Inflatable component for maintenance or installation of wind turbine module

Abstract

The invention relates to an inflatable component (10) that can be used during maintenance and / or installation of a wind turbine module (1), comprising: an inflation structure (11) having a gas-tight casing (12); and a sealable channel (13) in the inflatable structure (11), the sealable channel (13) allowing air to enter into or exit from the airtight housing (11) in order to inflate or deflate the inflatable structure (11). The inflation structure (11) is dimensioned to provide a thermal and / or physical barrier against external fluids and / or physical objects or particles acting on the inflation structure (11) if the inflation structure (11) is inflated and inserted into the hollow section (3) of the wind turbine module (1). The invention also relates to a wind turbine arrangement comprising such an inflatable component (10), and also to a method of maintenance or installation of a wind turbine module (1) by using said inflatable component (10).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of maintenance or installation of wind turbines. BACKGROUND

[0002] When maintaining a wind turbine, but also during the initial installation or erection of a wind turbine, a technician will perform work at a component of the wind turbine. These components can be a wind turbine blade or other components of the wind turbine, like the tower or the hub. These components can be located on the ground, or on a vessel separate from the wind turbine, or can already be part of an erected wind turbine. As a further alternative, components like blades can be temporarily separated from an erected wind turbine and can be suspended from a crane.

[0003] For example in offshore installations, during work, severe weather conditions like rain, wind, snow or extreme temperatures can be experienced. Due to the severe weather conditions, the temperature can not be accurate for the repair work process.

[0004] In other regional locations, the air can contain a lot of particles, like dust. Further, the technician can perform work that also generates particles or debris when performing the work. An uncontrolled accumulation of such particles within the component under repair is also undesirable.

[0005] According to patent RU 2 267 690 C2, which relates to a different field of pipe inspection of pipes for transporting gas or liquid, a solid component can be positioned into a hollow pipe. The solid component is a torus-like section at its cylindrical circumference, inflatable for sealing the pipe in the inflated condition.

[0006] Patent application WO 2017 / 103308 A1 illustrates the use of a flexible wall cover with an inflatable chamber during the manufacturing of a wind turbine blade. The goal is to press the wind turbine blade’s sheath during the manufacturing of the blade. SUMMARY

[0007] The present invention seeks to solve these problems and to alleviate the associated disadvantages.

[0008] This object is achieved by the independent claims. The dependent claims describe advantageous improvements and modifications of the invention.

[0009] According to the present invention, an inflatable member is provided which can be used during service and / or installation of a wind turbine module. The inflatable member comprises an inflatable structure having an air-tight housing and a sealable passage in the inflatable structure for air to enter into or exit from the housing in order to inflate or deflate the inflatable structure. The inflatable structure is dimensioned to provide a thermal and / or physical barrier with respect to external fluids and / or physical objects or particles acting on the inflatable structure, when the inflatable structure is inflated and inserted into a hollow section of the wind turbine module.

[0010] The wind turbine module can be a wind turbine blade, but can also be other sections of a wind turbine, such as a wind turbine tower, a wind turbine hub or a wind turbine nacelle. Other examples can be a main shaft, a hub, a generator stator, a generator rotor or other wind turbine components having one or more substantially circular, oval or elliptical inner surfaces.

[0011] For example, if a wind turbine module such as a blade is arranged horizontally on a jack-up vessel for service and repair, the inflatable member provides the advantage that rain, wind or snow can be blocked from the interior of the hollow blade, which can bring the advantage that the correct temperature required for blade repair can be maintained or configured.

[0012] As the inflatable member prevents supercooling from the inside, blade work outside the blade can be performed.

[0013] If, in another example, the blade is arranged to hang vertically from a crane while being detached from the wind turbine, dust or particles that can be generated during work, but also rain and snow, cannot pass the inflatable member into the interior of the hollow blade, which acts as a seal and also as a collector for falling objects, dust or particles. Furthermore, lost tools that can fall during maintenance work inside the blade that would cause damage to the blade can also be retained at the inflatable member.

