NZ622806B2 - Method and device for mounting a rotor of a wind energy plant - Google Patents
Method and device for mounting a rotor of a wind energy plant Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ622806B2 NZ622806B2 NZ622806A NZ62280612A NZ622806B2 NZ 622806 B2 NZ622806 B2 NZ 622806B2 NZ 622806 A NZ622806 A NZ 622806A NZ 62280612 A NZ62280612 A NZ 62280612A NZ 622806 B2 NZ622806 B2 NZ 622806B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- rotor
- rotor blade
- lifting beam
- blade
- fixing
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 29
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004237 Ponceau 6R Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000004146 energy storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C1/00—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles
- B66C1/10—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means
- B66C1/108—Load-engaging elements or devices attached to lifting or lowering gear of cranes or adapted for connection therewith for transmitting lifting forces to articles or groups of articles by mechanical means for lifting parts of wind turbines
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D1/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
-
- 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
- F03D1/00—Wind motors with rotation axis substantially parallel to the air flow entering the rotor
- F03D1/06—Rotors
- F03D1/065—Rotors characterised by their construction elements
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F03D—WIND MOTORS
- F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
- F03D13/10—Assembly of wind motors; Arrangements for erecting wind motors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
- F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
- F05B2230/00—Manufacture
- F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
- F05B2230/61—Assembly methods using auxiliary equipment for lifting or holding
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
- Y02E10/70—Wind energy
- Y02E10/728—Onshore wind turbines
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
- Y02P70/50—Manufacturing or production processes characterised by the final manufactured product
-
- 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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/37—Impeller making apparatus
-
- 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
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49316—Impeller making
- Y10T29/49332—Propeller making
Abstract
lifting beam (1) for lifting and handling a rotor blade (2) of a wind power installation (see 100, figure 1) is disclosed. The lifting beam includes a crane fixing means (6) for fixing the beam to a crane, at least one blade fixing means (12) for fixing the lifting beam to the rotor blade, and respective longitudinal (18) and transverse (10) pivoting means for pivoting the rotor blade carried by the lifting beam about a longitudinal axis and/or transverse axis of the rotor blade, respectively. A handling arrangement for handling a rotor blade, and a method of fitting rotor blades are further disclosed. pective longitudinal (18) and transverse (10) pivoting means for pivoting the rotor blade carried by the lifting beam about a longitudinal axis and/or transverse axis of the rotor blade, respectively. A handling arrangement for handling a rotor blade, and a method of fitting rotor blades are further disclosed.
Description
Method and device for mounting a rotor of a wind energy plant
The present invention concerns a lifting beam for lifting and handling
a rotor blade as well as a handling arrangement with a lifting beam and a
rotor blade for handling a rotor blade. The invention also concerns a
transport apparatus for transporting a lifting beam, a method of fitting
rotor blades, a method of fitting a rotor, a method of removing rotor blades
and a method of replacing rotor blades.
Wind power installations have long been known and a common type
is a so-called horizontal-axis wind power installation as is also shown in
Figure 1. A horizontal-axis wind power installation or a wind power
installation with a horizontal-axis rotor denotes an arrangement with a
horizontal rotor axis, to distinguish it from a type with a vertical rotor axis.
An exactly horizontal orientation of the rotor axis is not an important
consideration, but the aim is only to denote the basic type of installation.
Nowadays conventional horizontal-axis wind power installations have three
rotor blades, and the invention hereinafter is concentrated thereon without
being restricted thereto. Insofar as details hereinafter make sense only in
connection with a horizontal-axis rotor with three rotor blades, it is to be
correspondingly assumed that this involves a rotor having three rotor
blades.
To install a wind power installation it was usual for the rotor with the
rotor blades to be prefabricated on the ground at the location of erection of
the wind power installation, namely to fix the rotor blades to the rotor hub.
The rotor prefabricated in that way was then lifted off the ground in
particular at the rotor hub together with the rotor blades fitted thereto and
fixed to a pod which was already mounted on a mast or pylon, without the
rotor.
With an increasing size of wind power installations and thus an
increasing rotor blade length such a kind of fitment procedure is found to
be more and more difficult. Thus for example the rotor of an Enercon E126
wind power installation is of a diameter of 126 m. Handling a rotor of that
size is difficult and makes high demands in particular on the necessary
crane. Besides the geometrical dimensions such a rotor is also of an
enormous mass and thus enormous weight. Added to that is the fact that,
in the case of such modern large wind power installations, the pylon is even
higher and in particular the installed axis height is very high. Thus a wind
power installation from Enercon of type E126 can involve an axis height of
over 130 m, which corresponds to three times the height of the sailing
school ship Gorch Fock.
