Modular transport system for wind turbine components

Abstract

It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular transport system (1) for supporting a wind turbine assembly arranged in a wind turbine support device during transport and storage wherein the modular transport system (1) comprises a base bracket (10), two sides (20) and a top bracket (30) wherein the top bracket (30) is configured to be connected to the two sides (20), the two sides (20) are configured to be connected to the base bracket (10), with a side width (28) between the two sides (20), the distance of the side width (28) being a spacing between the two sides perpendicular to the side length (27) such that another wind turbine component (3) can be arranged between the sides (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport and storage system for supporting wind turbine components, such as wind turbine blades, rotors and tower segments, during transport and storage of the wind turbine components. BACKGROUND

[0002] One challenge when transporting and storing large objects, in particular elongated objects, such as wind turbine components, is that the area required during transport or storage is very large. This makes the cost of transporting and storing a plurality of wind turbine components expensive. Another challenge is that the wind turbine components require customised support devices which need to be specifically manufactured according to the size and specifications of the wind turbine components to ensure safe transport and storage of the wind turbine components. Thus, one disadvantage is that the wind turbine support devices need to be changed and / or replaced when new wind turbine components need to be transported and / or stored.

[0003] Due to these challenges, it is generally difficult and / or expensive to provide a system which is customised for a single blade type and which optimises the storage of wind turbine components in a relatively small area.

[0004] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a transport and storage system for wind turbine components, wherein the system is able to accommodate a plurality of different shapes and sizes of wind turbine components, such as wind turbine blades, rotors, nacelles and tower segments.

[0006] It is a further object to provide a compact transport and storage system, such that more wind turbine components can be stored on a limited space, such as a ship deck.

[0007] It is a further object to provide a transport and storage system, such that wind turbine components can be stacked, thereby reducing the required footprint of the system and the wind turbine components when storing a plurality of wind turbine components in a vertical direction.

[0008] It is a further object to provide a transport and storage system which is dismountable and stored, such that it occupies less space when not used for transporting or storing wind turbine components. SUMMARY

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to be achieved by a modular transport system for supporting wind turbine components mounted in a wind turbine support device during transport and storage of the wind turbine components, wherein the modular transport system comprises:

[0010] - a base support configured to distribute a load onto a surface at a first end, wherein the base support comprises a plurality of coupling interfaces disposed at a second end opposite the first end, wherein the plurality of coupling interfaces are configured to releasably interlock with other plurality of coupling interfaces;

[0011] - two side portions, each side portion comprising a plurality of coupling interfaces disposed at a third end of the side portion and other plurality of coupling interfaces disposed at a fourth end opposite the third end, wherein the third end and the fourth end are spaced apart by a side portion length; and

[0012] - a top support comprising a plurality of coupling interfaces disposed at a fifth end and a top cover disposed at a sixth end opposite the fifth end, wherein the top cover is configured to support a load,

[0013] wherein the top support is configured to be connected to the two side portions, the two side portions are configured to be connected to the base support, the two side portions have a side portion width therebetween, the side portion width is a distance between the two side portions spaced apart perpendicular to the side portion length, such that another wind turbine component can be disposed between the two side portions.

[0014] In the present invention, the wind turbine component can be a wind turbine blade, a rotor, a nacelle, and / or a tower segment.

[0015] The surface on which the base support is disposed can be, but is not limited to, a floor of a factory or storage facility, a ground of a site, a bed of a truck trailer or railway vehicle, a deck of a marine vessel, etc.

[0016] The side portion length can be disposed along a vertical axis, i.e. parallel to the direction of gravity. The side portion width perpendicular to the side portion length can be disposed parallel to a horizontal axis.

[0017] In one aspect, the first end and the second end of the base support can be spaced apart by a base length, such that the second end is higher than the surface.

[0018] The base support can be adapted to support a wind turbine support device, wherein the wind turbine support device is configured to support and secure the wind turbine component. The wind turbine support device can be a cradle, a saddle, a clamp, a root mount for bolting a plurality of fasteners to a root end of a wind turbine blade, etc.

