Mounting a wind turbine blade on a hub

Abstract

A method for mounting a wind turbine blade (10) on a wind turbine hub (30) is provided, the method comprising lifting the blade (10) towards the hub (30); contacting the blade and the hub by an adaptable elastomer (50) such that the adaptable elastomer (50) is compressed between the blade (10) and the hub (30); reducing the size of the adaptable elastomer (50) such that the blade (10) approaches the hub; and mounting the blade to the hub. Furthermore, an assembly for assisting in mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub and a suitable wind turbine hub are provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for mounting wind turbine blades onto a wind turbine hub. This disclosure also relates to components for assisting in mounting wind turbine blades onto a wind turbine hub. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a wind turbine hub suitable for the process of mounting wind turbine blades onto a hub. Background Technology

[0002] Modern wind turbines are commonly used to supply power to the grid. Such wind turbines typically consist of a tower and a rotor mounted on the tower. The rotor, usually comprising a hub and multiple blades, rotates under the influence of wind on the blades. This rotation generates torque, which is typically transmitted directly (“direct drive”) or via a gearbox through the rotor shaft to a generator. The generator then produces electrical energy, which can be supplied to the grid.

[0003] The installation of wind turbine blades has become increasingly challenging due to the overall trend of increasing size and weight in modern wind turbines. Modern wind turbine blades can exceed 70 or 80 meters in length, or even over 100 meters. During installation, the wind turbine blades are lifted toward the rotor hub.

[0004] Known methods for installing wind turbines include the following steps: transporting the various components to the wind turbine site; assembling the tower section and the tower; lifting the wind turbine nacelle using a large crane; and installing the nacelle on top of the tower. The wind turbine rotor hub can then be lifted and installed onto the rotor shaft and / or the nacelle using a crane. Alternatively, the hub can be installed onto the nacelle, and the nacelle-hub assembly can then be lifted.

[0005] Next, one or more blades are mounted to the wind turbine rotor hub. The rotor hub typically includes multiple annular mounting flanges. Pitch bearings may be arranged together with the mounting flanges. The blades may include multiple fasteners, such as bolts, pins, or studs, at their blade roots. During the installation process, these fasteners should be fitted into openings in the mounting flanges or into the pitch bearings on the hub.

[0006] It is also known to lift and mount a complete rotor assembly, i.e., a hub with multiple blades, to, for example, a nacelle. However, mounting a complete rotor assembly requires a large surface area, which is often unavailable, for example, in the case of offshore wind turbines.

[0007] It is also known to mount incomplete rotor assemblies, such as a hub with two blades, onto a nacelle, and then install the remaining blades. In these cases, the two-bladed rotor is typically mounted with two blades pointing upwards, a "rabbit ear" configuration. Therefore, since the third blade can be mounted vertically from below, it is not necessary to rotate the wind turbine rotor. However, in order to perform these operations, the prevailing wind speed (sometimes called the usual blowing speed) must be below a predetermined value for an extended period. This period depends on the expected length of the installation steps and the safety factor to be considered.

[0008] As previously mentioned, the blades can also be installed individually. It is known to install each of multiple blades substantially horizontally (e.g., -30° to +30° relative to the horizontal plane) or substantially vertically. This means that individual installation steps may require less time and can be performed in stronger winds, thus increasing the time window available for installation.

[0009] Wind is inherently variable, and winds from different directions, turbulent winds, and gusts can act on wind turbine blades during lift operations, potentially causing sudden blade movement and oscillations. Therefore, fitting the blades to the hub can be complex and time-consuming.

[0010] For offshore installations, the process can be even more complex. The vessel carrying the crane may move under the influence of wind and wave forces. The wind turbine tower and the nacelle mounted on top of the tower may also move under the influence of wind and wave forces.

[0011] Wind turbine airports can also be located in remote areas, such as on mountaintops, and often in these places, the lifting of wind turbine blades can be subject to strong winds.

[0012] During the lifting operation, difficulties often arise due to vibrations. Manual assistance is frequently required to perform blade installation. This can increase the risk to the operator.

[0013] Vibrations during lifting operations can also cause potential damage to wind turbine blades or other parts of the wind turbine. For example, if a sudden movement occurs when a wind turbine blade is near the hub, it can damage parts or components such as blades, pitch bearings, and blade fasteners.

