Apparatus and method for facilitating assembly of wind turbines - Patents.com

Abstract

An apparatus (1) and method for assembling a wind turbine (WT), the apparatus (1) comprising an assembly structure (5), the assembly structure (5) comprising: a space for assembling a tower and a nacelle of the wind turbine (WT), the space being defined by sides (51, 52, 53, 54) of the assembly structure; and a hoisting device (12, 12') configured for handling the wind turbine tower and for hoisting and placing the nacelle on top of the wind turbine tower while located in the space, the hoisting device being movably connected to a hoisting device support structure (10) arranged on the assembly structure, the apparatus (1) further comprising a support mechanism for supporting at least a portion of the wind turbine when the wind turbine is located in the space, and a rotor blade manipulator (20) for contacting the rotor blades (R) with the nacelle.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the assembly of wind turbines, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for facilitating the assembly of a wind turbine, the apparatus comprising a base extending in an xy direction and an assembly structure extending upwardly from the base in a z direction.

[0002] Bottom-mounted offshore wind turbines are nowadays mostly installed in two separate operations.

[0003] The first operation is the installation of the seabed support foundation, which in most cases is either a monopile or a steel jacket. Monopile installation is usually performed by a floating piling rig configured to drive the monopile into the ground. Steel jacket installation is usually performed by a lifting vessel with high lifting capacity.

[0004] The second operation is the installation of the wind turbine tower, nacelle and rotor blades on the seabed support foundation. This operation is usually performed using a barge or jack-up installation vessel. Such installation vessels are jacked up and raised out of the water with their legs resting on the seabed during the installation operation. The main components of the wind turbine, notably the wind turbine tower, nacelle and blades, are usually lifted onto the foundation one by one in pieces. Such jack-up installation vessels are configured for operation in relatively calm seas and jack-up / down operations are usually only able to be performed below a certain level of wave height, usually 2-3 meters Hs, and are therefore subject to suitable weather windows. Furthermore, existing jack-up installation vessels are limited in both wind strength and water depth, usually only able to operate in water depths of 60-70 meters.

[0005] However, there is a market drive to install larger bottom-fixed wind turbines in deeper waters where floating vessels would be required to install the turbines.

[0006] In waters where bottom-fixed foundations may not be practical, offshore wind turbines can be installed on floating foundations. The wind turbines can be installed on floating foundations by floating wind turbine installation vessels equipped with heavy lift cranes. Assembling and installing offshore wind turbines from floating vessels has been challenging because assembling the wind turbine components and installing the wind turbine on the foundations is highly sensitive to the motion of the components due to wind forces as well as the motion of the vessel due to waves.

[0007] Alternatively, installation of a floating wind turbine may involve assembling the wind turbine on land, for example at a shipyard or a pier, where it is connected to a floating foundation and then towed to the desired operating location, which may however be far away from the shipyard or pier and the towing operation is subject to suitable weather windows.

[0008] Furthermore, while ocean waves may not be an issue at a shipyard or wharf in protected waters, assembling the wind turbine there itself, and installing the wind turbine on a floating foundation, still depends on suitable weather windows, as such installation by crane requires that the wind does not exceed certain speeds.

[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0246878 (A1) discloses an installation vessel configured to install a wind turbine at a target site while floating, the installation vessel comprising a nacelle support structure for temporarily supporting a nacelle having a hub having a plurality of root end connectors to which the root ends of the blades are connected, the nacelle support structure comprising a support tower extending upwardly from a deck of the installation vessel, a support platform connected to the support tower, and one or more lifting devices, the support platform configured to temporarily support the nacelle while connecting one or more blades to the nacelle, the one or more lifting devices configured to lift the nacelle onto the support platform and to lift the completed nacelle assembly onto a wind turbine mast located adjacent to the installation vessel, the lifting device for lifting the completed nacelle assembly being a crane separate from the support tower.

[0010] Thus, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2021 / 0246878 is based on lifting the tower and rotor / nacelle assembly (RNA) onto the foundation in two separate operations that are subject to vessel movements and wind.

[0011] European Patent Publication No. 2275340 B1 discloses an installation vessel for offshore installation of wind turbines, the installation vessel comprising a deck, a main crane and a cantilever mast mounted on the deck, the cantilever mast comprising a cantilever structure movably mounted on the deck and a mast mounted on the cantilever structure, the mast comprising a lifting structure operable to fasten to a wind turbine component, a first guide and an intermediate platform at an intermediate height along the mast, the main crane being adapted to lift a tower section from the installation vessel to an offshore installation vessel remote from the installation vessel. the cantilever mast is operable to move the nacelle and rotor assembly between the installation vessel and the offshore installation site, while the intermediate platform is operable to support the nacelle and hub to which the blades may be attached to form a nacelle and rotor assembly, and the cantilever mast is further operable to move the nacelle and rotor assembly between the installation vessel and the offshore installation site by moving the cantilever mast longitudinally and laterally with the lifting structure movably engaged to the mast using the first guide throughout the lifting operation to prevent swaying of the nacelle and rotor assembly.

[0012] Also known is an installation vessel for floating wind farms, offered by the company Huisman. This installation vessel is configured to install the completed wind turbine, including the foundation. During operation, the wind turbine tower, nacelle and blades are assembled on board by a rotating crane tower with a gripping arm. The assembled wind turbine is then lifted onto the wind turbine foundation in one operation. The rotating crane tower is configured to perform simultaneous operations, such as turning the foundation or tower upside down on one side of the ship, while installing the foundation or the top of the wind turbine on the other side of the ship. The gripping arm fixes the assembly relative to the crane tower, which is therefore less susceptible to ocean waves and strong winds than a vessel with a normal crane. However, one disadvantage of the rotating crane tower is that various operations must be coordinated. Further disadvantages are that free space is required outside the periphery of the tower when the crane tower is rotated with the gripping arm gripping the object, and that the rotating tower is a relatively complex and expensive structure. Furthermore, before assembly of the wind turbines, these towers and any foundations are stored horizontally on the deck of the floating vessel, which requires a large space away from the working space of the crane.

