferentemente en su punto mas bajo y una vez introducida y recolocados los elementos del sistema estructural que se habían desmontado, se va posicionando la pluma hasta la posición mas vertical removiendo los elementos del sistema estructural que sean necesarios. This invention also reveals the possibility of placing the crane to be used inside the perimeter of the structural system once it is assembled. To do this, It introduces the crane to be used in the structural system on one side, provisionally dismantling the horizontal or diagonal elements that are necessary. In this case, the boom crane will preferably be located at its lowest point and once the structural system elements that had been removed have been inserted and repositioned, the boom is positioned to the most vertical position, removing the structural system elements that are necessary.
Una vez colocada la grúa a utilizar en posición dentro del sistema estructural, se continua con la erección del mismo como se ha explicado previamente en este invento.  Once the crane to be used is placed in position within the structural system, its erection continues as previously explained in this invention.
Preferentemente la grúa se eleva mediante el uso de una serie cables que a pasan través de unas poleas situadas en la parte superior del sistema estructural y vuelven para realizar el tiro desde la parte inferior. También es posible realizar el tiro desde la parte superior en cuyo caso no es necesario el uso de poleas que desvíen la trayectoria de los cables. El número mínimo de cables a utilizar es uno, incluyendo en este caso un útil de izado, pero se puede incrementar el numero para mejorar el guiado de la grúa durante el izado.  Preferably, the crane is lifted by using a series of cables that pass through pulleys located at the top of the structural system and return to make the shot from the bottom. It is also possible to make the shot from the top in which case it is not necessary to use pulleys that deviate the path of the cables. The minimum number of cables to use is one, including in this case a hoisting tool, but the number can be increased to improve the crane's guidance during hoisting.
Preferentemente los cables se fijarán a la grúa de forma que el centro de gravedad de la misma quede centrado y por debajo de los puntos de fijación de forma no se produzcan ladeamientos excesivos. La grúa puede cargarse con masas adicionales para centrar el centro de gravedad en caso de que sea necesario.  Preferably, the cables will be fixed to the crane so that the center of gravity of the crane is centered and below the fixing points so that excessive tilting does not occur. The crane can be loaded with additional masses to center the center of gravity if necessary.
Para el guiado de la grúa durante el izado es posible utilizar diferentes sistemas de guiado. Preferentemente se propone utilizar ruedas fijadas a la grúa que rueden sobre perfiles montados expresamente para este motivo en el sistema estructural. Alternativamente se puede guiar la grúa controlando su movimiento horizontal mediante una serie de cables guía controlados por operarios.  For guiding the crane during lifting it is possible to use different guiding systems. Preferably it is proposed to use wheels attached to the crane that roll on profiles expressly mounted for this purpose in the structural system. Alternatively, the crane can be guided by controlling its horizontal movement using a series of operator-controlled guide cables.
Alternativamente ai método de izado propuesto mediante cables, es posible utilizar otros métodos. Por ejemplo, se propone la colocación de la grúa sobre una plataforma o soporte especial que es elevado mediante un motor eléctrico que acciona un sistema de piñón cremallera. La guía y la cremallera para la elevación se fijan al sistema estructural. Este sistema de elevación de piñón- cremallera se utiliza también para ir elevando los componentes utilizados en el sistema modular a medida que se va montando, de forma que se reduce el tiempo de montaje ya que en estas estructuras modulares en las que se alcanzan grandes alturas una parte importante es la manipulación durante el montaje y desmontaje de los elementos que componen el sistema estructural.  As an alternative to the proposed hoisting method using cables, it is possible to use other methods. For example, it is proposed to place the crane on a special platform or support that is raised by an electric motor that drives a rack and pinion system. The guide and the rack for the elevation are fixed to the structural system. This rack-and-pinion lifting system is also used to raise the components used in the modular system as it is assembled, so that assembly time is reduced since in these modular structures where high heights are reached An important part is the manipulation during the assembly and disassembly of the elements that make up the structural system.