In particular the height to which a component to be fitted has to be
lifted and also the load thereof quite substantially determine the required
crane and thus its costs. An additional height of a few metres can
sometimes mean that a crane of a next higher category is required. In that
respect the canes used for erecting large modern wind power installations
like the E126 already nowadays belong to the category of the largest
available truck-mounted cranes.
If a rotor blade is installed individually on a rotor hub which has
already been fitted to the pod then in corresponding fashion it is only the
weight of that one rotor blade that needs to be lifted. Thus for example a
rotor blade can be fitted vertically from below to a suitably oriented rotor
hub. In the case of a three-blade rotor however the other two positions for
the other two rotor blades are then at a high position. To install the two
rotor blades therefore the respective rotor blade would have to be lifted to
a corresponding height, namely higher than the axis of the rotor, or the
rotor hub would have to be rotated. That rotation of the rotor hub with a
rotor blade installed thereon however requires a correspondingly great
force to lift the rotor blade which has already been installed, in a rotary
movement. In principle such a rotation can be implemented by means of
the generator operating in a motor mode. For that purpose however a
suitable installation of the generator would be required at that early stage
in construction, including linking it to the power supply network into which
the generator feed is later to occur in order to take energy for that motor
mode. In addition the generators would have to be suitably supplied with
energy for that specific task and appropriately controlled.
As general state of the art attention is directed to the documents EP
2 003 333 A1, DE 10 2008 033 857 A1, DE 20 2010 003 033 U1, DE 201
09 835 U1 and DE 103 05 543 C5.
Therefore the object of the present invention is to address and in
particular entirely or partially resolve one of the above-mentioned
problems. In particular the invention seeks to provide a solution for
improved fitment of a rotor and possibly also an improved possible way of
removing or replacing a rotor blade. The invention at least seeks to afford
an alternative solution.
According to the invention there is proposed a cross lifting beam as
set forth in claim 1. Such a lifting beam is provided for lifting and handling
a rotor blade. It has a crane fixing means with which the lifting beam can
be fixed to a crane and in particular suspended therefrom. In addition
there is provided at least one blade fixing means with which the lifting
beam can be fixed to the rotor blade or vice-versa. The lifting beam also
has a longitudinal pivoting means, by way of which the rotor blade carried
by the lifting beam can be pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the rotor
blade. In particular the lifting beam with that longitudinal pivoting means
is so adapted that it for example holds a rotor blade horizontally and in that
respect rotates or pivots it in that horizontal position about the horizontal
rotor blade axis.
In addition or alternatively there is provided a transverse pivoting
means to pivot the rotor blade carried by the lifting beam about a
transverse axis which is transverse relative to the longitudinal axis. In that
respect the important consideration is not a precisely 90 arrangement of
the transverse axis relative to the longitudinal axis, but the fact that the
rotor blade can be pivoted by means of the transverse pivoting means, in
particular in such a way that the longitudinal axis is altered, in particular
raised or lowered.
The longitudinal pivoting means and the transverse pivoting means
are thus provided to implement two different pivotal movements of the
rotor blade, which can involve different purposes, as is described
hereinafter.
Preferably the longitudinal pivoting means has an actuator for
actively pivoting the rotor blade. The longitudinal pivoting means can thus
actively exert a force for example by a motor and/or hydraulic drive, and in
particular can apply work to pivot the rotor blade about the longitudinal
axis. In an embodiment the longitudinal pivoting means is formed at least
by such an actuator and can have additional elements like in particular
fixing elements.
Preferably the transverse pivoting means is adapted for passive
pivoting and has a brake and additionally or alternatively a securing means
or locking means for securing or locking the lifting beam in at least two
mutually different pivotal positions. The transverse pivoting means does
not in that respect have an actuator which can actively exert a force and in
particular do work, but only passive means which can permit and guide a
corresponding pivotal movement. Accordingly on the one hand there is
implemented a corresponding pivot axis while on the other hand a brake
can brake or stop a pivotal movement which is produced in some other
fashion. When a desired end position is reached a suitable locking means is
proposed for locking purposes, like a locking means which is adapted for
temporary bolt engagement. Accordingly therefore a pivotal movement is
caused by external forces such as for example a force caused by weight,
but in that case is guided by the transverse pivoting means, more
specifically in particular in respect of its direction and speed of movement,
including the possible option of stopping the pivotal movement. In a
configuration the transverse pivoting means is formed at least by a pivot
joint which provides a corresponding pivot axis and it can have additional
elements such as in particular described elements for braking the pivotal
movement or for locking a pivoted position.
