Assemble and install wind turbines

Abstract

A semi-submersible crane vessel is used for assembling wind turbines and installing the assembled wind turbines onto a base using the vessel's crane. At the assembly platform, the vessel's hull is provided with a tower receiving well that is sunk into or through the hull, preferably a well extending into or through a support column of the hull, configured to accommodate at least a portion of the wind turbine tower during the wind turbine assembly process. For example, measured from the deck of a deck box structure, the tower receiving well has a depth of at least 15 meters, such as at least 30 meters.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] In the field of offshore construction, semi-submersible crane vessels are considered the mainstay of (heavy) lifting operations. Today, these crane vessels are also used for installing wind turbines on foundations. Typically, such semi-submersible crane vessels include:

[0002] - A floating hull, which has:

[0003] - Deck box structure

[0004] - Two parallel pontoons,

[0005] - A row of support columns extends upward from each of the two pontoons, supporting the deck box structure on them.

[0006] The deck box structure includes a deck and a box bottom, as well as

[0007] - Install the crane, which is mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto the base.

[0008] In this field, many ships have tub-mounted cranes, in which the crane's rotatable superstructure is mounted on a tub integrated with the deck box structure via bearings such as roller bearings or bogie assemblies, for example, directly above a support column at the end of a row of columns. In other known embodiments, the crane is a tower crane. Summary of the Invention

[0009] A first aspect of the invention also aims to provide an enhanced semi-submersible crane vessel for wind turbine installation, thereby allowing for more efficient assembly of a portion of a wind turbine on the crane vessel.

[0010] A first aspect of the invention provides a semi-submersible crane vessel for assembling wind turbines and installing the assembled wind turbines onto a base, such as a seabed mounting base or a floating base, using the vessel's crane. The assembled wind turbine to be installed includes at least a portion of a wind turbine tower and a rotor assembly, such as a nacelle with a hub, mounted on the tower. The rotor assembly optionally includes one or more, for example, all rotor blades.

[0011] Among them, ships include:

[0012] - A floating hull, which has:

[0013] - Deck box structure

[0014] - Two parallel pontoons,

[0015] A row of support columns extends upward from each of the two pontoons, supporting the deck box structure on them.

[0016] The deck box structure includes a deck and a box bottom.

[0017] - Install the crane, which is mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto the base.

[0018] In the assembly station, the hull of the vessel is provided with a tower receiving well that is sunk into or through the hull, preferably a well that extends into or through the support column of the hull. The well is configured to receive at least a portion of the tower of the wind turbine during the assembly steps of the wind turbine, such as during the placement of the rotor assembly onto the tower and / or during the assembly of one or more, such as all rotor blades, onto the rotor assembly.

[0019] For example, measured from the deck of the deck box structure, the tower housing well has a depth of at least 15 meters, such as at least 30 meters.

[0020] In the implementation plan, the installation crane is mounted directly above the support column at the end of a row of columns, for example as a basin-type crane, and the tower receiving well is located in the adjacent support column of the same row of columns on the pontoon.

[0021] In another embodiment, the crane installation has a crane structure base, which is fixed at one of the bow and stern sides of the deck box structure to a portion of the deck box structure extending between the port and starboard support columns of the vessel.

[0022] In the implementation plan, the semi-submersible vessel has a port buoy and a starboard buoy, wherein the port tower housing extends in the port support column and the starboard tower housing extends in the starboard support column.

[0023] In one embodiment, the crane has a rotatable superstructure supported on a crane structure base via a slewing bearing, allowing the superstructure to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, preferably more than 360 degrees. In another embodiment, the superstructure is equipped with a boom, and the crane has a main lifting system comprising at least one main lifting winch, an associated main lifting cable, and a load connector, such as a hook. The main lifting cable extends from the main lifting winch to a main lifting cable guide on the boom and then to the load connector.

[0024] In the implementation plan, the crane installation is configured to perform:

[0025] - The lifting operation performed at the port side tower housing well during the wind turbine assembly step in its first turning position.

[0026] - The lifting operation performed at the starboard tower housing well during the wind turbine assembly step in its second turning position, and

[0027] - Lift the assembled wind turbine out of the port or starboard tower housing well, then rotate it to the installation rotation position. Subsequently, lower the wind turbine onto the base. During the rotation to the installation rotation position, the wind turbine maintains a distance from the deck box structure on the bow or stern side where the installation crane is located, and is above the base where the wind turbine will be installed.

[0028] In the implementation scheme, the installation crane and / or its lifting system includes a heave compensation device adapted to compensate for heave movement of the wind turbine tower relative to the tower mounting structure of the base (e.g., a floating base) on which the wind turbine will be installed, caused by sea conditions.

[0029] A first aspect of the invention also provides a method for assembling a wind turbine and installing the assembled wind turbine on a base, such as a seabed mounting base or a floating base, wherein a semi-submersible crane vessel is used, wherein the vessel includes:

[0030] - A floating hull, which has:

[0031] - Deck box structure

[0032] - Two parallel pontoons,

[0033] A row of support columns extends upward from each of the two pontoons, supporting the deck box structure on them.

[0034] The deck box structure includes a deck and a box bottom.

[0035] - Install the crane, which is mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto the base.

[0036] In the assembly station, the ship's hull is provided with a tower housing well that is sunk into or passes through the hull, preferably a well that extends into or through the support columns of the hull, and the well is configured to house at least a portion of the wind turbine tower therein.

[0037] The assembled wind turbine to be installed includes at least a portion of the wind turbine tower and a rotor assembly mounted on the tower, such as a nacelle with a hub. The rotor assembly may optionally have one or more rotor blades, for example, all rotor blades.

[0038] In this method, during the assembly steps of the wind turbine, such as during the placement of the rotor assembly onto the tower and / or during the assembly of one or more rotor blades, such as all rotor blades, onto the rotor assembly, at least a portion of the tower is arranged in a tower housing well.

[0039] The first aspect of the invention is based on the understanding that semi-submersible vessels are well-suited to having a tower housing well that is sunk into or even through the hull, the well being configured to house at least a portion of the wind turbine tower during the assembly of the wind turbine.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the tower housing well extends into the support column, and optionally even into the pontoon. The well preferably has a base plate configured to support the tower thereon, for example, the base plate is integrated with the pontoon and / or with the lower part of the support column.

[0041] It is understandable that tower housing wells can be retrofitted into existing semi-submersible vessels.

[0042] Preferably, the tower housing well is arranged within the reach of the installation crane, thereby allowing the use of the crane to place the tower or a portion thereof into the well, and subsequently remove the assembled or partially assembled wind turbine from the well, which is then placed onto the base by the crane.

[0043] For example, the installation crane is positioned directly above a support column at the end of a row of columns, essentially at a corner of the deck box structure, with the tower housing well located in an adjacent support column of the same row of columns on the pontoon. In another embodiment, for example, when the vessel has an installation crane above a support column at the end of a row of columns on a pontoon at a corner of the deck box structure, the tower housing well is arranged to or through the support corner at the end of a row of columns on another pontoon, for example, both the crane and the well are located at the stern of the vessel, for example, the crane and the well are each actually located at a corner of the deck box structure.

[0044] In the implementation scheme, as is known in the art, the vessel has two possibly identical cranes, each mounted at a corresponding corner of the deck box structure, such as at the stern.

[0045] In the implementation plan, the installation crane is positioned directly above the support column at the end of a row of columns, and the vessel has a tower housing well located in the adjacent support column of the same row of columns on the pontoons.

[0046] In the implementation scheme, the semi-submersible vessel has port and starboard buoys, wherein the crane installation has a crane structure base, the crane structure base being fixed at one of the bow and stern sides of the deck box structure to a portion of the deck box structure extending between the port and starboard support columns, and wherein the port tower receiving well extends in the port support column and the starboard tower receiving well extends in the starboard support column, wherein the crane installation has a rotatable superstructure supported on the crane structure base via a slewing bearing, thereby allowing the superstructure to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, preferably more than 360 degrees, wherein the superstructure is provided with a boom, and wherein the crane has a main lifting system comprising at least one main lifting winch, an associated main lifting cable, and a load connector, such as a hook, the main lifting cable extending from the main lifting winch to a main lifting cable guide on the boom, and then to the load connector, wherein the crane installation is configured to perform:

[0047] - The lifting operation performed at the port side tower housing well during the wind turbine assembly step in its first turning position.

[0048] - The lifting operation performed at the starboard tower housing well during the wind turbine assembly step in its second turning position, and

[0049] - The assembled wind turbine is lifted out of the port or starboard tower housing well and then slew to the installation slewing position (also known as the installation position). The wind turbine is then lowered onto the base. During the slewing to the installation slewing position, the wind turbine is kept at a distance from the deck box structure on the bow or stern side where the installation crane is located and is above the base where the wind turbine will be installed.

[0050] In the implementation scheme, for example, a further slewing position at the rear of the installation crane (e.g., a fourth slewing position between the first and second slewing positions) corresponds to another platform involved in the assembly of the wind turbine. For example, in this position where the crane is above the ship's deck, its main lifting system can be used to erect the tower or tower components of the tower. For example, the tower consists of two or three tower components. Here, the tower components can be erected and lifted by slewing the installation crane, positioned above the tower components already placed in the well. The additional slewing position can also be used to lift the nacelle to be installed on the tower.

[0051] For example, a wind turbine tower component stored horizontally on a deck can be slid laterally from either side of the deck to the centerline. At the centerline of the deck, the tower component will be erected using an installation crane. A movable erecting bucket can travel on the deck to support the lower end of the tower component, for example, from the aft side of the deck to an auxiliary side of the installation crane opposite the forward mounting side of the crane.

