Offshore wind turbine assembly and installation vessel

Abstract

The invention relates to a crane for assembling and installing offshore wind turbines at an offshore location, a vessel for assembling and installing offshore wind turbines at an offshore location and a method for assembling and installing offshore wind turbines at an offshore location. According to the invention, the crane is provided with a base section and a top section, wherein the top section is rotatably supported by bearings and can be rotated about a vertical axis relative to the base section with the aid of a wind turbine lifting device, wherein a first trolley guide is mounted to the top section of the installation crane for guiding a vertically movable wind turbine support trolley. According to the invention, the vessel is provided with one or more assembly decks on different sides of the installation crane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a crane for assembling and installing offshore wind turbines at an offshore location, a vessel for assembling and installing offshore wind turbines at an offshore location, and a method for assembling and installing offshore wind turbines at an offshore location. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, many offshore wind turbine farms are planned to allow for large-scale electricity production. For efficiency reasons, wind turbines are increasingly being designed with increasing capacity and size. Currently, 5 MW and 8 MW turbines are being planned. Even 14 MW turbines are envisioned for the future. In known designs, the 8 MW turbine has a hub diameter (the hub can accommodate blades up to 160 meters in diameter) and a hub height of approximately 120 meters above sea level. The proposed 14 MW turbine has a blade diameter of 220 meters and a hub height of approximately 160 meters above sea level.

[0003] In at least future designs, the weight of a wind turbine, including its tower, nacelle, and blades, could well exceed 1,000 tons. The base itself could weigh, for example, several hundred tons, depending on the type of base. Many types of bases are discussed in US2007 / 243063. For example, JP2018053899 and EP3153398 concern floating bases.

[0004] It has been proposed to build the entire wind turbine onshore. Specifically, the installation and testing of the nacelle, hub, and blades on the tower are completed onshore, which is significantly less costly than performing these operations at sea. This approach allows for the reduction of offshore installation and commissioning to a compact operation, including the installation of the complete wind turbine. In this method, a base based on either seabed or floating type can be pre-installed, and the tower with the nacelle, hub, and blades is secured to the base.

[0005] In the field of floating-base wind turbines, it is generally understood that the assembly of the entire floating-base wind turbine—that is, the combination of the floating base and the wind turbine—is completed far from the actual wind farm. For example, assembly is completed at a port-based site. Then, the entire floating-base wind turbine is towed from the assembly location to the remote offshore wind farm location.

[0006] For example, Hywind Scotland is a wind farm that uses floating-base wind turbines. These turbines have 120-meter-high towers mounted on Spar-type floating bases. The installation of the wind turbines on Spar-type floating bases was completed in Fjord, Norway, using a Saipem 7000 floating crane. The components were then towed across the North Sea to the coast of Scotland near Peterhead. At the wind farm, three suction anchors hold the floating bases to the seabed.

[0007] To date, several installation vessels and methods have been proposed specifically for the installation of offshore wind turbines.

[0008] The MV Resolution vessel is a specialized wind turbine assembly vessel. It is a jack-up vessel with six jack-up legs used to raise the hull (at least partially) above the waterline for stabilization and wind turbine installation. The vessel is equipped with a mainbase-mounted boom crane at the stern, featuring a slewing and pitching boom. Existing MV Resolution vessels have a 300-ton crane capacity, while newer structures of the same design are planned to have a 1000-ton crane capacity.

[0009] US2010 / 0293781 discloses a jack-up vessel configured for assembling blades into a nacelle. The jack-up vessel is equipped with a rail-mounted nacelle support structure for temporarily supporting the nacelle, allowing the blades to be installed into the nacelle. The jack-up vessel also includes a crane for mounting the wind turbine tower onto a jacket-type base, i.e., a base type tethered to the seabed. Once the blades are assembled, the rail-mounted nacelle support is used to move the nacelle from an above-deck position to an overboard position. The nacelle support is then used to lower the nacelle onto the wind turbine tower located near the vessel. Furthermore, the nacelle support structure is capable of lifting the assembled wind turbine from a barge positioned adjacent to the jack-up vessel and lowering the assembled wind turbine onto the jacket-type base positioned adjacent to the jack-up vessel.

[0010] WO2011028102 proposes an alternative design relating to an offshore wind turbine assembly vessel comprising a non-elevating floating hull and a crane structure extending upward from the hull. The crane structure is equipped with a lifting device having one or more wind turbine suspension elements and a wind turbine engagement device supported by the one or more suspension elements and adapted for engagement with the wind turbine. Thus, the lifting device is adapted to support at least the wind turbine tower when at least the wind turbine tower is in a vertical orientation, and to raise and lower at least the wind turbine tower in a controllable manner; preferably together with the nacelle, and preferably also with the hub and blades mounted on top of the tower. Furthermore, the vessel enables the transport of the wind turbine between a shore location and an installation location, wherein the nacelle, hub, and blades are mounted on top of the tower. This is useful not only during wind turbine installation but also allows for the efficient replacement of installed wind turbines, such as when the wind turbine is no longer operational or requires major overhaul.

[0011] Other non-elevation type vessels are disclosed in EP2473400 and EP2952426. These types of vessels are configured to transport pre-assembled wind turbines between assembly and operation positions.

[0012] WO2019 / 245366 discloses a floating vessel configured to assemble blades into a nacelle. The vessel is equipped with a deck-mounted nacelle support structure for temporarily supporting the nacelle, allowing the blades to be installed. The vessel also has two cranes. One crane is used to install the wind turbine tower onto a jacket-type base, i.e., a base type tethered to the seabed. The other crane is used to lift the nacelle onto the nacelle support structure and, once the blades are assembled into the nacelle, to the wind turbine tower located near the vessel. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The present invention aims to provide an alternative method for assembling and installing wind turbines and / or for creating wind farms, such as wind farms having one or more floating wind turbine bases.

[0014] This invention provides an installation crane for mounting on the floating hull of a ship, used for assembling and installing an offshore wind turbine according to the invention. The wind turbine installation crane according to the invention, which is to be installed on the floating hull of a ship, has at least one assembly side facing the wind turbine assembly platform and has an installation side.

[0015] The mounting side of the installation crane is also referred to in this document as the first vertical side of the wind turbine installation crane, or as the side used to install the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base using the installation crane.

[0016] The installation crane is configured to perform one or more wind turbine assembly steps, such as erecting a wind turbine tower, and is configured to, at the installation side of the installation crane, move the assembled wind turbine from at least one wind turbine assembly platform to an installation position above a wind turbine base on an adjacent vessel, and lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0017] The installation crane is equipped with a wind turbine lifting device, a base section and a top section, and a first trolley guide with a first wind turbine support trolley.

[0018] The wind turbine lifting device has one or more wind turbine suspension elements, such as cables, and is adapted to support an assembled wind turbine and to raise and lower the assembled wind turbine in a controllable manner, the assembled wind turbine including a tower attached to a nacelle and assembled blades.

[0019] The top section is rotatably supported by bearings and can be rotated about a vertical axis relative to the base section using a wind turbine lifting device, which can thus transfer at least the upper tower components between the wind turbine assembly platform and the mounting side.

[0020] The first trolley guide is installed on the top section of the crane. The first wind turbine support trolley is vertically movable along the first trolley guide and supports the wind turbine assembly.

[0021] Therefore, the present invention allows for a compact configuration of the installation process, and thus allows the method according to the invention to be implemented on compact vessels. It is believed that, to date, the assembly of wind turbines on vessels has only been proposed in the case of very large vessels. Typically, the size of these types of vessels makes them unsuitable for navigating wind farm locations, or even for efficient transfer between locations. The installation crane according to the invention allows the use of a vessel to assemble wind turbines and install the assembled wind turbines onto wind turbine bases. Furthermore, when used in combination with compact vessels, such as semi-submersible vessels, the vessel can also be used to install the assembled wind turbines onto floating wind turbine bases.

[0022] In the implementation, an active horizontal motion device is installed between the trolley and the wind turbine engagement assembly. The active horizontal motion device is adapted to actively compensate for horizontal displacement of the wind turbine engagement assembly relative to the wind turbine base in at least one horizontal direction, possibly in two non-parallel horizontal directions, such as in orthogonal horizontal directions, caused by sea conditions.

[0023] In the implementation scheme, the crane, such as the first lifting device of the crane, is equipped with a heave compensation device adapted to compensate for the heave movement caused by the sea conditions of the wind turbine tower supported by the crane relative to the wind turbine base (e.g., a floating wind turbine base).

[0024] Heave compensation devices are well known in the art in passive, active, or hybrid embodiments. For example, a lifting device may include one or more winches and one or more lifting cables, with heave compensation achieved by appropriate operation of the (electric) winches and / or by one or more heave compensation cylinders carrying one or more cable pulleys (on which the lifting cables pass).

[0025] In the implementation scheme, the base section of the crane is provided with a second trolley guide and a second wind turbine support trolley, which is vertically movable along the second trolley guide on the mounting side of the crane.

[0026] In another embodiment, a second wind turbine support trolley supports the wind turbine engagement assembly. Preferably, an active horizontal movement device is installed between the trolley and the wind turbine engagement assembly, and the active horizontal movement device is adapted to actively compensate for horizontal displacement of the wind turbine engagement assembly relative to the wind turbine base in at least one horizontal direction, possibly in two non-parallel horizontal directions, such as orthogonal horizontal directions, caused by sea conditions.

[0027] The first wind turbine support trolley and the optional second wind turbine support trolley may be arranged in an active position for supporting the wind turbine (e.g., the tower or upper tower component of the wind turbine) and in an inactive position for moving, for example, along the tower or upper tower component of the wind turbine supported by the wind turbine mounting crane at at least one wind turbine assembly table.

[0028] In one embodiment, the lifting device includes two spaced-apart cantilever arms supporting one or more suspension elements. One or more suspension elements are connected to a first wind turbine support trolley or to a wind turbine engagement assembly.

[0029] In another embodiment, the two cantilever arms can be arranged in an active position and an inactive position. In the active position, the two cantilever arms are used to support the first wind turbine support trolley and the first wind turbine assembly device. In the inactive position, the two cantilever arms are used to move along the nacelle or blades of a partially or fully assembled wind turbine on at least one wind turbine assembly platform.

[0030] In the implementation scheme, the wind turbine installation crane is configured such that when the assembled wind turbine is supported by the installation crane, the cantilever extends above the nacelle of the wind turbine, and when viewed in a front view, the nacelle of the supported wind turbine is located between the cantilever.

[0031] In another embodiment, the wind turbine installation crane is configured such that when the assembled wind turbine is supported by the installation crane, the cantilever extends above the nacelle of the wind turbine, and when viewed in a front view, the nacelle of the supported wind turbine is located between the cantilever.

[0032] In the implementation scheme, the installation crane is a double-sided installation crane, with a wind turbine lifting device serving as a first lifting device on the first side of the installation crane, and a second lifting device on the opposite second side of the installation crane, so that the installation crane can perform lifting actions simultaneously on the opposite sides of the installation crane.

[0033] In the implementation scheme, the installation crane is equipped with one or more base pile supports for supporting the base piles in an upright position adjacent to the installation crane. The one or more base pile supports can move between an active position and a passive position; in the active position, at least one base pile support extends away from the installation crane; in the passive position, at least one base pile support retracts into or folds against the wind turbine installation crane.

[0034] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a wind turbine on a vessel (preferably in a floating state). Preferably, the vessel is also used to install the assembled wind turbine, preferably at an offshore wind farm site. It should be understood that this allows the avoidance of long-distance transportation (e.g., by towing a complete wind turbine) from a shore-based location (e.g., around a dock) to the wind farm. Such transportation is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and potentially affected by weather conditions.

[0035] The present invention provides a method for assembling and installing an offshore wind turbine according to the present invention.

[0036] This method allows for the assembly of wind turbines at sea, particularly at locations where they must be installed. Therefore, it eliminates the need to transport fully assembled wind turbines, a slow and difficult process due to their size. Transporting disassembled wind turbines also facilitates the transport of multiple turbines on a single vessel.

[0037] Therefore, this invention allows assembled wind turbines to be mounted on already anchored floating wind turbine bases at the wind farm location. Thus, the floating wind turbine bases can be transported and anchored without supporting the assembled wind turbines. This significantly facilitates the transportation and anchoring process. Furthermore, this invention allows for the assembly of wind turbines at or near the wind farm location.

[0038] Furthermore, this method allows for a compact configuration of the installation process, and therefore allows the method to be implemented on compact vessels. It is believed that, to date, the assembly of wind turbines on ships has only been proposed in the case of very large vessels. Typically, the size of these types of vessels makes them unsuitable for navigating wind farm locations, or even for efficient location transfer. The method according to the invention allows for the use of a vessel to assemble a wind turbine and install the assembled wind turbine on a wind turbine base. Furthermore, when used in combination with a compact vessel, such as a semi-submersible vessel, the vessel can also be used to install the assembled wind turbine on a floating wind turbine base.

[0039] Therefore, the present invention provides an alternative method for assembling and installing a wind turbine.

[0040] In the method according to the invention for assembling a wind turbine on a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel (e.g., a semi-submersible crane vessel), it is preferably used to install the assembled wind turbine onto a wind turbine base (e.g., an underwater mounting base or a floating wind turbine base) using the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel, which comprises: - Floating hull; - A wind turbine component storage deck for storing wind turbine components, such as towers, lower tower components, upper tower components, rotor assemblies, and blades, the rotor assemblies being, for example, nacelles with hubs; - Preferably, a blade handling device for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position adjacent to the nacelle; - At least one wind turbine assembly stand; - An installation crane is mounted on a floating hull, for example, on the deck of the floating hull, wherein the installation crane has at least one assembly side facing at least one wind turbine assembly platform, and has an installation side. The methods include: - Moving one or more wind turbine components from the wind turbine component storage deck to at least one wind turbine assembly stand; and -Use an installation crane to: - Perform one or more assembly steps, such as by inverting the wind turbine tower or by lifting the nacelle onto the top of the tower or onto the upper tower components; - Support the assembled wind turbine on the assembly side, and arrange the assembled wind turbine from the wind turbine assembly platform to the installation position on the installation side of the installation crane, the installation position being located above the wind turbine base adjacent to the assembly and installation vessel; - Lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0041] In the implementation scheme, the method further includes preferably using a wind turbine mounting crane to lift the nacelle and raise and lower the nacelle onto the tower or upper tower component, and installing the nacelle onto the tower or upper tower component.

[0042] In the implementation scheme, the method further includes the following wind turbine assembly steps: before or after the nacelle is installed on the tower or upper tower component, preferably using a wind turbine installation crane, the upper tower component or upper tower component is lowered into a tower receiving well, the tower receiving well being sunk into or through the hull and configured to house at least a portion of the tower in which the wind turbine is located, such that the distance between the nacelle and the storage deck is reduced, preferably less than the length of the wind turbine blade, more preferably less than four-fifths of the blade length.

[0043] In the implementation, the method further includes a wind turbine assembly step of arranging the tower or upper tower component in an upright mounting position, wherein the nacelle is mounted on the tower or upper tower component, and wherein the nacelle, particularly the nacelle's hub, is in an mounting position for mounting the blades (preferably in a horizontal position) to the nacelle.

[0044] In another embodiment, the nacelle's blade hub is positioned, more particularly, rotated into place about a horizontal pivot axis, to mount blades supported in a horizontal position onto the nacelle, preferably the blades being supported in the horizontal position by blade handling equipment.

[0045] In another embodiment, the engine room is positioned, more specifically, rotated into place about a vertical pivot axis, to install blades supported vertically above the deck into the engine room, while the blades already installed into the engine room are supported primarily vertically above the sea surface, i.e., primarily outside the outline of the ship when viewed from above.

[0046] In the implementation scheme, the method further includes a blade installation process for installing the blade into the nacelle, which preferably uses a blade handling device, the blade installation process including one or more of the following steps, preferably including all of the following steps; - Lift the first blade to the secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position. - Raise the second blade to the secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position; and - Raise the third blade to the secure position in the adjacent nacelle and install the third blade into the nacelle.

[0047] In another embodiment, the tower or upper tower component supporting the engine room is housed in a tower housing well in the ship's deck, thereby reducing the distance between the engine room and the deck, preferably less than the length of the turbine blade, more preferably less than four-fifths of the blade length.

[0048] In another alternative embodiment, the nacelle is mounted on a nacelle support fixed to the ship's deck, such that the nacelle is supported by the nacelle support at a distance above the deck, preferably less than the length of the turbine blades, more preferably less than four-fifths of the blade length.

[0049] In an implementation, the method further includes, where the tower consists of a lower tower component and an upper tower component, a wind turbine assembly step preferably performed after the nacelle is installed on the upper tower component, using an installation crane to arrange the upper tower component on the lower tower component.

[0050] In the implementation, the method also includes using a wind turbine installation crane to erect the tower or upper tower component of the wind turbine from a horizontal storage position to an upright installation position.

