Apparatus, system and method for water-based transportation of wind turbine blades

Abstract

A transport device (40) for transporting at least one wind turbine blade (20) over water is disclosed. The transport device (40) comprises a primary boat (42), a secondary boat (44) separate from the primary boat (42), and a wind turbine blade (20) extending between a first end (24) and an opposite second end (26). The first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) is configured to be supported on the primary boat (42), and the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) is configured to be supported on the secondary boat (44) such that the secondary boat (44) is operably connected to the primary boat (42) by the wind turbine blade (20) for transporting the wind turbine blade (20) over water, in particular around bends and curves of a waterway.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to wind turbines, and more specifically to devices, systems and methods for water-based transport of wind turbine blades. Background Technology

[0002] Wind turbines are used to generate electricity using renewable resources without burning fossil fuels. Typically, a wind turbine converts the kinetic energy from the wind into electricity. A horizontal-axis wind turbine consists of a tower and an energy generation unit positioned atop the tower. The energy generation unit typically includes a nacelle housing mechanical and electrical components, such as a generator, and a rotor operatively connected to components within the nacelle via a main shaft extending from it. The rotor, in turn, includes a central hub and multiple blades extending radially from it, configured to interact with the wind to rotate the rotor. The rotor is supported on a main shaft, which is operatively connected directly or indirectly to a generator housed within the nacelle. Thus, when the wind forces the blades to rotate, the generator produces electricity.

[0003] Wind turbines are designed to use multiple blades, with the popular standard being three blades per turbine. These blades are very long and have become increasingly longer with newer wind turbine designs. For example, some modern wind turbine blades can be close to approximately 100 meters (m) or longer. As can be understood, the transport of wind turbine blades between production sites, and from production sites to installation sites or to temporary storage sites, presents various technical challenges, especially given the ever-increasing length of individual blades.

[0004] For certain production and installation sites, it is often desirable or necessary to transport these blades by waterway using transport vessels. In this regard, wind turbine blades are typically supported on transport vessels, with the blade tips extending beyond the stern of the vessel and extending a distance over the water. Water-based transport of such long blades presents various challenges. For example, the waterways used for transport, such as channels, rivers, or canals, are often narrow and include docks, boats, and other vessels, which can obstruct the blade's path. These obstacles become even more challenging when the vessel needs to navigate bends and curves in the waterway. Such navigation requires the transport vessel to oscillate the blade tips around a large turning radius and requires wide clearance paths to avoid impacts with structures on the water or on land near the water's edge. Therefore, such prior art devices and transport systems may not be suitable for transporting blades longer than a certain threshold length of the waterway that must be traversed.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for improved equipment, systems, and methods for transporting wind turbine blades or similar components by water. In particular, there is a need for improved equipment, systems, and methods for transporting wind turbine blades or similar components by water that can be adapted to maximized blade lengths. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To achieve these and other objectives, in one aspect of the invention, a transport device for transporting at least one wind turbine blade over water is disclosed. The transport device includes a main vessel, a secondary vessel separate from the main vessel, and a wind turbine blade extending between a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the wind turbine blade is supported on the main vessel, and the second end of the wind turbine blade is supported on the secondary vessel, such that the secondary vessel is operatively connected to the main vessel via the wind turbine blade for transporting the wind turbine blade over water. The main vessel may include a propulsion system configured to move the transport device over water.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the main vessel may include a main support member configured to operatively connect a first end of a wind turbine blade to the main vessel. For example, the main support member may provide the main vessel with up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blade. In another embodiment, the position of the main support member is adjustable along the length direction and / or along the width direction of the main vessel.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary vessel may include a secondary support configured to operatively connect a second end of a wind turbine blade to the auxiliary vessel. For example, the secondary support may provide the auxiliary vessel with up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blade. In another embodiment, the position of the secondary support may be adjustable along the length direction and / or the width direction of the auxiliary vessel.

