Method for transporting a wind turbine blade

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for handling a blade (11) of a horizontal axis wind turbine (1), the blade extending longitudinally between a blade root (111) and a blade tip (112), the method comprising: supporting the blade (11) by means of one or more cranes (3); moving the supported blade (11) by means of the one or more cranes (3) so that the supported blade is placed on one or more first support elements (4111) of a first support device (411) and one or more second support elements (4121) of a second support device (412); removing the support of the one or more cranes (3) so that the blade (11) is supported by the one or more first support elements (4111) and the one or more second support elements (4121) on which the blade is placed, the second support device (412) being positioned between the blade root (111) and the blade tip (112), and the first support device (411) being positioned closer to the blade root compared to the second support device; moving the first support device (411) and the second support device (412) to move the blade (11) supported by the first support elements (4111) and the second support elements (4121), and / or moving a third support device (413) so that the third support device (413) assumes a support position between the second support device (412) and the blade tip (112); and, with the third support device (413) in the support position, removing the support of the one or more second support elements (4121) so that the blade (11) is supported by one or more third support elements (4131) of the third support device and by the one or more first support elements (4111).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for handling blades of a horizontal axis wind turbine and an apparatus for handling one or more blades of a horizontal axis wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] A horizontal axis wind turbine typically includes a tower that supports a nacelle to which a rotor is mounted. The rotor includes one or more wind turbine blades that extend radially from a central hub.

[0003] Sometimes it is necessary to service or repair one or more of the blades of a wind turbine. The reason may be that the leading edge protection on the blade needs to be renewed. Another reason may be that the blade has suffered damage that requires repair.

[0004] These blades are typically removed from and installed on the wind turbine with the aid of a crane. Thereby, the blade can be suspended from a crane boom. To service or repair the blade, a support device that allows the blade to rotate about the longitudinal extension of the blade can be used. Such a support device can be engaged with the blade when the blade is suspended by the crane. Thus, the suspension can allow the blade to move inadvertently and, therefore, the blade may be damaged when attempting to engage one of the support devices.

[0005] Furthermore, in many jurisdictions, it is not permitted for people to be present under a load suspended by a crane. Doing so can put that person at risk. This means that if the blade is in the area of the load suspended by the crane, the staff cannot perform maintenance work on the blade that has been removed from the wind turbine. This can be a problem, for example, in offshore applications where the crane and blade maintenance activities may share limited space on an offshore vessel. If the staff working on blade maintenance or repair need to interrupt work and reposition while the crane is handling another blade, the result is a reduction in the productivity of the maintenance or repair process. Summary of the Invention

[0006] It can be seen that an object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for handling blades of a horizontal axis wind turbine.

[0007] More specifically, it can be seen that an object of the present invention is to reduce the risk of damage to the blade when handling the wind turbine blade. Alternatively or additionally, it can be seen that an object of the present invention is to increase the productivity of servicing or repairing a wind turbine blade. Preferably, the present invention can alleviate, mitigate or eliminate one or more of the above or other drawbacks or problems singly or in any combination.

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for handling a blade of a horizontal axis wind turbine, the blade extending longitudinally between a blade root and a blade tip, the method comprising

[0009] supporting the blade by means of one or more cranes,

[0010] moving the supported blade by means of the one or more cranes so that the supported blade is placed on one or more first support elements of a first support device and one or more second support elements of a second support device, and

[0011] removing the support of the one or more cranes so that the blade is supported by the one or more first support elements and the one or more second support elements on which the blade is placed, the second support device being positioned between the blade root and the blade tip, and the first support device being positioned closer to the blade root compared to the second support device,

[0012] the method further comprising: providing a third support device,

[0013] the method further comprising: moving the first support device and the second support device to move the blade supported by the first support elements and the second support elements; and / or moving the third support device such that the third support device assumes a support position between the second support device and the blade tip,

[0014] the method further comprising: removing the support of the one or more second support elements with the third support device in the support position so that the blade is supported by the one or more third support elements of the third support device and by the one or more first support elements.

[0015] Accordingly, an improved method for handling a blade of a horizontal axis wind turbine is provided. Embodiments of the present invention allow a blade to be placed on first and second support elements by means of one or more cranes and then the blade and / or the third support device to be moved such that the third support device assumes a support position. For example, this provides significantly improved control of blade handling compared to placing a third support element in a support position while the blade is supported by one or more cranes, e.g., suspended by one or more cranes. Thereby, the risk of blade damage when handling the blade is reduced.