[0052] In one embodiment, the superstructure includes a rigid and vertically extending top portion of a crane structure, which is supported on a crane structure base via a slewing bearing. A boom is mounted on the top portion of the crane structure, for example, on top of it, to rotate together with the top portion of the crane structure. Preferably, the top portion is formed of a lattice structure.

[0053] Preferably, the top portion of the vertically extending crane extends at least 50 meters above the deck of the ship's deck box structure.

[0054] Preferably, the boom is connected to the top of the vertically extending top portion of the crane, and preferably pivotally connected to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis via a pitch mechanism on which the crane is mounted.

[0055] For example, measured from the deck of a deck box structure, the well has a depth of at least 15 meters, such as at least 30 meters. For example, the well has a depth of more than 40 meters, which is possible in ships like the recently launched Sleipnir, because the total height is approximately 50 meters.

[0056] For example, an implementation with a well at least 30 meters deep (e.g., more than 40 meters) allows a significant portion of the entire wind turbine tower to be housed within the well, as the tower height may vary between 75 meters and 110 meters in practical implementations. Because the tower is placed in the well, the top of the tower is closer to the deck, which facilitates operations such as mounting the nacelle on top of the tower, installing one or more (e.g., all) blades into the nacelle, etc.

[0057] Considering the height of the tower and the advantages of placing the top relatively close to the deck to perform assembly steps, such as housing the engine room and / or housing one or more (e.g., all) blades, it is conceivable that, in an embodiment, the well extends through the hull, for example through the support columns, and further downward through the pontoons. In the latter form, the well is similar to a ship's well or shaft that extends completely through the hull, thus allowing the tower to extend below the bottom of the ship's pontoons for operations. In such a bottom-opening well, the tower, or a portion thereof, can be suspended, for example, by a winch-driven cable, which is attached to the lower end of the tower.

[0058] A well with an opening at the bottom allows a tower (or tower component) to be arranged (e.g., suspended) therein, with its top close to the deck. For example, this allows the nacelle to be moved substantially horizontally on the deck, for example, by one or more vehicles or by a transport vehicle, for example, by rails mounted on the deck, such as a sliding transport vehicle, so that the nacelle is positioned above and connected to the top of the tower. For example, the tower can then be raised to a height suitable for mounting one or more blades to the nacelle.

[0059] The above operation can be combined with a bottom-sealed well, allowing the well to extend into the hull but not through it. This operation can also be performed when using a tower for both components of a wind turbine. Here, the upper part of the tower is placed in the well, and then the nacelle is mounted on top of it.

[0060] In one embodiment, the installation crane is provided with at least one tower engagement device having a tower engagement member and an actively controlled motion mechanism configured and operable to provide controlled movement of the tower engagement member in a horizontal plane to bring the tower of the suspended wind turbine to and hold it in one or more desired positions and / or tilt orientations, such as aligned with the mounting axis of the base.

[0061] For example, the installation crane has an upper tower engagement device and a lower tower engagement device, each device having a tower engagement member and an actively controlled motion mechanism configured and operated to provide controlled movement of the tower engagement member in the horizontal plane. These tower engagement devices operate at different heights on the tower, for example, the lower one below the center of gravity of the wind turbine to be installed, and the higher one above the center of gravity.

[0062] For example, when the coupling is mounted on a rotatable top section or (e.g., a lower section) on another carrier that follows the rotational movement, such as on a (semi)circular rail, for example on a crane base structure and / or deck, one or more tower couplings can be used to stabilize a partially or fully assembled wind turbine during the crane's rotation.

[0063] In the implementation plan, the combination of the main lifting system for installing the crane with heave compensation, and the upper and lower tower engagement devices equipped with actively controlled motion mechanisms, allows for compensation of all six degrees of freedom of motion of the entire wind turbine suspended from the crane. For example, the wind turbine lifting pulley in the crane is equipped with an active heave compensation system to compensate for the vertical motion of the vessel.

[0064] For example, based on the wave cycle, the installation crane is capable of installing wind turbines up to approximately Hsig = 3.5m high.

[0065] In the implementation, in addition to one or more tower engagement devices, the vessel is preferably equipped with restraint devices that serve as a constraint between the vessel and the base, for example at least in the horizontal XY plane relative to the vessel (e.g., a floating base).

[0066] Preferably, the restraining device is implemented in a manner generally resembling one or more tower joining devices. The restraining device is preferably mounted on a vertically moving trolley, for example along a vertical track mounted on the hull of a vessel, such as a track aligned with the track used for the tower joining device.

[0067] As for the tower engagement device, the constraint device has: a base engagement device, such as a clamp as shown in the figure, which clamps a portion of the base; and an actively controlled motion mechanism, which is between the trolley and the base engagement device, for example, having a design similar to an orthogonal slide rail.

[0068] In less desirable designs, a line system is used as a constraint.

[0069] During operation, the tower engagement device—providing active control of longitudinal and lateral compensation—allows for the elimination or significant reduction of x and y motions resulting from roll, pitch, yaw, surge, and sway. The restraint device is used to clamp the wind turbine base.

[0070] The control system that achieves compensation can be fed by a motion reference unit and an optional wave radar for actual and predicted relative motion.

[0071] In the implementation scheme, the vessel is also used for transporting and / or placing foundations, such as monopiles or jackets. For example, an installation crane is used to erect the monopiles. For example, one or more monopiles may be stored vertically within the reach of the installation crane. For example, one or more monopiles may be stored horizontally on the deck. In the implementation scheme, the vessel has monopil holders for installing the monopiles. For example, the restraint devices described herein can also be used as XY-compensated monopil holders.

[0072] The second aspect of the invention relates to the installation and possible removal of blades for a wind turbine having a hub arranged on top of the wind turbine tower that rotates along a horizontal axis.

[0073] On land and at sea, it is known to mount blades onto a hub with the nacelle at an operating height atop a full-height tower.

[0074] In one known blade mounting method, the horizontally rotating hub is oriented such that the blade mounting structure to which the blade will be fastened is positioned at or near the three o'clock or nine o'clock position, and thus generally facing sideways. The wind turbine blade is then picked up and lifted horizontally, roughly aligned horizontally with the side-facing blade mounting structure. Lifting is typically accomplished by one or more cranes, with clamping assemblies engaging the wind turbine blade near its center of gravity. For example, the clamps may include one or more slings suspended around the wind turbine blade.

[0075] Another known method is to install the wind turbine blade at the six o'clock position. Here, the horizontally rotating hub is oriented such that the associated blade mounting structure is positioned downwards, known as the six o'clock position. The blade is then lifted and roughly vertically aligned with the downward-facing blade mounting structure. Lifting is typically accomplished by one or more cranes or a winch system on the nacelle.

[0076] Large wind turbines (e.g., multi-megawatt wind turbines) typically have a hub that rotates along a horizontal axis and has three blade mounts. Each blade mount typically includes a bearing that allows for variations in the blade's pitch angle. The bearing typically has a ring attached to the hub body (e.g., an outer ring) and a ring attached to the root of the blade (e.g., an inner ring).

[0077] In industry, bolted connections between the blade root and the blade mounting structure, such as the inner ring of a bearing, are a common standard. Bolted connections typically involve a circular array of longitudinal bolts extending from the trailing end face of the blade root, with a corresponding array of bolt holes on the blade mounting structure in which the longitudinal bolts are accommodated. Nuts are then typically tightened onto each bolt. Inserting multiple bolts simultaneously into the bolt holes requires precise alignment of the wind turbine blade relative to the blade mounting structure, which is challenging due to the size and weight of the rotor blades, wind influences, and other factors.

[0078] In the wind energy industry, floating bases are considered the most promising way to meet future wind power generation needs. However, the installation and / or removal of blades at offshore locations is complex.

[0079] The present invention aims to provide measures that allow for improved mounting of wind turbine blades on the hub of a nacelle, the nacelle being arranged on top of or at least on the upper part of the wind turbine tower.

[0080] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a blade treatment system according to claim 12.

[0081] In practice, the nacelle operating height can be 1.5-2.5 times the blade length. Therefore, for a 50-meter blade, the tower length would be 75-125 meters. Consequently, existing blade handling equipment must raise the blade root to this operating height.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the nacelle is positioned at an installation height corresponding to 50-60% of the blade length. This simplifies installation as the blade handling equipment only needs to raise the root tip of the blade to this reduced installation height.

[0083] In one implementation, a nacelle installation height corresponding to 50-60% of the blade length can be achieved by having at least a portion of the tower as the upper part of the tower, which is configured to be installed onto the lower part of the tower later. For example, the lower part of the tower is already mounted on or partially mounted on the base of an offshore wind turbine (e.g., a floating base).

[0084] In the implementation, the installation height of the nacelle corresponding to 50-60% of the blade length is achieved such that at least the upper support of the tower is recessed or sunken relative to the horizontal supply position of the blade. Depending on the depth of the trench or well, at least the upper part of the tower may have a length exceeding the blade length, such as an operating length of 1.5-2.5 times the blade length, for example, a full-height tower corresponding to a wind turbine.

[0085] The blade handling system of the present invention allows for the assembly of at least a portion of a wind turbine pre-assembled unit, including the tower, nacelle, and blades. This wind turbine pre-assembled unit can be transported to onshore and / or offshore locations.

[0086] In the implementation plan, the second aspect of the system is land-based.

[0087] In other embodiments, the system of the second aspect is housed on a vessel, for example, a vessel equipped with an installation crane configured to handle the assembled wind turbine and place it on a base, as in the first aspect.

