Transportation equipment

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a transport device for transporting a wind turbine blade, the transport device being 5 configured to address bending and torsional stresses that may be applied to the blade during transport by allowing the wind turbine blade to rotate about three vertical axes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a transport device for transporting wind turbine blades. Background Technology

[0002] With the continued increase in global demand for clean energy, the demand for wind turbines with greater production capacity to meet this demand is also increasing. However, high-capacity (>3MW) wind turbines require very large rotor diameters to allow them to sweep across a larger area and thus generate more electricity. This results in very large spanwise lengths for the turbine blades that make up the rotors of modern wind turbines, making the transportation of these blades a significant challenge.

[0003] The significant length of wind turbine blades means that continuously constraining them along their length is impractical, and therefore the blades are typically held at discrete points along their length. However, wind turbine blades not only become longer, but are also inherently rigid structures, and this leads to any misalignment between these discrete points, potentially resulting in significant bending and torsional loads on the blade.

[0004] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for reducing bending stress and / or torsional stress applied to wind turbine blades during transportation. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a transport device for transporting wind turbine blades is provided, the transport device comprising: a support frame; and a bracket device configured to support a portion of the wind turbine blade on the support frame, wherein the bracket device is rotatably connected to the support frame via a ball-and-socket joint mechanism comprising a ball and a socket between the bracket device and the support frame, and configured to allow the bracket device to rotate relative to the support frame about three vertical axes.

[0006] The transport device may also include a locking mechanism configured to releasably retain the ball in the socket, wherein the locking mechanism, in its locking configuration, keeps the ball captured in the socket. When the ball is held captured, the locking mechanism is configured to allow the carrier assembly to rotate, for example, about three vertical axes relative to the support frame. Therefore, when the locking mechanism is configured to hold the ball captured, it still allows the ball to rotate freely.

[0007] In some examples, the locking mechanism is also configured such that, in the unlocking configuration, the locking mechanism allows the ball to be removed from the socket and allows the bracket assembly to be separated from the support frame.

[0008] Therefore, the locking mechanism may include a locking device, such as a locking lever, which is configured to keep the ball captured in the nest in the locking configuration but is free to rotate, and / or to be able to remove the ball from the nest and thus separate the bracket assembly from the support frame in the unlocking configuration.

[0009] In some examples, the transport device may also include three or more resilient support elements surrounding the ball joint mechanism, the resilient support elements being configured to bias the bracket assembly to an orientation relative to the support frame.

[0010] In some examples, the bracket assembly may include a plate defining a support surface configured to slidably engage each resilient support element.

[0011] In some examples, the plate may have a central hole through which the ball joint mechanism extends.

[0012] In some examples, each resilient support element may include a spring.

[0013] In some examples, the transport equipment may be configured such that the load or substantially all load of the bracket assembly is supported by the ball joint mechanism.

[0014] In some examples, the bracket assembly may have a receiving surface configured to conform to the external aerodynamic surface of the wind turbine blade.

[0015] In some examples, the bracket assembly and the support frame form part of a first transport device portion for supporting a portion of the wind turbine blade outside the root end of the wind turbine blade, and the transport device also includes a second transport device portion, which includes another support frame and a clamping device for supporting the root end of the wind turbine blade.

[0016] In some examples, the support frame can be mounted on a wheeled chassis that can move on multiple wheels.

[0017] In some examples, the wheeled chassis may include a drive unit configured to drive the plurality of wheels.

[0018] In some examples, the height of one or more of the plurality of wheels may be adjustable.

[0019] In some examples, the support frame may be fixed relative to the wheeled chassis to substantially prevent the support frame from translating relative to the wheeled chassis.

[0020] In some examples, the support frame may be slidably mounted on the wheeled chassis to allow the support frame to translate longitudinally relative to the wheeled chassis.

[0021] In some examples, the support frame may include two or more legs for supporting the support frame on the ground.

[0022] In some examples, each of the outriggers may have an adjustable length, which is configured to extend relative to the ground.

[0023] In some examples, the clamping device may be configured to rotate about a generally horizontal axis relative to the support frame of the second transport device portion.