[0051] In the implementation scheme, at least one wind turbine assembly platform is a first wind turbine assembly platform located on a first side of the mounting crane, the first side preferably opposite the mounting side of the mounting crane, and the assembly and installation of the vessel also includes a second wind turbine assembly platform located on a second side of the mounting crane, and wherein... - A first wind turbine assembly stand is used for erecting the tower or upper tower components and / or for, preferably using an installation crane, installing the nacelle onto the tower or upper tower components; and - The second wind turbine assembly stand is used to preferably assemble the wind turbine using an installation crane, for example, if the tower consists of a lower tower component and an upper tower component, the installation crane is used to place the upper tower component onto the lower tower component, and / or to install the blades onto the nacelle; and wherein - The installation crane is used to move the tower or upper tower component from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand, preferably with the nacelle mounted on top of the tower or upper tower component. The installation crane is also used to move the assembled wind turbine from the second wind turbine assembly stand to the installation side of the installation crane and to lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0052] In another alternative embodiment, at least one wind turbine assembly platform is a first wind turbine assembly platform located on a first side of the mounting crane, preferably opposite the mounting side of the mounting crane. The assembly and installation vessel also includes a second wind turbine assembly platform located on a second side of the mounting crane, and a third wind turbine assembly platform located on a third side of the mounting crane, preferably opposite the second side of the mounting crane. - The first wind turbine assembly stand is used to lift the nacelle and / or to lift the nacelle mounted on the upper tower component; - The second wind turbine assembly stand is used to install the blades into the nacelle; and - The third wind turbine assembly stand is used to complete the assembly of the wind turbine, for example, if the tower consists of a lower tower component and an upper tower component, the upper tower component, which houses the nacelle and blades, is arranged on the lower tower component, and / or is used to install the nacelle, which houses the blades, onto the tower; and wherein - The installation crane is used to move the assembled wind turbine from the third wind turbine assembly platform to the installation side of the installation crane, and to lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0053] In the implementation plan, the wind turbine installation crane is configured to actively compensate for movement, such as horizontal displacement, caused by sea conditions, particularly when the assembled wind turbine is lowered relative to the wind turbine base, especially the floating wind turbine base. The method includes... - Preferably, when the wind turbine is lowered onto the floating wind turbine base, a wind turbine installation crane is used to move the wind turbine relative to the assembly and installation vessel to compensate for the movement of the assembly and installation vessel relative to the sea state of the floating wind turbine base, and thus keep the wind turbine substantially aligned with the floating wind turbine base.

[0054] In the implementation plan, the method for assembling and installing a wind turbine base restraint system on the vessel includes: - To connect the floating wind turbine base to the wind turbine base restraint system; - Preferably, when the wind turbine is lowered onto the wind turbine base, the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel is reduced, more specifically, the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembled wind turbine to be installed on the floating wind turbine base is reduced, and / or the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel is monitored, more specifically, the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembled wind turbine to be installed on the floating wind turbine base is monitored.

[0055] The present invention also provides an embodiment for assembling a wind turbine on a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel, preferably for installing the assembled wind turbine on the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel. Among them, vessels for assembling and installing wind turbines include: - Floating hull; - Wind turbine component storage deck, wherein the storage deck preferably includes a lower tower component storage area, an upper tower component storage area, a nacelle storage area, and a blade storage area; - First wind turbine assembly stand, second wind turbine assembly stand and third wind turbine assembly stand; - A handling crane and an installation crane, wherein the installation crane has an installation side, the installation crane is configured to support the assembled wind turbine on its installation side in an installation position above a wind turbine base, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, and wherein, preferably, a first wind turbine assembly platform is located on a first side of the installation crane, a second wind turbine assembly platform is located on a second side of the installation crane, a third wind turbine assembly platform is located on a third side of the installation crane, and the installation side is located on a fourth side of the installation crane; - Preferably, a blade handling device for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position; The methods include: - Store wind turbine components on a wind turbine component storage deck, such as upper tower components, lower tower components, nacelles, and blades, preferably on the wind turbine component storage deck in the wind turbine component storage area; - Preferably, a handling crane is used to place the upper tower component into the first wind turbine assembly stand and support the upper tower component in an upright installation position; - In the first wind turbine assembly stand, a handling crane is preferably used to lift the nacelle onto the upper tower component and install the nacelle. - Preferably, an installation crane is used to move the combined upper tower assembly and nacelle from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand, and to support the wind turbine upper tower assembly in an upright mounting position, wherein the nacelle is in an mounting position for mounting the blades onto the nacelle. - Preferably, blades are installed into the nacelle using blade handling equipment, and the blade installation process includes; - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the first blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position. - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the second blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to a subsequent installation position; and - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the third blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, and the third blade is installed into the nacelle; and - Preferably, a handling crane is used to place the lower tower component into the third wind turbine assembly platform and support the lower tower component in an upright installation position; - Preferably, an upper tower assembly, nacelle, and blades are mounted using a crane lifting assembly, and the upper tower assembly is installed onto the lower tower assembly in a third wind turbine assembly stand to provide an assembled wind turbine; and - Use an installation crane to lift the wind turbine to the installation position on the fourth side of the installation crane; and lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0056] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a wind turbine on a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel, preferably for installing the assembled wind turbine on the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel. Among them, vessels for assembling and installing wind turbines include: - Floating hull; - Wind turbine component storage deck, which is used to store wind turbine components such as towers, nacelles and blades; - First wind turbine assembly stand, second wind turbine assembly stand and third wind turbine assembly stand; - A handling crane and an installation crane, wherein the installation crane has an installation side, the installation crane is configured to support the assembled wind turbine on its installation side in an installation position above a wind turbine base, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, and wherein, preferably, a first wind turbine assembly platform is located on a first side of the installation crane, a second wind turbine assembly platform is located on a second side of the installation crane, a third wind turbine assembly platform is located on a third side of the installation crane, and the installation side is located on a fourth side of the installation crane; - Preferably, a blade handling device for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position; The methods include: -Store wind turbine components on a wind turbine component storage deck, wherein the wind turbine components are preferably all wind turbine components; - Preferably, a wind turbine installation crane is used to place the tower into the first wind turbine assembly stand and support the upper tower in the upright installation position; optionally, before this: preferably, a wind turbine installation crane is used to erect the wind turbine tower from the horizontal storage position to the upright installation position; -In the first wind turbine assembly stand, a wind turbine installation crane is preferably used to lift the nacelle and raise and lower the nacelle onto the tower, and install the nacelle onto the tower; - Using an installation crane, the combined tower and nacelle are moved from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand, the base section of the tower is lowered into the deck recess, and the tower is supported in an upright installation position, wherein the nacelle, in particular the nacelle hub, is in an installation position for mounting the blades to the nacelle. - Preferably, blades are installed into the nacelle using blade handling equipment to provide an assembled wind turbine. The blade installation process includes: - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the first blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position. - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the second blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to a subsequent installation position; and - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the third blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, and the third blade is installed into the nacelle; and - The assembled wind turbine is moved from the second wind turbine assembly platform to the installation position on the fourth side of the installation crane; and the installation crane is used to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0057] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a wind turbine and for installing the assembled wind turbine on a wind turbine base, the wind turbine base being, for example, a base mounted on the seabed or a floating wind turbine base, wherein a semi-submersible crane vessel is used, wherein the vessel includes: - A floating hull, which has: - Deck box structure; - Two parallel pontoons, - A row of support columns extending upward from each of the two pontoons, on which the deck box structure is supported; The deck box structure consists of a deck and a box bottom. - An installation crane, mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, such as a basin crane, or a crane mounted above a support column located at the end of a row of columns. In the wind turbine assembly platform, the hull of the vessel is equipped with a tower housing well that is sunk into or through the hull. The tower housing well is preferably a well that extends into or passes through a support column of the hull, and is configured to house at least a portion of the wind turbine tower. 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, such as a nacelle with a hub, which optionally has one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades. In this method, during the assembly steps of the wind turbine, such as during the mounting of the rotor assembly onto the tower and / or during the assembly of one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades onto the rotor assembly, at least a portion of the tower is arranged in a tower receiving well.

[0058] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a wind turbine using a tower connector, which is installed onto the nacelle to enable the nacelle to be maneuvered using an installation crane. The tower connector is a short tubular section, one end of which can be fixed to the nacelle, and the opposite end can be fixed to the top of the tower. In this method, during the assembly process, preferably after the blades have been installed in the nacelle, the nacelle is mounted on top of the tower via the tower connector.

[0059] The tower connector is much shorter than the upper tower component. Providing a tower connector for the nacelle enables a wind turbine assembly process similar to that of a wind turbine comprising an upper tower component and a lower tower component. In this approach, the assembly process is completed by mounting the nacelle, combined with the blades and tower connector, on top of a full-length tower, rather than mounting the nacelle, combined with the blades and upper tower component, on top of the lower tower component.

[0060] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a wind turbine using a tower. In this embodiment, the nacelle is preferably mounted on top of a complete tower during the assembly process, preferably before the blades are supplied to the nacelle.

[0061] In methods for assembling wind turbines on wind turbine assembly and installation vessels and for installing the assembled wind turbines onto wind turbine bases using the wind turbine assembly and installation vessels, the wind turbine assembly and installation vessels are, for example, semi-submersible crane vessels, and the wind turbine bases are, for example, seabed mounting bases or floating wind turbine bases. The wind turbine assembly and installation vessels comprise: - Floating hull; - A wind turbine component storage deck for storing wind turbine components, such as towers, rotor assemblies, and blades, the rotor assemblies being, for example, nacelles with hubs. - Blade handling equipment, which is used to transfer blades between a horizontal supply position on the wind turbine storage deck and a fastening position adjacent to the nacelle; - A first wind turbine assembly stand, a second wind turbine assembly stand, and preferably a third wind turbine assembly stand; - An installation crane is mounted on a floating hull, for example, on the deck of the floating hull, wherein the installation crane has at least one assembly side facing at least one wind turbine assembly platform, and has an installation side. The first wind turbine assembly platform is located on the first side of the crane installation platform, which is opposite to the installation side of the crane installation platform. The second wind turbine assembly platform is located on the second side of the crane installation site, and Preferably, the third wind turbine assembly platform is located on the third side of the installation crane, opposite to the second side of the installation crane. The methods include: - Moving one or more wind turbine components from the wind turbine component storage deck to one or more wind turbine assembly platforms, for example, positioning the tower with its top horizontal orientation at the first wind turbine assembly platform to enable the tower to be erected using a wind turbine installation crane, and / or moving the nacelle to a third wind turbine assembly platform to enable the wind turbine installation crane to lift the nacelle at the first wind turbine assembly platform and install the nacelle on top of the tower; - At the first wind turbine assembly stand, a wind turbine installation crane is used to erect the wind turbine tower from the horizontal storage position to the vertical installation position; - Preferably at the third wind turbine assembly station, a wind turbine installation crane is used to pick up the nacelle; - At the first wind turbine assembly stand, a wind turbine installation crane is used to install the nacelle on top of the erected tower; - Use an installation crane to move the tower and the nacelle mounted on top of the tower from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand; - At the second wind turbine assembly stand, the wind turbine is assembled by installing the blades into the nacelle; preferably, a blade installation process is used to install the blades into the nacelle using blade handling equipment, the blade installation process including the following steps; - Lift the first blade to the secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position. - Raise the second blade to the secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position; and - Raise the third blade to the secure position in the adjacent nacelle and install the third blade into the nacelle.

[0062] - Use an installation crane to support the assembled wind turbine at the second wind turbine assembly stand, and place the assembled wind turbine from the second wind turbine assembly stand to the installation position at the installation side of the installation crane, above the wind turbine base adjacent to the assembly and installation vessel. - Use an installation crane to lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0063] In embodiments of the method according to the invention, the wind turbine installation crane is configured to actively compensate for movement, such as horizontal displacement, caused by sea conditions relative to the wind turbine base, particularly the floating wind turbine base, to which the assembled wind turbine will be lowered. For example, the wind turbine installation crane may be equipped with one or more trolleys that support and / or engage the wind turbine and can move horizontally to move the wind turbine relative to the floating vessel, thereby maintaining the alignment of the wind turbine with the floating wind turbine base during lowering.

[0064] In another embodiment of the method according to the invention for mounting a wind turbine on a floating wind turbine base, the method includes engaging the floating wind turbine base with a wind turbine base restraint system before lowering the assembled wind turbine onto the floating wind turbine base, wherein the wind turbine base restraint system is configured to reduce the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, more specifically, to reduce the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembled wind turbine to be mounted on the floating wind turbine base, and / or to monitor the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, more specifically, to monitor the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembled wind turbine to be mounted on the floating wind turbine base.

[0065] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a wind turbine on a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel, preferably for installing the assembled wind turbine on the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel. Among them, vessels for assembling and installing wind turbines include: - Floating hull; - Wind turbine component storage deck, wherein the storage deck preferably includes a lower tower component storage area, an upper tower component storage area, a nacelle storage area, and a blade storage area; - First wind turbine assembly stand, second wind turbine assembly stand and third wind turbine assembly stand; - A handling crane and an installation crane, wherein the installation crane has an installation side, the installation crane is configured to support the assembled wind turbine on its installation side in an installation position above a wind turbine base, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, and wherein, preferably, a first wind turbine assembly platform is located on a first side of the installation crane, a second wind turbine assembly platform is located on a second side of the installation crane, a third wind turbine assembly platform is located on a third side of the installation crane, and the installation side is located on a fourth side of the installation crane; - Preferably, a blade handling device for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position; The method includes: - Store wind turbine components on a wind turbine component storage deck, such as upper tower components, lower tower components, nacelles, and blades, preferably on the wind turbine component storage deck in the wind turbine component storage area; - Preferably, a handling crane is used to place the upper tower component into the first wind turbine assembly stand and support the upper tower component in an upright installation position; - In the first wind turbine assembly stand, a handling crane is preferably used to lift the nacelle onto the upper tower component and install the nacelle. - Preferably, an installation crane is used to move the combined upper tower assembly and nacelle from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand, and to support the wind turbine upper tower assembly in an upright mounting position, wherein the nacelle is in an mounting position for mounting the blades onto the nacelle. - Preferably, blades are installed into the nacelle using blade handling equipment, the blade installation process including; - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the first blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position. - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the second blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to a subsequent installation position; and - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the third blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, and the third blade is installed into the nacelle; and - Preferably, a handling crane is used to place the lower tower component into the third wind turbine assembly platform and support the lower tower component in an upright installation position; - Preferably, an upper tower assembly, nacelle, and blades are mounted using a crane lifting assembly, and the upper tower assembly is installed onto the lower tower assembly in a third wind turbine assembly stand to provide an assembled wind turbine; and - Use an installation crane to lift the wind turbine to the installation position on the fourth side of the installation crane; and lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0066] In the alternative method according to the invention, only two wind turbine assembly stands are provided, and the combined upper tower components, nacelle and blades are lifted and lowered from the second wind turbine assembly stand to the fourth side of the installation crane by an installation crane, and then lowered and installed onto the lower tower section that is already installed on the wind turbine base or is part of the wind turbine base.

[0067] In this implementation, the third wind turbine assembly platform can be used as a storage platform to store the combined upper tower components, nacelle, and blades before the assembly crane lifts and lowers the combined upper tower components, nacelle, and blades from the storage platform to the fourth side of the assembly crane, so as to lower and install the combined upper tower components onto the lower tower section that is already installed on the wind turbine base or is part of the wind turbine base.

[0068] The present invention also provides an assembly and installation vessel for assembling and installing offshore wind turbines according to the present invention.

[0069] According to the present invention, an assembly and installation vessel is provided for assembling wind turbines and for installing the assembled wind turbines on a wind turbine base, the assembly and installation vessel being, for example, a semi-submersible crane vessel, and the wind turbine base being, for example, an underwater installation base or a floating wind turbine base. The assembly and installation vessel includes a floating hull, a wind turbine component storage deck, at least one wind turbine assembly platform, and a wind turbine installation crane.

[0070] Wind turbine component storage decks for storing wind turbine components (e.g., towers, rotor assemblies, and blades) preferably include dedicated storage areas, such as tower storage areas, nacelle storage areas, and / or blade storage areas.

[0071] The installation crane is configured to perform one or more wind turbine assembly steps (e.g., erecting a wind turbine tower) and has at least one assembly side facing at least one wind turbine assembly platform, and also has an installation side.

[0072] The installation crane is equipped with a wind turbine lifting device having one or more wind turbine suspension elements. The wind turbine lifting device is adapted to support the assembled wind turbine and to raise and lower the assembled wind turbine in a controllable manner, the assembled wind turbine including the tower attached to the nacelle and the assembled blades.

[0073] The installation crane has a base section and a top section. The top section is rotatably supported by bearings and can be rotated about a vertical axis relative to the base section using a wind turbine lifting device. Therefore, the lifting device can transfer at least the upper tower components between the wind turbine assembly platform and the installation side.

[0074] The installation crane is configured to arrange an assembled wind turbine from at least one wind turbine assembly stand at the installation side of the installation crane into an installation position above a wind turbine base adjacent to the assembly and installation vessel, in an installation position for supporting the assembled wind turbine at the installation side above the wind turbine base, and for lowering the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0075] Therefore, this invention allows for the assembly of wind turbines at sea, particularly at locations where wind turbines must be installed, i.e., at or near wind farm sites. Consequently, there is no need to transport fully assembled wind turbines, which is a slow and difficult process due to the size of assembled wind turbines. Transporting disassembled wind turbines facilitates the transport of multiple wind turbines on a single vessel.

[0076] This invention also allows for the installation of assembled wind turbines on wind turbine bases, such as anchored floating wind turbine bases, at the wind farm location. Therefore, floating wind turbine bases can be transported and anchored without supporting the assembled wind turbines. This significantly facilitates the transportation and anchoring process.

[0077] It should be understood that this allows for the avoidance of long-distance transport from shore-based (e.g., around a dock) locations to wind farms (e.g., by towing complete wind turbines). Such transport is extremely labor-intensive, time-consuming, and susceptible to weather conditions.