[0088] In the implementation plan, the vessel of the second aspect is a semi-submersible crane vessel used to assemble wind turbines and install the assembled wind turbines onto a base, such as a seabed-mounted base or a floating base, via the vessel's crane. For example, the vessel includes:

[0089] - A floating hull, which has:

[0090] - Deck box structure

[0091] - Two parallel pontoons,

[0092] A row of support columns extends upward from each of the two pontoons, supporting the deck box structure on them.

[0093] The deck box structure includes a deck and a box bottom.

[0094] - An installation crane, which is mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine on the base, such as a pot-mounted crane, or a crane mounted above a support column at the end of a row of columns.

[0095] In the implementation scheme, at the assembly station, the hull of the (semi-submersible) vessel is provided with a tower receiving well that is sunk into or through the hull, preferably a well that extends into or through the support column of the hull, the well being configured to receive at least a portion of the wind turbine tower in the well during the assembly steps of the wind turbine, such as during the placement of the rotor assembly onto the tower and / or during the assembly of one or more, such as all rotor blades, onto the rotor assembly.

[0096] In one embodiment, the boom structure includes a pivot boom, with one or more blade holders attached to the pivot boom, which pivots relative to the base about a horizontal boom pivot axis in the boom pivot direction between a lowered position for holding a blade in a horizontal supply position and an raised position where the blade has the tilted or horizontal fastening orientation.

[0097] In one embodiment, the boom structure includes a hinged boom structure comprising a first boom member and a second boom member pivoting relative to the first boom member, wherein one or more blade holders are attached to the second boom member, wherein the first boom member pivots relative to the base in the boom pivot direction about a horizontal boom pivot axis, and wherein the hinged boom structure is movable between a lowered position for holding blades in a horizontal supply position and an raised position in which the blades have the tilted or horizontal fastening orientation.

[0098] In one embodiment, the base is located near a support for at least the upper part of the tower for, for example, a tower housing well, and the boom structure is movable in a plane passing through the blade mounting position of the wind turbine hub. For example, in the supply position, the boom pivot axis is closer to the base than the root end of the blade, and the boom pivots upward to the tilting orientation of the blade, for example, a single blade holder is mounted on the boom and pivots relative to the boom about a horizontal axis.

[0099] A second aspect of the invention also relates to a method for installing and / or removing blades, such as all blades, of a wind turbine having a nacelle having a horizontally rotating blade hub with blade mounting structures, such as three blade mounting structures spaced 120° apart, the nacelle being supported at least on the upper part of the wind turbine tower, wherein each blade has a tip, a root, and a length, wherein a blade handling system or blade handling device as described herein is used.

[0100] In the implementation method, the method includes mounting at least two blades on the blade hub:

[0101] - Position the first blade mounting structure of the blade hub in an inclined or horizontal orientation associated with the blade's fastening position.

[0102] - The first blade is supplied to the horizontal supply position via the blade supply system;

[0103] - The first blade is conveyed to a fastening position relative to the first blade mounting structure by a blade handling device;

[0104] - Secure the root end of the first blade to the first blade mounting structure;

[0105] -Disengage the blade holder from the blade and bring the blade handling equipment to the horizontal supply position;

[0106] - Rotate the hub to position the second blade mounting structure in an inclined or horizontal orientation associated with the blade's fastening position.

[0107] - The second blade is supplied to the horizontal supply position via the blade supply system;

[0108] -The second blade is conveyed to the fastening position relative to the second blade mounting structure by the blade handling equipment;

[0109] - Secure the root end of the second leaf to the second leaf mounting structure.

[0110] - Disengage the blade holder from the second blade and bring the blade handling equipment to the horizontal supply position.

[0111] In an embodiment of the above method, the horizontally rotating hub is provided with a blade arrangement structure spaced 120° apart, wherein the method includes:

[0112] - The third blade is supplied to the horizontal supply position via the blade supply system;

[0113] -The third blade is conveyed to the fastening position relative to the second blade mounting structure via a blade handling device;

[0114] - Secure the root end of the third leaflet to the third leaflet mounting structure.

[0115] - Disengage the blade holder from the third blade and bring the blade handling equipment to the horizontal supply position.

[0116] In an implementation of the above method, the tilted fastening orientation, preferably for each blade installed or removed using the blade handling equipment, corresponds to a position of approximately four o'clock or approximately eight o'clock when viewed from the front of the nacelle, for example, where the blade is at 30-40° to the horizontal plane.

[0117] In an embodiment of the above method, the system includes a tower housing well or a trench near the blade handling equipment, the well or trench being configured to house a portion of the tower therein, for example, at least 10 meters, for example, at least 30 meters in length, such as the tower being a full-height tower to be installed on an offshore pedestal (2000), wherein the blade handling equipment is operated to install and / or remove wind turbine blades, and the tower is partially submerged in the well.

[0118] In an embodiment of the above method, the wind turbine tower includes an upper part and a lower part, the upper part supporting the nacelle during the installation and / or removal of one or more blades, and wherein a connector is provided, the connector being configured to allow the upper part of the tower to be installed together with the nacelle and the blades mounted on the hub to the lower part, thereby allowing a releasable connection between the upper and lower parts of the tower.

[0119] The present invention also relates to a method for installing an offshore wind turbine, wherein the wind turbine is assembled using the method described above. For example, the blade handling system is land-based, and the blades are installed using a land-based blade handling system, and wherein the wind turbine, having at least or only the upper part of the tower, the nacelle, and all the blades, is transported to an offshore installation site, such as a site with an earth-bonded or floating base and a site where the wind turbine is mounted on the base.

[0120] In the implementation scheme, the base is provided with the lower part of the tower, and the onshore assembled wind turbine is provided with the upper part of the tower, with the wind turbine installed at the offshore installation site located at the lower part of the tower.

[0121] The present invention also relates to a production site for wind turbine pre-assemblies, each pre-assembly having at least an upper part of a tower, a nacelle with a horizontal hub, and blades mounted to the hub, the production site being provided with a blade handling system or blade handling device as described herein and / or performing the methods described herein or a portion thereof.

[0122] The present invention also relates to blade treatment equipment as described herein.

[0123] The present invention also relates to a method for mounting blades of a wind turbine as described herein.

[0124] The present invention also relates to the production site of wind turbine pre-assemblies for at least a portion of the towers, nacelles and blades as described herein.

[0125] The present invention also relates to the installation crane as described herein.

[0126] The present invention also relates to semi-submersible vessel hulls as disclosed herein, such as those equipped with one or more tower housing wells as disclosed herein. Attached Figure Description

[0127] The invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0128] In the attached diagram:

[0129] Figure 1a The illustration shows the placement of a full-height wind turbine tower with a nacelle into a well or trench at an onshore production site, according to the present invention.

[0130] Figure 1b The invention, according to a second aspect of the invention, illustrates the use of a blade handling system and apparatus to mount a first blade onto a blade hub.

[0131] Figure 1c shows the hub rotating after the first blade is installed, followed by the installation of the second blade.

[0132] Figure 1d shows the hub rotating after the second blade is installed, followed by the installation of the third blade.

[0133] Figure 1e The diagram illustrates the lifting of a completed wind turbine from a well or trench for later transport to an installation site, such as an offshore installation site, for example, to be mounted on a base for an offshore wind turbine.

[0134] Figure 2a A semi-submersible vessel with a housing well for mounting a crane and tower is shown.

[0135] Figure 2b A cross-section of a vessel with a tower housing a well is shown.

[0136] Figure 2c It shows Figure 2a The ship, in which the tower is arranged in the tower housing well,

[0137] Figure 2d It shows Figure 2c The ship, with its engine room located at the top of the tower,

[0138] Figure 2e The diagram illustrates the use of a ship's blade handling equipment to place the first blade into the engine room.

[0139] Figure 2fA fully assembled wind turbine is shown.

[0140] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the blade handling apparatus according to the present invention is shown.

[0141] Figure 4 A side view of another example of a semi-submersible vessel with a mounted crane is shown.

[0142] Figure 5 Shown in side view Figure 4 The hull of the ship,

[0143] Figure 6 As shown above Figure 5 The hull of the ship,

[0144] Figure 7 It shows Figure 4 The diagram shows the cross-section of the ship's hull, illustrating the port and starboard tower housing wells, and...

[0145] Figure 8 It shows Figures 4-7 The ship is anchored near the floating base, and the fully assembled wind turbine will be installed on the floating base using the ship's crane.

[0146] Figure 9 It shows Figures 4-8 The ships and the floating bases on which the wind turbines will be installed.

[0147] Figure 10 It shows Figure 9 The arrangement is complete, with the tower assembly already deployed.

[0148] Figure 11 It shows the use of Figures 4-10 The ship will install the fully assembled wind turbine onto the base, and

[0149] Figure 12 It shows the use of Figures 4-11 Ships are used to transport, erect, and install monolithic piles as bases for wind turbines. Detailed Implementation

[0150] Figure 1a The illustration shows the placement of a full-height wind turbine tower 1 with a nacelle 2 into a well 12 or trench, which is a well 12 or trench at an onshore production site, according to the present invention.

[0151] For example, the height of tower 1 exceeds 80 meters, or exceeds 100 meters, or is approximately 130 meters.

[0152] The nacelle 2 has a horizontal hub 3 with three blades spaced 120° apart, which is common in industry.

[0153] The production site has a well or trench 12, which allows the tower 1 or a portion thereof to be lowered into the well or trench, thereby below the surface 15 of the systematically treated blades.