[0009] In yet another embodiment, the main vessel may include up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the auxiliary vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the auxiliary vessel may include up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the main vessel. In one embodiment, the auxiliary vessel may include a directional control device configured to change the direction of motion of the auxiliary vessel. For example, the auxiliary vessel may include a propulsion system configured to generate thrust to change the direction of motion of the auxiliary vessel. In yet another embodiment, the main vessel and the auxiliary vessel may each include a land-based drive system for transporting wind turbine blades on land.

[0010] According to one aspect of the invention, a method for transporting at least one wind turbine blade over water is disclosed. The method includes: providing a main vessel including a main support member; providing an auxiliary vessel, separate from the main vessel and including an auxiliary support member; and providing a wind turbine blade extending between a first end and an opposite second end. The method includes: connecting the first end of the wind turbine blade to the main support member such that the first end of the wind turbine blade is operably supported by the main vessel; and connecting the second end of the wind turbine blade to the auxiliary support member such that the second end of the wind turbine blade is operably supported by the auxiliary vessel. The method further includes: transporting the wind turbine blade over water, with the main vessel and the auxiliary vessel generally longitudinally aligned and the wind turbine blade bridging between the main vessel and the auxiliary vessel. The method further includes: transporting the wind turbine blade over water along a curved path, wherein the main vessel and the auxiliary vessel are generally longitudinally offset and the wind turbine blade bridging between the main vessel and the auxiliary vessel.

[0011] In one embodiment, the master vessel may include a directional control device and / or a propulsion system. The method may also include operating the directional control device and / or propulsion system to move the master vessel relative to the auxiliary vessel. In yet another embodiment, the auxiliary vessel may include a directional control device and / or a propulsion system. The method may also include operating the directional control device and / or propulsion system to move the auxiliary vessel relative to the master vessel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the method may include moving a main vessel on the water, the main vessel having up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blades. In another embodiment, the method may include moving a secondary vessel on the water, the secondary vessel having up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blades. The method may also include moving the main vessel on the water, the main vessel having up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the secondary vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include moving a secondary vessel on the water, the secondary vessel having up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the main vessel. In yet another embodiment, the main vessel and the secondary vessel may each include a land-based drive system. In this respect, the method may also include transporting the wind turbine blades on land. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a wind turbine according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the blades of a wind turbine.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a side view of a transport apparatus, including a main vessel and an auxiliary vessel, for transporting at least one wind turbine blade on water, according to one aspect of the invention.

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The top view of the transport unit shows additional details of the degrees of freedom of motion of the main ship and auxiliary ship.

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 and Figure 4 A top view of the transport device, showing the device maneuvering around a bend in the waterway.

[0019] Figure 6 This is a side view of a transport device, comprising a main amphibious vessel and a secondary amphibious vessel, for transporting at least one wind turbine blade on water and land, according to one aspect of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] refer to Figures 1 to 5 This paper illustrates a transport apparatus and method for transporting wind turbine blades over water according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the transport apparatus is water-based and configured to transport at least one wind turbine blade over water. In another embodiment, as shown... Figure 6 As shown, the transport device is amphibious for transporting at least one wind turbine blade on both water and land. In either case, the transport device comprises at least a main vessel acting as a tugboat and a secondary vessel acting as an auxiliary vessel, with the wind turbine blade supported between the main vessel and the secondary vessel for transport. For example, the root end of the blade may be supported by the main vessel, and the tip end of the blade may be supported by the secondary vessel. In this respect, the secondary vessel is separate from the main vessel but operatively connected to the main vessel via the wind turbine blade, thereby allowing the secondary vessel to follow the main vessel or otherwise be towed by the main vessel for transporting the wind turbine blade.

[0021] When a transport device is operated to transport blades over water, the transport device, particularly the blades, may be subjected to stresses due to unpredictable changes in orientation caused by waves, tides, or other phenomena inherent to the water body. However, to reduce the stress experienced by the blades due to these forces, each vessel may include a support configured to operatively connect one end of the wind turbine blade to either the main vessel or the auxiliary vessel. Each support may allow each vessel up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blade. This capability minimizes stress transmission from the water and the vessel to each end of the wind turbine blade. Furthermore, each support may allow each vessel up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to each other, thereby improving the maneuverability of the transport device over water. Utilizing this capability, the transport device can accommodate maximum blade lengths while still effectively navigating through narrow waterways, including, for example, dock areas, bends, and curves in the waterway. These and other benefits of the invention will be described more fully below.