[0014] In general, a faster and safer environment for work performed on the blade can be provided.

[0015] In the example of a blade as a wind turbine module, the inflatable member can keep the blade root area free and uncovered for work on the blade root and root tip, as it can be placed behind those. This is advantageous compared to a cover that can alternatively be placed on the root end of the blade. Similarly, for other wind turbine modules, it can also be advantageous to be able to access an area of the module without obstacles, but to position the inflatable member within the wind turbine module.

[0016] Furthermore, during on-site repair, it can be ensured for the wind turbine operator that no technicians, parts, tools or dust enter the blade or the wind turbine module.

[0017] In one embodiment, the airtight casing can comprise an airtight inner casing and an outer casing surrounding the inner casing, the outer casing having a material preventing the inner casing from being punctured. Thus, a double casing structure or a bag-in-bag solution is provided.

[0018] The inner casing can be an inflatable structure of the inflatable member, i.e. a balloon or a bladder. The outer casing can be arranged to prevent any risk related to puncture of the inner inflatable structure.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment, the inflatable member can be sized and shaped to fit the hollow section of the wind turbine module, such that in case the inflatable structure is inflated and inserted into the hollow section of the wind turbine module, the first surface structure of the inflatable member and the second surface structure of the hollow section of the wind turbine module are in fluid-tight contact to limit or prevent fluid leakage between the two.

[0020] The inflatable member can essentially consist of a deformable material. Thereby, it is to be understood that the inflatable member can essentially consist of a flexible and / or bendable and / or pliable material. It can contract when deflated and will transform its form by inflation.

[0021] The inflatable member can be free of a solid frame, i.e. the inflatable member can be frameless or free of a solid support structure. Thus, the inflatable member can be free of metal struts. To illustrate this design, it can have a vague similarity to the structure of a dinghy, but little similarity to a bicycle inner tube, as a bicycle inner tube needs to be placed on a solid rim.

[0022] The inflatable member can essentially be formed in the form of an elliptic cylinder, an ellipsoid or an ovoid, but not in the form of a circular ring.

[0023] Thus, the inflatable member provides a seal. For example, if the blade is arranged horizontally, to prevent wind from entering the blade, the inflatable member acting as a "balloon" will be inflated and fill the area and prevent further wind, rain or snow from entering the blade.

[0024] When the inflatable member is inflated, it seals the interior of the wind turbine module of the blade, for example, and in particular in case the blade is arranged vertically, it prevents further unsecured parts, dust, etc. from entering the blade downwards. The inserted inflatable member will cause the unsecured parts to be placed at the side of the inflatable member, so that they can thereafter be removed or collected in an easy way.

[0025] The inflatable member can be a pre-shaped member to match the inner shape of the hollow section.

[0026] In another configuration, the sealable channel can comprise a valve to control the fluid pressure within the inflatable structure.

[0027] In another embodiment, the air-tight housing can be composed of multiple air compartments. This can provide additional stability.

[0028] In configurations with multiple compartments, a separate valve can be provided for each compartment, and the compartments can not be fluidically connected to another compartment. Thus, a puncture of one compartment will not cause a collapse of the entire inflatable member.

[0029] In another embodiment, the inflatable member can further comprise multiple fixation members by which the inflatable member is positioned and held in place in case the inflatable structure is inserted into the hollow section of the wind turbine module and inflated. Hooks can be attached to the outer housing. Ropes or cords can be used to be connected to the hooks and further to the wind turbine module.

[0030] Thus, hooks can be attached to the inflatable member, in particular to the outer housing, to enable a connection of the inflatable member to the wind turbine module.

[0031] It is further advantageous that the inflatable member can be a portable member in case the inflatable structure is deflated.