[0078] In the implementation scheme, at least one wind turbine assembly stand is a first wind turbine assembly stand, and the assembly and installation of the vessel also includes a second wind turbine assembly stand, and preferably a third wind turbine assembly stand. The first wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the tower in an upright mounting position. The second wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the tower in an upright mounting position when the nacelle is in an mounting position for installing the blades to the nacelle. Preferably, the third wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the nacelle, which will be lifted by a wind turbine installation crane.

[0079] The first wind turbine assembly platform is located on the first side of the mounting crane, the second wind turbine assembly platform is located on the second side of the mounting crane, and preferably the third wind turbine assembly platform is located on the third side of the mounting crane. The mounting side is on the fourth side of the mounting crane.

[0080] In the implementation scheme, the second and third wind turbine assembly platforms are located on opposite sides of the installation crane, and the first wind turbine assembly platform is located opposite the first vertical side of the wind turbine installation crane, which is the installation side of the installation crane, i.e., the side used to install the assembled wind turbine on the wind turbine base using the installation crane.

[0081] In the implementation scheme, a first wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the upper tower component in an upright mounting position, a second wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the upper tower component in an upright mounting position when the nacelle is in an mounting position for mounting the blades to the nacelle, and a third wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the lower tower component in an upright mounting position, such that an installation crane can preferably be used to lift and lower the assembled upper tower component, nacelle, and blades, and the upper tower component is mounted onto the lower tower component in the third wind turbine assembly stand to provide an assembled wind turbine.

[0082] In the implementation scheme, the assembly and installation of the vessel also includes a blade handling device, preferably located near the second wind turbine assembly stand, for example at the wind turbine base where the crane is installed, for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position, the fastening position being adjacent to the nacelle on the top of the tower or the upper tower component, which is preferably supported in the second wind turbine assembly stand.

[0083] In the implementation, the assembly and installation vessel includes a wind turbine base restraint system, preferably configured to engage the floating wind turbine base when the wind turbine is lowered onto the wind turbine base, and configured to reduce movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, more specifically, to reduce movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembled wind turbine to be installed on the floating wind turbine base, and / or configured to monitor movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, more specifically, to monitor movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembled wind turbine to be installed on the floating wind turbine base.

[0084] In the implementation plan, the wind turbine installation crane is configured to actively compensate for the movement, such as horizontal displacement, caused by sea conditions, of the assembled wind turbine relative to the wind turbine base to which the wind turbine will be lowered, particularly the floating wind turbine base.

[0085] In the implementation scheme, the assembly and installation of the vessel also includes a tower receiving well, which is preferably sunk into or through the hull at at least one wind turbine assembly stand or alternatively at a wind turbine assembly stand. The tower receiving well is configured to preferably accommodate at least a portion of the wind turbine tower therein using a wind turbine installation crane, such that the distance between the nacelle and the storage deck is reduced, preferably less than the length of the turbine blades, more preferably less than four-fifths of the blade length, to facilitate the installation of the blades into the nacelle.

[0086] In the implementation scheme, the assembly and installation of the vessel includes an engine room support, which is fixed to the deck of the vessel being assembled and installed, such that the engine room can be supported by the engine room support at a distance above the deck, preferably less than the length of the turbine blade, more preferably less than four-fifths of the blade length, so that the blade can be installed into the engine room preferably by using a blade handling device.

[0087] The implementation plan also includes the installation of handling cranes for assembling and installing the vessels.

[0088] In the implementation plan, the storage deck includes dedicated storage areas, such as tower storage areas, lower tower component storage areas, upper tower component storage areas, nacelle storage areas, and / or blade storage areas.

[0089] The present invention also provides an assembly and installation vessel for assembling wind turbines and for installing the assembled wind turbines on a wind turbine base, the assembly and installation vessel being, for example, a semi-submersible crane vessel, and the wind turbine base being, for example, an underwater installation base or a floating wind turbine base. The assembly and installation vessel comprises: - Floating hull; - A wind turbine component storage deck for storing wind turbine components, such as towers, lower tower components, upper tower components, rotor assemblies, and blades, the rotor assemblies being, for example, nacelles with hubs; - Preferably, a blade handling device for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position adjacent to the nacelle; - Preferably, a handling crane; - At least one wind turbine assembly stand; - An installation crane is mounted on a floating hull, for example, on the deck of the floating hull, wherein the installation crane has at least one assembly side facing at least one wind turbine assembly platform, and has an installation side. The wind turbine installation crane is configured to perform one or more wind turbine assembly steps, such as erecting the wind turbine tower, lifting the upper tower component onto the top of the lower tower component, lifting the nacelle onto the top of the tower or the upper tower component, and arranging the assembled wind turbine from at least one wind turbine assembly platform to an installation position above the wind turbine base near the installation side of the installation crane, and lowering the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0090] This invention provides an assembly and installation vessel for assembling wind turbines at sea, particularly at locations where the wind turbines must be installed. Therefore, it eliminates the need to transport fully assembled wind turbines, which is a slow and difficult process due to the size of the assembled turbines. Transporting disassembled wind turbines facilitates the transport of multiple wind turbines on a single vessel.

[0091] The construction of the vessel, particularly those with multiple wind turbine assembly platforms located around a mounting crane, enables a compact vessel and an efficient installation process. It is generally accepted that, to date, assembling wind turbines on vessels has only been proposed for very large vessels. Typically, the size of these types of vessels makes them unsuitable for navigating wind farm locations, or even for efficient location transfer. This invention provides a vessel for both assembling wind turbines and mounting assembled wind turbines onto wind turbine bases. Furthermore, when used in combination with compact vessels such as semi-submersible vessels, the vessel can also be used to mount assembled wind turbines onto floating wind turbine bases.

[0092] Therefore, the present invention does indeed provide an improved vessel for assembling and for mounting wind turbines.

[0093] The present invention also provides an assembly and installation vessel for assembling and installing offshore wind turbines, comprising: - Floating hull; - Wind turbine component storage deck, wherein the storage deck preferably includes a lower tower component storage area, an upper tower component storage area, a nacelle storage area, and a blade storage area; - First wind turbine assembly stand, second wind turbine assembly stand and third wind turbine assembly stand; - Handling cranes; and - Install the crane, The installation crane has an installation side, configured to support the assembled wind turbine on its installation side above a wind turbine base in an installation position, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base. A first wind turbine assembly platform is located on a first side of the installation crane, a second wind turbine assembly platform is located on a second side of the installation crane, a third wind turbine assembly platform is located on a third side of the installation crane, and the installation side is located on a fourth side of the installation crane. The installation crane is equipped with a wind turbine lifting device, which has one or more wind turbine suspension elements. The wind turbine lifting device is adapted to support at least one upper tower component of the wind turbine when it is in a vertical orientation and to controllably raise and lower at least one upper tower component. Preferably, the nacelle and blades are mounted on the upper tower component. The installation crane has a base section and a top section, wherein the top section is rotatably supported by bearings and is capable of rotating relative to the base section about a vertical axis by means of a lifting device, and the lifting device is thus capable of transferring at least the upper tower components between the mounting platform and the installation position.

[0094] In the implementation scheme, the first installation position is configured to support the upper tower component in an upright installation position, and preferably, the handling crane is configured to lift the nacelle onto the upper tower component; The second installation position is configured such that the tower components of the wind turbine are supported in an upright installation position when the nacelle is in the installation position for installing the blades into the nacelle. The third installation position is configured to support the lower tower component in an upright installation position so that the combined upper tower component, nacelle and blades can be raised and lowered. Preferably, an installation crane is used to raise and lower the combined upper tower component, nacelle and blades, and the upper tower component is installed onto the lower tower component in the third wind turbine assembly stand to provide an assembled wind turbine.

[0095] In the implementation scheme, the second and third wind turbine assembly platforms are located on opposite sides of the installation crane, and the first wind turbine assembly platform is located opposite the first vertical side of the installation crane, which is the side used to install the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base using the installation crane.

[0096] In the implementation scheme, the assembly and installation of the vessel also includes a blade handling device located near the second installation position for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position adjacent to the engine room on top of the upper tower component supported in the second installation position.

[0097] In one embodiment, the lifting device includes a first trolley guide mounted to the top section of the crane, and a first wind turbine mounting trolley vertically movable along the first trolley guide. The first wind turbine support trolley supports the wind turbine engagement device, and preferably, an active horizontal movement device is installed between the trolley and the wind turbine engagement device. The active horizontal movement device is adapted to actively compensate for horizontal displacement of the wind turbine engagement device relative to the wind turbine base in at least one horizontal direction, possibly in two non-parallel horizontal directions, such as orthogonal horizontal directions, caused by sea conditions when the wind turbine is supported by the wind turbine engagement device. The first wind turbine support trolley and the wind turbine engagement device are supported by one or more suspension elements, which are connected to the first wind turbine support trolley or the wind turbine engagement device.

[0098] In another embodiment, the base section of the crane is provided with a second trolley guide and a second wind turbine mounting trolley, which is vertically movable along the second trolley guide on a first vertical side of the crane. The second wind turbine support trolley supports the wind turbine coupling device, and Preferably, the active horizontal motion device is installed between the trolley and the wind turbine coupling device. The active horizontal motion device is adapted to actively compensate for the horizontal displacement of the wind turbine coupling device relative to the wind turbine base in at least one horizontal direction, possibly in two non-parallel horizontal directions, such as in orthogonal horizontal directions, caused by sea conditions when the wind turbine is supported by the wind turbine coupling device.

[0099] In another embodiment, the first and optional second wind turbine support trolleys can be arranged in an active position for supporting the upper tower components and in an inactive position for moving along the upper tower components supported in the wind turbine assembly platform.

[0100] In one embodiment, the lifting device includes two spaced-apart cantilever arms, which preferably support one or more suspension elements connected to a first wind turbine support trolley or wind turbine engagement device.

[0101] In another embodiment, the two cantilever arms can be arranged in an active position and an inactive position. In the active position, the two cantilever arms are used to support the first wind turbine support trolley and the first wind turbine assembly device. In the inactive position, the two cantilever arms are used to move along the nacelle or blades of a partially or fully assembled wind turbine in the wind turbine assembly platform.

[0102] In another embodiment, the installation crane is configured such that when the assembled installation crane is supported by the installation crane, the cantilever extends above the nacelle of the wind turbine, and when viewed from the front, the nacelle of the wind turbine is located between the cantilever.

[0103] The present invention also provides an alternative wind turbine assembly and installation vessel comprising only two wind turbine assembly platforms. In this embodiment, the assembly and installation vessel is configured to lift and lower the assembled upper tower components, nacelle, and blades from the second wind turbine assembly platform to a fourth side of an installation crane, and lower them onto a lower tower section already mounted on or part of the wind turbine base, and install them onto that lower tower section.

[0104] In this implementation, the third wind turbine assembly platform can be used as a storage platform to store the assembled upper tower components, nacelle, and blades before the assembly crane lifts and lowers the assembled upper tower components from the storage platform to the fourth side of the assembly crane, so that the assembled upper tower components can be lowered and installed onto the lower tower section, which has been installed on or is part of the wind turbine base.

[0105] The present invention also provides a ship for assembling and installing a wind turbine, comprising: - Floating hull; - Wind turbine component storage deck, which is used to store wind turbine components such as towers, nacelles and blades; - Preferably, a handling crane is used to lift and lower wind turbine components stored on a wind turbine component storage deck; - An installation crane, wherein the installation crane has a first side, a second side, a third side opposite the second side, and a fourth side opposite the first side, the fourth side being the installation side, and wherein the installation crane is configured to support the assembled wind turbine in an installation position above the wind turbine base at the installation side, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base. - A first wind turbine assembly platform or nacelle mounting platform and a second wind turbine assembly platform or blade mounting platform. The first wind turbine assembly platform or nacelle mounting platform is used to install the nacelle onto the wind turbine tower or wind turbine tower section. The second wind turbine assembly platform or blade mounting platform is used to install the wind turbine blades onto the nacelle installed on the wind turbine tower or wind turbine tower section. The first wind turbine assembly platform is located on a first side of the installation crane, the second wind turbine assembly platform is located on a second side of the installation crane, and the installation side is located on a fourth side of the installation crane. The installation crane includes a lifting device comprising at least one lifting winch with associated lifting cables, at least one trolley supported by the lifting cables to support the tower or tower section of the wind turbine, such as a wind turbine support trolley, and a trolley guide for guiding the trolley vertically along the installation crane. The trolley is configured to engage the wind turbine tower or tower section between its bottom and top ends to support the tower or tower section laterally. The installation crane has a base section and a top section, wherein the top section is rotatably supported by bearings, which are supported by the base section, and the top section can therefore rotate relative to the base section about a vertical axis using a lifting device. The trolley guide includes a first trolley guide or a top trolley guide mounted to the top section of the installation crane, and at least one second trolley guide or a bottom trolley guide mounted to the base section of the installation crane at one of the first assembly side, the second assembly side, or the installation side. Preferably, there are second trolley guides mounted to the base section of the installation crane at each of the first assembly side, the second assembly side, and the installation side, and the trolley of the lifting device is thus able to move along the top section and the base section of the installation crane at at least one wind turbine assembly table (preferably at each wind turbine assembly table) and at the installation side.

[0106] In an embodiment of the ship according to the invention, the ship assembled and installed according to the invention comprises a single main deck, and the single main deck is a storage deck, and an installation crane extends upward relative to the main deck.

[0107] In the implementation plan, the main deck extends on the opposite side of the crane installation side. Therefore, when the crane supports the assembled wind turbine above the wind turbine base, the wind turbine base is partially surrounded on three sides by the assembly and installation vessel.

[0108] Alternatively, the assembly and installation vessel comprises a catamaran-shaped hull with two main floats extending along opposite sides of the vessel, and on the mounting side of the installation crane, the hull extends opposite the installation crane; more specifically, the main floats of the hull extend opposite the installation crane. Thus, when the installation crane supports the assembled wind turbine above the wind turbine base, the wind turbine base is partially surrounded on three sides by the hull of the assembly and installation vessel. Therefore, the hull provides optimal stability on the mounting side of the installation crane during the installation of the assembled wind turbine onto and from the wind turbine base.

[0109] In the implementation plan, the main deck is equipped with erection tracks. To enable the erection of, for example, wind turbine towers or foundation piles, the main deck is provided with tracks for supporting erection transport vehicles. During erection, the erection transport vehicles support the bottom end of the piles or towers, while the top end of the piles or towers is lifted by an installation crane. Therefore, the bottom end of the piles or towers is guided along the tracks towards the installation crane along the deck.

[0110] In another embodiment, the erecting track is located on the side of the installation crane opposite the installation side. Therefore, when the assembly and installation vessel is in the installation position for mounting the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, the installation crane is located between the erecting track and the wind turbine base.

[0111] In the implementation plan, the erecting rails and installation crane are positioned on the centerline of the vessel being assembled and installed, and the erecting rails extend longitudinally along the vessel. For example, when the vessel being assembled and installed is a semi-submersible vessel with two main floats, i.e., a hull similar to a catamaran, the installation crane and erecting rails are mounted on the deck between the two main floats, and the erecting rails extend parallel to the main floats.

[0112] Therefore, setting the erection track and installation crane on the central axis of the vessel during assembly and installation ensures that there is no large shift in the center of gravity during the erection process and that the lateral tilt of the vessel during assembly and installation is minimized.

[0113] In an embodiment of the assembly and installation vessel according to the invention, the assembly and installation vessel is provided with a ballast system configured to compensate for weight shifts caused by the installation crane moving the load (e.g., the assembled wind turbine or foundation pile). For example, a ballast system may be provided to reduce the vessel's roll when the installation crane moves the assembled wind turbine from a second wind turbine assembly platform positioned away from the centerline of the assembly and installation vessel to an installation position above a wind turbine base, where the assembled wind turbine is supported on the centerline of the assembly and installation vessel. In yet another embodiment, a ballast base system may be configured to reduce the pitch of the assembly and installation vessel when the assembled wind turbine is lowered onto the wind turbine base, and the weight of the wind turbine is transferred from the installation crane to the floating wind turbine base.

[0114] In one embodiment, the assembly and installation vessel has ballast tanks for containing ballast material (e.g., ballast fluid, such as ballast water). In another embodiment, a ballast control system is provided configured to move ballast fluid between ballast tanks. Furthermore, the assembly and installation vessel may include a ballast system comprising a track-mounted weight that moves along the track via the ballast control system to compensate for load variations caused by the installation crane moving the load between the wind turbine assembly platform and / or the wind turbine base.

[0115] In the implementation scheme, the assembly and installation of the vessel includes a tower housing well, which is preferably sunk into or through the hull at at least one wind turbine assembly stand or alternatively at a wind turbine assembly stand. The tower housing well is configured to preferably accommodate at least a portion of the wind turbine tower therein using a wind turbine installation crane, such that the distance between the nacelle and the main deck or storage deck is reduced, preferably less than the length of the turbine blades, more preferably less than four-fifths of the blade length, to facilitate the installation of the blades into the nacelle.

[0116] In one embodiment, the crane installation includes a vertical crane structure. The vertical crane structure includes a base section and a top section for installing the crane, wherein the base section is fixed to the hull of the vessel being assembled and installed, and the top section is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the base section. In another embodiment, at least the top section of the crane installation structure is a frame or truss structure.

[0117] In one embodiment, the crane structure has a rectangular cross-section, thus providing four distinct sides for the crane. In another embodiment, vertical rails for moving trolleys up and down on one or more sides of the crane are installed at or near the corners of the vertical crane structure. In another embodiment, the crane, more specifically, has a top section with a rectangular cross-section, and the crane is configured to assemble and install three wind turbine assembly platforms on the vessel, and the crane can be positioned such that each of the three sides of the top section faces one of the wind turbine assembly platforms.