[0014] To reduce blade vibration during lifting and installation, the use of tagline systems (sometimes called tagline systems) is known; that is, control ropes from the vessel or crane are attached to the blades to prevent vibration. However, they may not completely prevent wind-induced motion and blade vibration.

[0015] This disclosure provides examples of methods and tools that at least partially address some of the aforementioned drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0016] In one aspect, a method for mounting a wind turbine blade onto a wind turbine hub is provided. The method includes lifting the blade toward the hub and bringing the blade and hub into contact via an adaptable elastomer, such that the adaptable elastomer is compressed between the blade and the hub. The method also includes reducing the size of the adaptable elastomer so that the blade approaches the hub and mounting the blade to the hub.

[0017] According to this aspect, in the event of sudden blade movement during lifting toward the hub, an elastomer can be adapted to absorb the shock. Once in contact with the elastomer, the size of the body can be reduced (in at least one dimension) to bring the blade closer to the hub. During this process, the elastomer is compressed to the extent between the blade and the hub, and thus supports the blade relative to the hub, absorbing the relative movement between the hub or nacelle and the blade. This relative movement may be caused by, for example, gusts of wind or wave impacts in the case of offshore installation. Once the blade is sufficiently close to the hub, it can be mounted onto the hub.

[0018] As used herein, elasticity can be specifically understood as the property of a material or body to spring back or return to its shape after being bent, stretched, or compressed. The term "elastic body" should be understood as a body that is substantially flexible or elastic. The elasticity of a body allows it to absorb vibrations or shocks while maintaining its structural integrity, as well as the structural integrity of blades and hubs.

[0019] Furthermore, as used herein, adaptability can be specifically understood as the ability of a subject to change its shape, size, volume, or position. Adaptability should be understood as covering, for example, flexibility, variability, and transformability.

[0020] On the other hand, an assembly is provided for assisting in mounting wind turbine blades to a wind turbine hub. The assembly includes one or more dampers having a body having a proximal end for mounting to one of the blades and the hub, and a contact surface for contacting the other of the blades and the hub. The body is configured to vary the distance between the contact surface and the proximal end.

[0021] As used throughout this disclosure, “shock absorber” should be considered any structure that, due to its material properties, structure, or shape, possesses a degree of flexibility or resilience and thus allows the absorption of shocks, vibrations, oscillations, and relative motion of the blades relative to the hub.

[0022] In another aspect, a wind turbine rotor hub is provided, comprising a mounting surface for mounting wind turbine blades, a support plate, and a shock absorber mounted on the support plate. The shock absorber is configured to alternate between a retracted configuration in which the shock absorber does not protrude beyond the mounting surface and an extended configuration in which the shock absorber protrudes beyond the mounting surface.

[0023] Technical Solution 1. A method for mounting wind turbine blades on a wind turbine hub, comprising: Lift the blade toward the hub; The blade and the hub are brought into contact by an adaptable elastomer, such that the adaptable elastomer is compressed between the blade and the hub; Reduce the size of the adaptable elastomer so that the blade is close to the hub; and The blade is mounted onto the hub.

[0024] Technical Solution 2. The method according to Technical Solution 1, wherein the adaptable elastomer is mounted on the hub.

[0025] Technical Solution 3. The method according to Technical Solution 1 or 2, wherein mounting the blade to the hub includes introducing a plurality of fasteners on the blade into holes in a pitch bearing mounted on the hub.

[0026] Technical Solution 4. According to the method of Technical Solution 3, after at least one or more of the bolts on the blades have been introduced into the holes on the pitch bearing of the hub, the size of the adaptable elastomer is further reduced.

[0027] Technical Solution 5. The method according to Technical Solution 3 or 4, wherein one or more of the plurality of fasteners is a guide fastener that is longer than the other fasteners in the plurality of fasteners, and wherein, One of the guide fasteners is first inserted into the corresponding hole on the pitch bearing.

[0028] Technical Solution 6. The method according to any one of technical solutions 1-5 further includes aligning and / or orienting the blade relative to the hub when the adaptable elastomer is compressed between the blade and the hub.

[0029] Technical Solution 7. The method according to any one of technical solutions 1-6, wherein lifting the blade toward the hub comprises: Attach the blade retainer to the wind turbine blade; and The blade retainer is lifted using a crane.