[0022] Now for reference Figure 1 An exemplary wind turbine 10 is shown, comprising a tower 12, a nacelle 14 disposed at the top of the tower 12, a rotor 16 operatively coupled to a generator (not shown) housed within the nacelle 14, and a gearbox (not shown) housed within the nacelle 14. In addition to the generator and gearbox, the nacelle 14 may house various components necessary for converting wind energy into electrical energy and for operating and optimizing the performance of the wind turbine 10. The tower 12 supports the loads presented by the nacelle 14, the rotor 16, and other wind turbine components housed inside or outside the nacelle 14. The tower 12 operates to raise the nacelle 14 and the rotor 16 to a height above ground level or sea level (as the case may be), where airflow with lower turbulence and higher velocities is typically found.

[0023] Rotor 16 includes a central hub 18 and a plurality of wind turbine blades 20 (“blades”) attached to the central hub 18 at circumferentially distributed locations around it. In a representative embodiment, rotor 16 includes three blades 20; however, the number of blades 20 can vary. The blades 20 project radially outward from the central hub 18 and are configured to interact with passing airflow to generate a rotational force that causes the central hub 18 to rotate about a longitudinal axis 22 of the central hub 18. The design, construction, and operation of the blades 20 are familiar to those skilled in the art of wind turbine design and may include additional functional aspects to optimize performance.

[0024] Rotor 16 can be directly or indirectly connected to a gearbox via a drive shaft (not shown) to form a rotor assembly. In either case, the gearbox transmits the rotation of rotor 16 to the generator via a coupling (not shown). Wind speeds exceeding a minimum can activate rotor 16, causing it to rotate substantially perpendicular to the wind direction and apply torque to the input shaft of the generator. The electricity generated by the generator can be supplied to a power grid (not shown) or an energy storage system (not shown) for later release back into the grid, as understood by those skilled in the art. In this way, the kinetic energy of the wind can be utilized by the wind turbine 10 for power generation.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of an exemplary wind turbine blade 20 of a wind turbine 10. As shown, the blade 20 extends longitudinally in the spanwise direction S between a root tip 24 and a tip tip 26, and laterally in the chordwise direction C between a leading edge 28 and a trailing edge 30. In this respect, the blade 20 has a longitudinal length in the spanwise direction S extending from the root tip 24 to the tip tip 26. For example, the blade length can be 100 meters or more. The blade 20 includes a housing 32 that defines a generally hollow interior of the wind turbine blade 20, in which at least one sparsity structure 34 can be positioned, as is typical in wind turbine blade designs.

[0026] Now for reference Figure 3 and Figure 4A transport device 40 for use on water is shown according to one embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 40 is water-based and configured to transport at least one wind turbine blade on water. In this respect, the transport device 40 includes a main vessel 42 as a towing vessel and a secondary vessel 44 as an auxiliary vessel, with a wind turbine blade 20 supported between the main vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44 for transport. The main vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44 are separate vessels, and each vessel is configured to support the wind turbine blade 20 at opposite end regions of the wind turbine blade, such that the wind turbine blade 20 is supported above the water surface. In the illustrated embodiment, the main vessel 42 supports the wind turbine blade 20 at a first end region, hereinafter referred to as the root tip 24 of the wind turbine blade 20. The secondary vessel 42 supports the wind turbine blade 20 at a second end region, hereinafter referred to as the tip tip 26 of the wind turbine blade 20. The region of the wind turbine blade 20 bridging between the main vessel and the auxiliary vessel is hereinafter referred to as the intermediate region 46 of the wind turbine blade 20. In this respect, the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44 are configured to be spaced apart by a distance to define a follower gap 48 between them. For example, the auxiliary vessel 44 may be spaced aft from the main vessel 42 to define the follower gap 48. The intermediate region 46 of the wind turbine blade 20 bridging the follower gap 46 between the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44 operably links or connects the vessels 42 and 44 together. That is, in one embodiment, the wind turbine blade 20 may be the only connecting member between the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44. However, in another embodiment, the transport device 40 may include one or more tensioning members, such as ropes, chains, or lines, extending between the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44 to reduce tension stress on the blade 20.

