WO2021158123A1 - Crane system for assembling a wind turbine and a method for using the crane system - Google Patents

Crane system for assembling a wind turbine and a method for using the crane system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2021158123A1
WO2021158123A1 PCT/NO2021/050038 NO2021050038W WO2021158123A1 WO 2021158123 A1 WO2021158123 A1 WO 2021158123A1 NO 2021050038 W NO2021050038 W NO 2021050038W WO 2021158123 A1 WO2021158123 A1 WO 2021158123A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
column
jacking
crane
crane system
engagement
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NO2021/050038
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Per Olav Haughom
Original Assignee
Wind Spider As
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 Wind Spider As filed Critical Wind Spider As
Priority to EP21750481.0A priority Critical patent/EP4100354A4/en
Publication of WO2021158123A1 publication Critical patent/WO2021158123A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
    • B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
    • B66C23/185—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes for use erecting wind turbines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
    • B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
    • B66C23/20—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes with supporting couples provided by walls of buildings or like structures
    • B66C23/207—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes with supporting couples provided by walls of buildings or like structures with supporting couples provided by wind turbines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
    • B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
    • B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
    • B66C23/62—Constructional features or details
    • B66C23/64—Jibs
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H12/00—Towers; Masts or poles; Chimney stacks; Water-towers; Methods of erecting such structures
    • E04H12/34—Arrangements for erecting or lowering towers, masts, poles, chimney stacks, or the like
    • E04H12/342—Arrangements for stacking tower sections on top of each other
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/20—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors
    • F03D13/25—Arrangements for mounting or supporting wind motors; Masts or towers for wind motors specially adapted for offshore installation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
    • B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING 
    • B63B35/00—Vessels or similar floating structures specially adapted for specific purposes and not otherwise provided for
    • B63B35/44—Floating buildings, stores, drilling platforms, or workshops, e.g. carrying water-oil separating devices
    • B63B2035/4433—Floating structures carrying electric power plants
    • B63B2035/446—Floating structures carrying electric power plants for converting wind energy into electric energy
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E02—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING; FOUNDATIONS; SOIL SHIFTING
    • E02B—HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING
    • E02B17/00—Artificial islands mounted on piles or like supports, e.g. platforms on raisable legs or offshore constructions; Construction methods therefor
    • E02B2017/0091—Offshore structures for wind turbines
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F03—MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS; WIND, SPRING, OR WEIGHT MOTORS; PRODUCING MECHANICAL POWER OR A REACTIVE PROPULSIVE THRUST, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F03D—WIND MOTORS
    • F03D13/00—Assembly, mounting or commissioning of wind motors; Arrangements specially adapted for transporting wind motor components
    • F03D13/10—Assembly of wind motors; Arrangements for erecting wind motors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F05—INDEXING SCHEMES RELATING TO ENGINES OR PUMPS IN VARIOUS SUBCLASSES OF CLASSES F01-F04
    • F05B—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO WIND, SPRING, WEIGHT, INERTIA OR LIKE MOTORS, TO MACHINES OR ENGINES FOR LIQUIDS COVERED BY SUBCLASSES F03B, F03D AND F03G
    • F05B2230/00—Manufacture
    • F05B2230/60—Assembly methods
    • F05B2230/61—Assembly methods using auxiliary equipment for lifting or holding
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/72—Wind turbines with rotation axis in wind direction
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E10/00—Energy generation through renewable energy sources
    • Y02E10/70—Wind energy
    • Y02E10/727—Offshore wind turbines
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • 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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a crane system for assembling wind turbines. More specifical ly, the invention relates to a crane in which the tower column of the wind turbine itself is used as a supporting structure for the crane. The invention also relates to a method for mounting the crane and a method for using the crane.
  • a modern wind turbine consists, in the main, of a cylindrical tower structure where, at the top of the tower structure, a rotor is mounted, which is connected to a generator via a shaft and bearing.
  • a generator In addition to a generator, necessary auxiliary equipment such as a transformer and control and monitoring systems is provided.
  • the top structure referred to as a nacelle in what follows, is supported on the tower structure with bearings, so that the nacelle can be rotated around a vertical axis of the tower structure and be adjusted to varying wind directions.
  • the wind turbines have developed from small land-based wind turbines of 200-300 kW to today's large turbines of about 10 MW.
  • the main structure of the construction is the same; in all essentials, only a scaling of dimensions and arrangement has been done.
  • the nacelle is built as an assembled structure which is hoist ed onto the top of the tower structure when the tower structure has been assembled to its full height.
  • the tower structure is normally cylindrical.
  • Wind turbines of about 10 MW generally have a tower height of about 200 m and the nacelle can weigh 300-400 tonnes. When 300-400 tonnes is to be lifted about 200 m up, large and expensive hoisting devices are required.
  • the challenge is in addition that a floating base must be used for the hoisting device, which in turn is affected by wave movements. The time intervals for acceptable wave conditions become very short, which results in the installing of floating wind turbines being technically de manding and costly.
  • the invention has for its object to remedy or reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative to the prior art.
  • the invention concerns a crane system for a column which is formed of at least one column element, the crane system comprising:
  • a first jacking element comprising at least two first parts, arranged to be connected to and extend at least partially along a circumference around the column element, and at least one engagement element for engaging with the column element;
  • a second jacking element comprising at least two second parts, arranged to be con nected to and extend at least partially around the first jacking element, and at least one engagement element for engaging with the column element, the first jacking ele ment and the second jacking element being displaceable relative to each other along a centre axis of the column when the crane system is in use on the column;
  • a crane that can be mounted on a column and climb upwards along the col umn may be provided.
  • This can make it possible to assemble a wind turbine comprising a cylindrical steel structure in the form of a column that can be formed from a plu rality of column elements, a nacelle and a rotor by means of the crane system being able to climb upwards along the column and use the tower structure itself as part of a supporting structure for the crane system.
  • the column may be positioned offshore.
  • the column may be land-based.
  • the first jacking element comprising at least two first parts, arranged to be connected to and extend along a circumference around the column element, is that the first jacking element can be connected to and disconnected from the column in a radial direction.
  • the jacking element may be connected to and discon nected from the column near a water surface or a ground, independently of the height and a possible superstructure of the column.
  • Each of the at least two first parts and the at least two second parts can be joined together by a flange coupling, for example.
  • the second jacking element may be moved and positioned radially at the first jacking element, independently of the height of the first jacking element and the height of the column and a possible superstructure on the column.
  • the first and the second jacking elements may form a continuous structure around the column.
  • One or both of the at least two first parts and each of the at least two second parts can be joined together, for example with a flange coupling.
  • first and second jacking elements may form a tubular structure which encloses an element lying within.
  • the tubular pipe structure may thereby ad vantageously absorb greater forces than a U-shaped structure which is not an enclos ing one.
  • the two first parts and the two second parts may be formed as semicircular elements.
  • the jacking element can thereby advantageously enclose a circular column so that a constant distance may be provided between the column and the jacking ele ments.
