Method for removing base supporting portable crane and main bearing of wind turbine

Abstract

A base (100) is provided for supporting a portable crane for manipulating components of a wind turbine. The base (100) is mountable to a wind turbine and configured for switching between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the base (100) is supported by a main bearing of the wind turbine and configured for the portable crane to lift a gearbox (303) of the wind turbine. In the second configuration, the base (100) is supported by a bedplate of a nacelle of the wind turbine and configured for the portable crane to lift a main bearing (304). The base is configured for supporting the portable crane while switching between the first configuration and the second configuration. A method for removing a main bearing of a wind turbine is also disclosed.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a base for supporting a portable crane for manipulating components of a wind turbine, and to a method for removing a main bearing of a wind turbine. [Background technology]

[0002] Wind power, generated by wind turbines, is one energy source that is gaining support as an environmentally friendly and viable energy source. A wind turbine typically includes a tower, a nacelle located at the top of the tower, and a rotor that includes one or more rotating blades. The nacelle includes a bedplate that supports the wind turbine components, such as the generator, gearbox, main bearings, etc.

[0003] The manipulation of wind turbine components related to assembly, maintenance, repair, and disassembly can be complicated tasks as the components are often heavy and bulky, especially when the manipulation is performed in a nacelle that is elevated above ground or sea level.

[0004] Portable cranes are typically used to manipulate larger components, such as gearboxes and main bearings, within the nacelle of a wind turbine. The portable crane is attached to the nacelle such that it can be lifted up to the nacelle, for example, using a smaller crane permanently mounted within the nacelle, and the components inside the nacelle can be manipulated with the portable crane. Because the structure of the wind turbine often does not allow a portable crane to be safely attached directly, the portable crane is typically mounted to a base configured to support the portable crane while manipulating the components. Because limited space is available within the nacelle, the base is often attached to one or more components of the wind turbine, which can create constraints as to which components can be manipulated with the portable crane. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an improved base for supporting a portable crane for manipulating components of a wind turbine, which offers greater versatility in terms of manipulating the components within the nacelle. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved by a base that is mountable to a wind turbine and configured to be switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which in the first configuration the base is supported by a main bearing of the wind turbine and configured to enable a gearbox of the wind turbine to be lifted by a crane, and in the second configuration the base is supported by a bedplate of a nacelle of the wind turbine and configured to enable the main bearing to be lifted by a crane, the base being configured to support the crane during switching between the first and second configurations.

[0007] As a result, the base is not limited to being used for lifting either the gearbox or the main bearings, but can be used for both purposes. In addition to making it easier to manipulate components inside the nacelle, it also reduces the logistics associated with the base, as only one base needs to be transported to the wind turbine when different components need to be lifted.

[0008] Additionally, the portable crane is supported on the base while switching between the first and second configurations, allowing the base to be switched between the first and second configurations without having to remove the portable crane from the base.

[0009] In this context, "operating a component of a wind turbine" should be understood to include any activity related to maintaining a wind turbine, replacing parts of a wind turbine, installing a wind turbine, dismantling a wind turbine, etc.

[0010] In this regard, a reference to one item being supported by another item is not limited to meaning that there must be direct contact between them. Rather, unless specifically stated otherwise, intermediate elements may be disposed between them. Similarly, a reference to multiple items being connected to one another is intended to include an indirect connection, where the two items are connected via one or more intermediate elements.

[0011] In this context, the phrase "the base is configured to be switched between the first and second configurations" should be interpreted as the base being designed to be placed in either the first or second configuration. The switching is done depending on the requirements of the base, such as whether the portable crane is used to lift the main bearing, the gearbox, or another component of the wind turbine. In the following, reference is made to the base and the portable crane for lifting either the main bearing or the gearbox in such a use, but the base is not limited to such a use.

[0012] Switching the base between the first and second configurations may include one or more steps performed manually or automatically. Switching the base between the first and second configurations may include the use of one or more tools.

[0013] The base is preferably attachable to the wind turbine by bolting, screwing or other releasable connection, but within the scope of the present invention the base is configured to simply rest directly or indirectly on the main bearing and / or gearbox under the influence of gravity.