[0024] In some examples, the rotation between the clamping device and the support frame of the second transport device section can be controlled by one or more actuators.

[0025] In some examples, the second transport device may be configured to provide rotation of the clamping device about a generally vertical axis. Relative rotation may be provided by a rotating base attached to the chassis of the second transport device portion.

[0026] In some examples, the support frame of the first and / or second transport equipment includes guide rails, tracks, or similar devices, on which the support frame is slidably mounted. The guide rails, tracks, or similar devices may be configured to allow the support frame to translate relative to the chassis of the transport equipment along the longitudinal axis of the respective transport equipment.

[0027] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the use of a transport device of the first aspect is provided, the transport device being used to transport the wind turbine blade from a mold during the manufacturing process of the wind turbine blade. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The example will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A front view of the wind turbine is shown; Figure 2 An exploded view of a transport device portion of a wind turbine blade, used to support the outer side of the root end of the wind turbine blade, is shown. Figure 3 The supporting frame of the transportation equipment section is shown; Figure 4 The ball joint mechanism of the transport equipment section is shown; Figure 5 A top view of the support frame is shown; Figure 6A side view of the support frame is shown; Figure 7 A perspective view of a ball-and-socket joint mechanism in a disengaged configuration is shown, in which the ball of the ball-and-socket joint mechanism does not engage with the socket of the ball-and-socket joint mechanism. Figure 8 A perspective view of a ball-and-socket joint mechanism in a mating configuration is shown, in which the ball of the ball-and-socket joint mechanism is inserted into the socket; Figure 9 A perspective view of a locking mechanism is shown, which is configured to releasably retain the ball in the socket of the ball socket joint mechanism; Figure 10 A schematic plan view of a ball joint mechanism that is locked into the engagement structure by a locking mechanism is shown; Figure 11 The diagram shows a transport device used to transport wind turbine blades; Figure 12 An exploded view of the second transport device section used to support the root end of a wind turbine blade is shown; Figure 13 A perspective view of the second transport device portion attached to the root end of a wind turbine blade in a mold is shown; Figure 14 A wind turbine blade delivery system is shown, in which wind turbine blades are transported from a mold to a wind turbine blade. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A wind turbine 1 is shown, comprising a nacelle 2 supported on a tower 3 mounted on a foundation 4. The wind turbine 1 shown here is an onshore wind turbine, such that the foundation 4 is embedded in the ground; however, the wind turbine 1 could be an offshore unit, in which case the foundation 4 would be provided by a suitable offshore platform (e.g., a monopile or jacket).

[0030] The nacelle 2 supports the rotor 5, which includes a hub 6 to which three blades 7 are attached. Each blade 7 of the rotor 5 constituting the wind turbine 1 includes a tip located distal to the hub 6 and a root end located proximal to the hub 6. It should be noted that the wind turbine 1 is a conventional type of horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT), such that the rotor 5 is mounted in the nacelle 2 to rotate about a generally horizontal axis defined at the center of the hub 6. As is well known, wind acts on the blades 7, causing the rotor 5 to rotate about its axis, thereby operating the power generation equipment via a gearbox (not shown) housed in the nacelle 2. Figure 1 The power generation equipment is not shown because it is not central to the examples of this invention.

[0031] Wind turbine blades, for example Figure 1The wind turbine blades shown are typically made of glass fiber or carbon fiber reinforced composite materials, making them susceptible to damage from bending or torsional forces, especially when such forces are applied in a direction perpendicular to the orientation of the fiber reinforcement within the blade. One of the most common instances where bending or torsional forces can be applied to wind turbine blades is during transport. Even relatively small differences in the vertical, horizontal, or oriented position of the turbine blade root relative to the blade tip can result in large torsional and bending stresses applied to the blade.

[0032] This disclosure relates to a transport device for transporting wind turbine blades.

[0033] In some examples, the transport equipment includes a transport equipment section. The transport equipment section may be a self-propelled modular transport device (SPMT) with a drive unit. Alternatively, the transport equipment may be externally propelled with the assistance of an external unit (e.g., a road vehicle).