[0013] European Patent Application No. 3683182 A1 discloses a multi-function clamp for installing a wind turbine on an offshore substructure by a crane vessel equipped with a lifting crane, the multi-function clamp having a body configured to selectively clamp and unclamp a lower part of a tower of the wind turbine and configured to connect to the crane vessel to define a predetermined position of the tower relative to the crane vessel, and a plurality of hook members extending from the body and configured to secure and release free ends of a rigging assembly of the lifting crane to the body for lifting the multi-function clamp by the lifting crane.

[0014] WO 2021 / 212173 (A1) discloses a self-propelled floating structure.

[0015] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 20170107628(A) and Korean Patent Application Publication No. 20170107629(A) disclose an installation vessel and installation device for an offshore structure.

[0016] The wind turbine installation market requires equipment that can be used both on land, e.g. at a shipyard or pier, and at sea, e.g. on a floating vessel, and that is able to safely perform various operations independently of one another, while at the same time being substantially independent of weather conditions such as wind for equipment installed on land, and ocean waves and wind for equipment installed on a floating vessel.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate or mitigate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0018] This object is achieved by the features detailed in the following description and the claims that follow.

[0019] The invention is defined by the independent patent claims. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0020] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus for facilitating assembly of a wind turbine, the apparatus comprising: A base extending in the xy direction and an assembly structure extending upward from the base in the z direction; Equipped with.

[0021] The assembled structure is a space for assembling a tower and a nacelle of the wind turbine, the space being defined by sides of the assembled structure; a tower passage for passing an upright wind turbine tower and a nacelle into and out of the space, and a nacelle passage for passing a nacelle into the space; a hoisting device configured to handle the wind turbine tower and to hoist and place the nacelle on top of the wind turbine tower while located in said space, the hoisting device being movably connected to a hoisting device support structure provided with a protrusion to allow the hoisting device to operate through said passage; Equipped with.

[0022] The device comprises: a support mechanism for supporting at least a portion of the wind turbine when the wind turbine is within the space; a rotor blade manipulator operatively connected to a portion of the assembly, the rotor blade manipulator configured to contact a root of the rotor blade with a hub of the nacelle; It further comprises:

[0023] This assembly structure is a crane tower and also functions as a rigid base for the handling equipment, such as the rotor blade manipulator, and for each part of the support mechanism, so that any movement of the assembly structure will cause the handling equipment to move in conjunction with the assembly structure.

[0024] The tower of the wind turbine may be provided in multiple sections, for example in two or three sections, in which case each section of the wind turbine tower may be assembled in an upright position within the space of the assembly structure.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the support mechanism comprises a carriage movable along a track, which carriage is configured to guide and support the lower end of the wind turbine tower, so that the lower end of the wind turbine tower can be guided along a defined movement path for the wind turbine tower in said space, thereby preventing any uncontrolled movement of the lower end of the wind turbine tower.

[0026] The carriage may include a plurality of carriages movably arranged on a track, with the effect that, for example, a first carriage may be utilized to bring the wind turbine tower into the volume of the assembled structure, while at least a second carriage may be utilized to move the wind turbine tower to a specific location within said volume, and further to a temporary storage area inside or outside said volume, as described below.

[0027] By lifting the wind turbine tower by the hoisting device, the guidance of the lower end of the wind turbine tower is lost when transferring the wind turbine tower from one carriage to another. In order to prevent uncontrolled movements of the wind turbine tower during such operations, it is advantageous if the support mechanism further comprises a gripping means for engaging with a part of the wind turbine tower, the gripping means being operatively connected to the assembly structure. The carriage and the gripping means operatively connected to the assembly structure thereby provide a safe "grip-to-grip" handling of the wind turbine tower. By handling the wind turbine tower in a grip-to-grip manner, any uncontrolled movements of the wind turbine tower due to the influence of wind (on land) and, in the case of a floating vessel, wind and ocean waves are prevented.

[0028] The gripping means may be provided at a specific location. However, it is advantageous if the gripping means comprises at least one gripping means movably connected to the assembled structure via a guideway. The mobile lifting device may be used to move the wind turbine tower into the space of the assembled structure when it is connected to the wind turbine tower, but even if the wind turbine tower is disconnected from the mobile lifting device, the gripping means movably connected to the assembled structure via a guideway can move the wind turbine tower, for example to a stationary gripping means. Such mobile gripping devices may be operably connected to a drive. These gripping devices themselves, whether stationary or mobile, are operably connected to actuators of a type known per se, for example electrically or fluidically operated actuators. Such actuators are preferably arranged to be remotely operated so that no personnel need to enter said space to control their operation. This ensures safe working.

[0029] Preferably, the top of the wind turbine tower is connected to a hoisting device when moving the wind turbine tower along a track in said space to the nacelle assembly position. However, the hoisting device connected to the top of the wind turbine tower must be disconnected (after releasing the hoisting connection) before the nacelle is placed on the top of the wind turbine tower. To prevent any movement of the wind turbine tower during the nacelle assembly, the support mechanism may further comprise a receptacle extending downwards from an opening in the base. Such a receptacle is configured to receive the lower part of the wind turbine tower and provide support in the xyz directions. The receptacle may extend, for example, 5 to 8 meters from the top surface of the base of the device. The wind turbine tower is lowered into and pulled out of the receptacle by the hosting device.

[0030] The hoisting device may comprise an upper skid movably connected to a first skid support forming part of the hoisting device support structure, the upper skid being movable in a first direction in a plane parallel to the base, a lower skid movably connected to a second skid support forming part of the upper skid, the lower skid being movable in a second direction in a plane parallel to the base, the second direction intersecting the first direction, and a winch device operably connected to the lower skid, whereby the winch device is movable in an xy direction relative to the hoisting support structure. The winch device movable in an xy direction allows the track of the support mechanism to extend in an xy direction. Thus, the paths into and out of the space of the assembled structure may be perpendicular to each other.

[0031] The winch arrangement may comprise a spreader provided with arms for releasably connecting to a gripping part configured to grip a portion of the turbine tower and a connector for connecting to the nacelle. The gripping part may comprise a clamp for gripping around a portion of the wind turbine tower. The spreader is preferably configured such that the arms straddle both sides of the nacelle to facilitate engagement with the tower clamps. The arms are preferably configured to support at least the weight of the nacelle-tower assembly of the wind turbine when they are operatively connected to the tower clamps. By supporting the nacelle-tower assembly with the arms connected to the spreader, the total weight of the assembly is supported independently of the nacelle. Thus, the lifting device at the top of the nacelle can be designed independently of the weight of the tower.