[0019] The wind turbine support device can be disposed on the surface and enclosed by the base support, such that the wind turbine component passes between the two side portions. In another aspect, the wind turbine support device can be disposed on the surface adjacent to the base support, such that the wind turbine component passes between the two side portions.

[0020] The top bracket and / or the top cover can be adapted for supporting a wind turbine support device, and / or the wind turbine support device can be arranged and fixed on the top bracket and / or the top cover. Thereby advantages are achieved, as by using one or more modular transport systems, wind turbine components can easily be stacked. Thus, the modular transport system can be universally adapted with any wind turbine support device and enable the wind turbine support device and the wind turbine components to be stacked, thereby transporting and storing more wind turbine components at a time without occupying more space. In one example, when using the modular transport system of the present invention to stack wind turbine components in two layers, twice the amount of wind turbine components can be transported and stored in the same area.

[0021] In one aspect, the coupling interface of the base bracket can be configured to connect to the coupling interface of the side and / or top bracket. The coupling interfaces are connected by releasably interlocking with the coupling interface. One advantage of connecting the coupling interfaces is that forces exerted on the top bracket and / or side are transferred down to the base bracket and dispersed onto the surface. Another advantage is that the stability of the side and top bracket is improved.

[0022] Providing two sides spaced by a side width, each side connected to the base bracket and the top bracket, has the advantage that the modular transport system can be square shaped, wherein at least two sides of the square are parallel to the sides and the other two sides are approximately parallel to the surface and the top cover, which square forms a stable and strong structure.

[0023] In one example, the coupling interface arranged at the second end of the base bracket can be connected to the coupling interface arranged at the third end of the side, and the coupling interface arranged at the fourth end of the side can be connected to the coupling interface arranged at the fifth end of the top bracket.

[0024] In another example, the coupling interface arranged at the second end of the base bracket can be connected to the coupling interface arranged at the fifth end of the top bracket.

[0025] Preferably, the sides are spaced by a side width, enabling another wind turbine component and / or wind turbine support device to be arranged between the sides. Furthermore, the side length can be adapted such that a wind turbine component and / or wind turbine support device can be arranged between the second end of the base bracket and the fifth end of the top bracket. Thus, the modular transport system enables multiple wind turbine components to be stacked and arranged close to each other.

[0026] In one aspect, the wind turbine component and / or the wind turbine support device can be arranged on the top cover of the top bracket.

[0027] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, the system comprises a plurality of twist locks, the coupling interfaces are corner castings, wherein the coupling interfaces are releasably interlocked by the twist locks, the twist locks are configured to be in an unlocked position and a locked position.

[0028] The corner castings and / or twist locks can comply with the ISO 1161 standard or other corner castings and twist locks known in the shipping industry.

[0029] One advantage of using corner castings and twist locks is that the interlocked connection is strong and reliable, and in the event of damage, the components of the corner castings and twist locks are readily available and thus easily replaced.

[0030] Another advantage of using corner castings and twist locks is that the connection of the base bracket, the side portions and the top bracket is very simple.

[0031] In one aspect, the twist locks can be double-sided twist locks, i.e. the double-sided twist locks can connect two coupling interfaces and / or corner castings together.

[0032] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, the plurality of coupling interfaces provided at the second end of the base bracket and / or the fourth end of the side portions comprise permanent twist locks configured for releasably interlocking the side portions with the base bracket and / or releasably interlocking the top bracket with the side portions.

[0033] One advantage of providing permanent twist locks at the coupling interfaces of the second end of the base bracket and the coupling interfaces of the fourth end of the side portions is that material is saved because no corner castings need to be installed at these aforementioned coupling interfaces. Another advantage is that the connection of the coupling interfaces is even simpler because no twist locks need to be moved or replaced.

[0034] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, each side portion is composed of at least two side beams, the side beams are arranged in parallel along the length of the side portion and are spaced apart by a side portion spacing perpendicular to the length of the side portion and the width of the side portion, wherein at least one third side beam is arranged between and perpendicular to the two side beams.