[0118] In alternative embodiments, the vertical crane structure, specifically the top section, may include a triangular, hexagonal, or circular cross-section. Preferably, the installation crane includes at least two sides provided with vertical tracks for moving a trolley up and down along the vertical crane structure, the at least two sides being opposite sides of the installation crane.

[0119] In one embodiment of the installation crane, the top section has a height relative to the base section, for example, two or three times the height of the base section. Therefore, in this embodiment, the slewing bearing is located, for example, at one-third or one-quarter of the total height of the installation crane, measured from the deck of the vessel being assembled and installed. Preferably, the installation crane is provided with tracks for moving a trolley up and down along the crane structure, extending along both the base and top sections of the installation crane.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the base section for mounting the crane is an enclosed structure that houses the bridge and crew quarters, while the top section is an open truss structure.

[0121] In one embodiment, the installation crane is configured to support a slender load, such as a wind turbine tower or foundation pile, adjacent to the top section of the installation crane. In another embodiment, the lifting mechanism of the installation crane is configured to move a guided trolley vertically along the vertical crane structure, the guided trolley being configured to engage the tower or foundation pile. Therefore, the installation crane is configured to support the tower or pile adjacent to the vertical crane structure.

[0122] The present invention also provides a method for assembling and installing a wind turbine, the method using an assembly and installation vessel according to the foregoing invention, wherein the method includes: - Store wind turbine components on the wind turbine component storage deck; - Preferably, a wind turbine installation crane is used to arrange the wind turbine tower into the first wind turbine assembly stand and support the tower in the upright installation position, optionally beforehand: preferably, a wind turbine installation crane is used to erect the wind turbine tower from the horizontal storage position to the upright installation position; -In the first wind turbine assembly stand, a wind turbine installation crane is preferably used to lift the nacelle and raise and lower the nacelle onto the tower, and install the nacelle onto the tower; - Using an installation crane, the combined tower and nacelle are moved from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand, and the tower is supported in an upright installation position. Preferably, the nacelle, especially the nacelle's hub, is in an installation position for mounting the blades to the nacelle. - Preferably, blades are installed into the nacelle using blade handling equipment to provide an assembled wind turbine. The blade installation process includes: - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the first blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle, particularly the blade hub, to the subsequent installation position. - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the second blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle, particularly the blade hub of nacelle 416, to the subsequent installation position; and - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the third blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle and install the third blade into the nacelle; - Position the assembled wind turbine from the second wind turbine assembly platform to its installation location on the fourth side or installation side of the crane; and - Use an installation crane to lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0123] The present invention also provides an application for assembling and installing a vessel, which is an assembly and installation vessel according to the present invention, preferably for performing the method according to the present invention, for assembling and installing a wind turbine, preferably for assembling and installing multiple wind turbines to provide a wind farm.

[0124] In this document, the term "wind turbine assembly stand" is used to refer to a location adjacent to and within reach of a wind turbine installation crane, for the purpose of performing one or more wind turbine assembly steps, such as lifting the nacelle, erecting the tower, and installing the blades to the nacelle, preferably using the wind turbine installation crane. As an alternative, the term "installation location" may be used. Thus, the installation crane may be configured with three wind turbine installation locations located on three sides of the installation crane on the assembly and installation vessel for performing the wind turbine assembly steps.

[0125] In the offshore construction industry, semi-submersible crane vessels are referred to as heavy-duty machines for (heavy) lifting operations. These crane vessels are now also used for installing wind turbines on wind turbine bases. Typically, such semi-submersible crane vessels include: - Floating hull, with: - Deck box structure - Two parallel pontoons, - A row of support columns extending upwards from each of the two pontoons, on which the deck box structure is supported. The deck box structure includes a deck and a box bottom, as well as - Install a crane, which is mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0126] In this art, many ships have pot-mounted cranes, in which the crane's rotatable superstructure is mounted directly above a pot integrated with the deck box structure via bearings (e.g., roller bearings or bogie arrangements), for example above a support column at the end of a row of columns. In other known embodiments, the installation crane is a tower crane.

[0127] The present invention also aims to provide an improved semi-submersible crane vessel for wind turbine installation, thereby allowing for more efficient assembly of a portion of a wind turbine on board the crane vessel.

[0128] This invention provides a semi-submersible crane vessel for assembling wind turbines and for installing the assembled wind turbines onto wind turbine bases, such as bases on the seabed or floating wind turbine bases, 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 mounted on the tower, such as a nacelle with a hub, which optionally has one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades. The vessels include: - Floating hull, with: - Deck box structure - Two parallel pontoons, - A row of support columns extending upwards from each of the two pontoons, on which the deck box structure is supported. The deck box structure consists of a deck and a box bottom. - An installation crane, mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, such as a basin crane, or a crane mounted above a support column located at the end of a row of columns. In the wind turbine assembly station, the hull of the vessel is provided with a tower receiving well that is sunk into or through the hull. The tower receiving well is preferably a well that extends into or through a support column of the hull. The well is configured to receive at least a portion of the wind turbine tower during wind turbine assembly steps, such as during the installation of rotor assemblies onto the tower and / or during the assembly of one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades into the rotor assembly.

[0129] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a wind turbine and for installing the assembled wind turbine on a wind turbine base, the wind turbine base being, for example, a base mounted on the seabed or a floating wind turbine base, wherein a semi-submersible crane vessel is used, wherein the vessel includes: - Floating hull, with: - Deck box structure; - Two parallel pontoons, - A row of support columns extending upward from each of the two pontoons, on which the deck box structure is supported; The deck box structure consists of a deck and a box bottom. - An installation crane, mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, such as a basin crane, or a crane mounted above a support column located at the end of a row of columns. In the wind turbine assembly platform, the hull of the vessel is equipped with a tower housing well that is sunk into or through the hull. The tower housing well is preferably a well that extends into or passes through a support column of the hull, and is configured to house at least a portion of the wind turbine tower. 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, such as a nacelle with a hub, which optionally has one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades. In this method, during the assembly steps of the wind turbine, such as during the mounting of the rotor assembly onto the tower and / or during the assembly of one or more (e.g., all) rotor blades onto the rotor assembly, at least a portion of the tower is arranged in a tower housing well.

[0130] The present invention is based on the understanding that semi-submersible vessels are well-suited to having tower housing wells that are sunk into or even through the hull, configured to house at least a portion of the wind turbine tower during the assembly of the wind turbine.

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, the tower housing well extends into the support column, and optionally even into the pontoon. Preferably, the well has a base plate configured for the tower to stand on, for example, a base plate integrated with the pontoon and / or with the lower portion of the support column.

[0132] It is understandable that tower housing wells can be retrofitted into existing semi-submersible vessels.

[0133] Preferably, the tower receiving well is arranged within the reach of the installation crane, thereby allowing the installation 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 then being placed on the wind turbine base by the installation crane.

[0134] For example, the installation crane is mounted directly above a support column at the end of a row of columns, thus effectively at a corner of the deck box structure, and the tower housing well is 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 in or through a support corner at the end of a row of columns on another pontoon, for example, both the installation crane and the well are located at the stern of the vessel, for example, the installation crane and the well are each effectively located at a corner of the deck box structure.

[0135] In the implementation scheme, as is known in the art, the vessel has two possibly identical installation cranes, each installed at a corresponding corner of the deck box structure, such as at the stern.

[0136] In the implementation plan, the well is assembled, and the vessel has a tower housing the well, which is located in adjacent support columns in the same row on the pontoon.

[0137] For example, the well has a depth of at least 15 meters, such as at least 30 meters, measured from the deck of the deck box structure. For example, the well has a depth of more than 40 meters, which is possible, for example, in the vessel like the recently launched Sleipnir, because the total height is approximately 50 meters.

[0138] 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 tower of the wind turbine to be housed within the well, as the tower height can vary between 75 meters and 110 meters in practical implementations. Because it is placed in a well, the top of the tower is closer to the deck, which facilitates operations such as mounting the nacelle on top of the tower, or installing one or more (e.g., all blades) onto the nacelle.

[0139] Considering the height of the tower and the advantages of placing the top relatively close to the deck to perform certain assembly steps, such as installing the engine room and / or installing 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 well or shaft that extends completely through the hull, thus allowing the tower to extend to the bottom below the bottom of the ship's pontoons. 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.

[0140] 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 installing one or more blades to the nacelle.

[0141] 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.

[0142] Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical features discussed herein, either as needed or in an optional manner relative to one embodiment of the invention, can be equivalently applied to one or more other embodiments described herein, wherein the features perform their specified functions. All such combinations are contemplated herein unless they would result in a technically impossible solution and / or fail to satisfy the desired function.

[0143] In the accompanying drawings, parts that correspond in terms or in construction and / or function have the same last two digits of the reference numerals. Attached Figure Description

[0144] In the attached diagram Figure 1 A side view of a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel according to the present invention is shown, the vessel comprising a floating hull, a wind turbine component storage deck, an installation crane, and a handling crane. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Another partial side view of the vessel assembling and installing the wind turbines, in which the handling crane is not shown; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A top view of a vessel assembling and installing a wind turbine, wherein a handling crane is not shown, and a portion of the lifting device for installing the crane is shown as lifting an upper tower component in a first installation position and engaging the upper tower component in the first installation position. Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A side view of a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel, in which blade handling equipment supports the blades in a horizontal supply position; Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 A side view of a ship assembling and installing a wind turbine, in which blade handling equipment supports the blades in a fastened position; Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 A side view of the vessel assembling and installing wind turbines, in which a handling crane lifts and lowers the lower tower components into the third wind turbine assembly platform; Figure 7 shows Figure 1 A close-up side view of the installation crane that assembles and installs the ship, supporting the assembled wind turbine in the installation position; Figure 8 shows Figure 1 A close-up front view of the installation crane used to assemble and install ships, which supports the assembled wind turbine in the installation position; Figures 9 and 10 show Figure 1 Close-up side and front views of the installation crane for assembling and installing ships, which supports the assembled wind turbine in the installation position and compensates for the movement of the wind turbine relative to the wind turbine base caused by waves. Figure 11 and 12 An installation crane according to the present invention is shown, wherein a first wind turbine support trolley is in an active position and an inactive position, respectively; Figure 13A side view of an installation crane according to the present invention is shown, wherein a first wind turbine support trolley is in an active position and a second wind turbine support trolley is in an inactive position, and the installation crane uses the first wind turbine support trolley to lift an object. Figure 14 shows a side view of the assembly and installation of the vessel according to the present invention, wherein the installation crane erects a tower for the wind turbine at a first wind turbine assembly platform on one side, and supports the assembled wind turbine at the installation side of the wind turbine installation crane. Figure 15 shows a partial side view of the assembled and installed vessel of Figure 14, in which the tower is erected in an upright installation position at the first wind turbine assembly platform; Figure 16 A partial front view of the assembled and installed vessel is shown in Figure 14; in which the nacelle in the third wind turbine assembly stand is prepared to be lifted by the wind turbine installation crane; Figure 17 A partial front view of the assembled and installed vessel shown in Figure 14 is displayed, in which the engine room is lifted by an installation crane at the third wind turbine assembly stand; Figure 18 A partial side view of the assembled and installed vessel is shown in Figure 14, in which the nacelle is lowered to the top of the erected tower at the first wind turbine assembly stand. Figure 19 shows a front view of the assembled and installed vessel of Figure 14, where the tower and nacelle of Figure 20 are fitted with blades at the second wind turbine assembly stand. Figure 20 shows a side view of the assembled and installed vessel of Figure 14, wherein an installation crane supports the assembled wind turbine, which includes the bladed tower and nacelle of Figure 20 supported by the installation crane. Figure 21 shows a partial side view of the assembly and installation of a vessel according to the present invention, wherein a wind turbine installation crane supports the assembled wind turbine above the wind turbine base; Figure 22 shows a front view of the assembly and installation vessel of Figure 21 supporting the wind turbine; Figure 23 The three trolleys of the wind turbine mounting crane shown in Figure 21 are shown separately; Figure 24 A partial top view of the assembled and installed vessel according to the invention is shown, wherein the wind turbine is fitted with blades at the second wind turbine assembly stand; Figure 25 A partial side view of the assembled and installed vessel according to the invention is shown, wherein the wind turbine is fitted with blades at the second wind turbine assembly stand; Figure 26 It shows Figure 25A front view of the assembled and installed vessel; Figure 27 An exemplary embodiment of a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel according to the present invention is shown, the assembly and installation vessel including an installation crane having a first lifting device and a second lifting device, the first lifting device including two trolleys for lifting the assembled wind turbine, and the second lifting device for lifting the nacelle; Figure 28 It shows Figure 27 The vessel is used for assembling and installing the wind turbines, with the lifting device positioned facing the assembled wind turbines at the second wind turbine assembly stand. Figure 29 It shows Figure 27 The assembly and installation of the vessel, in which two trolleys of the lifting device are lowered to positions for engaging the assembled wind turbines; Figure 30 It shows Figure 27 The assembly and installation of the vessel, in which two trolleys of the lifting device engage the assembled wind turbine; Figure 31 It shows Figure 27 The assembly and installation of the vessel, in which the lifting device supports the assembled wind turbine above the floating wind turbine base; Figure 32 This shows the process during pile erection. Figure 27 The assembly and installation of ships; Figure 33 A semi-submersible vessel with a well housing a crane and tower is shown; Figure 34 A cross-section of a vessel with a tower housing a well is shown; Figure 35 It shows Figure 33 The ship, in which the tower is arranged in the tower housing well; Figure 36 It shows Figure 35 The vessel, in which the engine room is mounted on top of the tower; Figure 37 The installation of the first blade onto the engine room is shown using the ship's blade handling equipment; and Figure 38 The fully assembled wind turbine is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0145] Further objects, embodiments, and detailed descriptions of the apparatus and methods according to the invention will become apparent from the following description, wherein the invention is further illustrated and explained with reference to the accompanying drawings based on several exemplary embodiments.

[0146] exist Figure 1The image shows a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 1, which includes a floating hull 2, a wind turbine component storage deck 3, a handling crane 10, and an installation crane 20.

[0147] The installation crane 20 is positioned near one side of the ship's hull, preferably at the bow or stern, to enable the wind turbine to be lowered from the ship onto the wind turbine base. The handling crane 10 is positioned near the installation crane 20, more centrally on the ship's hull, and thus away from the ship's side.

[0148] The wind turbine component storage deck 3 shown includes different storage areas for different wind turbine components. Specifically, in... Figure 3 As can be seen in the top view, the lower tower component storage area 3a and the upper tower component storage area 3b are arranged adjacent to each other. Both storage areas are located on the same side of the ship, away from the installation crane 20, and within the reach of the handling crane 10.

[0149] In addition, engine room storage area 3c and blade storage area 3d are provided. Blade storage area 3d is located on opposite sides of lower tower component storage area 3a and upper tower component storage area 3b for assembling and installing vessel 1. Engine room storage area 3c is centrally located between them. In the illustrated configuration, six engine rooms, six lower tower components, and six upper tower components can be clearly identified.

[0150] The wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 1 also includes a first wind turbine assembly platform 4, a second wind turbine assembly platform 5, and a third wind turbine assembly platform 6.

[0151] These wind turbine assembly platforms are positioned near the installation crane 20. The installation crane 20 has an installation side 7 and is configured to support the assembled wind turbine on its installation side above the wind turbine base in an installation position, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base. With the installation crane 20 in the center, in a top view, the installation side 7 is positioned at the 6 o'clock position.

[0152] In the illustrated embodiment, the first wind turbine assembly platform 4 is located on the first side of the mounting crane, opposite to the lowering side. Figure 4 At the 12 o'clock position, the second wind turbine assembly platform 5 is located on the second side of the crane installation platform, at the 9 o'clock position, and the third wind turbine assembly platform 6 is located on the third side of the crane installation platform, opposite to the second wind turbine assembly platform 5, at the 3 o'clock position.

[0153] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper tower component storage area 3a and the lower tower component storage area 3b are located near the first wind turbine assembly platform 4 and the third wind turbine assembly platform 6, the nacelle storage area 3c is located near the first wind turbine assembly platform 4, and the blade storage area 3d is located near the second wind turbine assembly platform 5.

[0154] The configuration shown allows the upper tower component 31 to be moved from the upper tower component storage area 3b to the first wind turbine assembly platform 4, preferably using a handling crane 10, and to support the upper tower component in an upright installation position.

[0155] Subsequently, in the first wind turbine assembly stand 4, preferably using a handling crane 10, the nacelle 32 is lifted from the nacelle storage area 3c on the upper tower component 31. The nacelle 32 is then installed onto the upper tower component 31.

[0156] In subsequent steps, preferably using an installation crane 20, the combined upper tower assembly 31 and nacelle 32 are moved from the first wind turbine assembly platform 4 to the second wind turbine assembly platform 5. The wind turbine upper tower assembly 31 is supported by the nacelle 32 in an upright mounting position for the installation of the blades into the nacelle.

[0157] exist Figure 2 The blade handling device 8 is schematically visible in the middle, used to transfer the blade 33 between the horizontal supply position and the fastening position.

[0158] The blade 33 is preferably installed in the nacelle 32 using a blade handling device 8.

[0159] The blade installation process includes the following steps: - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the first blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position. - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the second blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to a subsequent installation position; and - Preferably, the third blade is lifted to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle using a blade handling device, and the third blade is installed into the nacelle.

[0160] The assembly method includes the following steps, preferably using a handling crane 10, to arrange the lower tower component 34 from the lower tower component storage area 3a into the third wind turbine assembly platform 6 and to support the lower tower component 34 in an upright installation position.