[0014] Preferably, the base is adapted to be mounted on the tower of the wind turbine, i.e. the base is brought to the nacelle of the wind turbine and connected to the wind turbine components, such as the bedplate and main bearings of the nacelle, and the base can be lifted to the nacelle using an additional crane mounted on the nacelle of the wind turbine, which is smaller than the portable crane.

[0015] The bedplate of the nacelle is preferably formed as a substantially rectangular plate when viewed from above. The bedplate extends longitudinally along a longitudinal direction and laterally along a transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The bedplate supports other components arranged in the nacelle, such as the generator, the gearbox and the main bearings. The gearbox and the main bearings are usually arranged consecutively to one another along the longitudinal direction.

[0016] In the first configuration of the base, the base is configured to be supported by the main bearing of the wind turbine. The base can be directly connected to the main bearing or indirectly connected to the main bearing. For example, an indirect connection between the main bearing and the base is obtained by connecting the base to a component of the wind turbine connected to the main bearing. When the base is in the first configuration, the portable crane is therefore fully or partially supported by the main bearing. The connection between the base and the main bearing or one or more other components connected to the main bearing can be by bolted, screwed or other releasable connection. In the first configuration, the portable crane can lift the gearbox of the wind turbine, i.e. the base does not support the portable crane via the gearbox.

[0017] In the second configuration of the base, the base is supported by a bedplate of the wind turbine nacelle. The base can be directly connected to the bedplate or indirectly connected to the bedplate. For example, the base can be connected to a component of the wind turbine connected to the bedplate, resulting in an indirect connection between the bedplate and the base. When the base is in the second configuration, the portable crane is fully or partially supported via the bedplate. The connection between the base and the bedplate or other components connected to the bedplate can be by bolted, screwed or other releasable connection. In the second configuration, the portable crane can lift the main bearings of the wind turbine, i.e. the base does not support the portable crane via the main bearings.

[0018] In one embodiment, the base further includes one or more bearing adapters configured to be coupled to the main bearing in the first configuration and configured to support the portable crane in the first configuration.

[0019] The bearing adapter or adapters may be directly connected to the main bearings, i.e., may abut or otherwise contact the main bearings. Alternatively, the bearing adapter or adapters may be connected via one or more bearing shims. The bearing shims or shims allow for adjustment of the height of the bearing adapters relative to the main bearings. Alternatively, the bearing adapters or bearing shims may be indirectly connected to the main bearings, e.g., connected to a component connected to the main bearings. The bearing adapter or adapters are preferably connected to the main bearings by bolts, screws, or other releasable connections. The bearing adapter or adapters may be connected to pillow housings of the main bearings. If two bearing adapters are used, they are preferably located on opposite sides of the main bearings, i.e., symmetrically to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction defined by the bedplate. In some embodiments, the bearing adapter or adapters are configured in the first configuration to simply support the portable crane.

[0020] In one embodiment, the base further includes one or more side structures configured to be coupled to the bedplate of the nacelle in the second configuration of the base and configured to support the portable crane in the second configuration of the base.

[0021] The side structure or structures may be directly connected to the nacelle bedplate, i.e. abutting or otherwise contacting the bedplate. Alternatively, the side structure or structures may be connected via one or more side shims. The side shims or structures allow for adjustment of the height of the side structure relative to the bedplate. Alternatively, the side structure or structures may be indirectly connected to the bedplate, e.g. connected to a component connected to the bedplate. The side structure or structures are preferably connected to the bedplate by bolts, screws or other releasable connections. In some embodiments, the side structure or structures are connected to the bedplate by being placed on the bedplate without being fixedly connected to the bedplate. In case the mobile crane lifts components, e.g. main bearings, along the length, it may be sufficient to place the side structure on the nacelle bedplate for the crane to be supported by the side structure. The side structure or structures may also or alternatively be connected to a pillow type bearing housing of the gearbox of the wind turbine. In some embodiments, the side structure or structures are configured simply to support the portable crane in the second configuration. When two side structures are used, they are preferably positioned on opposite sides of the main bearing, i.e. symmetrically to each other with respect to the longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal extension of the bedplate.

