Blade guidance system for wind turbine blade carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a blade guide system (10) for guiding at least one wind turbine blade (1) during positioning of the wind turbine blade (1) in or removal of the wind turbine blade (1) from a wind turbine blade carrier (100), the blade guide system (10) comprising: at least one blade guide unit (11), the blade guide unit (11) further comprises at least one guide rail (12) and at least one pulley unit (13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a blade guiding system for guiding a wind turbine blade during positioning of the wind turbine blade in a wind turbine blade rack, a wind turbine blade rack, a cargo ship and a method for positioning at least one wind turbine blade in a blade rack. Background Art

[0002] In the construction of offshore wind farms, the transportation of wind turbine blades from their place of manufacture to their destination is usually at least partially performed by cargo ships. In order to ensure damage-free transportation, the wind turbine blades are placed in holding devices on the cargo ship, which hold the wind turbine blades in a fixed position during transportation. These holding devices can usually preferably hold a plurality of wind turbine blades in a matrix-like structure and are called wind turbine blade racks or simply blade racks. The matrix-like structure can be described by rows and columns, whereby a single wind turbine blade rack may include a plurality of rows and / or columns. Usually, in order to load or unload the blade rack, the wind turbine blades are lowered and / or lifted along the columns in a vertical or substantially vertical direction for positioning the wind turbine blades at a certain height level of the columns in the blade rack. A plurality of columns next to each other form at least one row. Along a column, a plurality of blades can be stored above each other.

[0003] In the context of the present invention, the rows of blade racks shall extend in the horizontal direction, while the columns shall extend in the vertical direction.

[0004] Typically, wind turbine blades are positioned in the blade frame in a vertical or substantially vertical orientation relative to a hypothetical connecting line between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade. However, this has the disadvantage that the wind attack surface formed by the wind turbine blades in the blade frame is increased compared to a horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation of the wind turbine blades. As the power output of wind turbines steadily increases, and the length of wind turbine blades also increases accordingly, this effect becomes increasingly important, since the surface of the wind turbine blades increases and is therefore more susceptible to undesired blade movements due to the action of the wind during loading and unloading of the blade frame, as well as increased wind forces transmitted from the wind turbine blades on the blade frame during transportation.

[0005] The increased forces to be absorbed by the blade rack during the transport of the wind turbine blades require a more stable blade rack construction and therefore a higher consumption of material, with correspondingly higher costs and higher weight. Furthermore, in a vertical or substantially vertical orientation, undesired blade movements are more likely to occur during loading and / or unloading processes performed on the wind turbine blade rack, since the wind turbine blades constitute a larger windward surface, which makes it difficult to load or remove the wind turbine blades into or from the blade rack in a time-saving manner without damaging the wind turbine blades. Furthermore, since the wind turbine blades in a vertical or substantially vertical orientation may act as a kind of sail, the maneuverability of the cargo ship may also be adversely affected in strong wind conditions.

[0006] A horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation of a wind turbine blade in a blade frame relative to an imaginary connection line between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade allows to reduce wind loads applied to the wind turbine blade or the respective blade frame during transport and loading and / or unloading operations. However, such an orientation of the wind turbine blades carries the risk of rapid damage to the wind turbine blades when positioning them in the blade frame or removing them from the blade frame. The reason for this is that, with such an orientation of the wind turbine blades, when the wind turbine blades are loaded into the blade frame or removed from the blade frame, for example by a crane, sensitive areas of the wind turbine blade at the leading edge and the trailing edge may easily come into contact with structural elements of the blade frame and may thus easily be damaged. Damage to a wind turbine blade, in particular in sensitive sections of a wind turbine blade such as the leading edge or the trailing edge, may have an adverse effect on its structural integrity but also on its aerodynamic performance.

[0007] Methods for assembling offshore wind turbines can be found in KR 102 325 092 B1 and KR 101 973 080 B1. A method for using a wind turbine frame can be found in US 2017 / 370346 A1.

[0008] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a blade guiding system, a wind turbine blade rack, a cargo ship and a method for using a wind turbine blade rack, which preferably allow a safe and efficient use of the wind turbine blade rack in terms of reducing the risk of damaging the wind turbine blade during loading and / or unloading operations on the blade rack and / or when positioned in the blade rack, when the wind turbine blade is in a horizontal or substantially horizontal orientation relative to an assumed connection line between the leading edge and the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade.

[0009] The aforementioned object is achieved by a blade guiding system having the features of claim 1, a wind turbine blade rack having the features of claim 11, a cargo ship having the features of claim 12 and a method for using a wind turbine blade rack having the features of claim 13. Features and details described in conjunction with the blade guiding system according to the invention also apply to the wind turbine blade rack, the cargo ship and the method for using a wind turbine blade and vice versa, such that the disclosure with respect to the various aspects of the invention is or can always be referred to one another. Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention provides a blade guiding system, preferably for use with a wind turbine blade frame, for guiding at least one segment of at least one wind turbine blade during positioning of the wind turbine blade in the wind turbine blade frame or removal of the wind turbine blade from the wind turbine blade frame, the blade guiding system comprising at least one blade guiding unit. The blade guiding unit further comprises at least one, preferably vertical or substantially vertical, guide rail and at least one trolley unit, wherein the trolley unit is movably mounted on the guide rail such that the trolley unit is at least partially movable along the guide rail. Furthermore, the trolley unit comprises at least one spacing element for preferably at least temporarily avoiding contact between at least one segment of the wind turbine blade frame, preferably at least one structural element of the blade frame and / or at least one supporting structure of the wind turbine blade frame and at least one segment of the wind turbine blade, preferably at least one segment of the leading edge and / or at least one segment of the trailing edge, when positioning the wind turbine blade in the blade frame or removing the wind turbine blade from the blade frame.

[0011] In other words, a blade guiding system is provided for guiding at least one section of at least one wind turbine blade when the wind turbine blade is positioned in or removed from a wind turbine blade frame so as to avoid contact between at least one section of the wind turbine blade and structural elements of the wind turbine blade frame during loading and / or unloading operations performed on the wind turbine blade frame. The blade guiding system according to the invention comprises at least one blade guiding unit, which blade guiding unit further comprises at least one guide rail. The guide rail may be oriented in a vertical or substantially vertical direction when the wind turbine blade is at least partially loaded into or unloaded from the wind turbine blade frame (e.g. by a crane) in a vertical or substantially vertical direction. The guiding unit further comprises at least one trolley unit, which is at least partially arranged on the guide rail so as to be able to move at least partially along the guide rail in accordance with the wind turbine blade being loaded into or unloaded from the wind turbine blade frame. The movement of the trolley unit in accordance with the wind turbine blade may comprise: at least vertical and / or horizontal movement of the blade is performed by the trolley unit in an equal or substantially equal manner. The trolley unit further comprises at least one spacing element, which at least partially prevents a sensitive area of ​​the wind turbine blade, such as at least one section of the leading edge or the trailing edge, from contacting structural elements of the wind turbine blade frame during loading and / or unloading operations performed on the wind turbine blade frame, so as to avoid damage to said sensitive area.

[0012] The blade guiding system according to the invention allows to move at least one trolley unit or at least one spacing element of a respective trolley unit in accordance with the wind turbine blade when at least one wind turbine blade is loaded into and / or unloaded from the blade frame. By moving at least one trolley unit or at least one spacing element of a respective trolley unit in accordance with the wind turbine blade, sensitive areas of the wind turbine blade, such as preferably the leading edge or the trailing edge, can be continuously guided in their movement, since unexpected strong movements of the wind turbine blade, for example due to the influence of wind, can be at least partially prevented by the at least one spacing element. Thus, by the blade guiding system according to the invention, contact between the wind turbine blade and structural elements of the blade frame during loading and / or unloading operations performed on the wind turbine blade frame can be effectively prevented.

