Method for installing cable-supported rotor wind turbine

Abstract

A method of installing a cable system (30) comprising cable assemblies (32a-c) on a wind turbine (10). The rotor (22) has a central hub (24) with a plurality of blades (26a-c) coupled to the central hub (24). The cable assembly (32a-c) includes a cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c). The method includes coupling a pulley (104) to a hub (24) or a blade (26a-c), operably coupling a lifting cable (110) to the pulley (104), attaching the lifting cable (110) to the cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), pulling the lifting cable (110) to pull the cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) toward the pulley (104), and coupling the cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the hub (24) or the blade (26a-c). The cable assembly (32a-c) includes another cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) coupled to the hub (24) or another blade (26a, 26b, 26c). The coupling cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) includes holding the cable assembly (32a-c) in position with the lifting cable (110) while coupling the cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the hub (24) or the blade (26a-c). Pulling the lifting cable (110) includes operating the winch (106) to pull the lifting cable (110) onto the winch (106).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wind turbines, and more particularly to a method of installing a wind turbine on which a plurality of wind turbine blades are supported using cables. Background Art

[0002] Wind turbines are used to generate electrical energy using renewable resources without burning fossil fuels. Wind turbines convert kinetic wind energy into mechanical energy, and then convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. A common type of wind turbine is a single-rotor upwind horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT). An exemplary single-rotor HAWT includes a tower, a nacelle located at the apex of the tower, and a single rotor having a central hub and one or more blades (e.g., three blades) mounted to the hub and extending radially therefrom. The rotor is supported by the nacelle and positioned at the front of the nacelle so that the rotor faces the wind upstream of its supporting tower. The rotor can be directly or indirectly coupled to a generator (not shown) housed inside the nacelle and is configured to convert the mechanical rotation of the rotor into electrical energy.

[0003] Wind turbine manufacturers are constantly striving to design and manufacture wind turbines with improved power production. The design of a wind turbine plays an important role in the power output generated from the wind. For example, the energy obtained from the wind is proportional to the swept area of ​​the wind turbine blades. For a single-rotor HAWT, the swept area can be increased by using longer wind turbine blades. The longer the blade, the larger the area tracked by the tip of the blade. This translates into more energy extracted from the wind. However, the length, maximum chord length, and root diameter of the wind turbine blades for a particular wind turbine are limited by many design factors.

[0004] As exemplary limitations, blade weight and root diameter increase with blade length. Each of these physical characteristics presents significant design challenges. On the one hand, reliably supporting increasingly heavier wind turbine blades at their attachment point at the rotor becomes a limiting factor. When the wind turbine is in operation, the increased loads at the root amplify fatigue at this location during rotation of the rotor and during yaw motion of the rotor. Transportation of blades from the manufacturing site to field installation is a known challenge, and increasing blade length, root diameter, and weight make transportation even more challenging.

[0005] One design solution that allows for increased blade length is to use cables during wind turbine operation.

[0006] Cable supported wind turbine blades. Cable supported blades can be relatively longer than blades without cable support. Wind turbines utilizing a rotor supported by cables may be referred to as "cable supported rotors" or "cable inclined-stayed rotors." Specifically, a web of cables extends to and between adjacent blades. With the aid of the cables, the blades can be proportionally longer while addressing the above-mentioned design issues. In this way, the swept area of ​​the blades can be increased using cable supported rotors to generate more energy from the wind.

[0007] Wind turbine manufacturers and operators therefore seek improved wind turbines, and in particular improved energy production, while overcoming current design limitations, including solutions for installing and attaching cables at minimal cost while stabilizing the wind turbine tower during energy production. Summary of the invention

[0008] To facilitate these objectives, and in a first aspect of the present invention, a method for installing a wind turbine is disclosed. The wind turbine is preferably a single-rotor HAWT. In one embodiment, there is a method for installing a cable system on a wind turbine. The cable system may include a plurality of cable assemblies, but typically one blade cable assembly per blade. For example, the cable assembly includes a first cable that may be a tip line or a center line. The method includes coupling a pulley to a central hub or one of a plurality of wind turbine blades, and operably coupling a lifting cable to the pulley. The method also includes attaching a lifting cable to the first cable and pulling the lifting cable to pull the first cable toward the pulley. Once the first cable is in place, the method includes coupling the first cable to the hub or one of the wind turbine blades. Repeating the process for the other cables of the cable system until the cable system is installed on the rotor. The cable system is configured to support the wind turbine blades during operation. The support provided by the cable system enables the use of longer blades, so that the energy production of the wind turbine can be increased relative to a wind turbine with relatively shorter blades.

[0009] In one embodiment, the cable assembly includes a second cable coupled to the hub or another blade, the second cable may be a tip line or a center line. Where the second cable is a center line coupled to the hub, coupling the first cable according to one embodiment of the method includes coupling the first cable to the wind turbine blade.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first cable is coupled to the hub. The method further includes coupling a pulley to one of the plurality of blades, and after coupling the first cable to the hub, operably coupling a lifting cable to the pulley, attaching the lifting cable to the second cable, pulling the lifting cable to pull the second cable toward 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0011] A pulley is provided, and the second cable is coupled to one of the plurality of blades. The pulley coupled to one of the plurality of blades may be a pulley coupled to the hub or another identical or similar pulley.

[0012] In one embodiment, the cable assembly includes a third cable, and the method further includes coupling the pulley to a different blade, operably coupling the lifting cable to the pulley, attaching the lifting cable to the third cable, pulling the lifting cable to pull the third cable toward the pulley, and coupling the third cable to a different blade.

[0013] In one embodiment, the cable assembly is pre-positioned at the center hub, such as in the center hub, on the outside of the center hub, or in the nacelle. This may occur at the installation site or the manufacturing location. The cable assembly is then lifted onto the tower while the center hub is installed, which may occur, for example, with the nacelle or after the nacelle is installed. The cable assembly may be coupled to the center hub before or after the center hub is installed. For example, the centerline may be coupled to the hub when the hub is accessible at ground level and before the hub is installed on the tower, which may occur, for example, with the nacelle or after the nacelle is installed. During the installation of the cable system on the rotor, a cable assembly including a first cable may be lowered from the center hub. Lowering the cable assembly may include lowering the cable assembly from the second cable, and coupling the first cable may include coupling the first cable to one of the plurality of blades. The end cable is coupled to the wind turbine blade using a pulley and a lifting cable.

