A self-elevating wind power installation device and a working method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a self-elevating wind power installation device and a working method thereof, and the device comprises a mounting frame, a crawling mechanism fixedly connected to the inner side of the mounting frame, and a motor group cabin fixedly connected to the top of the mounting frame, wherein the crawling mechanism comprises a support fixedly connected to the mounting frame, a driving wheel rotatably connected to the support, a first telescopic oil cylinder and a rocker arm connected to the support, a crawler frame connected to the other end of the first telescopic oil cylinder and the rocker arm, driving wheels arranged at the two ends of the crawler frame, and a crawler belt arranged on the surface of the crawler frame, and the mounting frame is mounted on a first section of a tower drum. The application simplifies the tower drum mounting steps, and can be used for not only the installation of newly-built wind power, but also the daily maintenance of wind power generators.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of wind turbine technology, and in particular to a self-elevating installation device for wind turbines and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of wind turbines, the capacity of individual units is constantly increasing. By using large wind turbines, the number of units is reduced, and the investment in foundations, cables, installation, and operation will be reduced, thereby lowering the overall cost per kilowatt-hour of wind power.

[0003] The increasing size of wind turbines means longer blades and a higher hub center height. Currently, there are two main installation options: 1) Use larger cranes or crane vessels for lifting; 2) New wind power installation methods, such as the Davis Wind Lift System (DWLS), WL Lift System, and the creeping system developed by Sensewind and Liftra.

[0004] Using larger cranes or crane vessels for hoisting has the following disadvantages: larger lifting equipment means higher installation costs; as the single-unit capacity of wind turbines is upgraded at an increasing rate, the lifting equipment will also be updated, resulting in a large amount of idle and wasted previous generation lifting equipment. The disadvantages of the first two new wind turbine installation methods are: ① poor adaptability, unable to provide solutions for the installation of offshore wind turbines; ② tower installation requires time and capital costs. The disadvantages of the latter two crawling installation methods are: ① only applicable to towers from specific manufacturers, i.e., crawling tracks need to be pre-set during the tower production stage; ② during tower installation, the tracks of the two towers need to be aligned, increasing the steps and difficulty of tower installation; ③ after the wind turbine is installed, the tracks have corrosion defects, which is not conducive to future maintenance and has poor aesthetics.

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the overall background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-elevating installation device for wind turbines and its working method, which simplifies the tower installation steps and can be used not only for the installation of new wind power plants, but also for the daily maintenance of wind turbines.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented using the following technical solution: A self-elevating wind turbine installation device includes: an installation frame, a crawling mechanism, a generator nacelle, and a tower lifting mechanism; A movable crawling mechanism is provided inside the mounting frame, a motor unit nacelle is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting frame, and a tower lifting mechanism is provided on the mounting frame. The crawling mechanism includes a bracket, a rocker arm, a drive wheel, a first telescopic cylinder, a track, and a track frame. The bracket is fixedly connected to the mounting frame. The rocker arm is rotatably connected to the bracket. The first telescopic cylinder is connected to the bracket. The other end of the first telescopic cylinder and the rocker arm is connected to the track frame. Drive wheels are provided at both ends of the track frame. Tracks are provided on the surface of the track frame.

[0008] By adopting the above solution, the installation frame can climb upwards along the installed tower using a crawling mechanism, and then the uninstalled tower can be lifted by a lifting mechanism, which simplifies the tower installation process. The crawling mechanism can also be used during routine maintenance.

[0009] Optionally, a frame window is provided in the middle of the mounting frame, and a crawling mechanism is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting frame.

[0010] Optionally, the mounting frame includes a detachable structure, which includes two connecting frames. The two connecting frames are connected at both ends by a first pin and a second pin. The top of each of the two connecting frames is provided with a mounting block, and a second telescopic cylinder is connected between the mounting blocks.

[0011] Optionally, the pin hole connecting the rocker arm and the bracket is an oblong hole.

[0012] Optionally, the contact surface between the track and the turret is curved, and the track is made of a high-friction, resilient, and wear-resistant material.

[0013] Optionally, the height of the frame window is slightly larger than that of the tower.

[0014] Optionally, the operating method of the self-elevating wind power installation device, S1: Install the first tower section on the ground and install the mounting frame on the first tower section; S2: The motor unit nacelle is installed on the top of the mounting frame. The mounting frame extends and retracts according to the tower radius marking via the first telescopic hydraulic cylinder, driving the rocker arm to rotate. The slope of the entire support is adjusted according to the slope of the tower so that the track can fit against the tower. The drive wheel drives the track to rotate, so that the crawling mechanism can drive the tower to rise and fall under the friction between the track and the tower, climbing to the top of the first tower section. S3: The tower to be installed is lifted and installed into the installation frame by the tower lifting mechanism. With the help of the auxiliary crane, the fan blade is installed. Repeat steps S1 and S2 until all towers are installed. S4: Then, the climbing mechanism lowers the mounting frame to a suitable height, and the generator nacelle is installed on the tower. The mounting frame continues to descend to the ground and is then removed.