[0013] The structural element of the blade frame and / or the blade guide unit may at least contribute to the structural integrity of the blade frame. The structural element may be at least partially configured as a steel beam. The structural element may also comprise a plurality of support elements and may preferably be at least partially configured as a truss construction.

[0014] The loading operation performed on the wind turbine blade rack may be performed with the goal of positioning and / or fixing at least one wind turbine blade in the blade rack, preferably for ensuring a safe transportation of the wind turbine blade in the wind turbine blade rack. The unloading operation performed on the wind turbine blade rack may be performed with the goal of lifting and / or extracting at least one wind turbine blade out of the wind turbine blade rack for further use of the wind turbine blade, preferably for mounting it on a wind turbine.

[0015] It may be provided that at least one blade guiding unit comprises a plurality of guide rails. Preferably, at least one blade guiding unit may comprise at least two or exactly two guide rails. The at least two guide rails may be arranged with a preferably horizontal offset and / or may be oriented in parallel or substantially parallel. This results in the following advantages: a plurality of sections of a single wind turbine blade may be protected by a single blade guiding unit and / or at least two different wind turbine blades may be at least partially guided by a single blade guiding unit. For example, a first guide rail may be provided by the blade guiding unit to guide and protect at least a section of the trailing edge or leading edge of at least a first wind turbine blade, and a second guide rail may be provided by the blade guiding unit to guide and protect at least a section of the leading edge or trailing edge of at least a second blade arranged. The first wind turbine blade and the second wind turbine blade may preferably be arranged in the wind turbine blade frame with at least a horizontal offset and / or may be located in different rows of the blade frame.

[0016] In other words, it can be provided that at least one blade guide unit comprises at least a first and a second guide rail, wherein the first guide rail can be assigned to at least one side of a first row of a wind turbine blade frame in order to guide and protect at least at least one section of the first wind turbine blade when the first wind turbine blade is installed into the first row of the wind turbine blade frame or removed from the first row of the wind turbine blade frame. Furthermore, the second guide rail can be assigned to at least one side of a second row of a wind turbine blade frame in order to guide and protect at least at least one section of the second wind turbine blade when the second wind turbine blade is installed into the second row of the wind turbine blade frame or removed from the second row of the wind turbine blade frame. The first row and the second row can be arranged directly adjacent to each other, such that no further rows of wind turbine blade frames are present between the first row and the second row.

[0017] It can also be provided that at least one guide rail is at least partially provided as a steel beam. The steel beam can be at least partially formed as an I-beam (which is also called a double T-beam). This results in a high stability of the guide rail and a simple connection of the at least one trolley unit to the guide rail, ensuring a smooth and safe movement of the trolley along the guide rail.

[0018] It can also be provided within the scope of the present invention that at least two guide rails of at least one blade guide unit are connected by at least one connecting element. At least one connecting element can be at least partially provided as a steel beam. The steel beam can be at least partially formed as an I-beam (which is also called a double T-beam). The connecting element can be at least partially provided as a crossbeam and / or can be oriented perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to at least one, preferably two, of the guide rails connected by the connecting element. The arrangement of at least one connecting element can increase the structural stability of the blade guide unit. At least one connecting element can be part of at least one maintenance platform and / or can be provided by a maintenance platform. In other words, at least one maintenance platform can be connected to at least two guide rails so as to at least provide a connection between the guide rails.

[0019] It can be provided that at least one spacing element has a plate-like shape and / or is at least partially made of and / or coated with a rubber material and / or an elastomer. The spacing element can have a circular, oval, rectangular, square or other polygonal shape and / or profile. Additionally and / or alternatively, at least one guide surface of the spacing element can be at least partially made of and / or coated with a rubber material and / or a plastic. The plastic can be provided as polyurethane (PUR) and / or an elastomer. This has the advantage that the contact between the spacing element and the wind turbine blade does not damage the blade, because the material is correspondingly soft and / or flexible and can be at least partially deformed by the force exerted by the blade on the spacing element and thus at least partially absorbs the impact energy. Preferably, the plastic can be provided as polyurethane, which has a Shore hardness of 15-40, preferably 20-15, in particular 25-30. The at least one spacer element and / or the at least one layer of rubber material and / or plastic may be provided with a material thickness of 20 mm - 70 mm, in particular 25 mm - 60 mm, preferably 30 mm - 50 mm. A guiding surface of a spacer element is understood to be a surface of the spacer element pointing towards the wind turbine blade when the wind turbine blade is guided by the spacer element and / or a surface of the spacer element which may come into contact with the wind turbine blade during loading and / or unloading operations at the wind turbine blade frame.

[0020] In the context of the present invention, it is also conceivable that at least one spacer element is pivotably connected to the trolley unit, wherein preferably the spacer element is at least or only pivotable about a vertical or substantially vertical axis of rotation. This provides the advantage that the spacer element can be optimally aligned with the geometry of the wind turbine blade. For example, the spacer element can be pivoted such that when at least one wind turbine blade is loaded into or unloaded from the wind turbine blade frame, at least one guide surface of the spacer element is aligned parallel or substantially parallel to the leading edge and / or trailing edge of the blade. The pivoting of the at least one spacer element can be achieved at least in part by at least one hinge. At least one trolley unit and / or the spacer element can comprise a fixing mechanism to fix the spacer element in the desired position and to prevent further undesired pivoting during loading and / or unloading operations in the blade frame.

[0021] In the process of the invention it can also be provided that at least one blade guiding unit comprises a plurality of pulley units. Preferably, at least one blade guiding unit can comprise at least two or exactly two pulley units. At least one pulley unit can be arranged on each guide rail of the blade guiding unit. Preferably, exactly one pulley unit can be arranged on each guide rail. This keeps the number of pulley units low and therefore keeps the complexity of the blade guiding system low.

[0022] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that the blade guide system comprises a plurality of blade guide units, preferably at least two or at least four or at least six or at least ten blade guide units. The at least two blade guide units may be identical and / or blade guide units according to an embodiment of the invention. The number of blade guide units may be flexibly adapted to the use of the blade guide system in connection with a specific wind turbine blade holder. Preferably, the number of blade guide units may be determined by the relationship N c +1 gives, where N c is the number of rows of the blade guiding system. This allows the wind turbine blades to be at least partially guided and protected in all rows of the wind turbine blade rack on at least both sides of the wind turbine blades during loading, which allows effectively avoiding damages of the wind turbine blades loaded in or unloaded from the wind turbine rack, independently of the row of the wind turbine rack in which the loading and / or unloading operation is performed.

[0023] It may be provided that at least one trolley unit comprises at least one detection unit for detecting a movement of at least one wind turbine blade relative to the at least one trolley unit or vice versa within a detection range of the detection unit, preferably when the wind turbine blade is installed in or removed from the wind turbine blade frame. The movement detected by the detection unit may at least be a vertical or substantially vertical movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit or vice versa. The detection of a movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit has the advantage that the trolley unit and thus at least one spacing element of the trolley unit may be moved in accordance with the wind turbine blade in order to avoid contact between at least certain sections of the wind turbine blade and structural elements of the wind turbine blade frame when the wind turbine blade is installed in or removed from the blade frame.