  • the engagement element may be arranged to hold at least one of the first and the second jacking elements to a column element, both in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction.
  • One or more engagement elements may be arranged to hold the weight of the crane system and an associated load on the crane.
  • a plurality of cooperating engagement elements may cooperate so that at least one of the jacking elements can be adjusted radially relative to the column element, so that a centre axis of at least one of the jacking elements and a centre axis of the column element may coincide.
  • a plurality of cooperating engagement elements may be controlled individually so that the engagement elements may engage with a conical column.
  • the cooperating engagement elements may comprise or be understood as a plurality of engagement elements, for example three or four, which are positioned in a common plane at a first end or at a second end of the jacking elements.
  • the first end may be equivalent to the upper end when the jacking element is mounted on a vertical col umn.
  • the second end may be equivalent to a lower end when the jacking element is mounted on a vertical column.
  • the engagement elements may be positioned at a first end or a second end belonging to the jacking elements, wherein the first end may face upwards and the second end may face downwards when the jacking elements are mounted on an erected column.
  • the engagement elements can be positioned at both the first end and the second end belonging to the jacking elements.
  • the engagement elements belonging to the first jacking element may be positioned at the first end of the first jacking element, and/or the engagement elements belonging to the second jacking element may be positioned at the second end of the second jacking element.
  • the engagement elements belonging to the first and second jacking elements may thereby, with advantage, alternately en gage with, for example, one and the same external end flange belonging to a column element.
  • one or more engagement elements may have an opposite positioning to that described above in the immediately preceding paragraph.
  • the first jacking element may, with advantage, engage with and be at tached to an upper end portion of an erected column element. That may give better or greater stability in the crane system than if the jacking element, in other examples, engages with a lower end portion of the erected column element.
  • one or both of the first jacking element and the second jacking element may comprise at least three engagement elements.
  • the weight of the crane system and a load can, with advantage, be distributed and it may be made possible to adjust the position of the jacking elements relative to the column in a horizontal direction.
  • the first jacking element and the second jacking element may have a cross section that corresponds to the cross section of the column.
  • the jacking elements may advantageously have a circular cross section.
  • a circular cross section can make it possible to rotate the jacking element around the centre axis of the column for as optimal a position as possible, bearing wind and adjacent vessels or vehicles in mind.
  • the crane system may further comprise at least one mechanical actuator for moving the first jacking element relative to the second jacking element.
  • the mechanical actuator can be integrated into the jacking elements.
  • the mechanical actuator may be a toothed-rack actuator, wherein a toothed rack may be mounted on one jacking element and a corresponding toothed wheel with a drive may be mounted on the second jacking element.
  • the crane system may further comprise at least one hydraulic actuator for displacing the first jacking element relative to the second jacking element.
  • the hydraulic actuator may comprise a hydraulic cylinder.
  • the crane system may further comprise a winch system for displacing the first jacking element relative to the second jacking element.
  • the winch system may further comprise a first winch with a first wire running over a second wire roller at a first end of the second jacking element to an anchoring point at a second end of the first jacking element.
  • the winch system may further comprise a second winch with a second wire running over a first wire roller at a first end of the first jacking element to an anchoring point at an upper end of the second jacking element.
  • At least one of the first winch and the second winch may be arranged on a base for the column.
  • the winch system with the winches may thereby be provided in such a way that they do not add any weight to the jacking elements, and the weight of the crane system may thereby be kept as low as possible.
  • a lowest possible weight on the crane system may be particularly advantageous when the crane system is used on tall columns.
  • the engagement element may comprise a latch.
  • a latch is meant herein, as an example, a protruding, movable and pressure-loaded part of a lock, the latch having at least one closing side with a bevel.
  • the latch When the latch is moved against or along an abutment, the latch can be pushed into the lock.
  • the pressure-loaded latch may be pushed out and au tomatically latch into a corresponding locking element. This may make it easier to provide a lockable engagement between the crane system and the column, compared with a solution in which, for example, a precise positioning between the crane system and the column is desired first, before the locking element can be moved into an en gagement position.
  • the latch may be formed as a lug.
  • a lug is meant herein, as an example, an ele ment arranged to grip around a portion of a corresponding element.
  • the lug may include a cut-out arranged to grip around three sides of a flange. The lug may be displaced by means of an actuator.
  • the latch may be formed as a bolt with a rounded end, the bolt being arranged to en gage with a corresponding cut-out.
  • the latch may be arranged to engage with a flange belonging to the column element.
  • the flange may extend all the way or partially around the column element.
  • the col umn elements that are described herein may typically be joined together via internal end flanges.
  • the end flanges may be bolted together or attached to each other in any other suitable manner.
  • a solid coupling may be provided between the column element and the jacking element along the entire periphery of the flange.
  • the crane may comprise a U-shaped crane arm.
  • the crane arm may be supported on two crane bases via two joints.
  • the U-shaped crane arm may facilitate distributing the weight onto two joints, the two joints possibly being diametrically opposed.
  • a wire may be supported in a middle por tion of the crane arm.
  • the crane arm may be arranged to be moved over a column element when, in use, the first jacking element is in engagement with the flange of a supporting column el ement. Thereby a column element or a nacelle component may be lifted up from an adjacent vessel or vehicle onto the supporting column element.
  • the invention relates to a method for mounting and/or using a crane system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. In what follows, ex amples of using the crane system will be described.
  • a crane system which may comprise at least two jacking elements may be used, which may typically comprise cylindrical elongated jacking elements that may be attached, alternately or sequentially, to the column.
  • the column may typically be assembled from elongated column elements that are stacked on top of each other into suitable lengths.
  • the crane system may comprise at least a first jacking element and a second jacking element which may be attached to the column, more specifically one or more flange connections between respective adjacent column elements, for example, and which are moved, typically by displacement of the first jacking element relative to the sec ond jacking element, section by section up the column, a section possibly correspond ing to the length of a column element.
  • a crane On the top of one jacking element, a crane may be positioned.
  • the crane may comprise an actuator, for example hydraulic cylinders, so that a crane arm belonging to the crane can pick up column elements and place them centrically over assembled column elements.
  • Displacement of the crane system can be carried out with wires and winches sitting on a work platform attached to a lowermost/first column element or a base for the column.
  • the winch(es) can operate to move the first jacking element relative the second jacking element.
  • a method for mounting a crane system in accordance with the first aspect of the in vention may comprise one or more of the steps of: a) arranging a first column element on a base by using a support crane; b) arranging a first jacking element on the first column base by using the sup port crane, and activating a first engagement element to provide a lockable engagement with the first column base; c) arranging a second jacking element on the first jacking element by using the first crane, and activating a second engagement to provide a lockable en gagement with the first column base or the base;
  • the method may further comprise one of more of the steps of: d) positioning a second column element on top of the first column element by means of the crane; e) disengaging the first engagement element from the first column base; f) raising the first jacking element from the first column element to the second column element; g) activating the first engagement element to provide a lockable engagement with the second column element; h) disengaging the second engagement element from the first column element or the base; i) raising the second jacking element from the first column base to the second column base; and j) repeating the steps e-k until the desired number of column bases have been placed on top of each other.
