Connection system for attaching a blade access system to a nacelle of a wind turbine and method of use thereof

Abstract

A blade access system (24) includes a support frame (28) configured to be coupled to a nacelle (14) of a wind turbine (10), the support frame (28) having at least one connection member (42) configured to be selectively attached to and detached from at least one connection member (40) included in the nacelle (14). The nacelle (14) includes at least one connection member (40) configured to be coupled to the at least one connection member (42) of the support frame (28) of the blade access system (24). The at least one support frame connection member (42) is configured to cooperate with the at least one nacelle connection member (40) to define an unlocked position configured to allow the support frame (28) to be attached to and detached from the nacelle (14) and a locked position configured to prevent the support frame (28) from being detached from the nacelle (28). A method of connecting the blade access system (24) to the nacelle (14) is also disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wind turbines, and more specifically to an improved connection system for selectively attaching / detaching a blade access system to / from the nacelle of a wind turbine during inspection, maintenance or repair of wind turbine blades, and to a method for attaching a blade access system to the nacelle of a wind turbine using the connection system. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbine generators are used to produce electricity using renewable resources and without burning fossil fuels. A wind turbine generator converts the kinetic energy from the wind into electrical energy and includes a tower, a nacelle mounted on top of the tower, a rotor hub rotatably supported by the nacelle, and multiple rotor blades attached to the hub. The hub is connected to a generator housed within the nacelle. Therefore, when the wind forces the blades to rotate, electrical energy is generated by the generator. In recent years, wind power has become a more attractive alternative energy source, and the number of wind turbines, wind farms, and the like has increased significantly both on land and at sea. Furthermore, the size of wind turbines has also increased significantly; modern wind turbine blades extend between 50 and 80 meters in length, and the length of wind turbine blades is expected to increase further in the future.

[0003] During the lifespan of a wind turbine, multiple accesses to the turbine blades may be required. For example, access to the blade surface may be necessary for inspection, maintenance, repair, and / or other purposes. Blade service platforms have been previously used for this purpose. To access the turbine blade, the blade can first be oriented downwards and generally parallel to the turbine tower. The blade service platform can then be positioned on the ground, a truck, or a tower platform, adjacent to the base of the tower, and multiple lifting cables can be attached to the nacelle and then to the blade service platform. A winch on the blade service platform can be activated to wind the lifting cables, thereby vertically lifting the blade service platform upwards along the tower and adjacent to the turbine blade. Technicians and other maintenance personnel located on the service platform can more easily access the surface of the turbine blade and perform various tests and / or procedures to ensure proper operation of the turbine blade. For example, PCT Publication No. WO2004 / 092577 discloses such a blade service platform. Other blade service platforms may also be used in blade access systems.

[0004] While blade access platforms are extremely useful and widely used in the industry for servicing wind turbine blades, this blade access system still has some drawbacks. For example, attaching the lift cables to the nacelle is an expensive and time-consuming process. To adequately support the blade access platform, the lift cables are typically attached to structural parts of the nacelle, such as the nacelle floor or the nacelle frame supported on the floor. For this reason, the fiberglass panels forming the nacelle shell are generally considered structurally insufficient to support the blade access platform. Therefore, simply attaching the lift cables to the nacelle shell is not feasible. Therefore, holes or other openings are typically cut into the nacelle shell to allow the lift cables access to the floor or structural frame inside the nacelle. Once work on one or more wind turbine blades has been completed using the blade access system, the blade access platform is lowered to the ground or tower platform, and the lift cables are detached from the nacelle. Finally, the openings in the nacelle shell are sealed to prevent air, water, and other debris from entering the nacelle. When it is time to service one or more wind turbine blades again, holes are again cut into the nacelle shell to allow the lift cables access to the structural aspects of the nacelle.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned drawbacks, manufacturers are seeking an improved design for a blade access system from the nacelle support of a wind turbine, including a blade maintenance platform. More specifically, a connection system and related methods are needed that allow for low-cost, easy-to-implement, time-saving, reliable, and repeatable access to the blade access system from the nacelle support, thereby eliminating the need for time and re-drilling in the nacelle shell. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A blade access system for servicing at least one blade of a wind turbine is disclosed, the blade access system having an improved connection to the wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle connected to the tower, and a rotor connected to the nacelle and having at least one blade. The blade access system includes: a support frame configured to be connected to the nacelle; a plurality of lifting cables configured to be connected to the support frame; and a blade servicing platform configured to be connected to the plurality of lifting cables and to move along at least one blade using the plurality of lifting cables. The support frame includes at least one support frame connecting member configured to selectively attach to and detach from at least one nacelle connecting member included in the nacelle. The at least one support frame connecting member is configured to cooperate with the at least one nacelle connecting member to define an unlocked position and a locked position, the unlocked position being configured to allow the support frame to be attached to the nacelle and to allow the support frame to be detached from the nacelle, and the locked position being configured to prevent the support frame from being detached from the nacelle.

[0007] In one embodiment, at least one support frame connecting member is movable relative to the support frame between a first position and a second position. The first position corresponds to an unlocked position relative to the cabin connecting member, and the second position corresponds to a locked position relative to the cabin connecting member. More specifically, at least one support frame connecting member is rotatable relative to the support frame between the first position and the second position. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one support frame connecting member includes a locking element in the form of a locking pin. The locking pin includes an elongated shaft, an enlarged head at a first end of the elongated shaft, and a locking nut attachable to a second end of the elongated shaft. The locking pin includes a channel extending from the enlarged head to the second end of the elongated shaft. In an exemplary embodiment, the enlarged head may be asymmetrical. For example, the enlarged head may be generally rectangular, including a first side having a first length and a second side having a second length, wherein the second length is less than the first length.

[0008] In one embodiment, the support frame may include an anchor beam defining an upper wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a first end, and a second end. A plurality of lifting cables are configured to be coupled to the lower wall of the anchor beam, and a locking pin is configured to extend through the anchor beam such that an enlarged head is adjacent to the upper wall and a locking nut is adjacent to the lower wall. The support frame may also include at least one tower guide coupled to the rear wall of the anchor beam and configured to engage with the wind turbine tower during installation of the support frame into the nacelle. Furthermore, the support frame may include legs adjacent to the first and second ends of the anchor beam, the legs being configured to support the support frame on a working surface. Additionally, the support frame may include: a first extender configured to be rotatably mounted to the first end of the anchor beam; and a second extender configured to be rotatably mounted to the second end of the anchor beam. Each of the first and second extenders includes at least one tower guide configured to engage with the wind turbine tower during installation of the support frame into the nacelle.

[0009] On the other hand, the blade approach system may also include a key for arranging the at least one nacelle connection member and the at least one support frame connection member in a locked position and an unlocked position. In one exemplary embodiment, the support frame may include a plurality of support frame connection members configured to cooperate with a plurality of nacelle connection members included in the nacelle to install the support frame into the nacelle. For example, an anchor beam may include locking pins adjacent to each of a first end and a second end of the beam.

[0010] In another embodiment, a nacelle for a wind turbine is disclosed, the nacelle being configured to be coupled to a blade access system for servicing at least one blade of the wind turbine and having an improved connection. The blade access system includes a support frame, a plurality of lifting cables, and a blade servicing platform. The nacelle includes: an internal structural frame; an outer shell coupled to and surrounding the internal structural frame; and at least one nacelle connection member coupled to the internal structural frame and configured to selectively attach to and detach from at least one support frame connection member included in the support frame of the blade access system. The at least one nacelle connection member extends from the structural frame to the outer shell to allow access from the outside of the nacelle. The at least one nacelle connection member is configured to cooperate with the at least one support frame connection member to define an unlocked position and a locked position, the unlocked position being configured to allow the support frame to be attached to the nacelle and to allow the support frame to be detached from the nacelle, and the locked position being configured to prevent the support frame from being detached from the nacelle.