[0154] For example, the depth of the well or trench 12 is at least 10 meters, for example, for a tower length of at least 40 meters. In the described example, the depth is approximately 65 meters. The well may be lined.

[0155] The well or trench 12 is equipped with supports 20 for holding the tower 1 in an upright position during blade installation (or removal). For example, the supports are configured to hold a flange at the lower end of the tower and / or engage the tower at one or more locations along the height of the tower 1, for example, using clamps, slings, etc. For example, the supports 20 are arranged within the well or trench and / or on top of the well or trench, or (when there is no well or trench) on or above the surface 15 in an elevated position. For example, the supports include a surface-mounted mounting tower having one or more support members configured to hold the tower 1 in one or more elevated positions during blade fastening.

[0156] Figure 1b A blade supply device for supplying blades to a horizontal supply location near at least a portion of the tower 1 is schematically shown. For example, the blade supply device includes a bracket or other support fixed near a well or trench. Alternatively, the blade supply device includes a blade conveying device, such as one or more vehicles that transport blades 30 from a storage location to the location where the blades will be fastened to the hub.

[0157] Figure 1b A blade handling device 50 is shown for conveying blades 30 between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position or between a fastening position and a horizontal supply position.

[0158] In the fastened position, the blade 30 is tilted, with the root tip 31 of the blade aligned with the blade mounting structure 4. As shown, structure 4 is oriented at approximately the eight o'clock position.

[0159] The blade handling equipment 50 includes:

[0160] - Blade holder 51, which is adapted to hold blade 30;

[0161] -Base 52;

[0162] - The boom 53, the blade holder 51 is attached here to the boom 53 via a horizontal pivot 54.

[0163] The boom 53 pivots about the horizontal boom pivot axis 55 in the boom pivot direction relative to the base 52 between a lowered position for clamping the blade in the horizontal supply position and an raised position for the blade having the tilted orientation.

[0164] Preferably, the device further includes one or more actuators 56 for manipulating the blade to a fastened position, which is configured, for example, to allow bolts to be inserted into corresponding bolt holes in the mounting structure 4 at the root end of the blade 30. In a preferred embodiment, the boom 53 is arranged and pivoted such that the actuators primarily need to perform linear movement of the blade for this purpose, which can be combined with rotation of the blade about its longitudinal axis to enhance the alignment of the bolts and bolt holes.

[0165] For example, one or more actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders) are associated with the blade holder 51 to perform the movement of the blade 30 into the clamped position once the pivoting boom brings the blade 30 to the desired tilt position.

[0166] Figure 1b Figure 1d illustrates a blade handling device 50 configured for the sequential installation and / or removal of three blades 30, 31, and 32 of a wind turbine having a horizontally rotating hub 3 with three blade mounting structures 4, 5, and 6 spaced 120° apart. As shown, each of the three blades 30, 31, and 32 associated with the hub has the same tilt orientation, and the hub rotates 120° between each installation or removal of the blades 30, 31, and 32. This makes the design of the blade handling device 50 relatively simple compared to any design where the blades are positioned to the hub in different orientations.

[0167] As shown in the figure, for each blade to be installed or removed using the blade handling equipment, the tilt orientation, viewed from the front view of the nacelle, corresponds to approximately the eight o'clock position. As shown, the blade to be fastened is at a 30-40° angle to the horizontal plane.

[0168] Preferably, the well or trench 12 is designed such that the installation height of the nacelle relative to the blade supply position corresponds to 50-60% of the blade length.

[0169] As shown in the figure, the base 51 is located near the support of the tower, which is the well or trench 12 where the support is installed.

[0170] The boom 53 pivots in the plane passing through the blade mounting positions 4, 5, and 6 of the wind turbine hub.

[0171] In the supply position, the boom pivot 55 is closer to the base 51 of the equipment than the root end of the blade 30.

[0172] The boom 53 pivots upward to the tilt position of the blade, where a single blade holder is mounted on the boom and pivots relative to the boom about a horizontal axis.

[0173] The boom 53 may be telescopic (e.g., extending and retracting between extended and retracted lengths during blade installation) and / or allow for different configurations, such as different effective heights of the nacelle and / or blade lengths.

[0174] Using device 50 to install three blades 30, 31, and 32 onto the hub of a wind turbine includes:

[0175] - Position the first blade mounting structure 4 of the blade hub in an inclined orientation associated with the fastening position of the blade.

[0176] - The first blade 30 is supplied to the horizontal supply position via the blade supply system;

[0177] - The first blade 30 is conveyed to the fastening position relative to the first blade mounting structure 4 by the blade handling device 50;

[0178] - Secure the root end of the first blade 30 to the first blade mounting structure 4;

[0179] -Disengage the blade holder 51 from the blade 30 and bring the boom of the blade handling equipment to the horizontal supply position;

[0180] - Rotate the blade hub to position the second blade mounting structure 5 in an inclined orientation associated with the blade's fastening position.

[0181] - The second blade 31 is supplied to the horizontal supply position via the blade supply system;

[0182] - The second blade 31 is conveyed to the fastening position relative to the second blade mounting structure 5 by the blade handling device;

[0183] - Secure the root end of the second blade 31 to the second blade mounting structure 5.

[0184] - Disengage the blade holder from the second blade and bring the blade handling equipment to the horizontal supply position.

[0185] - The third blade 32 is supplied to the horizontal supply position via the blade supply system;

[0186] - The third blade is conveyed to the fastening position relative to the third blade mounting structure 6 by the blade handling device 50;

[0187] - Secure the root end of the third blade 32 to the third blade mounting structure 6.

[0188] - Disconnect the blade holder 51 from the third blade 32 and bring the blade handling equipment to the horizontal supply position.

[0189] Figures 1a-1e The blade handling system shown is land-based, and the blades are installed using a land-based blade handling system. It is envisioned that a wind turbine, consisting at least of the tower, nacelle, and all blades, will be transported to an offshore installation site, such as a location with an earth-mounted or floating base, and where the wind turbine will be mounted on the base.

[0190] refer to Figures 2a-2f The paper will discuss the use of semi-submersible vessels in the onboard assembly of wind turbines and the installation of the assembled wind turbines onto the base using the vessel's crane.

[0191] Figures 2a-2f A semi-submersible vessel 1000 is shown, comprising a twin-buoy floating hull, the twin-buoy floating hull having:

[0192] - Deck box structure 1001;

[0193] - Two parallel pontoons, 1002 and 1003,

[0194] For each of the two pontoons 1002, 1003, there is an associated row (four here; three or two in other known embodiments) of support columns 1010-1013, 1014. Each of these columns extends upward from the corresponding pontoon. A deck box structure 1001 is supported on all the support columns. These columns, together with the pontoons, contribute to the buoyancy of the vessel.

[0195] In the attached diagram, reference numeral 1004 indicates the bow of the vessel, and 1005 indicates the stern.

[0196] The deck box structure 1001 has a deck 1006 and a box bottom 1007 located above the waterline.

[0197] The vessel 1000 is equipped with an installation crane 1100, which is mounted on a deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine on a base (not shown) within the reach of the crane 1100.

[0198] As is known in the art, the base can be a seabed-mounted base or a fixed base, such as a monolithic pile base or a jacket-type base. In another embodiment, for example for deeper water, the base is a floating base, such as a spar-type base, as disclosed in the Hywind project or as disclosed in WO2009 / 131826.

[0199] The crane 1100 depicted is a basin-type crane, wherein the rotatable superstructure 1101 of the crane is mounted on a basin 1102 integrated with the deck box structure 1001 via bearings such as roller bearings or bogie assemblies. As shown and preferably, the crane 1100 is positioned directly above the support column 1010 at the end of a row of columns.

[0200] The crane 1100 has a pivoting boom 1103 that pivots up and down via a pitching mechanism, which includes a winch-driven pitching cable 1104 extending between the boom 1103 and the gantry structure of the superstructure 1101.

[0201] Crane 1100 has the capability to independently handle fully assembled wind turbines, as will be explained in this article.

[0202] In other implementations, the crane is a tower crane.

[0203] Typically, as is known in the art, a fully assembled wind turbine to be installed on an offshore base includes at least a portion, preferably the entire tower, of the wind turbine tower, and a rotor assembly mounted on the tower (typically a nacelle with a hub), the rotor assembly preferably having one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades prior to installation on the base.

[0204] It is envisioned that the assembly of the wind turbine will be completed at least in part on the ship 1000.

[0205] Preferably, even when the base is a floating base, the vessel 1000 is located at an offshore wind farm, for example, moored near the base at the final location in the wind farm, while performing one or more assembly steps for assembling the wind turbine.

[0206] like Figures 2a-2f As shown, at the assembly platform on the vessel 1000, the hull of the vessel is provided with a tower receiving well 1040 that is sunk into or passes through the hull.

[0207] from Figure 2a and Figure 2b As can be best seen from the image, in the embodiment, the well 1040 extends from its top opening 1041 (e.g., the top opening 1041 is flush with the deck of the ship) into the support column 1011 of the hull.

[0208] During the assembly steps of the wind turbine, such as during the installation of the rotor assembly (here, the nacelle) onto the tower and / or during the assembly of one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades into the rotor assembly, the well 1040 is configured to house at least a portion of the tower of the wind turbine therein.

[0209] For example, the described vessel 1000 has a width of 100 meters, a deck box length of 180 meters, a deck box height of 12 meters, a column height of 24 meters, and a buoy height of 14 meters. The horizontal cross-section of these columns is at least 20 × 20 meters.