  • the method may further comprise one or more of the steps: k) hoisting at least one nacelle element by means of the crane 140 and position ing the at least one nacelle element 45, 46, 47 on an underlying column ele ment (11); and
  • Figure 1 shows a crane system mounted on a column element, in perspective
  • Figure 2 shows the crane system and two column elements in perspective
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of the column element
  • Figure 4 shows a second jacking element
  • Figure 5a shows a first jacking element and a crane
  • Figure 5b shows a lug, on a larger scale
  • Figure 6 shows a first step in the assembling of a wind turbine
  • Figure 7 shows a second step in the assembling of the wind turbine
  • Figure 8 shows a third step in the assembling of the wind turbine
  • Figure 9 shows a fourth step in the assembling of the wind turbine
  • Figure 10 shows a fifth step in the assembling of the wind turbine
  • Figure 11 shows an engagement element in engagement with a flange
  • Figure 12 shows a section of figure 11
  • Figure 13 shows the wind turbine mounted on a base
  • Figure 14 shows a vessel for assembling the wind turbine
  • Figure 15 shows the vessel and a first partial assembly of the wind turbine
  • Figure 16 shows the vessel and a second partial assembly of the wind turbine.
  • Figure 1 shows a crane system 100 for a vertical column 1 formed of at least one col umn element 11.
  • the crane system 100 comprises a first jacking element 12, a sec ond jacking element 13 and a crane 140.
  • the first jacking element 12 comprises at least two first parts 123, arranged to be connected to and extend along a circumfer ence around the column element 11, and at least one engagement element 25 for en- gaging with the column element 11.
  • the second jacking element 13 comprises at least two second parts 133, arranged to be connected to and extend at least partially around the first jacking element 12, and an engagement element 25 for engaging with the column element 11.
  • the first jacking element 12 and the second jacking element 13 are displaceable rela- tive to each other along a centre axis XI of the column 1 when the crane system 100 is in use on the column 1 as shown in figure 1.
  • a crane 140 is shown connected to the first jacking element 12.
  • the first jacking element 12 and the second jacking element 13 have a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the column 1, shown as a circular cross section in the figure.
  • the crane system 100 is shown with a winch system for displacing the first jacking element 12 relative to the second jacking element 13.
  • the winch system comprises a first winch 50 with a first wire 40 running over a sec ond wire roller 55 at a first end 131 of the second jacking element 13 to an anchoring point 31 at a second end 122 of the first jacking element 12.
  • first wire 40 is rolled onto the first winch 50, the first jacking element 12 is pulled upwards along the column 1.
  • the winch system further comprises a second winch 35 with a second wire 30 running over a first wire roller 41 at a first end 121 of the first jacking element 12 to an an choring point 36 at a first end 131 of the second jacking element 13.
  • the second wire 30 may be wound onto the second winch 35, and the second jacking element 13 may be raised so that the engagement element 25 of the second jacking element 13 may en gage with a second flange 24" belonging to a second column element 11" shown in figure 2.
  • the crane 140 comprises a crane base 141 which is connected to the upper end 121 of the first jacking element 12.
  • a crane arm 14 is supported in a bilateral bolt connection 20 and is operated by hydraulic cylinders 15.
  • the crane arm 14 is further provided with wire rollers 18 for a hoisting wire 21 connected to a winch 22.
  • the work platform 9 is shown mounted on a base 5 for the column 1.
  • Figure 2 shows a second column element 11" which has been hoisted into place and positioned on top of a first column element 11' by means of the crane arm 14 and the hoisting wire 21 which is connected to the winch 22.
  • the column element 11" is con nected to the column element 11' by an internal flange-and-screw connection (not shown).
  • the second jacking element 13 is then hoisted up by means of the first winch 35 and wire 30 over the wire rollers.
  • the engagement element 25" of the second jacking element 13 is activated and engages with the flange 24".
  • a third column element 11"' (not shown) can now be hoisted into place on top of the second column element 11". The method that is described above is repeated until a desired number of column elements 11 have been installed.
  • Figure 3 shows the column element 11 of figure 2.
  • the column element 11 is provided with an external flange 24, arranged to receive the engagement elements 25, and is provided, at two ends, with an internal flange (not shown) for attaching two column elements 11 to each other.
  • the external flange 24 may be a combined flange which is both on the outside and the inside of the column element 11.
  • Figure 4 shows the second jacking element 13, comprising two second parts 133 which are joined together with a plurality of flange connections 16, and a plurality of engagement elements 25.
  • Figure 5a shows the first jacking element 12, comprising two first parts 123 which are joined together with a plurality of flange connections 17, and a plurality of engage ment elements 25.
  • the crane 140 is mounted to an end of the first jacking element 12.
  • first column element 11' (figure 3) is mounted on the floating base 5 (figure 1)
  • first jacking element 12 is mounted on the outside of the first column element 11'.
  • second jacking element 13 is mounted on the outside of the first jacking element 12.
  • the second jacking element 13 comprises two subelements 131 which are screwed together by flange connections 17.
  • figure 5a shows how the crane arm 14 can be moved.
  • the crane arm When the wind turbine 1 is being assembled, the crane arm can typically be moved between a first position A and a second position B, so that a column element 11 can be moved and positioned coaxially on an underlying column element 11.
  • the crane arm 14 When the wind turbine 1 has been as Sild, the crane arm 14 may be moved into a position C, so that the crane system 100 can be lowered down along the column 1 without the crane arm 14 coming into conflict with the rotors 2 (figure 13) when these have been mounted.
  • the jacking elements 12 and 13 When the as sembly has been completed, the jacking elements 12 and 13 may be lowered down by means of the winches 35, 50 (figures 1 and 2), and the crane system 100 may be dismantled.
  • Figure 5b shows a locking element 250 in the form of a lug provided with a cut-out 253 arranged to engage with the flange 24 belonging to the column element 11.
  • the locking element/lug 250 is further shown with an upper bevel 252 and a lower bevel 254.
  • Figures 6-10 show the assembling of a wind turbine 1 by using the crane system 100.
  • the winches 35, 50 (figures 1, 2) arranged to raise and lower the jacking elements 12, 13 are not shown.
  • Figure 6 shows the crane system 100 mounted on the first column element 11', as shown in figures 1 and 2.
  • the first jacking element 12 is in engagement with a first flange 24' belonging to the first column element 11' via the engagement element 25.
  • the second jacking element 13 encloses the first jacking element 12.
  • a second column element 11" is hoisted into place with the crane 140.
  • the engagement element 25 belonging to the second jacking element 13 is in engagement with a flange 245 be longing to the base 5.
  • Figure 7 shows the second column element 11" mounted on top of the first column element 11'.
  • the first jacking element 12 has been hoisted up so that it encloses the second column element 11", and the upper end 131 of the second jacking element 13 encloses a lower portion 122 of the first jacking element 12.
  • the first jacking element 12 is in engagement with a second flange 24" belonging to the second column ele ment 11" via an engagement element 25.