[0015] Optionally, the removal includes: Pull out the second pin, the second telescopic cylinder retracts, the two connecting frames rotate around the first pin, the two connecting frames open, and the mounting frame is removed.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects achieved by the present invention are as follows: 1. The climbing structure drives the installation frame to move up and down, moving the tower lifting structure to a suitable height for installation. It is easy to disassemble and does not require the purchase of new large-scale lifting machinery. With the assistance of existing lifting machinery, the installation of large wind turbine units can be completed, resulting in considerable economic benefits. 2. This device facilitates the daily maintenance, repair, and replacement of wind turbine units. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic diagram and sectional view of a self-elevating wind power installation device. Figure 2 This invention provides a sectional view of a self-elevating wind power installation device. Figure 3 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the closed mounting frame of a self-elevating wind power installation device. Figure 4 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the disassembly of the installation frame of a self-elevating wind power installation device. Figure 5 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the crawling structure of a self-elevating wind power installation device. Figure 6 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the crawling structure with variable diameter for a self-elevating wind power installation device. Figure 7 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the frame of a self-elevating wind power installation device. Figure 8 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the pin hole of a self-elevating wind power installation device; Figure 9This invention provides a schematic diagram of the track contact surface of a self-elevating wind power installation device.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: In the diagram: 1. Generator unit nacelle; 2. Mounting frame; 2.1. Top of frame; 2.2. Frame window; 2.3. Bottom of frame; 2.4. Second telescopic cylinder; 2.5. First pin; 2.6. Second pin; 3. Tower lifting mechanism; 4. Crawling mechanism; 4.1. Drive wheel; 4.2. Rocker arm; 4.3. First telescopic cylinder; 4.4. Track; 4.5. Track frame; 4.6. Support; 5. Tower. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Example

[0021] A self-elevating wind power installation device, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it includes an installation frame 2, a crawling mechanism 4, a generator nacelle 1, a tower 5, and a lifting mechanism 3; A movable crawling mechanism 4 is provided inside the mounting frame 2. The motor unit nacelle 1 is fixedly connected to the top of the mounting frame 2. A tower 5 lifting mechanism 3 is installed on the mounting frame 2. The crawling mechanism 4 includes a bracket 4.6, a rocker arm 4.2, a drive wheel 4.1, a first telescopic cylinder 4.3, a track 4.4, and a track frame 4.5. The bracket 4.6 is fixedly connected to the mounting frame 2. The rocker arm 4.2 is rotatably connected to the bracket 4.6. The first telescopic cylinder 4.3 is connected to the bracket 4.6. The other end of the first telescopic cylinder 4.3 and the rocker arm 4.2 is connected to the track frame 4.5. Drive wheels 4.1 are provided at both ends of the track frame 4.5. Tracks 4.4 are provided on the surface of the track frame 4.5. The first telescopic cylinder 4.3 extends and retracts according to the radius marking of the tower 5, driving the rocker arm 4.2 to rotate. Based on the slope of tower 5, the slope of the entire support 4.6 is adjusted so that the track 4.4 can fit against tower 5. The drive wheel 4.1 drives the track 4.4 to rotate, so that the crawling mechanism 4 can drive tower 5 to rise and fall under the friction between the track 4.4 and tower 5. The adjustment of the first telescopic cylinder 4.3 and rocker arm 4.2 makes the track 4.4 fit against tower 5 and generate friction between them, thereby maintaining the balance of the entire device on tower 5. The slope of tower 5 also increases the stability of the entire device. The crawling mechanism 4 drives the installation frame 2 and tower 5 lifting mechanism 3 to install tower 5, which simplifies the installation steps of tower 5. There is no need to purchase new large lifting machinery. With the assistance of existing lifting machinery, the installation of large wind turbine units can be completed, which is economically beneficial.

[0022] like Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the top of the mounting frame 2 is fixedly connected to the motor unit nacelle 1, the middle of the mounting frame 2 is provided with a frame window 2.2, the bottom of the mounting frame 2 is fixedly connected to the crawling mechanism 4, the height of the frame window 2.2 is slightly higher than the single tower section 5, and the single tower section 5 lifted by the tower section lifting mechanism 3 is placed into the center of the mounting frame 2 through the frame window 2.2.

[0023] like Figure 8 As shown, the pin hole connecting the rocker arm 4.2 and the bracket 4.6 is an oblong hole, which facilitates the adjustment of the slope of the entire track frame 4.5 and track 4.4.