[0016] An embodiment of the method can be a method for maintaining or repairing a blade. The present invention also allows a blade to be placed on a first support element and a second support element by means of one or more cranes in a first active area. By moving the blade by means of a first support device and a second support device, at least a part of the blade can be moved from the first active area to a second active area. Alternatively, at least a part of the blade can be moved from the first active area to the second active area by moving the blade by means of a first support device and a third support device. This can be done, for example, after the support of the second support element has been removed. Thus, the blade or a part thereof can be moved away from the active area with a suspended crane load.

[0017] As illustrated below, the second active area can be provided by a workshop for maintaining and repairing the blade. In such an embodiment, the suspended crane load can be moved over the workshop. In some embodiments, the first active area and the second active area have no vertical limitation. The first active area and the second active area can be completely horizontally separated. Thus, no suspended load can be moved during maintenance or repair activities.

[0018] Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention allows maintenance or repair to be performed on a blade or a part thereof without being interrupted by other activities of one or more cranes. Eliminating the need for such interruptions will increase the productivity of the blade maintenance or repair process.

[0019] The method can include removing the blade from the hub of a wind turbine by means of one or more cranes, thereby performing the step of supporting the blade by means of one or more cranes. The step of supporting the blade by means of one or more cranes can include supporting the entire weight of the blade by means of one or more cranes. The step of supporting the blade by means of one or more cranes can include suspending the blade in one or more lines of a crane boom. The step of supporting the blade by means of one or more cranes can include holding the blade by means of a blade clamping device of the crane.

[0020] When being moved to be placed on the first support element and the second support element, the blade can be supported by one or more cranes. After the blade is placed on the first support element and the second support element, the blade can be fixed to the first support device and / or the second support device. One or more second support elements can be provided as brackets. The first support device can be positioned at the blade root. The blade root can be provided with an interface for mounting the blade on the rotor hub of a wind turbine.

[0021] The step of removing the support of one or more cranes can include releasing one or more cranes from the blade. By removing the support of the crane, the blade can be supported only by the first support device and the second support device.

[0022] The first support device may be movable. The second support device may be movable. In some embodiments, the first support device and the second support device are moved to move the blade such that the third support device assumes a support position between the second support device and the blade tip. The step of moving the first support device and the second support device to move the blade may include moving the blade in the longitudinal direction of the blade. The first support device and the second support device may be provided in any suitable manner adapted to move while supporting the blade. For example, one or both of the first support device and the second support device may be provided as a moving trolley. As illustrated below, the first support device and the second support device may be arranged to move along one or more tracks.

[0023] As illustrated below, when the first support device and the second support device are moved to move the blade, the third support device may be stationary. Thus, the third support device may be permanently stationary or temporarily stationary.

[0024] In some embodiments, the third support device is movable. The third support device may be arranged to move in the longitudinal direction of the blade. Thus, the method may include moving the third support device such that the third support device assumes a support position between the second support device and the blade tip. In additional embodiments, the first support device, the second support device, and the third support device are moved such that the third support device assumes a support position.

[0025] The step of removing the support of one or more second support elements may include removing the support of one or more second support elements such that the blade is supported only by one or more third support elements and one or more first support elements.

[0026] The third support device may include a frame, wherein the step of moving the first support device and the second support device to move the blade includes moving the blade tip through the frame. One or more third support elements may be provided within the frame. One or more support elements may include clamps. One or more support elements may have a shape adapted to the shape of the blade in the support position. The blade has an airfoil shape in the support position.

[0027] The frame of the third support device may be circular. The frame may be arranged to rotate about the longitudinal extension of the blade. The third support device may provide a tip rotator ring for the frame. The first support device may be adapted to allow the blade to rotate about the longitudinal extension of the blade. Thus, when the blade is supported by one or more third support elements and by one or more first support elements, the blade may rotate about the longitudinal extension of the blade. This facilitates maintenance or repair work on the blade by the staff because a good working position can be found regardless of the area on the blade being worked on.

[0028] The method may include: after the step of removing the support of the one or more cranes, in a state where the blade is supported by the one or more first support elements and by at least one of the one or more second support elements and the one or more third support elements, moving the first support device and moving at least one of the second support device and the third support device so as to move at least a portion of the blade into a workshop for performing maintenance or repair work on the blade. Preferably, after the step of removing the support of the one or more cranes, the method includes: in a state where the blade is supported by the one or more first support elements and the one or more second support elements, moving the first support device and the second support device so as to move at least a portion of the blade into a workshop for performing maintenance or repair work on the blade.

[0029] The workshop may provide an active area outside the active area having a load suspended by one or more cranes. Thus, the workshop may be horizontally separated from the active area having a load suspended by one or more cranes. In some embodiments, the workshop may provide protection for the staff against the suspended load. Thus, blade maintenance or repair may be performed while another blade is being carried by one or more cranes. For example, the suspended blade may move above the workshop.