[0034] In the example shown, a first horizontal axis (X) is defined, extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transport equipment section and thus along the length of the transport equipment section. A second horizontal axis (Y) is also defined, extending in a direction parallel to the transverse axis of the transport equipment section and thus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis over the width of the transport equipment section. However, it should be understood that in some examples, the first and second horizontal axes may have different orientations. In some examples, the first horizontal axis may be defined as an axis parallel to the transverse axis of the transport equipment section, and the second horizontal axis may be defined as an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transport equipment section. It should also be understood that in some examples, the angle formed between the first and second horizontal axes may be greater than 90 degrees or less than 90 degrees.

[0035] exist Figure 2 An example of a suitable transport equipment part 10 that can be used to support the wind turbine blades 7 during transport is shown.

[0036] The transport equipment section 10 is provided with a bracket assembly 20 configured to support a portion of the wind turbine blade 7. The transport equipment section 10 may be adapted to support a portion of the wind turbine blade 7 having an aerodynamic profile. Therefore, the bracket assembly 20 may have a receiving surface 21 configured to conform to the external aerodynamic surface of the wind turbine blade 7. In the illustrated example, the aerodynamic profile is a streamlined profile configured to generate lift significantly greater than drag. In some examples, the transport equipment section 10 may be configured to support the tip of the wind turbine blade 7, or a portion of the wind turbine blade 7 near the tip. In other examples, the transport equipment section 10 may be configured to support a portion of the blade 7 that is at least one-third of the blade's length, located away from the root, near the center of the blade 7, or outside the center of the blade 7.

[0037] Figure 2 The transport equipment section 10 shown is a self-propelled modular transport equipment section (SPMT) with a drive unit 11. The self-propelled modular transport equipment section is arranged to move independently, that is, to move without any towing vehicle. However, it should be understood that, alternatively or in addition to moving independently, the SPMT can be arranged to move by a towing vehicle.

[0038] The transport equipment section 10 includes a chassis 12 that can be supported on a plurality of wheels 14 arranged along the length of the chassis 12, and the chassis 12 may also be referred to as a wheeled chassis 12. At least some of the wheels 14 may be driven by a drive unit 11. It should be understood that, in some examples, the transport equipment section may include ground contact elements of a different form than the wheels 14, such as tracks.

[0039] The chassis 12 includes a substantially flat support platform 15 on which a support frame 16 can be mounted. The support frame 16 is located on a platform 17, which can be selected to determine the height of the support frame 16 relative to the support platform 15. In this example, the support frame 16 is fixed relative to the chassis 12 to substantially prevent translation of the support frame 16 relative to the chassis 12; however, in other examples, the support frame 16 may be slidably mounted on the chassis 12 to allow longitudinal translation of the support frame 16 relative to the chassis 12, as per [reference to...]. Figure 12 The second part of the transportation equipment section 50 discusses this.

[0040] The bracket assembly 20 is rotatably coupled to the support frame 16 via a ball-and-socket joint mechanism 30, which is configured to allow the bracket assembly 20 to rotate relative to the chassis 12 about three vertical axes. The ball-and-socket joint mechanism 30 includes balls 31 and sockets 32, with each of the chassis 12 and the bracket assembly 20 attached to a corresponding ball 31 and socket 32. In this example, the ball 31 is attached to the support frame 16, and the socket is attached to the bracket assembly 20 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 7 (The nest in the middle), but it should be understood that the nest 32 can be attached to the support frame 16, and the ball 31 can be attached to the bracket device 20.

[0041] In use, the bracket device 20 is used to receive a portion of the wind turbine blade 7. In this example, the bracket device 20 is configured such that the wind turbine blade 7 rests on the receiving surface 21 without any clamping force, thereby pressing the wind turbine blade 7 onto the receiving surface 21 solely by the weight of the blade 7 itself.