[0210] In this example, the total height between the deck and the bottom of the pontoon is 50 meters. This height, structural strength, and integration of the columns into the hull allow for the effective implementation of Well 1040 within the columns.

[0211] The available height in the hull of the semi-submersible vessel allows for the implementation of a well 1040 to accommodate a considerable portion of the entire tower of the wind turbine during the assembly process.

[0212] Well 1040 may extend to the bottom end or base plate of a well located in the column. As shown in another embodiment, the tower housing well extends through the entire height of the supporting column and even into the pontoon beneath the column.

[0213] As shown in the figure, well 1040 has a base plate 1050, which is preferably configured to support a tower. The base plate 1050 is shown here integrated with a structure such as a bulkhead or wall, and / or with a support column, for example, with the lower part of the support column.

[0214] It should be understood that the tower housing well 1040 can be retrofitted into existing semi-submersible (heavy lifting) crane vessels.

[0215] As shown in the figure, preferably, the tower housing well 1040 is arranged within the reach of the crane 1100.

[0216] As shown in the figure, the installation crane 1100 is placed directly above the support column 1010 at the end of a row of columns, which is actually at the corner of the deck box structure 1001. The tower receiving well 1040 is set in the adjacent support column 1011 of the same row of columns on the pontoon.

[0217] Preferably, the crane 1100 has sufficient lifting capacity to place the entire wind turbine tower 1200 or its upper portion (e.g., between 40-65% of the length of the entire tower) into the well 1040 and subsequently remove the assembled or partially assembled wind turbine from the well, which is then placed on the base by the crane 1100.

[0218] In the implementation scheme, as is known in the art, the vessel has two possibly identical cranes 1100, each crane being mounted at a corresponding corner, such as the stern of a deck box structure.

[0219] In the implementation, in addition to crane 1100 configured to install assembled or partially assembled wind turbines on offshore bases, vessel 1000 also has another crane mounted to the hull, with a lower lifting capacity than crane 1100. For example, an additional crane is provided to handle wind turbine components (e.g., towers or tower components) and / or nacelles located at storage locations on the vessel deck and between one or more assembly stands arranged within the reach of crane 1100.

[0220] As explained herein, the implementation of a well 1040 with a depth of at least 30 meters (e.g., more than 40 meters) allows a considerable portion of the entire tower of the wind turbine to be housed within the well, for example, since the tower height may vary between 75 meters and 110 meters in actual implementations of offshore wind turbines.

[0221] Figure 2c The entire wind turbine tower 1200 is shown placed in well 1040, with the tower having a height between 75 meters and 110 meters in this example. It can be seen that because the tower 1200 is placed in the well, the top of the tower is closer to the deck, which facilitates operations such as mounting the nacelle on top of the tower, installing one or more (e.g., all) blades to the nacelle, etc.

[0222] Figure 2d The image shows the engine room 1250 being lifted to the top of the tower 1200, here by crane 1100. The engine room 1250 may already be stored in a storage area on the ship's deck.

[0223] In the implementation, the bladeless sub-assemblies of the tower 1200 and nacelle 1250 are lifted outside the well 1040 by crane 1100, and then crane 1100 swings the tower to a position above the offshore base. The partially assembled wind turbine is then placed on and secured to the base. In a further assembly step, for example using crane 1100, blades 1275, 1276, and 1277 are assembled into the nacelle.

[0224] In another approach, the nacelle 1250 is already (e.g., on shore) supplied with two blades before the nacelle is placed on top of the tower. This method is known in the art as the rabbit-ear method. Then, once the wind turbine has been placed on the base, only the other blade is installed. This can be done, for example, by a crane 1100.

[0225] Preferably, one or more blades 1275, 1276, 1277 are mounted in the nacelle 1250 and simultaneously mounted on the tower 1200, wherein the tower is at least partially housed in the well 1040.

[0226] Figure 2e The image shows blades 1275, 1276, and 1277 being installed one after another into the nacelle 1250.

[0227] Once all (three in this case) blades are in place at the nacelle hub, the wind turbine 1280 is fully assembled and ready to be lifted out of the well 1040 and placed on the base using a crane 1100.

[0228] Figure 2e It is shown that, preferably, instead of using an installation crane 1100 to place the blades 1275, 1276, 1277 into the nacelle, a blade handling device 1300 configured to transfer the blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position (e.g., an inclined or horizontal fastening position) is used.

[0229] Figure 2e The blade handling equipment 1300 is shown placed on the deck of a ship.

[0230] For example, as schematically shown, device 1300 is configured to bring the blade to a fastening position where the root end of the blade is aligned with the blade mounting structure, wherein the blade handling device includes:

[0231] - A blade holder, suitable for holding blades;

[0232] -Base;

[0233] - A pivoting boom, such as an articulated boom, with one or more blade holders attached to the pivoting boom, which is movable between a lowered position for holding blades in a horizontal supply position and an raised position for holding blades in the said fastening orientation;

[0234] - Preferably, one or more actuators, such as on a boom, are used to maneuver the blades to a fastened position.

[0235] Figure 2e An embodiment is shown in which a horizontally rotating hub is provided with three blade mounting structures spaced 120° apart, and wherein the fastening orientation is an inclined orientation, preferably for each blade installed using the blade handling equipment 1300, in the front view of the nacelle, corresponding to a position of approximately four o'clock or approximately eight o'clock, for example, wherein the blade is at 30-40° to the horizontal plane.

[0236] Figure 2e As shown in the embodiment, the tilt orientation is the same for each of the three blades associated with the hub, and the hub rotates 120° between each blade installation.

[0237] Figure 2f The completed assembly is shown, with all steps performed at a single assembly station on the vessel 1000, here designated well 1040.

[0238] Figures 2a-2f As shown in the embodiment, the nacelle 1250 is mounted on the tower 1200 such that the forward portion of the nacelle (where the blades are mounted to the hub of the nacelle) faces outward relative to the long side of the ship's hull. Preferably, and as shown, the axis of the hub is not perpendicular to the long side of the ship's hull, but forms an angle between the perpendicular line and the side of the hull (when viewed from above).

[0239] Figure 2f This arrangement of the nacelle hubs and the advantage of arranging the well 1040 into or through the support column show that a blade of the fully assembled wind turbine can extend outside the hull, rather than close to the deck box and crane 1100.

[0240] The device 1300 may (not shown) have a hinged boom, which allows the blade to be brought to a horizontal fastening position for fastening the blade to the nacelle hub.

[0241] In another approach, not shown, it is envisioned that the well 1040 extends completely through the hull, for example, through the support column, and then further downward through the pontoon. In this latter version, the well is similar to a ship's well or shaft that extends completely through the hull, thus allowing the wind turbine tower to extend below the bottom of the ship's pontoon. In such a bottom-opening well, the tower or a portion thereof can be suspended, for example, by a winch-driven cable, which is attached to the lower end of the tower.

[0242] In the implementation, the well extending through the hull allows the engine room 1250 to be positioned on top of the tower without the need for a crane. For example, the tower (or tower components) is suspended in the well such that its top is close to the deck. This allows the engine room to be moved substantially horizontally on the deck, for example, by one or more vehicles or by a transport vehicle, such as on rails set on the deck, or by sliding transport vehicles, so that the engine room is positioned above and connected to the top of the tower. For example, the tower can then be raised to a height suitable for placing one or more blades into the engine room, for example, using a crane 1100 or a suspension device that suspends the tower in the well 1040.

[0243] In one implementation, well 1040 extends through the deck box structure, for example, at a location away from any of the support columns in the interval between two support columns. Additional well sidewalls, such as tubular sidewalls, are then fitted between the deck box structure and the pontoons to provide a dry well for placing the tower or tower components.

[0244] Figure 3 An alternative embodiment of the blade handling apparatus 150 according to the present invention is shown.

[0245] In contrast to the device 50 discussed herein, the boom structure is an articulated boom structure, comprising a first boom member 153a and a second boom member 153b pivoting relative to the first boom member 153a.

[0246] The first boom component 153a pivots relative to the base 152 about a horizontal boom pivot axis 154 in the boom pivot direction, and there is another horizontal boom pivot axis 155 between components 153a and 153b.

[0247] The blade holder 151 is attached to the second boom member 153b, which, preferably, is attached to the second boom member 153b by another pivot assembly that provides at least a horizontal pivot axis 156 between the blade holder 151 and the boom member 153b.

[0248] As shown in the figure, the articulated boom structure is movable in its vertical plane movement between a lowered position for clamping the blade 30 in a horizontal supply position and an raised position where the blade has a horizontal fastening orientation at the height of the nacelle.

[0249] It should be understood that the processing equipment 150 can be deployed on the vessel 1000 as an alternative to the illustrated embodiment of the equipment 1300.

[0250] In the implementation, the pivot assembly between the second boom member 153b and the blade holder 151 also allows the blade to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the plane of boom movement, for example, by adjusting the blade to a position on the nacelle.

[0251] refer to Figures 4 to 8 Another example will be discussed: a semi-submersible vessel 1000 equipped with a crane 1150.

[0252] Figures 4-8 The diagram shows a semi-submersible vessel 1000 comprising a twin-buoy floating hull, which has:

[0253] - Deck box structure 1001;

[0254] - Two parallel pontoons, namely port pontoon 1002 and starboard pontoon 1003.

[0255] - For each of the two pontoons 1002 and 1003, there is an associated row (here, two) of support columns 1010, 1011, 1012, and 1013. Each of these columns extends upward from the corresponding pontoon. The deck box structure 1001 is supported on all the support columns. These columns, together with the pontoons, contribute to the buoyancy of the ship.