  • Figure 8 shows the second jacking element 13 hoisted up so that it encloses the first jacking element 12 in the same way as in figures 1 and 6.
  • a third column element 11'" is hoisted up with the crane 140.
  • Figure 9 shows the third column element 11'" mounted on top of the second column element 11", and the upper end 131 of the second jacking element 13 encloses a low er portion 122 of the first jacking element 12, the jacking element 12 having been hoisted up in the same way as shown in figure 7.
  • Figure 10 shows the second jacking element 13 hoisted up so that it encloses the first jacking element 12 in the same way as in figures 1, 6 and 8.
  • the nacelle elements 45, 46, 47, 48 have been mounted on top of the column 1, with the crane 14, the wire 21 and the winch 22. Further, a rotor blade 2 is shown, which is hoisted into place by means of the crane 140 and a hoisting tool 9.
  • Figures 11 and 12 show engagement elements 25 in engagement with the flange 24 belonging to the column element 11.
  • the jacking elements 12 and 13 are attached to the column element 11 via an engagement element 25 engaging with an external flange connection 24 belonging to the column element 11.
  • the engagement element 25 comprises a movable locking element 250, known in the art as a locking lug engag ing the flange 24 on three sides.
  • the locking element 250 is displaced radially, for ex ample by the use of hydraulics or an electric motor (not shown).
  • the locking element 250 may comprise a radial pressure and a bevel, so that the locking element 250 au tomatically grips around the flange 24 when a portion of the locking element 250 is moved over the flange.
  • the external flange 24 comprises an internal flange portion arranged to join two column elements 11 togeth er is shown.
  • Figure 13 shows a floating wind turbine 99 comprising a vertical cylindrical column 1 comprising a plurality of column elements 11.
  • the column 1 is erected vertically on a floating base 5 with an anchoring 10.
  • a nacelle 3 is mounted, which contains technical installations such as a generator and a control sys tem.
  • a wind rotor 2 rotates when the wind blows and gives energy for power produc tion.
  • the work platform 9 for use when installing the column 1 is arranged above a sea sur- face 4.
  • the work platform 9 is shown mounted on the base 5.
  • the work platform 9 may be mounted on a first column element 11 which is mounted on the base 5.
  • Figure 14 shows a vessel 7 including a support crane 8 and elements 2, 11, 13 for the crane system 100, and column elements 11.
  • the floating base 5 has been anchored and positioned at the planned location.
  • FIG. 15 shows a first step in the assembling of the wind turbine 99 of figure 13, and correspondingly figure 1.
  • Figure 16 shows a second step in the assembling of the wind turbine 99 of figure 13, and correspondingly figure 2.
  • the vessel 7 is positioned beside the base 5.
  • the support crane 8 lifts a first tower element 11' from the vessel 7 onto the base 5.
  • the crane system 100 is posi tioned on the first tower element 11'. This is done by lifting the crane system 100 off the vessel 7 with the support crane 8.
  • a first jacking element 12 is mounted on the first tower element 11' by two first parts 123 being positioned at the first tower element 11' and the engagement elements 25 engaging with the first tower element 11' .
  • the second jacking element 13 is mounted on the outside of the first jacking el ement 12. First, a second part 133 is hoisted into place. Then a second second part 133 is hosted into place and the two second parts 133 are bolted together. The first jacking element 12 rests on the flange 24 belonging to the first tower element 11'.
  • the second jacking element 13 rests on a flange 24 belonging to the base 5.
  • the wire 21 is extended from the winch 25 over the wire rollers 18 on the crane arm 14.
  • the wire 30 is extended from the winch 35 over the first wire roller 41 at a first end 121 of the first jacking element 12 to the anchoring point 36 at the first end 131 of the second jacking element 13.
  • the wire 40 is extended over the second wire roller 55 at the first end 131 of the sec ond jacking element 13 to the anchoring point 31 at the second end 122 of the first jacking element 12.
  • the crane system 100 is now ready to hoist the desired number of column elements 11 into place. This happens by the crane 100 hoisting column elements 11 from the vessel 7 and placing them on top of a supporting column element 11.
  • the first jacking element 12 is raised first by means of the first winch 50, and then the second jacking element 13 by means of the second winch 35.
  • the jacking elements 12, 13 are attached to the column with the engagement elements 25.
  • the mounting of the nacelle 3 is carried out by hoisting the nacelle 3 in one or more parts from the vessel 7 to the top of the column 1.
  • the nacelle 3 may be divided into several modules 45, 46, 47, 48 so that the weight of each module 45, 46, 47, 48 may get to be at an acceptable level in relation to the lifting capacity of the crane 100.
  • the hoisting of the column elements 11 and the nacelle modules 45, 46, 47, 48 takes place with the wire 21 and the winch 22.
  • Rotor blades 2 belonging to the wind turbine 100 are also hoisted up with the crane 100 and attached to a hub 48 in the nacelle 3.
  • the crane arm 14 may be moved over and behind the nacelle 3, and the crane 100 may be jacked down the column 1 in the same or a corresponding reverse manner as/to that in which it was jacked up the column 1.
  • the crane 100 may be dismantled by means of the support crane 8 on the vessel 7. If the column 1 is to be erected on land, the vessel 7 is replaced with a vehicle (not shown).

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Abstract

A crane system (100) for a column (1) which is formed of at least one column element (11), the crane system comprising: - a first jacking element (12) comprising at least two first parts (123), arranged to be connected to and extend along a circumference around the column element (11), and at least one engagement element (25) for engaging with the column element (11); - a second jacking element (13) comprising at least two second parts (133), arranged to be connected to and extend at least partially around the first jacking element (12), and an engagement element (25) for engaging with the column element (11), the first jacking element (12) and the second jacking element (13) being displaceable relative to each other along a centre axis (XI) of the column (1) when the crane system (100) is in use on the column (1); and - a crane (140) which is connected to the first or the second jacking element (12, 13).

Description

CRANE SYSTEM FOR ASSEMBLING A WIND TURBINE AND A METHOD FOR USING THE CRANE SYSTEM
The invention relates to a crane system for assembling wind turbines. More specifical ly, the invention relates to a crane in which the tower column of the wind turbine itself is used as a supporting structure for the crane. The invention also relates to a method for mounting the crane and a method for using the crane.
Background
A modern wind turbine consists, in the main, of a cylindrical tower structure where, at the top of the tower structure, a rotor is mounted, which is connected to a generator via a shaft and bearing. In addition to a generator, necessary auxiliary equipment such as a transformer and control and monitoring systems is provided.
The top structure, referred to as a nacelle in what follows, is supported on the tower structure with bearings, so that the nacelle can be rotated around a vertical axis of the tower structure and be adjusted to varying wind directions. The wind turbines have developed from small land-based wind turbines of 200-300 kW to today's large turbines of about 10 MW. The main structure of the construction is the same; in all essentials, only a scaling of dimensions and arrangement has been done.