[0027] The main vessel 42 includes a hull 50 extending between a bow 52 and a stern 54, and includes a deck 56 on which a main support 58 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the main support 58 is configured to operatively connect a first end 24 (i.e., the blade root end 24) of a wind turbine blade 20 to the main vessel 42, as will be described in further detail below. The main vessel 42 may include a propulsion system 60 for powering the movement of the main vessel 42 and for moving the transport device 40 on the water. The propulsion system 60 may take the form of a driven propeller, waterjet actuator, sail, paddlewheel, or any other suitable mechanism for causing the main vessel 42 and the transport device 40 to move on the water. In addition to the propulsion system 60, the main vessel 42 may also include a directional control device 62, such as, for example, a rudder.

[0028] The auxiliary vessel 44 includes a hull 64 extending between a bow 66 and a stern 68, and includes a deck 70 on which a secondary support 72 is located. In the illustrated embodiment, the secondary support 72 is configured to operatively connect a second end 26 (i.e., the tip 26) of a wind turbine blade 20 to the auxiliary vessel 44. However, the illustrated transport orientation of the blade 20 is merely exemplary, and it should be understood that the orientation of the blade 20 can be reversed (i.e., the tip 26 is supported by the main vessel 42, while the root 24 is supported by the auxiliary vessel 44).

[0029] During the operation of transport device 40 to transport wind turbine blades 20, auxiliary vessel 44 is configured to follow or be towed by main vessel 42. That is, the propulsion system 60 of main vessel 42 is configured as the primary propulsion source for moving transport device 40 on the water. However, for navigation through narrow waterways, bends, curves, dock areas, and other obstacles associated with the waterway, auxiliary vessel 44 preferably also includes a movement mechanism independent of the movement mechanism of main vessel 42. In this regard, auxiliary vessel 44 may include a propulsion system 74 and / or a directional control device 76. Propulsion system 74 may take the form of a driven propeller, a waterjet actuator, or any other suitable mechanism for generating thrust to change the direction of motion of auxiliary vessel 44 (particularly relative to main vessel 42 during the transport of wind turbine blades 20). Directional control device 76, such as a rudder, provides independent steering capability for auxiliary vessel 44. In the absence of propulsion system 74, the direction control device 76 can be operated to change the direction of motion of the auxiliary vessel 44, especially when it is towed by the main vessel 42.

[0030] As briefly described above, the main vessel 42 includes a main support 58 configured to operatively connect or attach a first end region (such as the blade root end 24) of the wind turbine blade 20 to the main vessel 42. In this respect, the main support 58 includes a support base 78 and a universal joint system 80 that allows the support base 78 to move relative to the main vessel 42. The support base 78 is configured to secure the end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the main support 58 and define a connection point 82 between the end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 and the vessel 42, such as... Figure 4As shown. The support 78 can take the form of a combination of clamps, brackets, and straps, or other suitable structures for securing the end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20. As shown, when secured by the support 78 of the main support 58, the root end 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 can cover the deck 56 of the main vessel 42. The universal joint system 80 operatively connects the support 78 to the main vessel 42. Although the main support 58 is shown located on the deck 56 near the stern 54 of the main vessel 42, the main support 58 can be located elsewhere. In this respect, the position of the main support 58 can be adjusted along the length direction of the main vessel 42 (i.e., from bow to stern) and / or along the width direction between the sides 84 of the main vessel 42.