[0042] In some examples, the transport device section 10 may include a set of springs 34 configured to bias the bracket assembly 20 to an orientation relative to the ground. In this example, the transport device section 10 includes four springs 34 arranged to orient the bracket assembly 20 substantially horizontally relative to the ground. In this case, the horizontal orientation of the bracket assembly 20 is the orientation of the bracket assembly 20 that orients the chord of the wind turbine blade 7 substantially horizontally. It should be understood that in other examples, the set of springs 34 may bias the bracket assembly 20 to an orientation other than horizontal. The bracket assembly 20 may be biased by the springs 34 to an orientation that allows for easier access to the wind turbine blade 7 as it descends into the bracket assembly 20.

[0043] In some examples, the transport equipment section 10 is configured such that the load, or substantially all load, of the bracket assembly 20 is supported by the ball joint mechanism 30. In other words, most of the weight of the bracket assembly 20 and the wind turbine blade 7 (when the wind turbine blade 7 is supported by the bracket assembly 20) is vertically guided through the ball joint mechanism 30.

[0044] In this example, the transport device includes four springs 34. In other examples, the transport device 10 may include a different number of springs, such as three or more. The springs 34 may be evenly distributed radially around the ball joint mechanism 30, such as... Figure 5 As shown, and usually vertically oriented, such as Figure 6 As shown. It should be understood that in other examples, an alternative elastic support element, such as a piston, may be provided for spring 34.

[0045] Spring 34 may be attached to mounting bracket 33 of support frame 16. Spring 34 is configured to slidably engage the support surface of bracket assembly 20. At the distal end of spring 34 relative to mounting bracket 33, spring 34 may include contact element 35 configured to engage the support surface of bracket assembly 20. Contact element 35 may include a smoothly curved upper surface configured to slidably engage the support surface. The curved upper surface is arranged to accommodate rotation of the support surface as bracket assembly 20 rotates relative to support frame 16. The upper surface may be spherical to substantially match the rotation provided by ball joint mechanism 30. Bracket assembly 20 may include plate 25 defining the support surface, as shown in the figure. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Further discussion is needed.

[0046] The support frame 16 may include one or more ground support elements arranged to support the support frame 16 on the ground without the wheeled chassis 12. In some examples, the ground support elements may include outriggers 19 extending vertically toward the ground. The outriggers 19 can hold the bracket assembly 20 in a sufficiently elevated position so that the wind turbine blades 7 can be supported on the bracket assembly 20 when needed without the wheeled chassis 12. In some examples, the outriggers 19 may each have an adjustable length configured to extend relative to the ground. Figures 3 to 6 In the example shown, the transport equipment section 10 includes four outriggers 19, but it should be understood that the transport equipment section 10 may include any suitable number of outriggers 19 as needed.

[0047] Figure 7 The ball-and-socket joint mechanism 30 is shown in a disengaged configuration, in which the ball 31 does not engage with the socket 32. In other words, the bracket assembly 20 is not supported on the support frame 16.

[0048] Figure 8 A ball-and-socket joint mechanism 30 in a mating configuration is shown, in which a ball 31 is inserted into a socket 32, such that the bracket assembly 20 is supported on a support frame 16. In this configuration, a spring 34 engages the support surface to bias the bracket assembly 20 to a generally horizontal orientation. In particular, the contact element 35 of the spring 34 can engage the plate 25 of the bracket assembly 20, as discussed above.

[0049] Plate 25 may include a central hole 26 through which a ball 31 can be inserted, such that plate 25 extends radially about ball joint mechanism 30. In this way, each spring 34 can engage the same plate 25, but it should be understood that in other examples multiple plates may be provided, such that each plate is engaged by one or more springs 34.

[0050] In order to reliably retain the engagement structure in which the ball 31 is inserted into the socket 32, the transport device part 10 may include a locking mechanism 40. Figure 7 and Figure 8 A locking mechanism 40 in an unlocked configuration is shown, in which the ball 31 can be removed from the socket 32. Figure 9 and Figure 10 A locking mechanism 40 in a locking configuration is shown, in which ball 31 is captured in socket 32 ​​such that ball 31 cannot disengage from socket 32 ​​without moving locking mechanism 40 to unlocking configuration.

[0051] In some examples, the locking mechanism 40 may include one or more locking levers 41 that are slidable through corresponding holes 32a in the socket 32 ​​to be positioned in the undercut 31a of the ball 31 of the ball socket mechanism 30 (see [link to article]). Figure 7 and Figure 8 In this way, without restricting the rotational movement of ball 31 in socket 32, ball 31 can be prevented from exiting socket 32.