Este invento describe que en el caso de que la altura máxima del sistema estructural sobrepase la naceile, esta altura se definirá preferentemente de forma que la grúa a utilizar quede en su altura de trabajo mediante el método de izado descrito anteriormente y se fijara la grúa a utilizar ai sistema estructural mediante componentes que permitan la transmisión de las cargas de la grúa a utilizar ai sistema estructural. This invention describes that in the event that the maximum height of the structural system exceeds the naceile, this height will preferably be defined so that the crane to be used remains at its working height by means of the hoisting method described above and the crane is fixed to use the structural system by components that allow the transmission of the crane loads to be used in the structural system.
En el caso de que la altura máxima del sistema estructural no sobrepase la nacelle, o no se haya elevado lo suficiente la grúa según lo descrito en el caso anterior, puede ser necesario realizar un izado final de la grúa a utilizar  In the event that the maximum height of the structural system does not exceed the nacelle, or the crane has not been raised sufficiently as described in the previous case, it may be necessary to perform a final hoisting of the crane to be used
Este invento describe que una vez izada la grúa a utilizar según el método descrito anteriormente, el izado final de la grúa a utilizar, si es necesario, se realiza mediante uno o varios cilindros, preferentemente hidráulicos. Estos cilindros se fijarán por un lado al mástil de la grúa a utilizar, preferentemente en su parte inferior para mejorar su estabilidad, pero también es posible en otros puntos, bien directamente o bien de unos soportes intermedios. El segundo extremo de los cilindros se fijará a uno o varios soportes que se habrán fijado previamente ai sistema estructural por debajo de la grúa. Esta configuración se realiza con el cilindro con el vástago recogido, de forma que cuando el cilindro se expanda, aleje la grúa del soporte y la eleve. La grúa es guiada verticalmente por el mismo sistema que en el primer izado.  This invention describes that once the crane to be used is hoisted according to the method described above, the final hoisting of the crane to be used, if necessary, is carried out by means of one or more cylinders, preferably hydraulic. These cylinders will be fixed on the one hand to the mast of the crane to be used, preferably on its lower part to improve its stability, but it is also possible at other points, either directly or from intermediate supports. The second end of the cylinders will be fixed to one or more supports that will have been previously fixed to the structural system below the crane. This configuration is done with the cylinder with the stem retracted, so that when the cylinder expands, it moves the crane away from the support and raises it. The crane is vertically guided by the same system as in the first lift.
Una vez fijados, ¡a grúa será izada ios metros finales mediante la utilización de este método. En función de la distancia final a izar y en función de las dimensiones del o de los cilindros utilizados puede ser necesario repetir este proceso varias veces. Para ello una vez que los cilindros lleguen a su final de carrera, se fijara la grúa a utilizar al sistema estructural, bien con cables, con las conexiones definitivas o mediante otros sistemas. Entonces se podrán soltar el soporte de ios cilindros y elevarlos para que se pueda repetir la operación.  Once fixed, the crane will be hoisted the final meters using this method. Depending on the final distance to be hoisted and depending on the dimensions of the cylinder (s) used, it may be necessary to repeat this process several times. For this, once the cylinders reach their end of stroke, the crane to be used will be fixed to the structural system, either with cables, with the definitive connections or through other systems. Then the cylinder support can be released and raised so that the operation can be repeated.
Esto es posible debido a la versatilidad del sistema estructural descrito y a la posibilidad de acceso de operarios a cualquier altura de la torre mediante la utilización del sistema estructural.  This is possible due to the versatility of the described structural system and the possibility of operator access at any height of the tower by using the structural system.
Gracias a esta versatilidad del sistema estructural otro tipo de grúas pueden ser también utilizados con variaciones menores sobre el método propuesto.  Thanks to this versatility of the structural system, other types of cranes can also be used with minor variations on the proposed method.
La fijación de grúa a utilizar ai sistema estructural se fija uniendo el mástil de ¡a grúa a diferentes elementos del sistema estructural en ai menos en una altura mediante la unión con placas, tubos u otros elementos definidos específicamente de forma que puedan transmitirse todos los esfuerzos generados. The crane attachment to be used in the structural system is fixed by attaching the mast of the crane to different elements of the structural system at at least one height by joining plates, tubes or other specifically defined elements so that all stresses can be transmitted generated.
Este invento desvela la fijación de la grúa en más de una altura, preferente en dos alturas, pero pueden ser más, con el fin de que se repartan mejor ios esfuerzos en el sistema estructural.  This invention discloses the fixing of the crane in more than one height, preferably in two heights, but they can be more, in order to better distribute the efforts in the structural system.
