Mobile lifting device and method and system for transporting components of a wind turbine

Abstract

A mobile lifting device (4) for lifting a particularly flat transport frame (2) on which components (21) of a wind turbine are mounted, in particular for removing or placing at least one self-propelled modular transport device (14) below the transport frame (2), the lifting device (4) comprising an upper part (6) having an interface (7) for connecting to the transport frame (2) to be lifted, a lower part (5) for supporting the lifting device (4) on the ground, and a lifting mechanism (10) connecting the lower part (5) to the upper part (6) for linearly vertically moving the upper part (6) relative to the lower part (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile lifting device for lifting a, in particular flat, transport frame on which components of a wind turbine are mounted. The invention further relates to a method and a system for transporting components of a wind turbine, in particular a wind turbine generator and / or components comprising a wind turbine generator, on a ship, wherein the components are mounted on the, in particular flat transport frame. Background Art

[0002] Transporting heavy, compact components of wind turbines, often weighing several tons, remains a challenge. Examples of such heavy components include fully assembled (nacelle, generator, and hub), partially assembled (nacelle and generator), and individual components such as the hub, generator, and / or nacelle. Two general concepts are known for transporting such components on ships.

[0003] The first concept is called roll-on / roll-off (RORO). In this method, components are rolled on and off the vessel using a self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) or other self-propelled transport. To achieve this, the components are mounted on a heavy and expensive tunnel frame.

[0004] In an alternative method known as lift-on / lift-off (LOLO), the components may be mounted on a cheaper and less complex flat transport frame, however the vessel would need to be equipped with a crane or the like to lift the components on the frame onto the vessel.

[0005] Compared to LOLO, RORO allows for faster loading / unloading, which makes it a cheaper alternative; however, a flat frame is not suitable for the RORO concept because SPMTs or other self-propelled transporters cannot be released from a frame without a tunnel.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to enable the use of a relatively cheap flat transport frame without a tunnel in the RORO method. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This object is achieved by providing a lifting device, a method and a system according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.

[0008] The mobile lifting device of the invention can be used for lifting a particularly flat transport frame, particularly a tunnel-free transport frame, on which components of a wind turbine are mounted, in particular for removing or placing at least one self-propelled modular transport unit under the frame, wherein the mobile lifting device comprises:

[0009] - an upper part having an interface for connection to a transport frame to be lifted,

[0010] - a lower part for supporting the lifting device on the ground, and

[0011] - a lifting mechanism connecting the lower part to the upper part for linear vertical movement of the upper part relative to the lower part.

[0012] Thus, the lifting device provides a dedicated interface for connecting to a transport frame positioned on the vessel. This interface provides kinematic coupling, in particular attachment, at least vertically downward, but not necessarily in every direction. That is, during lifting, the transport frame can be attached by gravity. However, numerous variations of this interface are conceivable, as will be explained in further detail below.

[0013] The mobile lifting device of the present invention can be moved toward and away from the transport frame with the components mounted thereon, preferably self-propelled, and has a size that is significantly smaller than the frame with the components, for example one-tenth the size of the transport frame carrying the components or less. This means that at least three lifting devices can be used to lift (i.e., hold up) the transport frame with the components mounted thereon. This allows the self-propelled transport device, preferably using an SPMT, to be removed from under the transport frame after loading and positioning on the vessel. When the transport frame with the components mounted thereon is to be unloaded, the transport frame can be lifted / held up again using at least three, preferably at least four, lifting devices, so that at least one self-propelled transport device, in particular an SPMT, can be placed again under the frame and carry the frame when the frame is lowered accordingly by the lifting devices.

[0014] Therefore, in an aspect of the present invention, a method for transporting components of a wind turbine, in particular a wind turbine generator and / or components comprising a wind turbine generator, on a vessel is provided, wherein the components are mounted on a, in particular flat transport frame, in particular a flat transport frame without a tunnel, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0015] - rolling the component onto the vessel using at least one self-propelled transport device, in particular an SPMT,

[0016] - lifting the transport frame with the components using at least three mobile lifting devices, in particular mobile lifting devices according to the invention,

[0017] - removing the at least one self-propelled transport device from under the raised transport frame,

[0018] - using the lifting device to lower the frame to the ground, and

[0019] - Remove the lifting device.