[0024] Preferably, the detection range may be understood as a spatial range within which a movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit or vice versa may be detected by the detection unit. Preferably, when the wind turbine blade moves out of the detection range, the detection by the detection unit is not performed. In other words, it may be provided that the detection of a movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit or vice versa by the detection unit is performed only when the wind turbine blade moves relative to the trolley unit within the detection range of the detection unit. The relative movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit may be achieved both by a movement of the wind turbine blade while the trolley unit is stationary and by a movement of the trolley unit while the wind turbine blade is stationary. Furthermore, a relative movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit may also be achieved by at least temporarily simultaneous movement of a combination of the wind turbine blade and the trolley unit.

[0025] It can also be provided that at least one detection unit comprises at least one, preferably exactly one, detection rod and / or that at least one detection unit comprises at least one sensor element, wherein an impact of a force on the detection rod can be detected by the sensor element. The detection rod can be provided for at least temporarily establishing and / or maintaining contact between the tackle unit and at least one wind turbine blade when the wind turbine blade is installed in or unloaded from the blade holder. The sensor element can be designed in principle as any sensor element which is able to detect a force acting on the detection rod and / or a deformation of the detection rod. Such a design allows a reliable detection as well as a cost-effective design.

[0026] In particular, the sensor element can be designed as a strain sensor, preferably a strain gauge, and / or as a force sensor, preferably a piezoelectric sensor, and / or as a torque sensor, preferably a static torque sensor. This results in the advantages of a cost-effective design and reliable detection. The detection unit can apply and / or include several identical or different sensor elements. The detection unit can include alternative or additional sensor elements, such as acceleration and / or velocity and / or temperature and / or pressure and / or humidity sensors.

[0027] Preferably, the detection range of the at least one detection unit may extend downwards from the detection rod of the detection unit at least in a vertical or substantially vertical direction and / or in a downward direction and / or in a direction having a gravity pointing direction when the detection rod is in an unloaded state and / or not in contact with the wind turbine blade. In other words, at least one limit of the detection range may be given by the position of the detection rod when the detection rod is in an unloaded state and / or not in contact with the wind turbine blade, since a movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit or vice versa is detected only when the wind turbine blade is lowered from above the detection rod onto the detection rod.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the at least one sensor element is designed for contactless detection of a movement of the at least one wind turbine blade relative to the at least one trolley unit or vice versa. The sensor element can be a capacitive sensor element. This allows a design with less wear, since repeated mechanical contacts between components, for example between the detection rod and the wind turbine blade, are avoided. The at least one sensor element can be integrated in the spacer element.

[0029] The detection rod can be at least partially made of plastic, preferably made of thermoplastic and / or fiber-reinforced plastic. This leads to a particularly long service life of the detection rod, because the detection rod is subjected to recurring loads under the influence of strain, and thus reduces the maintenance requirements of the blade guide system, and produces a cost-effective design. The fibers used can preferably be carbon fibers, glass fibers, plastic fibers, metal fibers and / or other fibers. In addition, different types of fibers can also be applied in a single detection rod. In addition, it can also be provided that the detection rod is at least partially made of a preferably magnetic metal material, in particular in and / or near the area where the detection rod is attached to the pulley unit. At least one metal section of the detection rod can be formed as a metal inlay in the detection rod or a metal coating of the detection rod.

[0030] It can also be arranged that at least one detection unit and / or a control unit comprises at least one evaluation unit, wherein the evaluation unit communicates with or can communicate with at least one sensor element, so that the sensor data detected by the sensor element can be received and / or evaluated in the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit can be equipped with at least one processor and / or at least one, preferably permanent and / or volatile data storage device and / or at least one communication interface for preferably wired or wireless communication with at least one sensor element and / or other devices (for example, a control unit of the blade guide system, in particular a control unit of the blade guide unit). The evaluation of the sensor data detected by the sensor element may include a comparison with at least one threshold value. The threshold value may be, for example, a specified strain or a specified value of a force applied to the detection rod or a specified torque value, and can be compared with the strain of the detection rod or the force applied to the detection rod or the torque transmitted by the detection rod. It can be provided that, when the threshold value is exceeded, a signal can be sent from the evaluation unit or from the evaluation unit to a control unit of the blade guide system and / or the blade guide unit that a movement of the trolley unit is required in order to ensure that the trolley unit follows the movement of the wind turbine blade when the wind turbine blade is installed in or removed from the wind turbine blade frame.

[0031] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that at least one detection rod is pivotably connected to the trolley unit, wherein the detection rod can be pivoted at least between a detection position and a non-detection position. The axis of rotation and / or pivoting can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the detection rod and / or oriented in a vertical or substantially vertical direction. The detection position is to be understood as a position in which a movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit can be detected by means of the detection rod and / or the detection unit, so that during loading and / or unloading of the wind turbine blade rack, the detection rod can come into contact with the wind turbine blade moving past the trolley unit. The non-detection position is to be understood as a position in which a movement of the wind turbine blade relative to the trolley unit cannot be detected by the detection rod and / or the detection unit, because during loading and / or unloading of the wind turbine rack, the detection rod cannot come into contact with the wind turbine blade moving past the trolley unit. This provides the advantage that after a previous loading or unloading operation in a wind turbine blade frame the trolley unit can be easily moved to a desired position required for a new unloading or loading operation without being blocked or disturbed by wind turbine blades already located in the blade frame.

[0032] It can be arranged that the detection rod can be fixed and / or locked in at least the detection position and / or the non-detection position. This provides the following advantages: during the operation of the blade guide system on the blade frame, accidental changes in the position of the rod can be effectively avoided. Fixing the detection rod in at least one position can be achieved by a shape-fitting and / or force-fitting, preferably reversible connection between the pulley unit and the rod. The connection can be, for example, a snap-in connection and / or a magnetic connection. For example, a magnet can be arranged in the rod, which can be operatively connected to at least one magnet, preferably at least two or exactly two magnets, arranged in the pulley unit in both the detection position and the non-detection position, so that the detection rod is fixed in two positions by magnetic force, and the detection rod is effectively prevented from unwanted movement between the detection position and the non-detection position.

[0033] It can also be provided that, in order to change between the detection position and the non-detection position, the lever needs to be pivoted by at least 60°, at least 80° or at least or exactly or substantially exactly 90° (degree angle). It can be provided that, in the detection position, the detection lever is oriented obliquely relative to at least one guide surface of at least one spacing element of the trolley unit. The inclination angle can be between 45° and 90°, preferably between 60° and 90°, more preferably 90° or substantially 90°, wherein all values ​​are defined in angular degrees. This provides the advantage that during loading and / or unloading operations on the blade rack, contact between the detection lever and the wind turbine blade can be reliably ensured. It can also be provided that, in the non-detection position, the detection lever is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to at least one guide surface of at least one spacing element of the trolley unit. This results in the advantage that a particularly space-saving arrangement is possible and that the trolley unit is therefore easy to move past a wind turbine blade arranged in the blade rack.

[0034] It is also conceivable within the scope of the invention that at least one trolley unit comprises at least one roller, wherein during movement of the trolley unit along the guide rail, the at least one roller rolls on the surface of the guide rail. This allows smooth movement of the trolley unit along the guide rail while moving the trolley unit in accordance with the wind turbine blade during loading and / or unloading operations of the wind turbine frame.

[0035] It can be arranged that at least one trolley unit comprises at least one pair of rollers, preferably two rollers, wherein, preferably, when the trolley unit is mounted on the guide rail, the pair of rollers at least partially surrounds the guide rail and / or forms an at least partially positive and / or force-fitting connection with the guide rail. This allows the trolley unit to be easily guided along the guide rail. It can be arranged that at least one pair of rollers at least partially surrounds the flange of the I-beam profile of the guide rail. It can also be arranged that, when the trolley unit moves along the guide rail, each of the two rollers of the pair of rollers rolls on opposite sides and / or opposite surfaces and / or sides of the guide rail and / or flanges of the I-beam profile.