[0014] In one embodiment, the cable assembly is pre-positioned at the central hub, the cable assembly includes a third cable, and lowering the cable assembly from the central hub includes lowering the third cable from the central hub. This embodiment may also include coupling a pulley to an adjacent one of the plurality of blades, and after coupling the first cable to one of the plurality of blades, operably coupling the lifting cable to the pulley. Attaching the lifting cable to the third cable and pulling the lifting cable to pull the third cable toward the pulley. The third cable is then coupled to an adjacent one of the plurality of blades.

[0015] In one embodiment, a cable assembly or a portion of a cable assembly is pre-positioned on one or more or each wind turbine blade. This may occur at the installation site or the manufacturing location. The pre-positioned cable assembly is then lifted onto the tower while the wind turbine blades are being installed. Lifting onto the tower here means that the cable assembly is lifted from ground level toward the top of the tower and does not indicate a direct connection between the cable assembly and the tower itself. The cable assembly may be connected to the wind turbine blade at one end before the blade is installed. Once the blade is installed, the remaining cable is connected to the adjacent wind turbine blade and the central hub. During the installation of the blade, the cable assembly may be initially connected to the wind turbine blade near the root end. If connected, the cable assembly is then installed to the adjacent blade and the central hub 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0016] Previously, the cable assembly was disconnected at this end. Alternatively, the cable assembly may be suspended from the wind turbine blade during its installation and thus does not need to be disconnected before further coupling to an adjacent blade or hub.

[0017] In one embodiment, the method includes rotating the rotor, for example 120° or a fraction thereof for a three-bladed HAWT, between installations of the cable assemblies.

[0018] In one embodiment, coupling the cable includes holding the cable in an elevated position using a lifting cable when coupling the cable to a hub or a wind turbine blade. Here, holding the cable in an elevated position includes holding the position of the cable away from the ground, such as from below (pulling upward) or from above (controlling a position facilitated at least in part by gravity), substantially vertically, substantially horizontally (e.g., in a direction between two blades), and angled upward or downward.

[0019] In one embodiment, after coupling the centerline, the method further comprises pulling the centerline toward the center hub to increase tension in the cable system.

[0020] In one embodiment, attaching the lifting cable to the cable includes assembling a wire sheath near an end of the cable and securing the lifting cable to the wire sheath.

[0021] In one embodiment, attaching the lifting cable to the cables includes connecting the lifting cable to a connector member joining the first cable, the second cable, and the third cable.

[0022] In one embodiment, pulling the lifting cable comprises operating a winch to pull the lifting cable onto the winch. The tension in the lifting cable may be monitored during pulling, in particular to ensure that the tension in the lifting cable remains below a threshold value for safety reasons. The monitoring may be, for example, by an integrated load cell or a separate load cell arranged, for example, relative to the pulley or the winch, and the measured tension is used as an input for the winch operation.

[0023] In one embodiment, the winch for pulling the lifting cable is arranged in the upper part of the tower, for example in or on the nacelle or in the hub. In particular, the winch for pulling the lifting cable can be a winch of a nacelle crane or a tower crane. This can be achieved by arranging a pulley in the nacelle and / or the hub to guide the crane cable to the pulley for pulling the lifting cable and the cable system to the hub, so that the crane cable can be used as a lifting cable or connected to the lifting cable.

[0024] In another aspect of the present invention, a method of installing a wind turbine includes: installing a central hub on a wind turbine tower; installing a plurality of wind turbine blades on the central hub; and installing a cable system on a rotor between adjacent wind turbine blades and the central hub. Installing the cable system includes coupling a pulley to at least one of one or more blades of the plurality of blades and the central hub. Installing the cable system also includes operably coupling a lifting cable to the pulley, attaching the lifting cable to the pulley.

[0025] connecting to the cable system, pulling the lifting cable to pull the cable system toward the pulley; and coupling the cable system to the central hub and / or one or more of the plurality of blades.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cable system may include a plurality of cable assemblies, and at least one of the cable assemblies is pre-positioned on at least one of one or more blades of the plurality of blades or the central hub. In this way, the cable assembly is lifted into position with the central hub or with the blade.

[0027] A particularly advantageous type of cable-stayed rotor is a cable-stayed variable pitch rotor, since pitching allows simple and well-known rotor speed control. A specific type of cable-stayed variable pitch rotor is a rotor with blade connection cables between adjacent blades, wherein the tension in the blade connection cables (also referred to as) can be adjusted by tensioning the cables of the tensioning system (also referred to as center cables) connected to the middle of the blade connection cables and the hub. This allows the tension in the cables to be adjusted during pitching operations. Therefore, the method of the present invention is particularly advantageous for installing a cable system for a cable-stayed variable pitch rotor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

[0029] Figure 1 is a front view of a cable-supported rotor wind turbine according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 1A is connected to Figure 1 An enlarged view of the cable system of the rotor shown;

[0031] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A an enlarged view of the connector shown;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic elevation view of a wind turbine tower and rotor, and illustrates the Figure 1 The system of cable systems;

[0033] Figure 2A yes Figure 2 An enlarged front view of the center hub is shown;

[0034] Figure 3 According to one embodiment, during installation of the cable system to the rotor Figure 2 A schematic front view of a wind turbine tower and rotor;

[0035] Figure 4 , Figure 4A , Figure 5 and Figure 6 The icon will Figure 1 The cable system is installed to Figure 2 A schematic front view of the rotor shown;

[0036] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B are respectively a wire sheath according to one embodiment and a schematic diagram of the wire sheath during use thereof with a wire end;

[0037] Figure 7 The icon will Figure 1 The cable system is installed to Figure 2 The rotor shown in one step is shown in 2022P00045WOCN (JPHEN)

[0038] Intentional front view;

[0039] Fig. 7A yes Figure 7 An enlarged view of an exemplary connection location on a wind turbine blade in FIG.

