Method for installing or removing a wind turbine component

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for installing or removing components (314, 322) of a wind turbine (3), the method comprising fastening two or more wind turbine components (314, 322) to respective receiving structures (319, 323) of the wind turbine, or releasing the components (314, 322) from the respective receiving structures (319, 323), respectively, characterized in that, before fastening the components (314, 322), or after releasing the components, the components (314, 322) are lifted simultaneously so as to be carried by a lifting rope (441) of a crane (1), wherein the mutual orientation of the components during the lifting of the components is substantially the same as the mutual orientation of the components when the components are fastened to the respective receiving structures (319, 323).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for installing or removing components of a wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] It is known that a horizontal axis wind turbine has a generator in a nacelle on top of a tower, wherein a rotor having a substantially horizontal axis is mounted to the nacelle and arranged to drive the generator. The nacelle is typically arranged to rotate relative to the tower to orient the rotor into the wind.

[0003] As the size of horizontal axis wind turbines continues to increase, the challenges of handling components of the wind turbine (e.g., during installation or repair) increase. For example, such handling may require the use of very large cranes, which can result in increased costs and increased usage times. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An object of the present invention is to facilitate the handling of wind turbine components. Another object of the present invention is to reduce the installation time of wind turbine components.

[0005] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for installing or removing components of a wind turbine. The method comprises the steps of fastening two or more wind turbine components to respective receiving structures of the wind turbine, or releasing the components from the respective receiving structures, separately. The method further comprises, before fastening the components, or after releasing the components, lifting the components simultaneously so as to be carried by the lifting ropes of a crane. During the lifting of the components, the relative orientation of the components is substantially the same as the relative orientation of the components when fastened to the respective receiving structures.

[0006] Fastening the components to the respective receiving structures separately may include fastening the components to the respective receiving structures individually. Releasing the components from the respective receiving structures separately may include releasing the components from the respective receiving structures individually.

[0007] Fastening the components to the respective receiving structures may provide the components finally installed in the wind turbine. Fastening the components to the respective receiving structures may provide the components fixed in the wind turbine.

[0008] Lifting two or more components simultaneously will save installation time. In addition, since the relative orientation of the components during lifting is substantially the same as the relative orientation of the components when fastened to the corresponding receiving structures, the components will be aligned when they reach the receiving structures during installation, as they are aligned in the final installation. Thus, the need to move the components relative to each other to reach their corresponding receiving structures can be minimized. In addition, when removing components from the wind turbine, the need to move the components relative to each other can be minimized. This will reduce the installation time of the wind turbine components.

[0009] Preferably, during the lifting step, the spatial relationship of the components is substantially the same as the spatial relationship of the components when fastened to the corresponding receiving structures. Thus, as the components are fastened to the corresponding receiving structures, the position of one component relative to the positions of the other components during the lifting step will be substantially the same. Thus, the components can be lifted in their final installed spatial relationship. Thus, the need to move the components relative to each other to reach their corresponding receiving structures or when removing components from the wind turbine can be further minimized or even eliminated.

[0010] It should be noted that in some embodiments, as illustrated below, the distance between the components during the lifting step may be slightly greater or smaller than the distance between the components when fastened to the corresponding receiving structures. However, herein, even with such small distance deviations, the spatial relationship of the components during the lifting step is still considered to be substantially the same as the spatial relationship of the components when fastened to the corresponding receiving structures.

[0011] During the lifting of the components, the components are arranged with one component above the other. Thus, the relative orientation of the components can be such that the component that is above when the components are lifted is also above the other component when the components are fastened to the corresponding receiving structures. Thus, the components can be lifted in a vertical stack. Thus, the components can be installed one above the other. The wind turbine can have multiple components installed one above the other. For example, the components are installed one above the other in the nacelle. By lifting the components (one above the other), the operating time of the crane can be reduced. Thus, the overall installation time and cost can be reduced.

[0012] In some embodiments, the step of fastening the components includes fastening one of the components while at least one other component remains carried by the lifting rope. Thereby, sequential fastening of the components is provided. This will allow for accurate positioning of the components during installation. Moreover, this will allow for a smooth installation process. Similarly, the step of releasing the components can include releasing one of the components while at least one other component is carried by the lifting rope. This will allow for a smooth component removal process.