Este invento describe la posibilidad de fijar la grúa a utilizar directamente a ¡a torre de la turbina eólica para transmitir los esfuerzos horizontales aprovechando la mayor rigidez de la torre frente ai sistema estructural propuesto. La preparación de las conexiones a la torre mediante la fijación de tubos y con elementos de conexión que no transmitan esfuerzos verticales como ios descritos en este invento son especialmente indicados en este caso. This invention describes the possibility of fixing the crane to be used directly to the wind turbine tower to transmit the horizontal stresses taking advantage of the greater rigidity of the tower compared to the proposed structural system. The preparation of the connections to the tower by fixing pipes and with connection elements that do not transmit vertical stresses such as those described in this invention are especially indicated in this case.
Una vez montado el sistema estructural, es evidente que se puede utilizar para otras operaciones de mantenimiento en zonas de difícil acceso. Esto es posible completando el sistema estructural con los componentes necesarios, normalmente incluyendo plataformas, barandillas y ménsulas además de ios elementos básicos como montantes, largueros o diagonales. Incluso pueden utilizarse componentes específicos para casos concretos.  Once the structural system is assembled, it is evident that it can be used for other maintenance operations in areas with difficult access. This is possible by completing the structural system with the necessary components, usually including platforms, railings and brackets in addition to the basic elements such as uprights, beams or diagonals. You can even use specific components for specific cases.
De esta forma es posible la inspección y reparación en su caso, por ejemplo, de las palas y la torre.  In this way it is possible to inspect and repair, where appropriate, for example, the blades and the tower.
Para el desmontaje del sistema se seguirá el procedimiento inverso.  To disassemble the system, the reverse procedure will be followed.
Breve descripción de los dibujos, Brief description of the drawings,
Este invento se describe con más detalle por medio de ios siguientes dibujos, no limitantes, mostrados a continuación y la explicación detallada de los mismos.This invention is described in more detail by means of the following, non-limiting drawings shown below and the detailed explanation thereof.
La figura 1 muestra en una vista de alzado una turbina eólica, (en la que por simplicidad no se ha dibujado las palas), y una grúa preparada para su utilización soportada por un sistema estructural fijado a la torre de la turbina eólica. Figure 1 shows an elevation view of a wind turbine, (in which for simplicity the blades have not been drawn), and a crane prepared for use supported by a structural system attached to the tower of the wind turbine.
La figura 2 muestra una vista de alzado y planta de un sistema estructural incorporando cables para compensar cargas excéntricas y horizontales.  Figure 2 shows an elevation and plan view of a structural system incorporating cables to compensate for eccentric and horizontal loads.
La figura 3 muestra una vista en planta una turbina eólica (en la que por simplicidad se no se han dibujado las palas ni la nacelle), y una grúa preparada soportada por un sistema estructural fijado a la torre de la turbina eólica.  Figure 3 shows a plan view of a wind turbine (in which for simplicity the blades and nacelle have not been drawn), and a prepared crane supported by a structural system attached to the tower of the wind turbine.
La figura 4 muestra una sección de una torre con un tubo fijado mediante placa y brida a la torre para facilitar la fijación del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica.  Figure 4 shows a section of a tower with a tube fixed by a plate and flange to the tower to facilitate the fixing of the structural system to the tower of the wind turbine.
Descripción detallada de los dibujos. Detailed description of the drawings.
La figura 1 muestra una turbina eólica 1 de eje horizontal en el que se ve la torre 2 y la nacelle 3 y en la que por simplicidad no se han dibujado las palas. También se muestra una grúa 10 preparada para ser utilizara en una operación de mantenimiento o cambio de componente compuesta por un mástil 1 1 inferior, un mástil superior 12, un sistema de giro 13, una pluma 14 y un actuador hidráulico 15 que permite regular la inclinación de la pluma con el mástil y con ello la altura de la carga. Figure 1 shows a horizontal axis wind turbine 1 in which tower 2 and nacelle 3 are seen and in which the blades have not been drawn for simplicity. Also shown is a crane 10 prepared for use in a component change or maintenance operation consisting of a lower mast 1 1, an upper mast 12, a slewing system 13, a boom 14 and a hydraulic actuator 15 that allows to regulate the inclination of the boom with the mast and with it the height of the load.