[0256] In the attached diagram, reference numeral 1004 indicates the bow of the vessel, and 1005 indicates the stern.

[0257] The deck box structure 1001 has a deck 1006 and a box bottom 1007 located above the waterline. The deck 1001 is configured to store wind turbine components thereon, such as nacelles, blades, towers, or tower components.

[0258] The vessel 1000 is provided with a single installation crane 1150, which has a crane structure base 1151, which is fixed to a portion of the deck box structure 1001 extending between the port side support column 1010 and the starboard side support column 1012.

[0259] Crane 1150 is positioned on the centerline of the ship's hull.

[0260] Crane 1150 is mounted on the bow side of the deck box structure.

[0261] Crane 1150 has the capability and lifting capacity to independently handle fully assembled wind turbines, as will be explained herein. Crane 1150 is configured to mount the assembled wind turbine 1280 onto base 2000, see [reference needed]. Figure 8 The base 2000 is within the reach of the crane 1150, which is located on the bow side of the vessel.

[0262] For example, a 15-megawatt wind turbine has a total mass of 2,500 tons when fully assembled. Crane 1150 can handle this load.

[0263] For example, the turbine's center of gravity (COG) is located up to 91.5 meters above the mounting flange at the lower end of the tower.

[0264] For example, the diameter of the tower is up to 12 meters at its lower end.

[0265] As shown in the figure, the support columns 1010 and 1012 of the supporting deck box structure (in this case, the bow section where the single mounting crane 1150 is located) each have a much larger horizontal cross-section and buoyancy than the other two support columns. This not only allows for the efficient integration of tower housing wells 1040a and 1040b into each of these columns 1010 and 1012, but also provides increased buoyancy at this end of the vessel, given the mass of the crane 1150 and the one or more wind turbines handled by the crane in this area.

[0266] exist Figure 4 In the figure, each column 1010, 1012 has a longitudinal dimension of approximately 60 meters, and the rest of the hull is drawn to scale in this drawing and in other depictions of the hull.

[0267] The vessel 1000 preferably has a ballast water system configured to control the vessel's draft, roll, and trim. Preferably, the ballast water system has a dedicated ballast water tank to counteract the effects of loading and unloading the turbine. Preferably, there is a dedicated quick-release ballast tank positioned "in a straight line" with the load line of an operable installation crane, so as not to generate additional trim angles when installing the wind turbine onto the base.

[0268] Emergency rapid release ballast water tanks can be provided, preferably located in the front support columns 1010, 1012. These tanks are configured to release water in emergency situations, such as without a pump, for example, by placing them above the operating waterline during wind turbine installation.

[0269] It is envisioned that the assembly of the wind turbine 1280 will be completed at least in part on the ship 1000.

[0270] Preferably, when performing one or more (e.g., all) assembly steps for assembling the wind turbine 1280 to be installed on the base, the vessel 1000 is located at an offshore wind farm, for example, moored near the base 2000 at the final location in the wind farm.

[0271] The exemplary floating base 2000 depicted is of the type disclosed in WO2009 / 131826.

[0272] Typically, a base includes a tower mounting structure configured to mount the wind turbine tower thereon, and the structure has an upward-pointing mounting axis. The base can be of any design, such as a spar-type base (e.g., the base in the Hywind project).

[0273] For example, as shown in the figure, the floating base 2000 includes three or more interconnected buoyancy-stabilizing columns, such as three stabilizing columns interconnected by beams arranged in a triangular pattern, such as forming an equilateral triangle when viewed from above.

[0274] For example, the floating base 2000 (e.g., each of its buoyancy columns) is provided with one or more ballast tanks for containing ballast material, such as ballast liquid, such as ballast water.

[0275] In the implementation scheme, a ballast control system is located in the base 2000 and is configured to move ballast water between ballast tanks (e.g., at least three stabilizing columns) to adjust the vertical orientation of the placement axis.

[0276] In the implementation scheme, as shown in the figure, one of the stabilizing columns of the floating base is implemented with a tower mounting structure 2001, which is configured to mount the tower of the wind turbine thereon.

[0277] In the implementation scheme, as shown in the figure, the floating base 2000 includes one or more water-collecting plates, for example, each plate is attached to the lower end of one of the stabilizing columns.

[0278] Figures 4-8 The ship can also install the wind turbine 1280 on a seabed mounting base or fixed base, such as a monopile base or a jacket base.

[0279] The ship 1000 and its wind turbine installation crane 1150 can also be used for the installation of fixed bases (e.g., monopiles) on the seabed.

[0280] The port tower housing well 1040a extends in the port support column 1010, and the starboard tower housing well 1040b extends in the starboard support column 1012. Therefore, wells 1040a and 1040b are typically located on opposite sides of the crane 1150.

[0281] Tower housing wells 1040a and 1040b are each configured to house at least a portion of the wind turbine tower in the tower housing wells 1040a and 1040b during wind turbine assembly steps, such as during the placement of the rotor assembly (here, the nacelle) onto the tower and / or during the assembly of one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades onto the rotor assembly. For example, each well is sized to accommodate a tower with a diameter of at least 5 meters, such as at least 10 meters, such as at least 12 meters.

[0282] The available height in the hull of the semi-submersible vessel allows wells 1040a and 1040b to be realized as a large portion of the total tower height for accommodating the wind turbine 1280 in wells 1040a and 1040b during the wind turbine assembly process.

[0283] As shown in the figure, wells 1040a and 1040b extend through the entire height of the deck box structure, the corresponding support columns, and even into the pontoons 1002 and 1003 under the columns.

[0284] As shown in the figure, wells 1040a and 1040b each have a base plate 1050, which is preferably configured to support the tower. The base plate 1050 is shown here integrated with a waterproof wall, such as a pontoon, or with a supporting column, for example, with the lower part of the supporting column. The pontoon here employs a double-wall design.

[0285] As shown in the figure, preferably, each of the tower housing wells 1040a and 1040b is arranged within the reach of the crane 1150, thereby allowing the use of the crane 1150 at each well.

[0286] The mounting crane 1150 has a rotatable superstructure 1155 supported on a crane structure base 1151 via a slewing bearing 1152, thereby allowing the superstructure to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, preferably more than 360 degrees.

[0287] The superstructure 1155 includes a rigid and vertically extending top portion 1156 of the crane structure, which is supported on the crane structure base via a slewing bearing 1152. Preferably, the top portion is primarily formed of a lattice structure.

[0288] The top portion of the vertically extending crane extends at least 50 meters or more above the deck of the ship's deck box structure.

[0289] As shown in the figure, the crane 1150 is quite large. For example, the ship's bridge and crew quarters are housed within the structure of the correspondingly implemented crane base 1151. Another part of the crew quarters may be located at the forward of the deck box structure.

[0290] For example, the diameter of the slewing bearing 1152 (which may also include multiple slewing bearings of different heights if needed) can be at least 15 meters, for example at least 20 meters, for example about 30 meters. Slewing bearings of this size are known, for example, to be implemented as multi-race roller bearings, such as those from cranes on Sleipnir crane vessels.

[0291] The boom 1158 is mounted on the top portion 1156 of the crane structure, preferably on top of it, so that it rotates together with the top portion of the crane structure during slewing.

[0292] The boom 1158 can be pivotally connected via a pitch mechanism to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis, which allows for setting an effective reach range for each job. In another example, the boom is held at a pre-selected angle by a rigid pitch member.

[0293] The boom 1158 can have various designs, including two boom members side by side, which allow a portion of the turbine (e.g., upward-pointing blades, nacelle, and / or tower) to be located and / or pass between the boom members. For example, the two boom members may be arranged in a Y-shape and branch off from each other, or the two boom members may be generally parallel to each other, with V-shaped supports.

[0294] The installation crane 1150 has a main lifting system including at least one main lifting winch 1160, an associated main lifting cable 1161, and a load connector 1162. The main lifting cable extends from the main lifting winch to a main lifting cable guide on the boom, and then to the load connector. As shown, the load connector portion here is formed by an upper actively controlled tower engagement device 1400, and a pendant 1163 extends from the upper actively controlled tower engagement device 1400, for example, through a lower device 1450, to an accessory at the lower part of the tower.

[0295] Crane 1150 is configured to perform:

[0296] - The lifting operation performed at port tower housing well 1040a during the wind turbine assembly step in its first turning position.

[0297] - The lifting operation performed at starboard tower housing 1040b during the wind turbine assembly step in its second turning position, and

[0298] - In a separate lifting operation, the assembled wind turbine 1280 is lifted out of the port or starboard tower housing well, then slew to the installation slewing position, and then the wind turbine 1280 is lowered onto the base. During the slewing operation to the installation slewing position, the wind turbine is kept at a distance from the deck box structure on the bow side where the installation crane is located, and above the base 2000 where the wind turbine 1280 is to be installed.

[0299] As shown in the figure, the installation crane 1150 is provided with at least one tower engagement device 1400, 1450 at one or more locations along the height of the crane structure. The tower engagement device 1400, 1450 has a tower engagement member and an actively controlled motion mechanism configured and operable to provide controlled movement of the tower engagement member in the horizontal plane in order to bring the tower of the suspended wind turbine 1280 to and hold it in one or more desired positions and / or tilt orientations, such as alignment with the mounting axis of the base.

[0300] As shown in the figure, the crane 1150 has an upper tower engagement device 1400 and a lower tower engagement device 1450. Each device has a tower engagement member and an actively controlled motion mechanism configured and operated to provide controlled movement of the tower engagement member (e.g., an annular member having jaws that can open and close around the tower) in a horizontal plane. These tower engagement devices 1400, 1450 operate at different heights on the tower, for example, the lower one below the center of gravity G of the wind turbine to be installed, while the higher one is above the center of gravity.