[0032] In the use position, the clamp is configured to abut a protrusion forming part of the tower, which may for example be a flange forming part of a section of a tower part or forming part of a connector for fastening to part of a wind turbine tower, preferably to the top of the wind turbine tower.

[0033] In one embodiment, the winch arrangement is supported by a winch frame operatively connected to the lower skid via a heave compensation device. The heave compensation device is particularly important when landing the assembled wind turbine on a floating foundation, and in particular when the arrangement according to the invention is a floating vessel subject to ocean waves. The heave compensation device is preferably operatively connected to the lower skid by means of individually operable actuators. The individually operable actuators may provide a "floating" winch frame. A floating winch frame is particularly advantageous when the longitudinal axis of the assembled wind turbine needs to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembled structure, i.e. relative to the z-direction of the assembled structure. The number of individually operable actuators is at least three, preferably more than three. In a prototype model of the winch arrangement, the number of actuators was six.

[0034] The actuators may be fluid or electrically actuated. The actuators may be controlled by a control system known per se. The control system may be configured to receive signals from a weight sensor measuring the weight of the load, and from a number of motion sensors identifying (i) the position of the load within the assembled structure, (ii) the position of each actuator, and, in case of active compensation, (iii) the position of the load relative to the object on which it is being lifted (or lowered).

[0035] To enable multiple operations, such as simultaneously assembling a nacelle onto a wind turbine tower and / or assembling multiple rotor blades onto a hub of a nacelle while transporting multiple wind turbine towers into a storage area of ​​the device, the hoisting device may include two hoisting devices configured to operate independently of each other, which may achieve efficient operations.

[0036] The passageway in the assembled structure may include a first passageway on a first side of the assembled structure for passing the wind turbine tower into the space, and a second passageway on a second side of the assembled structure for passing the wind turbine tower and nacelle assembly to a rotor blade assembly location outside the assembled structure. In one embodiment, the first side is perpendicular to the second side. In an alternative embodiment, the first side is parallel to the second side. An advantage of arranging the first passageway perpendicular to the second passageway is that the assembled structure can extend from a corner of the base, thereby minimizing the footprint on the base.

[0037] The assembly structure may further comprise a passageway on a fourth side of the assembly structure, the passageway being configured to pass erected wind turbine towers that have passed through the first passageway to a temporary storage area. Such a third passageway allows for storage of one or more erected wind turbine towers in a storage area external to the assembly structure.

[0038] As mentioned above, the device according to the invention may be a floating vessel. The base may therefore be a deck arranged on the hull of the floating vessel. Although the device according to the invention may be arranged on land, for example in a shipyard or on a wharf, there are advantages to providing the device in the form of a floating vessel. One advantage of providing the device in the form of a floating vessel is that the floating vessel allows work to be carried out at sea, either at the site of the proposed offshore wind farm or when the wind turbine needs to be loaded on board for maintenance purposes. Another advantage of providing the device in the form of a floating vessel is that the floating vessel allows the wind turbine to be installed on a support structure extending from the seabed. Yet another advantage of providing the device in the form of a floating vessel is that the floating vessel allows work to be carried out as close as possible to the site of operation of the wind turbine, for example in protected areas such as fjords. The towing distance of the floating foundation with the wind turbine can therefore be significantly reduced compared to towing the floating foundation from a land location which may be far from the operating site of the wind turbine. A towing distance as short as possible is advantageous both in terms of the time required to bring the wind turbine to the operating site and also in terms of the so-called weather window for carrying out the towing operation.

[0039] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of facilitating assembly of a wind turbine, the method comprising: Providing an apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention; connecting a hoisting device to the top of the wind turbine tower and carrying the wind turbine tower into the space of the assembled structure; supporting a lower portion of the wind turbine tower with a support mechanism; disconnecting a hoisting device from the top of the wind turbine tower, connecting the hoisting device to a nacelle of the wind turbine, hoisting the nacelle onto the wind turbine tower and assembling the nacelle thereto; hoisting the wind turbine tower and nacelle assembly by a hoisting device to a rotor blade assembly location outside the assembly structure; contacting a rotor blade from the rotor blade storage area with a hub of the nacelle and securing the rotor blade thereto with a rotor blade manipulator; Includes.

[0040] The wind turbine tower and nacelle are preferably connected at their lower end to a cradle operatively connected to the track to support the lower end of the assembly as it is hoisted to a rotor blade assembly location outside the assembled structure. Hoisting the wind turbine tower and nacelle assembly may thus include hoisting and skidding the assembly to a rotor assembly location outside the assembled structure.

[0041] The method according to the second aspect of the invention may include passing the at least two wind turbine towers through the space and storing at least one of the at least two wind turbine towers in an upright position in a temporary storage area on the apparatus while assembling a nacelle onto one of the at least two wind turbine towers.

[0042] The method may further include passing at least two wind turbine towers through the space and storing at least one of the at least two wind turbine towers in an upright position in a temporary storage area on the apparatus, and assembling a nacelle onto one of the at least two wind turbine towers.

[0043] The method preferably includes providing two hoisting devices on the hoisting device support structure, the hoisting devices being configured to operate independently of each other, and using one of the hoisting devices to pass one or more wind turbine towers to a temporary storage area while using the other of the hoisting devices to assemble a nacelle to the wind turbine tower. Operating two hoisting devices may increase the efficiency of the device, since the device may also serve a production line.

[0044] The method may further include supporting the wind turbine laterally by guides when the wind turbine is in a rotor blade assembly position, at least one of the guides being movably connected to a side of the assembled structure, lowering the wind turbine into contact with a wind turbine foundation, and decoupling the wind turbine from the apparatus. The wind turbine foundation is selected from a floating foundation and a foundation extending from the seabed.

[0045] The wind turbine may be lowered into contact with the wind turbine support by a hoisting device operably connected to a nacelle of the wind turbine. However, it is preferred that the wind turbine be lowered into contact with the wind turbine foundation by a hoisting device operably connected to a portion of the turbine tower of the wind turbine. In this preferred method, the wind turbine nacelle may be designed to support only its own weight, rather than the total weight of the nacelle and tower.

