Offshore wind turbine and installation method thereof

Abstract

A method for installing a wind turbine (10) at an offshore location. The wind turbine (10) includes a tower (18) and an energy generating unit (16). The tower (18) is configured to be secured to a transition piece (12, 42). Prior to transport, the method includes electrically coupling an electrical device and / or system (52) to the energy generating unit (16) or the wind turbine tower (18), or a test model thereof, via a cable (54). The electrical device and / or system (52) is configured to be attached to the transition piece (12, 42) once the tower (18) is installed. The method includes testing and commissioning the electrical device and / or system (52) while electrically coupled to the cable (54). Prior to transport and after testing and commissioning, the method includes storing the electrical device and / or system (52) and the attached cable (54) within the tower (18). The cable (54) is sufficiently long to allow the electrical device and / or system (52) to be attached to the transition piece (12, 42) without disconnecting the electrical device and / or system (52) from the cable (54).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wind turbines and, more particularly, to a wind turbine for offshore installation and a method of installing an offshore wind turbine. Background Art

[0002] Wind turbines are used to generate electricity using renewable resources without burning fossil fuels. Typically, wind turbines convert kinetic energy from the wind into electricity. A horizontal-axis wind turbine includes a tower and an energy-generating unit located atop the tower. The energy-generating unit typically includes a nacelle for housing mechanical and electrical components (such as a generator) and a rotor operatively coupled to the components in the nacelle via a main shaft extending from the nacelle. The rotor, in turn, includes a central hub and a plurality of blades extending radially from the central hub and configured to interact with the wind to rotate the rotor. The rotor is supported on a main shaft, which is operatively coupled, directly or indirectly, to a generator housed within the nacelle. Thus, when the wind forces the blades to rotate, the generator generates electricity. Wind turbines can be constructed on land or at sea.

[0003] The costs of installing and maintaining wind turbines in offshore locations are generally higher than for comparable onshore wind turbines. However, the higher costs in offshore locations are offset by the relatively large amount of available wind energy available at sea. To generate a favorable return on investment, offshore wind turbines are typically sized as large as possible; for example, rotor diameters of 100 to 150 meters are not uncommon. This maximizes the return on investment. Furthermore, offshore installations require careful planning to minimize installation and operating costs.

[0004] The construction of an offshore wind turbine begins at an onshore facility, where some pre-assembly and testing of the wind turbine's components are completed. These pre-assembled parts of the wind turbine are then transported by ship to the offshore installation location. A crane on the transport ship lifts the tower, nacelle, and rotor / blades into position on a transition piece extending above sea level. For example, one technique is to attach two blades to the rotor hub of the nacelle in a rabbit-ear configuration and attach a single blade to the tower using temporary fixtures. At the offshore location, the nacelle and tower are then connected to each other, and the blade attached to the tower is disconnected and then reconnected to the rotor hub. Other pre-assembly arrangements and installation techniques are also possible.

[0005] For each technology, a transition piece is typically pre-installed on foundation piles driven into the seabed and extending above sea level. The transition piece is mounted on the foundation piles and grouted in place, providing a load-bearing structure to which the wind turbine tower, energy generating unit, and rotor are subsequently secured. The transition piece provides an entry point for personnel into the wind turbine during installation and maintenance. To this end, the transition piece accommodates electrical equipment, as specified by the builder. Because this equipment is located within the transition piece, it is easily accessible without having to climb the wind turbine tower. Equipment on the transition piece is installed during the transition piece installation process but is typically unavailable until the tower, nacelle, and rotor are installed and electrical power is available. However, the transition piece houses various electrical components, which are unavailable until the wind turbine tower is fully installed. During wind turbine installation, the equipment in the transition piece is electrically connected to the wind turbine. All equipment is then tested and commissioned before the wind turbine enters full operation. While construction variations are possible, final assembly, testing, and commissioning of the electrical components, including the electrical equipment on the transition piece, occurs at the offshore location. This technology requires significant personnel and vessel time, which increases offshore installation and commissioning costs.