Now large floating wind turbines of up to 15-20 MW installed power are being planned and developed. In today's wind turbines, the nacelle is built as an assembled structure which is hoist ed onto the top of the tower structure when the tower structure has been assembled to its full height. The tower structure is normally cylindrical. Wind turbines of about 10 MW generally have a tower height of about 200 m and the nacelle can weigh 300-400 tonnes. When 300-400 tonnes is to be lifted about 200 m up, large and expensive hoisting devices are required. For floating wind turbines, the challenge is in addition that a floating base must be used for the hoisting device, which in turn is affected by wave movements. The time intervals for acceptable wave conditions become very short, which results in the installing of floating wind turbines being technically de manding and costly.
On land, the development of wind farms may require large encroachments on nature for roads to be provided for the transport of both long components and heavy cranes.
The invention has for its object to remedy or reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative to the prior art.
The object is achieved through the features that are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.
A general description of the invention
In a first aspect, the invention concerns a crane system for a column which is formed of at least one column element, the crane system comprising:
- a first jacking element comprising at least two first parts, arranged to be connected to and extend at least partially along a circumference around the column element, and at least one engagement element for engaging with the column element;
- a second jacking element comprising at least two second parts, arranged to be con nected to and extend at least partially around the first jacking element, and at least one engagement element for engaging with the column element, the first jacking ele ment and the second jacking element being displaceable relative to each other along a centre axis of the column when the crane system is in use on the column; and
- at least one crane which is connected to the first or the second jacking element.
Thereby a crane that can be mounted on a column and climb upwards along the col umn may be provided. This can make it possible to assemble a wind turbine compris ing a cylindrical steel structure in the form of a column that can be formed from a plu rality of column elements, a nacelle and a rotor by means of the crane system being able to climb upwards along the column and use the tower structure itself as part of a supporting structure for the crane system. The column may be positioned offshore.
The column may be land-based.
An effect of the first jacking element comprising at least two first parts, arranged to be connected to and extend along a circumference around the column element, is that the first jacking element can be connected to and disconnected from the column in a radial direction. In such a way, the jacking element may be connected to and discon nected from the column near a water surface or a ground, independently of the height and a possible superstructure of the column.
Each of the at least two first parts and the at least two second parts can be joined together by a flange coupling, for example.
The second jacking element may be moved and positioned radially at the first jacking element, independently of the height of the first jacking element and the height of the column and a possible superstructure on the column.
The first and the second jacking elements may form a continuous structure around the column.
One or both of the at least two first parts and each of the at least two second parts can be joined together, for example with a flange coupling.
One or both of the first and second jacking elements may form a tubular structure which encloses an element lying within. The tubular pipe structure may thereby ad vantageously absorb greater forces than a U-shaped structure which is not an enclos ing one. The two first parts and the two second parts may be formed as semicircular elements. The jacking element can thereby advantageously enclose a circular column so that a constant distance may be provided between the column and the jacking ele ments.
The engagement element may be arranged to hold at least one of the first and the second jacking elements to a column element, both in a horizontal direction and in a vertical direction.
One or more engagement elements may be arranged to hold the weight of the crane system and an associated load on the crane. A plurality of cooperating engagement elements may cooperate so that at least one of the jacking elements can be adjusted radially relative to the column element, so that a centre axis of at least one of the jacking elements and a centre axis of the column element may coincide.
A plurality of cooperating engagement elements may be controlled individually so that the engagement elements may engage with a conical column.
The cooperating engagement elements may comprise or be understood as a plurality of engagement elements, for example three or four, which are positioned in a common plane at a first end or at a second end of the jacking elements. The first end may be equivalent to the upper end when the jacking element is mounted on a vertical col umn. The second end may be equivalent to a lower end when the jacking element is mounted on a vertical column.
The engagement elements may be positioned at a first end or a second end belonging to the jacking elements, wherein the first end may face upwards and the second end may face downwards when the jacking elements are mounted on an erected column. The engagement elements can be positioned at both the first end and the second end belonging to the jacking elements.
In one or more embodiments, the engagement elements belonging to the first jacking element may be positioned at the first end of the first jacking element, and/or the engagement elements belonging to the second jacking element may be positioned at the second end of the second jacking element. The engagement elements belonging to the first and second jacking elements may thereby, with advantage, alternately en gage with, for example, one and the same external end flange belonging to a column element.
In one or more alternative embodiments, one or more engagement elements may have an opposite positioning to that described above in the immediately preceding paragraph.
By the engagement element belonging to the first jacking element being positioned at the first end, the first jacking element may, with advantage, engage with and be at tached to an upper end portion of an erected column element. That may give better or greater stability in the crane system than if the jacking element, in other examples, engages with a lower end portion of the erected column element.
In one or more alternative embodiments, one or both of the first jacking element and the second jacking element may comprise at least three engagement elements. By at least three engagement elements, the weight of the crane system and a load can, with advantage, be distributed and it may be made possible to adjust the position of the jacking elements relative to the column in a horizontal direction.
The first jacking element and the second jacking element may have a cross section that corresponds to the cross section of the column.
With this, a constant distance may, with advantage, be provided between the column and the jacking elements. When the crane system is mounted on a column with a cir- cular cross section, the jacking elements may advantageously have a circular cross section. A circular cross section can make it possible to rotate the jacking element around the centre axis of the column for as optimal a position as possible, bearing wind and adjacent vessels or vehicles in mind.
The crane system may further comprise at least one mechanical actuator for moving the first jacking element relative to the second jacking element.
With advantage, the mechanical actuator can be integrated into the jacking elements. For example, the mechanical actuator may be a toothed-rack actuator, wherein a toothed rack may be mounted on one jacking element and a corresponding toothed wheel with a drive may be mounted on the second jacking element.
The crane system may further comprise at least one hydraulic actuator for displacing the first jacking element relative to the second jacking element.
The hydraulic actuator may comprise a hydraulic cylinder.
The crane system may further comprise a winch system for displacing the first jacking element relative to the second jacking element.
The winch system may further comprise a first winch with a first wire running over a second wire roller at a first end of the second jacking element to an anchoring point at a second end of the first jacking element.
The winch system may further comprise a second winch with a second wire running over a first wire roller at a first end of the first jacking element to an anchoring point at an upper end of the second jacking element.
At least one of the first winch and the second winch may be arranged on a base for the column.
The winch system with the winches may thereby be provided in such a way that they do not add any weight to the jacking elements, and the weight of the crane system may thereby be kept as low as possible. A lowest possible weight on the crane system may be particularly advantageous when the crane system is used on tall columns.
The engagement element may comprise a latch.
By a latch is meant herein, as an example, a protruding, movable and pressure-loaded part of a lock, the latch having at least one closing side with a bevel. When the latch is moved against or along an abutment, the latch can be pushed into the lock. When the latch has passed the abutment, the pressure-loaded latch may be pushed out and au tomatically latch into a corresponding locking element. This may make it easier to provide a lockable engagement between the crane system and the column, compared with a solution in which, for example, a precise positioning between the crane system and the column is desired first, before the locking element can be moved into an en gagement position.