[0161] Preferably, a crane 20 is used to lift and lower the upper tower component 31, nacelle 32 and blades 33 toward the third wind turbine assembly platform 6, and the upper tower component 31 is installed onto the lower tower component 34 in the third wind turbine assembly platform 6 to provide an assembled wind turbine.

[0162] Finally, the assembled wind turbine is lifted to the installation position on the installation side 7 of the installation crane 20; and the installation crane 20 is used to lower it onto the wind turbine base.

[0163] Figure 1 A side view of a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 101 according to the present invention is shown, the vessel including a floating hull 102, a wind turbine component storage deck 103, an installation crane 104, and a handling crane 105.

[0164] exist Figure 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the wind turbine component storage deck 103 includes a lower tower component storage area, an upper tower component storage area, a nacelle storage area, and a blade storage area.

[0165] exist Figure 1 The image shows a lower tower component storage area 106 with multiple lower tower components 107.

[0166] In addition, Figure 1 The image shows the assembled wind turbine 108 positioned adjacent to the mounting crane 104 on the third wind turbine assembly platform 115, and above a floating wind turbine base 109 supported by the mounting crane 104 on its mounting side 119. The floating wind turbine base 109 is depicted only partially.

[0167] Figure 2 Another partial side view of the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 101 is shown. The handling crane 105 is not shown in this figure. A blade storage area 110 with multiple blades 111 is shown.

[0168] In addition, Figure 2 The image shows an assembled wind turbine 108 supported by a mounting crane 104 above a floating wind turbine base 109. The floating wind turbine base 109 is depicted only in part.

[0169] also, Figure 2The upper tower component 112 with the nacelle 116 is shown, and the blades are shown in a position adjacent to the installation crane 104 in the second wind turbine assembly stand 114. Additionally, in the first wind turbine assembly stand 113, the upper tower component 112 with the nacelle 116 but without blades is shown in a position adjacent to the installation crane 104.

[0170] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The figure is a top view of a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel, showing a lower tower component storage area 106 adjacent to the upper tower component storage area 117, located on the opposite side of the handling crane 105, with only its wind turbine base shown. A blade storage area 110 and a nacelle storage area 118 with multiple nacelles 116 are also shown.

[0171] The first wind turbine assembly platform 113, the second wind turbine assembly platform 114, and the third wind turbine assembly platform 115 are shown as adjacent to the installation crane 104.

[0172] Note that, Figure 3 In the first wind turbine assembly stand 113, an upper tower component with a nacelle is shown; in the second wind turbine assembly stand, an upper tower component with a nacelle and blades is shown; and an assembled wind turbine 108 supported by a mounting crane 104 is shown, which includes a lower tower component 107, an upper tower component 112, a nacelle 116, and blades 111.

[0173] about Figures 1-3 Note that the accompanying drawings show multiple wind turbine assembly stands occupied by partially or fully assembled wind turbines. In practice, upper tower components are transferred along successive wind turbine assembly stands to assemble the wind turbines. Preferably, a new upper tower component is placed in the first wind turbine assembly stand to begin a new assembly process only after an assembled wind turbine has been installed. Therefore, typically only one wind turbine assembly stand is occupied at any given time. However, while upper tower components are transferred between or within other wind turbine assembly stands, the lower tower section may already be located at a third wind turbine assembly stand. Furthermore, a new lower tower section may be placed in the first wind turbine assembly stand during the assembly or installation of the wind turbine.

[0174] The installation crane 104 is equipped with a wind turbine lifting device 120 having a wind turbine suspension element 121. The wind turbine lifting device 120 is adapted to support at least the upper tower component of the wind turbine when at least the upper tower component of the wind turbine is in a vertical orientation, and to raise and lower at least the upper tower component of the wind turbine in a controllable manner, for example, for moving the upper tower component with the nacelle from a first wind turbine assembly platform to a second wind turbine assembly platform.

[0175] The mounting crane 104 has a base section 122 and a top section 123. The top section 123 is rotatably supported by a bearing 124 and can be rotated about a vertical axis relative to the base section 122 using a lifting device 120. Therefore, the lifting device can transfer the upper tower components between the mounting platform and the mounting position.

[0176] In the illustrated embodiment, the wind turbine lifting device 120 is adapted to support the upper tower component, which is part of the assembled wind turbine, and to raise and lower it in a controllable manner so as to move the assembled wind turbine from the third assembly position to the mounting position above the wind turbine base.

[0177] In the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting position 113 is configured to support the upper tower component in an upright mounting position, see [reference]. Figure 2 The handling crane 105 is configured to lift the nacelle onto the upper tower component in the wind turbine assembly stand.

[0178] The second mounting position 114 is configured to support the wind turbine tower components in an upright mounting position when the nacelle is in the mounting position for mounting the blades to the nacelle, for example, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 .

[0179] The third mounting position 115 is configured to support the lower tower component in an upright mounting position, enabling the lifting and lowering of the assembled upper tower component, nacelle, and blades. Preferably, an installation crane is used to lift and lower the assembled upper tower component, nacelle, and blades, and the upper tower component is installed onto the lower tower component in the third wind turbine assembly stand to provide an assembled wind turbine, see, for example, [reference needed]. Figure 1 .

[0180] The second wind turbine assembly platform 114 and the third wind turbine assembly platform 115 are located on opposite sides of the installation crane 104, and the first wind turbine assembly platform 113 is located opposite the first vertical side 125 of the installation crane, which is the side of the installation crane used to install the assembled wind turbine on the wind turbine base.

[0181] In the implementation scheme, the assembly and installation of the vessel also includes a blade handling device located near the second installation position for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position adjacent to the engine room on top of the upper tower component supported in the second installation position.

[0182] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the wind turbine lifting device 120 includes a first trolley guide 126 mounted to the top section 123 of the mounting crane 104, and a first wind turbine mounting trolley 127 vertically movable along the first trolley guide 126.

[0183] A first wind turbine support trolley 127 supports a wind turbine coupling assembly 128. An active horizontal movement device 129 is installed between the trolley and the wind turbine coupling assembly. The active horizontal movement device 129 is adapted to actively compensate for horizontal displacement of the wind turbine coupling assembly relative to the wind turbine base in at least one horizontal direction, possibly in two non-parallel horizontal directions, such as in orthogonal horizontal directions, caused by sea conditions.

[0184] The first wind turbine support trolley 127 and the wind turbine engagement device 128 are supported by a plurality of suspension elements 130, which, in the exemplary embodiment shown, are connected to the wind turbine engagement device 128.

[0185] In the specific embodiment shown, the suspension element is a lifting cable attached to an associated winch. The winch can be used to lower and raise the first wind turbine support trolley.

[0186] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the base section 122 of the crane 104 is provided with a second trolley guide 131 and a second wind turbine mounting trolley 132, which is vertically movable along the second trolley guide on a first vertical side of the crane.

[0187] A second wind turbine support trolley supports the wind turbine coupling assembly 133, and an active horizontal movement device 134 is installed between the second wind turbine support trolley 132 and the wind turbine coupling assembly. The active horizontal movement device is adapted to actively compensate for horizontal displacement of the wind turbine coupling assembly relative to the wind turbine base in at least one horizontal direction, possibly in two non-parallel horizontal directions, such as in orthogonal horizontal directions, caused by sea conditions.

[0188] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first wind turbine support trolley 127 and the second wind turbine support trolley 132 can be arranged in an active position for supporting the upper tower component (e.g., see Figures 7-10) and a non-active position for moving along the upper tower component supported in the wind turbine assembly platform. The first wind turbine support trolley 127... Figure 11 It is shown in its active position, and Figure 12 It is shown in its inactive position.

[0189] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lifting device 120 includes two spaced-apart cantilever arms 135 that support a suspension element 130 connected to a wind turbine engagement device on a first wind turbine support trolley.

[0190] Two cantilever 135 can be arranged in Figure 11 The activity locations shown are Figure 12 The inactive position shown is used to support the first wind turbine support trolley 127 and the first wind turbine assembly device 128 in the active position, and the inactive position is used to move along the nacelle or blades of a partially or fully assembled wind turbine in the wind turbine assembly platform.

[0191] Furthermore, the installation crane 104 is configured such that, when the assembled installation crane is supported by the installation crane, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cantilever extends above the nacelle of the wind turbine, and when viewed in the front view, the nacelle of the wind turbine is located between the cantilever.

[0192] Figure 11 An installation crane 104 according to the invention is shown, wherein a first wind turbine installation trolley 127 is in an active position, i.e., a position in which the trolley can support a load, such as a wind turbine. Figure 12 The same mounting crane is shown with the first wind turbine support trolley in the inactive position. With the trolley in the inactive position, the top section of the mounting crane can rotate as the first wind turbine support trolley passes over an assembled wind turbine, for example, standing on a first wind turbine assembly stand located near one side of the mounting crane.

[0193] Figure 13 A side view of a wind turbine mounting crane 204 according to the present invention is shown, wherein a first wind turbine support trolley 227 is in an active position and a second wind turbine mounting trolley 232 is in an inactive position, and the mounting crane uses the first wind turbine support trolley 227 to lift the object 200.

[0194] Figures 14-20 illustrate the subsequent assembly steps of the wind turbine assembly and installation process according to the present invention. The process includes multiple wind turbine assembly steps.

[0195] The method relates to a wind turbine including a tower 235. In this embodiment, the nacelle 216 is mounted on top of the tower 235 during the assembly process, preferably before the blades 211 are provided to the nacelle 216.

[0196] The wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 201 shown in Figures 14-20 includes a floating hull 202, a wind turbine component storage deck 203, a wind turbine installation crane 204, a blade handling equipment 236, a first wind turbine assembly platform 213, a second wind turbine assembly platform 214, and a third wind turbine assembly platform 215. The wind turbine assembly platforms, particularly their positions relative to the wind turbine installation crane, are also... Figure 24 As shown in the image.

[0197] A wind turbine installation crane 204 is mounted on a floating hull 202, specifically on the deck of the floating hull in the illustrated embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the installation crane 204 has first, second, and third assembly sides, with corresponding assembly sides facing the first, second, and third wind turbine assembly platforms. Furthermore, the installation crane 204 has an installation side 219.

[0198] Therefore, the first wind turbine assembly platform 213 is located on the first side of the mounting crane 204. It is also opposite to the mounting side 219 of the mounting crane 204. The third wind turbine assembly platform 215 is located opposite the second wind turbine assembly platform.

[0199] In the illustrated embodiment, the wind turbine component storage deck 203 is provided with a blade storage area 210, a tower storage area 217, and a nacelle storage area, such as Figure 24 A partial top view is shown.

[0200] The assembly and installation vessel also includes a blade handling device 236 for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and an elevated blade securing position adjacent to the nacelle 216 of the wind turbine being assembled. In the preferred embodiment shown, the blade handling device 236 is located at the second wind turbine assembly platform 214.

[0201] The method includes multiple wind turbine assembly steps.

[0202] The method begins by moving one or more wind turbine components from wind turbine component storage deck 203 to one or more wind turbine assembly stands. In the specific embodiment shown, a horizontally oriented tower 235 has a top located at a first wind turbine assembly stand 213, allowing the tower 235 to be erected using a wind turbine installation crane 204. Figure 14 shows the tower erected from its horizontal storage position to an upright installation position, with the tower 235 shown in multiple successive positions during the erection process. Figure 15 shows the tower 235 erected at the first wind turbine assembly stand 213 in the upright installation position.

[0203] Note that in the specific embodiment shown, the wind turbine mounting crane 204 is a double-sided crane, having a first lifting device on a first side and a second lifting device on the opposite second side, so that the mounting crane can perform lifting actions simultaneously on opposite sides. In Figure 15, the mounting crane supports the assembled wind turbine on the mounting side of the mounting crane, while simultaneously erecting the tower on the first wind turbine assembly platform.

[0204] The method also includes an assembly step of moving the nacelle 216 to a third wind turbine assembly platform 215, so that the wind turbine installation crane 204 can lift the nacelle 216 and install the nacelle on top of the tower 235 on the first wind turbine assembly platform.

[0205] Figure 16 The nacelle 216 in the third wind turbine assembly stand 215 is shown, ready to be lifted by the wind turbine installation crane 204. Figure 17 The nacelle 216 is shown being lifted by a crane at the third wind turbine assembly stand. Figure 18 The nacelle 216 is shown being lowered from the first wind turbine assembly platform 214 onto the top of the erected tower 235.

[0206] The method also includes using an installation crane 204 to lift the tower 235 and the nacelle 216 mounted on top of the tower from... Figure 18 The assembly steps shown are: the first wind turbine assembly platform 213 is arranged onto the second wind turbine assembly platform 214 shown in Figure 19.

[0207] The method also includes assembling the wind turbine 208 by mounting the blades 211 onto the nacelle 216 at the second wind turbine assembly stand 214.

[0208] In the preferred embodiment shown, the blade handling device 236 is used for mounting blades. In a specific embodiment shown, the blade handling device includes a clamping portion for engaging and supporting the blade, a base, and an arm located between the wind turbine base and the clamping portion. The blade handling device is mounted to an assembly and installation vessel via the base, and in the embodiment shown, to a wind turbine mounting crane.

[0209] The blade installation process includes the following steps: - Lift the first blade to the secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position. - Raise the second blade to the secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position; and - Raise the third blade to the secure position in the adjacent nacelle and install the third blade into the nacelle.

[0210] In the preferred method shown, see Figure 24 The engine room 216 is positioned (more specifically, rotated about a vertical pivot axis) in a position for mounting the blades 211a, which are supported above the deck in a vertical position, to the engine room, while the blades 211b, which are already mounted to the engine room, are primarily supported vertically above the sea surface, i.e., primarily supported outside the outline of the assembled and mounted vessel when viewed from above.

[0211] Once assembly is complete by installing the blades onto the nacelle, the assembled wind turbine is picked up by a wind turbine installation crane and lowered onto the wind turbine base at the installation side of the crane. Alternatively, the assembled wind turbine can be stored in a third wind turbine assembly stand, for example, when the assembly and installation vessel moves to the wind turbine base where the wind turbine will be installed. Temporary storage of the wind turbine at the third wind turbine assembly stand also allows for the assembly of another wind turbine, and thus allows for having two assembled wind turbines ready for installation.

[0212] The method also includes, after supporting the assembled wind turbine at the second wind turbine assembly stand, the wind turbine installation crane, at the installation side of the crane, positioning the assembled wind turbine from the second wind turbine assembly stand to an installation position above the wind turbine base adjacent to the assembly and installation vessel. This is shown in Figure 20. Subsequently, the installation crane is used to lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0213] In a preferred method according to the invention for mounting a wind turbine on a floating wind turbine base, the method includes engaging the floating wind turbine base with a wind turbine base restraint system before lowering the assembled wind turbine onto the floating wind turbine base. The wind turbine base restraint system is configured to reduce the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, more specifically relative to the movement of the assembled wind turbine to be mounted on the floating wind turbine base, and / or monitor the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, more specifically relative to the movement of the assembled wind turbine to be mounted on the floating wind turbine base. Figure 21 shows a wind turbine mounting crane 204 supporting an assembled wind turbine 208 above a floating wind turbine base 209. The assembly and installation vessel is equipped with a wind turbine base restraint system 237 engaged with the floating wind turbine base 209.

[0214] Figure 27 Another exemplary embodiment of the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 401 according to the present invention is shown. The assembly and installation vessel 401 is similar to... Figure 1 The assembly and installation of vessel 101 shown is similar to that shown in Figure 14. Figure 25 The assembly and installation of the vessel is shown in the image.

[0215] The assembly and installation vessel 401 is positioned along the floating wind turbine base 409. More specifically, the assembly and installation vessel is positioned such that its bow faces the floating wind turbine base, enabling the installation crane to support the assembled wind turbine in an installation position above the wind turbine base from the installation side of the installation crane, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

[0216] In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed from above, the floating wind turbine base 409 includes three stabilizing columns interconnected by beams arranged in a triangular pattern. One of the stabilizing columns of the floating wind turbine base is implemented as a tower mounting structure configured to mount the tower of the wind turbine thereon.

[0217] A floating wind turbine base, such as each buoyancy column of a floating wind turbine base, is provided with a ballast tank for containing ballast material (e.g., ballast fluid, such as ballast water). In an embodiment, a ballast control system is provided, configured to move the ballast fluid between, for example, the ballast tanks of at least three stabilizing columns to adjust the vertical orientation of the upward-pointing installation axis. Furthermore, the floating wind turbine base includes a water retention plate, wherein the water retention plate is attached to the lower end of the stabilizing column.

[0218] The wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 401 includes a floating hull 402, a wind turbine component storage deck 403, an installation crane 404, and a handling crane 405.

[0219] In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly and installation vessel 401 is a type known as a semi-submersible vessel, having a pair of generally parallel, laterally spaced buoyancy pontoons, for example having ballast water tanks that allow the pontoons to move between a submerged state and a surface-floating state, and having a row of multiple columns supported by each pontoon and extending upward from each pontoon, and a deck structure supported by the upper ends of the columns. An installation crane is mounted on the deck structure of the hull.

[0220] The semi-submersible vessel 401 has a bow and a stern, and a crane is installed at the bow, for example, on a deck structure between two pontoons (viewed from above), for example, the deck structure has a bow end located behind the bow of the pontoons.

[0221] A handling crane 405 is also located near one side of the hull of the vessel 401 being assembled and installed. In the illustrated embodiment, the handling crane is located near the port side (also known as the larboard side) of the vessel being assembled and installed.