[0011] In one embodiment, the structural frame includes a base plate, and at least one cabin connection member is coupled to the base plate. More specifically, the base plate may include at least one lug having an opening extending through it, and at least one cabin connection member is coupled to the at least one lug. In one embodiment, the housing includes a lower wall, and at least one cabin connection member extends from the structural frame to the lower wall to allow access from the outside of the cabin. For example, the end of the cabin connection member may be substantially flush with or extend beyond the outer surface of the lower wall.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one cabin connection member includes a lock receiver in the form of a receptacle. The receptacle includes a tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a channel extending between the first and second ends. The first end is attached to a structural frame, and the second end is adjacent to the outer shell and accessible from the outside of the cabin. The receptacle also includes a keyway adjacent to the second end of the tubular body and configured to allow or prevent engagement of the receptacle with at least one support frame connection member. In one embodiment, the first end of the tubular body may include a flange for attaching the receptacle to the structural frame, and the second end of the tubular body may include an end plate in which the keyway may be formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the keyway may be asymmetrical. For example, the keyway may be configured as a generally rectangular groove including a first side having a first length and a second side having a second length, wherein the second length is less than the first length. In another embodiment, the end plate may also include a boss for restricting movement of the support frame connection member when it engages with the cabin connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the cabin may include a plurality of cabin connection members configured to cooperate with a plurality of support frame connection members included in a support frame to install the support frame into the cabin.

[0013] In another embodiment, a method for servicing at least one blade of a wind turbine using a blade access system and a nacelle is disclosed. The blade access system includes a support frame, a plurality of lifting cables, and a blade servicing platform. The wind turbine includes a tower, a nacelle connected to the tower, and a rotor connected to the nacelle and having at least one blade. The support frame includes at least one support frame connecting member, the nacelle includes at least one nacelle connecting member accessible from the outside of the nacelle, and the at least one support frame connecting member is configured to cooperate with the at least one nacelle connecting member to define an unlocked position and a locked position, the unlocked position being configured to allow the support frame to be attached to the nacelle and to allow the support frame to be disengaged from the nacelle, and the locked position being configured to prevent the support frame from being disengaged from the nacelle. The method includes: positioning the support frame on a working surface adjacent to the tower; arranging at least one support frame connecting member and at least one nacelle connecting member in the unlocked position; raising the support frame from the working surface toward the nacelle; engaging at least one support frame connecting member with at least one nacelle connecting member; and arranging at least one support frame connecting member and at least one nacelle connecting member in the locked position, thereby attaching the support frame to the nacelle.

[0014] In one exemplary embodiment, at least one cabin connection member can be secured to the cabin, and at least one support frame connection member can be movable relative to the support frame between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to an unlocked position relative to the cabin connection member, and the second position corresponds to a locked position relative to the cabin connection member. In one embodiment, arranging at least one support frame connection member and at least one cabin connection member in the unlocked position further includes: positioning at least one support frame connection member in the first position, and arranging at least one support frame connection member and at least one cabin connection member in the locked position further includes: positioning at least one support frame connection member in the second position. For example, in one embodiment, positioning at least one support frame connection member in the first position may further include: rotating the support frame connection member to the first position, and positioning at least one support frame connection member in the second position may further include: rotating the support frame connection member to the second position. In one embodiment, arranging at least one support frame connection member and at least one cabin connection member in the locked position may further include: engaging at least one support frame connection member with a key from inside the cabin; and moving the key to position at least one support frame connection member in the second position.

[0015] In one embodiment, raising the support frame from the working surface toward the nacelle may further include: arranging at least one winch in the nacelle adjacent to at least one nacelle connecting member, the at least one winch being capable of releasing and retrieving a guide cable having an end; inserting the end of the guide cable through at least one nacelle connecting member; attaching the guide cable to at least one support frame connecting member on the support frame; and actuating at least one winch to raise the support frame from the working surface toward the nacelle. In this manner, as the support frame approaches the nacelle, at least one support frame connecting member and at least one nacelle connecting member are aligned with each other.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method may further include: attaching a plurality of lifting cables to the support frame when the support frame is on the working surface. Additionally, the method may include: positioning the blade maintenance platform on the working surface, adjacent to the tower; and attaching the plurality of lifting cables to the blade maintenance platform, thereby allowing the blade maintenance platform to move along the length of at least one blade. The method may further include: arranging at least one support frame connecting member and at least one nacelle connecting member in an unlocked position; disengaging at least one support frame connecting member from at least one nacelle connecting member, thereby separating the support frame from the nacelle; and lowering the support frame from the nacelle toward the working surface. In one embodiment, arranging at least one support frame connecting member and at least one nacelle connecting member in the unlocked position may further include: positioning at least one support frame connecting member in a first position. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, and together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 It is a side view of a wind turbine with a blade proximity system connected to the wind turbine;

[0019] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a wind turbine blade, wherein the blade approach system is separated from the wind turbine and the perspective view shows the nacelle connection components;

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged 3D view of a wind turbine, showing the support frame of the blade approach system connected to the nacelle of the wind turbine;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the support frame of a blade approach system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The top view of the support frame shown is an exploded perspective view.

[0023] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The bottom perspective view of the support frame shown illustrates the guide cables used to lift the support frame into the cabin.

[0024] Figure 7 This is an exploded side view of a support frame connection member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Top view of the support frame connector shown;

[0026] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A partial front perspective view of the nacelle of a wind turbine, the wind turbine including a nacelle connection member according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 Another partial front perspective view of the nacelle of a wind turbine, which includes nacelle connecting components and guide cables;

[0028] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 Another partial front perspective view of the nacelle of a wind turbine, which includes nacelle connection components, guide cables and support frame;

[0029] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 Another partial front perspective view of the nacelle of a wind turbine, which includes nacelle connecting components, guide cables and a support frame, wherein the support frame is installed to the nacelle;

[0030] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 An enlarged perspective view of the cabin connection components shown;

[0031] Figures 14 to 19 This is a schematic sequential sectional view showing the connection between the support frame connecting members and the nacelle connecting members to attach the support frame of the blade access system to the nacelle of the wind turbine; and

[0032] Figure 20 This is a side view of a support frame for a blade approach system according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0033] See Figure 1 The wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12, a nacelle 14 disposed at the apex of the tower 12, and a rotor 16 operatively connected to a generator (not shown) housed within the nacelle 14. In addition to the generator, the nacelle 14 can house various components necessary for converting wind energy into electrical energy and for operating the wind turbine 10 and optimizing its performance. The tower 12 supports the load provided by the nacelle 14, the rotor 16, and other wind turbine components housed within the nacelle 14, and operates to raise the nacelle 14 and the rotor 16 to a height above ground or sea level, where airflow with lower turbulence and higher velocity is typically observed.

[0034] The rotor 16 may include a central rotor hub 18 and a plurality of blades 20 attached to the central hub 18 at circumferentially distributed locations around the central hub 18. In a representative embodiment, the rotor 16 includes three blades 20, however the number may vary. The blades 20, projecting radially outward from the central rotor hub 18, are configured to interact with the passing airflow to generate a rotational force that causes the central hub 18 to rotate about its longitudinal axis. The design, construction, and operation of the blades 20 are familiar to those skilled in the art of wind turbine design and may include additional functional aspects to optimize performance. For example, the pitch angle control of the blades 20 may be achieved via a pitch control mechanism (not shown) in response to wind speed to optimize power generation under low wind conditions and to pitch the blades if the wind speed exceeds design limits.