[0046] In a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a hoisting device operably connected to a hoisting device support structure disposed on a support structure extending from a base, the hoisting device comprising: an upper skid movably connected to a first skid support forming part of the hoist support structure, the upper skid being movable in a first direction in a plane parallel to the base; a lower skid movably connected to a second skid support forming part of the upper skid, the lower skid being movable in a second direction in a plane parallel to the base, the second direction intersecting the first direction; a winch device operably connected to the lower skid; Equipped with.

[0047] In one embodiment, the winch arrangement is supported by a winch frame operatively connected to the lower skid via a heave compensation device. The heave compensation device is particularly important when landing the assembled wind turbine on a floating foundation, and in particular when the arrangement according to the invention is a floating vessel subject to ocean waves. The heave compensation device is preferably operatively connected to the lower skid by means of individually operable actuators. The individually operable actuators may provide a "floating" winch frame. A floating winch frame is particularly advantageous when the longitudinal axis of the assembled wind turbine needs to be adjusted relative to the longitudinal axis of the assembled structure, i.e. relative to the z-direction of the assembled structure. The number of individually operable actuators is at least three, preferably more than three. In a prototype model of the winch arrangement, the number of actuators was six.

[0048] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a hoisting device operably connected to a hoisting device support structure disposed on a support structure extending from a base, the hoisting device comprising: a skid movably connected to a skid support forming part of the hoist support structure, the skid being movable parallel to the base; a winch device operably connected to the skid, the winch device being supported by a winch frame operably connected to the skid via a heave compensation device; Equipped with.

[0049] The heave compensators are preferably operably connected to the skid by individually operable actuators, which may provide a "floating" winch frame. The number of individually operable actuators is at least three, and preferably greater than three.

[0050] The actuators may be fluid or electrically actuated. The actuators may be controlled by a control system known per se. The control system may be configured to receive signals from a weight sensor measuring the weight of the load, and from a number of motion sensors identifying (i) the position of the load within the assembled structure, (ii) the position of each actuator, and, in case of active compensation, (iii) the position of the load relative to the object on which it is being lifted (or lowered).

[0051] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An example of a preferred embodiment is described below as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus according to the present invention from a first direction, the apparatus being placed on a floating structure and the wind turbine tower being in the process of being raised from a horizontal position; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the device on a larger scale, seen from a second direction. [Diagram 3] Similar to FIG. 1, but with the wind turbine tower raised to an upright position outside the first aisle of the assembly structure. [Figure 4] 1 shows the upright wind turbine tower after passing into the space of the assembled structure. [Diagram 5] The lower portion of the wind turbine tower is shown on a larger scale, lowered towards the carriage, operatively connected to a gripping means which is movably connected to the assembly structure via a guideway. [Figure 6] 2 shows the wind turbine tower on a smaller scale after it has been lowered onto the carriage, with the movable gripping means still engaging the wind turbine tower. [Figure 7] The apparatus of FIG. 4 is shown with multiple wind turbine towers stored in a temporary storage area. [Figure 8]1 shows the top of the assembled structure with one hosting unit operatively connected to the top of the wind turbine tower. [Figure 9] 1 shows the lower portion of the wind turbine tower, detached from the carriage and in the process of being prepared to enter a receptacle extending downwardly from an opening in the base. [Figure 10] The upper part of the assembly is shown on a smaller scale with the nacelle hoisted towards the top of the wind turbine tower. [Figure 11] 1 shows the wind turbine tower moved to a rotor blade installation position outside the assembled structure, where the rotor blades are moved by the rotor blade manipulator towards the hub of the nacelle. [Figure 12] 1 shows a wind turbine connected to a floating foundation on a smaller scale, with the device moving away from the wind turbine. [Figure 13a] 1 shows, on a larger scale, a winding device suitable for use in the device according to the invention. [Figure 13b] 1 shows, on a larger scale, a winding device suitable for use in the device according to the invention. [Figure 14a] Details of the apparatus are shown on a larger scale, with the winch apparatus comprising a spreader with arms releasably connected to a tower clamp that clamps around a portion of the tower, and a connector for connecting to the nacelle. [Figure 14b] FIG. 14a shows the procedure for installing the nacelle on top of the wind turbine tower by the winch and spreader. [Figure 14c] FIG. 14a shows the procedure for installing the nacelle on top of the wind turbine tower by the winch and spreader. [Figure 14d] FIG. 14a shows the procedure for installing the nacelle on top of the wind turbine tower by the winch and spreader. [Figure 14e] FIG. 14a shows the procedure for installing the nacelle on top of the wind turbine tower by the winch and spreader. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] All location statements refer to the locations shown in the figures.

[0054] In the figures, the same or corresponding elements are indicated with the same reference numerals, and for clarity, some elements may not be labeled with reference numerals in some of the figures.

[0055] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are merely schematic drawings, and the relative proportions of individual elements may be distorted.

[0056] In the figures, reference number 1 designates an apparatus according to the invention, which is intended to facilitate the assembly of a wind turbine WT.

[0057] The apparatus 1 is shown here as a floating structure in the form of a rig 1, comprising a base 3 extending in the xy direction on the hull of the rig 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the base is therefore the rig floor 3. An assembly structure 5 extends upwards in the z direction from the rig floor 3.

[0058] The assembly structure 5 comprises a space defined by the sides 51, 52, 53, 54 of the assembly structure 5. In the figures, the sides 51, 52, 53, 54 are shown as truss structures. The assembly structure 5 further comprises tower passages 51', 52', 54' and a nacelle passage 54". The passages 51', 52', 54' and 54" extend between the base 3 and a hoisting gear support structure 10 arranged at the top of the assembly structure 5. In the illustrated embodiment, two hoisting gears 12, 12' are movably connected to the hoisting gear support structure 10. To allow the movement of the hoisting gears 12, 12' through the tower passages 51' and 52', the hoisting gear support structure 10 is provided with a protrusion 10' extending beyond the sides 51 and 52.

[0059] The apparatus 1 further comprises a support mechanism for supporting parts of the wind turbine WT, and a rotor blade manipulator 20, which will be described in more detail below.

[0060] In Figure 1, the wind turbine tower T is loaded onto the rig 1 by a supply crane 4 from a transport vessel such as a barge (not shown). The upper part of the wind turbine tower T is connected to a hoist 12 which is moved to a projection 10' of a hoist support structure 10. The lower part of the wind turbine tower T is supported by a support 30, here in the form of a transfer carriage 30, movable along an L-shaped track 31, shown here as a pair of beams fixed to the rig floor 3. In the following, this carriage will also be referred to as a cradle.