[0036] It can also be provided that at least one trolley unit comprises a braking system, wherein the movement of the trolley unit along the guide rail can be slowed down and / or stopped by the braking system and / or the position of the trolley unit along the guide rail can be fixed by the braking system. It can be provided that the braking system, preferably at least one brake shoe of the braking system, can be operatively connected to or with at least one guide rail of the blade guide unit and / or at least one roller of the trolley unit. The braking system can include at least one brake shoe, preferably at least two or exactly two brake shoes. It can be provided that at least one brake shoe can at least partially contact at least one guide rail, preferably at least one surface of the guide rail and / or at least one roller, preferably in frictional contact. It can be provided that the braking system comprises at least one pair of brake shoes, wherein the two brake shoes of the pair of brake shoes are at least partially arranged opposite to each other. It can also be provided that, preferably when the trolley unit is mounted on the guide rail, at least two brake shoes, preferably at least two brake shoes of a pair of brake shoes, at least partially surround the guide rail at least in sections and / or at least temporarily form a form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with the guide rail. It can be provided that at least two brake shoes, preferably at least two brake shoes from a pair of brake shoes, at least partially surround the web of the I-beam profile of at least one guide rail, and / or each of the two brake shoes can be operatively connected and / or in frictional contact with a surface and / or a side surface of the guide rail, wherein the surfaces and / or side surfaces associated with the at least two brake shoes are opposite to each other.

[0037] It is conceivable within the scope of the present invention that at least one blade guide unit comprises at least one drive unit, wherein the drive unit is operatively connected and / or connectable to at least one trolley unit of the blade guide unit, so that the trolley unit can be moved at least partially along at least one guide rail of the blade guide unit by the drive unit. The drive unit can be an electric drive unit, preferably an electric motor. This produces a simple and at least partially automatable movement of the at least one trolley unit along the guide rail. It can be provided that at least one drive unit is operatively connected and / or connectable to at least two trolley units, whereby preferably at least two trolley units can be driven independently by the drive unit. In other words, at least two trolley units can be moved independently along at least one guide rail and / or different guide rails by a single drive unit.

[0038] The operative connection between at least one drive unit and at least one trolley unit is provided at least in part by means of at least one drive cable. The at least one drive cable can be realized at least in part by means of a steel cable. Preferably, at least one blade guide unit comprises at least one drive cable. In other words, it can be arranged that at least one trolley unit is connected to at least one drive cable so that the movement of the drive cable can be at least partially transmitted to the trolley unit, and at least one drive unit is operatively connected to the drive cable so that the drive cable can be moved by the drive unit so that at least one trolley unit can be moved along the guide rail by means of the movement of the drive unit by means of the drive cable. This provides the following advantages: there is no need to integrate drive elements of, for example, a separate drive unit into the trolley unit of the blade guide unit, and thus the structure of the trolley unit can be kept simple. It is also possible to avoid failures of the individual trolley units at difficult-to-reach locations along the guide rail, which allows to reduce the maintenance workload of the blade guide system.

[0039] At least one drive cable may be arranged at least in sections along at least one guide rail. At least one guide rail may comprise at least one roller, wherein at least one drive cable is at least partially guided by the roller, and / or wherein the roller is rotatably mounted on the guide rail. The roller allows low-wear movement of the drive cable along one or more guide rails.

[0040] It may also be provided that at least one trolley unit comprises at least one separate drive unit, wherein the drive unit is operatively connected to the trolley unit, preferably to at least one roller of the trolley unit, such that the trolley unit can be moved at least partially along at least one guide rail of the blade guide unit. This has the advantage that the need for drive cables or other central drive systems is eliminated, thereby reducing the complexity of the blade guide unit. The drive unit may be an electric drive unit, preferably an electric motor. The drive unit may comprise an electrical contact, preferably a brush contact, wherein the electrical contact is or can be in contact with at least one guide rail so as to receive a power supply via a preferably continuous contact between the electrical contact and the guide rail.

[0041] In this context, it can be provided that at least one conductor rail is integrated in at least one guide rail and / or is arranged on the surface of at least one guide rail, so that a power supply of at least one trolley unit can be established by applying current to the conductor rail.

[0042] It may also be provided that at least one trolley unit comprises a power connection to which a current-carrying cable can be connected for establishing a power supply of the trolley unit and / or at least one drive unit of the trolley unit.

[0043] It can be provided that at least one blade guide unit comprises at least one maintenance platform for enabling a user of the blade guide system to at least partially access the at least one guide rail. Preferably, the at least one maintenance platform is connected to the at least one guide rail in a fixed position. In other words, it can be provided that the at least one blade guide unit comprises at least one maintenance platform arranged along the at least one guide rail. The maintenance platform can be used to provide a user of the blade guide system with access to at least one section of the at least one guide rail. The at least one maintenance platform can be at least partially force-fitted and / or form-fitted and / or materially connected to the at least one guide rail. Preferably, the at least one maintenance platform can be at least partially arranged between at least two guide rails and / or at least partially force-fitted and / or form-fitted and / or materially connected to the at least two guide rails. The at least one maintenance platform can comprise a railing at least partially surrounding the maintenance platform, the railing preferably at least partially surrounding the maintenance platform along at least a portion of its edge. This can effectively prevent a user from falling off the platform. The at least one maintenance platform can be positioned to at least partially align with an access system of a wind turbine blade frame, so that when the blade guide system is used together with the blade frame, the user can access the maintenance platform via the access system of the blade frame. The access system may include at least one ladder or a plurality of ladders.

[0044] It is conceivable within the scope of the present invention that at least one blade guide unit comprises at least one base member to enable the blade guide unit to stand stably on a preferably flat surface and / or the ground, and / or to support the blade guide unit to stand stably on a preferably flat surface and / or the ground. This produces the advantages of easy handling and safe operation of the blade guide unit. The base member may be at least partially perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the orientation of at least one guide rail, and / or may extend in a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane. The base member may comprise several structural elements, wherein at least one structural element may be a steel beam or a steel profile. At least two structural elements may be at least partially in a form fit and / or force fit and / or material connection.

[0045] It can also be provided that the blade guide system and / or at least one blade guide unit comprises at least one control unit, wherein the control unit is and / or can communicate with at least one drive unit of the blade guide system and / or a drive unit of at least one blade guide unit and / or at least one trolley unit, preferably by wire or wireless. The control unit can be configured to control the operation of at least one drive unit and / or at least one trolley unit. The control of the operation can at least include activating at least one drive unit and / or deactivating at least one drive unit, thereby starting or ending the movement of at least one trolley unit along the guide rail. Controlling the operation can also include activating and / or deactivating at least one braking system of at least one trolley unit. It can be provided that the control unit is and / or can be connected with at least one detection unit, preferably with an evaluation unit, preferably by wire or wireless. In this way, the control unit can control at least one drive unit and / or at least one braking system based on sensor and / or evaluation data received from at least one detection unit and / or evaluation unit. In this context, it can also be provided that in at least one blade guide unit, the control unit includes an evaluation unit. At least one control unit can be integrated in the drive unit. This enables the advantages of a compact design to be achieved.

[0046] The above mentioned object is also solved by a wind turbine blade rack for fixing the position of at least one wind turbine blade, preferably at least temporarily, on a cargo ship, the wind turbine blade rack comprising at least: a first support structure for at least partially receiving a root section of at least one wind turbine blade; and a second support structure for at least partially receiving an airfoil section of at least one wind turbine blade, wherein the wind turbine blade rack further comprises at least one blade guiding system according to the invention, preferably a blade guiding system according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The advantages of the wind turbine blade rack are the same as those described above for the blade guiding system.