[0020] Preferably, the method may further comprise:

[0021] - transporting the components on the transport frame to the destination by means of a ship,

[0022] - at said destination, lifting the transport frame with said components using a mobile lifting device,

[0023] - positioning the at least one self-propelled transport device under the raised transport frame,

[0024] - lowering said frame onto said at least one self-propelled transport device using a lifting device,

[0025] - remove the lifting device,

[0026] - Rolling the component from the vessel using the at least one self-propelled transport device.

[0027] In particular, connecting the lifting device to the transport frame includes connecting, in particular attaching, the upper portion to the transport frame using an interface. The vessel used can be, in particular, a watercraft, such as a boat. In this way, the wind turbine components can be transported to an offshore destination, where the wind turbine will be erected.

[0028] As already mentioned, preferably at least four lifting devices are used. In particular, one lifting device can be placed at each of the corners of the preferably at least approximately rectangular transport frame. However, more than four lifting devices can also be used, for example at least six lifting devices, wherein, for example, two additional lifting devices can be placed at least substantially in the middle along the long sides of the at least approximately rectangular transport frame.

[0029] In summary, a low-cost flat transport frame without a tunnel can be used on a low-cost vessel equipped for RORO methods. Components on the transport frame can be loaded and unloaded using an SPMT or similar self-propelled transport device without the need for a crane.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the lower part of the lifting device can include wheels and a drive mechanism, thereby forming a self-propelled device. In this way, the lifting device can be moved automatically, wherein, in particular, sensors and control devices can also be provided to achieve autonomous movement of the lifting device to its corresponding connection position with respect to the transport frame.

[0031] With regard to the method according to the invention, the lifting device having the self-propelled equipment can thus be moved automatically to its respective connection position at the transport frame. In particular, the mobile lifting device can be moved at least partially autonomously to its respective connection position.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the lower portion may further include a ground support surface, and the wheels may be retractable and / or movable to allow the ground support surface to be lowered to the ground. In this way, the lifting device can be securely supported on the ground when lifting a heavy load of the transport frame and components mounted thereon. In other words, the wheels are preferably retracted and / or removed before the lifting device is connected to the transport frame or before the lifting device must bear the weight of the transport frame and the components. The retraction and / or movement mechanisms employed in the present invention are well known in the art and require no detailed description here.

[0033] The lifting mechanism can include at least one telescopic rod, in particular at least two telescopic rods. For example, the telescopic rods can include a hydraulic piston and / or at least one threaded rod powered by an electric motor. While the force for lifting the transport frame is preferably provided hydraulically and / or electrically, in particular by moving the threaded rods, other options for providing the lifting force are of course also possible.

[0034] As for the interface, it can include a trunnion and / or a hook and / or a pin and / or a sling and / or an eye plate as at least one connecting member. Preferably, the at least one connecting member matches a corresponding connecting member of the transport frame. Preferably, the interface of each lifting device can include a sling or a hook, and the transport frame includes a corresponding connecting member for each lifting device, in particular a trunnion, a pin, an eye plate or a hook, wherein the sling or hook engages the corresponding connecting member to connect the lifting device to the transport frame. In a preferred embodiment, a flexible sling can serve as the connecting member of the lifting device. This sling can, for example, be made of a fiber material. Such fiber materials are generally very strong and can therefore support large weights, such as the transport frame on which the components are mounted. On the other hand, the transport frame can include a connecting member suitable for winding a sling around it. Preferably, this can be a trunnion arranged at the connection point on one side of the transport frame.

[0035] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the lifting device can thus comprise two telescopic rods, with a guide tube, in particular a hollow cylindrical guide tube, mounted to the lower portion. The upper portion is fastened to the top of the telescopic rods and can include a sling as a connecting member in the space between the two telescopic rods. In this way, when the sling is wrapped around the corresponding connecting member, in particular the trunnion, of the transport frame, a cylindrical, robust, and secure support is provided for the attached transport frame. When the transport frame is lifted, it is suspended in the sling of the lifting device employed.