[0006] While the above-described techniques are generally commercially successful, it is desirable to reduce the time and cost of offshore installation.What is needed is an offshore wind turbine and method of installing the same that reduces installation cost and installation time. Summary of the Invention

[0007] For this and other purposes, a method for installing a wind turbine at an offshore location is provided. The wind turbine includes an energy generation unit and a wind turbine tower to be secured to a transition piece to be installed at the offshore location. Prior to transporting the wind turbine tower and energy generation unit to the offshore location, the method includes electrically connecting one or more electrical devices and / or systems to electrical equipment in the energy generation unit or a test model of electrical equipment in the energy generation unit or to electrical equipment in the wind turbine tower or a test model of electrical equipment in the wind turbine tower via one or more cables. The one or more electrical devices and / or systems are configured to attach to the transition piece once the wind turbine tower is secured to the transition piece. The method also includes testing and commissioning the electrical devices and / or systems onshore while the electrical devices and / or systems are electrically coupled to the cables. Furthermore, prior to transport and after testing and commissioning, the method includes storing the electrical devices and / or systems and the attached cables within the wind turbine tower.

[0008] In one embodiment, after installing the wind turbine tower on the transition piece, the method further includes removing stored electrical devices and / or systems from the wind turbine tower and attaching the electrical devices and / or systems to the transition piece.

[0009] In one embodiment, prior to storing the electrical devices and / or systems, the method further comprises attaching cables and / or electrical devices and / or systems at a storage / transport location within the wind turbine tower to protect the cables and electrical devices and / or systems during transport.

[0010] In one embodiment, after installing the wind turbine tower on the transition piece, the method further comprises: removing the cables and / or electrical devices and / or systems from the wind turbine tower; and lowering the electrical devices and / or systems from the storage / transport position to a predetermined installation position on the transition piece without disconnecting the cables from the electrical devices and / or systems or the energy generating unit.

[0011] In one embodiment, after installing the wind turbine tower on the transition piece, the method further comprises: removing the cables and / or electrical devices and / or systems from the wind turbine tower; and lowering the electrical devices and / or systems from the storage / transport location to a predetermined installation location on the transition piece without retesting and without recommissioning the cables and / or electrical devices and / or systems.

[0012] In one embodiment, prior to storage, the method includes winding the cable into a coil.

[0013] In one embodiment, after mounting the wind turbine tower on the transition piece, the method further includes attaching electrical devices and / or systems to the transition piece.

[0014] In one embodiment, after testing and commissioning, no additional testing and commissioning of the electrical devices and / or systems is performed before the wind turbine is put into operation.

[0015] In one embodiment, the cables are not disconnected from the electrical devices and / or systems after testing and commissioning.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method further comprises transporting the tower and the energy generating unit to an offshore location with the electrical devices and / or systems electrically coupled to the energy generating unit and stored in the tower.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method further comprises placing the cables and / or electrical devices and / or systems in a waterproof enclosure.

[0018] According to another aspect, a wind turbine includes a wind turbine tower and an energy generation unit configured to be mounted on a transition piece at an offshore location. The wind turbine also includes one or more electrical devices and / or systems electrically coupled to the energy generation unit via one or more cables. The electrical devices and / or systems and the cables are stored in the wind turbine tower to protect the cables and the electrical devices and / or systems during transport to the offshore location. The cables are sufficiently long to allow the electrical devices and / or systems to be attached to the transition piece without disconnecting the electrical devices and / or systems from the cables.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cable is at least 3 m longer than the length of the wind turbine tower.