[0047] A support structure is to be understood as a structure in which a wind turbine blade can be fixed at least in sections in order to be kept in a safe position for transport, and structures associated therewith, for example structures which provide sufficient stability of the blade frame. The support structure may comprise at least one structural element, preferably a plurality of structural elements, and / or may be at least partially arranged as a truss construction, and / or may comprise at least one steel beam, preferably a plurality of steel beams. In order to securely fix at least one wind turbine blade in a wind turbine blade frame, a single wind turbine blade frame may comprise a plurality of support structures, wherein at least one wind turbine blade may be arranged in different support structures in different sections along its longitudinal extension.

[0048] At least one support structure, preferably at least the second support structure, can be composed of at least two, preferably vertical or substantially vertical, strut elements. At least one strut element can be arranged in a truss configuration. It can be provided that during loading and / or unloading of the wind turbine frame, the turbine blade must in each case at least partially be lowered vertically between two strut elements of the at least one support structure. In other words, it can be provided that the two strut elements of the support structure, preferably the second support structure, in each case preferably form a row in the wind turbine blade frame relative to the respective support structure, in which row, preferably a plurality of wind turbine blades can be arranged at least partially one above the other. As a storage surface for the wind turbine blades, at least one, preferably horizontal or substantially horizontal, crossbar can extend between at least two or exactly two strut elements. The crossbar can include additional means for fixing the wind turbine blades. At least one crossbar can be pivotably mounted on at least one strut element in order to allow at least one wind turbine blade to pass through the crossbar during loading and / or unloading operations on the wind turbine blade frame.

[0049] The wind turbine blade frame may comprise a plurality, preferably at least two or more than two support structures, wherein the support structures are arranged along a longitudinal extension of a wind turbine blade to be installed into or removed from the wind turbine blade frame.

[0050] The term "blade section" may refer to different sections of a blade along its longitudinal extension. A wind turbine blade may be divided into several sections along its longitudinal extension, at least functionally (but also structurally). A wind turbine blade may comprise at least a root section and an airfoil section. The root section comprises a blade root, which is intended to be structurally coupled to a hub of a wind turbine so as to ensure that the wind turbine blade remains connected to the wind turbine hub during operation of the wind turbine. The root section may at least partially have a circular or substantially circular cross-section, and / or have a negligible contribution to the generation of lift when the wind turbine blade is exposed to wind. In the airfoil section, the outer shape of the blade typically has an airfoil profile so as to generate lift in windy conditions. The airfoil section may extend from the root section to the blade tip. Additionally, a transition section may be provided between the root section and the airfoil section, in which transition section the outer contour of the wind turbine blade preferably continuously transitions from the root contour to the airfoil section contour. During operation, as the rotational speed of the blade increases towards the tip of the blade, the outer contour and / or profile of the wind turbine blade may further change along its longitudinal extension.

[0051] It may be provided that at least one blade guide unit, preferably all blade guide units, are arranged near and / or connected to at least one support structure, preferably a support element of the support structure, of a wind turbine blade frame. The support structure may be a second support structure. In other words, the blade guide system may not be applied to a support structure, preferably a first support structure, for at least partially receiving a root section of at least one wind turbine blade. This allows sensitive sections of the blade, such as the leading edge and the trailing edge in the airfoil section of the wind turbine blade, to be effectively protected when the blade is installed in the wind turbine blade frame or when the blade is removed from the wind turbine blade frame. The connection between the at least one blade guide unit and the at least one support structure may be at least partially a form-fitting connection and / or a force-fitting connection and / or a material connection and / or a reversible connection. At least one connection may be established at least partially via at least one maintenance platform of the blade guide unit.

[0052] The above mentioned object is also solved by a cargo ship for at least temporarily transporting at least one wind turbine blade, the cargo ship comprising at least one wind turbine blade rack according to the invention, preferably at least one wind turbine blade rack according to claim 11. The advantages of the cargo ship are the same as described above for the blade guide system and / or the wind turbine blade rack.

[0053] It may be provided that the cargo vessel comprises at least one crane for lowering and / or lifting at least one wind turbine blade during loading and / or unloading operations performed on at least one wind turbine blade frame.

[0054] The above mentioned object is also solved by a method for using a wind turbine blade frame, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0055] During a loading operation performed on the wind turbine frame, at least one wind turbine blade is moved near at least one section and / or at least one supporting structure and / or at least one structural element of the wind turbine blade frame,

[0056] detecting a movement of a wind turbine blade relative to at least one trolley unit and / or a spacing element of a blade guide system of a wind turbine blade frame,

[0057] At least one trolley unit and / or a spacer element is at least temporarily moved in accordance with the wind turbine blade for at least temporarily avoiding contact between at least one section of a wind turbine blade frame and / or at least one support structure and / or at least one structural element and at least one section of a wind turbine blade.

[0058] The method according to the invention provides the advantage that during positioning of a wind turbine blade in a wind turbine blade frame or removal of a wind turbine blade from a wind turbine blade frame, a wind turbine blade can be efficiently guided in order to protect the wind turbine blade from damage due to accidental contact with the wind turbine blade frame.

[0059] The advantages of the method according to the invention are the same as described above for the blade guide system and / or the wind turbine blade frame and / or the cargo ship.

[0060] It can be provided that at least two of steps a) to c) are performed at least partially simultaneously and / or overlap in time during their performance.

[0061] Within the scope of the present invention, it can also be provided that, in addition, preferably after step c), at least one of the following steps is performed:

[0062] During an unloading operation performed on the wind turbine frame, moving at least one wind turbine blade near at least one section and / or at least one supporting structure and / or at least one structural element of the wind turbine blade frame,

[0063] detecting a movement of a wind turbine blade relative to at least one trolley unit and / or a spacing element of a blade guide system of a wind turbine blade frame,

[0064] At least one trolley unit and / or a spacer element is at least temporarily moved in accordance with the wind turbine blade for at least temporarily avoiding contact between at least one section of a wind turbine blade frame and / or at least one support structure and / or at least one structural element and at least one section of a wind turbine blade.

[0065] It can be provided that at least two of steps d) to f) are performed at least partially simultaneously and / or overlap in time during their performance.

[0066] It can also be provided that the section of the wind turbine blade which is guided by the tackle unit and / or the spacer element is a section of the leading edge and / or the trailing edge of the wind turbine blade.

[0067] It can also be provided that during step b) and / or during step e) at least one wind turbine blade is in preferably continuous contact with at least one detection rod of the blade guiding system. The detection rod can be part of a detection unit of the blade guiding system.

[0068] It can also be arranged that, in addition, preferably before step b) and / or before step e), the following steps are performed:

[0069] At least one detection lever is moved from a non-detection position to a detection position, preferably pivoted to the detection position.

[0070] It can also be arranged that, in addition, preferably after step c) and / or after step f), the following steps are performed:

[0071] moving at least one detection lever from a detection position to a non-detection position, preferably pivoting to the non-detection position,

[0072] At least one trolley unit is moved at least partially along at least one guide rail in order to start a new loading and / or unloading operation on the blade rack.