[0022] In one embodiment, the base further includes one or more longitudinal beams configured to support the portable crane, each longitudinal beam connectable to a bearing adapter and a side structure, and in a first configuration the one or more bearing adapters are connected to two longitudinal beams, and the base is configured to be switchable from the first configuration to the second configuration by connecting the one or more side structures to the one or more longitudinal beams and the nacelle bedplate to decouple the one or more bearing adapters from the main bearings.

[0023] As a result, a simple structure is obtained for switching the base between the first and second configurations. Moreover, the described process can be easily reversed, i.e., starting from the second configuration to the first configuration, by coupling one or more bearing adapters to the main bearings and decoupling one or more side structures from the bedplate and / or one or more longitudinal beams. Moreover, the above structure allows the base to support a portable crane while starting from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa.

[0024] It is presently considered advantageous for the base to include two longitudinal beams, each connectable to a bearing adapter and a side structure, and positioned on opposite sides of the main bearing in use.

[0025] The longitudinal beam(s) are preferably connected to the side structure and the bearing adapter by bolts, screws, or other releasable connections. The longitudinal beam(s) may be directly connected to the side structure and the bearing adapter, i.e., abutting or otherwise contacting each other. Alternatively, the longitudinal beam(s) may be connected to the side structure and the bearing adapter via one or more beam shims.

[0026] In this context, "separate" should be understood as releasing the connection. For example, if it is written that the side structure is separated from the base plate and / or the two longitudinal beams, it can be interpreted that the bolts or screws connecting them are removed, thereby separating the side structure from the base plate and / or the two longitudinal beams. Moreover, separating can refer to both releasing the direct connection or the indirect connection.

[0027] In one embodiment, the two bearing adapters are configured to be separated from the two longitudinal beams, vertically lifted, and reconnected to the two longitudinal beams when switching the base from the first configuration to the second configuration. Lifting the bearing adapters then provides additional clearance for lifting the main bearings. The bearing adapters can be lifted manually. Alternatively, the bearing adapters can be lifted using a jack or the like. The bearing adapters can be reconnected by bolts, screws, or other releasable connections.

[0028] In one embodiment, the base further includes a rotor-lock support plate configured to be coupled to the nacelle bedplate via at least a portion of the rotor-lock of the nacelle in the second configuration of the base and configured to support the portable crane in the second configuration of the base.

[0029] The rotor-lock support plate may be directly coupled to the rotor-lock of the wind turbine, i.e. abutting or otherwise contacting the rotor-lock. The rotor-lock support plate is preferably located at a longitudinal end of the bedplate and extends laterally to the longitudinal direction of the bedplate. In some embodiments, the rotor-lock support plate is coupled to the rotor-lock by being placed on top of the rotor-lock without being fixedly coupled to the rotor-lock. In some embodiments, the rotor-lock support plate is configured in the second configuration simply to support a portable crane. In one embodiment, the rotor-lock support plate includes a through hole configured to receive at least a portion of the rotor-lock.

[0030] This results in a simple and easy connection: most wind turbines are provided with a rotor lock that includes a pin, and the addition of a through hole configured to receive such a pin allows the rotor lock support plate to be engaged to the rotor lock without the need for additional tools or equipment.

[0031] In one embodiment, the rotor lock support plate is provided with an opening configured to allow the main bearing to pass through the rotor lock support plate at the second configuration of the base.

[0032] As a result, the rotor-lock support plate does not need to support against shear stresses, but only against normal stresses. Preferably, the opening is configured to allow the main bearing to move along the longitudinal direction of the nacelle through the opening. Preferably, the opening extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0033] In one embodiment, the base further includes a lateral beam configured to support the portable crane, the lateral beam connectable to the two bearing adapters and the rotor-lock support plate, wherein in a first configuration of the base, the two bearing adapters are connected to the lateral beam, and the base is switchable from the first configuration to the second configuration by connecting the rotor-lock support plate to the lateral beam and separating the bearing adapters from the main bearings.