[0020] In one embodiment, the wind turbine further comprises a waterproof housing, and the cables and / or electrical devices and / or systems are stored in the waterproof housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a wind turbine having a wind turbine tower and an energy generating unit installed at an offshore location;

[0023] Figure 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a transition piece installed with a wind turbine tower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a partially cutaway perspective view of an alternative transition piece installed with a wind turbine tower according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 a cross-sectional view of a transition piece illustrating installation of a wind turbine tower;

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a transition piece illustrating the installation of a wind turbine tower. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] For this and other purposes, reference is made to Figure 1An exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes installing a wind turbine, such as wind turbine 10, at an offshore location. As shown, wind turbine 10 includes a transition piece 12 that extends from foundation piles (not shown) secured to the seafloor to a location above ocean 14. An energy generating unit 16 is elevated above transition piece 12 via a wind turbine tower 18. During installation, wind turbine tower 18 is secured to transition piece 12 at one end, with energy generating unit 16 at the other end. According to an embodiment of the present invention, to reduce testing and commissioning time during offshore installation of wind turbine 10, some or all electrical testing and commissioning of wind turbine 10 is performed onshore. Typically, commissioning will be performed prior to testing. For example, commissioning may include verifying cable terminations, which typically occurs prior to operating test equipment.

[0028] Once all electrical equipment has been commissioned and tested onshore, little or no commissioning or testing of electrical components is required during installation of the wind turbine tower 18 and energy generation unit 16 on the transition piece at the offshore location. However, it is conceivable that final verification of these components will be required once the wind turbine tower 18 and energy generation unit 16 are coupled together, whether this occurs offshore or onshore. However, the time from installation to operation of the wind turbine 10 is reduced by performing commissioning and testing onshore. In this regard, most, if not all, equipment found in the transition piece 12 is electrically coupled to the energy generation unit 16 and / or wind turbine tower 18 after installation. This arrangement eliminates the need for re-commissioning and re-testing after the tower 18 and / or energy generation unit 16 are installed. This plug-and-play installation of the wind turbine tower 18 and energy generation unit 16 equipment, once placed in the transition piece 12, reduces costs associated with the use of transport vessels, which reduces vessel usage and advantageously reduces the overall cost of installation.

[0029] For this purpose, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2Energy generation unit 16 comprises the components of wind turbine 10 that convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy. In this regard, energy generation unit 16 typically includes a housing or nacelle 20 and a rotor 22 having a plurality of blades 26 (e.g., three blades) mounted to and extending radially from a central hub 30, as well as a generator (not shown) for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Wind turbine blades 26 interact with the wind to rotate the generator. Energy generation unit 16 may further include a drive train (not shown) including a gear arrangement interconnecting rotor 22 with the generator. The generator and the main portion of the drive train may be located within nacelle 20 of wind turbine 10. Furthermore, although not shown, wind turbine tower 18 may be modular and comprise multiple sections that are assembled end-to-end to collectively form wind turbine tower 18.

[0030] In addition to the generator, nacelle 20 typically houses various electrical equipment and components required to convert wind energy into electrical energy, as well as various components required to operate, control, and optimize the performance of wind turbine 10. The generator in nacelle 20, while generating electrical energy for commercial sale, also provides power for the operation of wind turbine 10, including powering various components in nacelle 20.

[0031] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 At a location above the ocean 14, the transition piece 12 provides an external platform 32 that provides an access height through which personnel can enter and exit the interior of the wind turbine tower 18. Although not shown, the wind turbine tower 18 includes an internal ladder through which personnel can access equipment inside the nacelle 20. Figure 1 As shown, opening 34 may include a door. An external ladder 36 is accessible from platform 32 and extends to ocean 14. Thus, platform 32 can be accessed via ladder 36 from a vessel moored on a vessel platform (not shown). Transition piece 12 may also include one or more internal platforms 40 and internal ladders (not shown). The internal ladders can be lowered toward ocean 14 to access one or more additional lower platforms. As described below, equipment used for maintenance and operation of wind turbine 10 may be located on internal platforms 40, on one or more additional lower platforms (e.g., an upper working platform, a switchgear platform, an airtight platform, a lower working platform), or, after installation of wind turbine tower 18, in the space enclosed by internal platforms 40 and wind turbine tower 18.