[0030] Preferably, when the blade is supported by the one or more third support elements and by the one or more first support elements, the region of the blade extending from the blade tip to the third support device cantilevers out from the third support device. The cantilevered-out region of the blade may be located outside the active area of the suspended load of the one or more cranes. The cantilevered-out region may be provided by the movement of the first support device and the second support device so as to bring the third support device into a support position. Thus, the movement of the first support device and the second support device provides a dual effect: moving the region of the blade out of the suspended load and moving the blade so as to be supported by the third support element, so as to be ready to continue work for maintenance or repair. This will make the maintenance or repair process more efficient. Thus, productivity can be increased.

[0031] The cantilevered-out region of the blade may be free of objects preventing access to the surface of the cantilevered-out region. Thus, the cantilevered-out region may be freely accessed for maintenance or repair. As suggested, the first support device and the third support device may be arranged to rotate the blade about its longitudinal extension, whereby maintenance or repair may be facilitated.

[0032] Preferably, at least a portion of the region where the blade projects cantilevered is located in the workshop for performing maintenance or repair work on the blade. The workshop can protect the staff and allow the staff to work on the blade while the crane, for example, moves another suspended blade above the workshop. Thus, maintenance or repair work on the blade can be performed while the crane, for example, moves another suspended blade above the workshop.

[0033] Preferably, during the step of moving the first support device and the second support device to move the blade, the third support device remains stationary. This can reduce the risk of damaging the blade.

[0034] Preferably, the step of removing the support of the one or more second support elements includes: lowering the one or more second support elements so that the blade is supported by the one or more third support elements and by the one or more first support elements. The height of the one or more second support elements can be changed. This can be done in any suitable manner. For example, a scissor lift can be arranged to adjust the height of the one or more second support elements. Thus, lowering the one or more second support elements can be accomplished by means of a scissor lift. Thus, the blade can be supported only by the first support elements and the third support elements. Thus, the blade can be rotated about its longitudinal extension, and this is illustrated by way of example above.

[0035] Alternatively, the step of removing the support of the one or more second support elements can include raising the one or more third support elements and / or raising the one or more first support elements. Thus, the blade can be supported only by the first support elements and the third support elements.

[0036] During the step of moving the blade by means of the one or more cranes and the step of moving the first support device and the second support device to move the blade, the first support device, the second support device and the third support device can be located on the deck of an ocean vessel. Thus, the wind turbine can be an offshore wind turbine. Thus, considering the limited space typically available on the deck of a wind turbine service vessel, the present invention can be particularly advantageous. For example, the deck can be divided into two areas, one area being reserved for crane operations with a suspended load and the other area being reserved for blade maintenance or repair work. Thus, these two areas can form separate activity areas.

[0037] Preferably, the first support device and the second support device are arranged to move along one or more tracks, wherein the step of moving the first support device and the second support device to move the blade comprises: moving the first support device and the second support device along the one or more tracks. In some embodiments, the third support device is arranged to move along one or more tracks. Thus, the step of moving the third support device may comprise moving the third support device along one or more tracks. The one or more tracks may be such that the support device moves only along a fixed line. This can improve the accuracy of movement. This can in turn reduce the risk of damage when the third support device engages the blade. The one or more tracks may be fastened (e.g., welded) to a support structure, such as the deck of a ship.

[0038] The movable support device may be powered by a suitable device, such as an electric or hydraulic motor. The movement of the support device can be controlled in any suitable manner, such as by remote control.

[0039] The object is also achieved by a device for handling one or more horizontal axis wind turbine blades, each of which extends longitudinally between a blade root and a blade tip, the device comprising:

[0040] A first support device, the first support device comprising one or more first support elements,

[0041] A second support device, the second support device comprising one or more second support elements,

[0042] A third support device, the third support device comprising one or more third support elements,

[0043] One or more tracks arranged on a support structure,

[0044] Wherein the first support element and the second support element are arranged to support the blade in a state where the second support device is positioned between the blade root and the blade tip and the first support device is positioned closer to the blade root than the second support device,

[0045] Wherein the first support device and the second support device are arranged to move along the one or more tracks in a state where the blade is supported by the first support element and the second support element, and / or the third support device is arranged to move along the one or more tracks such that the third support device takes a support position between the second support device and the blade tip,

[0046] Wherein, the device is arranged to remove the support of the second support element in a state where the third support device is in the support position, so that the blade is supported by the one or more third support elements and by the one or more first support elements.