[0061] The transport cradle 30 includes a pivotable wind turbine engagement portion 30' which secures the lower end of the wind turbine tower T against undesired movement as the tower is raised from a horizontal to a vertical position.

[0062] Before starting to raise the wind turbine tower T, the top of the wind turbine tower T is supported by the movable support cradle 32.

[0063] In Fig. 1, the wind turbine tower T is in the process of being raised from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical position. A horizontal position means that the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine tower T is substantially parallel to the x-axis or y-axis of the base or rig floor 3. A vertical position means that the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine tower T is substantially parallel to the z-axis of the assembled structure 5.

[0064] Figure 2 shows a wind turbine tower T in a horizontal position, supported by the transport cradle 30 and support cradle 32 shown in Figure 1. A number of nacelles N are stored on the rig floor 3, and several sets of rotor blades TB are stored in racks on the rig floor 3.

[0065] In Figures 3 and 4, the wind turbine tower T is passing through and has passed through, respectively, the tower passage 51' while still connected to the hoisting device 12 and the transport cradle 30. The support cradle 32 has moved to the end of the leg of the L-shaped track 31 to allow the transport cradle 30 to pass into the passage 51'.

[0066] 5 and 6, the wind turbine tower T is shown within a temporary storage area 40 configured to allow storage of multiple wind turbine towers T on a rig or apparatus 1.

[0067] Figure 5 shows the wind turbine tower T at the entrance to the temporary storage area 40. The temporary storage area 40 is provided with a number of supports in the form of stationary storage grips 42 fixed to a portion of the support structure 5' that extends from inside the space of the assembly structure 5 along the rig floor 3 to the outside of a fourth side 54 of the assembly structure 5 (see e.g. Figure 7).

[0068] As best seen in FIG. 6 , the stationary storage grippers 42 are individually pivotable between an inactive first position (as shown) and an active second position in which a pair of gripping arms 42′ of the storage gripper 42 engage a connector portion 42″ of the wind turbine tower T. The gripping arms 42′ may typically be fluid actuated. The gripping arms 42′ may be connected to the connector portion 42″ using a fluid or powered locking mechanism.

[0069] In addition to the stationary gripper 42, the temporary storage area 40 is further provided with a support in the form of a mobile gripper 44 which is movable along a guideway 45 fixed to the support structure 5'. Like the stationary gripper 42, the mobile gripper 44 is pivotable between a first, inactive position and a second, active position in which the gripper arm 44' is engaged with a rod forming part of the wind turbine tower T (Figures 5 and 6 show the mobile gripper 44 in the second active position).

[0070] In Figure 5, the wind turbine tower T has been lifted by a hoisting device 12 (not shown in Figure 5) and released from a transport cradle 30 used to bring the wind turbine tower T into the volume of the assembled structure 5. The hoisting device 12 moves the wind turbine tower T away from the L-shaped track 31 and into the storage track 41 of the temporary storage area 40. The hoisting device 12 will be described in more detail below.

[0071] The storage track 41 is provided with a further support in the form of a storage cradle 46 which, together with the mobile gripper 44 in its active gripping position, is configured to align the wind turbine tower T with a desired one of the stationary grippers 42. The storage cradle 46 is movable along the storage track 41 extending between a pair of support beams having a support surface 41' for supporting the lower end surface of the wind turbine tower T when it is in the storage position.

[0072] The storage cradle 46 is provided with a support disk 46' configured to move between a raised position and a lowered position in which the support disk 46' is elevated above the support surface 41' of the support beam, as shown in Figure 5, and in which the support disk 46' is lower than the support surface 41' of the support beam.

[0073] A portion of the support disk 46' is configured to abut the lower end surface of the wind turbine tower T to support the wind turbine tower 1 above the support surface 41' of the support beam.

[0074] In FIG. 5 , the support disk 46′ is aligned with the wind turbine tower T, and at the same time, the mobile gripper 44 is brought to its active gripping portion to grip the lower end of a rod forming part of the wind turbine tower T.

[0075] After the wind turbine tower T has been lowered against the support disk 46', the wind turbine tower T may be moved to a desired location in the temporary storage area 40.

[0076] In FIG. 6, the first of the multiple wind turbine towers T is in the process of being moved to the outer end of the temporary storage area 40, i.e., to the position of the left wind turbine tower T, as shown in FIG. 7, which shows seven wind turbine towers T stored in an upright position within the temporary storage area 40.

[0077] After reaching the desired position, the support disk 46' is lowered so that the wind turbine tower T abuts against the support surface 41' of the support beam while at the same time being supported by the mobile gripper 44.

[0078] Before the mobile gripper 44 is disengaged from the wind turbine tower T, the stationary gripper 42, with which the wind turbine tower T is aligned, is engaged with the wind turbine tower T. Thus, a grip-to-grip transition is made between the mobile gripper 44 and the stationary gripper 42.

[0079] After the support disk 46' has been lowered, the storage cradle 46 may be returned to transport another wind turbine tower T from the space in the assembly structure 5 to a desired location in the temporary storage area 40. This operation may be repeated until the desired number of wind turbine towers T are housed in the temporary storage area 40. In the example shown in Figure 7, seven wind turbine towers T are stored in the temporary storage area 40, and one additional wind turbine tower T (the one on the left in Figure 7) is supported by the transport cradle 30 and hoisting equipment in the space of the assembly structure 5.

[0080] It should be noted that a fourth side 54 of the assembly structure 5 is provided with a tower passage 54' for moving the wind turbine tower T to and from the space of the assembly structure 5.

[0081] When assembling the nacelle N to the wind turbine tower T, the above-mentioned operations are substantially reversed and the wind turbine towers T are transported one by one to the assembly area by means of a hoisting device and a further cradle 62, hereafter referred to as assembly cradle 62, which is configured to move from the entrance of the temporary storage area 40 to the nacelle assembly area 60 in the space of the assembly structure 5.