[0040] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The icon will Figure 1 The cable system is installed to Figure 2 A schematic front view of the rotor shown;

[0041] Fig.10 and Fig.11 Described is a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 A schematic front view of a wind turbine during installation;

[0042] Fig.12 and Fig.13 Described is a method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 a schematic elevation view of a wind turbine during installation; and

[0043] Fig.14 According to an embodiment of the present invention Figure 1 Schematic front view of a wind turbine during installation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Reference Figure 1 , wind turbine 10 includes a tower 12 and an energy generating unit 14 (including a nacelle) disposed at the apex of tower 12. Tower 12 may be coupled to a foundation 16 at its lower end. Foundation 16 may be a relatively large mass (e.g., concrete, an anchor cage, etc.) embedded in the ground, and forces on wind turbine 10 may ultimately be transmitted through the relatively large mass. Although not shown, in alternative embodiments, foundation 16 may include an off-site platform or the like used in offshore wind turbine applications. Tower 12 supports the weight of energy generating unit 14 and operates to raise energy generating unit 14 to an altitude above ground level or sea level where faster moving air currents with lower turbulence are generally found.

[0045] In this regard, the energy generation unit 14 converts wind energy into electrical energy. The energy generation unit 14 generally includes a housing or nacelle 20, a rotor 22 having a central hub 24 and wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c (e.g., three blades) mounted to the central hub 24 and extending radially therefrom. The energy generation unit 20 includes a drive train including a generator (not shown) and an optional gear arrangement for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. Most of the drive train may be located inside the nacelle 20 of the wind turbine 10. In addition to the generator, the nacelle 20 generally accommodates various components required to convert wind energy into electrical energy and various components required to operate, control and optimize the performance of the wind turbine 10. The wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c are configured to interact with the wind. The wind generates lift and causes the rotor 22 to rotate or rotate substantially to define the swept area of ​​the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c. The energy generation unit 14 generates electricity from the wind passing through the swept area of ​​the rotor 22. In the Wind 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0046] During operation of the wind turbine 10, the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c are supported by the cable system 30, which carries some static and dynamic loads. Essentially, the cable system 30 supports the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c relative to each other. For example, edgewise loads and flapping loads are shared between the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c via the cable system 30.

[0047] As shown in the figure, Figure 1 In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cable system 30 includes three cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c, one cable assembly 32a, 32b, 32c for each wind turbine blade 26a, 26b, 26c. In an exemplary embodiment, each cable assembly 32a, 32b, 32c is connected to the rotor 22 at three locations, one at the center hub 24 and one at each of two adjacent wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c. That is, each of the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c is coupled to adjacent wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c and is coupled between adjacent wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c and to the center hub 24. As shown, this forms a Y-shaped cable configuration between adjacent wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c and the center hub 24.

[0048] More specifically, and by way of example only, if Figure 1A As shown, cable assembly 32a is coupled to wind turbine blade 26a, wind turbine blade 26b, and center hub 24. Similarly, cable assembly 32b is coupled to wind turbine blade 26b, wind turbine blade 26c, and center hub 24, and cable assembly 32c is coupled to wind turbine blade 26c, wind turbine blade 26a, and center hub 24. In other words, cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c may be directly or indirectly connected to wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c, and directly or indirectly connected to center hub 24. Although not shown, the connection between the cables of each assembly 32a, 32b, 32c and rotor 22 may be by wire rope fittings commonly used in the industry. For example, referring to Figure 1B A solid sleeve with an integrated bearing 34 may define one or more cable ends in each assembly 32a, 32b, 32c. The fittings cooperate with other fittings or sockets on the center hub 24 and / or on the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c to mechanically attach the assembly 32a, 32b, 32c sufficient to carry a portion of the load on the rotor 22.

[0049] Further in this regard, although not shown in detail in the drawings, each of the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, and 26c may include a cable-to-blade connection point to which the cable assembly 32a, 32b, or 32c is coupled. These connections are described in detail in co-owned PCT applications PCT / DK2021 / 050374 and PCT / DK2022 / 050051, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Although not shown, by way of example only, the cable-to-blade connection may be at a separate location between the inboard blade portion and the outboard blade portion, the inboard blade portion and the outboard blade 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0050] The blade sections are connected to each other to form a wind turbine blade. Such segmented blade designs are generally known in the wind turbine industry and can facilitate the transportation of the blades. The connection point itself can be located outside the wind turbine blade, but at a separate location. For example, a cable connection can extend outward from the blade and can be used to connect to the cable system 30. Also not shown in the figures, the center hub 24 may include a cable-to-hub structure, and the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c are connected to the cable-to-hub structure, and the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c are tensioned by the cable-to-hub structure before and during operation of the wind turbine 10. Cable-to-hub structures that can be used to connect to the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c are also described in detail in the co-owned PCT applications PCT / DK2021 / 050374 and PCT / DK2022 / 050051. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the number of wind turbine blades. Specifically, although wind turbine 10 is shown having three wind turbine blades, embodiments of the present invention may include more than three wind turbine blades, wherein a cable assembly is coupled between two adjacent blades and to each of the two adjacent blades and to the central hub.

[0051] Advantageously, the cable system 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention carries a portion of the loads on the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c, particularly during operation of the wind turbine 10. For example, the cable system 30 carries at least a portion of the dynamic loads from the movement of the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c due to wind and gravity. It is advantageous to offload these loads from the blades 26a, 26b, 26c to the cable system 30. As an exemplary advantage, the blades 26a, 26b, 26c can be redesigned to be longer without substantially increasing their diameter at each blade root at their connection to the central hub 24 compared to the diameter of a wind turbine blade without cable support. As a result, the swept area of ​​the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c can be greater than the swept area of ​​a wind turbine blade not supported by cables. Other advantages are also possible.