[0047] The support structure may be the deck of an ocean vessel. The device may include a workshop for performing maintenance or repair work on the blade, wherein the one or more tracks extend from a position outside the workshop towards the workshop, such that the blade can move along the one or more tracks so that at least a part of the blade extends into the workshop. The one or more tracks may stop outside the workshop. In some embodiments, the one or more tracks may extend into the workshop. The workshop may be provided on the support structure (such as the deck of an ocean vessel, also referred to herein as an offshore vessel) together with the one or more tracks.

[0048] Preferably, the device includes a plurality of maintenance lines. Thus, the one or more tracks may form a first track group, wherein the device further includes a second track group in the form of one or more tracks arranged on the support structure,

[0049] Wherein, the device further includes a fourth support device and a fifth support device, the fourth support device includes one or more fourth support elements, and the fifth support device includes one or more fifth support elements,

[0050] Wherein, the fourth support element and the fifth support element are arranged to support another blade in a state where the fifth support device is positioned between the blade root and the blade tip of another blade and the fourth support device is positioned closer to the blade root of the another blade compared to the fifth support device,

[0051] Wherein, the fourth support device and the fifth support device are arranged to move along the one or more tracks of the second track group in a state where the another blade is supported by the fourth support element and the fifth support element, and / or a sixth support device is arranged to move along the one or more tracks of the second track group such that the sixth support device takes a support position between the fifth support device and the blade tip of the another blade,

[0052] Wherein, the device is arranged to remove the support of the fifth support element in a state where the sixth support device is in the support position, so that the another blade is supported by one or more sixth support elements of the sixth support device and by the one or more fourth support elements.

[0053] Multiple maintenance lines allow for particularly advantageous use of the invention. In one of the maintenance lines, the blade can be received or removed by one or more cranes. At the same time, in another of the maintenance lines, the blade can be maintained or repaired. The active area for the handling by the cranes for all of the maintenance lines can be separated from the active area for maintenance and repair in all of the maintenance lines. Thus, the maintenance or repair work in one of the maintenance lines does not have to be interrupted due to crane activity at any of the remaining maintenance lines. Description of the Drawings

[0054] Examples of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0055] Figure 1 A horizontal-axis wind turbine and an offshore vessel for the maintenance or repair process of the wind turbine are shown,

[0056] Figures 2 to 4 showing Figure 1 a side view of components of the equipment for the maintenance of the blades of the wind turbine of the vessel in

[0057] Figure 5 showing a cross-section taken in the orientation indicated by arrow VV as in Figure 4 and

[0058] Figure 6 showing a view as indicated by arrow VI as in Figure 4 and

[0059] Figure 7 showing Figure 1 a top view of a part of the vessel in

[0060] Figure 8 is a flow chart depicting the steps in a method for the maintenance or repair of blades of a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0061] Figure 9 showing a side view of components of the equipment for the maintenance or repair of wind turbine blades according to an alternative embodiment of the invention, and

[0062] Figure 10 showing Figure 9 a top view of the equipment showing its components. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0063] Figure 1 The maintenance process of a horizontal-axis wind turbine 1 is shown. The wind turbine includes a tower 14 that supports a nacelle 15 to which the rotor is mounted. The tower can be mounted on an offshore foundation 17. The offshore foundation 17 can be, for example, a monopile foundation, a jacket foundation, or a floating foundation. It should be noted that the invention is equally applicable to onshore wind turbines.

[0064] The rotor includes a plurality of wind turbine blades 11, 12, 13 that extend radially from a central hub 16. In this example, the rotor includes three blades. Each blade may extend longitudinally in the "span direction" from a generally cylindrical root to a blade tip. Each blade may have any suitable length, for example, within the range of 30 to 120 meters. Each blade may transition from a circular profile to an airfoil profile, moving from the root end of the blade towards the shoulder of the blade, which is the widest part of the blade, at which the blade has its maximum chord. Each blade may extend between a leading edge and a trailing edge in the transverse "chord direction" of the blade. Each blade may have a pressure surface on the pressure side of the blade and a suction surface on the suction side of the blade. Each blade may include a shell formed mainly of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC). Each blade may include an internal structure. The internal structure includes two spar caps and two webs.

[0065] A crane 3 is used in the method according to the present invention. In this example, the crane is located on an offshore vessel 2. The offshore vessel may be a jack-up vessel 2 as exemplified in Figure 1 or some other suitable type of vessel. It should be noted that in an onshore embodiment, the crane may be located on the ground or on a vehicle.