[0013] Preferably, the lifting device is arranged to be suspended in the lifting rope and the components are suspended independently of the lifting device during lifting of the components. Thereby, the components can be suspended individually from the same lifting equipment. This will facilitate fastening one of the components while at least one other component remains carried by the lifting rope. Moreover, releasing one of the components while at least one other component is carried by the lifting rope can be facilitated by the individual suspension relative to the lifting device. The lifting device can be a lifting yoke. The lifting device can be a crane hook. The lifting device can be a combination of a lifting yoke and a crane hook.

[0014] Preferably, during the lifting step, when the lower component among the components is lifted below the upper component among the components, there is one or more through openings in the upper component. Thereby, one or more suspension ropes by which the lower component is suspended from the lifting device can extend through corresponding ones of the one or more through openings. Thereby, even if the upper component is between the lower component and the lifting device, it is beneficial for the individual suspension of the components.

[0015] Preferably, during the lifting step, when the lower component among the components is lifted below the upper component among the components, the vertical distance between the lower component and the upper component is greater or smaller during the lifting step than when fastened to the corresponding receiving structure. Preferably, during the period when the lower component is fastened to or released from the receiving structure of the lower component, the upper component is above the position where the upper component is located when the upper component is fastened to the receiving structure of the upper component.

[0016] This is particularly advantageous when the lifting device is arranged to be suspended in the lifting rope and the components are suspended independently of the lifting device during the lifting step. In the case where the vertical distance between the components during the lifting step is greater than the vertical distance between the components at the time of final installation, the lower component can be fastened to its receiving structure while the upper component remains suspended from the lifting rope. The shorter distance can be achieved by a suspension rope between the upper component and the lifting device (e.g., the lifting yoke) that is shorter than the suspension rope required to provide exactly the same inter-component distance when the components are finally installed. When fastening the lower component, the suspended upper component can be easily maneuvered to be correctly positioned for fastening to its receiving structure. When the lower component is fixed, the upper component can be lowered onto its receiving structure. This allows for an accurate and smooth installation process.

[0017] Similarly, during component removal, the upper component can be released from its receiving structure while the lower component remains fixed to its receiving structure. Subsequently, the upper component can be lifted and allowed to be suspended from the lifting rope while the lower component is released from its receiving structure. This allows for a smooth component removal process.

[0018] It should be noted that during the lifting step, when the vertical distance between the components is less than the vertical distance when the components are finally installed, the upper component can be fastened to its receiving structure while the lower component remains suspended from the lifting rope.

[0019] In some embodiments, during the lifting step, when the lower component among the components is lifted below the upper component among the components and the lower component is suspended from the crane lifting rope via a lifting device such as a lifting yoke, the upper component is at least partially supported on the lower component. Thus, the upper component can be at least partially supported on the lower component via at least one support element. The support element can be provided in any suitable form, such as legs or some other form of distance device. Therefore, the upper component can at least partially rest on the first component. In some embodiments, the lower component supports the entire weight of the upper component such that the upper component can rest completely on the lower component. In other embodiments, a part of the weight of the upper component can be carried by a suspension rope that extends from the upper component to the lifting device carried by the lifting rope. Thus, before fastening the upper component (e.g., when fastening the lower component), a safe environment can be provided for the workers working below the upper component.

[0020] In the case where the upper component is at least partially supported on the lower component, the components can be removed as follows: The upper component can be lifted, for example, by a suspension rope to a lifting device carried by the lifting rope. Subsequently, one or more support elements can be placed on the lower component. Subsequently, the upper component can be lowered so as to rest on the support elements. Subsequently, the lower component can be lifted, suspended from the crane lifting rope, while the upper component is supported on the lower component.