[0052] Continue to refer to Figure 1A In one embodiment, one or more of the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c include two or more cables connected to each other and to the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c and the center hub 24. In the exemplary embodiment shown, each cable assembly 32a, 32b, 32c includes three separate cables corresponding to each portion of the Y-mounted cable assembly. For example, the cable assembly 32a includes a first cable 40a coupled to the wind turbine blade 26a at one end and a second cable 42a coupled to the wind turbine blade 26b at one end. The cable assembly 32a includes a third cable 44a coupled to the center hub 24. Each of the first cable 40a and the second cable 42a may be referred to herein as an end line or end cable, and the third cable 44a may be referred to as a center line or center cable. Each of the end lines 40a and 42a and the center cable 44a is at an intersection 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0053] 50a. One or more of the end lines 40a, 42a and the central cable 44a may include a solid sleeve with an integrated bearing 34 as described above at one or both ends of the connection points connected to the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b and / or the central hub 24, respectively. The two end lines 40a and 42a may be manufactured as a unit, wherein each end of the unit forms an end line. The two end lines 40a and 42a and the central cable 44a may be manufactured as a unit, such as a T-rope with three ends, wherein the ends of the unit respectively form the two end lines 40a, 42a and a central cable 44a.

[0054] Similarly, the cable assembly 32b includes a first cable 40b coupled to the wind turbine blade 26b at one end, a second cable 42b coupled to the wind turbine blade 26c at one end, and a third cable 44b coupled to the center hub 24. Each of the first cable 40b and the second cable 42b may be referred to herein as an end line or end cable, and the third cable 44b may be referred to as a center line or center cable. Each of the lines 40b, 42b, and 44b is coupled at an intersection 50b. One or more of the end lines 40b, 42b, and the center cable 44b may include a solid sleeve with an integrated bearing 34 as described above at one or both ends connected to the wind turbine blades 26b, 26c, the center hub 24, and / or at the intersection 50b.

[0055] The cable assembly 32c includes a first cable 40c coupled to the wind turbine blade 26c at one end, a second cable 42c coupled to the wind turbine blade 26a at one end, and a third cable 44c coupled to the center hub 24. Each of the first cable 40c and the second cable 42c may be referred to herein as an end line or end cable, and the third cable 44c may be referred to as a center line or center cable. Each of the lines 40c, 42c, and 44c is coupled at an intersection 50c. One or more of the first cable 40c, the second cable 42c, and the third cable 44c may include a solid sleeve with an integrated bearing 34 as described above at one or both ends connected to the wind turbine blade 26c, 26a, the center hub 24, and / or at the intersection 50c.

[0056] Reference Figure 1B As an example, one or more of the intersections 50a, 50b, 50c may include a connector 52 to which the first, second, and third cables of the corresponding cable assembly are coupled together. Figure 1B As shown, the connector 52 includes two opposing plates 54a, 54b connected together by three pins 56a, 56b, 56c. The pins 56a, 56b, 56c receive a corresponding one of the ends of the end wires or the end of the center wire, such as via a solid sleeve with an integrated bearing 34, to form a cable assembly. For example, one or more of the wires and cables of the cable system 30 may include a polymer material as a load-bearing component. The polymer material may be, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, such as the type manufactured under the trade name "Dyneema". Due to the combination of high strength / weight ratio and good fatigue characteristics, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene is 2022P00045WOCN (JPHEN)

[0057] High molecular weight polyethylene fibers are particularly advantageous. As an alternative, the polymer material can be based on polyester, polyamide, nylon, polypropylene, aramid, etc. As another alternative, the polymer material can be a composite material, for example a liquid crystal polymer such as polybenzoxazole (PBO). However, the cable system 30 is not limited to polymer materials, as various types of steel cables can be used alone or in combination with polymer materials.

[0058] exist Figure 1 and Figure 1AIn the embodiment of the present invention, each cable assembly 32a, 32b, 32c is tensioned in its attachment between the central hub 24 and the wind turbine blade 26a, 26b, 26c. Tensioning the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c may be achieved by a mechanism in the central hub 24. Exemplary mechanisms are described in commonly owned PCT / DK2021 / 050374 and PCT / DK2022 / 050051 and may be achieved by using a hydraulic cylinder or the like that is configured to pull one or more of the central cables 44a, 44b, 44c after the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c are installed, as will be described below. Pulling the center cables 44a, 44b, 44c in a direction toward the center hub 24 places the end wires 40a, 40b, 40c, 42a, 42b, 42c and the center cables 44a, 44b, 44c in tension. Once tensioned, the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c share the load applied to the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cable system 30 is installed on the wind turbine 10 during or after the installation of the rotor 22. Figure 2-9 An exemplary installation is shown in which the cable system 30 is installed after the rotor installation is complete. Figure 2 , the tower 12, the energy generating unit 14 including the nacelle, and the rotor 22 are assembled prior to installation of the cable system 30. After assembly of the rotor 22, if necessary, the rotor 22 is rotated to the orientation shown, with an adjacent pair of blades 26a and 26b at the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, respectively, although other orientations of the blades may be used during installation of the cable system 30. A platform 100 is positioned proximate the central hub 24. In an exemplary installation, the platform 100 is a basket raised by a crane 102 to enable personnel (e.g., construction workers) to manually access the central hub 24, the cable system 30, and the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c. Other types of access systems are also possible, such as aerial work vehicles, rope access, or blade access platforms.

[0060] like Figure 2 and Figure 2A As shown, a person from platform 100 moves pulley 104 close to the center cable 44a of cable assembly 32a (e.g., as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The winch 106 or similar device is positioned on the ground near the tower 12, and the lifting cable 110 is drawn from the winch 106 and fed through the pulley 104. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the winch 106 being on the ground. For example, the winch 106 can be attached to the center hub 24 or the wind turbine blade 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0061] 26a or 26b. However, there may be some advantages to placing winch 106 near or at ground level (such as ease of connection to a power source). In the exemplary embodiment shown, cable assembly 32a, including end wires 40a and 42a and center cable 44a (each of which is coupled to connector 52), is shown spooled on the ground near tower 12. After being operably coupled to pulley 104, hoist cable 110 is coupled to cable assembly 32a when cable assembly 32a is on the ground, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As an example only, the lifting cable 110 is coupled to the connector 52 ( Figure 1B ).

