Wind turbine component transport system and process

Abstract

A transport system (100) and a method for transporting a rotor blade (22) under a height-restricting obstacle (102) that defines a clearance height (104) are disclosed. The method involves transporting a first end (70) of the rotor blade under the height-restricting obstacle (102). A transport vehicle (110) is configured for transporting the rotor blade (22), wherein the transport vehicle (110) includes a loading platform (114) on which the rotor blade (22) is arranged. The method further includes moving a second end (72) of the rotor blade (22) from a raised position to a lowered position in relation to the loading platform (114), wherein the second end (72) in the lowered position has a lower or equal height (82) to the clearance height (104), and transporting the second end (72) of the rotor blade (22) under the height-restricting obstacle (102).

Description

Field of invention

[0001] This disclosure generally concerns systems and methods for transporting components of wind turbines and, in particular, systems and methods for transporting wind turbine rotor blades under obstacles with height restrictions. Background of the invention

[0002] Wind power is considered one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly energy sources currently available, and wind turbines have received increased attention in this regard. A modern wind turbine typically consists of a tower, a generator, a gearbox, a nacelle, and one or more rotor blades. The rotor blades capture the kinetic energy of the wind using established wing principles. The rotor blades convert this kinetic energy into rotational energy to drive a shaft that connects the rotor blades to a gearbox, or, if no gearbox is used, directly to the generator. The generator then converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, which can be fed into a power grid.

[0003] The size, shape, and weight of rotor blades are factors that contribute to the energy efficiency of wind turbines. Increasing rotor blade size increases the energy output of a wind turbine, while decreasing weight reduces its efficiency. Currently, large existing and developing commercial wind turbines are capable of generating approximately 1.5 to 12.5 megawatts of power. These larger wind turbines can have rotor blade assemblies with diameters exceeding 90 meters. Consequently, efforts to increase rotor blade size, reduce blade weight, and increase blade strength, while simultaneously improving blade aerodynamics, contribute to the continuous growth of wind turbine technology and the use of wind energy as an alternative energy source.

[0004] As the size of wind turbines, particularly the size of rotor blades, increases, so do the corresponding costs for manufacturing, transport, and assembly. The economic advantages of larger wind turbine dimensions must be weighed against these factors. For example, the costs of prefabrication, transport, and erection of a wind turbine with rotor blades in the 90-meter range can significantly impact the economic benefit of the larger turbine.

[0005] For example, the transport costs of rotor blades increase with their size. A common method for transporting rotor blades involves the use of large trucks, such as semi-trailer trucks. The rotor blades are loaded onto the semi-trailers, which are then pulled by the trucks to their destination. However, this transport method is often hampered by height restrictions, such as bridges, along various routes for transporting the rotor blades to their destination. For instance, large curved rotor blades with a bend in the blade surface or edge direction may have clearance heights greater than the heights of the height restrictions, thus preventing the rotor blades from passing underneath them.

[0006] A known solution to the problem of transporting a rotor blade under height-restricting obstacles involves rotating the blade laterally so that its width is restricted rather than its height when the truck passes under the obstacle. However, this solution is expensive and time-consuming, as it requires, for example, oncoming traffic to stop under the height-restricting obstacle while the truck passes. An alternative solution involves loading the rotor blades onto ships or pontoons instead of trucks and transporting them by waterway to their destination. However, this solution is also expensive and time-consuming, and often the destination lacks a waterway. Another alternative solution involves separating the rotor blades into smaller, separate components for transport.However, separating the rotor blade can weaken the fibers and / or other reinforcing structures within the blade, thus undesirably weakening it. Document US 7,303,365 B2 deals with a transport vehicle for a wind turbine rotor blade. Document WO 2006 / 000230 A1 deals with a method for transporting a wind turbine rotor blade and a vehicle for transporting it.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a transport system and process that allows rotor blades and other large wind turbine components to pass under height-restricting obstacles. Furthermore, a transport system and process for rotor blades and other large wind turbine components that is relatively efficient, fast, and cost-effective would be desirable. Brief description of the invention

[0008] Aspects and advantages of the invention are partly set out in the following description, or can be seen from the description, or can be recognized through the practical implementation of the invention.