In an embodiment the lifting beam is characterised by an upper and
a lower carrier frame portion. The upper carrier frame portion is to be
connected to the crane and the lower carrier frame portion is to be
connected to the rotor blade. In that case the transverse pivoting means is
adapted to perform a pivotal movement of the lower carrier frame portion
relative to the upper carrier frame portion. There are thus two carrier
frame portions which are pivotable relative to each other. Preferably there
can be provided a securing disc which is adapted to fix different pivotal
positions of the lower carrier frame portion relative to the upper carrier
frame portion. For example for that purpose a brake like a shoe-type brake
can engage the securing disc and thus provide for braking or fixing the
pivotal position. Alternatively or additionally the securing disc can have
bores into which a bolt or pin can be introduced for fixing a pivotal position.
In an embodiment the lifting beam is characterised in that three
blade fixing means are provided and have a respective carrier loop for
releasably fixing a rotor blade. In that respect each carrier loop is provided
in particular to co-operate with a bolt, pin or similar counterpart portion on
the rotor blade. Thus for each carrier loop there can be provided such a
bolt or pin which is passed through the carrier loop to retain the carrier
loop and thereby make a connection between the lifting beam and the
rotor blade.
Preferably the longitudinal pivoting means has a linear actuator, in
particular a hydraulic cylinder, for lifting and lowering one of the blade
fixing means. In particular the linear actuator is disposed between the
carrier loop of the corresponding one blade fixing means and the lower
carrier frame portion. Thus three fixing means are provided on the lifting
beam and thus in use there are three fixing points on the rotor blade. In
that case the linear actuator co-operates with one of the three blade fixing
means and can lift or lower a carrier loop and thus a fixing point. The fact
that the other two fixing points – relative to the lower carrier frame portion
of the lifting beam – remain unchanged in their position in that case means
that a pivotal movement of the rotor blade can be achieved by that linear
actuator. Suitable actuation means can be arranged on the lifting beam.
For that purpose there can be provided energy storage means like electrical
energy storage means when using an electric motor and/or a pressure
storage means when using a hydraulic cylinder, and the actuating system
can be actuated for example by remote radio control by the service
personnel on the ground or in the crane.
It is preferably proposed that the crane fixing means has at least one
suspension portion, in particular a ring, an eye or a shackle for suspending
the lifting beam from the crane. That makes it possible to achieve simple
fixing to the crane and the described pivotal movements can be
implemented by the suitably adapted lifting beam without adaptation of the
crane being absolutely necessary for that purpose.
In addition there is proposed a handling arrangement for handling a
rotor blade of a wind power installation. Part of that handling arrangement
is a lifting beam and the rotor blade temporarily fixed thereto as well as a
release device for releasing the connection between the rotor blade and the
lifting beam. The connection between lifting beam and rotor blade is
effected by means of at least one bolt, pin or similar element. In particular
the connection is made in such a way that the lifting beam has at least one
loop or eye, in particular a plurality of loops or eyes, and the bolt passes
through each loop or eye in order thereby to make the connection. In
addition there is a release device for releasing the connection between the
rotor blade and the lifting beam. That release device has a pull means with
which the bolt or pin can be drawn out of the loop thereby to release the
respective connection. The pull means can thus be of such a design that no
people like service personnel or members of the erection team have to be
directly in attendance at the connecting location but rather remote
actuation such as for example from the rotor hub can be effected. For that
purpose there can be provided a pull line of suitable length or another
remote release or remote operation means is provided.
Preferably the rotor blade has an aerodynamic blade surface and an
internal space arranged therebeneath, wherein the blade surface has at
least one opening for passing therethrough a blade fixing means of the
lifting beam like a fixing loop. In that arrangement the internal space has a
fixing portion for fixing the blade fixing portion. In particular that fixing
portion can include the described bolt or pin and can provide an axial guide
for that pin. The fixing portion is correspondingly arranged in the proximity
in particular beneath the openings in the aerodynamic blade surface in such
a way that the loops of the blade fixing means can extend through those
openings directly to the respective fixing portion.