[0030] Technical Solution 8. An assembly for assisting in mounting wind turbine blades to a wind turbine hub, the assembly comprising: One or more shock absorbers have a body having a proximal end for mounting to one of the blades and the hub, and a contact surface for contacting the other of the blades and the hub, wherein... The component is configured to change the distance between the contact surface and the proximal end.

[0031] Technical Solution 9. The component according to Technical Solution 8, wherein the main body is expandable.

[0032] Technical solution 10. The component according to technical solution 8 or 9, wherein the main body is inflatable.

[0033] Technical Solution 11. The component according to any one of technical solutions 8-10, wherein the body is configured to be mounted to the hub.

[0034] Technical Solution 12. The component according to any one of Technical Solutions 8-10, wherein the main body is configured as a septum or mounting flange mounted to a wind turbine blade.

[0035] Technical Solution 13. The component according to any one of technical solutions 8-12, wherein the main body comprises a plurality of individually expandable compartments.

[0036] Technical Solution 14. The component according to any one of technical solutions 8-13, wherein the body is elastic.

[0037] Technical Solution 15. The component according to any one of Technical Solutions 8-14 includes a plurality of shock absorbers. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Non-limiting examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A perspective view of a wind turbine based on an example is shown; Figure 2 A simplified interior view of the nacelle of a wind turbine, based on an example, is shown. Figures 3A-3C An example of a method for mounting wind turbine blades to a wind turbine hub is shown; Figure 4A and 4B Two examples of wind turbine blades carrying shock absorbers are schematically shown; Figures 5A-5E An example of a shock absorber used to mount wind turbine blades onto a hub is shown schematically; Figure 6A and Figure 6B Another example of a shock absorber in both unfolded and folded states is illustrated schematically; and Figure 7 Another example of a shock absorber is shown, which can be mounted on a hub during the installation of wind turbine blades. Detailed Implementation

[0039] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example wind turbine 160 is shown. As shown, the wind turbine 160 includes a tower 170 extending from a support surface 150, a nacelle 161 mounted on the tower 170, and a rotor 115 coupled to the nacelle 161. The rotor 115 includes a rotatable hub 110 and at least one rotor blade 120 connected to and extending outward from the hub 110. For example, in the example shown, the rotor 115 includes three rotor blades 120. However, in alternative embodiments, the rotor 115 may include more or fewer than three rotor blades 120. Each rotor blade 120 may be spaced apart from the hub 110 to allow rotation of the rotor 115 so that kinetic energy can be converted from wind into usable mechanical energy, and subsequently, into electrical energy. For example, the hub 110 may be rotatably coupled to a generator 162 located within or forming part of the nacelle 161. Figure 2 This allows for the generation of electrical energy.

[0040] The wind turbine 160 may also include a wind turbine controller 180 located at the center of the nacelle 161. However, in other examples, the wind turbine controller 180 may be located within any other component of the wind turbine 160 or at a location outside the wind turbine. Furthermore, the controller 180 may be communicatively coupled to any number of components of the wind turbine 160 to control the operation of such components.

[0041] In addition, the wind turbine 160 may include a pitch system 107 for adjusting the blade pitch (sometimes also called blade knot). Alternatively, the auxiliary drive system may include a yaw system 20 for rotating the nacelle 161 about the axis of rotation relative to the tower. Details of two examples of auxiliary drive systems are provided below. A dedicated controller 190 may be located at the center of the nacelle 161. However, in other examples, the dedicated controller 190 may be located within any other component of the wind turbine 160 or external to the wind turbine. The dedicated controller 190 may control a single auxiliary drive system or alternatively, at least two of them.

[0042] Figure 1 The 160 wind turbine can be placed offshore or onshore.

[0043] The wind turbine controller (or “central control system”) 180 may include one or more processors and associated storage devices, configured to perform various computer-implemented functions (e.g., performing methods, steps, calculations, etc., and storing relevant data as disclosed herein). The wind turbine controller can perform various functions, such as receiving, sending, and / or executing wind turbine control signals and controlling the overall operation of the wind turbine. The wind turbine controller can be programmed to control the overall operation based on information received from sensors, indicating, for example, load, wind speed, wind direction, turbulent disruption of components, etc.

