WO2021220156A1

WO2021220156A1 - Support system for wind blades

Info

Publication number: WO2021220156A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/053464
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rahul BANGAR; Chetan KANNADKA
Original assignee: Lm Wind Power Blades (India) Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-04-27
Filing date: 2021-04-27
Publication date: 2021-11-04
Also published as: GB202006125D0

Abstract

A support system for a wind blade is presented. The support system includes at least one transport frame comprising a plurality of structural components, where the plurality of structural components has a first configuration to provide support to at least a portion of the wind blade during transport and a second configuration to provide a building structure. Further, a method of reconfiguring a support system for a wind blade is also presented.

Description

SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR WIND BLADES

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a support system for wind blades, specifically it relates to packaging system for wind blades. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to re-assembly of structural components of a transport frame corresponding to the support system to form building structures in and around power generation sites.

Wind blades are typically transported from a wind blade manufacturing facility to the power generation sites, such as wind farms, using ships, containers, and/or trucks. While transporting the wind blades, a transport frame is employed in order to avoid any damages to the wind blade during transport. However, once the wind blades are unloaded at the power generation site/customer site the disposal of the used transport frames is a challenge.

Typically, these transport frames are shipped back to the wind blade manufacturing facility or are recycled. These transport frames need to be inspected and maintained periodically before shipping the transport frames back to the wind blade manufacturing facility. Accordingly, shipping the transport frames back to the wind blade manufacturing facility or recycling the transport frames involves significant cost and manhours. Also, generally, the transport frames are heavy, elongated, and welded structures and therefore, handling of the transport frames is cumbersome.

Moreover, with the recent advancements in the field of wind blades, size and structure of the wind blades are being altered very often as per customer requirements. As a result of constantly changing size and structure of wind blades, the re-use of the transport frames for transporting wind blades is also not feasible. Hence, the transport frames are increasingly becoming obsolete.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION In accordance with aspects of the present specification, a support system for a wind blade is presented. The support system includes at least one transport frame comprising a plurality of structural components, where the plurality of structural components has a first configuration to provide support to at least a portion of the wind blade during transport and a second configuration to provide a building structure. In other words, the transport frame is configured to be assembled in a first configuration for supporting a wind blade during transport or storage. Further, the structural components of the at least one transport frame are configured to be assembled in a second configuration to provide a building structure.

In accordance with another aspect of the present specification, a method of reconfiguring a support system for a wind blade, where support system includes at least one transport frame comprising a plurality of structural components is presented. The method includes reconfiguring the structural components between a first configuration to provide support to at least a portion of the wind blade during transport and a second configuration to provide a building structure.

While the description in general refers to wind blades, it is clear that the wind blades are wind turbine blades that are to be mounted on a hub of a wind turbine and that the specification refers to transport frames utilised for transporting large wind turbine blades, e.g., having a length of at least 40 metres. It is also clear that such a transport frame comprises means for connecting to and/or retaining a wind blade during transport or storage.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical representation of a support system for wind blades;

FIG. 2(a) is a diagrammatical representation of one embodiment of a transport frame used in the support system of FIG. 1; FIG. 2(b) is a diagrammatical representation of an embodiment of a building structure made using structural components of the transport frame of FIG. 2(a);

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical representation of another embodiment of a transport frame used in the support system of FIG. 1;

FIGs. 4-6 are diagrammatical representations of different embodiments of building structures made using structural components of the transport frame of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical representation of yet another embodiment of a transport frame used in the support system of FIG. 1; and

FIGs. 8-9 are diagrammatical representations of different embodiments of building structures made using structural components of the transport frame of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terms “first”, “second”, and the like, as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Also, the terms “a” and “an” do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. The term “or” is meant to be inclusive and mean one, some, or all of the listed items. The use of “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Furthermore, the terms “circuit” and “circuitry” and “controller” may include either a single component or a plurality of components, which are either active and/or passive and are connected or otherwise coupled together to provide the described function.