The latch may be formed as a lug. By a lug is meant herein, as an example, an ele ment arranged to grip around a portion of a corresponding element. In one embodi ment, the lug may include a cut-out arranged to grip around three sides of a flange. The lug may be displaced by means of an actuator.
The latch may be formed as a bolt with a rounded end, the bolt being arranged to en gage with a corresponding cut-out.
The latch may be arranged to engage with a flange belonging to the column element.
The flange may extend all the way or partially around the column element. The col umn elements that are described herein may typically be joined together via internal end flanges. The end flanges may be bolted together or attached to each other in any other suitable manner. By increasing the width of at least one end flange so that the end flange forms an external periphery around the column element, a suitable hold for the latch may be provided in a simple and cost-effective manner.
By forming the lug in such a way that it may engage with the external flange, a solid coupling may be provided between the column element and the jacking element along the entire periphery of the flange.
The crane may comprise a U-shaped crane arm. The crane arm may be supported on two crane bases via two joints.
The U-shaped crane arm may facilitate distributing the weight onto two joints, the two joints possibly being diametrically opposed. A wire may be supported in a middle por tion of the crane arm.
The crane arm may be arranged to be moved over a column element when, in use, the first jacking element is in engagement with the flange of a supporting column el ement. Thereby a column element or a nacelle component may be lifted up from an adjacent vessel or vehicle onto the supporting column element. In a second aspect, the invention relates to a method for mounting and/or using a crane system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention. In what follows, ex amples of using the crane system will be described.
For establishing a wind turbine comprising a column which may be formed from a plu rality of column elements, and a nacelle, a crane system which may comprise at least two jacking elements may be used, which may typically comprise cylindrical elongated jacking elements that may be attached, alternately or sequentially, to the column. The column may typically be assembled from elongated column elements that are stacked on top of each other into suitable lengths.
The crane system may comprise at least a first jacking element and a second jacking element which may be attached to the column, more specifically one or more flange connections between respective adjacent column elements, for example, and which are moved, typically by displacement of the first jacking element relative to the sec ond jacking element, section by section up the column, a section possibly correspond ing to the length of a column element. On the top of one jacking element, a crane may be positioned. The crane may comprise an actuator, for example hydraulic cylinders, so that a crane arm belonging to the crane can pick up column elements and place them centrically over assembled column elements. Displacement of the crane system can be carried out with wires and winches sitting on a work platform attached to a lowermost/first column element or a base for the column. The winch(es) can operate to move the first jacking element relative the second jacking element.
A method for mounting a crane system in accordance with the first aspect of the in vention may comprise one or more of the steps of: a) arranging a first column element on a base by using a support crane; b) arranging a first jacking element on the first column base by using the sup port crane, and activating a first engagement element to provide a lockable engagement with the first column base; c) arranging a second jacking element on the first jacking element by using the first crane, and activating a second engagement to provide a lockable en gagement with the first column base or the base;
The method may further comprise one of more of the steps of: d) positioning a second column element on top of the first column element by means of the crane; e) disengaging the first engagement element from the first column base; f) raising the first jacking element from the first column element to the second column element; g) activating the first engagement element to provide a lockable engagement with the second column element; h) disengaging the second engagement element from the first column element or the base; i) raising the second jacking element from the first column base to the second column base; and j) repeating the steps e-k until the desired number of column bases have been placed on top of each other.
The method may further comprise one or more of the steps: k) hoisting at least one nacelle element by means of the crane 140 and position ing the at least one nacelle element 45, 46, 47 on an underlying column ele ment (11); and
I) hoisting at least one wind rotor blade by means of the crane and attaching the at least one wind rotor blade to a hub.
In what follows, various embodiments, which are to be regarded only as examples, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a crane system mounted on a column element, in perspective;
Figure 2 shows the crane system and two column elements in perspective;
Figure 3 shows a side view of the column element;
Figure 4 shows a second jacking element; Figure 5a shows a first jacking element and a crane;
Figure 5b shows a lug, on a larger scale; Figure 6 shows a first step in the assembling of a wind turbine;
Figure 7 shows a second step in the assembling of the wind turbine;
Figure 8 shows a third step in the assembling of the wind turbine; Figure 9 shows a fourth step in the assembling of the wind turbine;
Figure 10 shows a fifth step in the assembling of the wind turbine; Figure 11 shows an engagement element in engagement with a flange;
Figure 12 shows a section of figure 11;
Figure 13 shows the wind turbine mounted on a base;
Figure 14 shows a vessel for assembling the wind turbine;
Figure 15 shows the vessel and a first partial assembly of the wind turbine; and
Figure 16 shows the vessel and a second partial assembly of the wind turbine.
In the figures, differently positioned like elements are indicated with one or more apostrophes (') and ("). Further, the terms "upper" and "lower" refer to positions when the elements indicated are in an erected vertical position. Figure 1 shows a crane system 100 for a vertical column 1 formed of at least one col umn element 11. The crane system 100 comprises a first jacking element 12, a sec ond jacking element 13 and a crane 140. The first jacking element 12 comprises at least two first parts 123, arranged to be connected to and extend along a circumfer ence around the column element 11, and at least one engagement element 25 for en- gaging with the column element 11.
The second jacking element 13 comprises at least two second parts 133, arranged to be connected to and extend at least partially around the first jacking element 12, and an engagement element 25 for engaging with the column element 11.
The first jacking element 12 and the second jacking element 13 are displaceable rela- tive to each other along a centre axis XI of the column 1 when the crane system 100 is in use on the column 1 as shown in figure 1. A crane 140 is shown connected to the first jacking element 12.
The first jacking element 12 and the second jacking element 13 have a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the column 1, shown as a circular cross section in the figure.
The crane system 100 is shown with a winch system for displacing the first jacking element 12 relative to the second jacking element 13.
The winch system comprises a first winch 50 with a first wire 40 running over a sec ond wire roller 55 at a first end 131 of the second jacking element 13 to an anchoring point 31 at a second end 122 of the first jacking element 12. When the first wire 40 is rolled onto the first winch 50, the first jacking element 12 is pulled upwards along the column 1.
The winch system further comprises a second winch 35 with a second wire 30 running over a first wire roller 41 at a first end 121 of the first jacking element 12 to an an choring point 36 at a first end 131 of the second jacking element 13. When the first jacking element has been relatively displaced so that the second end 122 is positioned at the first end 131 belonging to the second jacking element 13, the second wire 30 may be wound onto the second winch 35, and the second jacking element 13 may be raised so that the engagement element 25 of the second jacking element 13 may en gage with a second flange 24" belonging to a second column element 11" shown in figure 2.
The crane 140 comprises a crane base 141 which is connected to the upper end 121 of the first jacking element 12. A crane arm 14 is supported in a bilateral bolt connection 20 and is operated by hydraulic cylinders 15. The crane arm 14 is further provided with wire rollers 18 for a hoisting wire 21 connected to a winch 22. The winches 22,
50, 35 are shown placed on a work platform 9. The work platform 9 is shown mounted on a base 5 for the column 1.