La grúa 10 está fijada a un sistema estructural 20 formado por elementos prefabricados como se ha descrito en la descripción del invento. Este sistema estructural 20 está compuesto por varios módulos formados principalmente por montantes 21 , componentes horizontales 22 y diagonales 23. La figura 1 también incluye ménsulas 24 que permiten compensar la conicidad de la torre para el acceso de ios operarios a la superficie de la torre de forma segura.  The crane 10 is fixed to a structural system 20 formed by precast elements as described in the description of the invention. This structural system 20 is composed of several modules consisting mainly of uprights 21, horizontal components 22 and diagonals 23. Figure 1 also includes brackets 24 that allow compensating for the taper of the tower for the access of the operators to the surface of the tower of safe way.
El sistema estructural 20 esta unido a la torre 2 mediante elementos de conexión 30 que se conectan a la torre en ios puntos de conexión 31 .  The structural system 20 is connected to the tower 2 by means of connection elements 30 that are connected to the tower at the connection points 31.
La figura 2 muestra un sistema estructural 20 en vista de alzado y planta, formado por montantes 21 y elementos horizontales 22. Esta figura no representa ni la torre ni los elementos de conexión necesarios. Figure 2 shows a structural system 20 in elevation and plan view, consisting of uprights 21 and horizontal elements 22. This figure does not represent either the tower or the necessary connection elements.
La figura 2 muestra también unos cables verticales 41 fijados en el extremo superior del sistema estructural y en la parte inferior en el suelo o en la base del sistema. Con el fin de incrementar el momento transmitido, el cable 41 está fijado en el extremo superior a una ménsula 24 que sobresale de la vertical de los montantes.  Figure 2 also shows vertical cables 41 fixed at the upper end of the structural system and at the bottom on the ground or at the base of the system. In order to increase the transmitted momentum, the cable 41 is fixed at the upper end to a bracket 24 that protrudes from the vertical of the uprights.
La figura 2 también muestra un cable inclinado 42 que es fijado en la parte superior en el sistema estructural y en la base a una cierta distancia.  Figure 2 also shows an inclined cable 42 that is fixed at the top in the structural system and at the base at a certain distance.
La figura 3 muestra la vista en planta de una torre 2 de una turbina eólica un el sistema estructural 20 compuesto principalmente por montantes 21 y elementos horizontales 22. El modulo principal del sistema estructural soporta en su parte superior la grúa 10, cuyo mástil está fijado al módulo principal del sistema estructural mediante elementos especiales de conexión 16. Figure 3 shows the plan view of a tower 2 of a wind turbine in the structural system 20 consisting mainly of uprights 21 and horizontal elements 22. The main module of the structural system supports on its upper part the crane 10, whose mast is fixed to the main module of the structural system by means of special connection elements 16.
Este sistema estructural incluye un módulo adicional 320 formado por cuatro columnas de montantes 321 y elementos horizontales 322. Este módulo incluye plataformas y escaleras de acceso, 26 por las que acceder a las diferentes alturas del sistema estructural. Dada la posición del módulo con escaleras de acceso del sistema estructural principal, se utilizan tubos lisos fijados por bridas 27 para unir ambos módulos y rigidizar el sistema estructural ya que el sistema modular descrito en este ejemplo no tiene elementos horizontales que se adapten a la distancia entre montantes definida en la configuración descrita.  This structural system includes an additional module 320 formed by four columns of uprights 321 and horizontal elements 322. This module includes platforms and access stairs, 26 through which to access the different heights of the structural system. Given the position of the module with access ladders of the main structural system, smooth tubes fixed by flanges 27 are used to join both modules and stiffen the structural system since the modular system described in this example does not have horizontal elements that adapt to the distance between studs defined in the configuration described.