[0035] Rotor 16 can be directly coupled to the gearbox or indirectly coupled to the gearbox via a main shaft extending between rotor hub 18 and gearbox. The main shaft rotates together with rotor 16 and is supported within nacelle 14 by a main bearing support that supports the weight of rotor 16 and transmits the load on rotor 16 to tower 12. The gearbox transmits the rotation of rotor 16 through its connection with generator. Winds exceeding a minimum level can start rotor 16, causing it to rotate substantially perpendicular to the wind direction, thereby applying torque to the input shaft of generator.

[0036] As mentioned above, during the life of the wind turbine 10, one or more blades 20 may need to be repaired for inspection, maintenance, repair, and / or other purposes. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in one of these processes, the associated wind turbine blade 20 may be oriented in a downward position (i.e., the 6 o'clock position) so as to be generally parallel to the wind turbine tower 12. With the wind turbine blade 20 in this position, a maintenance technician or other personnel can access the blade 20 using a blade access system (generally shown as 24), and more specifically, access the outer surface 22 of the blade 20. The blade access system 24 includes: a blade maintenance platform 26 configured to be coupled to a support frame 28 of the nacelle 14; and a plurality of lifting cables 30 configured to be coupled to the support frame 28 and operatively coupled to the blade maintenance platform 26. The blade maintenance platform 26, which can be used with the blade access system 24, is not a particular focus of this disclosure and is generally known in the wind turbine industry in any case. For example, the applicant's PCT publication number WO2004 / 092577 discloses an exemplary blade maintenance platform that can be used with the blade access system 24. Other blade maintenance platforms may also be used with the blade access system 24. Therefore, a detailed discussion of the blade maintenance platform 26 will be omitted from this description. The blade maintenance platform 26 is operatively connected to a plurality of lifting cables 30 in a known manner (e.g., via a winch), and the details of the connection between the lifting cables 30 and the blade maintenance platform 26 are also known and will be omitted.

[0037] Conversely, the focus of the present invention includes a connection system 36 for attaching the support frame 28 of the blade access system 24 to the nacelle 14 of the wind turbine 10 in an improved manner. More specifically, aspects of the invention relate to a connection system 36 that provides selective attachment and disengagement of the support frame 28 to and from the nacelle 14 in a quick, easy, and repeatable manner without cutting holes in the housing 38 of the nacelle 14, which may be formed from a fiberglass panel attached to the structural frame of the nacelle 14. According to an aspect of the invention, the connection system 36 includes a nacelle connection member 40 associated with the nacelle 14 and a support frame connection member 42 associated with the support frame 28, the nacelle connection member 40 and the support frame connection member 42 cooperating with each other to allow the support frame 28 to be coupled to the nacelle 14 in a quick connect / disconnect manner. In other words, the connection system 36 provides a quick connection between the blade access system 24 (e.g., via the support frame 28) and the nacelle 14. The connection system 36 allows for repeated connections between the blade approach system 24 and the nacelle 14 without cutting holes in the nacelle's outer shell 38.

[0038] The support frame connection member 42 may include one of a locking element 44 or a locking receiver 46, and the cabin connection member 40 may include the other of a locking element 44 or a locking receiver 46. For example, in one embodiment, the locking element 44 may be associated with the support frame 28, and the locking receiver 46 may be associated with the cabin 14. However, in an alternative embodiment, the locking element 44 may be associated with the cabin 14, and the locking receiver 46 may be associated with the support frame 28. At least one of the locking element 44 or the locking receiver 46 is movable relative to the other between an unlocked position and a locked position. For example, the locking receiver 46 may be fixed, while the locking element 44 may be movable. For example, relative movement may be one of sliding and / or rotation. In the unlocked position, the locking element 44 is freely accommodated in and removed from the locking receiver 46. In the locked position, the locking element 44 may be fixed within the locking receiver 46 to prevent relative movement between the support frame 28 and the cabin 14 in one or more degrees of freedom, thereby securing the support frame 28 to the cabin 14.

[0039] In one aspect of the invention, the nacelle connection member 40 (whether it is the locking element 44 or the locking receiver 46) is accessible from the outside of the nacelle 14 and forms a permanent part of the nacelle 14. Thus, for example, the nacelle 14 includes the necessary hardware to allow the blade access system 24 (more specifically, its support frame 28) to be easily connected to and disconnected from the nacelle 14. The nacelle connection member 40 is accessible from the outside of the nacelle 14, and this avoids repeatedly forming holes through the outer shell 38 of the nacelle 14 when using the blade access system 24. In this respect, Figure 2A nacelle 14 with a nacelle connection member 40 is shown. The nacelle connection member 40 is integrated into the nacelle structure for access at the lower wall 48 of the outer shell 38 of the nacelle 14, and the nacelle connection member 40 forms a permanent part of the nacelle 14. Details of the connection system 36 and how the blade access system 24 is connected to the nacelle 14 will be described in more detail below.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, for example, the blade approach system 24 (more specifically, the support frame 28 of the blade approach system 24) is configured to be selectively attached to / detached from the nacelle 14 using a connection system 36. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment, the support frame 28 is configured to be coupled to the lower wall 48 of the nacelle 13 adjacent to the front of the nacelle 14 (i.e., near the rotor side of the nacelle 14) using the connection system 36. While the support frame 28 may be coupled to the nacelle 14 at different locations, the lower wall 48 is preferred because it is close to the wind turbine blades 20 oriented in a downward position. Figures 3 to 6 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the support frame 28 includes an elongated anchor beam 50 having a central region 52 and opposing first ends 54 and second ends 56. In one embodiment, the anchor beam 50 may be substantially straight. In an alternative embodiment, the anchor beam 50 may be generally arcuate and formed by a plurality of straight beam segments, as shown. Other configurations of the anchor beam 50 are also possible, including a monolithic beam or a beam formed by separate segments joined together, for example, by welding. In an exemplary embodiment, the anchor beam 50 may have a generally hollow configuration with a generally square or rectangular cross-sectional profile. In an alternative embodiment, the anchor beam 50 may be solid. The anchor beam 50 may also have other cross-sectional profiles and configurations, which are still within the scope of the invention.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, the anchoring beam 50 has a generally square cross-section and includes an upper wall 58, a lower wall 60, a rear wall 62, and a front wall 64. Figure 3 As shown, when the support frame 28 is installed into the nacelle 14, the upper wall 58 of the anchor beam 50 is configured to face the lower wall 48 of the nacelle 14, the lower wall 60 is configured to face away from the nacelle 14 and towards the ground or platform (generally referred to herein as the working surface), the rear wall 62 is configured to face the rear of the nacelle 14, and the front wall 64 is configured to face the front of the load-bearing rotor 16 of the nacelle 14. The lifting cable 30 is configured to connect to the support frame 28. More specifically, and as... Figure 4As shown, for example, the lifting cable 30 is configured to connect to the lower wall 60 of the anchor beam 50. For this purpose, the lifting cable 30 can be connected via a rotary connector 66 to a protrusion hanging from the anchor beam 50, the rotary connector 66 allowing the lifting cable 30 to rotate relative to the anchor beam 50. In one embodiment, the rotary fastener 66 can be releasably connected to the anchor beam 50 such that the position of the lifting cable 30 can be adjusted to accommodate a specific arrangement of the blade maintenance platform 26. For example, the rotary fastener 66 can be threaded onto the anchor beam 50. Other releasable fasteners can also be used to connect the rotary fastener 66 to the anchor beam 50. Alternatively, the rotary fastener 66 can be fixedly attached to the anchor beam 50 such that their position along the beam is generally not adjustable. Additionally, the lifting cable 30 can be connected to the anchor beam 50 via other types of releasable or fixed connectors.