As will be described in detail hereinafter, a support system for elongated structures is presented. In particular, the support system for wind blades is presented. According to aspects of the present specification, the support system includes at least one transport frame. The transport frame includes a plurality of structural components. In accordance to one aspect of the present specification, the plurality of structural components has a first configuration to provide support to at least a portion of the wind blade during transport. Specifically, in the first configuration the plurality of structural components is employed for packaging wind blades while transporting the wind blades. In other words, the transport frame is configured to be assembled in a first configuration for supporting a wind blade during transport or storage.

In accordance with another aspect of the present specification, the plurality of structural components has a second configuration to provide a building structure. In other words, the structural components of the at least one transport frame are configured to be assembled in a second configuration to provide a building structure. Particularly, if the wind blade is unloaded then the plurality of structural components is configured to be dismantled. Subsequently, the plurality of structural components is reassembled to form building structures in and around power generation sites, such as but not limited to the wind farms. The power generation site includes at least one of a wind farm, a wind-solar hybrid farm, a wind-hydro hybrid farm, a wind-diesel hybrid farm, and a wind-diesel-solar hybrid farm. The facility around the power generation site may include a manufacturing facility and/or a storage facility proximate to the power generation site. In one example, the manufacturing facility, may include domestic fabrication facility, welding facility, onsite fabrication facility, and the like. In one embodiment, the building structure includes at least one of a fence, a support base, a ladder, a platform, a height spacer, a side wall, a storage structure, and a solar panel support structure. In another embodiment, the building structures may include storage structures such as crates to store mechanical parts and material handling pallets. The storage facility may use the crates and the material handling pallets. The use of the transport frames in and around the power generation sites avoids the need to transport back the transport frames to wind blade manufacturer. As a result, the cost incurred on return freight of the transport frames to the wind blade manufacturer is curtailed.

Turning now to the drawings, by way of example in FIG. 1, a diagrammatical representation 100 of a support system of a wind blade is presented. The support system 100 includes a first transport frame 102a and a second transport frame 102b. The support system 100 enables safe transport of a wind blade 104. As depicted in the example of FIG. 1, the first and second transport frames 102a, 102b aid in securely holding the wind blade 104. Specifically, the second transport frame 102b is placed at a tip end 106 of the wind blade 104 and the first transport frame 102a is placed at a root end 108 of the wind blade 104. The first and second transport frames 102a, 102b includes a plurality of connecting members 110. The connecting members 110 are coupled to one another using fasteners. In one embodiment, the connecting members 110 may be welded units.

Further, FIG. 1 depicts the wind blade 104 placed on a transport structure 112. The transport structure 112 may be a portion of a truck, a trailer car, a ship, or other alternate vehicle. Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 depicts use of two transport frames 102a, 102b for the transport of the wind blade 104, use of any number of transport frames is envisaged. Further, the embodiment of FIG. 1, depicts use of the first and second transport frames 102a, 102b for transfer of a whole wind blade 104, however, use of similar transport frames for transport of separate sections of a split wind blade is also anticipated. Although the embodiment of FIG. 1, depicts rectangular transport frames 102a, 102b, use of different shapes or types of transport frames is envisaged. Moreover, the placement of the transport frames along the wind blade may vary based on the requirement.

FIG. 2 (a) is a diagrammatical representation of one embodiment of transport frames 202, 203 used in the support system of FIG. 1. A first transport frames 202 is placed at the tip end 106 of the wind blade 104. Further, a second transport frame 203 is placed at the root end 108 of the wind blade 104. The first and second transport frames 202, 203 aid in securely holding the wind blade 104 during transport of the wind blade 104 to a destination. In one example, the destination includes a power generation site. The power generation site may include a wind farm, a wind- solar hybrid farm, a wind-hydro hybrid farm, a wind-diesel hybrid farm, a wind-diesel-solar hybrid farm, and the like.

Moreover, the second transport frame 203 includes a plurality of structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. The second transport frame 203 is one configuration of the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. Further, the first transport frame 202 includes a plurality of structural components 204e, 204f. The first transport frame 202 is one configuration of the structural component 204e, 204f.