In addition there is proposed a transport apparatus for transporting a
lifting beam according to the invention. The transport apparatus has a
transport frame having receiving portions adapted to the lifting beam. In
particular in that case there is provided at least one carrier frame receiving
means for receiving the lower carrier frame portion and/or there is provided
an actuator receiving means for receiving the actuator of the longitudinal
pivoting means. In that way the lifting beam can be reliably transported to
the location of use, in particular the location for erection of a wind power
installation.
According to the invention there is also proposed a method of fitting
rotor blades as set forth in claim 10. Accordingly a rotor hub already fitted
to the pod of the wind power installation or of the wind power installation to
be erected is oriented in a first fitting position. In that case the rotor hub is
in particular so oriented that it has a fixing flange for fixing a first rotor
blade in a position in crosswise relationship, in which the first rotor blade
can be fixed thereto in a horizontal orientation. In other words that fixing
portion is oriented for fixing the first rotor blade in a so-called 3 o’clock or 9
o’clock position.
The first rotor blade is then lifted by means of a crane and a lifting
beam and arranged for fixing to the rotor blade at the fixing portion which
is oriented in the 3 o’clock or 9 o’clock position, and then fixed there. In
that case the rotor blade is oriented horizontally and thus corresponds to
that first fitting position of the rotor hub.
When that first rotor blade is fixed to the rotor hub, namely in
particular is mounted thereto, then that first rotor blade is lowered by
means of the lifting beam fixed to the crane so that the rotor hub rotates
into a second fitting position. That second fitting position is adapted to fit a
second rotor blade also in a horizontal orientation of a rotor hub.
Correspondingly, the first rotor blade is lowered in such a way that, when
the rotor hub is intended for a total of three rotor blades, the rotor hub
rotates through 60 . The rotor hub is then locked in that new position, in
particular by bolting engagement. Therefore at least one and generally a
plurality of bolts are so arranged in the transitional region between rotor
hub and pod, that the rotor hub cannot rotate any further. A suitable
device can be provided for that purpose, which can also lock the rotor hub
for other purposes such as for example maintenance purposes.
The lowering movement of the first fitted rotor blade is preferably
effected by the lifting beam being capable of performing a corresponding
pivotal movement transversely relative to the longitudinal axis of the rotor
blade. For that purpose the lifting beam does not need to actively perform
any movement because the rotor blade can move downwardly due to its
weight. The lifting beam however permits the pivotal movement and can
guide it.
When the rotor hub has assumed the second fitting position and is
fixed therein the lifting beam can be released from the first rotor blade and
used to receive the second rotor blade. To release the lifting beam it is
firstly lowered in such a way that the weight of the rotor blade no longer
loads the lifting beam but is now basically carried completely by the rotor
hub. Preferably a release device is then actuated, which in particular
withdraws bolts or pins from carrier loops of the blade fixing means of the
lifting beam thereby to release the connection between the lifting beam and
the rotor blade. Such release can advantageously be effected without
personnel having to be in attendance in that region of the rotor blade. In
particular no carrier cage for corresponding people is required there.
Preferably in further steps the second rotor blade is lifted by means
of the crane and the lifting beam in a substantially horizontal orientation
and arranged at and fixed to the correspondingly oriented fixing portion of
the rotor hub. The first rotor blade which is fitted in the 3 o’clock position
was correspondingly lowered to a 5 o’clock position so that now the second
rotor blade is fitted in the 9 o’clock position. The rotor hub is still locked in
that position and thus, after fixing of the second rotor blade, the lifting
beam can be released and removed from the second rotor blade.
It is preferably provided that, after release of the lifting beam from
the first rotor blade, the rotor hub is rotated through about 180 about a
vertical axis. That simplifies installation of the second rotor blade because
now the second rotor blade is lifted and fitted for example at the position
where the first rotor blade was also lifted and fitted. As the rotor hub
projects with respect to the pylon those two positions are not completely
identical but very similar. In particular the second rotor blade can be
provided in the same manner on the ground for example with a transport
vehicle.