[0021] The first component in the components can be a main component adapted to be accommodated in the nacelle of a wind turbine. The wind turbine main component can be a generator, a transformer, an electrical cabinet, a drivetrain component, or a combination thereof. The drivetrain component can be a gearbox, a rotor shaft, a main bearing housing, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the first component can be an assembled drivetrain for a wind turbine. The drivetrain can include a rotor shaft, a main bearing housing, and a gearbox. The second component in the components can be the top element of the nacelle or a part of the top of the nacelle. The top can be a top cover, a top section, a covering panel, or a hatch for the nacelle of a wind turbine. The top element can be lifted above the main component. Thereby, certain advantages are obtained during the removal and installation processes of certain wind turbine components. When removing and / or installing the main component, the nacelle top element can be removed to access the main component from above. Removing the top element first and lowering it to the ground and then removing the main component requires a relatively large amount of time and thus cost. Embodiments of the present invention provide for lifting the top element together with the main component, thus saving time. Additionally, since the top element can be lifted above the main component, they are lifted in the same orientation relative to each other as when installed. Thus, the components do not need to be moved to any significant extent within the wind turbine before or after the lifting step.

[0022] Moreover, in the case where the top element (also referred to herein as the top covering device) is lifted above the main component, the main component can obtain increased protection against weather factors during the installation or removal process. For example, embodiments of the present invention allow the nacelle to be closed immediately or shortly after the main component has been installed. This will reduce the risk of the main component being damaged by rain or snow entering the nacelle before the top covering device has been installed.

[0023] Preferably, the area-to-mass ratio of the first component in the assembly is less than 40% of the area-to-mass ratio of the second component in the assembly. Preferably, the area-to-mass ratio of the first component is less than 25% of the area-to-mass ratio of the second component, more preferably less than 15%, e.g., about 10%. Each area-to-mass ratio may be the maximum area of the two-dimensional projection of the corresponding component divided by the mass of the corresponding component. In the case where the second component is relatively light and has a relatively large size, it may be difficult to perform a lifting operation using only the second component, e.g., due to gusts of wind moving the component. This can pose a safety issue. By lifting the second component together with the first component, where the area-to-mass ratio of the first component is less than 40% of the area-to-mass ratio of the second component, the second component can be stabilized by the first component during the lifting step. Thereby, the lifting operation can be improved. The second component can be lifted above the first component. The first component can thereby be used to stabilize or anchor the second component. Thereby, safety can be enhanced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, where

[0025] Figure 1 a perspective view of a wind turbine is shown,

[0026] Figure 2 showing Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of a nacelle of the wind turbine in

[0027] Figure 3 a perspective view of a crane for installing or removing a component of the wind turbine in Figure 1 is shown,

[0028] Figures 4 to 7 a perspective view of a component when being handled by the crane in Figure 3 is shown,

[0029] Figure 8 is a block diagram depicting steps in a method for installing a component in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in Figures 4 to 7 and

[0030] Figure 9 a perspective view of a component when being handled by the crane in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention in Figure 3 is shown.

[0031] Figure 10 An illustrative view of a support element of a portion in accordance with the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] For Figure 1For reference. The wind turbine 3 may include a base 301 and a tower 302 coupled to the base 301 at its lower end. A nacelle 303 may be provided at the apex of the tower 302. A rotor 304 may be operably coupled to a generator housed within the nacelle 303. The rotor 304 of the wind turbine 3 may serve as the prime mover of the electromechanical system of the wind turbine. In addition to the generator, the nacelle 303 may house various components required to convert wind energy into electrical energy. The nacelle 303 may also house various components required to operate, control, and optimize the performance of the wind turbine 3. Although an onshore wind turbine 3 is shown in Figure 1 , it should be appreciated that aspects of the present invention may also be used for offshore wind turbines. The rotor 304 of the wind turbine 3 may include a central hub 305 and at least one blade 306 projecting outwardly from the central hub 305. In a representative embodiment, the rotor 304 includes three blades 306, but this number may vary. The wind turbine may be a horizontal axis wind turbine. The blades 306 may be configured to interact with the passing airflow to generate a lifting force that causes the rotor 304 to rotate about a substantially horizontal axis 307.

[0033] Figure 2 A sectional view of the nacelle 303 is shown. The rotor shaft 311 may be supported by two or more bearings in a shaft housing 312, also referred to herein as the main bearing housing. The rotor shaft 311 may be arranged to connect the rotor 304 to a gearbox 313. The generator 314 may be connected to the gearbox 313 via a high-speed shaft 315.