[0035] One advantage of the third side beam is that it improves the stability and strength of the side portion.

[0036] In one aspect, the third side beam can be arranged substantially near the third end, near the fourth end or between the third end and the fourth end.

[0037] In another aspect, additional third side beams can be arranged between the two side beams such that two third side beams are arranged between the two side beams of the side portion, for example one substantially near the third end and the other substantially near the fourth end. The two third side beams can form a rigid frame by constituting at least one frame square, wherein the frame square comprises the two side beams and the two third side beams.

[0038] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, the base support, the side portion and / or the top support are composed of a plurality of beams arranged in a rigid frame, wherein the rigid frame comprises at least one frame square of at least four beams, wherein one or more frame squares are arranged perpendicular and / or parallel to each other.

[0039] In one aspect, the beams assembled in each base support, side portion and / or top support can be assembled or connected by welding together. In another aspect, the beams can be connected by fasteners. In another aspect, the at least four beams in each frame square can be assembled or connected by welding, and the frame square can also be assembled or connected by welding.

[0040] Arranging the beams in frame squares and connecting a plurality of frame squares to each other, i.e. forming a box-like structure, has the advantage of improving the strength and stability of the base support, the side portion and the top support, while reducing the amount of material needed for a given strength and stability, i.e. reducing the material thickness.

[0041] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, the side portion comprises at least two first trusses supporting the side portion at a third end of the side portion and at least two second trusses supporting the side portion at a fourth end of the side portion, wherein the first trusses and the second trusses extend outwardly from the side portion length and towards the third end and the fourth end, respectively.

[0042] One advantage of arranging the trusses is to improve the stability and strength of the side portion.

[0043] In one aspect, the first trusses and the second trusses can be of the flat truss type.

[0044] In another aspect, the first trusses and the second trusses can each extend from the two side beams of the side portion and towards the third end and the fourth end, respectively. In another aspect, the first trusses and the second trusses can be arranged at an angle of substantially 45 degrees to the two side beams, wherein the angle is the included angle between the truss and the side beam.

[0045] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, the first trusses and the second trusses each comprise a coupling interface arranged at the third end and the fourth end, respectively.

[0046] In one aspect, the coupling interfaces arranged on each first truss and each second truss are configured to connect with the coupling interfaces of the base support and the top support, respectively.

[0047] Arranging the coupling interfaces on the first trusses and the second trusses makes the side portion more stable, as it provides another contact point or connection point to the base support. In addition, it also provides another contact point or connection point to the top support, further improving the stability and load-carrying capacity of the top support.

[0048] In one example, each side can have four contact points with the base support and the top support, i.e. coupling interfaces, i.e. two contact points can be coupling interfaces provided at each end of the two side beams, and coupling interfaces on each of the first and second trusses.

[0049] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, the base support includes one or more base trusses configured to distribute load to the surface.

[0050] The base trusses distribute load to a larger surface area while occupying less space above the base trusses. One advantage is that the system is more modular when applied on a sea-going vessel, and less material is required to manufacture the system.

[0051] In one aspect, the base trusses can be provided at an angle of 45 degrees to a vertical axis substantially parallel to the length of the sides. In another aspect, the base trusses can be welded to a beam of the base support parallel to the surface and another beam of the base support perpendicular to the surface.

[0052] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, the top support includes one or more top trusses configured to distribute load of the wind turbine components on the roof to the coupling interfaces of the top support.

[0053] In one aspect, the roof of the top support can be wider than the plurality of coupling interfaces of the fifth end.

[0054] The top trusses distribute load of the wind turbine components to a smaller surface area while occupying less space below the top trusses. One advantage is that less material is required to manufacture the system.

[0055] In one aspect, the top trusses can be provided at an angle of 45 degrees to a vertical axis substantially parallel to the length of the sides. In another aspect, the top trusses can be welded to a beam of the top support parallel to the plane of the roof and another beam of the top support perpendicular to the plane of the roof.