[0042] In one embodiment, the support frame 28 may further include one or more legs 68 to support the frame 28 on the work surface. In addition to supporting the support frame 28 generally on the work surface, the one or more legs 68 are also configured to space the anchor beam 50 from the work surface to allow the lifting cable 30 to be connected to the anchor beam 50. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in the figures, the anchor beam 50 includes a pair of legs 68 connected to opposing first ends 54 and second ends 56 of the anchor beam 50. When configured in this way, the anchor beam 50 can be stably arranged on the work surface, and its lower wall 60 is sufficiently spaced from the work surface to allow the rotating fastener 66 and the lifting cable 30 to be connected to the lower wall 60.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the support frame 28 may further include one or more tower guides 70 configured to engage with the tower 12 of the wind turbine 10 during the installation of the support frame 28 to / from the nacelle 14 and removal of the lower wall 60 from the nacelle 14. As an example, two tower guides 70 associated with the support frame 28 are illustrated, but the number of tower guides 70 may vary depending on the application. In an exemplary embodiment, one or more tower guides 70 may be coupled to the rear wall 62 of the anchor beam 50 to face and engage the tower 12 during the installation of the support frame 28 to and removal of the support frame 28 from the nacelle 14. In one embodiment, each tower guide 70 may include one or more roller elements, such as wheels 72. More specifically, as Figures 4 to 6As shown, each of one or more tower guides 70 may include a wheel carrier 74 having multiple wheels 72 (two shown), the wheel carrier 74 being coupled to the rear wall 62 of the anchor beam 50. At this point, the wheel carrier 74 may be connected to the anchor beam 50 by threads or other suitable connections, such as at a U-clamp (not shown). During the lifting of the anchor beam 50 from the working surface to the nacelle 14, as will be explained in more detail below, the wheels 72 may be configured to engage with and roll along the outer surface of the tower 12, thereby supporting and guiding the anchor beam 50 as it is lifted toward the nacelle 14. During the descent of the anchor beam 50 from the nacelle 14 to the working surface, the wheels 72 may also engage with and roll along the outer surface of the tower. While one or more tower guides 70 are described above as including wheels 72, it should be understood that the tower guides 70 may take other forms to support and guide the anchor beam 50 during installation into / removal from the nacelle 14. For example, one or more tower guides 70 may include one or more low-friction bearing pads or other rolling and / or sliding elements. Therefore, aspects of the tower guides 70 should not be limited to the wheel-based assemblies shown and described herein.

[0044] As described above, the support frame 28 includes a portion of a connection system 36 for attaching the support frame 28 to the cabin 14. More specifically, the support frame 28 includes at least one support frame connection member 42 that cooperates with at least one corresponding cabin connection member 40 to selectively attach and detach the support frame 28 from the cabin 14. Also as described above, the support frame connection member 42 may include a locking element 44 that cooperates with at least one cabin connection member 40 including a lock receiver 46. In an exemplary embodiment, as... Figure 5As best illustrated, for example, locking element 44 includes an elongated, generally cylindrical locking pin 80 formed as an elongated shaft having a head 82 at a first end and a removable locking nut 84 at its opposite second end. For example, the locking nut 84 can be threadedly attached to the second end of the locking pin 80. However, other releasable mechanisms are also possible. The head 82 of the locking pin 80 includes a pair of pawls 86 extending from opposite sides of the locking pin 80, such that the head 82 has a first length L1 along a first direction and a second length L2 along a second direction generally perpendicular to the first direction, the second length L2 being less than the first length L1. The purpose of this asymmetry in the structure of the head 82 will be explained in more detail below. In any case, the pawls 86 define a support surface 88, the purpose of which will also be explained in more detail below. Furthermore, the locking pin 80 includes a channel 90 extending from the head 82 through the locking pin 80 to the second end of the locking pin 80 that receives the locking nut 84. As explained in more detail below, locking element 44 is configured to receive guide cable 92, such as Figure 6 As shown, for example, it is used to lift the anchor beam 50 from the working surface to the nacelle 14 before using the blade approach system 24.

[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As best illustrated in the exemplary embodiment, the support frame 28 may include a plurality of locking elements, such as two locking elements 44, but the number of locking elements 44 may be more or less depending on the application. In one embodiment, locking elements 44 may be positioned adjacent to a first end 54 and a second end 56 of the anchor beam 50. However, in an alternative embodiment, locking elements 44 may be positioned along a central region 52 and / or along other locations of the anchor beam 50. In this regard, the anchor beam 50 may include a plurality of aligned openings 94 in the upper wall 58 and the lower wall 60, which allow a locking pin 80 to extend through the anchor beam 50 such that a head 82 is positioned adjacent to the upper wall 58 of the anchor beam 50, while a locking nut 84 is positioned adjacent to the lower wall 60 of the anchor beam 50. For example, when the locking nut 84 is removed from the locking pin 80, the pin 80 may be inserted into the opening 94 in the upper wall 58 such that the threaded end of the locking pin 80 extends through the aligned opening 94 in the lower wall 60. The locking nut 84 can then be screwed onto the locking pin 80, thereby securing the locking element 44 to the anchor beam 50 of the support frame 28.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, each locking element 44 may be secured to the support frame 28 such that the locking element 44 remains movable relative to the support frame 28 in at least one degree of freedom. In this regard, in one embodiment, a locking nut 84 may be secured to a locking pin 80 such that the locking pin 80 remains rotatable relative to the anchor beam 50 about its longitudinal axis. Additionally, the locking nut 84 may be secured to the locking pin 80 such that the distance between the support surface 88 of the head 82 and the upper surface of the locking nut 84 may be slightly greater than the distance between the upper wall 58 and the lower wall 60 of the anchor beam 50. Thus, when the guide cable 92 lifts the anchor beam 50 and the locking nut 84 abuts against the lower wall 60 of the anchor beam 50, a gap is formed between the head 82 of the locking pin 80 and the upper wall 58 of the anchor beam 50 (e.g., see...). Figure 15 In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the gap between the head 82 of the locking pin 80 and the upper wall 58 of the anchor beam 50 may be formed by a cylindrical spacer extending radially around the locking pin 80 directly below the support surface 88. In this alternative embodiment, the locking nut 84 may be fully tightened such that the bottom side of the spacer contacts the upper wall 58 of the anchor beam 50, creating a gap between the head 82 of the locking pin 80 and the upper wall 58 of the anchor beam 50. As explained below, this gap facilitates engagement of the locking element 44 associated with the support frame 28 and the locking receiver 46 associated with the cabin 14.