[0066] The method may include removing one or more of the wind turbine blades 11, 12, 13 from the hub 16 by means of the crane. Thus, the crane may support the blade 11 by holding the blade with the blade gripping device 301 of the crane 3. The blade gripping device 301 may be suspended from the boom of the crane 3 by one or more wires 302.

[0067] The equipment for servicing the blade 11 may include a first support device 411, a second support device 412, and a third support device 413. The first support device and the second support device may be arranged to move along one or more tracks 4411. Each of the first support device and the second support device may include a plurality of wheels arranged to roll along one or more tracks. The tracks may be fastened to a support structure 21. The tracks may be straight. The support structure may be the deck of an ocean vessel, as exemplified in Figure 1 In an onshore application, the support structure may be the ground or a stationary support device.

[0068] In this example, the third support device 413 is fixed to the ocean vessel deck 21. In an onshore application, the third support device 413 may be fixed to the ground or a stationary support device.

[0069] The equipment further includes a workshop 45 for performing maintenance or repair work on the blade 11.

[0070] Also refer toFigure 2 The method may include moving the blade 11 by means of a crane 3 so as to place the blade on one or more first support elements 4111 of a first support device 411 and one or more second support elements 4121 of a second support device 412.

[0071] Thereafter, the blade clamping device 301 may be removed from the blade. Thus, the support of the crane 3 is removed so that the blade 11 is supported by one or more first support elements 4111 and one or more second support elements 4121. Thus, the second support device 412 may be located between the blade root 111 and the blade tip 112. Compared with the second support device, the first support device 411 may be positioned closer to the blade root. As illustrated in Figure 2 , the first support device may be positioned at or near the blade root. The first support device may contact the cylindrical portion of the blade located at the blade root. The second support device 412 may be positioned at a distance from the blade root 111. The second support device 412 may be positioned at a distance from the blade tip 112. The second support device 412 may be positioned closer to the middle of the blade rather than closer to either the blade root 111 or the blade tip 112.

[0072] A third support device 413 may be positioned in the longitudinal extension direction of one or more tracks 4411. When placing the blade on the first support device 411 and the second support device 412, the third support device 413 is positioned at a distance from the blade. Thus, the third support device 413 may be positioned in the longitudinal extension direction of the blade. The blade tip 112 may be the part of the blade closest to the third support device 413.

[0073] Also refer to Figure 3 The method may include moving the first support device 411 and the second support device 412 along one or more tracks 4411 such that the third support device 413 takes a support position between the second support device 412 and the blade tip 112. Thus, the blade tip 112 may move on or through the third support device as shown below such that the third support device terminates at the support position. Thus, the third support device 413 may be closer to the second support device 412 rather than closer to the blade tip 112. The support position of the third support device 413 may be positioned closer to the middle of the blade rather than closer to either the blade root 111 or the blade tip 112.

[0074] One or more tracks 4411 may extend from a location outside the workshop 45 towards the workshop. As in Figure 3As illustrated, the blade moves along one or more tracks such that a portion of the blade extends into the workshop 45. The blade region extending from the blade tip 112 towards the blade root may extend into the workshop 45. The third support device 413 may be located outside the workshop 45. The third support device 413 may be located near the workshop 45. In some embodiments, the third support device 413 may be located within the workshop 45.

[0075] Also refer to Figure 4 . The method may include removing the support of one or more second support elements 4121 with the third support device 413 in the support position. Thus, the blade 11 may be supported by one or more third support elements 4131 of the third support device and by one or more first support elements 4111. The step of removing the support of one or more second support elements 4121 may include lowering one or more second support elements. To this end, the second support device 412 may include a lifting device, such as a scissor lift, for changing the height of one or more second support elements 4121.

[0076] Also refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6 . One or more third support elements 4131 (two support elements in this example) may be adapted to laterally fix the blade. Thus, a portion of the weight of the blade may be supported by one or more of the third support elements 4131. The remaining portion of the blade weight may be supported by one or more first support elements 4111, four support elements in this example. The first support elements 4111 may be provided as rollers. The third support device 413 may be arranged to allow one or more third support elements 4131 to rotate about the longitudinal extension of the blade. To this end, the third support device 413 may include a circular frame 4132 within which the third support elements 4131 are located. In the previous step of moving the blade by moving the first support device 411 and the second support device 412, the blade tip 112 may move through the frame 4132 of the third support device 413. When the blade is fixed by one or more third support elements 4131, the blade may rotate about its longitudinal extension. The rotation may be driven by one or more of the support elements of the first support elements 4111. For example, one or more rollers 4111 may be driven, for example, by a motor, which may be electric or hydraulic.