[0009] In one embodiment, a transport system for transporting a rotor blade with a first end and a second end under a height-restricting obstacle with a clearance height is disclosed. The transport system includes a transport vehicle configured for transporting the rotor blade, wherein the transport vehicle has a loading platform, the rotor blade is arranged on the loading platform, and a lifting mechanism associated with the transport vehicle and the rotor blade, the lifting mechanism being configured to move the rotor blade between a lowered position and a raised position with respect to the platform. The transport system further includes a pivot point associated with the transport vehicle and the rotor blade. The rotor blade pivots about the pivot point when the lifting mechanism moves the rotor blade between the lowered position and the raised position.

[0010] In a further embodiment, a method for transporting a rotor blade under a height-restricting obstacle defining a clearance height is disclosed. The method includes transporting a first end of the rotor blade under the height-restricting obstacle. A transport vehicle is configured for transporting the rotor blade, the transport vehicle having a loading platform on which the rotor blade is arranged. The method further includes moving a second end of the rotor blade from a raised position to a lowered position relative to the loading platform, wherein the second end in the lowered position has a lower or equal height to the clearance height, and transporting the second end of the rotor blade under the height-restricting obstacle.

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will be better understood by reference to the description below and the accompanying claims. The accompanying drawings, which are included herein and form part of this patent specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Brief description of the drawings

[0012] A complete and fundamental disclosure of the present invention, including its best embodiment, to the person skilled in the art, is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine; Fig. 2 a side view of an embodiment of the transport system of the present disclosure with a first end of a rotor blade in a lowered position and a second end of the rotor blade in a raised position; and Fig. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of the transport system of the present disclosure with a first end of a rotor blade in a raised position and a second end of the rotor blade in a lowered position. Detailed description of the invention

[0013] Detailed reference will now be made to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided within the context of an explanation of the invention, not a limitation of the invention. Indeed, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variants of the present invention can be made without deviating from the scope of protection or the inventive concept of the invention. For example, features illustrated and described as part of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to obtain yet another embodiment. Thus, the present invention is intended to cover such modifications and variants, insofar as they fall within the scope of protection of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0014] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine 10. In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine 10 is a horizontal-axis wind turbine. Alternatively, the wind turbine 10 can be a vertical-axis wind turbine. In the exemplary embodiment, the wind turbine 10 comprises a tower 12 extending from a supporting surface 14, such as the ground, a platform, or a foundation, a nacelle 16 mounted on the tower 12, and a rotor 18 connected to the nacelle 16. The rotor 18 comprises a rotatable hub 20 and at least one rotor blade 22 connected to and extending outwards from the hub 20. In the exemplary embodiment, the rotor 18 has three blades 22. In an alternative embodiment, the rotor 18 contains more or fewer than three rotor blades 22. In the exemplary embodiment, the tower 12 is constructed of tubular steel to support a (in Fig. 1. A cavity (not shown) is formed between the supporting surface 14 and the gondola 16. In an alternative embodiment, the tower 12 can be any suitable type of tower of any suitable height.

[0015] Rotor blades 22 are arranged at intervals around the hub 20 to allow rotation of the rotor 18, enabling the conversion of kinetic energy from the wind into suitable mechanical energy and subsequently into electrical energy. The rotor blades 22 are joined to the hub 20 by connecting a blade root section 24 to the hub 20 at several load transfer areas 26. The load transfer areas 26 have a hub load transfer area and a blade load transfer area (both in Fig. (1 not shown). Loads induced in the rotor blades 22 are transferred to the hub 20 via the load transfer areas 26. In one embodiment, the rotor blades 22 have a length in the range of about 15 m to about 91 m. Alternatively, the rotor blades 22 can have any suitable length that enables the wind turbine 10 to function as described herein. For example, other non-limiting examples of blade lengths include 10 m or less, 20 m, 37 m, or a length greater than 91 m. As soon as wind impinges on the rotor blades 22 from a direction 28, the rotor 18 is rotated about a rotational axis 30. While the rotor blades 22 are rotated and subjected to centrifugal forces, they are also subjected to various forces and moments. Thus, the rotor blades 22 can bend and / or rotate from a neutral or straight position to a bent position.Furthermore, the pitch angle or blade angle of the rotor blades 22, i.e., an angle that determines the perspective of the rotor blades 22 with respect to the direction 28 of the wind, can be changed by a pitch adjustment system 32 to control the load and energy generated by the wind turbine 10 by adjusting the angular position of at least one of the rotor blades 22 with respect to wind vectors. Pitch axes 34 for the rotor blades 22 are shown. During operation of the wind turbine 10, the pitch adjustment system 32 can change the pitch of the rotor blades 22 such that the rotor blades 22 are moved into a flag position, so that the perspective of at least one rotor blade 22 with respect to the wind vectors provides a minimum surface area of ​​the rotor blade 22 to be aligned with the wind vectors, which allows for a reduction in the rotational speed of the rotor 18 and / or flow separation of the rotor 18.