[0032] Furthermore, the inflatable member can be configured to provide a working platform for people in case the inflatable structure is inflated, inserted into the hollow section of the wind turbine module and arranged horizontally. The inflatable member can be the main working platform for service personnel, or just a safety plane to prevent service personnel connected by ropes from falling down.

[0033] Thus, the inflatable member can be used during on-site repair of a blade root, preventing tools and dust from entering the blade when hanging down (vertically), and at the same time serving as a wind turbine inflatable platform as a safety device for technicians working in the blade or other wind turbine modules.

[0034] The present invention also relates to a wind turbine arrangement comprising a wind turbine module, preferably a wind turbine blade, a wind turbine tower, a wind turbine hub, a wind turbine nacelle, and an inflatable member as explained before. In such an arrangement, the inflatable member is positioned and inflated within the hollow section of the wind turbine module for service and / or installation of the wind turbine module.

[0035] Further, the present invention also relates to a method of maintenance or installation of a wind turbine module. The method comprises the steps of: (a) inserting an inflatable member into a hollow section of a wind turbine module, the inflatable member comprising an inflatable structure having an air-tight casing and a sealable passage in the inflatable structure for air to enter into or exit from the casing in order to inflate or deflate the inflatable structure; and (b) inflating the inflatable structure so that it forms a thermal and / or physical barrier with respect to external fluids and / or physical objects or particles acting on the inflatable structure.

[0036] For work on a wind turbine module such as a blade, for which the work is to be performed in a horizontal orientation of the module, the method can further comprise the initial steps of: detaching the wind turbine module from a wind turbine installation; and orientating the wind turbine module in a horizontal orientation. Then, the step of inserting the inflatable member can be performed while orientating the inflatable member vertically within the hollow section, so that the inflatable member can provide a barrier for horizontal movement of external fluids or external physical objects or particles.

[0037] In case of maintenance or installation work on a vertically arranged module, the additional method steps are similar: first detach the wind turbine module from a wind turbine installation; and orientate the wind turbine module in a vertical orientation. Then, the step of inserting the inflatable member can be performed while orientating the inflatable member horizontally within the hollow section, so that the inflatable member can provide a barrier for vertical movement of external fluids or external physical objects or particles.

[0038] For securing the inflatable member, the inflatable member can be connected to the wind turbine module by a rope and / or cable. The inflatable member can remain connected throughout the maintenance or installation work.

[0039] As a further alternative, especially in case of harsh temperature conditions, the work can be performed while applying heat within the wind turbine module.

[0040] It is noted that embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to different subjects. In particular, some embodiments have been described with reference to claims of the device type, while other embodiments have been described with reference to claims of the method type. However, a person skilled in the art will gather from the foregoing and the following description that any combination of features between the features of different subjects, particularly any combination of features of claims of the device type and features of claims of the method type, is contemplated with this application, unless otherwise stated.

[0041] Furthermore, examples will be disclosed in the following sections and will be disclosed by reference to a wind turbine blade. The present invention is also applicable to any type of wind turbine module, such as a tower or a hub. Furthermore, the general concept is applicable to rotating parts as well as to stationary parts when the wind turbine is operated after the end of a repair or installation work.

[0042] The above defined aspects of the present invention as well as further aspects will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples of embodiments described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 : a blade of a wind turbine in which the inflatable member of the present invention is placed is schematically shown; Figure 2 : an inserted inflatable member in a hollow wind turbine module is illustrated in a cross-sectional view; Figure 3 : a double shell structure of the inflatable member is illustrated in a cross-sectional view; Figure 4 : a multi-compartment structure of the inflatable member is illustrated in a cross-sectional view; Figure 5 : a three-blade wind turbine in which an inflatable member is inserted is schematically shown; Figure 6 : a semi-inflated inflatable member is schematically shown.