La figura 4 muestra una torre 2 de una turbina eólica en la que se han fijado dos placas 50 que incluyen dos bridas 51 . Estas bridas permiten fijar un tubo 60 a la torre de forma que ios elementos de conexión del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica, no representados, puedan conectarse sobre este tubo, por ejemplo, mediante una brida. Esto permite una fijación rápida y sencilla del elemento de conexión del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica. Figure 4 shows a tower 2 of a wind turbine on which two plates 50 have been attached, including two flanges 51. These flanges allow a tube 60 to be fixed to the tower so that the connecting elements of the structural system to the tower of the wind turbine, not shown, can be connected to this tube, for example, by means of a flange. This allows a quick and easy fixing of the connection element of the structural system to the wind turbine tower.

Claims

Reivindicaciones En este invento se reivindica: Claims In this invention it is claimed:
1 . Un sistema estructural para el mantenimiento o cambio de componentes en una turbina eólica que está formado principalmente por componentes prefabricados, preferentemente tubulares, y donde es posible su montaje in situ sin la ayuda de grúas o elementos de manipulación externos. Este sistema estructural es modular y se fija a la torre de la turbina eólica regularmente para transmitir los esfuerzos horizontales. Los esfuerzos verticales se transmiten a la base del sistema. La altura máxima de este sistema estructural se aproxima, pero no supera a la altura de la torre de la turbina eólica, de forma que es posible el giro de la nacelie sobre la torre, giro de yaw, sin que colisione con el sistema estructural. 1 . A structural system for the maintenance or change of components in a wind turbine that is mainly made up of prefabricated components, preferably tubular, and where it is possible to assemble them on site without the aid of external cranes or handling elements. This structural system is modular and is attached to the wind turbine tower regularly to transmit horizontal stresses. Vertical stresses are transmitted to the base of the system. The maximum height of this structural system approaches, but does not exceed, the height of the wind turbine tower, so that it is possible to rotate the nacelie on the tower, yaw rotation, without colliding with the structural system.
2. El sistema descrito en la reivindicación 1 , donde la altura máxima del sistema estructural supera la altura de la torre de la turbina eólica. En este sistema es posible incluir fijaciones adicionales del sistema estructural a la nacelie o al hub de forma que se mejora la estabilidad del sistema estructural.  2. The system described in claim 1, wherein the maximum height of the structural system exceeds the height of the wind turbine tower. In this system it is possible to include additional fixings of the structural system to the nacelie or to the hub so that the stability of the structural system is improved.
3. El sistema descrito en la reivindicación 1 o 2, donde la grúa a utilizar se coloca sobre el sistema estructural para alcanzar la altura necesaria para realizar la operación de mantenimiento o cambio de componente.  3. The system described in claim 1 or 2, where the crane to be used is placed on the structural system to reach the necessary height to carry out the maintenance or component change operation.
4. Un sistema de fijación del sistema estructural a la nacelie mediante la apertura de uno o varios huecos en el panel lateral de la nacelie para pasar a través de él el elemento de conexión correspondiente. Estos huecos se cierran cuando se termine la operación prevista.  4. A system for fixing the structural system to the nacelie by opening one or more holes in the side panel of the nacelie to pass through it the corresponding connection element. These gaps close when the intended operation is complete.
5. Un sistema de fijación del sistema estructural a la nacelie mediante una estructura que sobresalga por encima de su techo y que esté preparada para conectarla ai sistema estructural.  5. A system for fixing the structural system to the nacelie by means of a structure that protrudes above its roof and is prepared to connect it to the structural system.
6. Un sistema de fijación del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica mediante el uso el uso de cables, eslingas o elementos similares. El cable, eslinga o similar rodea la torre y también uno o varios elementos del sistema estructural, tensándolo posteriormente para resistir fuerzas de tracción.  6. A system of fixing the structural system to the wind turbine tower through the use of cables, slings or similar elements. The cable, sling or the like surrounds the tower and also one or more elements of the structural system, subsequently tightening it to resist tensile forces.
7. Un sistema para preparar la torre de turbinas eóiicas ya instaladas para las conexiones con el sistema estructural mediante la unión atornillada directa de ios soportes de los elementos de conexión a la torre de la turbina eólica.  7. A system to prepare the wind turbine tower already installed for the connections with the structural system by means of the direct screwed connection of the supports of the elements of connection to the tower of the wind turbine.