[0082] In FIG. 7 the first winch 12 (the one closest to the passage 51′ of the first side 51) is connected to the wind turbine tower T supported by the assembly cradle 62. This means that the second winch 12′ can be used to bring the nacelle N into the space of the assembly structure 5 while the wind turbine tower T is being transported to the assembly area 60. However, in FIG. 8 the second winch 12′ is connected to the wind turbine tower T supported by the assembly cradle 62. This means that the first winch 12 can transport the wind turbine tower T to the temporary storage area 40, while the second winch 12′ can be used to transport the wind turbine tower T to the nacelle assembly area 60 for assembly of the wind turbine tower T with the nacelle N. The second hoist 12' is also used to transport the wind turbine tower T and nacelle N assembly through a second passage 52' on the second side 52 of the assembly structure 5 to a rotor blade assembly area 70 outside the second side 52, as shown in FIG. 11 .

[0083] Referring first to Figure 9, there is shown a wind turbine tower T being carried to a nacelle assembly area 60 by the first hoist 12 (see Figure 7) or the second hoist 12' (see Figure 8) whilst being supported by an assembly cradle 62. The nacelle assembly area 60 comprises a receptacle 64 extending downwardly from the deck 3 of the rig 1. The purpose of the receptacle 64 is to support the lower end of the wind turbine tower T ready to receive a nacelle N, as shown in Figure 10. The receptacle 64 thus forms part of the support mechanism of the rig 1.

[0084] In Figure 9, the wind turbine tower T has been released from the assembly cradle 62 by the second hosting device 12' (not shown) lifting the wind turbine tower T. Once the wind turbine tower T has been lifted, the assembly cradle 62 moves away from the receptacle 64 (to the left in Figure 9). The assembly cradle 62 can now be returned to the storage area 40 to receive the wind turbine tower T using the first hoisting device 12.

[0085] In FIG. 9, the wind turbine tower T is suspended from the second hoisting device 12′. Thus, when the rig 1 is subjected to ocean waves, the wind turbine tower T may move laterally relative to the assembled structure 5. Any lateral movement of the wind turbine tower T relative to the assembled structure 5 may cause difficulties in lowering the end of the wind turbine tower T into the receptacle 64. To alleviate such difficulties, the rig 1 may be provided with a guide means, for example in the form of a telescopic alignment arm (not shown) operably connected to a part of the assembled structure 5 or to a part of the deck 3 of the rig 1. Such a telescopic alignment arm is configured to align the lower end of the wind turbine tower T with respect to the receptacle 64. The end of such an alignment arm is preferably configured to abut against the wind turbine tower T and is provided with a roller for rolling along the wind turbine tower T during its lowering into the receptacle 64. As an alternative to such an alignment arm, the receptacle 64 itself may be provided with an extendable guide means, for example in the form of a cone (not shown) movable along the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 64 .

[0086] As an alternative to the receptacle 64 arranged in the assembly area 60, another type of support means may be provided in the nacelle assembly area 60, for example a gripping arm configured to support the wind turbine tower T while it is in the nacelle assembly area 60. Such an alternative to the receptacle 64 shown in Figure 9 may be particularly suitable if the device 1 according to the invention is not arranged on the rig 1 as shown in the figure, but on land, for example on a pier.

[0087] 10 shows the nacelle N being lifted by the second hoisting device 12'. The lower end of the wind turbine tower T is supported in a receptacle 64 shown in FIG.

[0088] The nacelle N itself is slid from the nacelle temporary storage area (see FIG. 2) into the space of the assembly structure 5 by a nacelle carriage (not shown) movable along a track extending through the nacelle passage 54″ of the fourth side 54. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), the hoisting device support structure 10 may be provided with an additional protrusion similar to the protrusion 10′, protruding beyond the first side 51 and the second side 52. Such an additional protrusion allows the second hoisting device 12′ to be connected to the nacelle N outside the nacelle passage 54″. While being lifted by the second hoisting device 12′, the nacelle N is supported by a bogie 13 movably connected to the assembly structure 5 via a track (not shown). In one embodiment, the bogie 13 is further configured to move also horizontally, the gripper being displaceable relative to a bogie cradle (not shown).

[0089] In FIG. 11, the wind turbine tower T and nacelle N assembly has been hoisted up to the rotor blade assembly area 70 outside the second side 52 of the assembly structure 5, and the assembly is still fixed to the second hoisting device 12'.

[0090] The rotor blade manipulator 20 is movably connected to the third side 53 of the assembly structure 5. The rotor blade manipulator 20 comprises a manipulator cradle 21 operatively connected to a manipulator track extending between the deck 3 and the hoist support structure 10. The rotor blade manipulator 20 further comprises a pair of blade grippers 22 arranged spaced apart from each other at opposite ends of a gripper holder arm 23. The rotor blade manipulator 20 further comprises a first manipulator arm 24 pivotally connected to the manipulator cradle 21 and a second manipulator arm 25 pivotally connected to an end of the first manipulator arm 24. The gripper holder arm 23 is movably connected to the second manipulator arm 25 as indicated by the arrow M in FIG. 11 .

[0091] After aligning the longitudinal axis of the rotor blade R with the hub of the nacelle N, but before the root of the blade R is brought into contact with the hub, the gripper holder arm 23 is actuated to move the root of the blade B into contact with the hub of the nacelle N.

[0092] Any movement of the rig 1 due to the waves does not affect the above mentioned connection of the rotor blades R to the hub of the nacelle N because the body of the wind turbine tower T is protected from unintended lateral movement by the first guide 72 and the second guide 75. As best seen in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the first guide 72 is operatively connected to and projects from a portion of the deck 3 of the rig 1, while the second guide 75 comprises a cradle 76 movably connected to a track fixed to the second side 52 of the assembly structure 5. The track extends between the deck 3 of the rig 1 and the hoisting gear support structure 10.

[0093] Each of the first guide 72 and the second guide 75 includes a pair of arms 72' and 75', respectively. Each pair of arms 72', 75' is configured to pivot between an active position, for example as shown in FIG. 1, and an inactive position, for example as shown in FIG.