[0073] In steps a) and / or d), the movement of the wind turbine blade near at least one section of the blade frame, preferably near at least one supporting structure and / or structural element of the wind turbine blade frame, may be at least a movement of the wind turbine blade in at least one column and / or row provided by the wind turbine blade frame and / or a movement at least partially along at least one column and / or row provided by the wind turbine blade frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] Other advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this regard, the features mentioned in the claims and the description may each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Thus, the invention is illustrated in the following drawings:

[0075] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a blade guide system and a blade guide unit according to the invention,

[0076] Figure 2 A perspective view showing a blade guide system and a blade guide unit according to the invention,

[0077] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a trolley unit,

[0078] Figure 4 A top view showing a spacing element guiding a wind turbine blade,

[0079] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a trolley unit,

[0080] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a blade guide frame according to the present invention,

[0081] Figure 7 A perspective view showing the support structure,

[0082] Figure 8 A perspective view showing the support structure,

[0083] Fig. 9A perspective view showing the support structure,

[0084] Fig.10 shows a schematic diagram of a wind turbine blade,

[0085] Fig.11 A schematic diagram showing a cargo ship according to the invention, and

[0086] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a method for using a wind turbine frame according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Figure 1 A perspective view of a blade guiding system 10 according to the invention is shown for guiding at least one section of at least one wind turbine blade 1 during positioning of the wind turbine blade 1 in a wind turbine blade holder 100 or removal of the wind turbine blade 1 from the wind turbine blade holder 100. The blade guiding system 10 comprises at least one blade guiding unit 11. The blade guiding unit 11 further comprises two vertically or substantially vertically oriented guide rails 12. The guide rails 12 are oriented parallel or substantially parallel and are arranged with a horizontal offset. For the sake of clarity, only a single blade guiding unit 11 is shown. However, the blade guiding system 10 may comprise a plurality of blade guiding units 11, wherein at least two blade guiding units 11, preferably all blade guiding units 11 may be identical or substantially identical.

[0088] The guide rail 12 is at least partially configured as a steel beam having an I-beam profile.

[0089] The blade guide unit 11 further comprises at least one trolley unit 13, wherein the trolley unit 13 is movably mounted on the guide rail 12 such that the trolley unit 13 is at least partially movable along the guide rail 12. The trolley unit 13 further comprises at least one spacing element 14 for at least temporarily avoiding contact between at least one structural element of the wind turbine blade holder 100 and at least one section of at least one wind turbine blade 1 when positioning the wind turbine blade 1 in the wind turbine blade holder 100.

[0090] The spacer element 14 has a plate-like shape and is at least partially made of a rubber material and / or an elastomer. The spacer element 14 has a rectangular shape and / or cross-section. When the wind turbine blade 1 is guided by the spacer element 14 during movement of the spacer element 14 and / or the tackle unit 13 in accordance with the wind turbine blade 1, the spacer element 14 provides at least one guiding surface 18 directed towards the wind turbine blade 1.

[0091] The blade guide unit 11 further comprises a plurality of maintenance platforms 21 for enabling a user of the blade guide system 10 to at least partially access at least one guide rail 12. Each maintenance platform 21 is at least partially arranged between two guide rails 12 and comprises a railing 24 at least partially surrounding the maintenance platform 21. Each maintenance platform 21 is connected to two guide rails 12 in a fixed position and thus simultaneously serves as a connecting element 23 between the two guide rails 12.

[0092] The blade guide unit 11 further comprises a base member 25 so that the blade guide unit 11 can stand stably on a flat surface, preferably on a floor (e.g., the floor of a cargo ship). The base member is oriented perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the two guide rails 12 and extends in a horizontal or substantially horizontal plane. The base member comprises a plurality of structural elements 22 arranged as steel beams, wherein the structural elements 22 are form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or materially connected.

[0093] Figure 2 A perspective view of a blade guide system 10 according to the invention is shown. The blade guide unit 11 comprises two trolley units 13 , wherein each trolley unit 13 is assigned to one guide rail 12 .

[0094] Thus, when the blade guiding system 10 is applied with said wind turbine blade frame 100 , each tackle unit 13 may be assigned to a different row 103 of the wind turbine blade frame 100 .

[0095] The blade guide unit 11 further comprises at least one drive unit 20, wherein the drive unit 20 is operatively connected to at least one trolley unit 13. Thereby, the at least one trolley unit 13 can be moved at least partially along at least one guide rail 12 of the blade guide unit 11. Figure 2 The drive unit 20 is operatively connected to the two pulley units 13 , so that the pulley units 13 can be driven independently by the drive unit 20 .

[0096] The operative connection between the drive unit 20 and the trolley unit 13 is provided by means of at least one drive cable 26. The drive cable 26 is connected to at least one trolley unit 13 and can be moved by the drive unit 20 so as to transmit said movement of the drive cable 26 to the trolley unit 13, which results in a movement of the trolley unit 13 along the guide rail 12. The drive cable 26 is at least partially laid along at least one guide rail 12. Each guide rail 12 further comprises at least one roller 19 for guiding the drive cable 26 and allowing a low-wear movement of the drive cable 26 along the guide rail 12.

[0097] Figure 3A perspective view of a trolley unit 13 mounted on a guide rail 12 is shown. The trolley unit 13 comprises at least one detection unit 15 for detecting a movement of at least one wind turbine blade 1 relative to the at least one trolley unit 13 or vice versa within a detection range R of the detection unit when the wind turbine blade 1 is installed in or removed from the wind turbine blade frame 100. The movement detected by the detection unit 15 is at least a vertical movement of the wind turbine blade 1 relative to the trolley unit 13 or vice versa. The detection of the movement of the wind turbine blade 1 relative to the trolley unit 13 has the advantage that the trolley unit 13 and thus at least one spacing element 14 of the trolley unit 13 can be moved in accordance with the wind turbine blade 1 in order to avoid contact between at least some sections of the wind turbine blade 1 and structural elements 22 of the wind turbine blade frame 100 when the wind turbine blade 1 is installed in or removed from the wind turbine blade frame 100.

[0098] The detection range R is a spatial range in which a movement of the wind turbine blade 1 relative to the trolley unit 13 or vice versa can be detected by the detection unit 15, and extends downwards at least from the detection rod 16 in a vertical or substantially vertical direction when the detection rod is in an unloaded state, because the detection rod 16 may be at least partially bent downwards when the wind turbine blade 1 is lowered onto the detection rod 16.

[0099] The detection unit 15 comprises at least one detection rod 16 and at least one sensor element 17. The detection rod 16 is provided for at least temporarily establishing and / or maintaining contact between the tackle unit 13 and at least one wind turbine blade 1 when the wind turbine blade 1 is loaded into or unloaded from the wind turbine blade frame 100. The sensor element 17 is provided for detecting an impact of a force in the detection rod 16, since such an impact of a force indicates a contact between the detection rod 16 and the wind turbine blade 1. The sensor element 17 may also be at least partially located in or on the detection rod 16.

[0100] exist Figure 3 In the detection position I, the detection rod 16 is in the detection position I. The detection rod 16 is pivotably connected to the pulley unit 13 so that the detection rod 16 can pivot at least between the detection position I and the non-detection position II. The rotation axis is perpendicular to or substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the detection rod and extends along or substantially along the vertical direction. In order to change between the detection position I and the non-detection position II, a pivoting or rotation of substantially 90° (degree angle) of the detection rod 16 is required. In the detection position I, the detection rod 16 is oriented obliquely relative to the guide surface 18 of the spacing element 14. In the non-detection position II, the detection rod is oriented parallel to or substantially parallel to the guide surface 18 of the spacing element 14.

[0101] In the detection position I, the movement of the wind turbine blade 1 relative to the trolley unit 13 can be detected by means of the detection rod 16 and / or the detection unit 15, because the detection rod 16 can come into contact with the wind turbine blade 1 moving past the trolley unit 13 during loading and / or unloading of the wind turbine blade rack 100. In the non-detection position II, the movement of the wind turbine blade 1 relative to the trolley unit 13 cannot be detected by the detection rod 16 and / or the detection unit 15, because the detection rod 16 cannot come into contact with the wind turbine blade 1 moving past the trolley unit 13 during loading and / or unloading of the wind turbine rack.