[0044] The wind turbine controller may also include a communication module to facilitate communication between the controller and the components of the wind turbine and their respective control systems. That is, the wind turbine controller can communicate during operation with the pitch control system, yaw control system, converter control system, and other controllers and components.

[0045] Furthermore, the communication module may include a sensor interface (e.g., one or more analog-to-digital converters) to allow signals transmitted from one or more sensors to be converted into signals that can be understood and processed by the processor. It should be understood that sensors can be communicatively coupled to the communication module using any suitable means, such as wired or wireless connections. In this way, the processor can be configured to receive one or more signals from the sensors.

[0046] As used herein, the term "processor" refers not only to the integrated circuit included in what is known in the art as a computer, but also to controllers, microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and other programmable circuits. Processors are also configured to compute advanced control algorithms and communicate with various Ethernet or serial-based protocols (Modbus, OPC, CAN, etc.). Additionally, one or more storage devices may include one or more storage elements, including but not limited to computer-readable media (e.g., random access memory (RAM)), computer-readable non-volatile media (e.g., flash memory), magnetic disks, floppy disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), magneto-optical disks (MOD), digital versatile optical disks (DVDs), and / or other suitable storage elements. Such one or more storage devices may be configured to store suitable computer-readable instructions that, when implemented by one or more processors, configure the controller to perform the various functions described herein.

[0047] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A simplified internal view of an example nacelle 161 of a wind turbine 160. As shown, a generator 162 may be disposed within the nacelle 161. Typically, the generator 162 may be coupled to the rotor 115 of the wind turbine 160 to generate electrical energy from the rotational energy produced by the rotor 115. For example, the rotor 115 may include a main rotor shaft 163 coupled to a hub 110 to rotate therewith. The generator 162 may then be coupled to the rotor shaft 163 such that rotation of the rotor shaft 163 drives the generator 162. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the generator 162 includes a generator shaft 166 rotatably coupled to the rotor shaft 163 via a gearbox 164.

[0048] It should be understood that the rotor shaft 163, gearbox 164 and generator 162 are typically supported within the nacelle 161 by a support frame or base plate 165 located at the top of the wind turbine tower 170.

[0049] The nacelle 161 is rotatably connected to the tower 170 via a yaw system 20 in such a manner that the nacelle 161 can rotate about an axis of rotation, or "yaw axis" RA. The yaw system 20 includes a yaw bearing with two bearing components configured to rotate relative to each other. The tower 170 is connected to one of the bearing components, and the floor plate or support frame 165 of the nacelle 161 is connected to the other bearing component. The yaw system 20 includes a ring gear 21 and a plurality of yaw actuators 22 with an electric motor 23, a gearbox 24, and a pinion 25 that meshes with the ring gear 21 to rotate one of the bearing components relative to the other.

[0050] The blade 120 is connected to the hub 110 via a pitch bearing 100 located between the blade 120 and the hub 110. The pitch bearing 100 includes an inner ring and an outer ring (in... Figure 2 (As shown in Figure 3). The wind turbine blades can be attached to either the inner or outer bearing ring, while the hubs are connected to each other. When the pitch system 107 is actuated, the blades 120 can perform a relative rotational motion relative to the hub 110. The rotational motion is about the pitch axis PA and can therefore be measured in degrees, as will be explained in further detail with reference to Figure 3. Thus, the inner bearing ring can perform a rotational motion relative to the outer bearing ring. Figure 2 The pitch system 107 includes a pinion 108 that meshes with a ring gear 109 disposed on an inner bearing ring to rotate the wind turbine blades.

[0051] Even though the pitch axis is shown for a single blade, it should be clear that each blade has such a pitch axis. Furthermore, a single pitch system or multiple individual pitch systems can be used to rotate the blade about its longitudinal axis.

[0052] Figures 3A-3C An example of a method for mounting wind turbine blades to a wind turbine hub is shown.

[0053] According to one aspect, a method for mounting a wind turbine blade 10 onto a wind turbine hub 30 is provided. The method includes lifting the blade 10 toward the hub 30. The blade 10 and hub 30 are then brought into contact via an adaptable elastomer 50, such that the adaptable elastomer 50 is compressed between the blade and the hub.

[0054] Figure 3A This illustrates the case where the blade and hub are just making contact. Then, the size of the adaptable elastomer 50 is reduced so that the blade approaches the hub. This... Figure 3B The diagram is shown schematically. The blade can then be mounted onto the hub 30.