In the example of FIG. 2(a), first structural component 204a, second structural component 204b, third structural component 204c, and fourth structural component 204d are coupled to one another to form the second transport frame 203. In one embodiment, the first structural component 204a, second structural component 204b, third structural component 204c, and fourth structural component 204d may be coupled to one another using one or more fasteners 206. Further, fifth structural component 204e and sixth structural component 204f are coupled to one another to form the first transport frame 202. In one embodiment, the fifth structural component 204e and sixth structural component 204f may be coupled to one another using one or more fasteners 207. In one example, the one or more fasteners include chains, bolts, nuts, cables, and the like. In another embodiment, two structural components may be coupled to each other by riveting and welding. In the example of FIG. 2, the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e, 204f of FIG. 2 are plate like structures. Further, the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e, 204f may have different dimensions. Moreover, the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e, 204f may have different boundary shapes and different number of sides.

Once the wind blade 104 arrives at the destination and if the wind blade 104 is unloaded, the transport frames 202, 203 are decoupled from the wind blade 104. Subsequently, the transport frames 202, 203 are disassembled. Specifically, one configuration of the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e, 204f is disassembled. Accordingly, in one example, the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d, 204e, 204f are decoupled from one another. Although the example of FIG. 2(a) depicts only six structural components, the number of structural components may vary for different embodiments.

Referring now to FIG. 2(b), a diagrammatical representation of an embodiment of a building structure 250 made using structural components of a transport frame 203 of FIG. 2 (a) is presented. Specifically, FIG. 2(b) depicts the building structure 250 constructed using the first, second, third, and fourth, structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d. The structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d are made of steel. In another embodiment, the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d are made of iron, other iron alloys, aluminium alloys, foam, polymers, composite materials, and the like. In one embodiment, the material used for making the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d is corrosion resistant and UV (ultraviolet) radiation resistant.

The structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d are arranged proximate to one another and are coupled to one another to form a building structure 250. Specifically, the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d are reassembled in other configuration, where the other configuration is the building structure 250. In one embodiment, fasteners are employed to couple the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d to one another. In the example of FIG. 2(b), the building structure is a flat platform.

The structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d are plate like structures. Further, each of the structural components 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d includes six sides. Specifically, the first structural component 204a includes six sides 251a, 251b, 251c, 25 Id, 25 le, 25 If. The sides 251a, 251b, 251c form a notch of the first structural component 204a. In a similar manner, the second structural component 204b includes six sides 252a, 252b, 252c, 252d, 252e, 252f. The sides 252a, 252b, 252c form a notch of the second structural component 204b. The third structural component 204c includes six sides 253a, 253b, 253c, 253d, 253e, 253f. The sides 253a, 253b, 253c form a notch of the third structural component 204c. Further, the fourth structural component 204d includes six sides 254a, 254b, 254c, 254d, 254e, 254f. The sides 254a, 254b, 254c form a notch of the fourth structural component 204d.

In the example of FIG. 2(b), the first structural component 204a is engaged with the fourth structural component 204d. Specifically, sides 251a, 251b, 251c of first structural component 204a securely receive the sides 254a, 254b, 254c of the fourth structural component 204d. In other words, the notch of the first structural component 204a receives the fourth structural component 204d. More particularly, the notch of the first structural component 204a securely receives the notch of the fourth structural component 204d. Subsequently, the first structural component 204a securely fits with the fourth structural component 204d. Further, the first structural component 204a may be coupled to the fourth structural component 204d using fasteners to form a first building structure subcomponent 256.

In a similar manner, the second structural component 204b is engaged with the third structural component 204c. Specifically, sides 252a, 252b, 252c of second structural component 204b securely receive the sides 253a, 253b, 253c of the third structural component 204c. Subsequently, the second structural component 204b securely fits with the third structural component 204c. Further, the second structural component 204b is coupled to the fourth structural component 204c using fasteners to form a second building structure subcomponent 258.