8. Un sistema para preparar la torre de turbinas eóiicas ya instaladas para las conexiones con el sistema estructural formado por placas que se fijaran a la torre mediante diferentes métodos según el tipo de torre y que pueden ser, preferentemente, soldadas, pegadas o atornilladas sobre la torre. Sobre estas placas se colocarán el resto de elementos que permiten fijar el elemento de conexión del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica. 8. A system to prepare the wind turbine tower already installed for the connections with the structural system formed by plates that will be fixed to the tower by different methods depending on the type of tower and that can be preferably welded, glued or screwed on the tower. On these plates the rest of the elements will be placed that allow the connection element of the structural system to be attached to the wind turbine tower.
9. Un sistema para preparar la torre de turbinas eólicas ya instaladas para las conexiones con el sistema estructural mediante un cable, eslinga o similar, que rodea la torre y se tensa de manera que quede fijado a la torre. Este cable, eslinga o similar tiene fijados una serie de ganchos, grilletes o mosquetones que permiten conectar ei elemento de conexión del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica.  9. A system to prepare the already installed wind turbine tower for connections to the structural system by means of a cable, sling or similar, that surrounds the tower and is tensioned so that it is fixed to the tower. This cable, sling or similar has fixed a series of hooks, shackles or carabiners that allow connecting the connection element of the structural system to the wind turbine tower.
10. Un sistema que permite la fijación de tubos verticales a la torre de la turbina eólica, permitiendo estos la fijación a su vez de ios elementos de conexión del sistema estructural a la torre de la turbina eólica a cualquier altura y no solamente en los puntos de conexión con la torre. Los tubos se conectan a unas bridas, espaciadas a lo largo de la vertical de la torre en diferentes posiciones, pudiéndose conectar los elementos de conexión a estos tubos en la superficie libre que dejan las bridas mencionadas. 10. A system that allows the vertical tubes to be fixed to the wind turbine tower, allowing these to fix the connecting elements of the structural system to the wind turbine tower at any height and not only at points connecting with the tower. The tubes are connected to flanges, spaced along the vertical of the tower in different positions, the connection elements to these tubes being able to be connected on the free surface left by the mentioned flanges.
1 1 . El sistema descrito en la reivindicación 10 en la que los tubos no están alineados únicamente en vertical sino en cualquier dirección, pudiendo ser curvos estos tubos. eleven . The system described in claim 10 wherein the tubes are not aligned only vertically but in any direction, these tubes can be curved.
12. Un sistema para la preparación de fijaciones en la torre de turbinas eólicas ya instaladas en la que se fijan, preferentemente soldados, atornillados o pegados, unos pines cilindricos que se utilizaran para fijar posteriormente el elemento de conexión.  12. A system for the preparation of fixings in the already installed wind turbine tower in which cylindrical pins are fixed, preferably welded, screwed or glued, which will be used to fix the connection element later.
13. Un sistema para la preparación de las fijaciones a la torre de la turbina eólica en el que durante el proceso de construcción de la torre o en cualquier caso antes de la instalación completa de la turbina se prepara la torre de la turbina eólica mediante el añadido de una serie de elementos u operaciones específicamente diseñados para recibir las fijaciones del sistema estructural en la torre de la turbina eólica.  13. A system for the preparation of the fixings to the wind turbine tower in which during the tower construction process or in any case before the complete installation of the turbine, the wind turbine tower is prepared by means of the addition of a series of elements or operations specifically designed to receive the fixings of the structural system in the wind turbine tower.
14. Ei sistema de la reivindicación 13 donde ios elementos añadidos a la torre son placas.  14. The system of claim 13 where the elements added to the tower are plates.
15. El sistema de la reivindicación 13 donde ios elementos añadidos a la torre son pines  15. The system of claim 13 where the elements added to the tower are pins
16. El sistema de la reivindicación 13 donde se realizan directamente agujeros roscados a la torre.  16. The system of claim 13 where threaded holes are made directly to the tower.
17. El sistema de la reivindicación 13 donde ios elementos añadidos son placas embebidas en las secciones de torres de hormigón.  17. The system of claim 13 where the added elements are plates embedded in the concrete tower sections.