[0094] As best seen in FIG. 3, each guide 72, 75 comprises a gripping portion 77 operatively connected to an arm 72′, 75′. The gripping portion 77 of each guide 72, 75 is configured to encircle a portion of the wind turbine tower T and comprises a first semicircular portion and an openable second semicircular portion. The openable second semicircular portion comprises a pair of pivotable grippers pivotally connected to ends of the semicircular portion. The open position of the grippers allows the wind turbine tower T to enter the gripping portion 77, or more precisely, allows the guide 72, 75 to pivot from an inactive position in which the arm 72′, 75′ is generally parallel to the second side 52 of the assembled structure 5, for example to a protruding position as shown in FIG. 3.

[0095] In FIG. 9, the second guide 75 is shown in the inactive position, with the gripper in the open position.

[0096] When the guides 72, 75 are in their respective active positions and the gripping fixture of the gripping portion 77 is in the closed position, each guide 72, 75 surrounds a portion of the wind turbine tower T, thereby preventing undesirable lateral movement of the wind turbine WT relative to the assembled structure 5.

[0097] However, when the wind turbine WT is connected to a floating or fixed foundation (floating foundation FF is shown in Figure 12), any movements of the rig 3 are independent of the movements of the foundation FF. If the device 1 according to the invention is on land, the floating foundation FF may move, for example, relative to a quay forming the base of the invention.

[0098] Since the wind turbine tower T is fixed to the assembly structure 5 and the deck 3 of the rig 1 via the first guide 72 and the second guide 75 respectively, and since any movement of the floating structure FF is uncontrollable, the guides 72, 75 are provided with alignment means.

[0099] The alignment means of the first guide 72 is arranged to move relative to the deck 3 of the rig 1 in one direction, for example the x direction as indicated by the arrow H in FIG.

[0100] At least the gripper 77 of the first guide 72 (but in one embodiment also the gripper 77 of the second guide 75) is further configured to move parallel to and along the arm 72' and possibly the arm 75'. Such movement is hydraulically operated and controlled by a number of sensors sensing the position of the wind turbine accommodation of the foundation FF (see FIG. 12). Any relative movement between the device 1 according to the invention and the foundation can thus be compensated for by the movable gripper 77.

[0101] In Fig. 12 a wind turbine WT has been installed on a floating foundation FF by an apparatus 1 according to the invention. This apparatus, or rig 1, is in the process of moving to a new location for assembling and installing a further wind turbine WT in Fig. 12. As a number of wind turbine towers T, nacelles N and rotor blades R are already stored on the rig 1, assembly of the wind turbine WT may take place during the voyage to the next location.

[0102] 13a and 13b, there is shown a hoisting device 12' which may be the hoisting device 12' in the installation 1. This hoisting device 12' comprises an upper skid 100, for example of the type shown in Fig. 1, movably connected to a hoisting device support structure 10 shown in Fig. 13b. For illustrative purposes, part of the hoisting device support structure 10 has been cut away in Fig. 13b.

[0103] The hoisting gear 12' comprises an upper skid 100 movably connected to a first skid support 100' (see FIG. 13b) forming part of the hoisting gear support structure 10. The upper skid 100 is movable in a first direction (indicated by the arrow on the left side of the figure) in a plane parallel to the first skid support, which is normally parallel to a base supporting the crane tower, for example the assembled structure 5 shown in FIG.

[0104] The lower skid 110 is movably connected to a second skid support 105 that forms part of the upper skid 100. The lower skid 110 is movable in a second direction (as indicated by the arrow on the right side of the figure) that is intersecting the first direction. A winch device 115 is operably connected to the lower skid 110.

[0105] The winch arrangement 115 is supported by a winch frame 120 operatively connected to the lower skid 110 via a heave compensator 130 with fluid-actuated pistons 132 (six shown) that are individually operable by a control system. The control system includes, among other things, a number of sensors for monitoring the weight of the load suspended by the winch arrangement, as well as a number of sensors for monitoring (i) the position of the load within the assembly structure, (ii) the position of each actuator, and, in the case of active compensation, (iii) the position of the load relative to the object on which it is being lifted (or lowered). Thus, during operation, the heave compensator may provide a winch frame that "floats" relative to the lower skid 110. The fluid-actuated pistons compensate for the movement of the rig 1 relative to the object on which it is being lifted (or lowered).

[0106] 14a and 14b, there is shown on a larger scale detail of a wind turbine tower T being placed within a portion of the assembly structure 5, the tower T being prepared to receive a nacelle N.

[0107] In the illustrated embodiment, the winch device 115 of the hoisting device 12' is provided with a spreader 116. At each of its ends, the spreader 116 is provided with an arm 150 having a first end pivotally connected to the spreader 116 and a second end opposite the first end, at the second end of which an arm connector 152 is provided for releasable connection to a gripping part 131, here in the form of a clamp 131 configured to clamp around a part of the wind turbine tower T. This gripping part is hereinafter also referred to as tower clamp 131 or simply clamp 131.

[0108] The tower clamp 131 comprises two parts 132, 132' which are hingedly interconnected and movable between an open, inactive position, movable over a portion of the wind turbine tower T, and a closed, active position, as shown, which surrounds or grips a portion of the wind turbine tower T. The parts 132, 132' are similar to the guide 75, which is shown in the open, inactive position in Figure 9. The clamp 131 is adapted to be remotely operated in a manner known per se.

[0109] FIG. 14b shows the same situation as FIG. 14a, but for clarity the assembly structure 5 of the device 1 according to the invention has been cut away.

[0110] Prior to use, the clamp 131 is preferably adapted to the diameter of the wind turbine tower T.

[0111] The spreader 116 is further provided with connectors 140 for releasably connecting to lifting lugs NL (see FIG. 14c) protruding from the upper surface of the nacelle N. This pair of connectors 140 is adapted to be remotely operated in a manner known per se, for example by a number of remotely operated hydraulic or electric actuators (not shown). In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14a to 14e, the connectors 140 are directly connected to the spreader 116. However, in alternative embodiments (not shown), these connectors may be indirectly connected to the spreader 116 via a sub-spreader or lifting yoke extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spreader 116. Thus, in such alternative embodiments, the winch device 115 may be connected to a nacelle having lifting lugs arranged longitudinally, rather than transversely as shown in FIGS. 14c to 14e.

[0112] The tower clamp 131 is provided with a receptacle 134 for receiving and releasably connecting the arm connector 152 of the arm 150. The receptacle 134 comprises locking means for engaging with the arm connector 152. The locking means comprises actuators configured to be remotely operated. These actuators may be hydraulically or electrically operated. The hydraulic or electric motors are supplied with energy from an on-board energy source. The receptacle 134 comprises a controller 136 for operating the locking means. The controller 136 is configured to be wirelessly controlled from a remote location.