[0222] In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge and crew quarters for assembling and installing the vessel are included in installation crane 404. Integrating the bridge and crew quarters into the installation crane allows for deck coverage of almost the entire vessel being assembled and installed.

[0223] In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly and installation vessel is equipped with handling cranes and installation cranes, both mounted on the hull and extending upwards from the deck. There are no other major structures extending above the deck. Therefore, the deck is freely used for storing and moving wind turbine components along its length, and for providing a wind turbine assembly platform adjacent to the installation cranes.

[0224] The main part of assembling and installing the ship's deck is the wind turbine component storage deck 403, which includes different storage areas for different wind turbine components. In the specific embodiment shown, the wind turbine component storage deck 403 includes a tower storage area 403a, a nacelle storage area 403c, and a blade storage area 403d.

[0225] The vessel 401 assembles and installs multiple wind turbine towers at tower storage area 403a. Figure 1 Compared to the assembled and installed vessel 101 shown, the wind turbine tower is a full-length wind turbine tower. Figure 1The assembly and installation vessel 101 shown carries the lower and upper tower components to be assembled into a full-length wind turbine tower. Furthermore, the assembly and installation vessel 401 carries the wind turbine tower in a horizontal storage position. The horizontal storage position provides a lower center of gravity for the assembly and installation vessel compared to transporting the tower in an upright position. The horizontal transport position necessitates that the tower be erected to enable the assembly of the wind turbine. In the illustrated embodiment, the installation crane and the deck of the assembly and installation vessel are configured for erecting the wind turbine tower, thus achieving the horizontal transport position.

[0226] The blade storage area 403d is located on the opposite side of the tower storage area 403a for assembling and installing the vessel 401. The engine room storage area 403c is located more or less near the installation crane 404.

[0227] In a preferred embodiment of the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 401, the reach of the handling crane 405 allows the installation crane to lift and lower wind turbine components, such as blades or nacelles, stored on the wind turbine storage deck 403.

[0228] The wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 401 also includes a first wind turbine assembly stand 413, a second wind turbine assembly stand 414 and a third wind turbine assembly stand 415.

[0229] The first wind turbine assembly platform is located on the first side of the installation crane, the second wind turbine assembly platform is located on the second side of the installation crane, the third wind turbine assembly platform is located on the third side of the installation crane, and the installation side is located on the fourth side of the installation crane and at the bow of the vessel for assembly and installation.

[0230] The first wind turbine assembly platform 413 is located opposite the mounting side 419 of the installation crane 404. The second wind turbine assembly platform 414 is located opposite the third wind turbine assembly platform 415.

[0231] Note that, similar to the assembly and installation vessel 201 shown in Figure 19, the third wind turbine assembly platform 415 is configured for storing the nacelle. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the installation crane 404 effectively provides two wind turbine assembly platforms: a first wind turbine assembly platform 413 for mounting the nacelle onto the wind turbine tower and a second wind turbine assembly platform 414 for mounting the blades onto the nacelle.

[0232] Subsequently, the first wind turbine assembly station will also be referred to as the nacelle mounting station 413, the second wind turbine assembly station will also be referred to as the blade mounting station 414, and the third wind turbine assembly station will also be referred to as the nacelle pickup station 415.

[0233] Note that in the illustrated embodiment, the wind turbine installation crane 204 is a dual-sided crane, with a first lifting device 420a and a second lifting device 420b on opposite sides of the installation crane. Providing lifting devices on opposite sides of the installation crane allows the installation crane to perform lifting actions simultaneously on opposite sides. For example, the nacelle can be lifted at the nacelle pick-up platform 415 while the wind turbine tower with the nacelle is lifted or lowered at the blade mounting platform 414, or the nacelle can be lowered onto the wind turbine tower at the nacelle mounting platform 413 while the assembled wind turbine is supported above the wind turbine base at the installation side 419.

[0234] exist Figure 27 In the illustrated embodiment, the installation crane is equipped with a first lifting device and a second lifting device. The first lifting device is used to lift and install the assembled wind turbine, particularly to lift and support the wind turbine tower. The second lifting device is configured to lift wind turbine components (particularly the nacelle) and to erect the piles.

[0235] Similar to the installation cranes shown in other figures, installation crane 404 has a base section 422 and a top section 423. The top section 423 is rotatably supported by a bearing 424, which is supported by the base section 422. Therefore, the top section 243, which includes two lifting devices, can rotate relative to the base section 422 about a vertical axis, and the installation crane can thus use the lifting devices to transfer at least wind turbine components or assembled wind turbines between the wind turbine assembly platform and the installation side.

[0236] In the illustrated embodiment, the base section 422 for mounting the crane is an enclosed structure that accommodates the bridge and crew quarters, while the top section 423 is an open truss structure.

[0237] In the illustrated embodiment, the wind turbine installation crane 204 is a double-sided crane with two lifting devices 420a, 420b located on opposite sides of the installation crane. Each lifting device 420 includes at least one lifting winch 439 with an associated lifting cable 440, a trolley 441 supported by the lifting cable (e.g., a wind turbine support trolley), and a trolley guide 442 that guides the trolley vertically along the installation crane.

[0238] In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figure, the trolley guide includes a first trolley guide 426 mounted to the top section 423 of the crane and a second trolley guide 431 mounted to the base section 422 of the crane. Therefore, the trolley 441 of the lifting device can move along both the top section and the base section of the crane. More specifically, the second trolley guide 431 allows the trolley to be lowered closer to the deck, while the first trolley guide 426 allows the trolley to rotate with the top section 432 of the crane.

[0239] therefore, Figure 27 A wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 401 according to the present invention is shown, the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel comprising: -Floating hull 402; - Wind turbine component storage deck 403, which is used to store wind turbine components such as tower 435, nacelle 416 and blades 411; - Preferably, a handling crane 405 is used to lift and lower wind turbine components stored on the wind turbine component storage deck 403; - An installation crane 404 has a first side, a second side, a third side opposite the second side, and a fourth side opposite the first side, the fourth side being an installation side 419. The installation crane 404 is configured to support the assembled wind turbine 408 at the installation side 419 in an installation position above the wind turbine base 409, and to lower the assembled wind turbine 408 onto the wind turbine base 409. - A first wind turbine assembly platform 413 or nacelle mounting platform and a second wind turbine assembly platform 414 or blade mounting platform, the first wind turbine assembly platform 413 or nacelle mounting platform being used to mount the nacelle 416 onto the wind turbine tower 435 or wind turbine tower section, the second wind turbine assembly platform 414 or blade mounting platform being used to mount the wind turbine blades 411 onto the nacelle 416 mounted on the wind turbine tower 435 or wind turbine tower section, wherein the first wind turbine assembly platform 413 is located on a first side of the mounting crane 404, the second wind turbine assembly platform 414 is located on a second side of the mounting crane 404, and the mounting side 419 is located on a fourth side of the mounting crane 404. The installation crane 404 includes a lifting device 420, which includes at least one lifting winch 439 with an associated lifting cable 440, at least one trolley 441 supported by the lifting cable 440 to support a wind turbine tower 435 or tower section, such as a first wind turbine support trolley 427, and a trolley guide 442 for vertically guiding the trolley 441 along the installation crane 404, wherein the trolley 441 is configured to engage the wind turbine tower 435 or tower section between the bottom and top ends of the tower 435 or tower section to support the tower 435 or tower section in the lateral direction. The installation crane 404 has a base section 422 and a top section 423, wherein the top section 423 is rotatably supported by a bearing 424, which is supported by the base section 422, and the top section 423 can therefore be rotated about a vertical axis relative to the base section 422 by means of a lifting device 420. The trolley guide 442 includes a first trolley guide 426 or a top trolley guide mounted to the top section 423 of the mounting crane 404, and at least one second trolley guide 431 or a base section trolley guide mounted to the base section 422 of the mounting crane 404 at one of the first assembly side, the second assembly side, or the mounting side. Preferably, the second trolley guide 431 is mounted to the base section 422 of the mounting crane 404 at each of the first assembly side, the second assembly side, and the mounting side. The trolley 427 of the lifting device 420 is thus able to move along the top section 423 and the base section 422 of the mounting crane 404 at at least one wind turbine assembly table (preferably at each wind turbine assembly table) and on the mounting side.

[0240] The wind turbine assembly and installation vessel 401 implements the method for assembling and installing a wind turbine according to the present invention. The method includes, for example, the following: -Store wind turbine components on wind turbine component storage deck 403. In the illustrated embodiment, the wind turbine components are tower 435, nacelle 416 and blades 411. - The tower 435 of the wind turbine is arranged in the first wind turbine assembly table 413, preferably using a wind turbine installation crane 404, and the tower 435 is supported in the upright installation position, optionally before this: preferably using the wind turbine installation crane 404 to erect the tower 435 of the wind turbine from the horizontal storage position to the upright installation position; - Lift the nacelle 416 in the first wind turbine assembly platform 413 and raise and lower the nacelle 416 onto the tower 435, preferably using a wind turbine installation crane 404 to install the nacelle 416 onto the tower 435; - Using an installation crane 404, the combined tower 435 and nacelle 416 are moved from the first wind turbine assembly stand 413 to the second wind turbine assembly stand 414, and the tower 435 is supported in an upright installation position, preferably the nacelle 416 (especially the hub of the nacelle 416) is in an installation position for installing the blades 411 to the nacelle 416; - Preferably, blade 411 is installed into nacelle 416 using blade handling equipment to provide an assembled wind turbine 408. The blade installation process includes: - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the first blade to a fastening position adjacent to the nacelle 416, install the first blade into the nacelle 416, and rotate the nacelle 416 (especially the blade hub of the nacelle 416) to a subsequent installation position. - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the second blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle 416, install the second blade into the nacelle 416, and rotate the nacelle (particularly the blade hub of the nacelle 416) to the subsequent installation position 416; and - Preferably, a blade handling device is used to lift the third blade to a secure position adjacent to the nacelle 416 and install the third blade into the nacelle 416; - The assembled wind turbine 408 is positioned from the second wind turbine assembly platform 414 to the installation location on the fourth side (i.e., installation side 419) of the mounting crane 404; and - Use installation crane 404 to lower the assembled wind turbine 408 onto the wind turbine base 409.

[0241] In this method, moving the combined tower and nacelle from a first wind turbine assembly stand to a second wind turbine assembly stand includes using the lifting device of an installation crane to lift the combined tower and nacelle at the first wind turbine assembly stand, lowering the combined tower and nacelle at the second wind turbine assembly stand, and rotating the top section of the installation crane relative to the base section of the installation crane to move the combined tower and nacelle from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand.

[0242] Furthermore, in this method, moving the assembled wind turbine from the second wind turbine assembly platform to the installation position on the fourth side of the installation crane includes lifting the assembled wind turbine at the second wind turbine assembly platform using the lifting device of the installation crane, and rotating the top section of the installation crane relative to the base section of the installation crane to move the assembled wind turbine from the second wind turbine assembly platform to the installation side of the installation crane.

[0243] Installation crane 404 is located near one side of the hull of the assembly and installation vessel 401, specifically the forward side of the vessel in the illustrated embodiment. Installation crane 404 has an installation side at the bow. Installation crane 404 is configured to support the assembled wind turbine on its installation side at an installation position above a wind turbine base, and is also configured to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base. The wind turbine base may be a base mounted on the seabed or a floating wind turbine base.

[0244] The installation crane 404 has a vertical crane structure erected on the hull of the assembly and installation vessel 401. The vertical crane structure includes a base section 422 and a top section 423 for the installation crane. The vertical crane structure has a base section fixed to the hull and a rotatable top section for the installation crane structure, wherein the lifting device includes one or more winch drive cables suspended from one or more pulley blocks arranged on the rotatable top section (e.g., on a pivot cantilever of the rotatable top section). Rotation of the top section can be used to pick up the assembled wind turbine from the deck of the assembly and installation vessel via the lifting device and to bring the wind turbine, along with its tower, above the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base.

[0245] The vertical crane structure includes a pivoting cantilever 535 for each of the first wind turbine lifting device 420a and the second wind turbine lifting device 420b. In the illustrated embodiment, the lifting cantilever is positioned on opposite sides and top of the crane structure, such that W-shaped lifting cables are suspended from pulley blocks arranged on the respective pivoting cantilever.

[0246] The installation crane is equipped with a first wind turbine installation trolley 427 or an upper wind turbine installation trolley, and a second wind turbine installation trolley 432 or a lower wind turbine installation trolley. The trolleys respectively support tower engagement devices 428 and 432, as well as active controlled motion mechanisms or active horizontal motion devices 428 and 434. These active controlled motion mechanisms or active horizontal motion devices are configured and operated to provide controlled movement of the respective tower engagement devices in the horizontal plane, so as to align and maintain the alignment of the tower of the suspended wind turbine with the installation axis of the floating wind turbine base. The tower engagement devices are configured to actively force the suspended wind turbine away from its vertical orientation and aligned with the installation axis.

[0247] The crane provides a first wind turbine mounting trolley 427 (or upper wind turbine mounting trolley) and a second wind turbine mounting trolley 432 (or lower wind turbine mounting trolley) such that the tower engagement devices of the corresponding upper and lower wind turbine mounting trolleys can act on the supported wind turbine tower at different heights. For example, the lower wind turbine mounting trolley is located below the center of gravity of the wind turbine to be installed, and the upper wind turbine mounting trolley is located above the center of gravity. When installing the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, the actively controlled horizontal movement devices 429 and 434 are operated to align the suspended wind turbine tower 435 with the installation axis of the floating wind turbine base. For example, the upper and lower tower engagement devices are vertically separated by at least 20 meters.

[0248] In the illustrated embodiment, the active controlled horizontal movement devices 428 and 434 each include a first set of horizontal rails extending in a first horizontal direction, the first set of horizontal rails supporting a first carrier, and the first carrier supporting a second set of one or more horizontal rails extending in a second horizontal direction different from the first direction, for example, the first and second directions being orthogonal. The second set of horizontal rails supports a second carrier, and the additional second carrier supports the tower connection device.

[0249] In addition, active controlled horizontal motion devices include horizontal displacement actuators (e.g., hydraulic cylinders or assemblies of one or more cables and associated (electric) winches) or rack and pinion drives.

[0250] exist Figure 31 In the illustrated embodiment, the assembled wind turbine 408 is supported in an upper wind turbine mounting trolley 427 and a lower wind turbine mounting trolley 432. The upper wind turbine mounting trolley 427 is supported via an upper trolley suspension element 130 (in the illustrated embodiment, this is the lifting cable 440 of a lifting winch 439). The lower wind turbine mounting trolley 432 is supported via the upper wind turbine mounting trolley via a lower trolley suspension element (in the illustrated embodiment, this is the trolley suspension cable 446). The assembled wind turbine is supported via a wind turbine suspension element (in the illustrated embodiment, this is the wind turbine suspension cable 447), which is connected to the tower engagement device of the lower wind turbine support trolley.

[0251] The wind turbine suspension cable extends between attachments on the wind turbine tower at a height below the upper tower joint, in an assembly (e.g., a temporary assembly).

[0252] The crane mounting system is equipped with horizontally spaced first and second upper pulley sets, and the wind turbine support trolley is equipped with horizontally spaced first and second lower pulley sets. A first multi-drop cable arrangement for the lifting cable extends between the first upper pulley set and the first lower pulley set, while a second multi-drop cable arrangement for the lifting cable extends between the second upper pulley set and the second lower pulley set. This configuration ensures that, during operation, the nacelle and one upward-pointing blade of the wind turbine are located between the multi-drop cable arrangements, which do not contact any blade or nacelle.

[0253] Note that in the specific embodiment shown, the wind turbine installation crane 204 is a double-sided crane, having a first lifting device 420a and a second lifting device 420b on opposite sides of the installation crane.

[0254] In the illustrated embodiment, the first lifting device is adapted to support the assembled wind turbine and to controllably raise and lower the assembled wind turbine, which includes a tower integrated with a nacelle and is fitted with blades. Therefore, the first lifting device is provided with a first wind turbine mounting trolley 427 or an upper wind turbine mounting trolley and a second wind turbine mounting trolley 432 or a lower wind turbine mounting trolley. In the illustrated embodiment, the second lifting device is configured to lift the nacelle, more specifically, to raise the nacelle located at the third wind turbine assembly platform or nacelle storage location, and to lower the nacelle onto the top of the tower erected in the first wind turbine assembly platform. Furthermore, the lifting device is configured to erect the wind turbine tower or pile. Therefore, in the illustrated embodiment, the second lifting device is provided with a trolley configured to engage the nacelle, and can also be configured to pivotally engage the top of the pile or tower.

[0255] Figure 25 A second lifting device 420b for erecting pile 448 is shown, while a first lifting device 420a supports a hammering device 449 for driving another pile into the seabed to provide a wind turbine base for a wind turbine. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly and installation vessel is adapted to erect the pile, lower the pile toward the seabed, and drive the pile into the seabed.

[0256] These piles are stored on deck for transport, for example, from a pile factory located on the coast to the wind farm. Once the assembly and installation vessel arrives at the wind farm, the piles can be erected so that they can be engaged by an installation crane and lowered into the sea. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly and installation vessel has a temporary pile erection position on opposite sides and adjacent to the installation crane. Therefore, after erection and before lowering into the sea, the piles can be erected adjacent to the installation crane. In the illustrated embodiment, two piles are erected adjacent to the installation crane.