In one embodiment, the first building structure subcomponents 256 and second building structure subcomponents 258 may discretely be used as building structures. In another embodiment, the first building structure subcomponents 256 and second building structure subcomponents 258 may be coupled to one another to form a building structure 250. The building structure 250 may be employed as a base platform for ladders, a base platform for beam/pillars, a base platform to support elevated pedestals, and the like, which are employed in and around power generation sites. In another embodiment, the building structures may be employed as a ramp.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatical representation of another embodiment of a transport frames used in the support system of FIG. 1. The first and second transport frames 300a, 300b is configured to securely hold a wind blade 104 during transport. In the example of FIG. 3, the first and second transport frames 300a, 300b includes different structural components. The structural components of the first and second transport frames 300a, 300b include connecting beams. In one embodiment, the connecting beam includes J- shaped beams 302 and connecting members 304. The structural components, such as the J- shaped beams 302 and the connecting members 304 are made of steel. In yet another embodiment, the J- shaped beams 302 and the connecting members 304 are made of iron, other iron alloys, aluminium alloys, foam, polymers, composite materials, and the like. In one embodiment, the materials used for making the J-shaped beams 302 and the connecting members 304 are corrosion resistant and UV (ultraviolet) radiation resistant.

The J- shaped beams 302 are coupled to one another using connecting members 304. The connecting members 304 are coupled to the J-shaped beams using fasteners. In one example, the fastener is a hinge 306. In the example of FIG. 3, J-shaped beams 302 coupled to one another using the connecting members 304 and hinges 306 to form a transport frame 300. The first transport frame 300a securely holds the root end of the wind blade 104. In a similar manner, the second transport frame 300b may be used to securely hold the tip end of the wind blade 104.

Once the wind blade 104 arrives at a destination site and if the wind blade 104 is unloaded, the first and second transport frames 300a 300b may be decoupled from the wind blade 104. Subsequent to the unloading of the wind blades 104, the first and second transport frames 300a, 300b are disengaged. Accordingly, the connecting members 304 are decoupled from the J-shaped beams 302. Subsequently, the connecting members 304 and the J-shaped beams 302 can be used independently. Although the example of FIG. 3 discloses J-shaped beams, use of a L-shaped beam, I- shaped beam, a C-shaped beam, or any other shape beam is also anticipated.

FIGs. 4-6 are diagrammatical representations of different embodiments of building structures made using structural components of the transport frame of FIG. 3. Specifically, in the examples of FIGs. 4-6 use of the structural components, such as, the connecting members 304 and the J-shaped beams 302 of FIG. 3 to form building structures in and around power generation site is disclosed. As noted hereinabove, the power generation site may include wind farm, a wind- solar hybrid farm, a wind-hydro hybrid farm, a wind-diesel hybrid farm, or a wind-diesel-solar hybrid farm.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatical representation of one embodiment of a building structure such as a solar panel support structure 400. The solar panel support structure 400 is made with the structural components such as the J-shaped beam 302 and connecting members 304. In the example of FIG. 4, J-shaped beams 302 are connected using connecting members 304 to form a solar panel support structure 400. A solar panel 402 is supported using the solar panel support structure 400. In one embodiment, instead of the connecting members 304, other connecting members or strings may be employed for building the solar panel support structure 400. In one example, the solar panel support structure 400 holding the solar panels 402 may be installed in and around a wind farm.

Furthermore, each of FIGs. 5(a)-5(b) is a diagrammatical representation of another embodiment of building structure, such as a height spacer 440. In one embodiment, the height spacer 440 is constructed using four J-shaped beams 302. Specifically, FIG. 5(a) depicts a top view of rectangular ring-shaped height spacer 440. In one embodiment, the height spacer 440 is constructed using four J-shaped beams 302. In particular, the J- shaped beams 302 are reassembled and coupled to one another using fasteners. The fasteners may include at least one of a clamp, a latch, a clip, a hinge, and a bolt. In another embodiment, the J-shaped beams 302 are reassembled and coupled using welding.