[0034] The nacelle may be connected to the tower 302 via a yaw system. The yaw system may include a yaw bearing 316. The shaft housing 312 may be mounted on top of the yaw bearing 316.

[0035] The nacelle 303 may include a lower nacelle structure 317. The lower nacelle structure may be fixed to the shaft housing 312. The lower nacelle structure 317 may support the gearbox 313. Thus, the lower nacelle structure 317 may form a structure referred to herein as a receiving structure for the gearbox 313.

[0036] A generator support structure 319 may be arranged to support the generator 314. Thus, the generator support structure 319 may form a structure referred to herein as a receiving structure for the generator 314. The generator support structure 319 may be supported by the lower nacelle structure 317.

[0037] The nacelle 303 may include a housing 318. The housing 318 may enclose components within the nacelle. On the top side of the nacelle 303, the housing 318 may have an opening 321. In this example, the opening is located above the generator 314. The size of the opening 321 may be adapted to lift the generator 314 through the opening. The nacelle may also include a cover panel 322 adapted to cover the opening 321. A plurality of columns 323 may form a receiving structure for the cover panel 322. The columns 323 may be supported by the generator support structure 319. In this example, the receiving structure for the cover panel 322 includes four columns 323.

[0038] Figure 3 A crane 1 is shown. The crane may include a lifting rope 441. A lifting device (e.g., a yoke 442) may be suspended from the lifting rope 441. The crane may be used to install or remove components of the wind turbine 3.

[0039] The crane may include a chassis 101. The chassis may be arranged to be supported by the ground. The crane may be a mobile crane. The crane may include an over carriage 102. The over carriage 102 may be arranged above the chassis 101. The over carriage 102 may be connected to the chassis 101 via a slewing bearing 103. The over carriage 102 may be arranged to rotate relative to the chassis 101 about a substantially vertical axis by means of the slewing bearing 103.

[0040] The crane may include an elongate boom assembly 4. The boom assembly may be mounted on the over carriage 102. The boom assembly may include one or more boom segments 401, 402. The boom assembly may include a first boom segment 401 and a second boom segment 402, as Figure 3 shown. The first boom segment may form a main boom 401. The second boom segment may form a jib 402. In the erected state of the boom assembly, the lower end of the second boom segment 402 may be connected to the upper end of the first boom segment 401. The lower end of the second boom section may be connected to the first boom segment via a flexible section joint 421. This may allow the second boom section to pitch relative to the first boom section. The pitching may be performed by means of a jib guy rope 431. The boom assembly 4 may be connected to the over carriage 102 via an assembly joint 422. More specifically, the lower end of the first boom segment 401 may be connected to the over carriage 102 via the assembly joint 422. This may allow the first boom segment 401 to pitch relative to the over carriage 102. Such pitching may be performed by means of a boom guy rope 432.

[0041] The crane can be adapted to hold loads 314, 322 suspended from the boom assembly. In this example, the loads include a plurality of components for a wind turbine. More specifically, in this example, the loads include a generator 314 and a cover panel 322, as further exemplified below. The loads 314, 322 can be suspended from a lifting device 442. The crane 1 can be adapted to hold loads 314, 322 suspended from a second boom section 402. The crane can be adapted to hold a load suspended from the upper end of the second boom section 402. The crane can be adapted to carry the loads 314, 322 by means of a lifting rope 441. The height of the load 2 can be controlled by a winding drum 412. The winding drum 412 can be provided on the upper carriage 102. Thus, the winding drum 412 can be arranged to wind in or out the lifting rope 411.

[0042] Reference Figures 4 to 8 , embodiments of a method for installing wind turbine components according to the present invention will be described.

[0043] The components 314, 322 can be placed on the ground. The lifting device 442 can be arranged to be suspended from a crane hook 443, for example as Figure 4 shown. The components in this example are a generator 314 and a cover panel 322. These components are also referred to herein as a first component 314 and a second component 322. The components are arranged to be suspended individually from the lifting device 442 during lifting of the components. During lifting of the components, these components can be arranged one above the other. For this purpose, the second component 322 can be arranged to be suspended from the lifting device 442 by means of one or more second component suspension ropes 444, as Figure 4 shown. The second component suspension ropes 444 can be slings, ropes, chains or any other suitable type of rope. Thereby, the second component 314 can be assembled S1 to the lifting device 442 by means of one or more second component suspension ropes 444.