Preferably, for fitting the third rotor blade, it is proposed that firstly a
ballast arm is mounted to the rotor hub, namely at the third fixing region
which is still free and which is intended for the third rotor blade. That third
fixing region after fitment of the second rotor blade is firstly in a so-called 1
o’clock position, that is to say in a position in which it points upwardly and
is only rotated through 30 from a perpendicularly upwardly pointing
position. To fit a rotor blade, that is to say the third rotor blade, in that
position, it would have to be lifted very high. That may require a very large
crane and cause correspondingly high costs, which is to be avoided.
Rotation of the rotor hub by downward movement of a rotor blade, as was
effected after fitment of the first rotor blade, is not readily possible because
the two rotor blades which have been installed up til now, by virtue of their
weight conditions, would lead to a movement of the rotor hub in an
unwanted direction. Because of the weight conditions the rotor hub would
tend to move to a position at which the third fixing region would point
perpendicularly upwardly. Therefore in accordance with a configuration it is
now proposed that a ballast arm is fitted to the third fixing region in the 1
o’clock position. That ballast arm has a fixing flange similarly to a rotor
blade, but is otherwise substantially shorter than a rotor blade, and can be
of a curved or bent shape, from its fixing flange. In particular the ballast
arm is of such a configuration that it can be installed with a crane height
which is as low as possible. Preferably that ballast arm is or such a
configuration that it can be lifted directly with the crane without using a
lifting beam and possibly has a functionality or a part of the functionality of
a lifting beam, insofar as for example it permits a rotary or pivotal
movement.
When the ballast arm is fitted the locking of the rotor hub – which is
also referred as bolting engagement – can be released. The ballast arm
can then be lowered, guided by the crane, into a 3 o’clock position of that
third fixing region. In that third fitting position the rotor hub is then locked
again – more specifically by bolting engagement – and the ballast arm can
be removed again. Finally the third rotor blade is fitted in a horizontal
orientation.
Preferably in this case also the rotor hub can be rotated through 180
about a vertical axis, in particular being rotated back again, previously,
namely after fitment of the second rotor blade and prior to fitment of the
ballast arm or at least prior to fitment of the third rotor blade.
In addition in accordance with an embodiment it is proposed that the
lifting beam rotates the respectively lifted rotor blade which is to be fitted
in place about a longitudinal axis, more specifically for example about its
rotor blade axis, in a region around the rotor blade axis, in such a way that
the rotor blade presents the lowest possible wind resistance. The lifting
beam can preferably actively perform that movement by actuation of
actuator of a longitudinal pivoting means.
Preferably a lifting beam in accordance with at least one of the
above-described embodiments is used and/or a handling arrangement as
described hereinbefore is used.
According to the invention there is also proposed a method of fitting
a rotor hub. In particular for fitting a rotor hub which as specified has
three rotor blades. In accordance therewith firstly the rotor hub is fitted to
the pod and then the rotor blades are successively fitted to the rotor hub.
That fitment procedure is effected in accordance with a method of fitting
rotor blades as described hereinbefore in accordance with at least one of
the embodiments.
In addition there is proposed a method of removing rotor blades
which basically corresponds in substance to the described method of fitting
rotor blades in the reverse sequence. In accordance therewith firstly with
the rotor hub in a locked condition a third rotor blade can be removed in a
horizontal position, that is to say for example in the 3 o’clock position. A
ballast arm is then fitted there, which in that case is still held by the crane
while the locking of the rotor hub is released. The ballast arm is then lifted
into a 1 o’clock position by means of the crane so that the second rotor
blade assumes a 9 o’clock position. The rotor hub is locked in that position,
the ballast arm removed and the second rotor blade dismantled. The
ballast arm is then fitted in the 9 o’clock position and the rotor hub is then
released again and rotated by means of the ballast arm so that the
remaining rotor blade is in a 3 o’clock position. The rotor hub is then
locked and the last rotor blade removed.
There is also proposed a method of replacing rotor blades. That
method is effected in such a way that rotor blades are removed as
described and then new or reconditioned rotor blades are fitted as
described.
The invention will now be described in detail hereinafter by means of
embodiments by way of example with reference to the accompanying
Figures.
Figure 1 shows a horizontal-axis wind power installation having three
installed rotor blades,
Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic perspective view of a rotor blade
lifted by a lifting beam,
Figure 3 shows the lifting beam with rotor blade of Figure 2 with the
rotor blade in a position rotated about its rotor axis,
Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a lifting beam fixed on a
transport frame, and
Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a portion of an internal space in
a rotor blade with fixing portions.