FIG. 5(b) depicts a side view of a height spacer 440 of FIG. 5 (a) as viewed in direction 442. Reference numeral 444 depicts height of one of the height spacer 440. In one example, a plurality of height spacers 440 may be stacked one above the other to achieve a desired height. Subsequently, above the stack of the plurality of height spacers 440, a generator or solar panel may be placed. Thus, the height spacers 440 may provide support to the generator or the solar panel at a certain height from a ground level, where the generator or the solar panel may be installed in and around the power generation site.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatical representation of another embodiment of building structure, such as a fence 460. In one embodiment, the fence 460 is constructed using a plurality of J-shaped beams 302. Specifically, one J-shaped beam 302 is coupled to another J- shaped beam 302 using a plurality of connecting members, such as the connecting members 304. In one example, the fence 460 may be formed around the installed wind turbines in a wind farm.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a diagrammatical representation of yet another embodiment of a transport frame 500 used in the support system of FIG. 1 is presented. The transport frame 500 is configured to securely hold a wind blade 104 during transport. Specifically, FIG. 7 represents, the transport frame 500 securely holding a root portion of the wind blade 104. In the example of FIG. 7, the transport frame 500 includes a plurality of structural components 502 coupled to each other using a connecting bar 504. The structural component 502 includes a plurality of connecting beams. In the example of FIG. 7, the connecting beam includes a first and second C-shaped beams 506a, 506b and connecting members 508. The structural component 502 and the connecting bar 504 are made of steel. In another embodiment, the structural component 502 and the connecting bar 504 are made of iron, other iron alloys, aluminium alloys, foam, polymers, composite materials, and the like. In one embodiment, the materials used for making the structural components 502 and the connecting bar 504 are corrosion resistant and UV (ultraviolet) radiation resistant.

In one example, the structural component 502 includes a first C-shaped beam 506a positioned equidistant from a second C-shaped beam 506b. Further, a plurality of connecting members 508 is disposed between the first and second C-shaped beams 506a, 506b such that the plurality of connecting members 508 enable coupling of the first C-shaped beam 506a to the second C-shaped beam 506b. In one embodiment, the plurality of connecting members 508 may have same dimension. In addition, a plurality of fasteners (not shown in FIG. 7) may be employed to enable coupling of the two C- shaped beams 506a, 506b to the plurality of connecting members 508. The plurality of fasteners may include at least one of a clamp, a latch, a clip, a hinge, and a bolt.

The transport frame 500 securely holds the root end of the wind blade 104. In a similar manner, a transport frame, such as the transport frame 500, may be used to securely hold the tip end of the wind blade 104.

Once the wind blade 104 arrives at a destination site and if the wind blade 104 is unloaded, the transport frame 500 may be decoupled from the wind blade 104. Subsequent to the unloading of the wind blades 104, the transport frame 500 is disengaged. Accordingly, the connecting bar 504 is decoupled from the structural components 502. Further, different components of the structural component 502 may be disengaged. Accordingly, the C-shaped beams 506a, 506b are decoupled from the connecting members 508. In another embodiment, the structural component 502 may be decoupled from one another to form at least three separate mini-ladders 510, 512, 514. Subsequently, the C-shaped beams 506a, 506b, the connecting members 508, or the mini-ladders 510, 512, 514 may be used independently.

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatical representation of an embodiment of a building structure 520 made using structural components of the transport frame of FIG. 7. In the example of FIG. 8, the mini ladder structures 510, 512, or 514 may be placed next to one another for form side walls to support a roof like structure 516. The mini ladder structures 510, 512, or 514 along with a roof-like structure 516 may form a building structure 520 which may be employed in and around the power generation site, such as a wind farm. This building structure 520 may be a shelter/house, a generator platform, storage stand, and the like.

With continued reference to FIG. 7, in yet another embodiment, before unloading of the wind blade, the structural component 502 may be in a folded state. The folded structural component 502, as depicted in FIG. 7, may have a C-shaped structure. In this example, the folded structural component 502 includes the mini-ladders 510, 512, 514 coupled to one another using fasteners such as hinges. In one example, the hinge is a locking hinge. Once the structural component 502 is decoupled from the connecting bar, upon unloading of the blade, the structural component 502 may be unfolded or opened.