[0044] The second component can be a cover panel 322. The cover panel can have a rectangular shape. Each of the second component suspension ropes 444 (four in this example) can extend from a respective corner of the cover panel 322 to the lifting device 442. The lifting device can be provided as an elongated horizontal boom. Two of the second component suspension ropes 444 can be connected to one end of the lifting device 44, and the other two of the second component suspension ropes 444 can be connected to the other end of the lifting device 442.

[0045] Subsequently, the second component 322 can be moved S2 by means of a crane to a position above the first component 314. Thus, the second component 322 can be suspended from the lifting device 442 by means of the second component suspension rope 444. Subsequently, the first component 314 can be arranged to be suspended from the lifting device 442 by means of one or more first component suspension ropes 445, as Figure 4 shown. The first component suspension ropes 445 can be slings, ropes, chains, or any other suitable type of rope. Thus, the first component 314 can be assembled S3 to the lifting device 442 by means of one or more first component suspension ropes 445.

[0046] The first component can be the generator 314. Each of the first component suspension ropes 445 (four in this example among the first component suspension ropes) can extend from a corresponding fastening means (e.g., a lug) on the generator 314 to the lifting device 442. Two of the first component suspension ropes 445 can be connected to one end of the lifting device 44, and the other two of the first component suspension ropes 445 can be connected to the other end of the lifting device 442.

[0047] While the second component 322 is positioned above the first component 314, the connection of the first component suspension ropes 445 to the lifting device can be completed. The second component 322 can have one or more through openings 3221. Thus, the first component suspension ropes 445 can extend through the corresponding through openings 3221.

[0048] Subsequently, the stacked components 314, 322 can be lifted S4. The stacked components can be lifted to their installation positions. Thus, these components are lifted simultaneously so as to be carried by the lifting rope 441. Thus, the directional interrelationship of the components 314, 322 during the lifting of the components can be substantially the same as the directional interrelationship of the components when fastened to the corresponding receiving structures 319, 323 ( Figure 2 ). More specifically, in this example, the first component 314 is lifted below the second component 322, and when the components are fastened to the corresponding receiving structures, the first component is below the second component. The first component 314 can also be referred to as the lower component, and the second component 322 can also be referred to as the upper component. During the lifting of the components, the spatial interrelationship of the components can be substantially the same as the spatial interrelationship of the components when fastened to the corresponding receiving structures.

[0049] In some embodiments, the crane hook 443 can form the lifting device 442. Thus, the components can be arranged to be suspended individually from the crane hook 443 during the lifting of the components.

[0050] The area-to-mass ratio of the first component 314 (e.g., a generator) can be significantly less than the area-to-mass ratio of the second component 322 (e.g., a cover plate). Preferably, the area-to-mass ratio of the first component 314 is less than 40% of the area-to-mass ratio of the second component 322. Herein, each area-to-mass ratio is the maximum area of the two-dimensional projection of the corresponding component divided by the mass of the corresponding component. Thus, the first component can be used to anchor the second component during the lifting of the components, as also described above. Accordingly, the lifting process may be less sensitive to gusts of wind and the like that tend to interfere with the second component 322, and thus there is a relatively high area-to-mass ratio.

[0051] It should be noted that each of the components 314, 322 can be connected to the lifting device 442 by any number of suitable suspension ropes 444, 445 (e.g., two, three, four, or more). In some embodiments, the crane hook 443 can form the lifting device. Thus, the suspension ropes 444, 445 can be engaged in the crane hook 443. In some embodiments, the lifting device can include one or more main links or similar devices. Thus, the suspension ropes can be connected to the crane hook by means of the main link. The main link can be a loop, e.g., oval, for connecting multiple suspension ropes. The main link can allow the suspension ropes to be attached to the crane hook.