18. Un sistema de compensación de cargas excéntricas y horizontales en el sistema estructural en el que mediante la utilización de cables fijados en el sistema estructural se introduce un momento que compensa las cargas excéntricas y horizontales que reducen la capacidad de carga del sistema estructural. Estos cables pueden ser verticales o estar inclinados con respecto a la vertical. 18. An eccentric and horizontal load compensation system in the structural system in which, by using cables fixed in the structural system, a moment is introduced that compensates the eccentric and horizontal loads that reduce the load capacity of the structural system. These cables can be vertical or be inclined with respect to the vertical.
19. El sistema de ¡a reivindicación 18 en el que la fuerza en ¡os cables esta controlada en todo momento y que se ajusta en función de la carga de la grúa a utilizar, la posición angular de ¡a carga de ¡a grúa a utilizar, la velocidad y dirección del viento. 19. The system of claim 18 in which the force in the cables is controlled at all times and is adjusted according to the load of the crane to be used, the angular position of the load from the crane to use, wind speed and direction.
20. Un método para el izado de la grúa a utilizar hasta la parte superior del sistema estructural sin necesidad de grúas exteriores. Este método consiste en izar la grúa a utilizar mediante cables. Estos cables se fijan por un lado a la grúa y pasan por unas poleas colocadas en la parte superior del sistema estructural, desviando los cables hacia la parte inferior donde son recogidos a medida que la grúa a utilizar es izada. 20. A method for hoisting the crane to be used to the top of the structural system without the need for external cranes. This method consists of hoisting the crane to be used by means of cables. These cables are fixed on one side to the crane and pass through pulleys placed on top of the structural system, diverting the cables towards the bottom where they are collected as the crane to be used is hoisted.
21 . El método descrito en ¡a reivindicación 20 en el que el sistema de tensado y recogida de ios cables no esté situado en la parte inferior del sistema estructural sino en ¡a parte superior del sistema estructural, fijado mediante un soporte especial. twenty-one . The method described in claim 20, in which the tensioning and collection system of the cables is not located in the lower part of the structural system but in the upper part of the structural system, fixed by means of a special support.
22. Un método para el izado de la grúa a utilizar basado en ¡a utilización de un motor, preferentemente eléctrico, que acciona un sistema de piñón- cremallera.  22. A method for hoisting the crane to be used based on the use of a motor, preferably electric, that drives a rack and pinion system.
23. Un método para el izado de ¡a grúa a utilizar en la que una vez izada la grúa a utilizar hasta el punto más alto posible con el método ya descrito en la reivindicación 20 o 21 , la distancia final para izar la grúa a utilizar a su posición de trabajo se realiza mediante unos cilindros que, fijados al sistema estructural mediante unos soportes por un extremo y a la grúa, preferentemente en el mástil, por el otro, empujan ¡a grúa hasta su posición final, pudiendo ser necesaria la repetición del método varias veces hasta alcanzar la altura final.  23. A method for hoisting the crane to be used in which once the crane to be hoisted is lifted to the highest possible point with the method already described in claim 20 or 21, the final distance to hoist the crane to be used to its working position it is carried out by means of cylinders that, fixed to the structural system by means of supports at one end and to the crane, preferably on the mast, on the other, push the crane to its final position, which may require repeating the method several times until the final height is reached.
PCT/ES2018/070629 2018-09-28 2018-09-28 Wind turbine maintenance system and method WO2020065103A1 (en)

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2644557A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2013-10-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Crane using support structure
US20140034418A1 (en) * 2011-04-14 2014-02-06 Mantenimientos Electricos Campo De Aviacion, S.L. Repair/cleaning scaffolding tower for wind turbines
US20140102039A1 (en) * 2011-05-25 2014-04-17 Philipp Wagner Method of setting up, maintaining and disassembling a wind turbine
CA2999938A1 (en) * 2015-10-01 2017-04-06 Lagerwey Wind B.V. Hoisting system for installing a wind turbine

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140034418A1 (en) * 2011-04-14 2014-02-06 Mantenimientos Electricos Campo De Aviacion, S.L. Repair/cleaning scaffolding tower for wind turbines
US20140102039A1 (en) * 2011-05-25 2014-04-17 Philipp Wagner Method of setting up, maintaining and disassembling a wind turbine
EP2644557A1 (en) * 2012-03-26 2013-10-02 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Crane using support structure
CA2999938A1 (en) * 2015-10-01 2017-04-06 Lagerwey Wind B.V. Hoisting system for installing a wind turbine

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