[0056] In another embodiment of the modular transportation system, one or more of the beams, the third side beam, the first truss, the second truss, the base trusses, and / or the top trusses are made of an I-beam or an H-beam.

[0057] One advantage of using an I-beam or an H-beam is that it improves the strength-to-weight ratio of the beams and trusses, which can also reduce material costs.

[0058] In one aspect, the I-beam or the H-beam can comply with, but is not limited to, the EN 10024, EN 10034, EN 10162, and / or DIN 1025-5 standards. In another aspect, the H-beam can be an HEB-beam.

[0059] In another aspect, the beams and the trusses can be made of hollow profiles, such as circular profiles or substantially square profiles. One advantage of hollow profiles is that they also have a good strength to weight ratio.

[0060] In another embodiment of the modular transport system, the beams, the third side beams, the first trusses, the second trusses, the base trusses and / or the top trusses are made of steel.

[0061] One advantage of manufacturing the beams and / or the trusses in steel is that the beams and the trusses can be welded together. Another advantage is that steel is strong, hard and durable. Another advantage is that steel is less expensive in material compared to other metals with comparable strength, and steel is recyclable. Another advantage is that steel is ductile, and can therefore be bent without breaking.

[0062] In one aspect, the steel can be stainless steel, or can be treated to have corrosion resistance after being welded together.

[0063] In another aspect, one or more of the beams, the third side beams, the first trusses, the second trusses, the base trusses and / or the top trusses can be made of different metals / materials.

[0064] In another embodiment of the modular transport system, the top support is adapted to be connected with the base support.

[0065] The top support can be adapted to be connected to the base support through the coupling interfaces of the top support and the connected base support.

[0066] One advantage of connecting the top support with the base support is that the wind turbine support arrangement can be provided on the roof of the top support, where the wind turbine support arrangement will be provided at an intermediate height, which is lower than the full height, i.e. the height when the top support is provided on the sides.

[0067] The modular transport system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base support, the sides and / or the top support are detachable and packable into a container.

[0068] The modular transport system can be detached by unlocking the coupling interfaces and detaching the top support from the sides, and the sides from the base support.

[0069] In one aspect, the container can be any container suitable for transporting the detached modular transport system. In one aspect, the container can be a standard shipping container, such as a 10 feet, 20 feet or 40 feet container, an open top container or a frame container.

[0070] One advantage of detaching and packing the modular transport system into a container is that it facilitates the transportation, movement and storage of multiple modular transport systems.

[0071] In one example, a vehicle or ship can load a plurality of wind turbine components stored on a modular transport system when leaving a location. After delivering the wind turbine components, the modular transport system can be disassembled and packed into a container for storing other items in the area of the transport vehicle or ship on the way back. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0072] Various examples are described with reference to the following figures. Like reference numbers can indicate like elements throughout the figures. Therefore, the description of a figure can not repeat description of elements that have already been described in relation to another figure. It should also be noted that the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale and that the dimensions of the various features can have been exaggerated for the sake of illustration and clarity. Furthermore, the illustrated examples need not necessarily exhibit all of the aspects or advantages described herein. Aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular example can be implemented in other examples even if not so illustrated or described.

[0073] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0074] Figure 1a An embodiment of a modular transport system is shown.

[0075] Figure 1b An embodiment of a modular transport system is shown, wherein four parts of the system are separated.

[0076] Figure 1c An embodiment of a modular transport system is shown.

[0077] Figures 2a-2c An embodiment of a base support of a modular transport system is shown.

[0078] Figures 3a-3c An embodiment of a side portion of a modular transport system is shown.

[0079] Figures 4a-4c An embodiment of a top support of a modular transport system is shown.

[0080] Figure 5a and 5b An embodiment of a modular transport system is shown.

[0081] Figure 6 An embodiment of a coupling interface and twist lock is shown.

[0082] Figure 7a and 7b An embodiment of a wind turbine component supported by a modular transport system is shown.

