Apparatus for mounting blade assembly, rotor unit, wind power plant

Abstract

An apparatus (10) for mounting a blade assembly (12) on a rotor receiver unit (14) of a vertical shaft wind turbine (3), a rotor unit for a vertical shaft wind turbine (3) and a wind power plant (1) are provided. The turbomachine is configured to be arranged on the elongated support column (5). The blade assembly includes a blade (20) and a strut (22). The apparatus includes a first mounting pivot (30), a second mounting pivot (32), a third mounting pivot (34), and a displacement device (40) configured to hold one of the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot and to guide displacement of the one of the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot between a first position and a second position. Displacement of the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is such that the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is farther from the first mounting pivot when in the first position than the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is in the second position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to an apparatus for mounting a blade assembly on a rotor receiver unit of a vertical axis wind turbine. The wind turbine is configured to be arranged on an elongated support column. The blade assembly includes a blade configured to extend from the rotor receiver unit and a strut configured to be connected between the rotor receiver unit and the blade.

[0002] The utility model also relates to a rotor unit for a vertical axis wind turbine and a wind power generation facility. The rotor unit and the wind power generation facility include the device according to the utility model.

[0003] The utility model also relates to a method for installing a blade assembly by using the device according to the utility model, as well as uses of the device, a rotor unit and a wind power generation facility. Background Art

[0004] Wind power generation facilities use a blade assembly of a turbine connected to a support column to transmit rotational energy to a generator. The rotational energy can be transmitted directly to the generator, such as in a horizontal axis wind turbine (HAWT), or through a shaft at the support column, such as in a vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT).

[0005] In the case of offshore wind turbines, they are either assembled at the installation site or at a pier. When assembled at a pier, such as near a coastal area or a fjord, the support columns to which the turbine is attached are typically arranged in a horizontal orientation, then raised to a vertical orientation and towed out to sea in an upright position.

[0006] To increase the power output of wind turbines, there's a trend toward taller support columns and blade assemblies with longer blades. However, this complicates installation and towing, particularly in narrow fjord arms, at pier facilities, and during lifting operations. Furthermore, installing blade assemblies at higher altitudes increases the risk of accidents. Similarly, installing longer blades increases the risk of blade damage.

[0007] US11614073 describes a vertical axis wind turbine with foldable blades, wherein the blades are foldable such that the angle of attack of the blades can be varied. Utility Model Content

[0008] The present invention is directed to an improved apparatus for mounting a blade assembly on a rotor receiver unit of a vertical axis wind turbine. Specifically, the present invention is directed to an apparatus that reduces the risk of accidents and blade damage during the towing and installation of a vertical axis wind turbine. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that enables the blade assembly to be connected to the rotor receiver unit at a support column while being towed or otherwise transported to its installation location.

[0009] The above object is achieved by an apparatus for mounting a blade assembly on a rotor receiver unit of a vertical axis wind turbine. The wind turbine is configured to be arranged on an elongated support column, wherein the blade assembly includes a blade configured to extend from the rotor receiver unit and a strut configured to be connected between the rotor receiver unit and the blade. The apparatus comprises:

[0010] a first mounting pivot configured to hold the blade so that the blade is rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit,

[0011] a second mounting pivot configured to hold the strut so that it is rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit,

[0012] - a third mounting pivot configured to retain the strut so that it is rotatably attached to the blade, and

[0013] a displacement device configured to hold one of the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot and to guide displacement of the one of the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot between a first position and a second position,

[0014] The displacement of the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is such that the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is further away from the first mounting pivot when it is in the first position than when it is in the second position.

[0015] The first position of the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot relates to a folded arrangement in which the blades and struts are arranged to extend adjacent to an extension of the rotor receiver unit. In this position, when the turbine is arranged at the support column, the blades and struts are arranged to extend adjacent to the support column.

[0016] The second position of the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot relates to an extended arrangement in which the blades and the strut are arranged to extend from the rotor receiver unit. In this position, the blades and the strut are arranged for operation of the wind power plant when the turbine is arranged at the support column.

[0017] The device enables the blade assembly to be shifted between a folded configuration and an extended configuration by a shifting device acting on the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot. The shifting device is configured to shift the mounting pivot on which it acts between a first position and a second position in a controllable manner.