[0052] It should be noted that the components can be any suitable type of wind turbine component. For example, the first component can be a nacelle main component, such as a gearbox, a generator, a main bearing housing, or any combination thereof. For example, the second component can be a nacelle top covering device, such as a top cover for a wind turbine nacelle, a nacelle top section, a covering panel, or a hatch.

[0053] Subsequently, in this example, the components can be fastened to their respective receiving structures in the nacelle 303 ( Figure 2 ). To this end, the first component 314 is located on its receiving structure 319, e.g., as Figure 5 shown. Subsequently, the first component 314 is fastened S5 to the receiving structure 319 of the first component.

[0054] Preferably, the distance between the components 314, 322 is greater during the lifting of the components than when fastened to the respective receiving structures. Preferably, the difference in distance is relatively small. The difference between the distance between the components during the lifting of the components and the distance between the components when the components are fastened to the respective receiving structures can be at least one order of magnitude less than the maximum extension of the components. Thus, during the lifting of the components, the spatial interrelationship of the components can be substantially the same as the spatial interrelationship when fastened to the respective receiving structures.

[0055] As Figure 5As shown, in the case where the distance between components 314 and 322 during the lifting of the components is greater than the distance between components 314 and 322 when fastened to the corresponding receiving structures 319 and 323, the position of the second component 322 during fastening of the first component to the receiving structure 319 of the first component can be higher than the position that the second component 322 has when the second component is fastened to the receiving structure 323 of the second component. Thus, when the first component 314 is fastened, the second component 322 can still be suspended and still be maneuvered to its position on its receiving structure 323. This maneuvering is illustrated by the double arrows A and B in Figure 5 This is illustrated by the double arrows A and B in

[0056] Accordingly, the step of fastening the components includes fastening one of the components while at least one other component is still carried by the lifting ropes. Subsequently, the second component 322 is located on its receiving structure 323, for example, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is shown in Figure 7 Accordingly, the first component suspension rope 445 can be slack, for example, as shown in

[0057] Subsequently, the second component 322 is fastened S6 to the receiving structure 323 of the second component. Subsequently, the suspension ropes 444 and 445 can be detached from the components. Subsequently, when the lifting device 442 moves away, the suspension ropes 444 and 445 can follow the lifting device 442.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the components are removed from a wind turbine. For example, using the components and devices described with reference to Figures 1 to 7 This can be accomplished as follows:

[0058] The second component 314 can be assembled to the lifting device 442 by means of one or more second component suspension ropes 444. The first component 314 can be assembled to the lifting device 442 by means of one or more first component suspension ropes 445. Subsequently, the second component 322 can be released from the receiving structure 323 of the second component. Subsequently, the first component 314 can be released from the receiving structure 319 for the first component.

[0059] Subsequently, the stacked components 314 and 322 can be lifted. Thus, these components can be lifted simultaneously to be carried by the lifting ropes 441, wherein during the lifting of the components, the directional relationship between the components is substantially the same as the directional relationship between the components when fastened to the corresponding receiving structures.

[0060] Subsequently, the first component can be placed on the ground. Subsequently, the first component 314 can be released from the first component suspension rope 445, while the second component 322 is carried by the lifting rope 441. Subsequently, the second component 322 can be moved away from a position above the first component 314 by means of a crane. The second component can be placed on the ground. Subsequently, the second component 322 can be released from the second component suspension rope 444.

[0061] Figure 9 Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted. During the lifting of the components, the upper component (i.e., the second component 322) can be supported on the lower component (i.e., the first component 314) via at least one support element 446. The support element 446 can include more than one support member 612, as Figure 9 or Figure 10 illustrated. Thus, the lower component 314 can be suspended from the crane lifting rope 441, and the upper component 322 can be supported on the lower component 314. In some embodiments, additional control of the upper component 322 can be provided, for example, by the upper component suspension rope 444 connected between the upper component 322 and the lifting device 442, while the upper component 322 is simultaneously supported on the lower component 314. The lifting rope 445 between the lifting device 442 and the lower component 314 can extend through an opening 3221 in the upper component 322. In an embodiment, the support element 446 can be telescopic. In particular, the support members 612 of the support element 446 can be telescopic. In particular, the support element 446 or the support members 612 can be extendable and / or retractable. For example, the support member 612 can include a length adjuster 622 to extend or shorten the length of the support member 612 of the support element 446, thereby increasing or decreasing the effective separation distance between the upper component 322 and the lower component 314. In one embodiment, the support element 446 can include a plurality of support members 612. Preferably, the support element 446 can include two spaced-apart support members 612, each supporting a relative end of the upper component 322. For example, one support member 612 can be positioned on each side of the gearbox 313. The top of the nacelle can be supported on the top of the gearbox 313 via a pair of support members 612.