[0083] Figure 8a and8b An embodiment of a wind turbine assembly supported by a modular transport system is shown.

[0084] Figure 9a and 9b An embodiment of a wind turbine assembly supported by a modular transport system is shown.

[0085] Figures 10a-10h An embodiment of a modular transport system component loaded into a shipping container is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] Exemplary examples will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this regard, the examples can have different forms and should not be construed as limited to the descriptions set forth herein. Accordingly, the examples are merely described by reference to the drawings, as follows:

[0087] Throughout this specification, when an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be "directly connected" to the other element, "electrically connected", "fluidly connected", or "communicatively connected" to the other element, with one or more intervening elements interposed therebetween.

[0088] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular examples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has", "having" and / or "contains", "containing", when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0089] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present specification, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0090]

[0091]

[0092] Figure 1a An embodiment of a modular transport system 1 is shown, including a base support 10 disposed on a surface 5, the base support 10 having a first end 11 positioned on the surface 5, and the base support 10 having a second end 12 opposite the first end 11. The base support 10 is connected to two side portions 20 by coupling interfaces (not shown in this figure).

[0093] Each of the two side sections 20 has a third end 21 and an opposite fourth end 22, each side section 20 being connected to the base support 10 at the third end 21 and to the top support 30 at the fourth end 22. Each side section 20 has a side section length 27, which is the distance from the third end 21 to the fourth end 22. Furthermore, when the two side sections 20 are connected to the base support 10 and the top support 30, the two side sections 20 are spaced apart by a side section width 28, which is the distance between the two side sections 20 perpendicular to the side section length 27. When the side sections 20 are connected to the base support 10 and the top support 30, a clearance is formed between the two side sections 20, which can allow a wind turbine component (not shown in this figure) to pass through.

[0094] The top support 30 has a fifth end 31 and an opposite sixth end 32, the top support 30 being connected to the side sections 20 at the fifth end 31. The top support 30 comprises a top cover 35 at the sixth end 32, wherein the top cover 35 is configured to support a wind turbine support device (not shown in this figure), which is configured to secure another wind turbine component (also not shown in this figure).

[0095] Figure 1b An embodiment of the modular transportation system 1 is shown in Figure 1a Fig. 1. In this figure, the side sections 20 are floating above the base support 10 and the top support 30 is floating above the side sections 20, i.e. an exploded view.

[0096] Figure 1b A coupling interface 40 is shown arranged on the second end 12 of the base support 10, wherein the coupling interface 40 is configured to connect and interlock with a coupling interface 40 arranged on the third end 21 of the side sections 20.

[0097] The two side sections 20 comprise a second set of coupling interfaces 40 arranged on the fourth end 22, wherein the second set of coupling interfaces 40 is configured to connect and interlock with coupling interfaces 40 arranged on the fifth end 31 of the top support 30.

[0098] The coupling interfaces 40 on the base support 10, the side sections 20 and the top support 30 are used for assembly and disassembly of the modular transportation system 1.

[0099] Figure 1c Another embodiment of the modular transportation system 1 is shown, wherein the modular transportation system 1 comprises a base support 10, two side sections 20 and a top support 30 assembled together.

[0100] The base support 10 comprises a plurality of beams 13 welded together to form the base support 10. At least two beams 13 extend out of the box of beams at the first end 11, these two extended beams 13 are supported by a base truss 14 extending between the beams 13 and a vertical beam, wherein the vertical beam is substantially parallel to the side length (not shown in this figure), wherein the vertical beam is parallel to the side length.

[0101] Each side 20 comprises two side beams substantially parallel to the side length, extending between a third end 21 and a fourth end 22. The side beams are connected by a third side beam 29 disposed between the two side beams 23, wherein the third side beam 29 is substantially perpendicular to the side length and the side beams 23. Furthermore, each side 20 comprises two first trusses 24 and two second trusses 25, the first trusses 24 extending from and away from the side beams 23 towards the third end 21, the second trusses 25 extending from and away from the side beams 23 towards the fourth end 22. The first trusses 24 and the second trusses 25 are configured to provide more support to the top support 30 and to distribute the load of the side beams 23 to the base support 10. The first trusses 24 are connected to the base support 10 at the second end, the second trusses 25 are connected to the top support 30 at a fifth end 31. The connection of the first trusses 24 and the second trusses 25 is preferably a coupling interface.