[0031] The main support 58 is configured to operatively couple or connect the end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the main vessel 58 by allowing the main vessel 42 up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade 20 about the connection point 82 between them. Specifically, the gimbal system 80 provides the main vessel 42 with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the main support 58 allows the main vessel 42 to roll (as indicated by directional arrow A1), pitch (as indicated by directional arrow A2), and bow (as indicated by directional arrow A3) relative to the wind turbine blades 20. Therefore, the main support 58, particularly the universal joint system 80, provides the main vessel 42 with up to three degrees of freedom of motion (roll, pitch, and bow) relative to the wind turbine blades 20, fixed to the end region 24 of the main support 58.

[0032] Similar to the main vessel 42, the auxiliary vessel 44 includes an auxiliary support 72 configured to operatively connect or attach a second end region 26 (such as the tip 26) of the wind turbine blade 20 to the auxiliary vessel 44. In this regard, the auxiliary support 72 includes a support base 86 and a universal joint system 88 that allows the support base 86 to move relative to the auxiliary vessel 44. The support base 86 is configured to secure the end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the auxiliary support 72 and defines a connection point 90 between the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 and the auxiliary vessel 44, such as... Figure 4As shown. The support 86 may take the form of a combination of clamps, brackets, and straps, or other suitable structures for securing the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20. When secured by the support 86 of the secondary support 72, the entirety or only a portion of the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 may cover the deck 70 of the auxiliary vessel 44. In either case, the universal joint system 88 operatively connects the support 86 to the auxiliary vessel 44. Although the secondary support 72 is shown as centrally located on the deck 70 of the auxiliary vessel 44, the secondary support 72 may be located elsewhere, such as near the bow 66 or stern 68. In this respect, the position of the secondary support 72 may be adjusted along the length direction of the auxiliary vessel 44 (i.e., from bow to stern) and / or along the width direction between the sides 92 of the auxiliary vessel 44.

[0033] The auxiliary support 72 is configured to operatively couple or connect the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the auxiliary support 44 by allowing the auxiliary support 44 up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade 20 about the connection point 90 between them. Specifically, the universal joint system 88 provides the auxiliary support 44 with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade 20. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the secondary support 72 allows the auxiliary vessel 44 to roll (as indicated by directional arrow A4), pitch (as indicated by directional arrow A5), and bow (as indicated by directional arrow A6) relative to the wind turbine blade 20. Therefore, the secondary support 72, and particularly the universal joint system 88, provides the auxiliary vessel 44 with up to three degrees of freedom of motion (roll, pitch, and bow) relative to the wind turbine blade 20, fixed to the second end region 26 of the secondary support 72.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment, each support member 58, 72 can provide three degrees of freedom of motion for each vessel 42, 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20. However, one or two supports 58, 72 can provide fewer than three degrees of freedom of motion for the respective vessels 42, 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20. For example, the main support member 58 can provide three degrees of freedom of motion for the main vessel 42 relative to the wind turbine blade 20, while the secondary support member 72 is limited to providing only one, two, or no degrees of freedom of motion for the secondary vessel 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20, or vice versa. A suitable configuration can, for example, depend on the water conditions in which the transport vehicle 40 will travel.

[0035] The main support 58 and the auxiliary support 72 provide an operable connection between the ends 24, 26 of the wind turbine blades 20 and the corresponding vessels 42, 44, as described above. However, since the blades 20 provide the connection between the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44, the main support 58 and the auxiliary support 72 also provide an operable connection between the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44. In other words, in one embodiment, the wind turbine blades 20 provide the connection between the vessels 42, 44, and the main support 58 and / or the auxiliary support 72 make this connection operable by allowing each vessel 42, 44 a maximum of three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blades 20. As a result, the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44 each include a maximum of five degrees of freedom of motion relative to each other. As will be described in further detail below, the five degrees of freedom of motion of each vessel 42, 44 relative to the other vessel are designed to reduce the stress experienced by the wind turbine blades 20 due to the inherent forces of the water. The five degrees of freedom of motion of each ship 42, 44 relative to the other ship also allow the transport device 40 to navigate through bends or other obstacles in the waterway, as will be described more fully below.