[0016] In the exemplary embodiment, the pitch of each rotor blade 22 is individually controlled by a control system 36. Alternatively, the pitch of all rotor blades 22 can be controlled simultaneously by the control system 36. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment, as soon as the direction 28 changes, a yaw direction of the nacelle 16 about a yaw axis 38 can be controlled to position the rotor blades 22 with respect to the direction 28.

[0017] In the exemplary embodiment, the control system 36 is shown to be centralized in the nacelle 16, whereas the control system 38 can be a system distributed over the entire wind turbine 10, a supporting surface 14, within a wind farm, and / or via a remote control center. The control system 36 includes a processor 40 configured to perform the procedures and / or steps described herein. Furthermore, many of the other components described herein may include a processor. As used herein, the term "processor" is not limited to integrated circuits known in the field as computers, but refers more generally to a controller, a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application-specific integrated circuit, and other programmable circuits, and these terms are used interchangeably herein.It should be understood that a processor and / or a control system can also contain memory, input channels and / or output channels.

[0018] In the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a rotor blade 22 according to aspects of this disclosure. The rotor blade 22 can extend from a blade tip 54 to a blade root 56 and can include a pressure side 62 extending between a (not shown) leading edge and a trailing edge 68, and a suction side 64. In some embodiments, the rotor blade 22 can be divided into a variety of rotor blade 22 components. This disclosure can also be used to transport the components of the rotor blade 22 as desired.

[0019] The rotor blade 22 can be curved in exemplary embodiments. The curvature of the rotor blade 22 can be a bending of the rotor blade 22 essentially in the blade surface direction as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and / or substantially in the blade edge direction. The blade surface direction is a direction substantially perpendicular to a transverse axis through a cross-section of the widest side of the rotor blade 22. Alternatively, the blade surface direction can be considered as the direction (or the opposite direction) in which the aerodynamic lift acts on the rotor blade 22. The blade edge direction is perpendicular to the blade surface direction. The blade surface curvature of the rotor blade 22 is also known as pre-curvature, while the blade edge curvature is also known as sweep. Thus, a curved rotor blade 22 can be pre-curved and / or swept. The curvature can enable the rotor blade 22 to better withstand loads in the blade surface and blade edge directions during the operation of the wind turbine 10 and can further ensure the clearance of the rotor blade 22 from the tower 12 during the operation of the wind turbine 10.

[0020] The rotor blade 22 of the present disclosure may require transport, for example, from a manufacturing site to an operating site, such as a wind farm. Furthermore, the transport of the rotor blade 22 may be hindered by height-restricting obstacles, such as bridges. For example, the rotor blade 22 may have a first end 70 and a second end 72. In some exemplary embodiments, the first end 70 may be adjacent to the blade tip 54 and the second end 72 may be adjacent to the blade root 56, or vice versa. Alternatively, the first end 70 and the second end 72 may be the leading and trailing edges 68, respectively. Furthermore, the first end 70 and the second end 72 may be located at substantially any suitable location on the rotor blade 22. The first end 70 and the second end 72 may each have a height 80 and 82, respectively, as discussed below.One or both of the heights 80 and 82 may be higher than the clearance height of a height-restricting obstacle.

[0021] Thus, as stated in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a transport system 100 for transporting a rotor blade 22 or any other component, for example, of a wind turbine 10 or other turbine or machine under a height-restricting obstacle 102 with a clearance height 104. It should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to transport systems 100 for transporting rotor blades 22. Instead, the transport system 100 of this disclosure can be used to transport any suitable component of a wind turbine system or machine under a height-restricting obstacle 102. Essentially, the components of this disclosure can each have a first end 70, a second end 72, and corresponding heights 80 and 82.