[0062] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 4A , the winch 106 is activated to pull the lifting cable 110, and thus the attached cable assembly 32a is lifted toward the pulley 104. In this regard, the platform 100 and / or the crane 102 may not be used to lift the cable assembly 32a. As shown, once the cable assembly 32a is close to the attachment point of the cable assembly 32a to the center hub 24, the personnel on the platform 100 attach the center cable 44a to the center hub 24 (e.g., hydraulic cylinder). In this way, the winch 106, the pulley 104 and the lifting cable 110 carry the weight of the cable assembly 32a, and the personnel on the platform 100 connect the cable assembly 32a to the hub 24. The personnel can more easily manipulate the end of the center cable 44a and connect it to the center hub 24 because it is not in tension. After coupling, the tension in the lifting cable 110 is released, and the lifting cable 110 is then disconnected from the cable assembly 32a, and the pulley 104 is disconnected from the central hub 24. The cable assembly 32a is suspended from the central hub 24 by the central cable 44a. In another embodiment, the pulley is permanently attached to the central hub, for example during the manufacture of the hub. In this case, the pulley can be arranged inside the hub and can be accessed from the outside of the hub via an opening in the hub. In a subsequent step of the method for installing the cable system 30, one or more other pulleys can be attached to the blade.

[0063] Reference Figure 5, the crane 102 moves the platform 100 toward the wind turbine blade 26a. With the platform 100 close to the wind turbine blade 26a, personnel attach the pulley 104 to the blade 26a near the connection point of the cable assembly 32a to the blade 26a. With the lifting cable 110 operably coupled to the pulley 104, the crane 102 moves the platform 100 with the lifting cable 110 to the suspended cable assembly 32a. Personnel on the platform 100 attach the lifting cable 110 to the cable assembly 32a, particularly the end of the lifting cable 110 near the end line 40a opposite the end coupled to the connector 52, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown. Figure 5 and Figure 6 In an alternative embodiment of the process steps shown (not shown), the lifting cables are optionally attached to the cable assembly together with the lifting cables operably coupled to the pulley before the platform is moved with the pulley to the vicinity of the wind turbine blade. When the platform is moved, the lifting cables are allowed to 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0064] The platform is not allowed to be released from the winch, so no significant tension is applied in the cable assembly attached to the lifting cable, and the platform is only exposed to vertical forces. Near the blade, personnel attach a pulley with a lifting cable to the blade near the connection point of the cable assembly to the blade. This alternative embodiment is particularly advantageous because it reduces the number of vertical repositionings of the platform and reduces the risk of working under suspended loads. In one embodiment, the lifting cable 110 is coupled to the terminal wire 40a with a wire sheath 112, making the end of the terminal wire 40a more accessible for connection to the wind turbine blade 26a near the pulley 104. Fig. 6A and Figure 6B As shown, the wire sheath 112 may have a mesh carpet portion 114 configured to be wrapped around the terminal wire 40a, and one or more eyelets 116 configured to be coupled to the lifting cable 110. Fig. 6A , the blanket portion 114 can be sewn together around the wire 40a. In one embodiment, the wire sheath 112 is attached near the end of the terminal wire 40a, but not at the end of the terminal wire 40a. This is for example only. Figure 6B and Fig. 7A Shown in.

[0065] Reference Figure 7 and Fig. 7A, the winch 106 is activated to pull the lifting cable 110 into the winch 106 and pull the terminal line 40a toward the wind turbine blade 26a. Advantageously, the winch 106 and the lifting cable 110 carry the weight of the terminal line 40a as the terminal line 40a is pulled toward the wind turbine blade 26a. In contrast, it is contemplated that using the platform 100 to pull the terminal line 40a toward the wind turbine blade 26a will impose a significant horizontal load on the platform 100 from the dead weight of the terminal line 40a. Using the winch 106 and the lifting cable 110 to pull the terminal line 40a significantly reduces or avoids the application of horizontal loads on the platform 100. With the end of the terminal line 40a close to the wind turbine blade 26a and the winch 106 holding the terminal line 40a in place, a person on the platform 100 couples the terminal line 40a to the wind turbine blade 26a. Again, winch 106 carries most of the weight of cable assembly 32a that is not supported by hub 24 while personnel couple the end of terminal line 40a to wind turbine blade 26a. In the exemplary embodiment, a solid sleeve with an integrated bearing 120 defines the end of terminal line 40a as shown. Fig. 7A In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the bearing 120 is inserted into a socket 122 on the wind turbine blade 26a to couple the tip line 40a (ie, the cable assembly 32a) to the wind turbine blade 26a.

[0066] Once the cable assembly 32a is secured to one wind turbine blade 26a, the cable assembly 32a is coupled to an adjacent wind turbine blade 26b in a similar manner, e.g. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, or by the corresponding alternative embodiments described above. To this end, the crane 102 moves the platform 100 toward the wind turbine blade 26b. With the platform 100 close to the wind turbine blade 26b, personnel attach the pulley 104 to the blade 26b near the connection point of the cable assembly 32a to the blade 26b, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown. The crane 102 moves the platform 100 with the lifting cable 110 to the suspended cable 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0067] Cable assembly 32a, such as Fig. 9 As shown, a person on the platform 100 attaches the lifting cable 110 to the cable assembly 32a, particularly to one end near the end line 42a. In one embodiment, the lifting cable 110 is coupled to the end line 42a with a wire sheath 112, similar to Figure 6B and Fig. 7A With this configuration, the end of the tip wire 42a is more easily accessible for connection to the wind turbine blade 26b near the pulley 104.

[0068] Reference Fig. 9, the winch 106 is activated to pull the lifting cable 110 into the winch 106 and pull the end line 42a toward the wind turbine blade 26b. With the end of the end line 42a close to the wind turbine blade 26b, the personnel on the platform 100 connect the end line 42a to the wind turbine blade 26b. Although not shown, in an exemplary embodiment, a solid sleeve with an integrated bearing 120 (such as Figure 1B and Figure 6B The end line 42a may then be coupled to the wind turbine blade 26b, similar to Fig. 7A , wherein the bearing 120 is inserted into a socket on the wind turbine blade 26b to couple the cable assembly 32a to the wind turbine blade 26b. The cable assembly 32a is thereby coupled to each of the adjacent wind turbine blades 26a and 26b and to the central hub 24.