[0055] In this example and in others, the body can be adapted in a controlled or active manner, i.e., the actuator can be actuated and / or controlled so that the blade can approach the hub in a controlled manner.

[0056] In some examples, such as the one in Figure 3, an adaptable elastomer may be mounted on a hub 30. In this example, the hub 30 has a mounting flange 34. A pitch bearing 40 is mounted on the flange 34. An adaptable elastomer 50 is mounted on a support plate 32. The support plate 32 may be a pitch carrier plate that carries the pitch mechanism. Specifically, the pitch carrier plate may support a motor and gearbox assembly configured to drive a pinion. The pinion may engage with a ring gear for pitching the blades, i.e., for rotating the blades about their longitudinal axis. The ring gear may be arranged together with the blades or the pitch bearing.

[0057] The support plate or pitch carrier plate 32 can be integrally formed with the hub. Alternatively, the pitch carrier plate 32 can be arranged between the hub and the pitch bearing.

[0058] Pitch bearings may include inner and outer bearing rings, with one or more rows of rolling elements between these rings. The rolling elements may be, for example, balls or cylindrical rollers.

[0059] One of the bearing rings can be fixedly mounted to the hub, while the other bearing ring can be fixedly mounted to the blade. With this arrangement, the blade can rotate relative to the hub.

[0060] The bearing ring to be attached to the blade may have multiple holes 42 (only two holes are shown for clarity). The hub may hold the pitch bearing before the blade is lifted toward the hub.

[0061] The blade 10 may include a mounting flange 16 at the blade root 11. The blade flange 16 may carry a plurality of fasteners 18 adapted to mate with the bore 42. The fasteners may be, for example, pins, bolts, or studs. An adaptable elastomer 50 may serve as a shock absorber and may be arranged on the pitch carrier plate 32. The blade 10 may carry a septum 14 at or near the blade root 11. When the blade is brought toward the hub, the body 50 may be compressed between the septum 14 and the pitch carrier plate 32.

[0062] In some cases, when an adaptable elastomer is compressed between the blade and the hub, the blade can be aligned and / or oriented relative to the hub. The elastomer 50 can be used as a support for the blade.

[0063] Mounting the blades to the hub may involve inserting multiple fasteners from the blades into bores in the pitch bearing mounted on the hub. This is in Figure 3C It is shown schematically in the middle.

[0064] In some examples, one or more of the multiple fasteners are guide fasteners that are longer than the others, and one of the guide fasteners is first inserted into the corresponding hole on the pitch bearing. The guide pins may be larger than the other fasteners and are therefore inserted into the corresponding holes on the hub. Once these guide pins are inserted, the blades are correctly oriented relative to the hub.

[0065] In some examples, after at least one or more fasteners on the blade have been inserted into holes in the pitch bearing of the hub, the size of the adaptable elastomer can be further reduced. The remaining fasteners can then be introduced. That is, in some examples, the adaptable elastomer, in its fully expanded or deployed state, prevents any contact between the fasteners and the hub, including potentially longer guide fasteners. A first reduction of the elastomer can then be performed to bring the guide fasteners closer and enable their insertion into corresponding holes. After these guide fasteners are introduced, at least one dimension of the adaptable elastomer can be further reduced to allow attachment of other fasteners. It is possible that further reduction may be performed during or after fastener insertion, before the adaptable elastomer is removed.

[0066] In some examples, lifting the blade 10 toward the hub 30 may include attaching a blade holder (sometimes also called a blade support) to the wind turbine blade and using a crane to lift the blade holder. Specifically, the blade holder may be configured to hold the blade near its center of gravity. The blade holder may be or include slings. In some examples, the blade holder may be a gripping unit configured to grip the blade. And in some examples, the gripping unit may include one or more degrees of freedom. For example, the gripping unit may be used to rotate and / or move the blade to align the blade with the hub.

[0067] Cranes, cables, and blade retainers can be used to control the movement of the blades. This applies both before and after the blades and hub (via an elastomer) come into contact.

[0068] As can be seen in Figure 3c, the size of the main body 50 can be reduced to a size that does not protrude beyond the mounting surface of the hub to which the blades are mounted.