[0062] Each support member 612 can preferably be length-adjustable as described above to allow the upper component 322 to descend to its final position in a controlled manner. The length adjuster 622 of the support member 612 can include a jack, for example, a hydraulic jack or a worm gear type jack. In Figure 10In one illustrated embodiment, the support member 612 includes an upright column 632 extending between the lower member 314 and the upper member 322. The upright column 632 can be specifically removably fixed to the lower member 314. The upright column 632 can include attachment feet 634 for removably attaching to the lower member 314. The attachment feet can be configured to directly attach to a portion of the lower member 314. The column 632 can thus be directly supported on the lower member 314. In an embodiment, a support shoe can be fitted to the lower member 314. The attachment feet 634 can be supported on the support shoe of the lower member.

[0063] In Figure 10 the embodiment, the upright column 632 is in the form of a central column of the support member 612 and can be telescopic. In particular, the telescopic upright column 632 can include a length adjuster 622 driven by a lead screw or a hydraulic piston. For example, the lead screw can be driven by a motor at the upright column 632. The lead screw drive motor can be provided at the foot 634 of the column 632. The upright column 632 can house a gear unit. The lead screw for adjusting the length of the support member 612 can be driven from the gear unit. The gear unit can be housed at the foot 634 of the upright column 632. The gear unit can be actuated by a drive motor in the upright column 634. Alternatively, an external motor can be applied to the gear unit to drive the lead screw and actuate the extension or shortening of the length adjuster 622, thereby actuating the extension or shortening of the support member 612. For example, a hand drill can be used as the motor of the gear unit to actuate the lifting movement of the length adjuster 622. Alternatively, the length adjuster 622 can be hydraulic. The length adjuster can include a hydraulic motor. The hydraulic motor can be housed in or at the upright column 632. The hydraulic motor can be housed in or at the foot 634 of the upright column 632. The length adjuster 622 can be actuated manually or using a control switch device.

[0064] Optionally, the upper member 322 can be supported on the support element 446 via a lateral adjustment element 648. In particular, the support element 446 can include one or more lateral adjustment elements 648 on which the upper member 322 rests during lifting. With the lower member 314 in the proper position in the nacelle, the upper member 322 is then aligned to be precisely positioned in its location. With the upper member 322 properly aligned to position the length adjuster 622 at the support element 446 (e.g., at its support member 612), the upper member 322 can be actuated to retract the support member 612, thereby lowering the upper member 322 to its final position. With the upper member 322 in place (e.g., on the wind turbine nacelle), the support element 446 and / or any other fasteners can be removed.

[0065] The interface between the upper component 322 and the support element 446 may include lateral adjustment elements 648 in the form of ball transfer units. These lateral adjustment elements may optionally be telescopic. When a lateral adjustment of the position of the upper component is required, the ball transfer units can be brought into an extended position in which they allow a lateral position adjustment of the upper component while still maintaining the upper component 322 supported on the support element 446 during its positioning.

[0066] In addition to the upright column 632, the support member 612 may also include a lateral arm 642 connected to the upright column 632. The lateral arm 642 may provide support for the upper component 322 on the upright column 632. The lateral arm 642 may extend from one lateral side of the upright column 632 or, preferably, it may extend in opposite lateral directions from the upright column 632. The lateral arm 642 may be a composite arm, i.e., it may be articulated, for example, at or near its midpoint. The lateral arm 642 may be articulated at the junction between the lateral arm 642 and the upright column 632, for example, at or near its midpoint. The articulation may be a double articulation, for example, in the case of an arm 642 extending away from the upright column 632 in two directions (e.g., in opposite lateral directions). The lateral arm 642 may be telescopic. The lateral arm 642 may be supported on one or more piers 643 that extend between the lateral arm 642 and the upright column 632. The piers 643 may be translated vertically up and down along the support column 632. One or more piers 643 may be locked in a support position at a location between the upper part of the upright column 632 and the foot 634. Thus, the support member 612 and thus the support element 446 may be collapsible, for example, for easy handling and storage during assembly, disassembly, or when not in use.