[0034] This results in a simple structure for switching the base between the first and second configurations. Moreover, the described process can be easily reversed, i.e., starting from the second configuration to the first configuration, by connecting the bearing adapter to the main bearing and decoupling the rotor lock support plate from the rotor lock and the lateral beams. Moreover, this structure allows the base to support the portable crane while starting from the first configuration to the second configuration, and vice versa. The lateral beams are preferably connected to the rotor lock support plate and the bearing adapter by bolts, screws, or other releasable connections. The lateral beams can be directly connected to the rotor lock support plate and the bearing adapter, i.e., abutting or otherwise contacting each other. Alternatively, the lateral beams can be connected to the rotor lock support plate and the bearing adapter via one or more beam shims.

[0035] According to a second aspect of the invention the object is achieved by a crane system for manipulating components of a wind turbine comprising a base and a portable crane according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for removing a main bearing of a wind turbine, the method comprising the following steps: providing a base mountable to a wind turbine, the base being configured to be switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration, where in the first configuration the base is configured to be supported by a main bearing of the wind turbine and where in the second configuration the base is configured to be supported by a bedplate of a nacelle of the wind turbine, the base being configured to support a portable crane during switching between the first and second configurations; Providing a portable crane that can be attached to the base; Attaching the base to a nacelle of a wind turbine; Attaching a portable crane to a base; if the base is in a first configuration, switching the base from the first configuration to a second configuration; Lifting the main bearing using a portable crane; Includes.

[0037] Other presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will become apparent from the detailed description and drawings which follow.

[0038] Unless otherwise stated, features described in connection with one aspect of the invention may also be incorporated in other aspects and the benefits of the features are applicable to all aspects in which they are incorporated.

[0039] In the following description, embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to schematic drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1]FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a base according to a first embodiment of the present invention attached to a bed plate of a nacelle. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a base according to a first embodiment of the present invention attached to a bedplate of a nacelle. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a base according to a first embodiment of the invention mounted on a main bearing of a nacelle. [Figure 4] FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of a base according to a second embodiment of the present invention attached to a bedplate of a nacelle. [Diagram 5] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a base according to a second embodiment of the present invention attached to a bedplate of a nacelle. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a base according to a second embodiment of the present invention attached to a bedplate of a nacelle. [Figure 7] 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method for removing a main bearing of a wind turbine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0041] In the following detailed description, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it should be understood that the features of different embodiments are interchangeable between the embodiments and can be combined in different ways unless otherwise specifically indicated. It should also be noted that for clarity, the dimensions of certain components shown in the drawings may be different from the corresponding dimensions in the actual implementation.

[0042] It should be noted that terms such as "up", "down", "left-hand", "right-hand", "exterior", "interior", "outer", "inner", etc. refer to the perspective in question.

[0043] 1, there is shown a schematic perspective view of a base 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a bedplate 301 of a nacelle 300. To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the nacelle 300 has been simplified and several parts omitted. The nacelle 300 is shown with the bedplate 301, the gearbox 303, the gearbox pillow type bearing housing, and the main bearings 304. The nacelle bedplate 301 extends longitudinally in a longitudinal direction LD.

[0044] The base 100 is configured to support a portable crane (not shown) for manipulating components of the wind turbine, and in the embodiment shown, the base 100 is in a second configuration and is supported by a bed plate 301 of the nacelle 300. The base 100 is further supported by a gearbox pillow bearing housing 302. In the second configuration, the base 100 is not supported by the main bearings 304, allowing the main bearings 304 to be lifted by a portable crane attached to the base 100.

[0045] The base 100 comprises two bearing adapters 101 arranged symmetrically with respect to the main bearing 304, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. The base 100 further comprises two side structures 102 arranged symmetrically with respect to the main bearing 304, which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2. The base 100 further comprises two longitudinal beams 103, each of which can be connected to one of the two bearing adapters 101 and one of the two side structures 102. In a first configuration of the base, the two bearing adapters 101 are connected to the two longitudinal beams 103. In a second configuration of the base, the two side structures 102 are connected to the two longitudinal beams 103. The two longitudinal beams 103 extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal direction LD and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the main bearing 304.

[0046] Two transverse beams 104 are disposed on the two longitudinal beams 103. The two transverse beams 104 extend perpendicular to the two longitudinal beams 103 and are connected to the longitudinal beams 103 at opposite ends. A crane receiver 108 is disposed on the transverse beams 104. The crane receiver 108 is configured to receive a portable crane and connect the portable crane to the base 100 such that the portable crane is supported by the base 100. Alternatively, the portable crane may be directly connected to the transverse beams 104 and / or the longitudinal beams 103.