[0077] When supported by the first support device 411 and the third support device 413, the region of the blade extending from the blade tip 112 to the third support device 413 may project cantilevered from the third support device 413, as Figure 4In the illustrated example, the region where the blade projects cantileveredly is thus freely accessible for maintenance or repair. Maintenance can include, for example, providing a leading edge protection on the blade. By rotating the blade about its longitudinal extension, maintenance or repair can be facilitated. The region where the blade projects cantileveredly can be free of objects that obstruct access to the surface of this region where the blade projects cantileveredly. The region where the blade projects cantileveredly can have any suitable length, for example 5 to 40 meters, for example 10 to 20 meters. Part or all of the region where the blade projects cantileveredly can be within the workshop 45.

[0078] Embodiments of the present invention allow maintenance or repair work to be carried out on the blade away from the active area with a suspended crane load. The crane can be arranged outside the workshop. The workshop can allow the staff to work on one blade while the crane moves another suspended blade. Another suspended blade can be moved, for example, above the workshop outside the workshop. Thus, maintenance or repair work can be carried out on one blade while the crane, for example, moves another suspended blade above the workshop. Additionally, alternatively, the blade can move to its non-suspended position outside the workshop or start moving from this non-suspended position while being suspended by the crane. During the movement, the blade suspended by the crane moves along a path that is not above the workshop.

[0079] Reference is also made to Figure 7 . In embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of maintenance lines can be provided for simultaneously maintaining or repairing a plurality of blades. The equipment for maintaining the blades can include a plurality of track sets 441, 442, 443, 444, each track set including one or more tracks 4411, 4421, 4431, 4441. The tracks can be arranged on the support structure 21, for example, as Figure 1 illustrated by way of example.

[0080] The equipment can include a first maintenance line. The first maintenance line can include a first support device 411 and a second support device 412. The first support device 411 includes one or more first support elements, and the second support device 412 includes one or more second support elements. The first support device 411 and the second support device 412 can be arranged to move along one or more tracks 4411 of the first track set 441 in a state where the first blade 11 is supported by the first support elements and the second support elements, such that the third support device 413 takes a support position between the second support device and the blade tip 112. The equipment can be arranged to remove the support of the second support elements in a state where the third support device 413 is in the support position, so that the blade is supported by one or more third support elements and by one or more first support elements. Thus, a region of the first blade can project cantileveredly from the third support device 413. At least a part of the region that projects cantileveredly can be within the workshop 45.

[0081] The device may further include a second maintenance line. The second maintenance line may include a fourth support device 414 and a fifth support device 415. The fourth support device 414 includes one or more fourth support elements, and the fifth support device 415 includes one or more fifth support elements. The fourth support device 414 and the fifth support device 415 may be arranged to move along one or more tracks 4421 of the second track set 442 in a state where the second blade 12 is supported by the fourth support elements and the fifth support elements, such that the sixth support device 416 assumes a support position between the fifth support device and the blade tip 122. The device may be arranged to remove the support of the fifth support element in a state where the sixth support device 416 is in the support position, so that the blade is supported by one or more sixth support elements and by one or more fourth support elements. Thereby, a region of the second blade may project cantilevered from the sixth support device 416. At least a part of the cantilevered region may be located within the workshop 45.

[0082] The device may further include other maintenance lines arranged similarly to the first maintenance line and the second maintenance line. For example, a third maintenance line for handling the third blade 13 may include a seventh support device 417, an eighth support device 418, one or more tracks 4431 of the third track set 443, and a ninth support device 419. A fourth maintenance line for handling the fourth blade 14 may include a tenth support device 420, an eleventh support device 421, one or more tracks 4441 of the fourth track set 444, and a twelfth support device 422.

[0083] In Figure 7 the example, a first active area with a suspended crane load may be formed on the right side of the workshop 45 in the figure. The workshop may form a second active area in which at least a part of the blade may be present for maintenance and repair. The suspended load is away from the second active area. In some embodiments, the first active area and the second active area have no vertical limitation. Thereby, the first active area and the second active area may be completely horizontally separated. Therefore, no suspended load may move during maintenance or repair activities.

[0084] Figure 8depicts steps in a method for handling a blade 11 of a horizontal axis wind turbine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as some of the steps in the above method. The method may include: removing S1 the blade 11 from the hub of the wind turbine 1 by means of one or more cranes 3, whereby the blade is supported by one or more cranes. The method may further include: moving S2 the blade 11 by means of one or more cranes 3 so as to place it on one or more first support elements 4111 of a first support device 411 and one or more second support elements 4121 of a second support device 412. The method may further include: removing S3 the support of one or more cranes 3 so that the blade 11 is supported by one or more first support elements 4111 and one or more second support elements 4121.