[0032] The embodiments of the present invention are not limited to Figure 2 The transition piece 12 is shown and described. Other exemplary transition pieces may be used in the construction of the wind turbine 10 in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Another such exemplary transition piece may be referred to as an extended transition piece 42 and may be located at Figure 3 . The extended transition piece 42 includes similar features to the transition piece 12. In this regard, the extended transition piece 42 includes an outer platform 44 and an inner platform 46, and may include one or more internal ladders (not shown) and additional lower platforms, but differs from the transition piece 12 in the extended portion 50 above the platform 46. Figure 3 As shown, the wind turbine tower 18 is fixed to the extension 50 rather than to, for example, Figure 2 The extension 50 is shown at the height of the platform 32. As described below, the extension 50 may house electrical equipment required for the operation of the wind turbine 10.

[0033] For each transition piece 12 and 42, during the installation of the wind turbine 10, it is not uncommon for the transition piece 12, 42 to be installed before the wind turbine tower 18, nacelle 20, and rotor 22 are installed (e.g., up to 12 months, but typically 3 to 6 months). When installed, and in the absence of the rest of the wind turbine 10, the transition piece 12, 42 is unpowered. In other words, the transition piece 12, 42 has no power source. In addition, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the transition pieces 12 , 42 do not include any electrical equipment. For example, the transition pieces 12 , 42 may not include any electrical components on the extension 50 , on the inner platforms 40 , 46 , and / or on the outer platforms 32 , 44 .

[0034] During the installation of the transition pieces 12 , 42 , equipment required for the operation of the wind turbine 10 is not installed on the transition pieces 12 , 42 . For example, when the transition pieces 12 , 42 are installed and before the wind turbine tower 18 is installed, one or more of the following items are not present in the transition pieces 12 , 42 : smoke detectors, various sensors (e.g., humidity, temperature, and door open / close for the door 34 ), a condition monitoring system (CMS), load measurement devices / sensors, electrical outlets, lights and light switches, a crane control box (e.g., a davit crane), a navigation aid control box, climate control devices (e.g., a dehumidifier), a WIFI access point, an overvoltage protection (OVP) box, an internet phone, a communication system (e.g., TETRA, VHF / UHF), a lockout tagout box for a lift (not shown), a human-machine interface (HMI) cabinet (including light switches, an emergency stop, and connections for a pendant box), to name a few. Advantageously, omitting these devices / systems from the transition pieces 12 , 42 eliminates costs associated with the construction and installation of the transition pieces 12 , 42 . The absence of equipment during installation of the transition piece 12, 42 reduces the need to protect the equipment from the environment during the intervening period between installation of the transition piece 12, 42 and installation of the wind turbine tower 18 and energy generating unit 16. Because the marine environment is harsh on equipment, premature damage to the equipment on the transition piece 12, 42 is avoided. There are other advantages associated with omitting equipment from the transition piece 12, 42. These may include avoiding the need to inspect the equipment during tower installation and testing, as well as avoiding the initiation of any warranty period that typically initiates when the equipment is installed.