[0022] The height-restricting obstacle 102 of this disclosure may, for example, be a bridge, an overpass, or a similar structure. The height-restricting obstacle 102 may, for example, require that vehicles or other structures or objects passing or moving under the structure have a height equal to or less than the clearance height 104 of the height-restricting obstacle 102, thus enabling the vehicles to pass under the height-restricting obstacle 102.

[0023] The transport system 100 can, for example, include a transport vehicle 110 configured for transporting the rotor blade 200 or another component. The transport vehicle 110 can be, for example, a truck, such as a semi-trailer or lorry, a train, a ship, or any other suitable vehicle for transporting the rotor blade 22 or another component. The transport vehicle 110 can include suitable components and accessories for transporting the rotor blade 22 or another component, such as suitable platforms for receiving the rotor blade 22 or another component and suitable restraints to, for example, prevent the rotor blade or other component from falling off the transport vehicle 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the transport vehicle 110 can be a semi-trailer with a cabin 112 and a loading platform 114, such as a semi-trailer.The loading platform 114 can be of any suitable size and have suitable components and accessories for receiving and transporting the rotor blade 22 or any other component arranged on it. Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, the loading platform 114 can allow relative movement of the rotor blade 22 or any other component with respect to the loading platform 114, as discussed below. Alternatively, however, the loading platform 114 can be movable together with the rotor blade 22 or any other component.

[0024] The rotor blade 22 can essentially be positioned on the transport vehicle in such a way that the maximum curve of the rotor blade 22 extends vertically, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 illustrates this. For example, the rotor blade 22 can be curved as discussed and have a bend in the blade surface or blade edge direction. This bend can cause the rotor blade 22 to have a maximum curve. The maximum curve can be present due to the bend in the blade surface direction and / or blade edge direction. The rotor blade 22 can be positioned such that the section of the rotor blade 22 with this maximum curve extends vertically.

[0025] The transport system 100 may further include a lifting mechanism 120. The lifting mechanism 120 may be associated with the transport vehicle 110 and the rotor blade 22 or the other component. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, the lifting mechanism 120 may be mounted on the transport vehicle 110, such as on the loading platform 114 of the semi-trailer, or it may be separate from the transport vehicle 120 and used in conjunction with the transport vehicle 120 as needed when the transport system 100 encounters a height-restricting obstacle 102. For example, in alternative embodiments, the lifting mechanism 120 may be a portable or fixed mechanism mounted on the ground or on another vehicle next to the height-restricting obstacle 102.

[0026] The lifting mechanism 120 can be configured to move the rotor blade 22 or the other component between a lowered position and a raised position. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the lifting mechanism 120 can be a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The cylinder can include a tube 122, a rod 124, and a rod end 126. The rod 124 can move back and forth in a substantially linear manner in response to the operation of an internal piston (not shown), its operation being controlled by a control system 130 as discussed below. The rod end 126, located on the end of the rod 124 outside the tube 122, can be associated with the rotor blade 22 or the other component, for example, its first end 70 or second end, as discussed below.While the rod 124 moves back and forth in a linear manner, the rotor blade 22 or other components, such as its first end 70 and / or second end 72, can move or pivot between lowered and raised positions.

[0027] It should be understood that the lifting mechanism 120 of the present disclosure is not limited to a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. For example, the lifting mechanism 120 can be a rack and pinion system, a linear actuator, a rotary actuator, or any other suitable lifting mechanism 120 that operates in such a way as to permit movement of the rotor blade 22 or the other component, such as the first end and / or second end 72, between lowered positions and raised positions.

[0028] The operation of the lifting mechanism 120 can be controlled by a control system 130. For example, in embodiments where the lifting mechanism 120 is a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, the control system 130 can regulate a supply line 132 and a return line 134, which can be configured to supply pneumatic or hydraulic fluid to the lifting mechanism 120 or to allow the pneumatic or hydraulic fluid to flow back out of the lifting mechanism 120. However, it should be understood that the control system 130 is not limited to applications with pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. Instead, the control system 130 can be suitable for controlling any appropriate lifting mechanism 120.