[0036] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, at least the lifting devices are controlled jointly, in particular synchronously, and / or based on at least one user input, by a central control device. The entire process is therefore preferably controlled in the central control device, wherein, for example, each lifting device can be assigned a connection position and automatically moved to the corresponding connection position, where the connection can be established manually or automatically. After establishing the connection with the transport frame, the lifting devices can be synchronously controlled to lift the transport frame and the components mounted thereon to a predefined height, so that the self-propelled transport device can be removed or positioned below the transport frame, as described. This positioning or removal can also be controlled by the central control device. After removing or positioning the self-propelled transport device, the lifting mechanisms of the lifting devices can be controlled to lower the transport frame until it rests on the ground or on at least one self-propelled transport device, respectively. After manually or automatically releasing the connection between the lifting device, in particular the interface, and the transport frame, the central control device can control the lifting devices to automatically move away from the transport frame.

[0037] At this point, it should be noted that, in principle, the connection locations can also be located automatically and the lifting device driven autonomously to these connection locations. For example, markings detectable by corresponding sensors can be placed at or near the connection members of the transport frame.

[0038] The invention further relates to a system for transporting components of a wind turbine, in particular a wind turbine generator and / or components comprising a wind turbine generator, on a vessel, comprising:

[0039] - a particularly flat transport frame, particularly a tunnel-free transport frame, for mounting the components thereon, and

[0040] - at least three, in particular at least four, mobile fixing devices according to the invention,

[0041] - wherein the interface of each fixing device comprises a connecting member adapted to engage a corresponding connecting member of the transport frame.

[0042] All comments and features regarding the fixing device and method according to the present invention apply analogously to the transport system according to the present invention, achieving the same advantages. In particular, the flat transport frame can have shorter legs for standing on, or no legs at all, and can instead have connecting members, particularly on one side. In a preferred embodiment, the connecting members of the interfaces of each fixing device can be or include slings, while the connecting members of the transport frame can be or include trunnions.

[0043] The system according to the invention may also comprise at least one self-propelled transport device and / or at least one central control device, as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are, however, only schematic diagrams designed for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention. The drawings show:

[0045] Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a system according to the invention,

[0046] Figure 2 Showing a specific embodiment of the mobile lifting device,

[0047] Figure 3 shows the transport of components of a wind turbine into a vessel,

[0048] Figure 4 Shown is the lifting device moved into the connected position,

[0049] Figure 5 Shown is the attachment of the lifting device to the transport frame,

[0050] Figure 6 Showing the lifting transport frame and components,

[0051] Figure 7 Shown is the removal of SPMT,

[0052] Figure 8 Shown is the lowered transport frame and components, and

[0053] Figure 9 Shown with lifting device removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] Figure 1 A schematic diagram shows components of a system 1 for transporting wind turbine components according to the present invention. System 1 comprises a flat transport frame 2, which has a simple, cost-effective construction and, in particular, does not include a tunnel. Such a flat transport frame 2 is known, for example, from the aforementioned LOLO transport method. As is generally known in the art, transport frame 2 includes mounting equipment 3 for mounting the components.

[0055] In this embodiment, the transport system 1 further comprises four mobile lifting devices 4, but may also comprise additional mobile lifting devices 4, for example six or more lifting devices. The lifting devices 4 generally comprise a lower portion 5 and an upper portion 6, wherein the upper portion 6 comprises an interface 7 with at least one connecting member 8, which is adapted to engage a corresponding connecting member 9 of the transport frame 2. For example, as will be explained further below, the connecting member 8 of the interface 7 may be a sling, and the corresponding connecting member 9 of the transport frame 2 may be a trunnion around which the sling may be wound.

[0056] The lifting device 4 further comprises a lifting mechanism 10 which in this case comprises two telescopic rods 11 which in turn may comprise hydraulic pistons or threaded rods powered by an electric motor.