[0047] In this embodiment, an additional crane 200 is attached to the pillow strike 302 of the gearbox. The additional crane 200 can help lift the entire base 100 components up to the nacelle 300. The additional crane 200 can also help lift and attach the portable crane to the base 100 and install the portable crane on the base 100. In an embodiment, if the base 100 needs to be placed on both pillow strikes 302 of the gearbox in the second configuration, the additional crane 200 may need to be disassembled and removed.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic side view of a base 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a base plate 301 of a nacelle 300 is shown.

[0049] In Fig. 2, the base 100 is shown in a second configuration. In the second configuration of the base 100, the side structure 102 is configured to support a portable crane supported by the crane receiver 108. The side structure 102 can be seen to extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal direction LD. The side structure 102 is connected to the bed plate 301 via a side shim 106, and a similar shim can be seen on the side structure opposite the main bearing 304. The side shim 106 is in direct contact with the bed plate 301 and the side structure 102. The side structure 102 in the embodiment shown rests on the side shim 106 by gravity. Alternatively, the side structure 102 can be bolted to the bed plate 301 via the side shim or rest directly on the bed plate 301. The side structure 102 is further connected to a pillow type bearing housing 302 of the gearbox. As a result, the base 100 is supported by the bed plate 301 and the pillow type bearing housing 302 of the gear box via the side structure 102. By supporting the base 100 by the bed plate 301 and the pillow type bearing housing 302 of the gear box, it becomes possible to lift the main bearing 304 with a portable crane supported by the crane support 108.

[0050] In this embodiment, the side structure 102 is connected to the longitudinal beam 103 via two mounting brackets 105 and via bolts to the longitudinal beam 103. The side structure 102 is connected to the longitudinal beam 103 so as to overhang the bearing adapter 101.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, a schematic side view of a base 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention mounted on a main bearing 304 of a nacelle 300 is shown.

[0052] Here, the base 100 is in a first configuration. The bearing adapter 101 can be seen to extend longitudinally parallel to the longitudinal direction LD. Although not shown, another bearing adapter 101 is located on the opposite side of the main bearing 304, symmetrically to the side adapter 102 shown. The bearing adapter 101 is connected to the main bearing 304 via a side shim 106. Specifically, the bearing adapter 101 is connected to a pillow type bearing housing associated with the main bearing 304. The bearing adapter 101 is connected to the main bearing via a number of bearing shims 107. The bearing shims 107 are in direct contact with the main bearing 304 and the bearing adapter 101. The connection between the bearing adapter 101 and the main bearing 304 allows the bearing adapter 101 to support a portable crane supported by the crane support 108. Furthermore, since the base 100 is not supported by the gearbox 303, the gearbox 303 can be lifted by a portable crane supported by the crane support.

[0053] In this embodiment, the bearing adapter 101 is generally formed in an H-shape. Two legs of the H-shape are connected to the main bearing 304 at two different positions. The top of the H-shape is connected to the longitudinal beam 103 via a bolt. The bearing adapter 101 can be connected to the longitudinal beam 103 at two different positions. As shown, the first position is associated with the base 100 in a first configuration and the second position is associated with the base 100 in a second configuration. When connected to the longitudinal beam 103 in the second position, the bearing adapter 100 is elevated compared to the first position. The longitudinal beam 103 can be provided with, for example, a first set of bolt holes for connecting the bearing adapter 101 to the longitudinal beam in the first position and a second set of bolt holes for connecting the bearing adapter 101 to the longitudinal beam in the second position.

[0054] 3 is not connected to the gearbox pillow housing 302, allowing other structures to be connected to the gearbox pillow housing 302. In the embodiment shown, an additional crane 200 is connected to the gearbox pillow housing 302.