[0035] However, once the wind turbine 10 is constructed, the transition pieces 12, 42 may include one or more of these devices and / or systems so that these devices and / or systems can be accessed and operated at the transition pieces 12, 42 from, for example, the outer platforms 32, 44 or the inner platforms 40, 46. To this end, during pre-assembly at the onshore location, one or more electrical devices and / or systems are electrically coupled to the wind turbine 10, for example, to the generator in the nacelle 20. These electrical devices and / or systems are electrically coupled to the wind turbine 10 during pre-assembly at the onshore location. Figure 4 and Figure 5The electrical equipment and / or systems 52 are generally designated by the numeral 52 and include, but are not limited to, smoke detectors, electrical circuit breakers, a control cabinet, sensors (e.g., humidity, temperature, and door opening / closing for door 34), a condition monitoring system (CMS), load measurement devices / sensors, power outlets, lights and light switches, a crane control box (e.g., for a davit crane), a navigation aid control box, climate control devices (e.g., air conditioners and / or dehumidifiers), a Wi-Fi access point, an overvoltage protection (OVP) box, an internet phone, a communication system (e.g., TETRA, VHF / UHF), a lockout box for a lift (not shown), a human-machine interface (HMI) cabinet (including a light switch, an emergency stop, and connections for a pendant box), and a security system. Electrical devices and / or systems 52 are connected via cables 54 as required for wind turbine 10 operation and are tested and commissioned onshore prior to transport. Cables 54 are cables that serve as conductors for electronic signals used for electrical or electronic communication between two devices. For example, cables 54 can connect to a tower controller (not shown) in wind turbine tower 18 and to electrical equipment to be placed in transition pieces 12, 42 during tower 18 installation. The tower controller can be electrically connected to the generator. The tower controller and electrical equipment connections can be commissioned and tested onshore. It should be understood that testing and commissioning will depend on the specific equipment and what other equipment it may be connected to. Part of commissioning involves finalizing the cable terminations / connections to each component. Commissioning can be performed according to the manufacturer's specifications. Testing can include, by way of example only: verifying proper cable connections; energizing equipment in a controlled, orderly manner; troubleshooting; functional testing (e.g., functional testing of the control panel); signal testing; and communication testing. Therefore, in one embodiment, the electrical system of wind turbine 10 is operational before it is transported to the offshore location. For example, the generator and electronics in nacelle 20 are electrically connected to the electrical devices and / or systems 52 to be installed in or on transition pieces 12, 42. These connections are made before transport to the offshore location. Rather than electrically coupling the electrical equipment in the energy generation unit 16 and / or the electrical equipment in the wind turbine tower 18 for commissioning and testing, the electrical equipment can be coupled to an equivalent test model for one or both of the energy generation unit 16 and the wind turbine tower 18. Such a test model can be a test container that includes or simulates the electrical equipment found in one or both of the energy generation unit 16 and / or the wind turbine tower 18. In this way, even if the electrical device and / or system 52 is not coupled to the specific energy generation unit and / or wind turbine tower to be installed, the equipment is electrically tested and commissioned before transporting the wind turbine tower 18 and energy generation unit 16. Once the electrical equipment is commissioned and tested, it can be unplugged and transported.

[0036] Once in the offshore location, wind turbine tower 18 and energy generation unit 16 are installed with commissioned electrical equipment, including the equipment required to equip transition piece 12. Once wind turbine tower 18 is coupled to transition pieces 12, 42, the equipment is lowered from wind turbine tower 18 and coupled to the appropriate locations within transition pieces 12, 42. After tower 18 is installed, the electrical equipment can be installed and plugged into their respective components, whether that connection is to equipment within energy generation unit 16 and / or equipment within wind turbine tower 18. At this point, the equipment is operational, having previously been commissioned and tested at the onshore location. During installation, according to embodiments of the present invention, little or no electrical testing or commissioning of these electrical devices and / or systems 52 is required. In this case, once wind turbine tower 18 and energy generation unit 16 are in place, the electrical devices and / or systems 52 are complete and functional.

[0037] This is usually referred to Figure 4 . After onshore testing, the electrical device and / or system 52 (shown as a dashed box), including the attached cable 54, is secured within the wind turbine tower 18 at a location adjacent to the end 56 of the tower 18, such as beneath a platform proximate the end 56 or on a platform (not shown) after being passed through an opening in the platform. The opening in the platform can be adjacent to a dedicated cable ladder along the tower wall or used with an internal crane. The size of the opening in the platform is determined by the largest item intended to pass through it. For large openings, such as those used with a crane, a cover plate can be placed over the opening once the item has been passed through it. For example, one or both of the cable 54 and the electrical device and / or system 52 can be temporarily secured to the tower 18 using magnets or temporary fasteners, for example, after being passed through the opening. The cable 54 and / or the electrical device and / or system 52 can be placed in a waterproof enclosure 58, such as a waterproof bag. In this way, the cables 54 and the electrical devices and / or systems 52 are protected from inadvertent damage during transportation of the tower 18 and installation of the tower 18 on the transition piece 12, 42. Although not shown, each cable 54 may be a cable bundle having several cables for connecting the generator in the nacelle 20 to equipment to be installed in the transition piece 42, such as the equipment mounted on the extension 50 or on the internal platform 46. The cable bundle may also include one or more low-voltage cables for powering auxiliary equipment in the nacelle (e.g., lighting circuits) and one or more data cables for electronic communication between the two devices. It should be understood that, even though not shown, the same arrangement applies to the Figure 2The transition piece 12 is shown, in particular, for connecting equipment to the inner platform 40. Furthermore, although not shown, equipment to be connected to the outer platforms 32, 44 can also be tested before being coupled to the wind turbine tower 18 prior to transport. Furthermore, equipment attached to the transition piece 12, 42 at the lower platform below the inner platform 40, 46 can be tested before being coupled to the wind turbine tower 18 prior to transport.