[0301] When the coupling device is mounted on the rotatable top portion or (the lower device) on another carrier that follows the slewing motion, one or more tower coupling devices 1400, 1450 can be used to stabilize (partially or fully assembled) the wind turbine during the slewing of the crane 1150. Other clamps or tower stabilizer devices may also be provided on the slewing top portion 1156 for this stabilization, for example, as alternatives to devices 1400, 1450.

[0302] Actively controlled motion mechanisms of one or more tower engagement devices 1400, 1450 can operate during the installation steps of the wind turbine 1280 on the (floating) base 2000 to, for example, align and maintain the alignment of the suspended wind turbine tower with the placement axis of the floating base.

[0303] In the implementation scheme, as shown in the figure, each actively controlled horizontal movement mechanism of devices 1400 and 1450 includes a first set of one or more horizontal slide rails extending in a first horizontal direction (e.g., in the Y direction perpendicular to the hull centerline), the first set supporting at least one first carrier, and the first carrier supporting a second set of one or more horizontal slide rails extending in a second horizontal direction different from the first direction (e.g., in the X direction along the centerline), for example, the first and second directions being orthogonal directions, the second set of one or more horizontal slide rails supporting one or more other second carriers, the second carriers supporting tower engagement devices (e.g., annular clamps with jaws) for opening and closing the clamps around the tower.

[0304] As shown in the figure, each tower joining device 1400, 1450 includes trolleys 1401, 1451 vertically guided along one or more vertical guide rails mounted on a crane 1150. The trolleys support the tower joining members, and an actively controlled motion mechanism is located between the trolleys and the tower joining members to provide controlled movement of the tower joining members in the horizontal plane (e.g., in two orthogonal horizontal directions). For example, the range of motion provided by the trolleys and motion mechanism is 12 meters in the X direction, 12 meters in the Y direction, and 6 meters in the Z direction.

[0305] Figure 4 It is shown that, apart from crane 1150 configured to install assembled or partially assembled wind turbines on offshore bases, other cranes 1180 are placed on the hull, for example, with a lower lifting capacity than crane 1150.

[0306] For example, an additional crane 1180 is provided to handle wind turbine components (e.g., towers or tower parts) and / or nacelles located on the deck of the vessel and between one or more assembly stands within the reach of the crane 1100, for example, at one or both of wells 1040a and 1040b.

[0307] For example, as shown in the figure, crane 1180 is implemented as described in WO2014 / 014343.

[0308] For example, the additional crane 1180 is an offshore folding boom crane, which includes:

[0309] - Static base 1181, which is fixed to the deck box structure; and

[0310] - Crane housing 1182, which rotates relative to the base about a vertical axis of rotation;

[0311] - A folding boom assembly, its attachments to the crane housing; the folding boom assembly includes:

[0312] The main boom 1183 includes an inner end, a central region, and an outer end, the inner end of which is pivotally connected about a first horizontal pivot axis to the lower part of the crane housing; and

[0313] o cantilever 1184, which includes an inner end, a central region and a tip opposite the inner end of the cantilever, the inner end of which is pivotally connected to the outer end of the main boom about a second horizontal pivot axis;

[0314] The cantilever is pivotable at least between an extended position and a folded position. In the extended position, the tip extends forward primarily from the main boom, and in the folded position, the cantilever folds backward, substantially parallel to the main boom.

[0315] As explained herein, the embodiments of wells 1040a and 1040b with a depth of at least 30 meters (e.g., approximately 35 meters as shown in the figure) allow a considerable portion of the entire tower of the wind turbine to be accommodated in the well, for example, since the tower height may vary between 75 meters and 110 meters in actual implementations of offshore wind turbines.

[0316] Cranes 1150 and wells 1040a and 1040b can be used in various ways during the onboard assembly of wind turbine 1280.

[0317] For example, the location with well 1040a can be primarily used as a nacelle mounting platform, where the nacelle 1250 is lifted onto the tower 1200, with part of the tower 1200 submerged in well 1040a. This can be accomplished using crane 1150 or crane 1180 (if present and appropriately configured). For example, in one embodiment, the tower 1200 is assembled from tower components on the same platform. The assembly of the nacelle 1250 may involve bolting the nacelle to the tower, but also involves a series of related installation works, such as establishing electrical connections, wiring through the tower, testing, etc.

[0318] Crane 1150 may have one or more mobile access ramps or platforms at an elevated height for docking turbines from the outside.

[0319] For example, the location with well 1040b can be primarily used as a blade mounting platform. The tower 1200, assembled on another platform and equipped with nacelle 1250, is then lifted out of well 1040a and transferred via a slewing crane 1150 to another platform, where it is lowered into well 1040b. Blades 1275, 1276, and 1277 are then assembled onto the hub of nacelle 1250, thus completing the assembly of the wind turbine 1280.

[0320] As discussed, a blade handling device 1300 may be provided, configured to transfer blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position (e.g., an inclined or horizontal fastening position). For example, the device 1300 may be mounted on a deck, such as along one side of the hull where the blade assembly table is located. Alternatively, the device may be mounted to a crane 1150, such as its base, and may move vertically along the crane's base.

[0321] Once all (three in this case) blades are in place, the wind turbine 1280 is fully assembled and ready to be lifted out of well 1040b and placed on base 2000 using crane 1150. This requires rotating crane 1150, in which the assembled wind turbine 1280 (e.g., approximately 2500 tons) is suspended above the tower mounting structure of base 2000.

[0322] In the implementation scheme, the nacelle 1250 is mounted on the tower 1200 such that the front of the nacelle (where the blades are mounted to the hub of the nacelle) faces outward relative to the long side of the ship's hull, for example, with the blades outside the hull to avoid interference.

[0323] In the implementation scheme, crane 1150 and two wells 1040a, 1040b can be used in a method in which two wind turbines 1280 are simultaneously partially assembled, the tower of the first wind turbine is placed in one well (e.g., well 1040a) for mounting the nacelle 1250 thereon, while simultaneously, the tower and the already manufactured sub-assemblies of the nacelle of the second wind turbine are placed in another well 1040b so that the sub-assemblies can be fitted with blades on another assembly stand on the vessel within the reach of crane 1150. This allows for increased production capacity and efficiency on the vessel, for example, because personnel specifically responsible for nacelle installation can continue installing the next wind turbine while blades are being assembled on the preceding sub-assemblies on another stand.

[0324] As shown in the figure, in addition to one or more tower connection devices 1400, 1450, the vessel is preferably equipped with a restraint device 1600, which serves as a restraint between the vessel 1000 and the base, for example at least in the horizontal XY plane relative to the vessel (e.g., floating base 2000).

[0325] Preferably, as shown, the restraint device 1600 is implemented in a manner generally similar to one or more tower engagement devices 1400, 1450.

[0326] Preferably, the restraint device 1600 is mounted on a vertically moving trolley, for example along a vertical track mounted on the hull of the ship (e.g., a deck box), such that the track is aligned with the track for the tower coupling devices 1400, 1450.

[0327] As for the tower engagement devices 1400 and 1450, the restraint device 1600 has: a base engagement device, such as a clamp as shown in the figure, which clamps a portion of the base; and an actively controlled motion mechanism, which is located between the trolley and the base engagement device, for example having a design similar to an orthogonal slide rail.

[0328] In operation, tower engagement devices 1400 and 1450—providing active control of longitudinal and lateral compensation—allow to eliminate or significantly reduce x and y motions resulting from roll, pitch, yaw, surge, and sway. Constraint device 1600 is used to clamp the wind turbine base and reduces relative motion, at least in the XY plane.

[0329] The control system associated with one or more of the devices 1400, 1450, 1600 to achieve motion compensation may be fed by, for example, one or more motion reference units on a ship and optionally on a base (e.g., when floating), and optionally wave radar for actual and predicted relative motion.

[0330] In the implementation plan, vessel 1000 is also used for transporting and / or installing bases, such as monolithic piles or jackets. For example, installation crane 1150 is used to erect monolithic piles from the deck, and then lift and rotate the monolithic piles to the forward installation position.

[0331] For example, one or more individual piles can be stored vertically within the reach of a crane. Alternatively, one or more individual piles can be stored horizontally on the deck.

[0332] In the implementation scheme, the vessel has a monopile holder for installing monopile piles. For example, the restraint device 1600 described herein can also be used as an XY-compensated monopile holder to hold and guide the monopile during installation onto the seabed.

[0333] As shown in the diagram, vessel 1000 is equipped with propellers and fore and aft mooring winches, allowing for navigation, positioning, and mooring. For example, during wind turbine installation, vessel 1000 is held by eight anchor lines. For example, eight steerable azimuth thrusters are installed, four per buoy; two on the forward side and two on the aft side of each buoy. For example, the thrusters are housed in underwater removable tanks for thruster replacement and maintenance. The tanks can be lowered to the seabed via a lifting frame and then raised to the surface by a deck crane.

[0334] As shown in the figure, the deck box structure extends stern via console 1015, which houses the intake and exhaust pipes for the combustion-type generator / engine on the vessel 1000. This is done to minimize obstructions on the deck, such as those used for storage and / or sliding operations, such as when erecting towers, tower components, or monopiles. It also keeps exhaust gases away from the vessel's deck.

[0335] For example, the engine / generator is placed in one or more chambers at the stern of the deck box structure.