[0044] The legends in the drawings are schematic. It is to be noted that for similar or identical elements in different drawings, the same reference signs will be used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] In horizontal position for blade work, a tent and a heater are typically used to control the outside temperature of the blade surface or other components at the place of use, but the tent does not cover the complete blade and wind can enter into the root end and cool the blade from the inside, avoiding the correct temperature for the repair work. This can be improved by using an inflatable member which can be inserted into the hollow section of the blade.

[0046] Reference is now made to Figure 1 (further reference Figure 2 ), a blade 1 is shown as a wind turbine module which is separated from the wind turbine for repair. The blade 1 is a hollow member having a blade wall 2. A hollow root section 3 is located at the root end of the blade 1.

[0047] During repair, as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the inflatable component 10 can be inserted into the hollow root section 3 of the blade 1. The inflatable component 10 also includes an inflatable structure 11 with an airtight shell 12, which in... Figure 2 The diagram shows the inflatable structure 11, which can be inflated with air or another gaseous fluid and subsequently deflated via a sealable channel 13. A valve 14 may be located within or part of the sealable channel 13, allowing the inflatable structure 11 to inflate or deflate in a controlled manner. The valve 14 may be located at the center of the inflatable member 10 or at any other location on the top surface of the inflatable member 10.

[0048] Valve 14 can be operated manually, for example by means of an attached rope or cable 20 or a similar device attached to an open / close handle of valve 14.

[0049] The inflatable structure 11 is sized to provide a thermal and / or physical barrier relative to external fluids and / or physical objects or particles acting on it, when the inflatable structure 11 is inflated and inserted into the hollow section 3 of the wind turbine module 1. Therefore, the temperature T1 inside the blade 1 can differ from the temperature T2 outside the blade 1.

[0050] like Figure 2 This is what is particularly emphasized in the text, and also... Figure 1 As shown, the inflatable component 10 is sized and shaped to fit the hollow section 3 of the blade 1, such that when the inflatable structure 11 is inflated and inserted into the hollow root section 3 of the wind turbine module 1, the first surface structure 15 of the inflatable component 10 and the second surface structure 16 of the hollow section 3 of the wind turbine module 1 are in fluid-tight contact to limit or prevent fluid leakage between them. Thus, the inflatable component 10 acts as a temperature barrier. Furthermore, this also provides stability to the inflatable component 10. Wind, air, snow, or dust are also appropriately prevented from entering the hollow interior of the blade 1.

[0051] Furthermore, it is shown that the inflatable component 10 includes a plurality of retaining members 17, which position and hold the inflatable component 10 in place when the inflatable structure 11 is inflated and inserted into the hollow root section 3 of the blade 1. The retaining members 17 may be straps, and cables, ropes, or wires 18 may be attached to these straps. The other end of these cables, ropes, or wires 18 may be fastened to hooks 19 and attached to the blade 1 or another solid structure, such as a boat on which the blade 1 is located.

[0052] This fastening ensures that the inflatable component 10 remains in place even when the blade 1 is vertically positioned.

[0053] As Figure 2 Variations, Figure 3A double shell structure of the inflatable member 10 is illustrated. The air tight shell 12 comprises an air tight inner shell 12a and an outer shell 12b surrounding the inner shell 12a, the outer shell 12b having a material preventing the inner shell 12a from being punctured. The double shell structure provides additional protection against puncturing the air filled compartment.

[0054] Figure 4 A multi-compartment structure of the inflatable member 10 is illustrated in a cross sectional view. The air tight shell 12 is made up of multiple air compartments, as illustrated by the air tight inner shells 12a1, 12a2, 12a3, each individually having a sealable passage 13 and a valve 14. All air tight inner shells are surrounded by a common outer shell 12b.

[0055] Figure 5 A three-bladed wind turbine 30 is schematically shown, into which the inflatable member 10 is inserted for maintenance work. The solution can also be applicable to wind turbines having a different number of blades.