[0029] In some embodiments, the lifting mechanism 120 can be functionally connected to the transport vehicle 110. For example, in an exemplary embodiment as discussed below, the transport vehicle 110 can be a semi-trailer. The semi-trailer can contain various pneumatic or hydraulic systems, such as braking systems. The lifting mechanism 120, such as the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, of this disclosure can be functionally connected to one or more of these systems. For example, the supply line 132 and the return line 134 can be coupled or connected to various supply and return lines of the different pneumatic or hydraulic systems of the transport vehicle 110. Alternatively, the lifting mechanism 120 of this disclosure can be functionally connected to any system in the transport vehicle 110.This means that the lifting mechanism 120, for example, can be used and controlled more efficiently.

[0030] The transport system 100 of this disclosure may further include a pivot point 140. The pivot point 140 may be associated with the transport vehicle 110 and the rotor blade 22 or with another component. For example, the pivot point may be mounted on the transport vehicle 110, as in the exemplary embodiment on the loading platform 114 of the semi-trailer, or it may be separate from the transport vehicle 120 and used in conjunction with the transport vehicle 120 as needed when the transport system 100 encounters a height-restricting obstacle 102.

[0031] Essentially, the pivot point 140 can be located between the first end 70 and the second end 72 of the rotor blade 22 or other component to allow the rotor blade 22 or other component to pivot around the pivot point 140 when the first end 70 or second end 72 is moved. Furthermore, the pivot point 140 can be located at a specific position between the first end 70 and the second end 72 based on the length of the rotor blade 22 or other component and / or the difference between heights H1 and H2. For example, the location of the pivot point 140 can be a function of the length of the rotor blade 22 or other component and the difference between heights H1 and H2 such that the pivot point 140 enables the correct and efficient operation of the transport system 100.

[0032] In some exemplary embodiments, the pivot point 140 on the transport vehicle 100 can be movable, for example, by means of a track (not shown). The track can allow the pivot point 140 to be positioned relative to the rotor blade 22 or the other component and / or can allow the pivot point 140 to move while the rotor blade 22 or the other component is pivoted about the pivot point 140.

[0033] The rotor blade 22 or the other component can pivot about the pivot point 140 when the lifting mechanism 120 moves the rotor blade 22 or the other component, such as its first and / or second ends 70, 72, between lowered and raised positions. For example, in exemplary embodiments, the pivot point 140 can include a spherical bearing 142. The spherical bearing 142 can, for example, enable the rotor blade 22 or the other component to pivot about the pivot point 140 with reduced friction. Alternatively, the pivot point 140 can include various other suitable components to enable the pivoting of the rotor blade 22 or the other component, such as components for supporting the rotor blade 22 or the other component when it is pivoted, or components for cushioning the rotor blade 22 or the other component when it is positioned on the pivot point 140.Alternatively, the pivot point 140 can simply be a point on the rotor blade 22 or the other component that is assigned to the transport vehicle 110, and about which the rotor blade 22 or the other component can pivot.

[0034] The first end 70 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component can have a height of 80. In general, the height 80 can be defined from the ground or from a reference point similar to or identical with a reference point used to define the clearance height 104. In a lowered position, as shown in Fig. 2. The height 80 is lower than or equal to the clearance height 104 of the height-restricting obstacle 102. In a raised position, as shown in the illustration... Fig. 3. The height 80 may be higher than the height 80 in the lowered position, such as, in some embodiments, higher than the clearance height 104. Thus, when the first end 70 is in the lowered position, or in some embodiments in the raised position, at least the first end 70 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component can be transported under a height-restricting obstacle 102. The second end 72 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component may have a height 82. In general, the height 82 may be defined from the ground or from a reference point similar to or identical with a reference point used to define the clearance height 104. In a raised position as shown in Fig. 2. The height 82 can be higher than the clearance height 104 of the height-restricting obstacle 102. In a lowered position as shown in Fig.3. The height 82 can be lower than or equal to the clearance height 104 of the height-restricting obstacle 102. If the second end 72 is in the raised position, transport of the second end 72 under the height-restricting obstacle 102 can be prevented. Thus, as discussed below, the transport system 100 can operate in such a way that it moves the second end 72 from the raised position to the lowered position, which allows transport of the second end 72 under the height-restricting obstacle 102.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the lifting mechanism 120 can be associated with the first end 70 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component. The lifting mechanism 120 can move the first end 70 between the lowered position and the raised position. Furthermore, when the lifting mechanism 120 moves the first end 70 from the lowered position to the raised position, the rotor blade 22 or the other component can pivot about the pivot point 140. While the rotor blade 22 or the other component is pivoting, the second end 72 can be moved from the raised position to the lowered position. When the second end 72 reaches the lowered position, it can be at a height 82 such that it can be transported below the height-restricting obstacle.