[0057] To establish the mobility of the mobile lifting device 5 , the lower part 5 comprises wheels 12 and a drive mechanism 13 to form a self-propelled device.

[0058] In this embodiment, the transport system 1 further comprises two self-propelled transport devices 14, in this case two SPMTs 15. The SPMTs 15 and the lifting device 4, in particular their lifting mechanism 11 and their drive mechanism 13, can be controlled by a central control device 16, which can communicate wirelessly with the SPMTs 15 and the lifting device 4. In particular, at least partially autonomous operation of the SPMTs 15 and the lifting device 4 can be achieved, in particular by also providing corresponding sensors (not shown).

[0059] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a lifting device 4 is shown. In this case, the lifting device 4 comprises two telescopic rods 11, each including a hydraulic piston 17. The telescopic rods 11 are further supported by stabilizing fins 18 on the lower part 5. An interface 7 with a sling 19 serving as a connection member 8 is positioned intermediately between the telescopic rods 11. The wheels 12 can be stowed into the base of the lower part 5, so that the ground support surface 20 rests on the ground, thereby providing a secure stand for the lifting device 4.

[0060] The system 1 can be used in a method according to the invention, as will now be referred to. Figures 3 to 9 Explained.

[0061] exist Figure 3 In the embodiment, a wind turbine component 21 has been mounted on a transport frame 2, which in turn is supported on an SPMT 15 so that the component 21 can be rolled onto a vessel 22 suitable for the RORO method explained above. This loading process is indicated by arrow 23. In this case, the vessel 22 is a ship.

[0062] like Figure 4 , the frame 2 with the components 21 has reached its storage position on the vessel 22. As a next step in the method, in this case, the four lifting devices 4 are moved to the corresponding connection positions defined by the connection members of the transport frame 2. This is indicated by arrows 24. Once the connection positions have been reached, the lifting devices 4 are connected to the transport frame 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 The slings 19 are wound around the connection members 9 of the transport frame 2 so that when the telescopic rod 11 lifts the upper part 6 , the corresponding connection member 9 , in particular the trunnion, is suspended in the slings 19 acting as connection member 8 .

[0063] like Figure 6 , the lifting mechanisms 10 of all lifting devices 4 are now synchronously controlled by the control device 16 to uniformly lift the transport frame 2 with the component 21, which is now freely suspended in the slings 19 of the lifting devices 4 and no longer rests on the SPMT 15. The lifting process is indicated by arrow 25.

[0064] Therefore, if Figure 7 As shown in , the SPMT 15 can now be removed from under the transport frame 2 .

[0065] After the SPMT 15 has been removed according to arrow 26, as shown Figure 8 As shown in , the lifting mechanism 10 of the lifting device 4 is synchronously controlled again to lower the transport frame 2 with the component 21 mounted thereon to the ground, as indicated by arrow 27 .

[0066] After this, the frame 2 with the wind turbine components 21 is securely stored in the vessel 22 and the lifting device 4 can be disconnected from the frame 2 and removed, e.g. Figure 9 Indicated by arrow 28 in FIG.

[0067] If later on, after the vessel 22 has reached its destination, the component 21 on the frame 2 is to be unloaded, the above steps are essentially carried out in the reverse order, i.e. the lifting device 4 is moved into a connection position to the frame 2, the frame 2 is lifted, the SPMT 15 is moved under the transport frame 2, the transport frame 2 is lowered again so that it rests on and is supported by the SPMT 15, the lifting device 4 is removed, and the component 21 can be unloaded by rolling it out of the vessel 22.

[0068] It should be noted that in this example, component 21 is shown as including a nacelle and a hub housing a wind turbine generator. However, component 21 may also be the wind turbine generator itself, the nacelle or hub without the generator, or the nacelle housing a generator. Of course, other components of the wind turbine may also be transported, as described above.