[0069] Although not shown in the drawings, after the cable assembly 32a is coupled to the rotor 22, as shown in FIG. Figure 2-9 As schematically shown in FIG. 1 , the rotor 22 is rotated 120° to position any pair of wind turbine blades 26b and 26c or wind turbine blades 26c and 26a at the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, respectively. It should be noted that rotating the rotor a smaller or larger portion of the entire rotation may facilitate the installation process, for example, by orientation of the cables or blades such that gravity will facilitate during installation or for safety reasons. One of the cable assemblies 32b and 32c is positioned as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 2-9 The cable assembly 32a of the embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the corresponding adjacent wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c in the same manner as described above. After one of the cable assemblies 32b and 32c is installed according to this process, the rotor 22 is rotated 120°, and the remaining cable assembly 32b or 32c is then coupled to the corresponding wind turbine blade 26a, 26b, 26c in the same manner. Thus, each cable assembly 32a, 32b, 32c is coupled to a corresponding pair of adjacent wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c and to the center hub 24.

[0070] In detail, during installation of the cable assemblies 32b and 32c, the above-mentioned Figure 2-9 The process described in the cable assembly 32a in the embodiment of the present invention, the pulley 104 is connected to the hub 24, the cable assembly 32b or 32c is connected to the winch 106 via the lifting cable 110, the cable assembly 32b, 32c is lifted by the winch 106 toward the central hub 24, and the central cable 44b, 44c of the cable assembly 32b, 32c is connected to the hub 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0071] 24. Once the cable assembly 32b, 32c is coupled to the hub 24, the pulley 104 is coupled to the blade 26b or 26c, the lifting cable 110 is coupled to the corresponding cable assembly 32b, 32c (i.e., to the end line 40b, 40c), the end line 40b, 40c is pulled to the blade 26b or 26c by activating the winch 106, and the end line 40b, 40c is coupled to the blade 26b or 26c.

[0072] As an example of cable assembly 32b, end wires 40b and 42b are then coupled to adjacent wind turbine blades 26b and 26c. In this regard, pulley 104 is coupled to blade 26b or 26c, lifting cable 110 is coupled to cable assembly 32b (i.e., coupled to end wire 42b), and end wire 40b or 42b is pulled to blade 26b or 26c by activating winch 106. Once in position, end wire 40b or 42b is coupled to blade 26b or 26c. After rotating rotor 22 120° to position adjacent blades 26c and 26a at the 8 o'clock and 4 o'clock positions, the same process is repeated for the remaining adjacent pair of wind turbine blades 26c and 26a and the remaining cable assemblies 32c.

[0073] After coupling, the tension in each of the assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c is adjusted by operation of a tensioning system as described in one or both of PCT applications PCT / DK2021 / 050374 and PCT / DK2022 / 050051. Although not shown, as an alternative to lifting the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c with a winch, the platform 100 and crane 102 can be used to lift one or more of the wires / cables 40a-40c, 42a-42c, 44a-44c or cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c to the central hub 24 and / or pull the end wires 40a, 40b, 42a, 42b, 44a, 44b toward the respective wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c without the use of a winch.

[0074] and Figure 2-9The installation of the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c after the rotor 22 is mounted on the tower 12 is schematically depicted. Embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the installation of the cable assemblies after the rotor is installed / assembled. In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more of the individual wires / cables 40a-40c, 42a-42c, 44a-44c are separate from the corresponding cable assemblies 32a, 32b and 32c, or the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c can be coupled to the center hub 24, or can be coupled to one or more of the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b and 26c before the center hub 24 is installed or before the blades 26a, 26b and 26c are installed on the center hub 24. Advantageously, personnel may couple one or more of the wires 40a-40c, 42a-42c, 44a-44c or cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c to the center hub 24 or the respective wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c while the center hub 24 or wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c are accessible at ground level.

[0075] As an example and reference Fig.10 In one embodiment, each of the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, and 32c is coupled to the central hub 24 when the central hub 24 is accessible at ground level.

[0076] The cable assemblies 32a, 32b, and 32c may occur at the installation site or at the manufacturing location. In either case, one or more of the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, and 32c may be pre-positioned in the center hub 24 before the center hub 24 is installed on the tower 12. In this regard, although not shown, the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, and 32c may be stored within the center hub 24 before the hub 24 is lifted into position relative to the nacelle 20 on the tower 12.

[0077] exist Fig.11 , once the rotor 22 is assembled with the center hub 24 and the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c, the cable assembly 32a is paid out from the center hub 24 and suspended from the hub 24 by the center cable 44a. Thus, the exemplary process avoids coupling the pulley 104 to the center hub 24 before coupling the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c to the center hub 24. Advantageously, coupling of each cable assembly 32a, 32b, 32c occurs on the ground and is therefore accomplished without the winch 106 and the crane 102.

[0078] After the cable assembly 32a extends from the central hub 24, the Figure 2-9The process explained may be used to couple cable assemblies 32a, 32b, and 32c to rotor 22. As an example, Fig.11 As shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1 , a pulley 104 is coupled to the wind turbine blade 26a, and a lifting cable 110 is operably coupled to the pulley 104 and to the cable assembly 32a near the end of the terminal line 40a. The winch 106 and the lifting cable 110 are connected to the wind turbine blade 26a via a wire sheath 112 ( Figure 6B ) to pull the tip line 40a toward the wind turbine blade 26a. Personnel on the platform 100 then connect the tip line 40a to the wind turbine blade 26a while the lifting cable 110 and winch 106 carry the weight of the tip line 40a. Once the connection with the wind turbine blade 26a is made, the pulley 104 and lifting cable 110 are disconnected from the wind turbine blade 26a and the tip line 40a, respectively. A similar process is used to couple the tip line 42a to the wind turbine blade 26b.

[0079] Although not shown, the process is repeated for each remaining cable assembly. For example, after rotating the rotor 22 120°, the next of the cable assemblies 32b and 32c can be released from the central hub 24. Personnel can use the pulley 104, winch 106 and lifting cable 110 to couple the cable assembly 32b or 32c to the remaining adjacent pairs of wind turbine blades 26b and 26c and 26c and 26a.