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical representation of one embodiment of a building structures 530 made using structural components of the transport frame of FIG. 7. Specifically, FIG. 9 represents the building structure 530 made using the structural component 502. More specifically, FIG. 9 depicts the structural component 502 being unfolded and the mini-ladders 510, 512, 514 opened to form a building structure 530, such as a long ladder. The mini-ladders 510, 512, 514 are coupled to one another using hinges 532. The long ladder may be used in and around the power generation site during the installation and maintenance procedures. In another embodiment, the structural components 502 may be used to make building structures such as a support pillar. Although the examples of FIGs. 8-9 depict some examples of building structures such as the ladders and side walls for generator platforms/houses, use of the structural components in other building structures in and around the power generation site is anticipated.

Various embodiments of a transport frame used in the packaging of wind blades and different embodiments of a building structure made using structural components of the transport frame are presented. The proposed embodiments of transport frames aid in transforming the transport frame, which is typically a capital expenditure (CapEx) component, to a working component for a wind blade manufacturer. As described in the present specification, the transport frames employed in the present specification are decouplable structural components. Different building structures are manufactured using the decoupled structural components of the transport frames for use in and around the power generation sites. Thus, cost incurred on return freight, inspection, and maintenance of used transport frame is curtailed. Further, the use of structural components of the transport frames to make building structures at power generation site eliminates waste in process. While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.

Claims

1. A support system for a wind blade, comprising at least one transport frame comprising a plurality of structural components, wherein the plurality of structural components is configured to be assembled in a first configuration to provide support to at least a portion of the wind blade during transport and in a second configuration to provide a building structure.

2. The support system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of structural components is arranged and configured to be disassembled in one configuration and reassembled in the other configuration.

3. The support system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the plurality of structural components comprises at least one of a polymer, a foam, one or more metal alloys, a composite, and a metal.

4. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of structural components comprises at least one of an ultraviolet radiation resistant material and a corrosion resistant material.

5. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of structural components is reassembled using one or more fasteners.

6. The support system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more fasteners comprise at least one of a clamp, a latch, a clip, a hinge, and a bolt.

7. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of structural components comprises at least one of a plurality of connecting beams and a plurality of plates.

8. The support system as claimed claim 7, wherein the plurality of connecting beams comprises at least one of a rod, a connecting member, a pin, a J- shaped beam, a L-shaped beam, I-shaped beam and a C-shaped beam.

9. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of building structures comprises at least one of a fence, a support base, a ladder, a platform, a height spacer, a side wall, a storage structure, a storage stand, and a solar panel support structure.

10. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of structural components is re-assembled to build a plurality of building structures in and around a power generation site.

11. The support system of claim 10, wherein the power generation site comprises at least one of a wind farm, a wind-solar hybrid farm, a wind-hydro hybrid farm, a wind-diesel hybrid farm, and a wind-diesel- solar hybrid farm.

12. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of structural components comprises one or more notches.

13. The support system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more notches of one structural component of the plurality of structural components is configured to securely receive other structural component of the plurality of structural components to form at least a portion of the plurality of building structures.

14. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of structural components is configured to at least one of unfold and fold to form at least one building structure of the plurality of building structures.

15. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the transport frame in the first configuration is configured to connect to and/or retain the at least portion of the wind blade.

16. The support system as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the wind blade has a length of at least 40 metres.

17. A method of reconfiguring a support system for a wind blade, wherein the support system comprises at least one transport frame comprising a plurality of structural components, the method comprising reconfiguring the structural components between a first configuration to provide support to at least a portion of the wind blade during transport and a second configuration to provide a building structure.

18. A method of transport and reconfiguring a support system for a wind blade, wherein the method comprises the steps of: connecting the wind blade to the at least one transport frame in a first configuration to provide support to at least a portion of the wind blade during transport, transporting the wind blade to a site of erecting a wind turbine, reconfiguring the support system to a second configuration to provide a building structure at the site of erecting the wind turbine.