[0056] In the illustration, one blade 1 is placed in a substantially vertical position, in which position a maintenance technician 31 can work inside the blade 1. The inflatable member 10 has been inserted, secured via a cable, rope or wire 18, and inflated. The maintenance technician 31 can use the inflatable member 10 as a work platform, or the inflatable member 10 can simply be placed inside the blade 1 below the maintenance technician, preventing dust and tools from entering the blade 1 below the maintenance technician 31.

[0057] Figure 5 An example is shown of a blade 1 remaining connected and mounted as a wind turbine module to be maintained. Alternatively, the blade 1 can be detached and hung vertically from a crane or similar solution.

[0058] Figure 6 A semi-inflated inflatable member 10 is schematically shown, which has not yet been mounted in a wind turbine module or blade 1. The valve 14 and the outer shell 12b can be seen. Also shown is a hook 19, which can be made of soft fabric.

[0059] The valve 14 can be arranged with a mounted hose. Additionally or alternatively, the valve 14 can be designed as a pressure valve to ensure pressure.

[0060] The discussed solution according to the figures addresses the following technical problems, which are explained with respect to a blade, but also in a similar manner applicable to other wind turbine modules, namely: 1) During a blade repair job performed on a jack-up vessel to which the blade can be arranged horizontally, or during any job in which the blade is in a horizontal position, it is necessary to control the temperature inside the blade to be able to perform the job in a controlled environment. Potential risks from wind, water, snow, etc. can cause problems to the repair, maintenance or installation process. This is solved by the inflatable member, as this element will be inflated and, as a result, it will fill the open area inside the blade. Thus, it prevents wind, rain, etc. from further entering the blade. A heating solution can optionally be installed inside to speed up the process of reaching the correct temperature of the repaired blade.

[0061] Another member of the wind turbine with a substantially horizontal orientation will be the nacelle or hub, into which the inflatable member can be inserted in the same way.

[0062] 2) The solution discussed also prevents any parts from falling into the blade during the job when the blade is vertically oriented. It prevents any loose parts and dust created during previous operation of the wind turbine from entering the blade, which would otherwise create the potential risk of clogging the drain holes or getting stuck in the blade when the wind turbine generator is restarted, causing damage. As the inflatable member, when inflated, encloses the inside of the blade, this problem is solved. It prevents any parts or dust, etc. from possibly further entering the blade downwards. This is possible because the parts will be placed at the side of the inflatable member, so that they can be easily removed or collected.

[0063] The horizontal operation as just explained can also be applied to jobs inside the tower.

[0064] 3) When working inside the blade, the inflatable member additionally acts as a safety device for the technician when in a vertical position. When attached to a fixed point, the inflatable member can be used as a floor for the technician to step on, or only as a back-up when suspended in a rope system.

[0065] Further advantages and configurations will be explained in the following without explicit indication.

[0066] The inflatable components include an inflatable system that reliably prevents wind and heavy rain from inside the blade that is working on the ground level and / or a solution that prevents anything from being inserted into the blade by lowering or falling during vertical work on the blade, both in relation to tools and manpower, since the inflatable components in the solution are attached to approved points in the hub and / or nacelle and preferably can withstand the load of any components, etc., where the load is from 0 to 136 kg or more, such as 200 kg or 500 kg or more, depending on the material, thickness, and inflatable air pressure of the inflatable platform and anchoring points, etc. The inflatable components used as a barrier can be used as a floor in combination with a rope system that is used by technicians as the main solution to be fixed.

[0067] Depending on the available equipment, the time to inflate the inflatable structure can preferably be less than 10 minutes, so that in terms of cost and time, it will be able to be included in the use of the inflatable components in the existing work process.