[0018] When the displacement device acts on the second mounting pivot, the second mounting pivot is displaced in a direction along the outer portion of the rotor receiver unit. This direction generally corresponds to the extension of the support column. The displacement of the second mounting pivot causes the second mounting pivot to be further away from the first mounting pivot in the first position than when arranged in the second position.

[0019] On the other hand, when the displacement device acts on the third mounting pivot, the third mounting pivot is displaced in the direction extending along the blade. The displacement of the third mounting pivot makes it further away from the first mounting pivot in the first position than in the second position.

[0020] The rotor receiver unit has the function of connecting a blade assembly including a blade and a strut via a first mounting pivot and a second mounting pivot. The rotor receiver unit is part of a turbine. The rotor receiver unit is configured to be connected to a support column such that the rotor receiver unit is rotatably arranged relative to the support column.

[0021] The third mounting pivot rotatably attaches the strut to the blade.The position of the third mounting pivot at the blade depends on the length of the strut and the position of the second mounting pivot relative to the rotor receiver unit.

[0022] The device enables the blade assembly to be moved between a folded configuration and an extended configuration. Thus, by arranging the blade assembly in the folded configuration, transportation is facilitated, for example, by towing the wind turbine to its installation location. The wind turbine can be transported to its installation location with the support column in a horizontal orientation and the turbine connected to the support column. Furthermore, since the device enables the turbine, including the blade assembly, to be connected to the support column while the support column is in a horizontal orientation, installation of the turbine is facilitated.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the second mounting pivot is displaced, the second mounting pivot is further away from the first mounting pivot in the extension direction of the rotor receiver unit when in the first position than when in the second position.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the third mounting pivot is displaced, the third mounting pivot is further away from the rotor receiver unit in the extending direction of the blade when in the first position than when in the second position.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shifting device includes a shifting mechanism, which is used to shift the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot between the first position and the second position.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting pivot, the second mounting pivot, and the third mounting pivot each have an axis of rotation, wherein the first mounting pivot, the second mounting pivot, and the third mounting pivot are configured to rotate substantially about a common axis of rotation.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the common rotation axis of the first, second and third mounting pivots is arranged substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotor receiver unit. The rotation axis of the rotor receiver unit is substantially perpendicular to the extension of the support column.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displacement mechanism comprises an arrangement of a rope and a pulley. The rope comprises, for example, a rope or a wire. The pulley comprises, for example, a sheave.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shifting device includes a driving unit and a shifting member, which is configured to maintain the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot, wherein the driving unit is configured to generate a force to shift the shifting member so that the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot shifts between the first position and the second position.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the driving unit includes one of a hydraulic system and an electric motor.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shifting device includes a guide member and a shifting member, wherein the shifting member is configured to hold the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot, wherein the guide member is configured to guide the shifting of the shifting member between the first position and the second position of the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the guide member includes a guide rail, which is configured to be attached to the rotor receiver unit or the blade, wherein the guide rail is configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member between the first position and the second position, and the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is caused to shift between the first position and the second position while the displacement member is shifted between the first position and the second position.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the guiding member includes a piston cylinder, and the shifting member includes a piston rod that holds the second mounting pivot, wherein the piston cylinder is configured to guide the piston rod to shift between a first position and a second position, and the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is caused to shift between the first position and the second position while the piston rod shifts between the first position and the second position.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotor receiver unit is configured to be arranged at the top portion of the support column, and the piston cylinder is arranged on the rotor receiver unit, so that the displacement member is configured to be displaced above the top portion of the support column. By arranging the piston cylinder at the top portion of the support column, the second mounting pivot can be displaced while allowing the upper rotor to be arranged at the top portion of the support column.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the invention, the device comprises a releasable attachment member configured to form a connection between the blade and the column when the displacement device is in the first position, and wherein the attachment member is configured to be released from the connection with the blade when the displacement device is in the second position.