[0036] In an alternative embodiment, the lifting mechanism 120 can be associated with the second end 72 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component. The lifting mechanism 120 can move the second end 72 between the lowered position and the raised position, and the rotor blade 22 or the other component can pivot about the pivot point 140. When the second end 72 reaches the lowered position, it can be positioned at a height 82 such that it can be transported below the height-restricting obstacle 102.

[0037] It should be understood that the transport system 100 of the present disclosure is not limited to a lifting mechanism 120 either at the first end 70 or the second end 72 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component. For example, the transport system 100 may include a lifting mechanism 120 associated with the first end 70 and a lifting mechanism 120 associated with the second end 72, and may further include additional lifting mechanisms 120 assigned to other locations on the rotor blade 22 or another component as desired.

[0038] The present disclosure further relates to a method for transporting a component, such as a rotor blade 22 of a wind turbine or other machine, under a height-restricting obstacle 102 with a clearance height 104. The method may include the step of moving the rotor blade 22 or the other component to a height-restricting obstacle 102 with a clearance height 104. For example, a transport system 100 may be provided for transporting the rotor blade 22 or the other component to the height-restricting obstacle 102. The transport system 100 may include a transport vehicle 110, a lifting mechanism 120, and a pivot point 140 as discussed above.

[0039] The method may further include the step of positioning the first end 70 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component in a lowered position. For example, in some embodiments, the first end 70 may be positioned in a lowered position at a height 80 such that the first end 70 can pass the height-restricting obstacle 102.

[0040] The procedure may further include the step of transporting a first end 70 of the rotor blade 22 or another component under the height-restricting obstacle 102 as discussed above.

[0041] The method may further involve moving a second end 72 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component from a raised position to a lowered position as discussed above. In exemplary embodiments, the movement of the second end 72 from the raised position to the lowered position may involve pivoting the rotor blade 22 or the other component about a pivot point 140 as discussed above. Furthermore, in exemplary embodiments, the movement of the second end from the raised position to the lowered position may involve actuating a lifting mechanism 120 to lower the second end 72 as discussed above. For example, actuating the lifting mechanism 120 may cause the rotor blade 22 or the other component to pivot about the pivot point 140.

[0042] Furthermore, the method can involve moving the first end 70 of the rotor blade 22 or the other component from a lowered position to a raised position as discussed above. In exemplary embodiments, the movement of the first end 70 from the lowered position to the raised position can cause a movement of the second end 72 from the raised position to the lowered position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the movement of the second end 72 can occur after a predetermined section of the rotor blade 22 or the other component has cleared the height-limiting obstacle 102. For example, the predetermined section may include the first end 70 and / or may include a specific length or section of the rotor blade 22 or the other component. In these embodiments, the second end 72 cannot be moved from the raised position to the lowered position until a predetermined section of the rotor blade 22 or the other component has passed and cleared the height-limiting obstacle 102.

[0044] The procedure of the present disclosure may further include the step of transporting the second end 72 under the height-restricting obstacle 102 as discussed above.

[0045] The transport system 100 and the method of the present disclosure provide relatively efficient, fast, and cost-effective strategies for transporting rotor blades 22 or other wind turbine components under height-restricting obstacles. For example, large rotor blades 22 with height restrictions, such as curved rotor blades 22, could make use of the transport system 100 and method of the present invention, resulting in relatively efficient, fast, and cost-effective strategies for transporting the rotor blades 22 from the place of manufacture to the places of use.

[0046] This description uses examples to disclose the invention, including its best embodiment, and to enable anyone skilled in the art to put the invention into practice, including the manufacture and use of all elements and systems and the execution of all processes involved. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include further examples that are obvious to a person skilled in the art. Such further examples shall be included in the scope of the invention if they have structural elements that do not differ from the wording of the claims or if they contain equivalent structural elements with insignificant modifications compared to the wording of the claims.