[0102] The top support 30 comprises a top cover 35 extending out of the box formed by the four outer coupling interfaces of the top support 30. The extending portion of the top cover 35 is supported by beams 33 extending down from the top cover 35 and a top truss 34 supporting the top cover 35.

[0103] Figure 2a An embodiment of the base support 10 is shown, the base support 10 comprises a plurality of beams 13 welded together to form a box, the beams 13 and the box shaped structure improve the strength to weight ratio of the base support 10. The base support 10 is supported by a base truss 14. The second end 12 of the base support 10 is provided with a plurality of coupling interfaces 40 configured to connect and interlock with a side or top support.

[0104] Figure 2b Another embodiment of the base support 10 is shown, the base support 10 further comprises additional beams 13 disposed along the surface 5 configured to improve the stability and load distribution of the base support 10.

[0105] Figure 2c A side view of an embodiment of the base support 10 is shown.

[0106] Figure 3aOne embodiment of a side 20 is shown, the side 20 comprising two side beams 23 arranged parallel to each other, each side beam 23 having a third end 21 and an opposite fourth end 22. At the third end 21 and the fourth end 22 a plurality of coupling interfaces 40 are provided. The coupling interfaces 40 are configured to connect the side 20 to the base support 10 and the top support 30 by engaging with other coupling interfaces.

[0107] Between the two side beams 23 a third side beam 29 is provided, the third side beam 29 being arranged perpendicular to the two side beams 23. Due to the U-shaped frame 26' the third side beam 29 increases the strength and stability of the side 20.

[0108] Figure 3a Also shown are a first truss 24 and a second truss 25 extending from each side beam 23. The first truss 24 extends outwardly from the side beam 23 and towards the third end 21, the second truss 25 extends outwardly from the side beam 23 and towards the fourth end 22. At the end of the first truss 24 corresponding to the third end 21 and the end of the second truss 25 corresponding to the fourth end 22 a coupling interface 40 is provided. The coupling interfaces 40 are provided on the first truss 24 and the second truss 25 such that the side 20 can be easily and quickly connected and interlocked with the base support and the top support. Furthermore, by connecting the first truss 24 and the second truss 25 to the respective base support and top support the strength and stability of the modular transport system is increased while at the same time the amount of material needed to manufacture a robust structure is reduced.

[0109] Figure 3b Another embodiment of a side 20 is shown, the side 20 comprising two third side beams 29, wherein the second third side beam is arranged between the two side beams and closer to the fourth end than the first third side beam 29.

[0110] Figure 3c A side view of one embodiment of a side 20 is shown, the side 20 comprising a side beam 23, a first truss 24 and a second truss 25. The side beam 23 extends along the side length 27 and terminates at a coupling interface 40 at the third end 21 and the fourth end 22. The first truss 24 and the second truss 25 extend outwardly from the side beam 23 and towards the third end 21 and the fourth end 22, respectively, these first truss 24, second truss 25 also terminating at a coupling interface 40. The first truss 24 and the second truss 25 are arranged at an angle with respect to the side beam, the angle referring to the included angle between the first truss 24, second truss 25 and the side beam 23. In this embodiment the angle is 45 degrees.

[0111] Figure 4aOne embodiment of the top bracket 30 is shown, which includes a plurality of beams 33 welded together to form the structure of the top bracket 30. A top cover 35 is provided at the sixth end 32 of the top bracket 30. A plurality of coupling interfaces 40 are provided at the fifth end 31 opposite the sixth end 32, which are configured to connect and interlock with a side or bottom bracket.

[0112] The top bracket 30 is provided with a plurality of top trusses 34 extending between the beams 33 and configured to increase the strength of the top bracket 30. The top trusses 34 additionally provide support for the top cover 35 while conserving space below the top trusses 34.