[0036] The blade assembly is secured to remain adjacent the support column when in the folded configuration by a releasable connecting member, such as a rope, wire or the like.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first, second and third mounting pivots include respective locking devices configured to pivot to prevent rotation when the second or third mounting pivot is in the second position, thereby ensuring that the blade assembly remains in the folded or extended configuration.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting pivot, the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot include corresponding pin joints, which are configured to hold the blades and the support rod so that the blades and the support rod are rotatably attached to the columnar member, wherein the first mounting pivot, the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot include a locking device, which is configured to lock the pin joint to prevent the pin joint from rotating when the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is in the second position.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displacement device comprises a further locking member, which is configured to lock the displacement of the displacement device when the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot is in the second position.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the blade assembly includes a support arm, which is configured to be connected between a columnar member and a support rod, wherein the support arm includes: a fourth mounting pivot and a fifth mounting pivot, the fourth mounting pivot being configured to hold the support arm so that the support arm is attached to the columnar member in a rotatable manner; the fifth mounting pivot being configured to hold the support arm so that the support arm is attached to the support rod in a rotatable manner, wherein at least one of the fourth mounting pivot and the fifth mounting pivot is arranged in a movably manner relative to an attachment member of at least one of the fourth mounting pivot and the fifth mounting pivot.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fourth mounting pivot and the fifth mounting pivot both have a rotation axis, wherein the fourth mounting pivot and the fifth mounting pivot are configured to rotate around a substantially common rotation axis, which substantially corresponds to the common rotation axis of the first mounting pivot, the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot.

[0042] The above-mentioned object of the present invention is also achieved by a rotor unit for a vertical axis wind turbine, wherein the rotor unit includes a blade assembly, a rotor receiver unit for attaching a first mounting pivot and a second mounting pivot, and an apparatus for mounting the blade assembly according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments, wherein the rotor receiver unit is configured to be rotatably attached to the outer periphery of the support column and receive rotational energy from the blade assembly.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotor receiver unit is shaped to have an opening configured to accommodate receipt of an outer portion of the support column.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rotor unit includes a rotor transmitter unit, which is configured to be rotatably attached to an end portion of the support column and receive rotational energy from the rotor receiver unit, wherein the rotor transmitter unit is configured to be connected to a shaft of the support column, which transmits the rotational energy to the generator.

[0045] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a wind power generation facility, which includes a vertical axis wind turbine, a support column and an apparatus for installing a blade assembly according to any one of the above embodiments, wherein the apparatus is arranged at a rotor receiver unit of the turbine.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a wind power generation facility includes an upper vertical axis wind turbine and a lower vertical axis wind turbine, and both the upper vertical axis wind turbine and the lower vertical axis wind turbine are provided with the above-mentioned device for installing the blade assembly. The structure of the device for installing the blade assembly can be different for the upper vertical axis wind turbine and the lower vertical axis wind turbine. For example, the upper vertical axis wind turbine can be arranged at the top portion of the support column, and the device can be constructed as a specific piece suitable for this position of the turbine. Similarly, the lower vertical axis wind turbine is arranged between the base of the support column and the upper vertical axis wind turbine, and the device can be constructed as a specific piece suitable for this position of the turbine.

[0047] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for mounting a blade assembly of a vertical axis wind turbine on an elongated support column, wherein the wind turbine comprises an apparatus for mounting a blade assembly according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0048] The method comprises the following steps:

[0049] - arranging one of the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot to the first position,

[0050] - raising the support columns to a vertical orientation, and

[0051] - displacing the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot from the first position to the second position using the displacement device.

[0052] The step of arranging one of the second mounting pivot and the third mounting pivot to the first position relates to a step performed when the turbine is mounted to the support column and the wind power plant is prepared for transport in a horizontal orientation.

[0053] The step of raising the support columns to a vertical orientation involves a step that is performed when the wind power plant is transported to or in the vicinity of its installation location.

[0054] The step of displacing the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot from the first position to the second position involves a step that is performed when the wind power plant is installed in a manner ready for operation.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0056] - Locking the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot into the second position.

[0057] The step of locking the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot to the second position involves the step of locking the blade assembly to the extended configuration, thereby ensuring that the blade assembly remains in the extended configuration while the wind turbine is in operation.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0059] After the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot has been displaced to the second position, the displacement device is locked to prevent the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot from being displaced.

[0060] The step of locking the displacement device involves a step of further ensuring that the blade assembly remains in the extended setting when the wind power plant is in operation.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0062] - attaching the releasable attachment member after the second mounting pivot or the third mounting pivot has been arranged into the first position.

[0063] The step of attaching the releasable attachment means involves ensuring that the blade assembly remains in the folded configuration. This step is particularly relevant before transporting the wind power plant to the location for installation and before raising the support columns to a vertical orientation.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises:

[0065] - After the column has been raised to the vertical orientation, the releasable attachment member is released.

[0066] The step of releasing the releasable attachment member involves a step in preparation for adjusting the blade assembly between the folded and extended configurations.