[0069] Once the blades have been installed, the body 50 can be removed from the pitch carrier plate to which it is mounted. In some examples, the same body 50 is attached to the pitch carrier plate of the subsequent blade to be installed. Assembly can be performed on the ground, and the pitch carrier plate can then be lifted to the corresponding flange of the hub. In other examples, multiple bodies are attached, i.e., at least one for each rotor blade.

[0070] Figure 4A and 4B Two examples of wind turbine blades carrying dampers are schematically shown. In an alternative example, one or more elastomers 60 or dampers may be mounted to the blade 10 instead of the hub. Multiple fasteners 18 may be carried at the blade root 11. Figure 4A In the example, the shock absorber 60 can be mounted on the partition 14.

[0071] In another example, such as Figure 4B One or more shock absorbers 60 may be attached to the mounting flange 16 of the blade 10. The blade flange 16 may be relatively wide to provide sufficient surface area for mounting the shock absorber 60.

[0072] Figures 5A-5E An example of a shock absorber used to mount wind turbine blades onto a hub is shown schematically.

[0073] According to one aspect, an assembly is provided for assisting in mounting a wind turbine blade to a wind turbine hub. The assembly includes one or more dampers 70 having a body having a proximal end 74 for mounting to one of the blade and the hub, and a contact surface 72 for contacting the other of the blade and the hub. The body is configured to vary the distance between the contact surface and the proximal end.

[0074] In some examples, the body may be expandable. Specifically, the body may be inflatable. In some examples, the component may include a pneumatic system for inflating and deflating the body of the shock absorber. Such a pneumatic system may be mounted on the hub or blades.

[0075] exist Figure 5B Another example of an inflatable body 80 is shown. Figure 5BIn the example, the main body includes multiple individually expandable compartments 81, 82, 83, and 84. Each compartment may include a gas supply device with a dedicated compressor to supply compressed air to the compartment.

[0076] Figure 5B The inflatable body is shown in its fully deployed state. Figure 5C The same inflatable body is shown, with some compartments no longer inflated. When the inflatable body is fully deployed, initial contact can be established between the blades and the hub. By releasing compressed air, the height of the inflatable body can be controllably reduced, compartment by compartment. This allows the blades to be brought closer to the hub.

[0077] Figure 5D Another inflatable body 90 with multiple independent compartments 91-98 is shown. In this example, the compartments are not only as... Figure 5B and 5C They are arranged on top of each other, and adjacent to each other. The shape of the inflatable body 90 can be changed by selectively inflating and deflating specific compartments. In the first case, in order to absorb the first impact, it can be arranged as follows: Figure 5D The main body is fully inflated to 90% as described above. Figure 5E As in the example, depending on the blade orientation and position, the selective compartment can be partially or completely deflated. Simultaneously, a crane and / or blade retainer can be used to push the blades toward the hub. When the size and shape of the body 90 change, corrective movements can be applied to the blades to ensure proper alignment and / or orientation of the blades with the hub.

[0078] In another example, an adaptable elastomer, such as an inflatable body 90, may include compartments in various directions. The first direction has already been described, for example, in... Figure 5B and 5C In this configuration, the compartments are stacked on top of each other in a direction substantially along the longitudinal axis of the blade to be installed. A second direction has already been described, for example in... Figure 5D and Figure 5E In this configuration, a compartment is provided along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade. In another example, this compartment may also be provided along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the blade to be mounted. For example, in the mounting plane or the plane of the pitch carrier, compartments may be provided in two directions perpendicular to each other.

[0079] On the other hand, a wind turbine rotor hub is provided, comprising a mounting surface for mounting wind turbine blades, a support plate, and a shock absorber mounted on the support plate. The shock absorber is configured to alternate between a retracted configuration in which the shock absorber does not protrude beyond the mounting surface and an extended configuration in which the shock absorber protrudes beyond the mounting surface.

[0080] In some examples, the wind turbine rotor hub may also include a pitch bearing, wherein a support plate is arranged between the hub and the pitch bearing.

[0081] In some examples, the support plate can be integrally formed with the hub.

[0082] In some examples, the shock absorber may have an inflatable body. In some examples, the wind turbine rotor hub may also include a pneumatic system for inflating and deflating the body of the shock absorber.