[0080] Fig.12 Another example of installing at least one of the wires 40a-40c, 42a-42c, 44a-44c before installing the rotor 22 is shown. In the exemplary embodiment, the end wire pairs 40a and 42a, 40b and 42b, and 40c and 42c are coupled to the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c at only one of the two ends of the end cables. The wires 40a-40c, 42a-42c, 44a-44c may be coupled to the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c at the installation site or manufacturing facility and thus may be mounted before the wind 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0081] 26a, 26b, 26c. Although not shown, when the wind turbine blades are accessible at ground level, the end wire pairs 40a and 42a, 40b and 42b, 40c and 42c are coupled to one wind turbine blade. The ends of the end wires 42a, 42b and 40c are shown coupled to the wind turbine blades 26b, 26c and 26a, respectively. The wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c are then mounted on the central hub 24. The end wire pairs 40a and 42a, 40b and 42b, 40c and 42c may be suspended from the corresponding blades or temporarily fixed near the root of the blade or near the tip of the blade.

[0082] After the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c are installed, the end wire pairs 40a and 42a, 40b and 42b, 40c and 42c can be suspended from their respective connections at the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c, or temporarily held in place until the time for the individual wires to be installed. In an exemplary embodiment, each pair is suspended from a respective blade. Fig.12 In an exemplary embodiment, once the end wire pair 40a and 42a is suspended from the wind turbine blade 26b, a person on the platform 100 couples the pulley 104 to the wind turbine blade 26a and couples the lifting cable 110 to the wire pair 40a and 42a through the pulley 104. The winch 106 is activated to pull the wire pair 40a and 42a toward the wind turbine blade 26a. While the lifting cable 110 and the winch 106 hold the weight of the wire pair 40a and 42a, the person on the platform 100 couples the other end of the wire pair 40a and 42a to the wind turbine blade 26a. The rotor 22 then rotates 120° and the next cable pair is coupled to the adjacent wind turbine blade. Alternatively or additionally, the rotor may rotate a portion of the rotation so that the cable-to-blade connection on the blade 26a is arranged closer to the vertically below the cable-to-blade connection on the blade 26b to which the end cable 42a is already connected. In this way, gravity will do most of the movement of the end cable 40a towards the cable-to-blade connection on the blade 26a, so the required tension in the lifting cable 110 is significantly reduced.

[0083] For example, counterclockwise rotation Fig.122, wind turbine blade 26c is positioned in the downward or 6 o'clock position and wind turbine blade 26a is positioned in the 2 o'clock position. Wire pairs 40c and 42c are suspended from their connections to wind turbine blade 26a. The suspension position may be generally parallel to the downwardly oriented wind turbine blade 26c. In the orientation of rotor 22, the end wire pairs 40c and 42c are coupled to wind turbine blade 26c in the same manner as described above with respect to the connection of the end wire pairs 40a and 42a to wind turbine blade 26a. Once the end wire pairs 40c and 42c are coupled to wind turbine blade 26c, the process is repeated to couple the remaining wire pairs 40b and 42b suspended from wind turbine blade 26c to wind turbine blade 26b.

[0084] Once the end wire pairs 40a and 42a, 40b and 42b, and 40c and 42c are coupled to their respective adjacent wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c, the center cables 44a, 44b, 44c are coupled to 2022P00045WOCN (JPHEN)

[0085] Between the central hub 24 and the corresponding end wire pairs 40a and 42a, 40b and 42b, and 40c and 42c. Fig.13 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the center cable 44a is lowered from within the hub 24, either by being lifted into position with a crane (not shown), or by being lowered from the center hub 24 via a jib crane (not shown). The center cable 44a is coupled to the center hub 24 at one end and to the end wire pairs 40a, 42a at the other end. As an example, the connection points between the three cables can be provided by the connection portion 50a (e.g., Figure 1B ). Once the cable assembly 32a is completed, the rotor 22 is rotated 120°. Although not shown, after rotating the rotor 22, the center cable 44b is lowered from the hub 24 and connected to each of the end wire pairs 40b and 42b and the center hub 24 in the same manner. After another 120° rotation of the rotor 22, the center cable 44c is lowered from the end wire pairs 40c and 42c and the center hub 24 and connected to the end wire pairs 40c and 42c and the center hub 24. Alternatively (not shown), the center cables 44a, 44b, 44c can be connected to the corresponding end wire pairs and connected to the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c at the installation site or at the manufacturing facility, and can therefore be pre-positioned before the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c are installed. Then, after the end wire pairs are installed, the center cables can be connected to the center hub 24 using pulleys, lifting cables and winches.

[0086] After all of the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c are installed on the rotor 22, the cable system 30 is tensioned.

[0087] In another exemplary embodiment and with reference to Fig.14 , before the blades 26a, 26b, 26c are mounted on the center hub 24, the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c are assembled to a corresponding one of the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c. Although not shown, one end of the tip wires 40a, 42a, 40b, 42b and 40c, 42c is coupled to one of the blades 26a, 26b, 26c. The other ends of the tip wires 40a, 42a, 40b, 42b and 40c, 42c and the center cables 44a, 44b, 44c are temporarily connected to the corresponding wind turbine blade (such as near the root end of the blade) so that the blade can be mounted on the center hub 24 without the cable assemblies 32a, 32b, 32c coming loose or swinging from the blade. Referring to Fig.14 , the connection of the cable assembly 32a is made when the blade 26b is on the ground and before the blade 26b is attached to the central hub 24. After all blades 26a, 26b, 26c are installed on the central hub 24, the remaining two connections are made, one to the central hub 24 and one to the wind turbine blade 26a. A similar arrangement is made for each of the remaining cable assemblies 32b and 32c.

[0088] exist Fig.14 In the embodiment, once each of the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c is mounted on the central hub 24, the platform 100 is positioned so that personnel can disconnect the temporary connection of the assembly 32a at the root end of the blade 26b. In this regard, one end of the central cable 44a is connected to the wind turbine blade 26b2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN)

[0089] The platform 100 with the end of the wire 40a and the end of the cable 44a are carried to their respective connection points on the central hub 24 and the wind turbine blade 26a, respectively.