[0047] As discussed above, the cabin 14 also includes a portion of a connection system 36 for attaching / removing the support frame 28 to / from the cabin 14. More specifically, the cabin 14 includes at least one cabin connection member 40 that cooperates with at least one support frame connection member 42 to selectively attach and remove the support frame 28 from the cabin 14. Also as described above, in an exemplary embodiment, at least one cabin connection member 40 may include a lock receiver 46 that cooperates with at least one support frame connection member 42 including a locking element 44. In an exemplary embodiment, as... Figures 9 to 13 As shown, the lock receiver 46 includes a generally tubular or cylindrical socket 100 having an upper end 102, a lower end 104, and a channel 106 extending between the upper end 102 and the lower end 104. To provide sufficient structural support for the blade access system 24 (including the support frame 28), the lock receiver 46 is configured to be attached to a structural portion of the nacelle 14, rather than to the relatively weaker outer shell 38 of the nacelle 14. For example, as... Figure 9 As shown, the lock receiver 46 can be configured to be attached to the base plate 108 of the cabin 14. However, it should be recognized that the lock receiver 46 can be attached to another structural part of the cabin 14, and is still within the scope of the invention.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the base plate 108 may include one or more lugs 110 integrally formed with the base plate 108 (e.g., a cast base plate) and configured to engage with a corresponding lock receiver 46. For this purpose, the upper end 102 of the socket 100 may include a radial flange 112 (see...). Figures 14 to 19 The radial flange 112 has a plurality of openings 114 spaced circumferentially along the flange 112, and the lug 110 may similarly include a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings 116 configured to align with the flange openings 114 when the receptacle 100 engages the lug 110 and is oriented relative to the lug 110. Bolts 118 may be used to connect the receptacle 100 to the lug 110 of the base plate 108. While bolts 118 are used to connect the receptacle 110 to the base plate 108 of the cabin 14, other fastening methods (e.g., welding) may alternatively be used to connect the receptacle 100 to the lug 110 of the base plate 108, and aspects of the invention should not be limited to bolted connections. For the purposes of further description below, one or more lugs 110 include a main opening 120 that communicates with a passage 106 of the receptacle 100 when the receptacle 100 is engaged with the lug 110. This allows access to the passage 106 of the receptacle 100 from the interior of the cabin 14. In one embodiment, the main opening 120 in the lug 110 may be smaller than the channel 106 of the socket 100. For strength, the socket 100 is preferably made of metal (e.g., steel), but other materials are possible in alternative embodiments.

[0049] As described above, in one aspect of the invention, the lock receiver 46 is configured to be accessible from the outside of the cabin 14. Therefore, the socket 100 is configured to have a length such that its lower end 104 is accessible from the outside of the cabin 14. More specifically, the length of the socket 100 is such that the lower end 104 is flush with the outer surface of the housing 38 (e.g., lower wall 48), or possibly more preferably, extends slightly beyond the outer surface of the housing 38. When the socket 100 extends slightly beyond the outer surface of the housing 38, during the installation of the support frame 28 into the cabin 14, the support frame 28 is configured to avoid contact with the housing 38 of the cabin 14, but rather with the lower end 104 of the socket 100. In this way, the chance of damaging the cabin 14 during the installation of the support frame 28 is minimized or eliminated. When the socket 100 is flush with the outer surface of the housing 38, special care must be taken during installation to avoid excessive contact between the support frame 28 and the housing 38 of the cabin 14. In any case, the socket 100 is configured to span the distance between the outer shell 38 of the cabin 14 and the structural portion of the cabin 14 (e.g., base plate 108). Therefore, the structural aspects of the cabin 14 (e.g., base plate 108) can be accessed from the outside of the cabin 14 without having to repeatedly cut or otherwise form holes through the outer shell 38.

[0050] like Figures 14 to 19 As may be best illustrated, the lower end 104 of the socket 100 includes an end plate 122 that defines an opening or keyway 124 leading to a channel 106 of the socket 100. The keyway 124 may be configured to have an asymmetrical configuration. More specifically, the keyway 124 in the end plate 122 is configured to have a shape that substantially corresponds to the shape of the head 82 of the locking pin 80. When the locking pin 80 is in an aligned orientation (which may correspond to one or more rotational positions of the locking pin 80 about its axis), the head 82 of the locking pin 80 is allowed to pass through the keyway 124 and be received in the channel 106 of the socket 100. When the locking pin 80 is in an misaligned orientation, the locking pin 80 is not allowed to pass through the keyway 124 and enter the channel 106 of the socket 100. Therefore, the locking pin 80 is only allowed to be received within the corresponding socket 100 when it is oriented relative to the keyway 124 of the socket 100. When in the aligned position, the position of the locking pin 80 relative to the socket 100 is referred to herein as the unlocked position. In the unlocked position, the head 82 of the locking pin 80 can pass through the keyway 124 of the socket 100.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the keyway 124 of the socket 100 may be configured as a generally rectangular slot 126, having a first length (slightly greater than L1) in a first direction and a second length (slightly greater than L2) in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction, the second length being less than the first length. When the pawl 86 of the head 82 of the locking pin 80 is aligned with the length direction of the slot 126, the head 82 can pass through the slot 126, thereby allowing the locking pin 80 to be received in the channel 106 of the socket 100. When the pawl 86 of the head 82 of the locking pin 80 is not aligned with the length direction of the slot 126, the head 82 cannot pass through the slot 126, thereby preventing the locking pin 80 from being received in the socket 100. It should be understood that aspects of the invention are not limited to the keyway 124 being configured as a rectangular slot 126. In alternative embodiments, for example, the head 82 of the locking pin 80 and the keyway 124 of the socket 100 can have various shapes and arrangements, as long as they allow the locking pin 80 to enter the socket 100 when in a first relative position, and prevent the locking pin 80 from entering the socket 100 when not in the first relative position. Therefore, the keyway 124 is not limited to the slot structures shown and described herein.

[0052] In another aspect of the connection system 36, once the locking pin 80 is received in the channel 106 of the receptacle 100, the locking pin 80 remains movable (e.g., rotatable) relative to the receptacle 100 to move the locking pin 80 out of the aligned position and into the misaligned position. When the locking pin 80 is rotated into the misaligned orientation, the head 82 of the locking pin 80 is prevented from disengaging from the keyway 124 in the end plate 122 of the receptacle 100, thereby confining the head 82 within the receptacle 100. Thus, the locking pin 80 is locked to the receptacle 100. The position of the locking pin 108 relative to the receptacle 100 when in the misaligned position is referred to herein as the locked position. As described above, the keyway 124 may be configured as a slot 126. When the locking pin 80 is in the locked position, the pawl 86 of the head 82 is no longer aligned with the length dimension of the slot 126, but instead covers the upper surface 128 of the end plate 122. More specifically, the pawl 86 of the head 82 of the locking pin 80 (and even more specifically, the support surface 88 of the pawl 86) is configured to engage with the upper surface 128 of the end plate 122 to support the load provided by the blade approach system 24 during use.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface 128 of the end plate 122 may include one or more bosses 130 configured to limit the degree of rotation of the locking pin 80 relative to the socket 100 after the head 82 of the locking pin 80 has passed through the keyway 124. By way of example and not limitation, one or more bosses 130 may be positioned to limit the relative rotation between the locking pin 80 and the socket 100 to less than or equal to about 90 degrees. This will maximize the area of ​​the support surface 88 that engages with the upper surface 128 of the end plate 122.