[0067] The object of the present invention is also achieved by using an apparatus for installing a blade assembly according to any one of the embodiments claimed above, a rotor unit of a vertical axis wind turbine according to any one of the embodiments described above, and a wind power generation facility according to any one of the embodiments described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0069] Figure 1 A side view of a wind power generation facility including an apparatus for installing a blade assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0070] Figure 2 A side view of a wind power generation facility including an apparatus for installing a blade assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0071] Figure 3 Disclosed is a blade assembly and Figure 1 A side view of a portion of the turbine of the device,

[0072] Figure 4 Publicly available including Figure 1 A side view of a wind power plant with a blade assembly in a folded configuration,

[0073] Figure 5 Publicly available including Figure 1 A side view of a wind power generation facility with equipment in FIG. 1 , wherein the blade assembly is in an extended configuration,

[0074] Figure 6 A flow chart of a method for installing a blade assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed, and

[0075] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method for installing a blade assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] Figure 1 1 is a side view of a disclosed wind power generation facility 1. The wind power generation facility 1 comprises a vertical axis wind turbine 3, an elongated support column 5 and an apparatus 10 for mounting a blade assembly 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] The wind turbine 3 is configured to be arranged at an elevated height on the support column 5. The turbine 3 includes a rotor receiver unit 14 that is rotatably arranged on the support column 5. The rotor receiver unit 14 is configured to receive rotational energy from the blade assembly 12 and transmit the rotational energy to the generator. The rotor receiver unit 14 is configured to rotate about a rotation axis that is substantially parallel to the extension of the support column 5.

[0078] The blade assembly 12 includes a blade 20 and a strut 22, both of which are attached to the rotor receiver unit 14. The blade 20 includes an airfoil configured to absorb energy from the wind and transmit the absorbed energy to the rotor receiver unit 14. The strut 22 is connected between the rotor receiver unit 14 and the blade 20. The strut 22 serves to support the blade 20 when the blade 20 is subjected to bending forces.

[0079] The apparatus 10 for mounting the blade assembly 12 includes a first mounting pivot 30 , a second mounting pivot 32 , and a third mounting pivot 34 .

[0080] The blade 20 is rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit 14 via a first mounting pivot 30 such that the blade 20 extends from the rotor receiver unit 14 .

[0081] The strut 22 is rotatably connected between the rotor receiver unit 14 and the blade 20. The strut 22 is rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit 14 via a second mounting pivot 32. The strut 22 is rotatably attached to the blade 20 via a third mounting pivot 34.

[0082] The first mounting pivot 30, the second mounting pivot 32, and the third mounting pivot 34 each include an axis of rotation. The first mounting pivot 30, the second mounting pivot 32, and the third mounting pivot 34 are configured to pivot substantially about a common axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor receiver unit 14. With the aid of the first mounting pivot 30, the second mounting pivot 32, and the third mounting pivot 34, the blade assembly 12 is configured to switch between a folded configuration and an extended configuration, as will be discussed in further detail below.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present invention, the blade assembly 12 further includes a support arm 24 connected between the rotor receiver unit 14 and the support rod 22. The support arm 24 is configured to support the support rod 22 and reduce bending forces on the support rod 22. It should be understood that the configuration of the blade assembly 12 and the support arm 24 is optional.

[0084] In the presence of support arm 24, apparatus 10 further includes a fourth mounting pivot 36 and a fifth mounting pivot 38. Fourth mounting pivot 36 is configured to retain support arm 24 so that support arm 24 is rotatably attached to rotor receiver unit 14, and fifth mounting pivot 38 is configured to secure support arm 24 so that support arm 24 is rotatably attached to support column 22. At least one of fourth mounting pivot 36 and fifth mounting pivot 38 is movably arranged relative to its attachment, corresponding to the arrangement of second mounting pivot 32 and third mounting pivot 34. In the present embodiment of the present invention, displacement device 40 is configured to displace fourth mounting pivot 36 or fifth mounting pivot 38 corresponding to displacement of second mounting pivot 32 or third mounting pivot 34.

[0085] The fourth mounting pivot 36 and the fifth mounting pivot 38 each include an axis of rotation. The fourth mounting pivot 36 and the fifth mounting pivot 38 are configured to rotate substantially about a common axis of rotation that substantially corresponds to the common axis of rotation of the first mounting pivot 30, the second mounting pivot 32, and the third mounting pivot 34. Corresponding to the first mounting pivot 30, the second mounting pivot 32, and the third mounting pivot 34, the fourth mounting pivot 36 and the fifth mounting pivot 38 enable the blade assembly 12 to move between the folded and extended configurations.