Figure 2 shows a second column element 11" which has been hoisted into place and positioned on top of a first column element 11' by means of the crane arm 14 and the hoisting wire 21 which is connected to the winch 22. The column element 11" is con nected to the column element 11' by an internal flange-and-screw connection (not shown).
When the second column element 11" has been installed as shown in figure 2, the engagement element 25' belonging to the first jacking element 12 is disengaged and the first jacking element 12 is hoisted up by means of the winch 50 and the wire 40 shown in figure 1. When the second jacking element 12 has been hoisted into position, the engagement element 25' of the first jacking element is activated and engages with the flange 24", as shown in figure 7.
The second jacking element 13 is then hoisted up by means of the first winch 35 and wire 30 over the wire rollers. When the second jacking element 13 has been hoisted up by one section, the engagement element 25" of the second jacking element 13 is activated and engages with the flange 24". A third column element 11"' (not shown) can now be hoisted into place on top of the second column element 11". The method that is described above is repeated until a desired number of column elements 11 have been installed.
Figure 3 shows the column element 11 of figure 2. At one end, the column element 11 is provided with an external flange 24, arranged to receive the engagement elements 25, and is provided, at two ends, with an internal flange (not shown) for attaching two column elements 11 to each other. The external flange 24 may be a combined flange which is both on the outside and the inside of the column element 11.
Figure 4 shows the second jacking element 13, comprising two second parts 133 which are joined together with a plurality of flange connections 16, and a plurality of engagement elements 25.
Figure 5a shows the first jacking element 12, comprising two first parts 123 which are joined together with a plurality of flange connections 17, and a plurality of engage ment elements 25. The crane 140 is mounted to an end of the first jacking element 12.
When a first column element 11' (figure 3) is mounted on the floating base 5 (figure 1), the first jacking element 12 is mounted on the outside of the first column element 11'. Then a second jacking element 13 is mounted on the outside of the first jacking element 12. The second jacking element 13 comprises two subelements 131 which are screwed together by flange connections 17.
Further, figure 5a shows how the crane arm 14 can be moved. When the wind turbine 1 is being assembled, the crane arm can typically be moved between a first position A and a second position B, so that a column element 11 can be moved and positioned coaxially on an underlying column element 11. When the wind turbine 1 has been as sembled, the crane arm 14 may be moved into a position C, so that the crane system 100 can be lowered down along the column 1 without the crane arm 14 coming into conflict with the rotors 2 (figure 13) when these have been mounted. When the as sembly has been completed, the jacking elements 12 and 13 may be lowered down by means of the winches 35, 50 (figures 1 and 2), and the crane system 100 may be dismantled.
Figure 5b shows a locking element 250 in the form of a lug provided with a cut-out 253 arranged to engage with the flange 24 belonging to the column element 11. The locking element/lug 250 is further shown with an upper bevel 252 and a lower bevel 254.
Figures 6-10 show the assembling of a wind turbine 1 by using the crane system 100. The winches 35, 50 (figures 1, 2) arranged to raise and lower the jacking elements 12, 13 are not shown.
Figure 6 shows the crane system 100 mounted on the first column element 11', as shown in figures 1 and 2. The first jacking element 12 is in engagement with a first flange 24' belonging to the first column element 11' via the engagement element 25. The second jacking element 13 encloses the first jacking element 12. A second column element 11" is hoisted into place with the crane 140. The engagement element 25 belonging to the second jacking element 13 is in engagement with a flange 245 be longing to the base 5.
Figure 7 shows the second column element 11" mounted on top of the first column element 11'. The first jacking element 12 has been hoisted up so that it encloses the second column element 11", and the upper end 131 of the second jacking element 13 encloses a lower portion 122 of the first jacking element 12. The first jacking element 12 is in engagement with a second flange 24" belonging to the second column ele ment 11" via an engagement element 25.
Figure 8 shows the second jacking element 13 hoisted up so that it encloses the first jacking element 12 in the same way as in figures 1 and 6. A third column element 11'" is hoisted up with the crane 140.
Figure 9 shows the third column element 11'" mounted on top of the second column element 11", and the upper end 131 of the second jacking element 13 encloses a low er portion 122 of the first jacking element 12, the jacking element 12 having been hoisted up in the same way as shown in figure 7.
Figure 10 shows the second jacking element 13 hoisted up so that it encloses the first jacking element 12 in the same way as in figures 1, 6 and 8. The nacelle elements 45, 46, 47, 48 have been mounted on top of the column 1, with the crane 14, the wire 21 and the winch 22. Further, a rotor blade 2 is shown, which is hoisted into place by means of the crane 140 and a hoisting tool 9. Figures 11 and 12 show engagement elements 25 in engagement with the flange 24 belonging to the column element 11. The jacking elements 12 and 13 are attached to the column element 11 via an engagement element 25 engaging with an external flange connection 24 belonging to the column element 11. The engagement element 25 comprises a movable locking element 250, known in the art as a locking lug engag ing the flange 24 on three sides. The locking element 250 is displaced radially, for ex ample by the use of hydraulics or an electric motor (not shown). The locking element 250 may comprise a radial pressure and a bevel, so that the locking element 250 au tomatically grips around the flange 24 when a portion of the locking element 250 is moved over the flange. In figure 12 an embodiment in which the external flange 24 comprises an internal flange portion arranged to join two column elements 11 togeth er is shown.
Figure 13 shows a floating wind turbine 99 comprising a vertical cylindrical column 1 comprising a plurality of column elements 11. The column 1 is erected vertically on a floating base 5 with an anchoring 10. On the top of the column 1, a nacelle 3 is mounted, which contains technical installations such as a generator and a control sys tem. A wind rotor 2 rotates when the wind blows and gives energy for power produc tion.
The work platform 9 for use when installing the column 1 is arranged above a sea sur- face 4. The work platform 9 is shown mounted on the base 5. In an embodiment not shown, the work platform 9 may be mounted on a first column element 11 which is mounted on the base 5.
Figure 14 shows a vessel 7 including a support crane 8 and elements 2, 11, 13 for the crane system 100, and column elements 11. When the wind turbine 99 is to be erect- ed, the floating base 5 has been anchored and positioned at the planned location.
Then the vessel 7 arrives with all the components required for erecting the wind tur bine 99. The support crane 8 is used to handle the individual wind-turbine elements 2, 45, 46, 47 on the vessel 7 and to mount a first column element 11 on the floating base 5, and the cranes system 100. Figure 15 shows a first step in the assembling of the wind turbine 99 of figure 13, and correspondingly figure 1.
Figure 16 shows a second step in the assembling of the wind turbine 99 of figure 13, and correspondingly figure 2.
In what follows, a possible method for assembling the wind turbine 99 is described. The vessel 7 is positioned beside the base 5. The support crane 8 lifts a first tower element 11' from the vessel 7 onto the base 5. Then the crane system 100 is posi tioned on the first tower element 11'. This is done by lifting the crane system 100 off the vessel 7 with the support crane 8. First, a first jacking element 12 is mounted on the first tower element 11' by two first parts 123 being positioned at the first tower element 11' and the engagement elements 25 engaging with the first tower element 11' .