[0085] The method may further include: moving S4 the first support device 411 and the second support device 412 so that the blade tip 112 of the blade moves through the frame 4132 of a third support device 413. Thereby, the third support device 413 may assume a support position between the second support device 412 and the blade tip 112. The method may further include: removing S5 the support of one or more second support elements 4121 while the third support device 413 is in the support position so that the blade 11 is supported by one or more third support elements 4131 of the third support device and by one or more first support elements 4111. Thereby, the region of the blade extending from the blade tip 112 to the third support device 413 may project S6 cantilever from the third support device 413. At least a part of the cantilevered region of the blade may be located within the workshop 45 for maintenance or repair work on the blade.

[0086] After the final maintenance or repair process on the blade, the blade may be installed on the wind turbine. For this purpose, the following further steps may be carried out.

[0087] The method may include: providing S7 the support of one or more second support elements 4121 while the blade is supported by one or more third support elements 4131 and by one or more first support elements 4111. The method may further include: moving S8 the first support device 411 and the second support device 412 so as to move the blade away from the third support device 413. Thereby, the blade tip 112 may move through the third support device frame 4132 again. The method may further include: providing S9 the support of one or more cranes 3 for the blade.

[0088] The method may further include: moving S10 the blade 11 away from one or more first support elements 4111 and one or more second support elements 4121 by means of one or more cranes 3. The method may further include: installing S11 the blade 11 on the wind turbine hub by means of one or more cranes 3.

[0089] Many alternative versions of the described examples are possible and will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0090] For example, as Figure 9 shown, the third support device 413 may be arranged to move along one or more rails 4411. Accordingly, the method may include: moving the first support device and the second support device to move the blade such that the third support device assumes a support position between the second support device 412 and the blade tip 112.

[0091] Alternatively or additionally, the method may include: moving the third support device 413 such that the third support device assumes a support position between the second support device and the blade tip.

[0092] Furthermore, after the step of removing the support of the second support device 412, the method may include: moving the first support device 411 and the third support device 413 while the blade 11 is supported by one or more first support elements 4111 and one or more third support elements 4131. Accordingly, at least a portion of the blade may be moved into the workshop 45 for maintenance or repair work on the blade. In such embodiments, one or more rails 4411 may extend into or through the workshop 45. Accordingly, a portion of the blade 11 may extend through at least a portion of the workshop 45. Accordingly, the region of the blade between the first support device 411 and the third support device 413 is accessible for maintenance or repair. Such access can be provided in the workshop.

[0093] As Figure 10 illustrated, the equipment according to an embodiment of the present invention may include multiple blade maintenance lines. The first maintenance line for handling the first blade 11 may include a first support device 411, a second support device 421, one or more rails 4411 of a first rail set 441, and a third support device 413. The second maintenance line for handling the second blade 12 may include a fourth support device 414, a fifth support device 415, one or more rails 4421 of a second rail set 442, and a sixth support device 416. The third maintenance line for handling the third blade 13 may include a seventh support device 417, an eighth support device 418, one or more rails 4431 of a third rail set 443, and a ninth support device 419.

[0094] In Figure 10 , in the third maintenance line, the region of the third blade 13 between the seventh support device 417 and the ninth support device 419 is accessible in the workshop for maintenance or repair.

Claims

1. A method for handling a blade (11) of a horizontal axis wind turbine (1), the blade extending longitudinally between a blade root (111) and a blade tip (112), the method comprising: supporting the blade (11) by means of one or more cranes (3), moving the supported blade (11) by means of the one or more cranes (3) so that the supported blade is placed on one or more first support elements (4111) of a first support device (411) and one or more second support elements (4121) of a second support device (412), and removing the support of the one or more cranes (3) so that the blade (11) is supported by the one or more first support elements (4111) and the one or more second support elements (4121) on which the blade is placed, the second support device (412) being positioned between the blade root (111) and the blade tip (112), and the first support device (411) being positioned closer to the blade root compared to the second support device, the method further comprising: providing a third support device (413), the method further comprising: moving the first support device (411) and the second support device (412) so as to move the blade (11) supported by the first support elements (4111) and the second support elements (4121); and / or moving the third support device (413) such that the third support device (413) assumes a support position between the second support device (412) and the blade tip (112), the method further comprising: removing the support of the one or more second support elements (4121) while the third support device (413) is in the support position so that the blade (11) is supported by one or more third support elements (4131) of the third support device and by the one or more first support elements (4111).