[0054] On another aspect of the connection system 36, the rotation of the locking pin 80 relative to the socket 100 between the unlocked and locked positions can be achieved from inside the nacelle 14. This avoids requiring personnel outside the nacelle 14 to connect the support frame 28 of the blade access system 24 to the nacelle 14 of the wind turbine 10. Instead, the connection between the support frame 28 of the blade access system 24 and the nacelle 14 can be achieved by personnel located inside the nacelle 14. For this purpose, the connection system 36 may include one or more keys 132 for rotating the locking pin 80 from the unlocked position to the locked position (and vice versa). In an exemplary embodiment, as... Figures 14 to 19As shown, key 132 may include an elongated body 134 having a first end defining a pin interface 136, a second end defining a gripping portion 138, and a channel 140 extending between the first and second ends. The elongated body 134 may be sized to fit within a main opening 120 of one or more lugs 110, thereby approaching the head 82 of a locking pin 80 within a channel 106 of the receptacle 100. The pin interface 136 is configured to engage the head 82 of the locking pin 80 such that, when engaged, rotation of key 132 causes a corresponding rotation of the locking pin 80. For example, in one embodiment, key interface 136 may include a pair of opposing slots opening toward an end of body 134 and configured to tightly receive the head 82 of the locking pin 80 therein. However, it should be understood that key interface 136 may have various configurations depending on the configuration of the head 82. In one embodiment, for example, key 132 may be configured to be manually rotated, and gripping portion 138 may be configured to be engaged by a technician. In another embodiment, key 132 may be configured to be rotated with a tool, and gripping portion 138 may be configured to engage with the tool.

[0055] To prevent water and other debris from entering the interior of the cabin 14, the connection system 36 may also include a cover (not shown). In one embodiment, the cover may take the form of a plug located within the main opening 120 of one or more lugs 110 to block passage through the lugs 110. Alternatively, the cover may include a cap located on top of the lugs 110 to cover the main opening 120. Furthermore, the cover may include a hinged door or opener covering a keyway 124 in the end plate 122 of the receptacle 100, which is biased toward a closed position and moved to an open position only by engaging with a locking pin 80. Regardless of the design, the cover should open automatically when engaged by the locking pin 80, or be selectively removed from the interior of the cabin 14 when the blade is used to approach the system 24. Additionally, a seal or other blocking element (not shown) may also be positioned between the outer wall of the receptacle 100 and the inner periphery of an opening in the housing 38 through which the receptacle 100 is positioned.

[0056] The connection system 36 has been described in detail above and will be referred to... Figures 9 to 19This describes how the connection system 36 is used to connect the support frame 28 of the blade access system 24 to the nacelle 14 of the wind turbine 10. For the purposes of this description, it should be remembered that the lock receiver 46 associated with the nacelle 14 is constructed as a permanent part of the nacelle structure. For example, the lock receiver 46 may be part of the original manufacture of the nacelle 14 or may be from a refurbishment of an existing wind turbine 10. In either case, when blade servicing is desired, such as by performing inspection, maintenance, repair, or other treatment on the blade 20, the rotor 16 of the wind turbine 10 may be rotated until the desired blade 20 is pointed in a downward direction substantially parallel to the tower 12. The support frame 28 of the blade access system 24 may be positioned on a working surface below the desired blade 20 and adjacent to the base of the tower 12, and the support frame 28 may have been towed to the wind turbine site by truck or ship. As discussed above, the support frame 28 may be supported on the working surface by one or more outriggers 68. When the support frame 28 is on the working surface, the lifting cable 30 can be connected to the anchor beam 50 of the support frame 28, for example, by rotating fastener 66, and the outrigger 68 raises the anchor beam 50 away from the working surface by a certain amount to facilitate the attachment of the lifting cable 30.

[0057] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown, one or more winches 144 may be positioned within the nacelle 14 and adjacent to one or more lugs 110 of the base plate 108 of the nacelle 14. More specifically, each winch 144 may be positioned generally above the lug 110 such that the guide cable 92 associated with the winch 144 may be generally aligned with the main opening 120 in the lug 110. In one embodiment, the winch 144 may form a permanent part of the nacelle 14 of the wind turbine 10. However, in an alternative embodiment, the winch 144 may be temporary and brought to and secured to the nacelle 14 for specific purposes of inspection, maintenance, and / or repair using the blade access system 24. In any case, the winch 144 is configured to release and retrieve the respective guide cable 92, and the weight of the winch 144 is rated to collectively support at least the support frame 28 (not necessarily the entire blade access system 24) during the lifting of the support frame 28 into the nacelle 14.

[0058] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the end 146 of the guide cable 92 passes through the channel 140 of the key 132, such that the key 132 is positioned around the cable 92 but remains slidable relative to the key 132. Then, the end 146 of the guide cable 92 passes through the main opening 120 in the lug 110, through the channel 106 and keyway 124 of the socket 100, and exits from the nacelle 14. The winch 144 can be actuated to lower the end 146 of the guide cable 92 toward the working surface, as... Figure 10As indicated by the arrow in the diagram. From here, the end 146 of the guide cable 92 can be connected to the support frame 28. More specifically, and in another aspect of the invention, the guide cable 92 can be configured to connect to a locking element 44 on the support frame 28. Thus, when the support frame 28 is raised toward the nacelle 14 by the winch 144, the locking element 44 automatically aligns with a locking receiver 46 on the nacelle 14, through which the guide cable 92 extends. In other words, because the guide cable 92 extends through the locking receiver 46 on the nacelle 14 and the locking element 44 on the support frame 28, these features become self-aligned due to the lifting process. Therefore, personnel do not need to be outside the nacelle 14 to align the connecting members 40, 42 of the connection system 36.

[0059] In one embodiment, to attach the guide cable 92 to the locking element 44, the end 146 of the guide cable 92 is inserted through the channel 90 of the locking pin 80. Once the guide cable 92 has been fed through the locking pin 80, a selectively removable blocking member 148 may be attached to the end 146 of the guide cable 92 to prevent the end 146 from moving back through the channel 90 of the locking pin 80. The locking pin 80 may be rotated to the unlocked position before the support frame 28 is lifted off the working surface. This may be done manually or using suitable tools. In either case, the guide cable 92 is now attached to the support frame 28, and the winch 144 may be actuated to retract the guide cable 92 and lift the support frame 28 upward along the tower 12 toward the nacelle 14. For example, Figure 11 The diagram shows the support frame 28 when it is raised and approaches the lower wall 48 of the nacelle 14. As the support frame 28 is raised toward the nacelle 14, the tower guide 70 can contact the tower 12.

[0060] As described above, because the guide cable 92 extends through both the socket 100 and the locking pin 80, the two connecting elements 40, 42 of the connecting system 36 are self-aligned. Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, when the support frame 28 is close to the nacelle 14 and the locking pin 80 is in the unlocked position, the head 82 of the locking pin 80 aligns with the keyway 124 of the socket 100 and is allowed to pass through the keyway 124 and be positioned in the channel 106 of the socket 100. For example, the winch 144 can be activated until the upper wall 58 of the anchor beam 50 engages externally with the lower wall 48 of the nacelle 14 or with the lower end 104 of the socket 100 (where the socket 100 extends beyond the outer surface of the lower wall 48). Figure 16 As shown, the head 82 of the locking pin 80 is positioned above, for example slightly above, the upper surface 128 of the end plate 122. This arrangement provides clearance to allow the locking pin 82 to rotate relative to the socket 100.

[0061] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, key 132 can be lowered along guide cable 92 such that pin interface 136 is inserted through main opening 120 in lug 110 and into channel 106 of socket 110 to engage with head 82 of locking pin 80 located in channel 106. Key 132 can then be rotated from inside cabin 14 to move locking pin 80 from unlocked position to locked position. Rotation of key 132 can be done manually or with a tool. In either case, in the locked position, pawl 86 of head 82 of locking pin 80 (now in...) Figure 18 and Figure 19 The extension plate (into and out of the paper) covers the upper surface 128 of the end plate 122, and the locking pin 80 is prevented from returning through the keyway 124 and disengaging from the socket 100. Thus, the support frame 28 of the blade approach system 24 is now securely connected to the nacelle 14 via the connection system 36.