[0257] In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly and installation vessel 401 is equipped with a stern plate 438 extending in a straight line with the installation crane 404. The stern plate 438 is configured to enable the erection of piles or base piles for the installation of wind turbines. These piles are of considerable length, exceeding the length of the wind turbine tower. To enable the erection of the pile sections, the deck, including the stern deck, is provided with tracks for supporting an erection transport vehicle. During erection, the erection transport vehicle supports the bottom end of the pile or tower, while the top end of the pile or tower is lifted by the installation crane. Thus, the bottom end of the pile or tower is guided along the deck towards the installation crane on the tracks.

[0258] It has been proposed that the processes of erecting, lowering, and driving the piles into the seabed can also be performed using an installation crane with a single lifting device according to the present invention.

[0259] To enable the erection of the piles and wind turbine towers, the base section 422 of the crane mounting facility is provided on one side of the deck (i.e., the side of the crane mounting facility facing the first wind turbine assembly platform) with a trolley guide for vertically guiding the crane mounting trolley, specifically, a trolley for erecting the tower or piles. The top section of the crane mounting facility is provided with two first trolley guides or top trolley guides 426, one at each wind turbine lifting device. Additionally, the exemplary embodiment shown includes a plurality of second trolley guides or base trolley guides 431 mounted to the base section 422 of the crane mounting facility.

[0260] In the illustrated embodiment, the installation crane is further provided with two pile engagement devices 451. These devices are mounted to the top of the installation crane and aligned with a second lifting device to engage the piles being erected using the second lifting device. The pile engagement devices are configured to engage the erected piles and securely position them while the piles are moved by rotation of the top section. The pile engagement devices prevent the piles from swaying, particularly when rotation of the top section of the installation crane begins or stops. Furthermore, they prevent swaying of the piles caused by movement of the assembly and installation vessel.

[0261] The pile engagement device is mounted between two tracks of the trolley guide and can be hinged between a non-active position and an active position. In the non-active position, the pile engagement device folds against the top section of the mounting crane to allow the trolley to pass. In the active position, the pile engagement device extends outward from the top section of the mounting crane to engage the pile supported by the second wind turbine lifting device. Figure 32 In the middle, the lower pile joint device of the two pile joint devices is hinged to the movable position, while the upper pile joint device remains in the inactive position.

[0262] In the illustrated embodiment, a base trolley guide is provided on each side of the crane, specifically at the first and second wind turbine assembly platforms, on the crane mounting side, and on the crane nacelle storage side. Therefore, the trolley can be lowered along the base section of the crane on all sides.

[0263] A base trolley guide is provided at the first wind turbine assembly stand, allowing the trolley to be lowered close to the deck. This is beneficial for the erection process. Lowering the trolley close to the deck allows it to be attached to the top of a tower or pile supported horizontally on the deck, and thus enables the use of an installation crane to erect the pile.

[0264] Furthermore, to enable the piles to be flipped, in the illustrated embodiment including the stern deck, the deck is provided with tracks for supporting the erection transport vehicle 450. During erection, the erection transport vehicle supports the bottom end of the pile or tower, while the top end of the pile or tower is lifted by an installation crane. Thus, the bottom end of the pile or tower is guided along the deck towards the installation crane on the tracks.

[0265] It has been proposed that the trolleys of the first and second lifting devices can be arranged in active positions for supporting the wind turbine or wind turbine components and in inactive positions for moving along the tower or upper tower component of the wind turbine supported by the wind turbine mounting crane, for example at at least one wind turbine assembly platform. Figures 27 to 29 The trolley of the first lifting device is shown in the inactive position, while Figure 30 The trolley of the first lifting device is shown in the active position.

[0266] In the specific embodiment shown, the wind turbine installation and assembly vessel 401 is equipped with a wind turbine base restraint system 445 located on the installation side of the installation crane 404 for engaging the wind turbine base 409 and enabling the assembled wind turbine 408 supported by the installation crane 404 to be aligned with the floating wind turbine base, for example, see Figure 31 The restraint system is configured to at least partially restrain the movement of the tower mounting structure relative to the assembling and installation vessel in the horizontal plane.

[0267] In the illustrated embodiment, when viewed from above, the floating wind turbine base 409 includes three stabilizing columns interconnected by beams arranged in a triangular pattern. One of the stabilizing columns of the floating wind turbine base is implemented as a tower mounting structure configured to mount the tower of the wind turbine thereon.

[0268] The floating wind turbine base (e.g., each buoyancy column of the floating wind turbine base) is provided with ballast tanks for containing ballast material (e.g., ballast fluid, such as ballast water). In an embodiment, a ballast control system is provided, configured to move the ballast fluid between, for example, the ballast tanks of at least three stabilizing columns to adjust the vertical orientation of the upward-pointing installation axis. Furthermore, the floating wind turbine base includes a water retention plate attached to the lower end of the stabilizing column.

[0269] In the illustrated embodiment, the wind turbine base restraint system 445 includes a trolley guide or rail-mounted trolley 443 equipped with engagement members in the form of clamping devices 444 for engaging the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base. The wind turbine base restraint system also has an active controlled motion mechanism configured and operated to provide controlled movement of the engagement members relative to the hull of the assembled and installed vessel, thereby providing controlled restraint of the engaged floating wind turbine base relative to the hull of the assembled and installed vessel. The active controlled motion mechanism is implemented to actively restrain the engaged floating wind turbine base relative to the hull of the assembled and installed vessel in two non-parallel horizontal directions (e.g., in orthogonal horizontal directions).

[0270] The wind turbine assembly and installation vessel also includes an alignment system comprising a wind turbine base restraint system 445 and a first wind turbine installation trolley 427 (or upper wind turbine installation trolley) and a second wind turbine installation trolley 432 (or lower wind turbine installation trolley). The trolleys respectively support tower engagement devices 428, 432 and active controlled motion mechanisms or active horizontal motion devices 428, 434, configured and operated to provide controlled movement of the respective tower engagement devices in the horizontal plane to align and maintain the alignment of the tower of the suspended wind turbine with the installation axis of the floating wind turbine base. The tower engagement devices are configured to actively force the suspended wind turbine away from its vertical orientation and aligned with the installation axis.

[0271] In this implementation, one or more sensors are used to monitor movement of the tower mounting structure relative to the lower end of the tower-floating wind turbine base in one or more directions during installation. Preferably, these one or more sensors are linked to a controller, such as a computerized controller, configured and operated to induce automatic operation of the heave compensation device and / or alignment system. For example, the one or more sensors are implemented as cameras, radar, displacement sensors, etc.

[0272] For example, one or more motion monitoring sensors can be combined with a constraint system as discussed in this paper.

[0273] For example, one or more motion monitoring sensors are configured to monitor the tilt of the tower mounting structure relative to the hull of the assembled and installed vessel, such as the tilt relative to the restraint system.

[0274] In the implementation scheme, the restraint system includes at least three mooring lines that secure the floating wind turbine base to the assembly and installation vessel, for example, to the bow of the vessel. These mooring lines extend in different directions, for example, primarily in the horizontal plane. This, for example, allows maintaining a substantially fixed relative horizontal position between the assembly and installation vessel and the floating wind turbine base. Preferably, in this configuration, the wind turbine base is anchored to the seabed.

[0275] In the implementation plan, in addition to a portion of the assembled and installed vessel being attached to an anchored floating wind turbine base via a rigging system, the assembled and installed vessel is also anchored to the seabed via multiple anchor lines. For example, the rigging system attaches the bow of, for example, a semi-submersible vessel to the floating wind turbine base (e.g., its stabilizing column), and one or more anchor lines extend from the stern of the assembled and installed vessel during installation.

[0276] In the implementation scheme, the restraint system may also include, for example, one or more tensioning cable assemblies arranged on the assembled and installed vessel, each tensioning cable assembly comprising one or more tensioning cables and one or more corresponding tensioning devices providing controlled tension to these tensioning cables, the tensioning cables being connected to the floating wind turbine base, and the tensioning cable assemblies being configured and operated to tension one or more cables in pairs, thereby restraining the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembled and installed vessel primarily in the heave direction.

[0277] The installation crane (in the illustrated embodiment, the first lifting device of the installation crane) is equipped with a heave compensation device adapted to compensate for the heave movement of the wind turbine tower supported by the installation crane relative to the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base caused by sea conditions.

[0278] In particular, for lifting devices having one or more lifting winches and lifting cables, as preferred herein, suitable heave compensation devices are well known in the art in both passive and active embodiments or a combination thereof. For example, the lifting device includes one or more winches and one or more lifting cables, with heave compensation formed by the proper operation of the (electric) winches and / or by one or more heave compensation cylinders carrying one or more cable pulleys on which the lifting cables pass.

[0279] In this method, a tower alignment system is used, configured to engage with the suspended wind turbine, for example, with the tower of the suspended wind turbine, and to align the tower of the suspended wind turbine with the mounting axis of the floating wind turbine base and maintain the alignment of the tower of the suspended wind turbine with the mounting axis of the floating wind turbine base in order to compensate for the movement of the wind turbine tower relative to the mounting axis of the floating wind turbine base caused by sea conditions, which include at least tilting movements in one or more vertical planes.

[0280] The method includes the following steps—while the hull of the assembled and installed vessel is in a floating state and the floating wind turbine base is in a floating state: -The wind turbine is suspended from the installation crane using a lifting system. - Position the lower end of the suspended wind turbine tower above the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base. - Operate the heave compensation device to compensate for the heave motion of the wind turbine tower relative to the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base caused by sea conditions. - Operate the tower alignment system to align and maintain the alignment of the tower with the mounting axis of the floating wind turbine base, in order to compensate for tilting motion of the wind turbine tower relative to the mounting axis of the floating wind turbine base caused by sea conditions. -While the heave compensation device and tower alignment system are in operation, operate the lifting system to lower the suspended wind turbine, along with the lower end of the tower, onto the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base. - A tower mounting structure that secures the tower to the floating wind turbine base with its lower end.

[0281] Therefore, this method envisions providing and operating a tower alignment system to allow the lower end of the tower to be correctly lowered onto the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base. Generally, the tower alignment system is used to force the suspended wind turbine out of its vertical orientation so that its tower is aligned with and maintained on the mounting axis, which is subjected to at least continuous tilting relative to the tower due to sea conditions acting on the floating hull of the assembly and installation vessel and on the floating wind turbine base.

[0282] This invention allows, for example, multiple floating wind turbine pedestals to be anchored at their final location within an offshore wind farm, all without wind turbines, and then assembly and installation vessels are sailed to the wind farm and the wind turbines are subsequently installed on the floating wind turbine pedestals. This method enables a more cost-effective approach to establishing offshore wind farms with floating wind turbine pedestals than the methods described above, in which fully assembled floating wind turbines must be towed a relatively long distance to their location within the wind farm. In one embodiment, the floating wind turbine pedestals of the wind farm are installed within one calendar year, and the associated wind turbines are installed on these pedestals in subsequent calendar years.

[0283] For example, the present invention allows the use of deep-draft floating wind turbine bases, such as spar-type bases, without requiring deep-draft installation locations close to the coast like the FJord described above.

[0284] In the implementation, lowering the tower onto the tower mounting structure may have caused or subsequently caused the establishment of an initial fastening between the tower and the wind turbine base, thereby stabilizing the wind turbine relative to the wind turbine base, for example, allowing the cessation of operation of the alignment system, for example, allowing disengagement from the alignment system.

[0285] For example, the lower end of the tower is configured to be inserted into or onto the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base, the insertion connection providing a stable initial fastening between the tower and the wind turbine base.

[0286] In the example, one or more preliminary fastening devices are provided on the lower end and / or tower mounting structure, which, for example, automatically or by command, establish preliminary fastening between the tower and the wind turbine base. Final fastening of the lower portion to the tower mounting structure can then be performed, for example, by providing a connection through bolts, welding, grouting, etc.

[0287] In the implementation scheme, the lower end of the tower and the tower mounting structure are provided with cooperative self-actuating fastening components, such as automatic latches, to secure the tower to the wind turbine base.

[0288] In the implementation, at least the tower alignment system remains operational during some or all of the fastening steps, for example, during which the system is used to or assists in stabilizing the wind turbine relative to the wind turbine base.

[0289] In one embodiment, the heave compensation device remains operational during some or all of the fastening steps; for example, the device also serves to support at least a portion of the weight of the wind turbine relative to the wind turbine base during this step. In another embodiment, once the lower end of the tower has been lowered onto the tower mounting structure of the floating wind turbine base, the weight of the wind turbine is transferred from the installation crane to the floating wind turbine base. This can be accomplished, for example, through the appropriate operation of the lifting system and / or the heave compensation device.

[0290] In the preferred installation method—at least during the step of lowering the tower onto the wind turbine base—the assembly and installation vessel faces the waves with its bow or stern facing the waves. Most preferably, the assembly and installation vessel is implemented by suspending the wind turbine at the bow or stern of the assembly and installation vessel, preferably suspended in the midplane of the assembly and installation vessel.

[0291] Preferably, during the installation of the wind turbine, the floating wind turbine base is constrained, at least to some extent, by a restraint system on the horizontal plane relative to the vessel being assembled and installed. For example, this restraint may involve multiple mooring lines extending in different directions arranged between the floating wind turbine base on one side and the hull of the vessel being assembled and installed on the other side, to provide a connection between the floating wind turbine base and the hull, at least or only in the horizontal plane.

[0292] In the implementation plan, the restraint system is located at the bow of the semi-submersible vessel.

[0293] The crane 404 provides booms for each of the two lifting devices. Therefore, the lifting devices comprise two spaced-apart cantilever arms, which preferably support one or more suspension elements connected to a first wind turbine support trolley or wind turbine engagement assembly.

[0294] The two cantilever arms can be arranged in an active position for supporting the first wind turbine support trolley and the first wind turbine assembly in an active position, and in a non-active position for moving along the nacelle or blades of a partially or fully assembled wind turbine in the wind turbine assembly stand.

[0295] The installation crane is configured such that when the assembled installation crane is supported by the installation crane, the cantilever extends above the nacelle of the wind turbine, and when viewed in a front view, the nacelle of the wind turbine is located between the cantilever.

[0296] See Figure 28The assembly and installation vessel 401 also includes a tower receiving well 452, which is sunk into the hull at a second wind turbine assembly platform. The second wind turbine assembly platform is configured for installing blades into the nacelle of the wind turbine using blade maneuvers (not shown). The tower receiving well is configured to preferably accommodate at least a portion of the wind turbine tower using a wind turbine installation crane, such that the distance between the nacelle and the storage deck is reduced, preferably less than the length of the turbine blades, more preferably less than four-fifths of the blade length, to facilitate the installation of the blades into the nacelle.

[0297] It has been proposed that semi-submersible vessels are well-suited for having tower housing wells that are sunk into or even through the hull, configured to house at least a portion of the wind turbine tower during the assembly of the wind turbine.

[0298] In the preferred embodiment shown, the tower housing well extends into the support column, and optionally even into the pontoon. The well has a base plate configured to support the tower thereon, for example, a base plate integrated with the pontoon and / or with the lower portion of the support column.

[0299] The tower housing well is arranged within the reach of the installation crane, thereby allowing the installation 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 wind turbine base by the installation crane.

[0300] The installation crane is mounted directly above a support column at the end of a row of columns, thus effectively at a corner of the deck box structure, and the tower housing well is located in an adjacent support column of the same row of columns on the pontoon. In another embodiment, for example, when an installation crane is present 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 in or through a support corner at the end of a row of columns on another pontoon, for example, both the installation crane and the well are located at the stern of the vessel being assembled and installed, for example, the installation crane and the well are each effectively located at a corner of the deck box structure.

[0301] For example, the well has a depth of at least 15 meters, such as at least 30 meters, measured from the deck of the deck box structure. For example, the well has a depth of more than 40 meters, which is possible, for example, in the vessel like the recently launched Sleipnir, because the total height is approximately 50 meters.

[0302] 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 tower of the wind turbine to be housed within the well, as the tower height can vary between 75 meters and 110 meters in practical implementations. Because it is placed in a well, the top of the tower is closer to the deck, which facilitates operations such as mounting the nacelle on top of the tower, or attaching one or more (e.g., all) blades to the nacelle.

[0303] Considering the height of the tower and the advantages of placing the top relatively close to the deck to perform certain assembly steps, such as installing the engine room and / or installing 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 to the bottom below the bottom of the ship's pontoons. 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.

[0304] 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 installing one or more blades to the nacelle.

[0305] 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.

[0306] Reference Figures 33-38 The discussion will cover the use of semi-submersible vessels for onboard components of wind turbines and the installation of assembled wind turbines onto wind turbine bases using the vessel's installation crane.

[0307] Figures 33-38 A semi-submersible vessel 1000 is shown, comprising a twin-buoy floating hull, the twin-buoy floating hull having: - Deck box structure 1001; - Two parallel pontoons, 1002 and 1003, For each of the two pontoons 1002, 1003, an associated row (four here, three or two in other known embodiments) of support columns 1010 to 1013, 1014. These columns each extend upward from the corresponding pontoon. The deck box structure 1001 is supported on all the support columns. The columns, together with the pontoons, contribute to the buoyancy of the vessel.

[0308] In the attached diagram, reference numeral 1004 indicates the bow of the vessel, and 1005 indicates the stern.

[0309] The deck box structure 1001 has a deck 1006 and a box bottom 1007 above the waterline.

[0310] The vessel 1000 is provided with an installation crane 1100, which is mounted on the deck box structure and configured to install the assembled wind turbine onto a wind turbine base (not shown) located within the reach of the installation crane 1100.