[0086] The apparatus 10 further includes a displacement device 40 configured to retain and guide displacement of the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 between the first position and the second position. The blade assembly 12 is configured to be movable between the folded configuration and the extended configuration by the displacement device 40.

[0087] The first position of the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 corresponds to the folded configuration of the blade assembly 12, such as Figure 1 5. In the folded configuration, the blades 20, struts 22 and support arms 24 are folded so that they extend substantially parallel to the rotor receiver unit 14 and, when the rotor receiver unit 14 is connected to the support column 5, they correspondingly extend along the extension of the support column 5. The folded configuration enables the rotor to be installed and the wind power plant 1 to be transported when the support column 5 is arranged in a horizontal orientation.

[0088] The second position of the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 corresponds to the extended setting of the blade assembly 12, such as Figure 1 5. In the extended configuration, blades 20 extend from rotor receiver unit 14, thereby absorbing energy from wind transmitted to rotor receiver unit 14. Similarly, struts 22 and support arms 24 extend from rotor receiver unit 14 to blades 20 and struts 22, respectively. The extended configuration relates to the operational configuration of blade assembly 12.

[0089] The displacement device 40 includes a displacement mechanism for causing displacement of the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 between a first position and a second position.

[0090] The shifting mechanism may include a cable and pulley arrangement. Alternatively, the shifting device 40 includes a drive unit and a shifting member configured to retain the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34. The drive unit is configured to generate a force that shifts the shifting member such that the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 connected to the shifting member shifts between a first position and a second position. The drive unit includes, for example, one of a hydraulic system and an electric motor.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the displacement device 40 includes a guide member configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member between the first position and the second position.

[0092] The guide member comprises, for example, a guide rail attached to the rotor receiver unit 14 or the blade 20. Alternatively, the guide member comprises a piston cylinder, and the displacement mechanism comprises a piston rod that holds the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34. The piston cylinder is configured to guide displacement of the piston rod so that the connected mounting pivots 32, 34 are displaced between the first position and the second position.

[0093] refer to Figure 2 , discloses a side view of a wind power plant 1 including an apparatus 10 for mounting a blade assembly 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the displacement device 40 includes a piston cylinder at a rotor receiver unit 14, which is located at the top portion of the support column 5. The second mounting pivot 32 is configured to be displaced between a first position and a second position by the piston cylinder. The piston cylinder is connected to the rotor receiver unit 14 so that the first position is above the top portion of the support column 5. This has the advantage of enabling the turbine 3 to be arranged at the top portion of the support column 5.

[0094] The apparatus 10 further includes a releasable attachment member configured to retain the blades 20, struts 22, and support arms 24 extending along the support column 5 when the turbine 3 is attached to the support column 5 and when the blade assembly 12 is in the folded configuration. The releasable attachment member ensures that the blades 20, struts 22, and support arms 24 remain in the folded configuration. The releasable attachment member is, for example, a rope or wire. The releasable attachment member is not shown in the figures.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first mounting pivot 30, the second mounting pivot 32, and the third mounting pivot 34 include corresponding locking devices that are configured to prevent the first mounting pivot 30, the second mounting pivot 32, and the third mounting pivot 34 from rotating when the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 is in the first position or the second position. The locking device can be, for example, in the form of a locking pin that engages with a pin engagement member arranged at the first mounting pivot 30, the second mounting pivot 32, and the third mounting pivot 34.

[0096] According to an embodiment of the invention, the device 10 comprises a further locking device configured to lock the displacement of the displacement device 40 when the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 is in the first position or the second position.

[0097] It should be understood that the device 10 may include one or more of a releasable attachment member, a locking device, and an additional locking device. When used in combination, the releasable attachment member, the locking device, and the additional locking device ensure that the blade assembly 12 remains in the folded or extended configuration.

[0098] refer to Figure 3 , discloses a side view of a portion of a turbine 3 comprising a blade assembly 12 , a rotor receiver unit 14 and an apparatus 10 .

[0099] The rotor receiver unit 14 includes an opening for receiving the outer periphery of the support column 5. In the disclosed example, the support column 5 is arranged in a tapered shape along its extension. Therefore, the opening of the rotor receiver unit 14 has a corresponding tapered form. The turbine 3 includes a support member 50 attached to the support column 5. The rotor receiver unit 14 is rotationally supported relative to the column 5 by the support member 50.