[0113] Figure 4b A side view of one embodiment of the top bracket 30 is shown.

[0114] Figure 4c Another embodiment of the top bracket 30 is shown, which includes a top cover 35, wherein the surface area of the top cover 35 is equal to the area of the box of the beams 33 disposed parallel to the top cover 35 at the fifth end 31.

[0115] Figure 5a And 5b One embodiment of the modular transportation system 1 is shown, wherein the modular transportation system 1 includes rigid frames 16, 26, 36, each rigid frame being a three-dimensional structure including a plurality of beams, side beams, and / or third side beams, welded together to form a bottom bracket, a side, and a top bracket. The rigid frames 16, 26, 36 include one or more frame boxes 60, wherein a plurality of frame boxes 60 are welded together in a manner perpendicular to each other, thereby forming, for example, a box-like structure.

[0116] In other embodiments of the modular transportation system 1, as shown in Figure 1c the modular transportation system includes rigid frames 16, 36 as shown in Figure 5a and a side 20 and a U-frame as shown in Figure 3a

[0117] Figure 6 One embodiment of the coupling interface 40 is shown, which includes a corner casting 41 and a twist lock 50. The twist lock 50 is configured to engage with the corner casting 41 and releasably interlock with the corner casting in an unlocked position and a locked position. The twist lock 50 is configured to engage with another corner casting located on the opposite side of the corner casting 41 facing into this figure.

[0118] Figure 7a And 7b ​An embodiment of a modular transport system 1 is shown, on which a wind turbine support device 4 is supported, on which a wind turbine assembly 2 is fixed, wherein the wind turbine assembly 2 is a wind turbine blade, wherein the wind turbine support device 4 is arranged on a roof cover 35 of a top support 30 of the modular transport system 1. Furthermore, another wind turbine assembly 3 is arranged between the side parts 20 of the modular transport system 1. The other wind turbine assembly is also a wind turbine blade and is arranged in a wind turbine support device 4, which is arranged near the base support 10 of the modular transport system 1. Figure 7a and 7b It is shown how the modular transport system 1 can advantageously be applied, with one or more customized wind turbine support devices stacked, so that space is saved when transporting and storing a plurality of wind turbine assemblies 2, 3.

[0119] Figure 8a and 8b An embodiment of a modular transport system is shown, which supports a wind turbine assembly 2, which is arranged on a wind turbine support device 4, wherein the modular transport system comprises a top support 30 arranged on a container 6, wherein the container 6 is a standard transport container and wherein the top support 30 is connected and interlocked with the container 6 by using a coupling interface (40, not shown in this figure). In these figures, the wind turbine support device 4 is a root mount device for a wind turbine blade. Figure 8b and Figure 7b Similarly, it is shown how another wind turbine assembly 3 can be rationally arranged on another wind turbine support device 4 below a first wind turbine assembly 2, thanks to the modular transport system 1.

[0120] Figure 9a and 9b Another perspective view of an embodiment of a modular transport system 1 is shown, which is used with a wind turbine support device 4, so that a wind turbine assembly 2 is supported on top of the modular transport system 1 and another wind turbine assembly 3 is arranged below the first wind turbine assembly 2.

[0121] Figure 10a and 10b A side view and a top view of an open-top container 7 are shown, respectively. A top support 30 and a base support 10 are arranged inside the open-top container 7. The open-top container 7 can be a standard transport container, for example a 40 feet container.

[0122] Figure 10c and 10dA side view and a top view of an open top container 7 are shown. Inside the open top container 7 are provided two different embodiments of a top support 30.

[0123] Figure 10e and 10f A side view and a top view of a container 6 are shown. The container 6 comprises a base support 10 provided inside the container 6. The container 6 can be a standard shipping container, for example a 20 feet container.

[0124] Figure 10g and 10h A side view and a top view of a container 6 are shown. The container 6 comprises three side supports 20 provided inside the container 6.