[0038] In one embodiment, the cable 54 may be attached at one end to an electrical component in the nacelle 20 and continue to the electrical device and / or system 52. That is, the cable 54 has no electrical couplings or connectors between its ends. Alternatively, the cable 54 may originate from a connection point at or near the lowest landing in the tower 18. This connection may be by way of a plug, such that the plug can be unplugged when the electrical device and / or system 52 is lowered to their respective positions in the transition piece 12, 42 and then plugged back in. In one embodiment, the cable 54 is at least one length longer than the height of the lowest landing in the tower 18 from the end 56, which length is equal to or greater than the storage / transport position (at Figure 4 62 in the figure) to the attachment point on or in the transition piece 12, 42 (in the Figure 5 64). By way of example only and not limitation, the cable 54 may be 10 to 30 meters long from the nearest connection point adjacent the end 56 to the attachment point on the transition piece 12, 42. Without limitation, it is believed that the length of the cable 54 should be minimized (e.g., no longer than 10 meters) and that cable lengths exceeding 50 meters may cause handling issues.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the cables 54 can be wound into coils and temporarily attached to the tower 18. Thus, after testing and commissioning prior to transport, and after the wind turbine tower 18 is installed, the cables 54 remain connected to the corresponding electrical devices and / or systems 52. There is no need to disconnect the electrical devices and / or systems 52 from the cables 54 and then reconnect the electrical devices and / or systems 52. The electrical devices and / or systems 52 change location from the tower 18 to the transition piece 12, 42. That is, the electrical devices and / or systems 52 are moved from the tower 18 to the transition piece 12, 42. Figure 4 The transport / storage location shown is moved to Figure 5 The transition pieces 12, 42 are shown in position.

[0040] See also Figure 5Once the wind turbine tower 18 is secured to the transition piece 12, 42, the electrical devices and / or systems 52 can be removed from their positions within the wind turbine tower 18 and lowered (generally indicated by arrow 60) to be coupled to the transition piece 12, 42 at the predetermined installation location. Lowering the electrical devices and / or systems 52 can be facilitated by utilizing a network that can simultaneously lower multiple groups of electrical devices and / or systems 52. Equipment to be attached to the external platforms 32, 44 can also be located at this location. By way of example, although not shown, equipment that can be attached to the external platforms 32, 44 can include cranes and lighting (e.g., for flooding and navigation), as well as other equipment that facilitates the installation and maintenance of the wind turbine 10. Once attached, the electrical devices and / or systems 52 are ready to be powered by electricity from the energy generating unit 16.

[0041] As a prophetic example, a smoke detector may be specifically designed to attach to the transition piece. However, the smoke detector is not mounted on the transition piece. Instead, it is electrically connected to the rest of the tower's safety systems and energy generation units. The smoke detector is secured to the wind turbine generator's base tower controller with a long cable. Once testing is complete and the safety system (including the smoke detector) passes inspection, the smoke detector is tucked away under a platform within the tower. After the tower is mounted on the transition piece, the smoke detector can be lowered into the foundation and attached to the transition piece using magnets.

[0042] As another prophetic example, an energy generation unit HMI panel is required at the entry level of the transition piece to control the energy generation unit. The HMI panel is terminated in the lower tower controller of the energy generation unit with a long cable. This HMI panel is tested onshore as part of the I / O / LTPU testing. Then, once the testing is complete, the HMI panel and cable are reeled under a platform inside the tower so that it can be lowered into the transition piece and attached using magnets.