[0062] From here, the blade maintenance platform 26 can be positioned on the working surface below the blade 20 and adjacent to the base of the tower 12, and is operatively connected to a plurality of lifting cables 30 extending from a support frame 28 mounted on the lower wall 48 of the nacelle 14. The connection of the lifting cables 30 to the blade maintenance platform 26 is known, as is the operation of the blade maintenance platform 26 to move the platform along the length of the wind turbine blade 20. Therefore, these aspects will not be described further here.

[0063] When the work performed with the blade access system 24 is completed (i.e., work on one or more wind turbine blades 20 of the wind turbine 10), the blade access system 24 can be disassembled in substantially the reverse order. At this point, the blade maintenance platform 26 can be lowered to the working surface and disconnected from the lifting cable 30. The key 132 can be lowered along the guide cable 92 such that the pin interface 136 is inserted through the main opening 120 in the lug 110 and into the channel 106 of the socket 110 to engage with the head 82 of the locking pin 80 located in the channel 106. The key 132 can then be rotated from inside the nacelle 14 to move the locking pin 80 from the locked position to the unlocked position. The rotation of the key 132 can be done manually or with a tool. This is, of course, done while the support frame 28 is supported by the guide cable 92 of the winch 144. In any case, in the unlocked position, the pawl 86 of the head 82 of the locking pin 80 aligns with the keyway 124 in the end plate 122 of the socket 100, and the locking pin 80 is allowed to return through the keyway 124 and disengage from the socket 100. Therefore, the support frame 28 of the blade approach system 24 can now be separated from the nacelle 14. At this point, the winch 144 can be activated, for example, to release the guide cable 92 and lower the support frame 28 from the nacelle 14 toward the working surface.

[0064] Once on the working surface, the support frame 28 can be detached from the guide cable 92, and the guide cable 92 can be retracted toward the winch 144. Multiple hoisting cables 30 can be removed from the support frame 28 and stored. If the winch 144 is temporary, they can be removed from the nacelle 14 at this time. A cover can then be placed on or within the nacelle connection member 40 to restrict air, water, and other debris from entering the interior of the nacelle 14 through the nacelle connection member 40. The cover can be added to the nacelle connection member 40 from inside the nacelle 14.

[0065] Figure 20 An alternative embodiment of the support frame 28 according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the support frame 28 includes an overhang 152 (only one shown) coupled to each of the first end 54 and the second end 56 of the anchor beam 50. Each overhang 152 includes a generally triangular frame 154 formed by three elongated struts 156 joined together, for example, in a triangular configuration. A first intersection or angle 158 of the frame 154 is configured to be operatively coupled to the ends 54, 56 of the anchor beam 50. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the ends 54, 56 of the anchor beam 50 include a cylindrical shaft 160 extending away from the ends 54, 56 of the beam 50, and the overhang 152 includes a hole or aperture 162 configured to rotatably receive the shaft 160 therein. This arrangement allows the overhang 152 to rotate relative to the anchor beam 50 about an axis defined by the shaft 160. The overhang 152 can then be securely but rotatably mounted on the shaft 160.

[0066] Another intersection or corner 164 of the triangular frame 154 may include one or more tower guides 166 configured to engage with the tower 12 of the wind turbine 10 during the installation of the support frame 28 into the nacelle 14. In one embodiment, the tower guide 70 may include a wheel frame 74 having a plurality of wheels 72 (two shown). During the lifting of the anchor beam 50 from the working surface to the nacelle 14, the wheels 72 may be configured to engage with and roll along the outer surface of the tower 12, thereby supporting and guiding the anchor beam 50 as it is lifted toward the nacelle 14. Similarly, one or more tower guides 166 may include one or more low-friction bearing pads or other rolling and / or sliding elements.

[0067] The third intersection or angle 168 of the triangular frame 154 may include an attachment plate 170 configured to receive one or more lifting cables 30 of the blade approach system 30. More specifically, the attachment plate 170 may be configured to engage one or more rotating fasteners 66, for example, for attaching to the respective lifting cable 30.

[0068] While the invention has been described through various preferred embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in detail, the applicant does not intend to limit the scope of the appended claims or restrict them in any way to such details. Other advantages and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, various features of the invention can be used alone or in any combination, according to the user's needs and preferences.

Claims

1. A blade access system (24) for servicing at least one blade (20) of a wind turbine (10), the wind turbine (10) including a tower (12), a nacelle (14) connected to the tower (12), and a rotor (16) connected to the nacelle (14) and having the at least one blade (20), the blade access system (24) comprising: Support frame (28) configured to be connected to the cabin (14). Multiple lifting cables (30) are configured to be connected to the support frame (28). as well as A blade maintenance platform (26) is configured to be connected to the plurality of lifting cables (30) and to move along the at least one blade (20) using the plurality of lifting cables (30). The support frame (28) includes at least one support frame connecting member (42), which is configured to be selectively attached to and detached from at least one cabin connecting member (40) included in the cabin (14). The at least one support frame connecting member (42) is configured to cooperate with the at least one cabin connecting member (40) to define an unlock position and a lock position, the unlock position being configured to allow the support frame (28) to be attached to the cabin (14) and to allow the support frame (28) to be separated from the cabin (14), and the lock position being configured to prevent the support frame (28) from being separated from the cabin (14).

2. The blade approach system (24) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one support frame connecting member (42) is movable relative to the support frame (28) between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to the unlocked position relative to the cabin connecting member (40), and wherein the second position corresponds to the locked position relative to the cabin connecting member (40).

3. The blade approach system (24) according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one support frame connecting member (42) is rotatable relative to the support frame (28) between the first position and the second position.

4. The blade approach system (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The at least one support frame connecting member (42) includes a locking pin (80), the locking pin (80) comprising: Slender shaft; The enlarged head (82) at the first end of the elongated shaft; and A locking nut (84) is attached to the second end of the elongated shaft.

5. The blade approach system (24) according to claim 4, wherein, The locking pin (80) includes a channel (90) extending from the enlarged head (82) to the second end of the elongated shaft.

6. The blade approach system (24) according to claim 4, wherein, The enlarged head (82) is generally rectangular, the rectangle including a first side having a first length and a second side having a second length, wherein the second length is less than the first length.

7. The blade approach system (24) according to claim 4, wherein, The support frame (28) includes an anchor beam (50) defining an upper wall, a lower wall, a rear wall, a front wall, a first end, and a second end, wherein the plurality of lifting cables (30) are configured to be connected to the lower wall of the anchor beam (50), and the locking pin (80) extends through the anchor beam (50) such that the enlarged head (82) is adjacent to the upper wall and the locking nut (84) is adjacent to the lower wall.

8. The blade approach system (24) according to claim 7, wherein, The support frame (28) also includes at least one tower guide (70) which is coupled to the rear wall of the anchor beam (50) and configured to engage with the tower (12) of the wind turbine (10) during the installation of the support frame (28) into the nacelle (14).

9. The blade approach system (24) according to claim 7, wherein, The support frame (28) also includes a foot (68) adjacent to the first and second ends of the anchor beam (50) and configured to support the support frame (28) on the working surface.