[0052] The transport equipment section 10 can form part of the transport equipment 100. The transport equipment 100 can form part of a wind turbine blade transport system for transporting wind turbine blades 7. The transport equipment section 10 can be a first transport equipment section 10 of the transport equipment 100, and the wind turbine blade 7 is also supported by a second transport equipment section 50 of the transport equipment 100, which supports the root end of the wind turbine blade 7, such as... Figure 11 As shown.

[0053] The second transport equipment section 50 may be similar to the first transport equipment section 10 in having a drive unit 11, so that it can move independently of the tractor vehicle. The second transport equipment section 50 may be a self-propelled modular transport equipment section (SPMT). The second transport equipment section 50 includes a chassis 12 that can be supported on a plurality of wheels 14 arranged along the length of the chassis 12. At least some of the wheels 14 may be driven by the drive unit 11.

[0054] The second transport equipment section 50 is provided with a clamping device 70 configured to support the root end of the wind turbine blade 7. The clamping device 70 can be fixed to a support frame 66 of the second transport equipment 50, which is itself mounted on a chassis 12. The chassis 12 may include a substantially flat support platform 15 on which the support frame 66 can be mounted.

[0055] The support frame 66 can rotate relative to the chassis 12 about the vertical axis Z. The clamping device 70 attached to the support frame 66 can thus rotate on the support frame 66 relative to the chassis 12. Figure 12A support frame is shown fixed to a rotating base 65, which mounts the clamping device 70 so that it can rotate relative to the chassis 12. In other words, the rotating base 65 allows the root end of the wind turbine blade 7 to rotate relative to the vertical axis Z. The rotating base 65 can be configured to allow the clamping device 70 to rotate approximately 360 degrees relative to the chassis 12, although in some examples, the degree of rotation allowed by the rotating base 65 may be less than 360 degrees.

[0056] The support frame 66 can be translated along the horizontal X, Y axes of the transport equipment section via guide rails, tracks, or similar means. In some examples, the rotating base 65 can be fixed to the chassis 12 in a manner that allows the support frame 66 to translate via the translation of the rotating base 65 (e.g., via guide rails or tracks). Figure 12 In the example shown, the rotating base 65 is secured to the chassis 12 via a guide rail 68 that allows translation along a first horizontal axis X (i.e., an axis extending along the length of the transport device portion 50). In an alternative example, the rotating base 65 may be fixed relative to the chassis 12 to substantially prevent translation of the rotating base 65 relative to the chassis 12; however, in other examples, without a rotating base, the support frame 66 may be fixed or slidably fixed directly to the chassis 12.

[0057] The clamping device 70 is configured to attach to the root end of the wind turbine blade 7. The clamping device 70 can be configured to rotate relative to the support frame 66 about a hinge axis extending along a second horizontal axis Y. During assembly, rotation of the clamping device 70 helps to align the clamping device 70 relative to the root end of the blade 7. Rotation between the clamping device 70 and the support frame 66 can be controlled by one or more actuators 67 extending through the hinge axis between the support frame 66 and the clamping device 70.

[0058] The transport equipment 100 is arranged to support the wind turbine blade 7. The second transport equipment section 50 is arranged to support the root end of the wind turbine blade 7, while the first transport equipment section 10 is arranged to support a part of the wind turbine blade 7 outside the root end of the wind turbine blade 7, such as the tip end of the wind turbine blade 7.

[0059] In some examples, a transport device 100 can be used during the demolding process of the wind turbine blade 7, such as... Figure 13 and Figure 14 As shown.

[0060] The second transport equipment section 50 can be attached to the root end of the wind turbine blade 7 via the clamping device 70, such as Figure 13As shown. The clamping device 70 can be secured to the root end of the wind turbine blade 7 via an existing root end connection point on the root end of the blade 7 (e.g., an attachment pin for attaching the blade 7 to the hub 6). The clamping device 70 can be positioned in the clamping position by any suitable means, including movement of the second transport device portion 50 on its wheels 14, rotation of the rotating base 65, and translation provided by the guide rail 68.