[0055] Now, reference is made to both Figures 2 and 3. When switching the base from the first configuration shown in Figure 3 to the second configuration shown in Figure 2, the two side structures 102 are connected to the longitudinal beams 103 and the base plate 301 of the nacelle 300. The two bearing adapters 101 are then separated from the main bearings 304. During this process, the portable crane supported by the crane receiver 108 is supported by the base 100. Furthermore, the bearing adapters 101 can be separated from the longitudinal beams 103, lifted, and reconnected to the longitudinal beams 103 to provide clearance for lifting the main bearings 304. Alternatively, if the bearing adapters 101 are placed on the bearing shims 107, it may be sufficient to remove these bearing adapters 101 to provide clearance for lifting the main bearings 304.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic perspective view of a base 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a bed plate 301 of a nacelle 300 is shown.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the base 100 is in the second configuration and is supported by a bed plate 301 of the nacelle 300. The base 100 is further supported by a gearbox pillow bearing housing 302. In the second configuration, the base is not supported by the main bearings 304, allowing the main bearings 304 to be lifted by a portable crane attached to the base 100.

[0058] To facilitate understanding of the invention, the nacelle 300 in the illustrated embodiment is simplified and several parts are omitted. The nacelle 300 is shown with a base plate 301, a gearbox pillow type bearing housing 302, a main shaft 305, and a main bearing 304. The nacelle base plate 301 extends longitudinally in a longitudinal direction LD.

[0059] The base 100 in the embodiment shown differs from the first embodiment in that when the base 100 is in the second configuration, the two longitudinal beams 103 are connected to the pillow bearing housing 302 of the gearbox and the two transverse beams 104. When the base 100 is in the first configuration, the two bearing adapters 101 are inserted and connected to the two longitudinal beams 103 and the main bearings 304.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, a schematic front view of a base 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a bedplate of a nacelle 300 is shown.

[0061] In this embodiment, the rotor lock support plate 102 serves substantially the same purpose as the side structures described above, and so is given the same reference numerals.

[0062] The rotor-lock support plate is formed with a generally U-shape that defines an opening that allows the main bearing 304 to pass through the rotor-lock support plate 102 when the base 100 is in the second configuration. The opening allows a portable crane supported by the crane receiver 108 to lift the main bearing 304 through the opening along the longitudinal direction LD. A yoke (not shown) may be provided to facilitate lifting the main bearing 304.

[0063] The rotor lock support plate 102 shown further includes a through hole 109. The through hole 109 is configured to receive the rotor lock shown in FIG.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 6, a schematic side view of a base 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention mounted on a base plate 301 of a nacelle 300 is shown.

[0065] In the embodiment shown, base 100 is in a second configuration. Rotor-lock support plate 102 is coupled to rotor-lock 306. Rotor-lock 306 includes a pin that is inserted into through-hole 109 in rotor-lock support plate 102 to couple the two components together.

[0066] The rotor lock support plate 102 is further connected to one of the transverse beams 104. As a result, in the second configuration of the base 100, the base 100 is supported by the connection between the rotor lock support plate 102 and the rotor lock 306 and the connection between the longitudinal beam 103 and the gearbox pillow bearing housing 302, allowing the main bearing 304 to be lifted by a portable crane supported by the crane receiver 108.

[0067] In this embodiment, the rotor lock support plate 102 has flanges that are bolted together with the transverse beams 104 .

[0068] One or more rotor-lock shims may be disposed intermediate the transverse beam 104 and the rotor-lock support plate 102. The one or more rotor-lock shims may facilitate aligning the through-hole 109 with the rotor-lock 306.

[0069] The base 100 in the second embodiment can be changed from the second configuration to the first configuration by coupling a bearing adapter to the main bearing 304 to separate the rotor lock support plate 102 from the lateral beam 104 .

[0070] Referring to FIG. 7, a flow chart of a method for removing a main bearing of a wind turbine is shown, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] In a first step 401, a base is provided. The base is mountable on a nacelle of a wind turbine. As described above, the base is configured to be switched between a first configuration and a second configuration, in which the base is coupled to a main bearing of the wind turbine and in which the base is coupled to a bedplate of the nacelle, the base being configured to support a portable crane during switching between the first and second configurations.

[0072] In a second step 402, a portable crane mountable to a base is provided.

[0073] In a third step 403, the base is mounted in a nacelle of a wind turbine.

[0074] In a fourth step 404, the portable crane is attached to a base.