[0090] Personnel on the platform 100 couple the center cable 44a to the center hub 24. Fig.14As shown, the platform 100 is then repositioned (in the direction of arrow 124) near the connection point on the wind turbine blade 26a, while pulling the end line 40a toward the blade 26a so that the personnel can connect the end line 40a to the wind turbine blade 26a. In this way, the cable assembly 32a is connected to the wind turbine blades 26a and 26b and the central hub 24. After connecting the cable assembly 32a, the rotor 22 rotates 120°, and one of the remaining cable assemblies 32b and 32c is connected to the central hub 24 and the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c. The rotor 22 rotates 120° again, and the final cable assembly 32b or 32c is connected to the wind turbine blades 26a, 26b, 26c and the central hub 24. After connecting each assembly 32a, 32b, 32c, the cable system 30 is tensioned. Alternatively, instead of the platform 100 and the crane 102, winches, pulleys and lifting cables, such as Figure 2 The winch 106, pulley 104 and lifting cable 110 shown in FIG. 1 can be used to pull the end line 40a toward the blade 26a, similar to Figure 7 as shown in .

[0091] The present invention is exemplified in a single rotor HAWT, but is similarly applicable to a multi-rotor HAWT, where the method can be used to install the cable system for each rotor using the same steps and sequence as described above, thereby achieving the same advantages.

[0092] Although the present invention has been illustrated by the description of various preferred embodiments, and although these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various features of the present invention may be used alone or in any combination, depending on the needs and preferences of the user.

Claims

1. A method of installing a cable system (30) including a cable assembly (32a-c) on a wind turbine (10) including a tower (12) and a rotor (22), the rotor (22) having a central hub (24) with a plurality of blades (26a-c) coupled to the central hub (24), the cable assembly (32a-c) including a first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), the method comprising: coupling a pulley (104) to the hub (24) or one of the plurality of blades (26a-c); operably coupling a lifting cable (110) to the pulley (104); attaching the lifting cable (110) to the first cables (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c); pulling the lifting cable (110) to pull the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) toward the pulley (104); and The first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) is coupled to the hub (24) or the one blade of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The cable assembly (32a-c) includes a second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) coupled to the hub (24) or another blade of the plurality of blades (26a, 26b, 26c), and wherein coupling the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) includes coupling the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the one blade of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The cable assembly (32a-c) includes a second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), and coupling the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) includes coupling the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the hub (24), the method further comprising: coupling a pulley (104) to a blade of the plurality of blades (26a-c); After coupling the first cables (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the hub (24), operably coupling a lifting cable (110) to the pulley (104); Attach the lifting cable (110) to the second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c); 2022P00045WOCN (JPHEN) pulling the lifting cable (110) to pull the second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) toward the pulley (104); and The second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) is coupled to the one blade of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The cable assembly (32a-c) includes a third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), the method further comprising: coupling a pulley (104) to a different one of the plurality of blades (26a-c); operably coupling a lifting cable (110) to the pulley (104); attaching the lifting cable (110) to the third cables (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c); pulling the lifting cable (110) to pull the third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) toward the pulley (104); and The third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) is coupled to the different one of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The cable assembly (32a-c) is pre-positioned at the central hub (24), and the method further includes lowering the cable assembly (32a-c) including the first cables (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) from the central hub (24).

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The cable assembly (32a-c) includes a second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) coupled to the center hub (24), wherein lowering the cable assembly (32a-c) includes lowering the cable assembly (32a-c) from the second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), and wherein coupling the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) includes coupling the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the one blade of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

7. The method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The cable assembly (32a-c) includes a third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), and lowering the cable assembly (32a-c) from the central hub (24) includes lowering the third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) from the central hub (24), the method further comprising: 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN) coupling a pulley (104) to an adjacent one of the plurality of blades (26a-c); After coupling the first cables (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), operably coupling a lifting cable (110) to the pulley (104); attaching the lifting cable (110) to the third cables (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c); pulling the lifting cable (110) to pull the third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) toward the pulley (104); and The third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) is coupled to the adjacent one of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The cable assembly (32a-c) includes a second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), and at least the first cable and the second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) of the cable assembly (32a-c) are pre-positioned on another blade of the plurality of blades (26a-c), the method further comprising: coupling the second cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the other of the blades (26a-c), and wherein coupling the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) comprises coupling the first cable to the one blade of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The cable assembly (32a-c) includes a third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), and the method further includes coupling the third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the center hub (24).

10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The first cable is temporarily connected to the other blade of the plurality of blades, and the method further includes disconnecting the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) from the other blade of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

11. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Connecting the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) includes holding the cable assembly (32a-c) in place with the lifting cable (110) while connecting the first cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) to the hub (24) or the one of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

12. The method according to any preceding claim, further comprising: Rotating the rotor (22); as well as A second cable assembly (32a-c) is mounted on the rotor (22).

13. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: After coupling the first cables (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c), the method further includes pulling the first cables (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) toward the center hub (24) to increase tension in the cable assembly (32a-c).

14. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Attaching the lifting cable (110) to the first cable, the second cable and / or the third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) includes assembling a wire sheath (112) near the end of the first cable, the second cable and / or the third cable (40a-c, 42a-c, 44a-c) and securing the lifting cable (110) to the wire sheath (112).

15. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein: Pulling the lifting cable (110) includes operating a winch (106) to pull the lifting cable (110) onto the winch (106), preferably monitoring during pulling that the tension in the lifting cable is below a threshold value.

16. A method of installing a wind turbine (10) comprising a tower (12) and a rotor (22) located on the tower (22) and having a central hub (24), the method comprising: Mounting the central hub (24) on the tower (12); mounting a plurality of wind turbine blades (26a-c) on the central hub (24); as well as installing a cable system (30) on the rotor (22) between adjacent wind turbine blades (26a-c) and the central hub (24); Wherein, installing the cable system (30) further comprises: coupling a pulley (104) to at least one of one or more blades of the plurality of blades (26a-c) and the central hub (24); 2022P00045WOCN(JPHEN) operably coupling a lifting cable (110) to the pulley (104); attaching the lifting cable (110) to the cable system (30); pulling the lifting cable (110) to pull the cable system (30) toward the pulley (104); and The cable system (30) is coupled to the central hub (24) or to the one or more blades of the plurality of blades (26a-c).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: The cable system (30) includes a cable assembly (32a-c) for each wind turbine blade (26a-c).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: At least one of the cable assemblies (32a-c) is pre-positioned on at least one of the one or more blades of the plurality of blades (26a-c) or the central hub (24).

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