Vessel and method for mounting an offshore wind turbine
a wind turbine and offshore technology, applied in special-purpose vessels, vessel construction, transportation and packaging, etc., can solve the problems of limited size rare availability of onshore sites, and environmental impact of onshore wind turbines on residents living near the turbine si
Inactive Publication Date: 2011-09-15
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
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Benefits of technology
The patent describes a method for erecting an offshore wind turbine at a wind turbine erection site. The method involves transporting the rotor hub and rotor blades to the erection site, mounting the rotor blades to the rotor hub on a vessel, erecting a wind turbine tower, mounting a nacelle to the top of the tower, lifting the fully assembled rotor to its position at the tower, and mounting the rotor to the nacelle. The patent also describes a vessel that can be used for this purpose. The technical effects of this patent include reducing the time and cost of offshore wind turbine installation and improving the stability and efficiency of wind turbines.
Problems solved by technology
However, availability of onshore sites becomes rare in some countries.
Furthermore, environmental impact of onshore wind turbines on residents living near the turbine site impose, e.g., size limitations onto onshore turbines.
However, offshore wind turbines encounter specific challenges not experienced with onshore wind turbines that pose technical and logistical problems still to be solved.
Method used
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[0027]Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in each figure. Each example is provided by way of explanation and is not meant as a limitation. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used on or in conjunction with other embodiments to yield yet further embodiments. It is intended that the present disclosure includes such modifications and variations.
[0028]The embodiments described herein include a system and method allowing for improved erection of offshore wind turbines.
[0029]As used herein, the term “vessel” is intended to be representative of any floating device suitable for transportation of wind turbine components. As used herein, a “vessel” may also be temporarily connected to, respectively supported by the seabed, as is for instance known from the field of oil rigs. As used herein, the term “blade” is intended to be representative of any device that provides a reacti...
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Abstract
A method for erecting an offshore wind turbine at a wind turbine erection site is provided, wherein the wind turbine includes a rotor, which has, in a fully assembled condition, a predetermined number of rotor blades mounted to a rotor hub. The method comprises transporting the rotor hub to the erection site; transporting rotor blades to the erection site; and, mounting, on a vessel, rotor blades to the rotor hub so that the rotor is in the fully assembled condition. Further, a vessel having at least one flange for mounting a rotor hub is provided.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The subject matter described herein relates generally to methods and systems for the mounting of wind turbines, and more particularly, to vessels and systems for mounting offshore wind turbines.[0002]At least some known wind turbines include a tower and a nacelle mounted on the tower. A rotor is rotatably mounted to the nacelle and is coupled to a generator by a shaft. A plurality of blades extend from the rotor. The blades are oriented such that wind passing over the blades turns the rotor and rotates the shaft, thereby driving the generator to generate electricity.[0003]In the past, wind turbines have often been installed onshore allowing for well-known construction methods and also easy accessibility and maintenance. However, availability of onshore sites becomes rare in some countries. Furthermore, environmental impact of onshore wind turbines on residents living near the turbine site impose, e.g., size limitations onto onshore turbines. For thes...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): B21D53/78
CPCB63B9/065B63B25/002Y10T29/49316Y02E10/727B63B35/003B66C23/185B66C23/525B63B75/00
Inventor VAN DER BOS, ROELANT
Owner GENERAL ELECTRIC CO