[0061] The tip of the wind turbine blade 7, or any other suitable portion of the wind turbine blade 7 located outside the root end, can be attached to a crane (not shown). Upon attachment to the second transport unit 50 and the crane, the wind turbine blade 7 can then be lifted from the mold 80. The crane and the second transport unit 50 can then move cooperatively to transport the wind turbine blade 7 to a suitable position near the first transport unit 10. Once the wind turbine blade 7 is aligned with the bracket assembly 20 of the first transport unit 10, the wind turbine blade 7 can be lowered until it is securely supported by the bracket assembly 20.

[0062] Once the wind turbine blade 7 is supported by the first transport equipment section 10 and the second transport equipment section 50, the crane or similar support device can be detached from the wind turbine blade 7, so that the wind turbine blade 7 is supported only by the transport equipment sections 10 and 50. The wind turbine blade 7 can then be moved as needed without any constraints that could be imposed by the crane or similar fixed structure. It should be understood that the bracket assembly 20 is particularly suitable for simply supporting the wind turbine blade 7 around a factory site where transport speed and uneven terrain can be minimized; however, it should be understood that the bracket assembly 20 can be adapted to securely fasten the wind turbine blade 7 in the bracket assembly 20 for road or rail transport.

Claims

1. A transport device for transporting wind turbine blades, the transport device comprising: Supporting framework; A bracket assembly configured to support a portion of the wind turbine blade on the support frame; and Lockdown mechanism, The bracket assembly is rotatably connected to the support frame via a ball-and-socket joint mechanism, the ball-and-socket joint mechanism including a ball and a socket between the bracket assembly and the support frame, and configured to allow the bracket assembly to rotate relative to the support frame about three vertical axes, wherein the locking mechanism is configured to releasably retain the ball in the socket, wherein the locking mechanism in a locking configuration keeps the ball captured in the socket.

2. The transport device according to claim 1, further comprising a locking mechanism configured to releasably retain the ball in the socket, wherein, The locking mechanism in the locking configuration keeps the ball trapped in the socket, while the locking mechanism in the unlocked configuration allows the ball to be removed from the socket and allows the bracket device to be separated from the support frame.

3. The transport device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising three or more resilient support elements surrounding the ball joint mechanism, the resilient support elements being configured to bias the bracket assembly to an orientation relative to the support frame.

4. The transportation equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The bracket assembly includes a plate defining a support surface configured to slidably engage each resilient support element.

5. The transport equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The plate has a central hole, and the ball joint mechanism extends through the central hole.

6. The transport equipment according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, Each elastic support element includes a spring.

7. The transport equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The transport equipment is configured such that the load or substantially all load of the bracket assembly is supported by the ball joint mechanism.

8. The transport equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bracket device has a receiving surface configured to conform to the external aerodynamic surface of the wind turbine blade.

9. The transport equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The bracket device and the support frame form part of a first transport device for supporting the tip of a wind turbine blade, and the transport device further includes a second transport device, which includes another support frame and a clamping device for supporting the root end of the wind turbine blade.

10. The transport equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support frame is mounted on a wheeled chassis that can move on multiple wheels.

11. The transport equipment according to claim 10, wherein, The wheeled chassis includes a drive unit configured to drive the plurality of wheels.

12. The transport equipment according to claim 10 or 11, wherein, The height of one or more of the plurality of wheels is adjustable.

13. The transport equipment according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein, The support frame is fixed relative to the wheeled chassis to substantially prevent translation of the support frame relative to the wheeled chassis, or the support frame is slidably mounted on the wheeled chassis to allow longitudinal translation of the support frame relative to the wheeled chassis.

14. The transport equipment according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, The clamping device is configured to rotate about a generally horizontal axis relative to the support frame of the second transport equipment section, and wherein the rotation between the clamping device and the support frame of the second transport equipment section is controlled by one or more actuators.

15. Use of the transport equipment according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transport equipment is used to transport the wind turbine blade from a mold during the manufacturing process of the wind turbine blade.

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