[0067] Preferably, the upper component 322 and the lower component 324 are fastened and suspended together such that the lateral movement of the upper component 322 is constrained by the influence of the suspended mass of the lower component 314. In particular, when the mass of the lower component is greater than the mass of the upper component. For example, a lateral gust of wind may tend to laterally push the suspended upper component 322, but this effect can be counteracted or neutralized by the resistance to lateral movement of the suspended lower component 314. The resistance to lateral movement of the upper component 322 can be provided by means of the support element 446 between the lower component 314 and the upper component 322 or by means of a lifting rope 445 passing through the upper component 322.

[0068] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, many changes and modifications can be made to the above and other embodiments of the present invention without departing from its scope as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for installing or removing a component (314, 322) of a wind turbine (3), the method comprising: Two or more wind turbine components (314, 322) are respectively fastened to corresponding receiving structures (319, 323) of the wind turbine, or the components (314, 322) are respectively released from the corresponding receiving structures (319, 323), characterized in that, before fastening the components (314, 322), or after releasing the components, the components (314, 322) are simultaneously lifted so as to be carried by a lifting rope (441) of a crane (1), wherein during the lifting of the components (314, 322), the spatial relationship between the components is substantially the same as the spatial relationship between the components when the components are fastened to the corresponding receiving structures (319, 323), and wherein during the lifting of the components (314, 322), the upper component (322) is lifted above the lower component (314), wherein during the lifting of the components (314, 322), the lower component (314) among the components is lifted below the upper component (322) among the components, and the lower component is suspended from the lifting rope (441) of the crane, and the upper component (322) is at least partially supported on the lower component (314) via at least one support element (446).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, During the lifting of the components, the spatial relationship between the components (314, 322) is substantially the same as the spatial relationship between the components (314, 322) when the components are fastened to the corresponding receiving structures (319, 323).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Fastening the components (314, 322) includes: fastening one of the components (314), while at least one other component (322) remains carried by the lifting rope.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Releasing the components (314, 322) includes: releasing one of the components (314), while at least one other component (322) is carried by the lifting rope.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Lifting devices (442, 443) are arranged to be suspended in the lifting rope (441), and during the lifting of the components, the components (314, 322) are suspended independently of the lifting devices (442, 443).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein During the lifting of the components (314, 322), the lower component (314) among the components is lifted below the upper component (322) among the components, and the upper component has one or more through openings (3221), wherein one or more suspension ropes (445) used to suspend the lower component (314) from the lifting devices (442, 443) extend through corresponding ones of the one or more through openings.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein During the lifting of the components (314, 322), the lower component (314) among the components is lifted below the upper component (322) among the components, and the vertical distance between the lower component (314) and the upper component (322) during the lifting of these components is greater than or less than the vertical distance when these components are fastened to the corresponding receiving structures (319, 323).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein During the fastening of the lower component (314) to the receiving structure (319) of the lower component or the release from the receiving structure (319) of the lower component, the upper component (322) is located above the position that the upper component has when the upper component is fastened to the receiving structure (323) of the upper component.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The support element (446) is telescopic.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The upper component (322) is supported on the support element (446) via a lateral adjustment element (648).

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper component (314) is a main component adapted to be accommodated in the nacelle of the wind turbine, and the lower component (322) is a top covering device of the nacelle.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The upper component (314) is a power train or a power train component.

13. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The area-to-mass ratio of the first component (314) among the components is less than 40% of the area-to-mass ratio of the second component (322) among the components.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein Each area-to-mass ratio is the maximum area of the two-dimensional projection of the corresponding component (314, 322) divided by the mass of the corresponding component.

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