[0083] Figure 6A and Figure 6B Another example of a shock absorber in both deployed and folded states is illustrated schematically. In the examples shown so far, the shock absorber has been depicted as an inflatable or pressurized structure. However, other arrangements are also possible. For example, in... Figure 6A The image shows a telescopic elastomer 200. Such an elastomer 200 can be mounted, for example, to a hub or blade, as shown previously.

[0084] The shock absorber 200 may include a mounting surface at a proximal end and a resilient distal end 205 to absorb impacts between the hub and the blade. In this particular example, three separate bodies are shown. A base 201 may be attached to, for example, the hub. An intermediate body 203 may slide or otherwise move relative to the base 201. The base 201 may include suitable guides. The distal body 205 may perform a similar movement relative to the intermediate body 203. In its deployed state, the shock absorber may protrude beyond the mounting surface of the hub. Once in contact with the blade, the height of the body 200 may be reduced so that the blade can approach the hub.

[0085] In the folded or retracted state, the shock absorber 200 does not protrude beyond the mounting surface of the hub, and therefore the blades can be mounted. The transition from the retracted state to the deployed state can include inflation (in the case of an inflatable body or shock absorber), deployment, telescopic withdrawal, expansion, hydraulic actuation, or other methods.

[0086] Figure 7 Another example of a shock absorber 5 is shown, which can be mounted on a hub during the installation of wind turbine blades. Figure 7 In the example, the shape of the damper, or at least a portion thereof, may be complementary to a portion of a wind turbine blade. A male-female connection may be established between a portion of the damper (e.g., the furthest portion) and a portion of the blade (e.g., the inner edge 16 of the blade flange).

[0087] In this particular example, the shock absorber may include two separate, essentially cylindrical compartments 52 and 54. However, this is merely one possible example.

[0088] In other examples, the shock absorber can be mounted on the wind turbine blade, and its shape can be adapted to engage with, for example, a portion of a pitch carrier plate.

[0089] The male-female connection, as illustrated in this article, can help center the wind turbine blades relative to the hub.

[0090] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including preferred embodiments, and also enables those skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be included within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the literal language of the claims. Those skilled in the art can mix and match aspects from the various embodiments described, as well as other known equivalents for each such aspect, to construct other embodiments and techniques based on the principles of this application. If reference numerals associated with the drawings are placed in parentheses in the claims, they are only for the purpose of increasing the comprehensibility of the claims and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for mounting wind turbine blades onto a wind turbine hub, comprising: Lift the blade toward the hub; The blade and the hub are brought into contact by an adaptable elastomer, such that the adaptable elastomer is compressed between the blade and the hub; The size of the adaptable elastomer is reduced so that the blade approaches the hub in a controllable manner; as well as Mounting the blade to the hub includes, after bringing the blade and the hub into contact via the adaptable elastomer, introducing a plurality of fasteners on the blade into holes in a pitch bearing mounted on the hub.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The adaptable elastomer is mounted on the hub.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein after at least one or more of the fasteners on the blade have been introduced into the holes on the pitch bearing of the hub, the size of the adaptable elastomer is further reduced.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, One or more of the plurality of fasteners is a guide fastener that is longer than the other fasteners in the plurality of fasteners, and wherein, One of the guide fasteners is first inserted into the corresponding hole on the pitch bearing.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising aligning and / or orienting the blade relative to the hub when the adaptable elastomer is compressed between the blade and the hub.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Lifting the blade toward the hub includes: Attach the blade retainer to the wind turbine blade; and The blade retainer is lifted using a crane.

7. An assembly for assisting in mounting wind turbine blades to a wind turbine hub, the assembly comprising: One or more shock absorbers have a body having a proximal end for mounting to one of the blades and the hub, and a contact surface for contacting the other of the blades and the hub, wherein... The component is configured to establish contact between the blade and the hub before introducing a plurality of fasteners on the blade into the bore of a pitch bearing mounted on the hub, and wherein the component is configured to controllably change the distance between the contact surface and the proximal end.

8. The component according to claim 7, wherein, The subject is expandable.

9. The component according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The main body is inflatable.

10. The component according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The main body is configured to be mounted onto the hub.

11. The component according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The main body is configured as a partition or mounting flange to be installed onto the wind turbine blade.

12. The component according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The main body includes multiple individually expandable compartments.

13. The component according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The main body is elastic.

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