[0036] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The main vessel 42 is operatively connected to the auxiliary vessel 44 via wind turbine blades 20, and the main support 58 and auxiliary support 72 allow the main vessel 42 to roll A1, pitch A2, yaw A3, heave (i.e., vertical up-and-down movement, as indicated by directional arrow A7), and sway (i.e., horizontal left-and-right movement, as indicated by directional arrow A8) relative to the auxiliary vessel 44. Therefore, when connected together to support the wind turbine blades 20, the main vessel 42 has five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the auxiliary vessel 44 (roll, pitch, yaw, heave, and sway). Similarly, the main support 58 and auxiliary support 72 allow the auxiliary vessel 44 to roll A4, pitch A5, yaw A6, heave (i.e., vertical up-and-down movement, as indicated by directional arrow A9), and sway (i.e., horizontal left-and-right movement, as indicated by directional arrow A10) relative to the main vessel 42. Therefore, when connected together to support the wind turbine blades 20, the auxiliary vessel 44 includes five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the main vessel 42 (roll, pitch, bow, heave, and sway).

[0037] By providing five degrees of freedom of motion to the ships 42 and 44 relative to each other, the transport device 40 can be configured in a longitudinally aligned manner (e.g., Figure 4 ) and longitudinal offset configuration (e.g., Figure 5 Move between ) . When in a vertical alignment configuration, such as Figure 4As shown, the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44 are generally longitudinally aligned with each other, such that the intermediate region 46 of the blade 20 extends beyond the stern 54 of the main vessel 42 and the bow 66 of the auxiliary vessel 44. For example, the transport device 40 can be longitudinally aligned when traveling along a straight path on water. When in a longitudinally offset configuration, at least a portion of the intermediate region 46 of the wind turbine blade 20 extends laterally away from the side 84 of the main vessel 42 and / or the side 92 of the auxiliary vessel 44. For example, the transport device 40 can be longitudinally offset when traveling along a curved path on water. The longitudinally aligned and longitudinally offset configurations provide the transport device 40 with the ability to accommodate the maximum blade 20 length while still effectively navigating through narrow waterways (including dock areas, bends and curves in waterways), as will be described in further detail below. Essentially, the transport device 40 can navigate along curved paths on water (such as... Figure 5 The bends in the depicted waterway 100 enable the blade 20 to have a tighter turning radius. This capability allows the transport unit 40 to avoid obstacles on the waterway 100 that would have collided with the wind turbine blade 20 if it were carried on a conventional transport vessel.

[0038] Figure 5 The transport device 40 is shown to achieve an exemplary tighter turning radius to accommodate the maximum blade length 20 while still effectively navigating through narrow and winding waterways 100, if necessary, to move the wind turbine blade 20, for example, between processing facilities, to installation sites, or to temporary storage sites. In this regard, Figure 5 An exemplary waterway 100 is shown, in which a transport device 40 can be used to transport a wind turbine blade 20. The waterway 100 can be, for example, a canal or river, having bends through which the transport device 40 needs to follow a curved path to navigate. As shown, the waterway 100 may contain one or more obstacles, such as a dock 102 and a vessel 104, which are typically encountered on canals or rivers and generally constitute obstacles to the movement of the wind turbine blade 20 on the water.

[0039] In order to transport the wind turbine blade 20 using the transport device 40, the transport device 40 must first be assembled with the wind turbine blade 20 at a first location (such as a first processing facility) on the waterway 100. This involves connecting the first end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the main support 58, such that the first end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 is operably supported by the main vessel 42. The second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 also needs to be connected to the auxiliary support 72, such that the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 is operably supported by the auxiliary vessel 44. The transport device 40 can then be operated, for example, to transport the wind turbine blade 20 to a second location on the waterway 100, such as a downstream processing facility.