Claims

1. An inflatable component (10) that can be used during the maintenance and / or installation of the wind turbine module (1). include: - An inflatable structure (11) with an airtight shell (12); as well as - A sealable channel (13) is located in the inflatable structure (11), the sealable channel (13) allowing air to enter into or exit the airtight housing (12) to inflate or deflate the inflatable structure (11). in, The inflatable structure (11) is sized to provide a thermal and / or physical barrier relative to external fluids and / or physical objects or particles acting on it, when the inflatable structure (11) is inflated and inserted into the hollow section (3) of the wind turbine module (1). The inflatable component (10) is a pre-formed component designed to match the internal shape of the hollow section (3). When the inflation structure (11) is inflated, it seals the interior of the wind turbine module (1), thereby preventing loose parts or dust from further penetrating into the blades. The airtight shell (12) includes an airtight inner shell (12a) and an outer shell (12b) surrounding the inner shell (12a). The outer shell (12b) is made of a material that prevents the inner shell (12a) from being punctured. The inflatable component (10) further includes a plurality of fixing members (17). When the inflatable structure (11) is inflated and inserted into the hollow section (3) of the wind turbine module (1), the inflatable component (10) is positioned and held in place by the fixing members (17).

2. The inflatable component (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The inflatable component (10) is sized and shaped to fit the hollow section (3) of the wind turbine module (1) such that when the inflatable structure (11) is inflated and inserted into the hollow section (3) of the wind turbine module (1), the first surface structure (15) of the inflatable component (10) and the second surface structure (16) of the hollow section (3) of the wind turbine module (1) are in fluid-tight contact to limit or prevent fluid leakage between them.

3. The inflatable component (10) according to claim 1. Its features are, The airtight housing (12) is composed of multiple air compartments.

4. The inflatable component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The sealable channel (13) in the inflatable structure (11) is arranged as one or more valves (14).

5. The inflatable component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, When the inflatable structure (11) is expanded or contracted, the inflatable component (10) is a portable component.

6. The inflatable component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The inflatable component (10) is configured to provide a working platform for people when the inflatable structure (11) is inflated, inserted into the hollow section (3) of the wind turbine module (1) and arranged horizontally.

7. The inflatable component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Its features are, The inflatable component is made of a deformable material.

8. Wind turbine unit (30). include: Wind turbine module (1), and The inflatable component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The inflatable component (10) is positioned and inflated within the hollow section (3) of the wind turbine module (1) for maintenance and / or installation of the wind turbine module (1).

9. The wind turbine device (30) according to claim 8. Its features are, The wind turbine module (1) is a wind turbine blade, a wind turbine tower, a wind turbine hub, or a wind turbine nacelle.

10. Repair or installation methods for wind turbine module (1), Includes the following steps: (a) Inserting an inflatable component (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 into the hollow section (3) of a wind turbine module (1), the inflatable component (10) comprising an inflatable structure (11) having an airtight housing (12) and a sealable channel (13) in the inflatable structure (11) for air to enter into or exit from the airtight housing (12) to inflate or deflate the inflatable structure (11). as well as (b) An inflatable structure that forms a thermal and / or physical barrier relative to an external fluid and / or physical object or particle acting on the inflatable structure (11).

11. The repair or installation method according to claim 10, Prior to step (a), the following additional steps are included: (a1) Separating the wind turbine module (1) from the wind turbine facility; and (a2) Orient the wind turbine module (1) to a horizontal orientation; in, Step (a) is performed while the inflatable component (10) is vertically oriented within the hollow section (3), such that the inflatable component (10) provides a barrier against the horizontal movement of external fluids or external physical objects or particles.

12. The repair or installation method according to claim 10, Prior to step (a), the following additional steps are included: (a1) Separating the wind turbine module (1) from the wind turbine facility; and (a2) Orient the wind turbine module (1) to a vertical orientation; in, Step (a) is performed while the inflatable component (10) is horizontally oriented within the hollow section (3), such that the inflatable component (10) provides a barrier against the vertical movement of external fluids or external physical objects or particles.

13. The repair or installation method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, Its features are, During step (a), the inflatable component (10) is connected to the wind turbine module (1) by ropes and / or cables.

14. The repair or installation method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, Including the following additional steps: (c) Apply heat within the wind turbine module (1).

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