Figure 1 shows a wind power installation 100 comprising a pylon 102
and a pod 104. Arranged on the pod 104 is a rotor 106 with three rotor
blades 108 and a spinner 110. In operation the rotor 106 is caused to
rotate by the wind and thereby drives a generator in the pod 104.
Figure 2 shows a lifting crossbeam 1 at which a rotor blade 2 is
arranged and is lifted and held by the lifting beam 1. The view is a
perspective one and the rotor blade 2 is disposed in a substantially
horizontal orientation in relation to the rotor blade longitudinal axis. The
lifting beam 1 has an upper carrier frame portion 4 for fixing to a crane. In
the view shown in Figure 2 and also Figure 3 the lifting beam is disposed
fixed to a crane which however is not shown in Figures 2 and 3 for the sake
of simplicity. Fixing eyes 6 which can also be referred to as pick-up points
are provided for fixing to the crane.
Provided beneath the upper carrier frame portion 4 and
approximately transversely thereto is a lower carrier frame portion 8. The
lower carrier frame portion 8 can be pivoted in relation to the upper carrier
frame portion 4, more specifically about an axis extending substantially
transversely to the rotor blade longitudinal axis. In that way the rotor
blade longitudinal axis and therewith accordingly the rotor blade 2 can be
tilted. For guiding such a tilting or pivotal movement the arrangement has
a brake device 10 which can also be referred to as a securing device.
For fixing the lifting beam 1 to the rotor blade 2 there are provided
three blade fixing means 12 which for the sake of simplicity are denoted by
the same reference and which have elongate cables with round loops.
Those elongate cables are passed through openings 14 in the rotor blade
surface 16 and have round loops for fixing purposes, in the interior of the
rotor blade 2. One of the rotor blade fixing means 12 has a hydraulic
cylinder 18 as an actuator to be able to actively alter the length of the
blade fixing means 12 in question. The rotor blade 2 can be pivoted about
its rotor blade axis by virtue of such a change in length.
Figure 3 shows such a position of the rotor blade 2, in which it is
pivoted about the rotor blade longitudinal axis. In Figure 3 the hydraulic
cylinder 18 is retracted in relation to the Figure 2 position whereby the
corresponding blade fixing means 12 has been reduced in length, whereby
the pivoted or rotated position in Figure 3 was attained.
Thus the rotor blade 2 can be lifted by means of a fitment crane and
the lifting beam 2. In that case the round slings of the blade fixing means
12 are connected to the rotor blade 2 by locking bolts. The rotor blade 2 is
rotated about the blade axis by means of the hydraulic cylinder 18 in order
to afford a surface which is as small as possible for the wind to act thereon.
In Figure 4 the lifting beam 1 is prepared in a condition of being
ready for transport on a transport frame 20 for transport on a vehicle.
Figure 4 shows further details like the fixing eyes 6 in the form of shackles
for fixing the lifting beam 1 to a crane. The lower carrier frame portion 8 is
pivotable by way of a pivot joint 22 relative to the upper carrier frame
portion 4. For controlling such a pivotal movement the brake device 10 has
a brake disc 24 and a brake means 26 which engages the brake disc 24 and
can thereby control the pivotal movement. The lower carrier frame portion
8 has two blade fixing eyes 28 of which one can be seen and a further one
is arranged behind the transport box 30. Both blade fixing eyes 28 are
arranged on a longitudinal bearer 32 which substantially forms the lower
carrier frame portion 8.
The third blade fixing means 12 is fixed directly to the upper carrier
frame portion 4, namely directly below the transverse bearer 34 which
forms a substantial component of the upper carrier frame portion 4. That
blade fixing means 12 which is fixed to the transverse bearer 34 has the
hydraulic cylinder 18 which here is arranged in a transport position. In
operation of the lifting beam, when it has been removed from the transport
frame 20 and used, the blade fixing means 12 additionally have cables with
round slings. Those cables are shown in Figures 2 and 3 but in
transportation can be transported separately on the transport frame 20 and
disposed for example in the transport box 30.
Figure 5 shows three fixing portions 50 which for the sake of
simplicity are denoted by the same references although there are some
differences in particular in dimensions. The fixing portions 50 are fixed to
inner structures like stiffening ribs 52. The fixing portions each include two
holding walls 54 which each have two mutually aligned bores 56. A further
pair of bores 56 can be provided in order for example to modify the fixing
position. Such a further pair of bores of each fixing portion 50 is however
not absolutely necessary.