Then the second jacking element 13 is mounted on the outside of the first jacking el ement 12. First, a second part 133 is hoisted into place. Then a second second part 133 is hosted into place and the two second parts 133 are bolted together. The first jacking element 12 rests on the flange 24 belonging to the first tower element 11'.
The second jacking element 13 rests on a flange 24 belonging to the base 5.
Then the winches 22, 35 and 50 with associated wires 21, 30 and 40 are hoisted into place. The wire 21 is extended from the winch 25 over the wire rollers 18 on the crane arm 14. The wire 30 is extended from the winch 35 over the first wire roller 41 at a first end 121 of the first jacking element 12 to the anchoring point 36 at the first end 131 of the second jacking element 13.
The wire 40 is extended over the second wire roller 55 at the first end 131 of the sec ond jacking element 13 to the anchoring point 31 at the second end 122 of the first jacking element 12.
The crane system 100 is now ready to hoist the desired number of column elements 11 into place. This happens by the crane 100 hoisting column elements 11 from the vessel 7 and placing them on top of a supporting column element 11. When a new column element 11 has been mounted, the first jacking element 12 is raised first by means of the first winch 50, and then the second jacking element 13 by means of the second winch 35. The jacking elements 12, 13 are attached to the column with the engagement elements 25.
The mounting of the nacelle 3 is carried out by hoisting the nacelle 3 in one or more parts from the vessel 7 to the top of the column 1. The nacelle 3 may be divided into several modules 45, 46, 47, 48 so that the weight of each module 45, 46, 47, 48 may get to be at an acceptable level in relation to the lifting capacity of the crane 100. The hoisting of the column elements 11 and the nacelle modules 45, 46, 47, 48 takes place with the wire 21 and the winch 22. Rotor blades 2 belonging to the wind turbine 100 are also hoisted up with the crane 100 and attached to a hub 48 in the nacelle 3. When the assembling of the wind turbine 100 has been completed, the crane arm 14 may be moved over and behind the nacelle 3, and the crane 100 may be jacked down the column 1 in the same or a corresponding reverse manner as/to that in which it was jacked up the column 1. When the crane 100 encloses the lowermost/first column element 11', the crane 100 may be dismantled by means of the support crane 8 on the vessel 7. If the column 1 is to be erected on land, the vessel 7 is replaced with a vehicle (not shown).

Claims

C l a i m s
1. A crane system (100) for a column (1) which is formed of at least one column element (11), the crane system comprising:
- a first jacking element (12) comprising at least two first parts (123), arranged to be connected to and extend at least partially along a circumference around the column element (11), and at least one engagement element (25) for en gaging with the column element (11);
- a second jacking element (13) comprising at least two second parts (133), arranged to be connected to and extend at least partially around the first jack ing element (12), and at least one engagement element (25) for engaging with the column element (11), the first jacking element (12) and the second jacking element (13) being displaceable relative to each other along a centre axis (XI) of the column (1) when the crane system (100) is in use on the column (1); and
- at least one crane (140) which is connected to the first or the second jacking element (12, 13).
2. The crane system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first jacking element (12) and the second jacking element (13) have a cross section corresponding to the cross section of the column (1).
3. The crane system (100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising a mechanical actuator for displacing the first jacking element (12) relative to the second jacking element (13).
4. The crane system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a hydraulic actuator for displacing the first jacking element (12) relative to the second jacking element (13).
5. The crane system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a winch system for displacing the first jacking element (12) relative to the second jacking element (13).
6. The crane system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the winch system com prises at least one of a first winch (50) and a second winch (35).
7. The crane system (100) according to claim 6, wherein the first winch (50) comprises a first wire (40) running over a second wire roller (55) at a first end (131) of the second jacking element (13) to an anchoring point (31) at a sec ond end (122) of the first jacking element (12).
8. The crane system (100) according to any one of claims 6 and 7, wherein the second winch (35) comprises a second wire (35) running over a first wire roller (41) at a first end (121) of the first jacking element (12) to an anchoring point
(36) at an upper end (131) of the second jacking element (13).
9. The crane system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims 6-8, wherein at least one of the first winch (50) and the second winch (35) is ar ranged on a base (5) of the column (1). 10. The crane system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement element (25) comprises a displaceable lug (250).
11. The crane system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the displaceable lug (250) is arranged to engage with a flange (24) belonging to the column ele ment (11). 12. The crane system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the crane (140) comprises a U-shaped arm (14) which is supported on at least two crane bases (141) via at least two joints (20).
13. A method for mounting or using the crane system (100) in accordance with any one of the preceding claims. 14. The method according to claim 13 for mounting the crane system (100) ac cording to any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the steps of: a. arranging the first jacking element (12) on the first column base (11') by using the support crane (8); b. activating the at least one engagement element (25') of the first jacking element to provide a lockable engagement with the first column base (11'); c. arranging the second jacking element (13) on the first jacking element (12) by using the support crane (8); and d. activating the at least one engagement element (25") of the second jacking element to provide a lockable engagement with the first column element (11') or the base (5).
15. The method according to claim 13 for using the crane system (100) in accord- ance with any one of claims 1 to 12, the method comprising the steps of: e) positioning a second column element (11") on top of a first column ele ment (11') by means of the crane (140); f) disengaging the at least one first engagement element (25') from the first column base (11'); g) raising the first jacking element (12) from the first column base (11') to the second column base (11"); h) activating the first engagement element (25') to provide a lockable en gagement with the second column element (11"); i) disengaging the second engagement element (25") from the first col umn element (11') or the base (5); j) raising the second jacking element (13) from the first column base (11') to the second column base (11").
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the crane system (100) is mounted by carrying out the method in accordance with claim 14. 17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the method further com prises the steps of: k) providing the crane system on an upper part of a column built from at least the first and the second column elements;
L) hoisting at least one nacelle element (45, 46, 47) by means of a crane (140) belonging to the crane system; m) positioning the at least one nacelle element (45, 46, 47) on an under lying column element (11) in the column; n) hoisting at least one wind rotor blade (2) by means of the crane (140); and o) attaching the at least one wind rotor blade (2) to a hub (48).
PCT/NO2021/050038 2020-02-07 2021-02-08 Crane system for assembling a wind turbine and a method for using the crane system WO2021158123A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21750481.0A EP4100354A4 (en) 2020-02-07 2021-02-08 Crane system for assembling a wind turbine and a method for using the crane system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NO20200157 2020-02-07
NO20200157A NO346091B1 (en) 2020-02-07 2020-02-07 Device for mounting floating wind turbines

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NO20210161A1 (en) 2021-08-09
EP4100354A4 (en) 2024-03-06
NO346750B1 (en) 2022-12-12
NO346091B1 (en) 2022-02-07
NO20200157A1 (en) 2021-08-09
EP4100354A1 (en) 2022-12-14

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