[0040] The transport device 40 can begin transporting the wind turbine blade 20 in a longitudinally aligned configuration until it approaches a bend or other obstacle on the waterway 100 that requires the transport device 40 to navigate a curved path for efficient passage. When the transport device 40 approaches an exemplary bend in the waterway 100, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the main vessel 42 begins to turn along the curve, causing at least a portion of the central region 46 of the wind turbine blades 40 to extend from one side 84 of the main vessel 42, placing the transport vessel 40 in a longitudinally offset configuration. The propulsion system 60 of the main vessel 42 can be operated to turn the main vessel 42 without causing the auxiliary vessel 44 to turn. In this respect, the auxiliary vessel 44 can maintain a straight path for a period of time as the main vessel 42 rounds the initial portion of the curve in the channel 100. However, eventually the auxiliary vessel 44 will begin to navigate through the curve, and the central region 46 of the wind turbine blades 20 will also extend laterally from one side 92 of the auxiliary vessel 44, as... Figure 5 As shown. Although the auxiliary vessel 44 typically follows the main vessel 42 through bends in the channel 100, the bend travel path of the auxiliary vessel 44 may differ from that of the main vessel 42 to maintain the desired positioning of the blade 20 in the channel 100, such as to avoid certain obstacles. The propulsion system 74 and / or directional control device 76 of the auxiliary vessel 44 provide the ability to achieve movement of the auxiliary vessel 44 and thus the tip region 26 of the blade 20, typically independent of the movement of the main vessel 42 and the root region 24 of the blade 20. For example, the propulsion system 74 and / or directional control device 76 may be used to achieve a sway A10 movement of the auxiliary vessel 44 relative to the main vessel 42. Once the transport vehicle 40 has rounded a bend in the channel 100, the transport vehicle 40 can return to a longitudinally aligned configuration.

[0041] In one embodiment, the movement of the auxiliary vessel 44 can be controlled by the main vessel 42. Alternatively, the movement of the auxiliary vessel 44 can be locally controlled on the auxiliary vessel 44. The main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44 may include, for example, one or more sensors common to ships, such as those for sensing water depth, sensing the presence of obstacles (such as ships or other objects), and for sensing collisions. In another embodiment, the transport unit 40 may include one or more auxiliary vessels, such as the auxiliary vessel 44, to provide additional support for the wind turbine blade 20 during transport. For example, the transport unit 40 may include a third vessel configured to provide support for the central region 46 of the wind turbine blade 20. For this purpose, the third vessel would be positioned between the main vessel 42 and the auxiliary vessel 44.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 6 The same reference numerals in the figures indicate the same meanings as those above regarding... Figures 1 to 5Compared to the described embodiment of transport device 40, a transport device 110 according to another embodiment of the invention is shown, featuring the same characteristics. The main difference between this embodiment's transport device 110 and the previously described embodiment's transport device 40 is that the transport device 110 is amphibious and includes a main amphibious vessel 112 and a secondary amphibious vessel 114, configured to transport wind turbine blades 20 on water and land. In this respect, the main amphibious vessel 112 can be similar to the main vessel 42 described above, except that it additionally includes one or more land-based drive systems 116 for enabling the main amphibious vessel 112 to move on land. The land-based drive system 116 can take the form of, for example, wheels or tracks, and can have the same or separate power source as the main amphibious vessel 112's propulsion system 60. Similarly, the secondary amphibious vessel 114 can be similar to the secondary vessel 44 described above, except that it additionally includes one or more land-based drive systems 116 for enabling the secondary amphibious vessel 114 to move on land. Compared to the transport device 40 described above, the amphibious transport device 110 provides the additional capability of transporting at least one wind turbine blade 20 on land, either from the origin into the water or from the water across the land to the final destination. For example, the amphibious transport device 110 may be preferred in tidal waterways experiencing extreme shallow water or low tide events.

[0043] While the invention has been described through various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, the applicant does not intend to limit the scope of the appended claims or in any way restrict them to these details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily become apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details shown and described, the representative devices and methods, and the illustrative examples. Consequently, deviations from these details may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's overall inventive concept.