Provided in the region of the two bores 56 is a bolt device 58 having
a respective prestressed bolt or pin 60. A pulling device like a cable can be
arranged at the prestressed bolt 60 to pull the bolt in the opening direction
62 to release a holding loop. Figure 5 shows the opened condition. In that
condition a holding loop can be arranged between two bores 56 and thus
between two holding walls 54. For fixing purposes the prestressed bolt 60
is then pushed through the respective corresponding two bores 56 in order
thereby to receive the carrier loop arranged there. For release purposes it
is only necessary for the bolt 60 to be pulled in the opening direction 62
and a corresponding carrier loop would then be released again.
There is thus proposed a solution which addresses problems of
limited lifting capacities in particular of cranes and which affords a possible
way of subsequently fitting the rotor blades after mounting of the rotor hub
has been effected, or installing same thereafter. In that respect it is also
proposed that a connection between the rotor blade and the lifting beam
can be released automatically or semi-automatically without the direct
involvement of personnel at the receiving location.
For that purpose the lifting beam is suspended from the crane hook
of the fitting crane. The lifting beam is connected to the rotor blade by
means of round slings and the rotor blade is lifted by means of the lifting
beam. In that case guide cables can be fixed to the lifting beam. After
fitment of the rotor blade corresponding locking pins or bolts at the pick-up
points are released, in particular by way of remote actuation. The lifting
beam is then further lifted so that the round loops are pulled out of the
rotor blade. The proposed solution also affords the option of lowering or
lifting the rotor blade through a given angle by means of the lifting beam.
After the rotor blade is lowered the rotatably or pivotably mounted carrier
of the lifting beam is held in its position by a brake device. Thereafter the
pick-up points are unlocked and the beam is released from the rotor blade.
A reduction in the item weights for the fitting crane can be achieved
by the proposed solution, as advantages. In addition mounting of the wind
power installation can be achieved at higher wind speeds than when other
solutions are adopted. Furthermore it is possible to avoid the use of crane
baskets and when lifting the rotor blades the orientation thereof can be
manipulated, in which case at the same time only one crane hook is
necessary.
Claims (17)
1. A lifting beam for lifting and handling a rotor blade of a wind power in- stallation, including: - a crane fixing means for fixing the lifting beam to a crane, - at least one blade fixing means for fixing the lifting beam to the rotor blade, and - a longitudinal pivoting means for pivoting the rotor blade carried by the lifting beam about a longitudinal axis of the rotor blade, and - a transverse pivoting means for pivoting the rotor blade carried by the lifting beam about a transverse axis which is transverse relative to the longitudi- nal axis, wherein the longitudinal pivoting means has an actuator for actively pivoting the rotor blade, and the transverse pivoting means is adapted for passive pivoting and has a brake means and/or a securing means for securing the lifting beam in at least two mutually different pivotal positions.
2. A lifting beam according to claim 1 characterised by an upper carrier frame portion to be connected to the crane and a lower carrier frame portion to be connected to the rotor blade, wherein the transverse pivoting means is adapted to perform a pivotal movement of the lower carrier frame portion rela- tive to the upper carrier frame portion, and in particular has a corresponding piv- ot axis and optionally a securing disc for fixing a pivotal position of the lower car- rier frame portion relative to the upper carrier frame portion.
3. A lifting beam according to claim 1 or claim 2 characterised in that there are provided three blade fixing means and each have a respective carrier loop for releasable fixing to the rotor blade and/or the longitudinal pivoting means has a linear actuator, in particular a hydraulic cylinder, for raising and lowering one of the blade fixing means or a part thereof, wherein the linear actuator is arranged in particular between a or the carrier loop of the corresponding blade fixing means and a or the lower carrier frame portion.
4. A lifting beam according to any one of the preceding claims character- ised in that the crane fixing means has at least one suspension portion, in partic- ular a ring, eye or shackle, for suspending the lifting beam from the crane.