[0100] refer to Figure 4 , discloses a side view of a wind power generation facility 1 including a device 10. The wind power generation facility 1 comprises an upper turbine 3a and a lower turbine 3b, each turbine comprising a blade assembly 12 and a device 10 for mounting the blade assembly 12. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the blade assemblies 12 of the upper turbine 3a and the lower turbine 3b are both in a folded configuration. With the folded configuration, the wind power plant 1 is configured to be stored or transported to an installation location.

[0101] refer to Figure 5 , made public Figure 4 A side view of a wind power generation facility 1 in FIG. Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the blade assemblies 12 of the upper turbine 3a and the lower turbine 3b are both in the extended configuration. With the extended configuration, the wind power plant 1 is configured to operate.

[0102] refer to Figure 6 , discloses a flow chart of a method for installing a blade assembly 12 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method is based on using an apparatus 10 for installing a blade assembly 12.

[0103] At step 110, the method includes arranging one of the second mounting pivot 32 and the third mounting pivot 34 to a first position. The first position relates to a folded arrangement in which the blade assembly 12 is configured for storage and transport in a horizontal orientation with the blade assembly 12 arranged on the support column 5 via the rotor receiver unit 14.

[0104] At step 120, the method includes raising the support column 5 to a vertical orientation. At step 130, the method includes shifting the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 from a first position to a second position via the shifting device 40. The second position relates to an extended configuration in which the blade assembly 12 is configured to operate. By shifting the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 from the first position to the second position, the blade assembly 12 moves from the folded configuration to the extended configuration.

[0105] refer to Figure 7 , discloses a flow chart of a method for installing a blade assembly 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] This method is similar to Figure 6 The embodiment in FIG. 1 differs in that the method comprises, after step 120 , releasing the releasable attachment member in step 125 .

[0107] This method is similar to Figure 6 The embodiment in is further different in that the method includes one or more steps 140a, 140b after step 130, wherein in step 140a, the method includes locking the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 to the second position, and / or in step 140b, the method includes locking the displacement device 40 so as to prevent the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 from being displaced from the second position. Steps 140a and / or 140b ensure that the blade assembly 12 is maintained in the extended configuration.

[0108] It should be understood that the method may involve the steps of attaching a releasable attachment member, locking the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 to the first position, and / or locking the shifting device 40 before step 125. The leaf assembly 12 can be released from the folded configuration by step 125. It should be understood that step 125 can be supplemented by the steps of unlocking the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 from the first position and / or unlocking the shifting device 40, so that the second mounting pivot 32 or the third mounting pivot 34 can be shifted from the first position to the second position.

[0109] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device (10) for mounting a blade assembly (12) at a rotor receiver unit (14) of a vertical axis wind turbine (3), characterized in that The wind turbine (3) is configured to be arranged at an elongated support column (5), the blade assembly (12) includes a blade (20) and a strut (22), the blade (20) is configured to extend from the rotor receiver unit (14), and the strut (22) is configured to be connected between the rotor receiver unit (14) and the blade (20), wherein the device (10) includes: - a first mounting pivot (30) configured to hold the blade (20) so that the blade (20) is rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit (14), - a second mounting pivot (32) configured to hold the strut (22) such that the strut (22) is rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit (14), - a third mounting pivot (34) configured to retain the support rod (22) so that the support rod (22) is rotatably attached to the blade (20), and - a displacement device (40) configured to retain one of the second mounting pivot (32) and the third mounting pivot (34) and to guide displacement of the one of the second mounting pivot (32) and the third mounting pivot (34) between a first position and a second position, The displacement of the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is such that the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is further away from the first mounting pivot (30) when the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is in the first position than when the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is in the second position.

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that In the event of a displacement of the second mounting pivot (32), the second mounting pivot (32) is further away from the first mounting pivot (30) in the extension direction of the rotor receiver unit (14) when in the first position than when the second mounting pivot (32) is in the second position.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that In the event of displacement of the third mounting pivot (34), the third mounting pivot (34) is further away from the rotor receiver unit (14) in the direction in which the blade (20) extends when in the first position than when the third mounting pivot (34) is in the second position.

4. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The shifting device (40) comprises a shifting mechanism, and the shifting mechanism is used to shift the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) between the first position and the second position.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that The displacement mechanism comprises an arrangement of cables and pulleys.

6. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The displacement device (40) includes a driving unit configured to generate a force for displacing a displacement member so that the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is displaced from the first position to the second position.

7. The device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that The driving unit includes one of a hydraulic system and an electric motor.

8. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The displacement device (40) includes a guide member and a displacement member, wherein the displacement member is configured to hold the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34), wherein the guide member is configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member between the first position and the second position of the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34).

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The guide member includes a guide rail configured to be attached to the rotor receiver unit (14) or the blade (20), wherein the guide rail is configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member between the first position and the second position, and the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is caused to be displaced between the first position and the second position while the displacement member is displaced between the first position and the second position.

10. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that The guiding member includes a piston cylinder, and the shifting member includes a piston rod for holding the second mounting pivot (32), wherein the piston cylinder is configured to guide the displacement of the piston rod between the first position and the second position, and the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is caused to shift between the first position and the second position while the piston rod shifts between the first position and the second position.

11. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The device (10) comprises a releasable attachment member configured to form a connection between the blade (20) and the support column (5) when the displacement device (40) is in the first position, and wherein the attachment member is configured to be released from the connection with the blade (20) when the displacement device (40) is in the second position.

12. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The first mounting pivot (30), the second mounting pivot (32), and the third mounting pivot (34) include corresponding locking devices, which are configured to pivot to prevent rotation when the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is in the second position.

13. The device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that The first mounting pivot (30), the second mounting pivot (32) and the third mounting pivot (34) include corresponding pin joints, and the pin joints are configured to retain the blade (20) and the support rod (22) so that the blade (20) and the support rod (22) are rotatably attached to the support column (5), wherein the first mounting pivot (30), the second mounting pivot (32) and the third mounting pivot (34) include the locking device, and the locking device is configured to lock the pin joint when the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is in the second position to prevent the pin joint from rotating.

14. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The displacement device (40) comprises a further locking member configured to lock the displacement of the displacement device (40) when the second mounting pivot (32) or the third mounting pivot (34) is in the second position.

15. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The blade assembly (12) includes a support arm (24), which is configured to be connected between the support column (5) and the support rod (22), wherein the support arm (24) includes a fourth mounting pivot (36) and a fifth mounting pivot (38), the fourth mounting pivot (36) being configured to hold the support arm (24) so that the support arm (24) is rotatably attached to the support column (5), and the fifth mounting pivot (38) being configured to hold the support arm (24) so that the support arm (24) is rotatably attached to the support rod (22), wherein at least one of the fourth mounting pivot (36) and the fifth mounting pivot (38) is movably arranged relative to an attachment of at least one of the fourth mounting pivot (36) and the fifth mounting pivot (38).

16. A rotor unit for a vertical axis wind turbine (3), characterized in that The rotor unit comprises a blade assembly (12), a rotor receiver unit (14) for attaching a first mounting pivot (30) and a second mounting pivot (32), and an apparatus (10) for mounting the blade assembly (12) at the rotor receiver unit (14) of a vertical axis wind turbine (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the rotor receiver unit (14) is configured to be rotatably attached to an outer periphery of a support column (5) and to receive rotational energy from the blade assembly (12).

17. The rotor unit according to claim 16, characterized in that The rotor receiver unit (14) is shaped to have an opening configured to receive an outer portion of a support column (5).

18. The rotor unit according to any one of claims 16 to 17, characterized in that The rotor unit includes a rotor transmitter unit configured to be rotatably attached at an end portion of the support column (5) and to receive rotational energy from the rotor receiver unit (14), wherein the rotor transmitter unit is configured to be connected to a shaft of the support column (5) that transmits the rotational energy to a generator.

19. A wind power generation facility (1), characterized in that: The wind power plant comprises a vertical axis wind turbine (3), a support column (5) and an apparatus (10) for mounting a blade assembly (12) at a rotor receiver unit (14) of a vertical axis wind turbine (3) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the apparatus (10) is arranged at the rotor receiver unit (14) of the turbine (3).

20. The wind power generation facility (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that The wind power generation facility (1) comprises an upper vertical axis wind turbine (3a) and a lower vertical axis wind turbine (3b), each of the upper vertical axis wind turbine (3a) and the lower vertical axis wind turbine (3b) being provided with an apparatus (10) for installing a blade assembly (12) according to the above-mentioned method.

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