2. The method according to claim 1, the method comprising: removing the blade (11) from the hub of the wind turbine (1) by means of the one or more cranes (3), thereby performing the step of supporting the blade by means of the one or more cranes.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The step of supporting the blade (11) by means of the one or more cranes (3) includes holding the blade by means of a blade gripping device (301) of the crane (3).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The third support device (413) includes a frame (4132), wherein the step of moving the first support device (411) and the second support device (412) to move the blade includes: moving the blade tip (112) through the frame.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, the method comprising: After the step of removing the support of the one or more cranes (3), in a state where the blade (11) is supported by the one or more first support elements (4111) and by at least one of the one or more second support elements (4121) and the one or more third support elements, move the first support device (411) and move at least one of the second support device (412) and the third support device (413) so as to move at least a part of the blade into the workshop (45) for maintenance or repair work on the blade.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, When the blade is supported by the one or more third support elements (4131) and by the one or more first support elements (4111), the region of the blade extending from the blade tip (112) to the third support device (413) projects cantilevered from the third support device (413).

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein At least a part of the cantilevered region of the blade is located in the workshop (45) for maintenance or repair work on the blade.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein During the step of moving the first support device (411) and the second support device (412) so as to move the blade (11), the third support device (413) remains stationary.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The step of removing the support of the one or more second support elements (4121) includes: lowering the one or more second support elements so that the blade (11) is supported by the one or more third support elements and by the one or more first support elements (4111).

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein During the step of moving the blade (11) by means of the one or more cranes (3) and the step of moving the first support device (411) and the second support device (412) so as to move the blade, the first support device (411), the second support device (412) and the third support device (413) are located on the deck of the marine vessel (2).

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The first support device (411) and the second support device (412) are arranged to move along one or more tracks (4411), wherein the step of moving the first support device and the second support device so as to move the blade (11) includes: moving the first support device and the second support device along the one or more tracks.

12. An apparatus for handling one or more horizontal axis wind turbine blades (11), each of the blades extending longitudinally between a blade root (111) and a blade tip (112), the apparatus comprising: A first support device (411) comprising one or more first support elements (4111), A second support device (412) comprising one or more second support elements (4121), A third support device (413) comprising one or more third support elements, One or more tracks (4411) arranged on a support structure (21), Wherein, the first support element (4111) and the second support element (4121) are arranged to support the blade (11) in a state where the second support device (412) is positioned between the blade root (111) and the blade tip (112), and the first support device (411) is positioned closer to the blade root compared to the second support device. Wherein, the first support device (411) and the second support device (412) are arranged to move along the one or more tracks (4411) in a state where the blade (11) is supported by the first support element (4111) and the second support element (4121), and / or the third support device (413) is arranged to move along the one or more tracks (4411) such that the third support device (413) takes a support position between the second support device (412) and the blade tip (112). Wherein, the device is arranged to remove the support of the second support element (4121) in a state where the third support device (413) is in the support position, so that the blade (11) is supported by the one or more third support elements and by the one or more first support elements (4111).

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein, The support structure (21) is the deck of the marine vessel (2).

14. The device according to claim 12 or 13, the device comprising a workshop (45) for performing maintenance or repair work on the blade (11), wherein, The one or more tracks (4411) extend from a position outside the workshop towards the workshop such that the blade can move along the one or more tracks so that at least a part of the blade extends into the workshop.

15. The device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein The one or more tracks (4411) form a first track group (441), wherein the device further includes a second track group (442) in the form of one or more tracks (4421) arranged on the support structure (21). Wherein, the device further includes a fourth support device (414) and a fifth support device (415), the fourth support device includes one or more fourth support elements, and the fifth support device includes one or more fifth support elements. Wherein, the fourth support element and the fifth support element are arranged to support the other blade (12) in a state where the fifth support device (415) is positioned between the blade root (121) and the blade tip (122) of another blade, and the fourth support device (414) is positioned closer to the blade root of the other blade compared to the fifth support device. Wherein, the fourth support device (414) and the fifth support device (415) are arranged to move along the one or more tracks (4421) of the second track set (442) in a state where the other blade (12) is supported by the fourth support element and the fifth support element, and / or the sixth support device (416) is arranged to move along the one or more tracks (4421) of the second track set (442) such that the sixth support device (416) takes a support position between the fifth support device and the blade tip (122) of the other blade. Wherein, the device is arranged to remove the support of the fifth support element in a state where the sixth support device (416) is in the support position so that the other blade (12) is supported by one or more sixth support elements of the sixth support device and by the one or more fourth support elements.

16. An ocean vessel, the ocean vessel comprising the device according to any one of claims 12 to 15.

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