10. The blade approach system (24) according to claim 7, wherein, The support frame (28) also includes: A first extension bracket (152) is configured to be rotatably mounted to the first end of the anchor beam (50); and A second extension bracket (152) is configured to be rotatably mounted to the second end of the anchor beam (50). Each of the first outrigger (152) and the second outrigger (152) includes at least one tower guide (166) configured to engage with the tower (12) of the wind turbine (10) during the installation of the support frame (28) on the nacelle (14).

11. The blade approach system (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the blade approach system further comprising a key (132) for positioning the at least one nacelle connection member (40) and the at least one support frame connection member (42) in the locked position and the unlocked position.

12. The blade approach system (24) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The support frame (28) includes multiple support frame connecting members (42).

13. A nacelle (14) for a wind turbine (10), the nacelle being configured to be connected to a blade access system (24) for servicing at least one blade (20) of the wind turbine (10), the blade access system (24) including a support frame (28), a plurality of lifting cables (30) and a blade servicing platform (26), the nacelle (14) comprising: Internal structural framework; An outer casing (38) is attached to and disposed around the internal structural frame; as well as At least one nacelle connection member (40) is coupled to the internal structural frame and configured to selectively attach to and separate from at least one support frame connection member (42) included in the support frame (28) of the blade approach system (24), the at least one nacelle connection member (40) extending from the internal structural frame to the outer shell (38) for access from the outside of the nacelle (14). The at least one cabin connection member (40) is configured to cooperate with the at least one support frame connection member (42) to define an unlock position and a lock position, the unlock position being configured to allow the support frame (28) to be attached to the cabin (14) and to allow the support frame (28) to be separated from the cabin (14), and the lock position being configured to prevent the support frame (28) from being separated from the cabin (14).

14. The cabin (14) according to claim 13, wherein, The internal structural frame includes a base plate (108), wherein at least one cabin connection member (40) is connected to the base plate (108).

15. The cabin (14) according to claim 14, wherein, The base plate (108) includes at least one lug (110) having an opening (120) extending through the at least one lug (110), and wherein the at least one cabin connection member (40) is coupled to the at least one lug (110).

16. The cabin (14) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The outer shell (38) includes a lower wall (48), wherein at least one cabin connection member (40) extends from the internal structural frame to the lower wall (48) so as to be accessible from the outside of the cabin (14).

17. The cabin (14) according to claim 16, wherein, The end of the cabin connecting member (40) is substantially flush with or extends beyond the outer surface of the lower wall (48).

18. The cabin (14) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The at least one cabin connection member (40) includes a socket (100), the socket (100) comprising: A tubular body having a first end, a second end, and a channel extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is attached to the internal structural frame, and the second end is adjacent to the outer shell (38) and accessible from the outside of the cabin (14); and A keyway (124) adjacent to the second end of the tubular body and configured to allow or prevent the socket (100) from engaging with the at least one support frame connecting member (42).

19. The cabin (14) according to claim 18, wherein, The first end of the tubular body includes a flange (112) for attachment to the internal structural frame, and the second end of the tubular body includes an end plate (122) in which the keyway (124) is formed.

20. The cabin (14) according to claim 18, wherein, The keyway (124) is constructed as a generally rectangular groove (126), the groove including a first side having a first length and a second side having a second length, wherein the second length is less than the first length.

21. The cabin (14) according to claim 19, wherein, The end plate (122) also includes a boss (130) for restricting the movement of the support frame connecting member (42) when the support frame connecting member (42) engages with the cabin connecting member (40).

22. The cabin (14) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein, The cabin (14) includes multiple cabin connection components (40).

23. A method for servicing at least one blade (20) of a wind turbine (10) together with a blade access system (24) and a nacelle (14) of the wind turbine (10), in, The blade approach system (24) includes a support frame (28), multiple lifting cables (30), and a blade maintenance platform (26). The wind turbine (10) includes a tower (12), a nacelle (14) connected to the tower (12), and a rotor (16) connected to the nacelle (14) and having at least one blade (20). The support frame (28) includes at least one support frame connecting member (42), the cabin (14) includes at least one cabin connecting member (40) accessible from the outside of the cabin (14), and the at least one support frame connecting member (42) is configured to cooperate with the at least one cabin connecting member (40) to define an unlocked position and a locked position, the unlocked position being configured to allow the support frame (28) to be attached to the cabin (14) and to allow the support frame (28) to be separated from the cabin (14), and the locked position being configured to prevent the support frame (28) from being separated from the cabin (14). The method includes: Position the support frame (28) on the working surface, adjacent to the tower (12). The at least one support frame connecting member (42) and the at least one cabin connecting member (40) are arranged in the unlocked position; Raise the support frame (28) from the working surface toward the cabin (14); Engage the at least one support frame connecting member (42) with the at least one cabin connecting member (40); and The at least one support frame connecting member (42) and the at least one cabin connecting member (40) are arranged in the locked position, thereby attaching the support frame (28) to the cabin (14).

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The at least one cabin connecting member (40) is fixed to the cabin (14), and wherein the at least one support frame connecting member (42) is movable relative to the support frame (28) between a first position and a second position, wherein the first position corresponds to the unlocked position relative to the cabin connecting member (40), and wherein the second position corresponds to the locked position relative to the cabin connecting member (40). The arrangement of the at least one support frame connecting member (42) and the at least one cabin connecting member (40) in the unlocked position further includes: positioning the at least one support frame connecting member (42) in the first position, and Arranging the at least one support frame connecting member (42) and the at least one cabin connecting member (40) in the locked position further includes: positioning the at least one support frame connecting member (42) in the second position.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein, Positioning the at least one support frame connecting member (42) in the first position further includes: rotating the support frame connecting member (42) to the first position, and wherein positioning the at least one support frame connecting member (42) in the second position further includes: rotating the support frame connecting member (42) to the second position.

26. The method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein, Arranging the at least one support frame connecting member (42) and the at least one cabin connecting member (40) in the locked position further includes: The at least one support frame connecting member (42) is engaged with the key (132) from inside the cabin (14); and Move the key (132) to position the at least one support frame connecting member (42) in the second position.

27. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein, Raising the support frame (28) from the working surface toward the cabin (14) further includes: At least one winch (144) is provided in the cabin (14) adjacent to the at least one cabin connection member (40), the at least one winch (144) being capable of releasing and retrieving a guide cable (92) having an end. The end of the guide cable (92) is inserted through the at least one cabin connection member (40). The guide cable (92) is connected to at least one support frame connecting member (42) on the support frame (28); and Actuate at least one winch (144) to raise the support frame (28) from the working surface toward the nacelle (14). When the support frame (28) approaches the cabin (14), the at least one support frame connecting member (42) and the at least one cabin connecting member (40) are aligned with each other.

28. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising: When the support frame (28) is on the working surface, the plurality of lifting cables (30) are connected to the support frame (28).

29. The method according to any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising: Position the blade maintenance platform (26) on the working surface, adjacent to the tower (12). as well as The plurality of lifting cables (30) are attached to the blade maintenance platform (26), thereby allowing the blade maintenance platform (26) to move along the length of the at least one blade (20).

30. The method according to claim 24 or 25, further comprising: The at least one support frame connecting member (42) and the at least one cabin connecting member (40) are arranged in the unlocked position; Disconnecting the at least one support frame connecting member (42) from the at least one cabin connecting member (40), thereby separating the support frame (28) from the cabin (14); and The support frame (28) is lowered from the cabin (14) toward the working surface.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein, Arranging the at least one support frame connecting member (42) and the at least one cabin connecting member (40) in the unlocked position further includes: positioning the at least one support frame connecting member (42) in the first position.

Images