[0102] Figure 4 A top view of a spacing element 14 guiding a wind turbine blade 1 is shown. The guiding surface 18 is aligned parallel or substantially parallel to the leading edge 5 of the wind turbine blade 1. Figure 4 , the longitudinal extension L of the wind turbine blade is indicated by an arrow. The wind turbine blade 1 is at least partially in contact with the detection rod 16 in order to detect a movement of the wind turbine blade 1 relative to the trolley unit 13 or vice versa. Figure 4 , the detection rod 16 is located below the wind turbine blade 1. Therefore, for the sake of clarity, the detection rod 16 is depicted as a dotted line.

[0103] When the wind turbine blade 1 is at least Figure 4 When the trolley unit 13 is moved vertically in the viewing direction of the wind turbine blade 1, the trolley unit 13 is at least partially and / or temporarily moved in accordance with the wind turbine blade 1, so that at least one section of the wind turbine blade 1 is prevented from contacting with at least one structural element 22 of the wind turbine blade frame 100. Thereby, the wind turbine blade 1 is effectively protected from damage when it is installed into the wind turbine frame 100 or unloaded from the wind turbine frame 100.

[0104] Figure 5 A perspective view of the trolley unit 13 is shown. The trolley unit 13 comprises a plurality of rollers 19, wherein the rollers 19 roll on the surface of the guide rail 12 during movement of the trolley unit 13 along the guide rail 12.

[0105] The trolley unit 13 comprises two pairs of rollers 27, wherein, when the trolley unit is mounted on the guide rail 12, each pair of rollers 27 at least partially surrounds the guide rail 12 and forms at least a partial form-fitting and / or force-fitting connection with the guide rail 12. When the trolley unit 13 moves along the guide rail, each roller 19 of a pair of rollers 27 rolls on the opposite surface of the guide rail 12.

[0106] The trolley unit 13 also includes a brake system 28 to slow down or stop the movement of the trolley unit 13 along the guide rail 12. The brake system 28 includes at least two brake shoes 29. Figure 5The brake system 28 comprises two pairs of brake shoes 30 , wherein the two brake shoes 29 in each pair of brake shoes 30 are at least partially arranged opposite to each other.

[0107] Each brake shoe 29 may be at least partially in frictional contact with at least one surface of the guide rail 12 in order to slow down the movement of the trolley unit 13 relative to the guide rail 12 and / or to maintain the trolley unit 13 in a fixed position on the guide rail 12, preferably when the trolley unit 13 is mounted on the guide rail 12. When the trolley unit 13 is mounted on the guide rail 12, the brake shoes 29 of each pair of brake shoes 30 at least partially surround the guide rail 12 and may be placed in operative connection and / or frictional contact with the opposing surface of the guide rail 12.

[0108] Figure 6 A perspective view of a wind turbine blade rack 100 according to the present invention for at least temporarily fixing the position of at least one wind turbine blade 1 on a cargo ship 200 is shown, the wind turbine blade rack 100 comprising: at least a first support structure 101, which is used to at least partially receive the root section 2 of at least one wind turbine blade 1; and a second support structure 102, which is used to at least partially receive the airfoil section 3 of at least one wind turbine blade 1, wherein the wind turbine blade rack 100 also includes a blade guiding system 10 according to the present invention.

[0109] The support structures 101 , 102 comprise a plurality of structural elements 22 and are both at least partially arranged as a truss construction comprising a plurality of steel beams. The support structures 101 , 102 are arranged at different positions along the longitudinal extension L of the wind turbine blade 1 .

[0110] The second support structure 102 comprises a plurality of support elements 105, of which only two support elements 105 are shown. Of course, the row of support elements 105 can be extended arbitrarily according to the storage structure provided by the first support structure 101.

[0111] As a storage surface for at least one wind turbine blade 1, a crossbar 106 extends between two strut elements 105. The crossbar 106 may comprise additional means for securing a wind turbine blade 1. For the sake of clarity, only one crossbar 106 is shown. The number of crossbars 106 may be equal to the storage locations provided by the first support structure 101.

[0112] During loading and / or unloading of the wind turbine frame 100, the wind turbine blade 1 has to be at least partially lowered vertically between two strut elements 105 of the second support structure 102 in order to be positioned on said crossbars 106. During this process, the wind turbine blade 1 can easily come into contact with the structural elements 22 of the second support structure 102.

[0113] exist Figure 6 1, support structures 101 and 102 are only partially shown for clarity. The first support structure may include additional storage locations arranged as additional rows 104 or columns 103. The second support structure 102 may include additional support elements 105. The number of support elements 105 may be one more than the number of columns provided by the first support structure 101.

[0114] Figure 6 The blade guide system shown in FIG. 1 comprises two blade guide units 11 . Each blade guide unit 11 is assigned to one strut element 105 of the second support structure 102 .

[0115] The wind turbine blade 1 is in a horizontal orientation with respect to an imaginary connecting line between the leading edge 5 and the trailing edge 6 and a longitudinal extension L of the wind turbine blade 1 extends in a horizontal or substantially horizontal direction.

[0116] Figure 7 A perspective view of the second support structure 102 is shown. The wind turbine blades 1 are at least partially guided through a row 103 of the wind turbine blade holder 100. To each strut element 105 a blade guiding unit 11 is assigned.

[0117] Each blade guide unit 11 comprises a plurality of service platforms 21 , which serve as connecting elements 23 for connecting each blade guide unit 11 to the support element 105 .

[0118] Each support element 105 comprises at least one ladder 107, thereby allowing a user to at least partially access the support element 105. The ladder 107 is part of an access system of the wind turbine blade frame 100. At least one blade guide unit 11 and / or at least one maintenance platform 21 are at least partially aligned with the access system and / or the at least one ladder, so that the maintenance platform 21 is accessible via the ladder 107. For the sake of clarity, only one ladder 107 is shown in each support element 105. It can be provided that each support element 105 comprises a plurality of ladders 107, so that the support element 105 is preferably accessible from the bottom to the top.

[0119] When the wind turbine blade 1 is lowered to a desired position in the second support structure 102, at least one trolley unit 13 of each blade guide unit 11 moves in accordance with the wind turbine blade 1 in order to protect the wind turbine blade 1 from contacting at least one structural element 22 of the wind turbine blade holder 100. Figure 7 The two trolley units 13 of the two separate blade guide units 11 are at least temporarily moved in accordance with the wind turbine blade 1 in order to at least partially protect the leading edge 5 and the trailing edge 6 of said wind turbine blade 1 from damages.

[0120] When the trolley unit 13 is moved in accordance with the wind turbine blade 1, the detection rod 16 of each trolley unit 13 is in continuous contact with at least one section of the wind turbine blade 1 so as to detect the movement of the wind turbine blade 1 relative to the trolley unit and move the trolley unit in accordance with the wind turbine blade 1.

[0121] exist Figure 7 1 shows a storage surface for wind turbine blades 1, where a plurality of crossbars 106 are arranged in a single row 103 of a second support structure 102. The crossbars 106 extend between two strut elements 105. The crossbars 106 comprise additional means for securing the wind turbine blades 1 and are pivotably mounted on at least one strut element 105 in order to allow at least one wind turbine blade 1 to pass through the crossbars 106 during loading and / or unloading operations on the wind turbine blade rack 100.