[0075] In a fifth step 405, if the base is initially in the first configuration, the base is switched from the first configuration to the second configuration.

[0076] In a sixth step 406, the main bearing is lifted using a portable crane. Lifting the main bearing may include replacing the main bearing, performing maintenance work on the main bearing, or the like.

[0077] The method further includes a seventh step 407 and an eighth step 408. In the seventh step 407, the base is switched from the second configuration to the first configuration. In the eighth step 408, the gearbox is lifted using the portable crane. Lifting the gearbox may include replacing the gearbox, performing maintenance work on the gearbox, or the like.

[0078] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred embodiments described above: on the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A base for supporting a portable crane for operating components of a wind turbine, the base being attachable to the wind turbine and configured to be switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the base is supported by a main bearing of the wind turbine and configured such that the gearbox of the wind turbine can be lifted by the portable crane, and in the second configuration the base is supported by a bedplate of a nacelle of the wind turbine and configured such that the main bearing can be lifted by the portable crane, and the base is configured to support the portable crane while switching between the first configuration and the second configuration.

2. The base according to claim 1, wherein in the first configuration, the base is two bearing adapters supported by the main bearing, and further includes the two bearing adapters configured to support the portable crane in the first configuration.

3. The base according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in the second configuration of the base, the base is two side structures configured to be supported by the bedplate of the nacelle, and further includes the two side structures configured to support the portable crane in the second configuration of the base.

4. The base according to claim 3, wherein the two side structures are configured to be directly connected to the bedplate of the nacelle in the second configuration of the base.

5. The base according to claim 2, further including two longitudinal beams configured to support the portable crane, each of the two longitudinal beams being connectable to one of the two bearing adapters and one of the two side structures. In the first configuration, the two bearing adapters are connected to the two longitudinal beams, and the base is configured to be switched from the first configuration to the second configuration by connecting the two side structures to the two longitudinal beams and the bedplate of the nacelle to separate the two bearing adapters from the main bearing.

6. The base according to claim 5, wherein when switching the base from the first configuration to the second configuration, the two bearing adapters are separated from the two longitudinal beams, lifted vertically, and reconnected to the two longitudinal beams.

7. The base according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the base is a rotor lock support plate configured to be connected to the platen of the nacelle through at least a part of the rotor lock of the nacelle in the second configuration of the base, and further includes the rotor lock support plate configured to support the portable crane in the second configuration of the base.

8. The base according to claim 7, wherein the rotor lock support plate includes a through hole configured to receive the smallest part of the rotor lock.

9. The base according to claim 7, wherein the rotor lock support plate includes an opening configured such that the main bearing can pass through the rotor lock support plate in the second configuration of the base.

10. The base according to claim 2, further including a transverse beam configured to support the portable crane, the transverse beam being connectable to the two bearing adapters and the rotor lock support plate, wherein in the first configuration of the base, the two bearing adapters are connected to the transverse beam, and the base can be switched from the first configuration to the second configuration by connecting the rotor lock support plate to the transverse beam to separate the bearing adapters from the main bearing.

11. A crane system for operating components of a wind turbine, the crane system including the base according to any one of claims 1 to 2 and a portable crane.

12. The crane system according to claim 11, mounted within a nacelle of a wind turbine, wherein in the first configuration, the base is supported by a main bearing of the wind turbine, and in the second configuration, the base is supported by a platen of the nacelle of the wind turbine.

13. A method for removing a main bearing of a wind turbine, comprising the following steps, namely, - Providing a base attachable to a wind turbine and configured to be switchable between a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein in the first configuration the base is configured to be supported by the main bearing of the wind turbine, and in the second configuration the base is configured to be supported by the bedplate of the nacelle of the wind turbine, and the base is configured to support a portable crane while switching between the first configuration and the second configuration; - Providing a portable crane attachable to the base; - Attaching the base to the nacelle of the wind turbine; - Attaching the portable crane to the base; - When the base is in the first configuration, switching the base from the first configuration to the second configuration; - Lifting the main bearing using the portable crane; A method comprising the above.

14. - Switching the base from the first configuration to the second configuration; - Lifting the gearbox using the portable crane; The method according to claim 13, further comprising the above.

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