[0047] A transport system 100 and a method for transporting a rotor blade 22 under a height-restricting obstacle 102, which defines a clearance height 104, are disclosed. The method includes transporting a first end 70 of the rotor blade under the height-restricting obstacle 102. A transport vehicle 110 is configured for transporting the rotor blade 22, the transport vehicle 110 comprising a loading platform 114 on which the rotor blade 22 is arranged. The method further includes moving a second end 72 of the rotor blade 22 from a raised position to a lowered position relative to the loading platform 114, wherein the second end 72 in the lowered position has a lower or equal height 82 to the clearance height 104, and transporting the second end 72 of the rotor blade 22 under the height-restricting obstacle 102. Reference symbol list 10 wind turbines 12 Tower 14 Surface area 16 gondolas 18 Rotor 20 rotating hub 22 rotor blade 24 Leaf foot section 26 Load transfer area 28 Wind direction 30 Rotation axis 32 Employment Adjustment System 34 Axis of inclination 36 Tax system 38 Yaw axis 40 processor 52 leaf segments 54 Leaf tip 56 leaf base 62 printed pages 64 Suction side 68 trailing edge 70 first end 72 second end 80 height 82 Height 100 transport systems 102 height-restricting obstacle 104 Clearance height 110 transport vehicle 112 Cabin 114 loading area 120 Lifting mechanism 122 pipe 124 bars 126 rod head 130 Tax system 132 Supply line 134 Return line 140 pivot point 142 Joint bearings

Claims

[1] Method for transporting a rotor blade (22) under a height-restricting obstacle (102) that defines a clearance height (104), comprising the steps: Transporting a first end (70) of the rotor blade (22) under the height-limiting obstacle (102), wherein a transport vehicle (110) is configured to transport the rotor blade (22) and the transport vehicle (110) includes a loading platform (114) on which the rotor blade (22) is arranged; Moving a second end (72) of the rotor blade (22) from a raised position to a lowered position relative to the loading platform (114), wherein the second end (72) in the lowered position has a height (82) lower than or equal to the clearance height (104); and Transporting the second end (72) of the rotor blade (22) under the height-limiting obstacle (102). [2] Method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of positioning the first end (70) of the rotor blade (22) in a lowered position. [3] Method according to one of claims 1-2, further comprising the step of moving the first end (70) from a lowered position to a raised position. [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the movement of the first end (70) from the lowered position to the raised position causes a movement of the second end (72) from the raised position to the lowered position. [5] Method according to one of claims 1-4, wherein the movement of the second end (72) from the raised position to the lowered position includes a pivoting of the rotor blade (22) about a pivot point (140). [6] Method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the movement of the second end (72) from the raised position to the lowered position includes the actuation of a lifting mechanism (120) to lower the second end (72). [7] Method according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein the rotor blade (22) is curved. [8] Method according to one of claims 1-7, wherein the movement of the second end (72) takes place after a predetermined section of the rotor blade (22) has released the height-limiting obstacle (102). [9] Transport system (100) for transporting a rotor blade (22) with a first end (70) and a second end (72) under a height-restricting obstacle (102) with a clearance height (104), wherein the transport system (100) comprises: a transport vehicle (110) configured to transport the rotor blade (22), wherein the transport vehicle (110) includes a loading platform (110) and the rotor blade (22) is arranged on the loading platform (114); a lifting mechanism (120) associated with the transport vehicle (110) and the rotor blade (22), wherein the lifting mechanism (120) is configured to move the rotor blade (22) between a lowered position and a raised position relative to the loading platform (114); and a pivot point (140) which is associated with the transport vehicle (110) and the rotor blade (22), wherein the rotor blade (22) pivots about the pivot point (140) when the lifting mechanism (120) moves the rotor blade (22) between the lowered position and the raised position. [10] Transport system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the lifting mechanism (120) is assigned to the first end (70). [11] Transport system (100) according to claim 10, wherein when the lifting mechanism (120) moves the first end (70) from the lowered position to the raised position, the rotor blade (22) pivots about the pivot point (140), causing the second end (72) to move from the raised position to the lowered position, and wherein the second end (72) in the lowered position has a height (80, 82) lower than or equal to the clearance height (104). [12] Transport system (100) according to one of claims 9-11, wherein the lifting mechanism (120) is assigned to the second end (72). [13] Transport system (100) according to one of claims 9-12, wherein the lifting mechanism (120) is a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. [14] Transport system (100) according to one of claims 9-13, wherein the lifting mechanism (120) is functionally connected to the transport vehicle (110). [15] Transport system (100) according to one of claims 9-14, wherein the rotor blade (22) is curved.

Images