[0122] Figure 8 A perspective view of the second support structure 102 is shown. The wind turbine blade 1 is successfully guided to the desired position within the wind turbine blade frame 100. The detection lever 16 is pivoted from the detection position I to the non-detection position II, so that the detection lever 16 is no longer located below the wind turbine blade 1. Therefore, the trolley unit 13 can be moved upwards on the guide rails in order to start a new loading operation for positioning another wind turbine blade 1 in the wind turbine blade frame 100.

[0123] Fig. 9 A perspective view of the second support structure 102 is shown. A trolley unit 13 is located at the upper end of the guide rail 12 for receiving a wind turbine blade 1 during a loading operation in the wind turbine blade frame 100 and guiding at least one section of the wind turbine blade 1 while at least partially lowering it into the row 103 of the wind turbine blade frame 100 and / or the second support structure 102.

[0124] Fig.10 A schematic diagram of a wind turbine blade 1 is shown. The wind turbine blade 1 comprises a leading edge 5 facing the incident flow during operation and a trailing edge 6 facing away from the incident flow during operation. The blade may be divided into different sections 2,3,4.

[0125] Fig.10The wind turbine blade 1 comprises a root section 2, an airfoil section 3 and a transition section 4. The root section 2 comprises a blade root, which is intended to be structurally coupled to a hub of a wind turbine so as to ensure that the wind turbine blade remains connected to the wind turbine hub during operation of the wind turbine. The root section at least partially has a circular or substantially circular cross-section and / or has a negligible contribution to the generation of lift when the wind turbine blade is exposed to wind. In the airfoil section 3, the outer shape of the blade has an airfoil profile so as to generate lift under windy conditions. The transition section 4 is arranged between the root section 2 and the airfoil section 3. In the transition section 4, the outer contour of the wind turbine blade 1 continuously transitions from the root section contour to the airfoil section contour. The airfoil section 3 extends from the transition section 4 to the tip of the wind turbine blade 1.

[0126] Fig.11 A cargo ship 200 according to the invention is shown for at least temporarily transporting at least one wind turbine blade 1. The cargo ship 200 comprises a wind turbine blade rack 100 according to the invention. For reasons of simplicity, the wind turbine blade 1 is not shown in the wind turbine blade rack 100.

[0127] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a method 500 for using a wind turbine blade frame 100 according to the present invention is shown, the method 500 comprising the following steps:

[0128] During a loading operation performed on the wind turbine blade frame 100, at least one wind turbine blade 1 is moved 501 near at least one supporting structure 101, 102 of the wind turbine blade frame 100,

[0129] detecting 502 a movement of the wind turbine blade 1 relative to at least one trolley unit 13 and / or a spacer element 14 of a blade guide system 10 of a wind turbine blade frame 100,

[0130] At least one tackle unit 13 and / or spacer element 14 is at least temporarily moved 503 in accordance with the wind turbine blade 1 for at least temporarily avoiding contact between at least one support structure 101 , 102 of the wind turbine blade frame 100 and at least one section of the wind turbine blade 1 .

Claims

1. A blade guiding system (10) for guiding at least one wind turbine blade (1) during positioning of the wind turbine blade (1) in a wind turbine blade holder (100) or during removal of the wind turbine blade (1) from the wind turbine blade holder (100), the blade guiding system (10) comprising at least one blade guiding unit (11), the blade guiding unit (11) further comprising at least one guide rail (12) and at least one trolley unit (13), wherein: The trolley unit (13) is movably arranged on the guide rail (12) such that the trolley unit (13) is at least partially movable along the guide rail (12), and wherein the trolley unit (13) comprises at least one spacing element (14) for at least temporarily avoiding contact between at least one section of the wind turbine blade frame (100) and at least one section of the wind turbine blade (1) when positioning the wind turbine blade (1) in the wind turbine blade frame (100) or removing the wind turbine blade (1) from the wind turbine blade frame (100).

2. The blade guide system (10) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The trolley unit (13) comprises a detection unit (15) for detecting a movement of a wind turbine blade (1) relative to the trolley unit (13) within a detection range (R) of the detection unit (15).

3. The blade guide system (10) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The detection unit (15) comprises: at least one detection rod for at least temporarily establishing and / or maintaining contact between the trolley unit (13) and at least one wind turbine blade (1); and at least one sensor element (17), wherein an impact of a force on the detection rod (16) can be detected by the sensor element (17).

4. The blade guide system (10) according to claim 3, It is characterized in that The detection lever (16) is pivotably connected to the trolley unit (13), wherein the detection lever (16) is pivotable at least between a detection position (I) and a non-detection position (II).

5. The blade guide system (10) according to claim 4, It is characterized in that In the detection position (I), the detection rod (16) is oriented obliquely relative to at least one guide surface (18) of the spacing element (14), and / or in the non-detection position (II), the detection rod (16) is oriented parallel or substantially parallel to at least one guide surface (18) of the spacing element (14).

6. The blade guiding system (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, It is characterized in that The detection rod (16) is at least partially made of plastic, preferably fiber-reinforced plastic.

7. A blade guiding system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The trolley unit (13) comprises at least one pair of rollers (27), wherein the pair of rollers (27) at least partially surrounds the guide rail (12).

8. A blade guiding system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The blade guide unit (11) comprises at least one drive unit (20), wherein the drive unit (20) is operatively connected to the trolley unit (13), such that the trolley unit (13) can be moved at least partially along the guide rail (12) by the drive unit (20).

9. A blade guiding system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that At least one spacing element (14) at least partially has a plate-like shape and / or is at least partially made of a rubber material and / or an elastomer.

10. Blade guiding system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The blade guide unit (11) comprises at least one maintenance platform (21) for enabling a user to at least partially access at least one guide rail (12).

11. A wind turbine blade holder (100) for at least temporarily fixing the position of at least one wind turbine blade (1), the wind turbine blade holder (100) comprising at least: a first support structure (101) for at least partially receiving a root section (2) of at least one wind turbine blade (1); A second support structure (102) for at least partially receiving at least one airfoil segment (3) of a wind turbine blade (1); and at least one blade guiding system (10) according to any one of claims 1-10.

12. A cargo ship (200) for transporting at least one wind turbine blade (1), comprising at least one wind turbine blade rack (100) according to claim 11.

13. A method (500) for using a wind turbine blade frame (100), wherein: The wind turbine blade frame (100) is a wind turbine blade frame (100) according to claim 11, and the method (500) comprises at least the following steps: During a loading operation performed on the wind turbine blade frame (100), at least one wind turbine blade (1) is moved (501) adjacent to at least one section of the wind turbine blade frame (100), detecting (502) a movement of the wind turbine blade (1) relative to at least one trolley unit (13) and / or a spacer element (14) of a blade guide system (10) of the wind turbine blade frame (100), At least one trolley unit (13) and / or a spacer element (14) is at least temporarily moved (503) in accordance with the wind turbine blade (1) for at least temporarily avoiding contact between at least one section of the wind turbine blade frame (100) and at least one section of the wind turbine blade (1).

14. The method (500) according to claim 13, It is characterized in that In addition, preferably, after step c), at least one of the following steps is performed: During an unloading operation performed on the wind turbine blade frame (100), at least one wind turbine blade (1) is moved (504) adjacent to at least one section of the wind turbine blade frame (100), detecting (505) a movement of the wind turbine blade (1) relative to at least one trolley unit (13) and / or a spacer element (14) of a blade guide system (10) of the wind turbine blade frame (100), At least one trolley unit (13) and / or a spacer element (14) is at least temporarily moved (506) in accordance with the wind turbine blade (1) for at least temporarily avoiding contact between at least one section of the wind turbine blade frame (100) and at least one section of the wind turbine blade (1).

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