5. A handling arrangement for handling a rotor blade of a wind power in- stallation, including a lifting beam according to any one of the preceding claims for lifting and handling the rotor blade , a rotor blade fixed by way of a connection to the lifting beam, and a release device for releasing the connection between the rotor blade and the lifting beam, wherein the rotor blade is connected by means of at least one bolt to the lifting beam, in particular in such a way that the lifting beam has at least one loop or eye and the bolt passes through the loop or eye, and wherein the release device has a pull means for pulling the bolt, in particular for pulling the bolt out of the respective loop or eye for releasing the connection.
6. A handling arrangement according to claim 5 characterised in that the rotor blade has an aerodynamic blade surface and an internal space, wherein the blade surface has at least one opening for passing therethrough a blade fixing means or a part thereof of the lifting beam and the internal space is provided with at least one fixing portion for fixing the blade fixing means of the lifting beam.
7. A handling arrangement according to claim 5 or claim 6 characterised in that a lifting beam according to one of claims 1 to 4 is used.
8. A transport apparatus for transporting a lifting beam according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transport apparatus has a transport frame with receiving portions adapted to the lifting beam, in particular a carrier frame re- ceiving means for receiving a or the lower carrier frame portion and/or an actua- tor receiving means for receiving a or the actuator of the longitudinal pivoting means.
9. A method of fitting rotor blades of a wind power installation which has a horizontal-axis rotor including a rotor hub and a plurality of and in particular three rotor blades , comprising the steps: - orienting an already fitted rotor hub in a first fitting position, - lifting a first rotor blade by means of crane and a lifting beam according to one of claims 1 to 4, - arranging and fixing the first rotor blade in a substantially horizontal ori- entation to the rotor hub oriented in the first fitting position, - lowering the fitted first rotor blade by means of the lifting beam in such a way that the rotor hub rotates into a second fitting position in which a second rotor blade can be fitted in a horizontal orientation to the rotor blade hub, and - locking the rotor hub in the second fitting position and releasing the lift- ing beam from the first rotor blade.
10. A method according to claim 9 characterised by the further steps: - lifting the second rotor blade by means of the crane and the lifting beam, - arranging and fixing the second rotor blade in a substantially horizontal orientation to the rotor blade oriented in the second fitting position, and - releasing the lifting beam from the second rotor blade.
11. A method according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the rotor hub is ro- tated about a vertical axis through about 180 after release of the lifting beam from the first rotor blade.
12. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 11 characterised by the following steps: - fitting a ballast arm to the rotor hub at a fixing location provided for a third rotor blade, in particular a flange, - lowering the ballast arm so that the rotor hub rotates into a third fitting position in which the third rotor blade can be fitted to the rotor blade hub in a horizontal orientation, - locking the rotor hub in the third fitting position, - removing the ballast arm, and - fitting the third rotor blade.
13. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 12 wherein the respec- tive rotor blade lifted by the lifting beam is rotated about a rotor blade longitudi- nal axis by means of the lifting beam in order to present the lowest possible wind resistance in the fitting operation.
14. A method according to any one of claims 9 to 13 wherein a lifting beam according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and/or a handling arrangement ac- cording to any one of claims 5 to 7 is used.
15. A method of fitting a horizontal-axis rotor having a rotor hub and a plurality of and in particular three rotor blades to a pod of a wind power installa- tion or of a wind power installation to be erected, including the steps: - fitting the rotor hub to the pod, and - successively fitting the rotor blades to the fitted rotor hub, wherein a method according to any one of claims 9 to 14 is used.
16. A method of removing rotor blades of a wind power installation which has a horizontal-axis rotor including a rotor hub and a plurality of and in particu- lar three rotor blades, wherein the removal operation corresponds to the proce- dure of fitting the rotor blades according to any one of claims 9 to 14 appropri- ately in the reverse sequence.
17. A method of replacing rotor blades of a wind power installation which has a horizontal-axis rotor including a rotor hub and a plurality of and in particu- lar three rotor blades, wherein rotor blades are fitted in accordance with a meth- od according to any one of claims 9 to 14 and/or previously already fitted rotor blades to be replaced are first removed, in particular with a method according to claim 16.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE102011084140A DE102011084140A1 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2011-10-07 | Method and device for mounting a rotor of a wind energy plant |
DE102011084140.7 | 2011-10-07 | ||
PCT/EP2012/069785 WO2013050569A2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2012-10-05 | Method and device for mounting a rotor of a wind energy plant |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ622806A NZ622806A (en) | 2016-05-27 |
NZ622806B2 true NZ622806B2 (en) | 2016-08-30 |
Family
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