[0024] like Figure 9 As shown, the contact surface of track 4.4 is curved, and track 4.4 is made of high friction rebound wear-resistant material to ensure the friction between track 4.4 and tower 5. Example

[0025] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the mounting frame 2 includes a detachable structure, which includes two connecting frames. The two connecting frames are connected at both ends by a first pin 2.5 and a second pin 2.6. The top of each of the two connecting frames is provided with a mounting block, and a second telescopic cylinder 2.4 is connected between the mounting blocks. The mounting frame 2 is removed by pulling out the second pin 2.6, which causes the second telescopic cylinder 2.4 to retract. The two connecting frames rotate around the pin, and the two connecting frames open, thus removing the mounting frame 2. This simplifies the installation process of the tower 5. Example

[0026] S1: Install the first tower section 5 on the ground, and install the mounting frame 2 on the first tower section 5; S2: The motor unit nacelle 1 is installed on the top of the mounting frame 2. The mounting frame 2 extends and retracts according to the radius marking of the tower 5 via the first telescopic cylinder 4.3, which drives the rocker arm 4.2 to rotate. According to the slope of the tower 5, the slope of the entire support 4.6 is adjusted so that the track 4.4 can fit against the tower 5. The drive wheel 4.1 drives the track 4.4 to rotate, so that the crawling mechanism 4 can drive the tower 5 to rise and fall under the friction between the track 4.4 and the tower 5, and climb to the top of the first section of the tower 5. S3: The tower 5 to be installed is lifted and installed into the installation frame 2 by the tower 5 lifting mechanism 3. The fan blade is installed with the help of the auxiliary crane. Repeat steps S1 and S2 until all tower 5 are installed. S4: Then, the mounting frame 2 is lowered to a suitable height by the crawling mechanism 4, and the generator nacelle 1 is installed on the tower 5. The mounting frame 2 continues to descend to the ground and is then removed.

[0027] It is simple and convenient to operate, saving the installation cost of tower 5, and is easy to install and can be used in daily maintenance.

[0028] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "up," "down," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement between components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. These terms are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0029] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first," "second," etc., may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for operating a self-elevating wind power installation device, characterized in that, The self-elevating wind power installation device includes: an installation frame (2), a crawling mechanism (4), a generator nacelle (1), and a tower lifting mechanism (3). The mounting frame (2) is provided with a movable crawling mechanism (4) on its inner side, and the top of the mounting frame (2) is fixedly connected to the motor unit nacelle (1). The mounting frame (2) is provided with a tower lifting mechanism (3). The crawling mechanism (4) includes a bracket (4.6), a rocker arm (4.2), a drive wheel (4.1), a first telescopic cylinder (4.3), a track (4.4), and a track frame (4.5). The bracket (4.6) is fixedly connected to the mounting frame (2). The rocker arm (4.2) is rotatably connected to the bracket (4.6). The first telescopic cylinder (4.3) is connected to the bracket (4.6). The other end of the first telescopic cylinder (4.3) and the rocker arm (4.2) is connected to the track frame (4.5). The two ends of the track frame (4.5) are provided with drive wheels (4.1). The surface of the track frame (4.5) is provided with a track (4.4). The mounting frame (2) has a frame window (2.2) in the middle, and the bottom of the mounting frame (2) is fixedly connected to the crawling mechanism (4). The mounting frame (2) includes a detachable structure, which includes two connecting frames. The two connecting frames are connected at both ends by a first pin (2.5) and a second pin (2.6). The top of the two connecting frames is provided with mounting blocks, and a second telescopic cylinder (2.4) is connected between the mounting blocks. The height of the frame window (2.2) is slightly greater than that of the tower (5); This working method includes: S1: Install the first tower section on the ground and install the mounting frame on the first tower section (2). S2: Install the motor unit nacelle (1) on the top of the mounting frame (2). The first telescopic cylinder (4.3) extends and retracts according to the radius marking of the tower (5), driving the rocker arm (4.2) to rotate. According to the slope of the tower (5), adjust the slope of the entire support (4.6) so that the track (4.4) can fit against the tower (5). The drive wheel (4.1) drives the track (4.4) to rotate, so that the crawling mechanism (4) can drive the mounting frame (2) to rise and fall under the friction between the track (4.4) and the tower (5) and climb to the top of the first section of the tower. S3: The tower (5) to be installed is lifted and installed into the installation frame (2) by the tower lifting mechanism (3). With the help of the auxiliary crane, the fan blade is installed and all towers (5) are installed. S4: Then, the mounting frame (2) is lowered to a suitable height by the crawling mechanism (4), and the motor unit nacelle (1) is installed on the tower (5). The mounting frame (2) continues to descend to the ground and is then removed.

2. The operating method of the self-elevating wind power installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pin hole connecting the rocker arm (4.2) and the bracket (4.6) is an oblong hole.

3. The operating method of the self-elevating wind power installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The contact surface between the track (4.4) and the tower is curved, and the track (4.4) is made of high friction, resilience and wear-resistant material.

4. The operating method of the self-elevating wind power installation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The demolition includes: Pull out the second pin (2.6), the second telescopic cylinder (2.4) retracts, the two connecting frames rotate around the first pin (2.5), the two connecting frames open, and the mounting frame (2) is removed.

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