[0043] While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of various preferred embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the applicant's intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Other advantages and modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various features of the present invention may be used alone or in any combination, depending on the needs and preferences of the user.

Claims

1. A method of installing a wind turbine (10) at an offshore location, the wind turbine (10) comprising a wind turbine tower (18) and an energy generating unit (16), the wind turbine tower (18) being configured to be secured to a transition piece (12, 42) at the offshore location, the method comprising: Prior to transporting the wind turbine tower (18) and the energy generating unit (16) to the offshore location, electrically coupling one or more electrical devices and / or systems (52) to electrical equipment or a test model in the energy generating unit (16) or to electrical equipment or a test model in the wind turbine tower (18) via one or more cables (54), the one or more electrical devices and / or systems (52) being configured to be attached to the transition piece (12, 42) once the wind turbine tower (18) is secured to the transition piece (12, 42); testing and debugging the electrical device and / or system (52) while the electrical device and / or system (52) is electrically coupled to the cable (54); and Prior to transport and after testing and commissioning, the electrical devices and / or systems (52) and the attached cables (54) are stored within the wind turbine tower (18).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: After the wind turbine tower (18) is mounted on the transition piece (12, 42), the stored electrical devices and / or systems (52) are removed from the wind turbine tower (18) and attached to the transition piece (12, 42).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Prior to storage, the method further includes attaching the cable (54) and / or the electrical device and / or system (52) at a storage / transport location within the wind turbine tower (18) to protect the cable (54) and the electrical device and / or system (52) during transportation.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: After the wind turbine tower (18) is mounted on the transition piece (12, 42), the method further comprises: removing the cable (54) and / or the electrical device and / or system (52) from the wind turbine tower (18); and lowering the electrical device and / or system (52) from the storage / transport position to a predetermined installation position on the transition piece (12, 42) without disconnecting the cable (54) from the electrical device and / or system (52) or the energy generating unit (16).

5. The method according to claim 3, wherein After installing the wind turbine tower (18) on the transition piece (12, 42), the method further includes: removing the cable (54) and / or the electrical device and / or system (52) from the wind turbine tower (18); and lowering the electrical device and / or system (52) from the storage / transport location to a predetermined installation location on the transition piece (12, 42) without retesting and without recommissioning the cable (54) and / or the electrical device and / or system (52).

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Prior to storage, the method includes winding the cable (54) into a coil.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: After mounting the wind turbine tower (18) on the transition piece (12, 42), the method further includes attaching the electrical device and / or system (52) to the transition piece (12, 42).

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: After testing and commissioning, no additional testing and commissioning of the electrical device and / or system (52) is performed before the wind turbine (10) is put into operation.

9. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: After testing and commissioning, the cable (54) is not disconnected from the electrical device and / or system (52).

10. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: With the electrical devices and / or systems (52) electrically coupled to the energy generating unit (16) and stored in the tower (18), the tower (18) and the energy generating unit (16) are transported to the offshore location.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Storing also includes placing the cable (54) and / or the electrical device and / or system (52) in a waterproof housing (58).

12. A wind turbine (10), comprising: A wind turbine tower (18) and an energy generation unit (16) configured to be mounted on a transition piece (12, 42) at an offshore location; as well as one or more electrical devices and / or systems (52), said one or more electrical devices and / or systems being electrically coupled to said energy generating unit (16) via one or more electrical cables (54), wherein the electrical devices and / or systems (52) and the cables (54) are stored in the wind turbine tower (18) to protect the cables (54) and the electrical devices and / or systems (52) during transportation to the offshore location, and wherein the cable (54) is sufficiently long to allow the electrical device and / or system (52) to be attached to the transition piece (12, 42) without disconnecting the electrical device and / or system (52) from the cable (54).

13. The wind turbine (10) of claim 12, further comprising a waterproof housing (58), wherein the cables (54) and / or the electrical devices and / or systems (52) are stored in the waterproof housing (58).

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