[0069] While the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the disclosed examples, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise other variations based on the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A lifting device (4) for lifting a transport frame (2) on which a component (21) of a wind turbine is mounted, the lifting device (4) comprising: - an upper part (6) having an interface (7) for connection to a transport frame (2) to be lifted, - a lower part (5) for supporting the lifting device (4) on the ground, and - a lifting mechanism (10) connecting the lower part (5) to the upper part (6) for linear vertical movement of the upper part (6) relative to the lower part (5), wherein the lower portion (5) comprises wheels (12) and a drive mechanism (13), thereby forming a self-propelled device, wherein the lower portion (5) further comprises a ground supporting surface (20), and the wheels (12) are retractable and / or movable to allow the ground supporting surface (20) to be lowered to the ground.

2. The lifting device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The transport frame (2) is flat.

3. The lifting device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The lifting device (4) is used to remove or place at least one self-propelled modular transport unit (15) under the transport frame (2).

4. The lifting device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The lifting mechanism (10) comprises at least one telescopic rod (11).

5. The lifting device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that The lifting mechanism (10) comprises at least two telescopic rods (11).

6. The lifting device (4) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that The telescopic rod (11) comprises a hydraulic piston (17) and / or at least one threaded rod powered by an electric motor.

7. The lifting device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The interface (7) comprises a trunnion and / or a hook and / or a pin and / or a sling (19) and / or an eye plate as at least one connecting member (8), and / or the at least one connecting member (8) matches a corresponding connecting member (9) of the transport frame (2).

8. A method for transporting a component (21) of a wind turbine and / or a component (21) comprising a wind turbine generator on a vessel (22), wherein: The component (21) is mounted on the transport frame (2), which comprises the following steps: - rolling the component (21) onto the vessel (22) using at least one self-propelled transport device (14), - lifting the transport frame (2) with the component (21) using at least three lifting devices (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, - removing the at least one self-propelled transport device (14) from under the raised transport frame (2), - lowering the transport frame (2) to the ground using the lifting device (4), and - Removal of the lifting device (4).

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The component (21) is a wind turbine generator.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The transport frame (2) is flat.

11. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The self-propelled transport device (14) is a self-propelled modular transport device (15).

12. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that The method further comprises: - transporting the component (21) on the transport frame (2) to a destination by means of the vessel (22), - at the destination, lifting the transport frame (2) with the component (21) using the lifting device (4), - positioning the at least one self-propelled transport device (14) below the raised transport frame (2), - lowering the transport frame (2) onto the at least one self-propelled transport device (14) using the lifting device (4), - removing the lifting device (4), - rolling the component (21) from the vessel (22) using the at least one self-propelled transport device (14).

13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that The lifting device (4) has a self-propelled device, wherein the lifting device (4) moves automatically to its connection position at the transport frame (2).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that The lifting device (4) moves at least partially autonomously into its connection position.

15. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that At least the lifting devices (4) are controlled by a central control device (16) jointly and / or based on at least one user input.

16. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that At least the lifting devices (4) are controlled by a central control device (16) synchronously and / or based on at least one user input.

17. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that The interface (7) of each lifting device (4) comprises a sling (19) or a hook, and the transport frame (2) comprises a corresponding connecting member (9) for each lifting device (4), wherein the sling (19) or the hook engages the corresponding connecting member (9) for connecting the lifting device (4) to the transport frame (2).

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The corresponding connecting member (9) is a trunnion, a pin, an eye plate or a hook.

19. A system (1) for transporting components (21) of a wind turbine and / or components (21) including a wind turbine generator on a vessel (22), comprising: - a transport frame (2) for mounting said components (21), and - at least three lifting devices (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, -in, The interface (7) of the lifting device (4) comprises a connecting member (8) adapted to engage a corresponding connecting member (9) of the transport frame (2).

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein: The component (21) is a wind turbine generator.

21. The system according to claim 19, wherein: The transport frame (2) is flat.

22. The system according to claim 19, wherein: The system comprises at least four lifting devices (4).

23. The system according to any one of claims 19 to 22, characterized in that It further comprises at least one self-propelled transport device (14) and / or at least one central control device (16).

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