Claims

1. A transport device (40) for transporting at least one wind turbine blade (20) over water, the transport device comprising: Main ship (42); A secondary vessel (44) is separated from the main vessel (42); as well as A wind turbine blade (20) extends between a first end (24) and an opposite second end (26), the first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) being supported on the main vessel (42) and the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) being supported on the auxiliary vessel (44), such that the auxiliary vessel (44) is connected to the main vessel (42) via the wind turbine blade (20) for transporting the wind turbine blade (20) on water.

2. The transport device (40) according to claim 1, wherein, The main vessel (42) includes a propulsion system (60) for moving the transport device (40) on water.

3. The transport device (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The main vessel (42) includes a main support (58) configured to connect the first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) to the main vessel (42).

4. The transport device (40) according to claim 3, wherein, The main support (58) provides the main vessel (42) with up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blades (20).

5. The transport device (40) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein, The position of the main support member (58) can be adjusted along the length direction of the main vessel (42) and / or along the width direction of the main vessel (42).

6. The transport device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The auxiliary vessel (44) includes an auxiliary support (72) configured to connect the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) to the auxiliary vessel (44).

7. The transport device (40) according to claim 4, wherein, The secondary support (72) provides the secondary vessel (44) with up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blade (20).

8. The transport device (40) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The position of the secondary support (72) can be adjusted along the length direction of the secondary vessel (44) and / or along the width direction of the secondary vessel (44).

9. The transport device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main ship (42) includes up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the auxiliary ship (44).

10. The transport device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The auxiliary vessel (44) includes up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the main vessel (42).

11. The transport device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The auxiliary vessel (44) includes a direction control device (76) configured to change the direction of motion of the auxiliary vessel (44).

12. The transport device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The auxiliary vessel (44) includes a propulsion system (74) configured to generate thrust to change the direction of motion of the auxiliary vessel (44).

13. The transport device (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The main vessel (42) and the auxiliary vessel (44) each include a land drive system (116) for transporting the wind turbine blades (20) on land.

14. A method for transporting at least one wind turbine blade (20) over water, the method comprising: A transport device (40) is provided, the transport device (40) comprising: a main vessel (40) having a main support (58); a secondary vessel (44) separate from the main vessel (42), the secondary vessel (44) including a secondary support (72); and a wind turbine blade (20) extending between a first end (24) and an opposite second end (26); The first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) is connected to the main support (58) so that the first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) is supported by the main ship (42); The second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) is connected to the auxiliary support (72) such that the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) is supported by the auxiliary vessel (44); The wind turbine blade (20) is transported by water, with the main vessel (42) and the auxiliary vessel (44) generally longitudinally aligned, and the wind turbine blade (20) straddling between the main vessel (42) and the auxiliary vessel (44); and The wind turbine blade (20) is transported on water along a curved path, wherein the main vessel (42) and the auxiliary vessel (44) are generally longitudinally offset, and the wind turbine blade (20) is straddled between the main vessel (42) and the auxiliary vessel (44).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The main vessel (42) includes a direction control device (62) and / or a propulsion system (60), and the method further includes: Operate the direction control device (62) and / or the propulsion system (60) to move the main ship (42) relative to the auxiliary ship (44).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The auxiliary vessel (44) includes a direction control device (76) and / or a propulsion system (74), and the method further includes: Operate the direction control device (74) and / or the propulsion system (76) to move the auxiliary vessel (44) relative to the main vessel (42).

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, further comprising moving the main vessel (42) on the water, the main vessel (42) having up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blade (20).

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, further comprising moving the auxiliary vessel (44) on the water, the auxiliary vessel (44) having up to three degrees of freedom of motion relative to the wind turbine blade (20).

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising moving the master ship (42) on the water, the master ship (42) having up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the auxiliary ship (44).

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, further comprising moving the auxiliary vessel (44) on the water, the auxiliary vessel (44) having up to five degrees of freedom of motion relative to the master vessel (42).

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein, The main vessel (42) and the auxiliary vessel (44) each include a land-based drive system (116), and the method further includes: Transport the wind turbine blades (20) on land.

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