[0336] It is envisioned that at least some engines / generators use liquefied natural gas (e.g., LNG) as fuel. For example, other engines / generators may operate using diesel fuel. For example, LNG fuel tanks may be housed in the central area of ​​the deck tank structure, such as near the ship's center of gravity to limit the effects on trim and list, and such as not above any support columns and at a distance from the installation crane 1150.

[0337] Figure 9The diagram shows a vessel 1000 and a floating base 2000. A wind turbine 1280 will be installed on the floating base 2000 using a crane 1150. A restraint device 1600 connects the vessel 1000 to the base in the XY direction, and its actively controlled mechanism allows for control of its position and movement in the horizontal plane. The vertical movement of the base 2000 relative to the vessel 1000 is unrestricted but will be compensated for by the heave motion of the crane 1150.

[0338] Devices 1400 and 1450 are shown in a folded state (folded upwards here) and can be unfolded so that their annular engagement members are clamped around tower 1200. Figure 10 As shown.

[0339] The completed wind turbine 1280 can now be lifted out of the well 1040b, and then the top section 1156 of the crane rotates to align the tower 1200 with the mounting structure 2001. The turbine then engages with the base 2000.

[0340] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates the use of vessel 1000 to install a fully assembled wind turbine onto a base, and the combined operation of devices 1400, 1450, and 1600 to align tower 1200 and tower mounting structure.

[0341] exist Figure 11 As shown, optionally, hatches may be placed on one or more wells 1040a, 1040b, for example, thereby allowing another function to be performed on the corresponding platform.

[0342] Figure 12 The use of a vessel 1000 to transport, erect, and install a monolithic pile 3000 as a base for a wind turbine 1280 is illustrated.

[0343] As shown in the figure, the monolithic pile 3000 can be stored horizontally on the deck and can be moved, for example, by sliding laterally, such as from either side of the deck to the centerline. On the centerline, the monolithic pile 3000 will be erected using an installation crane 1150. For example, a movable erecting bucket can travel from the rear of the deck to an auxiliary side of the installation crane opposite the forward mounting side of the crane.

[0344] Once erected, the monopile 3000 can be placed on the deck, for example above the well 1040b, which is temporarily closed by the bottom support 3003 of the monopile. The monopile 3000 can be moved to the installation position by rotating the top part 1156 of the crane.

[0345] As shown in the figure, the device 1600 can have the dual functions of a restraint device and a single pile holder, and is used to install the single pile 3000 using the hammering device 3002, which is also handled by the crane 1150.

Claims

1. A semi-submersible crane vessel for assembling wind turbines and installing the assembled wind turbines onto a base using the vessel's crane, wherein the assembled wind turbine to be installed includes at least a portion of a wind turbine tower and a rotor assembly mounted on the tower. wherein Vessels include: A floating hull, which has the following characteristics: Deck box structure, Two parallel pontoons, A row of support columns extends upward from each of the two pontoons, supporting the deck box structure on them. The deck box structure includes a deck and a box bottom. The installation crane is mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto the base. In the assembly platform, the hull of the vessel is provided with a tower receiving well that is sunk into or through the hull. The well is configured to receive at least a portion of the wind turbine tower during the wind turbine assembly step. The tower receiving well is located within the reach of a crane, thereby allowing the use of a crane to place the tower or a portion thereof into the well and subsequently remove the assembled or partially assembled wind turbine from the well. The wind turbine is then placed on a base by the crane. The tower receiving well has dimensions for accommodating a tower with a diameter of at least 5 meters and a depth of at least 15 meters, as measured from the deck of the deck box structure.

2. The vessel of claim 1, wherein, The installation crane is installed directly above the support column at the end of a row of support columns, and the tower housing is located in the adjacent support column of the same row of support columns on the pontoon.

3. The vessel of claim 1, wherein, The semi-submersible vessel has port and starboard buoys, in which a crane is mounted with a crane structure base, which is fixed at one of the bow and stern sides of the deck box structure to a portion of the deck box structure extending between the port and starboard support columns.

4. The vessel of claim 1, wherein, The semi-submersible vessel has port buoys and starboard buoys, wherein the port tower housing extends in the port support column and the starboard tower housing extends in the starboard support column.

5. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein, The crane has a rotatable superstructure supported on a crane structure base via a slewing bearing, allowing the superstructure to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. The superstructure is equipped with a boom, and the crane has a main lifting system comprising at least one main lifting winch, an associated main lifting cable, and a load connector. The main lifting cable extends from the main lifting winch to a main lifting cable guide on the boom and then to the load connector.

6. The vessel according to claim 4, wherein, The installation crane has a rotatable superstructure supported on a crane structure base via a slewing bearing, thereby allowing the superstructure to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation, and wherein the installation crane is configured to perform: In its first turning position, the lifting operation performed at the port side tower housing well during the wind turbine assembly process. In its second turning position, the lifting operation performed at the starboard tower housing well during the wind turbine assembly process, and The assembled wind turbine is lifted out of the port or starboard tower housing well, then rotated to the installation rotation position. Subsequently, the wind turbine is lowered onto the base. During the rotation to the installation rotation position, the wind turbine maintains a distance from the deck box structure on the bow or stern side of the ship where the installation crane is located, and is above the base where the wind turbine will be installed.

7. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein, The superstructure includes a rigid and vertically extending top portion of a crane structure, which is supported on a crane structure base via a slewing bearing. A boom is mounted on the top portion of the crane structure to rotate together with it. The vertically extending top portion of the crane structure extends at least 50 meters above the deck of the ship's deck box structure.

8. The vessel according to claim 7, wherein, The boom is pivotally connected to the top of the vertically extending top section of the crane structure, so as to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis via the pitch mechanism on which the crane is mounted.

9. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein, A blade handling system for installing and / or removing blades is mounted on a vessel. The wind turbine has a nacelle with a horizontally rotating blade hub equipped with a blade mounting structure. The nacelle is supported at least on the upper part of the wind turbine's tower. Each blade has a tip, a root, and a length. The system includes: A blade supply device for supplying blades to a horizontal supply location near at least a portion of the tower; A blade handling device for conveying blades between a horizontal supply position and a clamping position, or between a clamping position and a horizontal supply position, wherein in the clamping position, the blade has an inclined or horizontal orientation with its root tip aligned with a blade mounting structure, wherein the blade handling device includes: A blade holder, suitable for holding blades; Base; The boom structure has a blade holder attached to it, and the boom structure is movable between a lowered position for holding the blade in a horizontal supply position and an raised position where the blade has a fastening orientation. One or more actuators for moving the blade holder relative to the boom structure when in a secured position; A tower housing well is located near the blade handling equipment. The well is configured to house a portion of the tower therein, wherein the blade handling equipment is arranged and configured to install and / or remove wind turbine blades, and the tower is partially submerged in the well.

10. The vessel according to claim 9, wherein, The horizontally rotating hub is equipped with three blade mounting structures spaced 120° apart, and the fastening orientation is tilted for each blade installed or removed using blade handling equipment, corresponding to the four o'clock or eight o'clock position when viewed from the front of the nacelle.

11. The vessel according to claim 9, wherein, The blade handling equipment is configured to continuously install and / or remove three blades of a wind turbine with a horizontally rotating hub. The horizontally rotating hub has a three-blade mounting structure spaced 120° apart, and the fastening orientation is the same for each of the three blades associated with the hub. The hub rotates 120° between each installation or removal of the blades.

12. The vessel according to claim 9, wherein, The blade handling system further includes a support for at least the upper part of the tower, thereby supporting at least the upper part of the tower such that the installation height of the nacelle relative to the supply position corresponds to 50-60% of the blade length.

13. The vessel according to claim 9, wherein, The tower of a wind turbine consists of an upper and a lower section, with the upper section supporting the nacelle. A connector is configured to allow the upper section of the tower, along with the nacelle and blades mounted on the hub, to be installed onto the lower section.

14. The vessel according to claim 9, wherein, The system includes a tower housing well or a trench near the blade handling equipment, the well being configured to house a portion of the tower therein, wherein the blade handling equipment is arranged and configured for installing and / or removing wind turbine blades, and the tower is partially submerged in the well, wherein: The system is land-based, or The system is installed on ships.

15. A method for assembling a wind turbine and mounting the assembled wind turbine on a base, wherein a semi-submersible crane vessel according to claim 1 is used. In this method, during the wind turbine assembly step, at least a portion of the tower is arranged in a tower housing well, and wherein, The method further includes using an installation crane to install the assembled wind turbine onto the base.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, The semi-submersible vessel has port-side buoys and starboard-side buoys, with the port-side tower housing extending from the port-side support column and the starboard-side tower housing extending from the starboard-side support column. The installation crane has a rotatable superstructure supported on a crane structure base via a slewing bearing, thereby allowing the superstructure to rotate about a vertical axis of rotation. The installation crane is configured and operated to perform: In its first turning position, the lifting operation performed at the port side tower housing well during the wind turbine assembly process. In its second turning position, the lifting operation performed at the starboard tower housing well during the wind turbine assembly process, and The assembled wind turbine is lifted out of the port or starboard tower housing well, then rotated to the installation rotation position. Subsequently, the wind turbine is lowered onto the base. During the rotation to the installation rotation position, the wind turbine maintains a distance from the deck box structure on the bow or stern side of the ship where the installation crane is located, and is above the base where the wind turbine will be installed.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, While the tower of the first wind turbine is placed in a well, the two wind turbines are simultaneously partially assembled to accommodate the nacelle, while at the same time, the pre-manufactured sub-assemblies of the tower and nacelle of the second wind turbine are placed in another tower housing well, which is equipped with blades.

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