[0311] As is known in the art, wind turbine bases can be mounted on the seabed or fixed bases, such as monopile bases or jacket bases. In another embodiment, for example for deeper water, the wind turbine base is a floating wind turbine base, such as a spar-type base (e.g., as in the Hywind project), or as disclosed in WO2009 / 131826.

[0312] The depicted installation crane 1100 is a basin-type crane, wherein the crane's rotatable superstructure 1101 is mounted on a basin 1102 integral with the deck box structure 1001 via a bearing arrangement, such as roller bearings or bogies. As shown and preferably, the installation crane 1100 is positioned directly above the support column 1010 at the end of a row of columns.

[0313] The installation crane 1100 has a pivot boom 1103 that pivots up and down via a pitch mechanism, wherein the pitch mechanism includes a winch-driven pitch cable 1104 extending between the boom 1103 and the gantry structure of the superstructure 1101.

[0314] The installation crane 1100 has the capability to independently operate a fully assembled wind turbine, as will be explained herein.

[0315] In other implementations, the crane used for installation is a tower crane.

[0316] 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 wind turbine base.

[0317] It is conceivable that the assembly of the wind turbines is at least partially completed on the ship 1000.

[0318] Preferably, even when the wind turbine base is a floating wind turbine base, the vessel 1000 is located at the offshore wind farm, for example, moored near the wind turbine base at its final location in the wind farm, while performing one or more assembly steps for assembling the wind turbine.

[0319] like Figures 33-38 As shown, on the ship 1000, there is a wind turbine assembly platform, and the ship's hull is equipped with a tower housing well 1040 that is sunk into the hull or sunk through the hull.

[0320] like Figure 33 and Figure 34 As best illustrated in the embodiment, well 1040 extends from its top opening 1041 (e.g., top opening 1041 is flush with the deck of the ship) into the support column 1011 of the hull.

[0321] Well 1040 is configured to house at least a portion of the wind turbine's tower during wind turbine assembly steps, 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 onto the rotor assembly.

[0322] As an example, the depicted 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 columns have a horizontal cross-section of at least 20 × 20 meters.

[0323] In this example, the total height between the deck and the bottom of the pontoon is 50 meters. This height, along with the structural strength and the integration of the columns into the hull, allows for the effective implementation of the Well 1040 within the columns.

[0324] The available height in the hull of the semi-submersible vessel allows for the housing of a significant portion of the entire tower of the wind turbine during the assembly process.

[0325] 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 extends into the pontoon beneath the column, as illustrated.

[0326] As shown in the figure, well 1040 has a base plate 1050, which is preferably configured to support a tower. Here, the base plate 1050 is shown to be 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.

[0327] It is understandable that the tower housing well 1040 can be retrofitted into existing semi-submersible (heavy lifting) crane vessels.

[0328] As shown in the figure, preferably, the tower receiving well 1040 is located within the reach of the crane 1100.

[0329] The installation crane 1100 is shown mounted at the end of a row of columns directly above the support column 1010, thus actually at the corner of the deck box structure 1001, and the tower housing well 1040 is located in the adjacent support column 1011 of the same row of columns on the pontoon.

[0330] The installation crane 1100 preferably 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, after which the wind turbine is placed on the wind turbine base by the installation crane 1100.

[0331] In the implementation scheme, as is known in the art, the vessel has two possibly identical installation cranes 1100, each installed crane being mounted at a corresponding corner of the deck box structure, for example at the stern.

[0332] In the implementation scheme, the vessel 1000, in addition to an installation crane 1100 configured to install assembled or partially assembled wind turbines onto offshore bases, has another crane mounted to the hull, with a lower lifting capacity than the installation 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 wind turbine assembly stands arranged within the reach of the installation crane 1100.

[0333] As described 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 in practical implementations for offshore wind turbines the tower height can vary between 75 meters and 110 meters.

[0334] Figure 35 The entire wind turbine tower 1200 has been placed in well 1040, and in this example, the tower has a height between 75 meters and 110 meters. It can be seen that due to the placement of the tower 1200 in the well, the top of the tower is closer to the deck, which facilitates operations such as installing the nacelle on top of the tower, installing one or more (e.g., all) blades onto the nacelle, etc.

[0335] Figure 36 The image shows the engine room 1250 being lifted onto the top of the tower 1200, here done by installing crane 1100. The engine room 1250 may have been stored in a storage area on the ship's deck.

[0336] In the implementation scheme, this bladeless sub-assembly of the tower 1200 and nacelle 1250 is lifted outside the well 1040 by an installation crane 1100, which is then swung to a position above the offshore base. The partially assembled wind turbine is then placed on and secured to the wind turbine base. In a further assembly step, for example using the installation crane 1100, blades 1275, 1276, and 1277 are assembled into the nacelle.

[0337] In another method, the nacelle 1250 already has two blades installed, for example, on shore, 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 wind turbine base, only the other blade is installed. This can be done, for example, using an installation crane 1100.

[0338] Preferably, one or more blades 1275, 1276, 1277 are installed in the nacelle 1250 and simultaneously on the tower 1200, wherein the tower is at least partially housed in the well 1040.

[0339] Figure 37 The image shows blades 1275, 1276, and 1277 being installed one after another into nacelle 1250. Once all three blades are installed, the wind turbine is fully assembled and ready to be lifted from well 1040 and placed onto the wind turbine base using installation crane 1100.

[0340] Figure 37It is shown that, preferably, instead of using an installation crane 1100 to install the blades 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.

[0341] Figure 37 The blade handling equipment 1300 is shown placed on the deck of a ship.

[0342] For example, as schematically shown, device 1300 is configured to bring the blade into a fastened position where the root end of the blade is aligned with the blade mounting structure, wherein the blade handling device includes: - A blade holder, suitable for holding blades; -Base; - A pivoting boom, such as a hinged boom, with one or more blade holders attached to the pivoting boom, the boom being movable between a lowered position and an raised position, the lowered position for holding blades in a horizontal supply position, and the raised position for the blades having a fixed orientation; - Preferably, one or more actuators, such as on a boom, are used to manipulate the blades to a fastened position.

[0343] Figure 37 An embodiment is shown in which a horizontally rotating hub is provided with three blade mounting structures spaced 120° apart, and wherein the clamping orientation is tilted, preferably for each blade mounted using the blade handling device 1300, the clamping orientation corresponds to approximately four o'clock or approximately eight o'clock position of the nacelle as observed in the front view, for example, wherein the blade is at 30° to 40° with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0344] Figure 37 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.

[0345] Figure 38 The completed assembly is shown, with all steps performed at a single wind turbine assembly stand on the ship 1000, here at well 1040.

[0346] As shown in the accompanying drawings, in one embodiment, the nacelle 1250 is mounted on the tower 1200 such that the front portion of the nacelle (the hub to which the blades are mounted) 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 vertical line and the side of the hull (when viewed from above).

[0347] Figure 38This arrangement of the nacelle's blade hubs and the advantage of arranging the well 1040 into or through the support column are shown to allow a blade of the fully assembled wind turbine to extend to the outside of the hull, rather than close to the deck box and the installation crane 1100.

[0348] The device 1300 may (not shown) have a hinged boom that allows the blade to be brought to a horizontal fastening position to fasten the blade to the hub of the nacelle.

[0349] 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 form, 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.

[0350] In one implementation, the well extending through the hull allows the engine room 1250 to be mounted 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 (e.g., by sliding a sliding trolley) via one or more vehicles or by a transport vehicle (e.g., on rails mounted on the deck) so that the engine room is positioned above and connected to the top of the tower. The tower can then be raised to a height suitable for mounting one or more blades to the engine room, for example, using an installation crane 1100 or a suspension system that suspends the tower in the well 1040, as discussed above.

[0351] In one implementation, well 1040 extends through the deck box structure at a location away from any support pillars of the hull, such as in the interval between two support pillars. For example, additional well sidewalls (e.g., 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.

Claims

1. A wind turbine installation crane, configured to be installed on the floating hull of a vessel. in, The installation crane has an assembly side facing the wind turbine assembly platform and an installation side. The installation crane is configured to perform one or more wind turbine assembly steps, and is configured to, at the installation side of the installation crane, move the assembled wind turbine from at least one wind turbine assembly platform to an installation position above the wind turbine base of an adjacent vessel, and lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base. The crane installation includes: - A wind turbine lifting device having one or more wind turbine suspension elements, the wind turbine lifting device being adapted to support an assembled wind turbine and to raise and lower the assembled wind turbine in a controllable manner, the assembled wind turbine including a tower integrated with a nacelle and assembled blades. - A base section and a top section, wherein the top section is rotatably supported by bearings and is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the base section using a wind turbine lifting device, and the lifting device is therefore able to transfer at least the upper tower components between the wind turbine assembly platform and the mounting side, and - A first trolley guide and a first wind turbine support trolley, the first trolley guide being mounted to the top section of the mounting crane, the first wind turbine support trolley being able to move vertically along the first trolley guide, wherein the first wind turbine support trolley supports a wind turbine engagement device.

2. The installation crane according to claim 1, wherein, The base section for installing the crane is provided with a second trolley guide and a second wind turbine support trolley, which can move vertically along the second trolley guide on the mounting side of the crane.

3. The installation crane according to claim 2, wherein, The second wind turbine support trolley supports the wind turbine connection device.

4. The installation crane according to claim 1, wherein, The lifting device includes two spaced-apart cantilever arms that support one or more suspension elements that are connected to a first wind turbine support trolley or to a wind turbine engagement device.

5. The installation crane according to claim 1, wherein, The installation crane is a double-sided installation crane, with a wind turbine lifting device as a first lifting device on the first side of the installation crane, and a second lifting device on the opposite second side of the installation crane, so that the installation crane can perform lifting actions simultaneously on the opposite sides of the installation crane.

6. An assembly and installation vessel for assembling wind turbines and for mounting the assembled wind turbines onto a wind turbine base, the assembly and installation vessel comprising: - Floating hull; - Wind turbine component storage deck, used to store wind turbine components; - Wind turbine assembly stand; as well as - A wind turbine installation crane is used to mount the wind turbine onto the floating hull. The crane installation configuration is used to perform one or more wind turbine assembly steps. The installation crane has an assembly side facing the wind turbine assembly platform and an installation side. The installation crane is equipped with a wind turbine lifting device, which has one or more wind turbine suspension elements. The lifting device is adapted to support the assembled wind turbine and to raise and lower it in a controllable manner. The assembled wind turbine includes a tower integrated with a nacelle and assembled blades. The installation crane has a base section and a top section, wherein the top section is rotatably supported by bearings, and wherein the top section can rotate relative to the base section about a vertical axis using a wind turbine lifting device, and wherein the lifting device can thus transfer at least the upper tower components between the wind turbine assembly platform and the installation side. The installation crane is configured to arrange an assembled wind turbine from at least one wind turbine assembly stand at the installation side of the installation crane into an installation position above a wind turbine base adjacent to the assembly and installation vessel, to support the assembled wind turbine at the installation side in the installation position above the wind turbine base, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

7. The assembly and installation of a ship according to claim 6, wherein, At least one wind turbine assembly stand is a first wind turbine assembly stand, and the assembly and installation vessel further includes a second and a third wind turbine assembly stand. The first wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the tower in an upright mounting position. The second wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the tower in an upright mounting position with the nacelle in the mounting position for installing the blades to the nacelle. The third wind turbine assembly stand is configured to support the nacelle, which will be lifted by a wind turbine installation crane. The first wind turbine assembly platform is located on the first side of the installation crane, the second wind turbine assembly platform is located on the second side of the installation crane, and the third wind turbine assembly platform is located on the third side of the installation crane, wherein the installation side is located on the fourth side of the installation crane.

8. The assembly and installation of a ship according to claim 7, wherein, The second and third wind turbine assembly platforms are located on opposite sides of the installation crane, and the first wind turbine assembly platform is located opposite the installation side of the installation crane.

9. The assembly and installation of a ship according to claim 7, wherein, The assembly and installation vessel also includes blade handling equipment for transferring blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position, the fastening position being adjacent to the nacelle on the top of the tower or the top of the upper tower component, which is supported in a second wind turbine assembly stand.

10. The assembly and installation of a ship according to claim 6, wherein, The assembly and installation vessel includes a wind turbine base restraint system configured to engage the floating wind turbine base to reduce movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, and / or monitor movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, as well as movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembled wind turbine to be installed on the floating wind turbine base.

11. The assembly and installation of a ship according to claim 6, wherein, The wind turbine installation crane is configured to actively compensate for the movement of the assembled wind turbine relative to the wind turbine base caused by the sea state.

12. The assembly and installation of a ship according to claim 6, wherein, The assembly and installation of the vessel includes an engine room support, which is fixed to the deck of the assembly and installation vessel, such that the engine room can be supported by the engine room support at a certain distance above the deck, so that the blades can be installed into the engine room.

13. A method for assembling a wind turbine on a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel, for installing the assembled wind turbine on a wind turbine base using the assembly and installation vessel according to claim 6. The methods include: - Move one or more wind turbine components from the wind turbine component storage deck to at least one wind turbine assembly station; as well as -Use an installation crane to: - Perform one or more assembly steps; - Support the assembled wind turbine on the assembly side, and arrange the assembled wind turbine from at least one wind turbine assembly platform to an installation position above the wind turbine base adjacent to the assembly and installation vessel on the installation side of the crane. - Lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method also includes using an installation crane to erect the wind turbine tower from a horizontal storage position to an upright installation position.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The wind turbine assembly stand is a first wind turbine assembly stand located on a first side of the crane mounting platform, opposite the mounting side of the crane. The assembly and installation of the vessel also includes a second wind turbine assembly stand located on a second side of the crane mounting platform. - A first wind turbine assembly stand is used for erecting the tower or upper tower components and / or for installing the nacelle onto the tower or upper tower components using an installation crane; and - The second wind turbine assembly stand is used to complete the assembly of the wind turbine and / or to install the blades into the nacelle; and in which - The installation crane is used to move the tower or upper tower component from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand, with the nacelle mounted on top of the tower or upper tower component. The installation crane is also used to move the assembled wind turbine from the second wind turbine assembly stand to the installation side of the installation crane and to lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The wind turbine assembly platform is a first wind turbine assembly platform located on a first side of the crane mounting platform, opposite to the mounting side of the crane mounting platform. The assembly and installation of the vessel also includes a second wind turbine assembly platform located on a second side of the crane mounting platform, and a third wind turbine assembly platform located on a third side of the crane mounting platform, opposite to the second side of the crane mounting platform. - The first wind turbine assembly stand is used to lift the nacelle and / or to lift the nacelle mounted on the upper tower component; - The second wind turbine assembly stand is used to install the blades into the nacelle; as well as - The third wind turbine assembly stand is used to complete the assembly of wind turbines; and among them - The installation crane is used to move the assembled wind turbine from the third wind turbine assembly platform to the installation side of the installation crane, and to lower the assembled wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The crane is configured to actively compensate for the movement of the assembled wind turbine relative to the wind turbine base caused by sea conditions, including the method of lowering the wind turbine to the base. - When the wind turbine is lowered onto the wind turbine base, an installation crane is used to move the wind turbine relative to the assembly and installation vessel to compensate for the movement of the assembly and installation vessel relative to the wind turbine base caused by the sea conditions, and thus keep the wind turbine substantially aligned with the wind turbine base.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The method for assembling and installing the vessel is equipped with a wind turbine base restraint system, and includes: - To connect the floating wind turbine base to the wind turbine base restraint system; - Reduce the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel, and / or monitor the movement of the floating wind turbine base relative to the assembly and installation vessel.

19. A method for assembling a wind turbine on a wind turbine assembly and installation vessel, for using the wind turbine assembly and installation vessel to install the assembled wind turbine. in, Ships for assembling and installing wind turbines include: - Floating hull; - Wind turbine component storage deck, used to store wind turbine components; - First wind turbine assembly stand, second wind turbine assembly stand and third wind turbine assembly stand; - A handling crane and an installation crane, wherein the installation crane has an installation side, the installation crane is configured to support the assembled wind turbine on the installation side at an installation position above the wind turbine base, and to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base, wherein a first wind turbine assembly platform is located on a first side of the installation crane, a second wind turbine assembly platform is located on a second side of the installation crane, a third wind turbine assembly platform is located on a third side of the installation crane, and the installation side is located on a fourth side of the installation crane; - A blade handling device used to transfer blades between a horizontal supply position and a fastening position; The methods include: - Store wind turbine components on the wind turbine component storage deck; - Use an installation crane to place the tower onto the first wind turbine assembly stand and support the tower in an upright installation position; - In the first wind turbine assembly stand, an installation crane is used to lift the nacelle and raise it onto the tower, and then install the nacelle onto the tower; - Using an installation crane, the combined tower and nacelle are moved from the first wind turbine assembly stand to the second wind turbine assembly stand, the base section of the tower is lowered into the deck recess, and the tower is supported in an upright installation position, wherein the nacelle is in an installation position for mounting the blades to the nacelle. - Install the blades into the nacelle to provide an assembled wind turbine. The blade installation process includes: - Lift the first blade to the secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the first blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position. - Raise the second blade to the secure position adjacent to the nacelle, install the second blade into the nacelle, and rotate the nacelle to the subsequent installation position; and - Raise the third blade to its secure position adjacent to the nacelle, and install the third blade into the nacelle; and - The assembled wind turbine is moved from the second wind turbine assembly platform to its installation position on the fourth side of the crane; and - Use an installation crane to lower the wind turbine onto the wind turbine base.

20. An application for assembling and installing a vessel, said assembling and installing vessel being the assembling and installing vessel according to claim 6, for performing the method according to claim 13, for assembling and installing a wind turbine.

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