Claims

1. A modular transport system (1) for supporting a wind turbine assembly (2) arranged in a wind turbine support device (4) during transport and storage, wherein the modular transport system (1) comprises: - a base frame (10) configured for distributing a load onto a surface (5) at a first end (11), wherein the base frame (10) comprises a plurality of coupling interfaces (40) at a second end (12) opposite the first end (11), said coupling interfaces (40) being configured for releasable interlocking with other plurality of coupling interfaces (40); - two side sections (20), each side section (20) comprising a plurality of coupling interfaces (40) arranged at a third end (21) of the side section (20) and other plurality of coupling interfaces (40) arranged at a fourth end (22) opposite the third end (21), wherein the third end (21) and the fourth end (22) are spaced apart by a side section length (27); and - a top frame (30) comprising a plurality of coupling interfaces (40) arranged at a fifth end (31) and a roof (35) arranged at a sixth end (32) opposite the fifth end (31), wherein the roof (35) is configured for supporting the wind turbine support device (4), wherein the top frame (30) is configured to be connected to the two side sections (20), the two side sections (20) are configured to be connected to the base frame (10), the two side sections (20) have a side section width (28) between them, the distance of the side section width (28) being the spacing between the two side sections perpendicular to the side section length (27), such that another wind turbine assembly (3) can be arranged between the side sections (20).

2. Modular transport system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The system comprises a plurality of twist locks (50), the coupling interfaces (40) are corner castings (41), wherein the coupling interfaces (40) are releasably interlocked by the twist locks (50), the twist locks (50) being configured to be in an unlocked position and a locked position.

3. Modular transport system (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The plurality of coupling interfaces (40) arranged at the second end (12) of the base frame (10) and / or the fourth end (22) of the side sections (20) comprise permanent twist locks configured for releasable interlocking of the side sections (20) with the base frame (10) and / or the top frame (30) with the side sections (20).

4. Modular transport system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Each side section (20) consists of at least two side beams (23) arranged in parallel along the side section length (27) and spaced apart by a side section spacing perpendicular to the side section length (27) and the side section width (28), wherein at least one third side beam (29) is arranged between and perpendicular to the two side beams (23).

5. The modular transport system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base frame (10), the side sections (20) and / or the top frame (30) consist of a plurality of beams (13, 33) arranged in a rigid frame (16, 36), wherein the rigid frame (16, 36) comprises at least one frame square (60) consisting of at least four beams (13, 33), wherein one or more frame squares (60) are arranged perpendicular and / or parallel to each other.

6. Modular transport system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The side (20) comprises at least two first trusses (24) supporting the side at a third end (21) of the side and at least two second trusses (25) supporting the side at a fourth end (22) of the side, wherein the first trusses (24) and the second trusses (25) extend outwardly from a side length (27) and towards the third end (21) and the fourth end (22), respectively.

7. Modular transport system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The first trusses (24) and the second trusses (25) each comprise a coupling interface (40) arranged at the third end (21) and the fourth end (22), respectively.

8. Modular transport system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The base support (10) comprises one or more base trusses (14) configured for distributing a load onto the surface (5).

9. Modular transport system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The top support (30) comprises one or more top trusses (34) configured for distributing a load of the wind turbine assembly (2) on the roof (35) onto the coupling interface (40) of the top support (30).

10. Modular transport system (1 ) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that The one or more beams (13, 23, 33), the third side beam (29), the first trusses (24), the second trusses (25), the base trusses (14) and / or the top trusses (34) are made of an I-beam or an H-beam.

11. Modular transport system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 10, characterized in that The one or more beams (13, 23, 33), the third side beam (29), the first trusses (24), the second trusses (25), the base trusses (14) and / or the top trusses (34) are made of steel.

12. The modular transportation system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the top support (30) is adapted for connection with the base support (10).

13. Modular transport system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The base support (10), the side (20) and / or the top support (30) are disassembled and packed into a container (6). The base support (10), the side (20) and / or the top support (30) are disassembled and packed into a container (6).

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