[0113] Reference is now made to Figures 14c-14e which, like Figure 14b, are shown without the associated assembly structure 5 for clarity.

[0114] The spreader 116 is configured such that the arms 150 straddle both sides of the nacelle N to facilitate engagement with the receptacles 134 of the tower clamps 131. The arms 150 are preferably configured to support at least the weight of an assembly of the nacelle N and the wind turbine tower T of the wind turbine W when the arms 150 are operatively connected to the tower clamps 131. By supporting the weight of the nacelle N and the wind turbine tower T by the arms 150 connected to the spreader 116, the total weight of the assembly is supported independent of the nacelle N. Thus, the lifting device on top of the nacelle N can be designed independent of the weight of the wind turbine tower T.

[0115] In Fig. 14c, the nacelle N is supported by the winch device 115 via the spreader 116 and the connector 140 of the spreader 116 connected to the lifting lug NL protruding from the upper surface of the nacelle N. The working step shown in Fig. 14c is similar to the working step shown in Fig. 10, where the nacelle N is directly connected to the winch device. The arm connector 152 at the second end of the arm 150 is spaced apart from the receptacle 134.

[0116] In Fig. 14d, the bottom of the nacelle N rests against the top of the wind turbine tower T, and the weight of the nacelle is supported by the wind turbine tower T. In Fig. 14c, the connector 152 (hidden within the receptacle 134) is located at the bottom of the receptacle 134, which is designated 134L in the figure. The spreader connector 140 is still connected to the lifting lug NL of the nacelle N.

[0117] In Fig. 14e, the connectors 140 of the spreader 116 have been disengaged from the lifting lugs NL of the nacelle N and the spreader 116 has been raised relative to the assembly of the nacelle n and the wind turbine tower T. In this position, the connectors 152 of the arms 150 are aligned and engaged with the locking means of the receptacle 134 which is in the raised position shown at 134R in Fig. 14e.

[0118] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), at least one of the set of connectors 140 and the set of arms 150 are configured to be axially displaceable relative to the spreader 116. In such an alternative embodiment, the locking means may for example be located at the lower portion 134L in Fig. 14d. The axially displaceable set of connectors 140 and / or set of arms 150 may typically be provided by hydraulic cylinders configured to be remotely operated.

[0119] In Fig. 14e, the assembly of the wind turbine tower T and the nacelle N is connected to the winch device 115 via the clamp 131, the locking means of the receptacle 134, the arm 150 and the spreader 116, and not via the nacelle N as shown in Fig. 11. As mentioned above, the total weight of the assembly is supported independently of the nacelle N. Therefore, the lifting device on top of the nacelle N can be designed independently of the weight of the wind turbine tower T.

[0120] The nacelles N used in the wind turbines WT may be designed differently, both with respect to dimensions and also, for example, with respect to the position of the nacelle lifting lugs NL. To facilitate adapting the spreader 116 and its connectors 140 to such different designs, the connectors 140 are configured in one embodiment (not shown) to move along the longitudinal axis of the spreader 116 such that the mutual distance between the connectors 140 is adjustable. In one embodiment (not shown), the gripping portions 140' of the connectors 140 may be configured to move in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spreader 116.

[0121] To facilitate adapting the spreader 116 and its arms 150 to nacelles N of various sizes, in one embodiment, at least one, and preferably both, arms 150 are configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the spreader 116 such that the mutual distance between the arms 150 is adjustable.

[0122] It will be appreciated from the disclosure herein that operations involving the movement of heavy parts are performed in a "grip-to-grip" manner, with the support mechanisms operatively connected to the base or assembly structure of the apparatus ensuring safe and controlled operations substantially independent of weather conditions. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention allow multiple independent operations to assemble a wind turbine from wind turbine components stored on the apparatus. Thus, the apparatus may provide a manufacturing line.

[0123] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the present invention, and that those skilled in the art could design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) for facilitating assembly of a wind turbine (WT), comprising: a base (3) extending in the xy direction, and an assembly structure (5) extending upward in the z direction from the base (3); In an apparatus (1) comprising: The assembly structure (5) is a space for assembling a tower (T) and a nacelle (N) of a wind turbine (WT), the space being defined by the sides (51, 52, 53, 54) of the assembly structure (5); a tower passage (51', 52', 54') for passing an upright wind turbine tower and a nacelle into and out of said space, and a nacelle passage (54") for passing a nacelle (N) into said space; a hoisting device (12, 12') configured to handle the wind turbine tower (T) and to hoist and place the nacelle (N) on top of the wind turbine tower while located in the space, the hoisting device (12, 12') being movably connected to a hoisting device support structure (10) provided with a protrusion (10') for enabling the hoisting device (12, 12') to operate through the passage (51'; 52), the hoisting device support structure (10) being arranged on top of the assembly structure (5); Equipped with The device (1) comprises: a support mechanism for supporting at least a portion of the wind turbine when the wind turbine is within the space; a rotor blade manipulator (20) operably connected to a portion of the assembly (5), the rotor blade manipulator (20) being configured to bring the roots of the rotor blades (R) into contact with the hub of the nacelle (N); Further equipped 1. A device (1).

2. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the support mechanism comprises a carriage (30; 46; 62) movable along a track and configured to guide and support the lower end of the wind turbine tower (T).

3. 3. The apparatus (1) according to claim 2, wherein the support mechanism further comprises gripping means (42, 44) for engaging a portion of a wind turbine tower (T), the gripping means being operatively connected to the assembled structure (5).

4. 4. The device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the gripping means comprises a gripping means (44) movably connected to the assembly structure (5) via a guideway (45).

5. 2. The apparatus (1) of claim 1, wherein the support mechanism further comprises a receptacle (64) extending downwardly from an opening in the base (3), which is the deck of the apparatus (1), which is a rig.

6. The hoisting device (12, 12') an upper skid (100) movably connected to a first skid support (100') forming part of said hoisting device support structure (10), said upper skid (100) being movable in a first direction in a plane parallel to said base (3); a lower skid (110) movably connected to a second skid support (105) forming part of the upper skid (100), the lower skid being movable in a second direction in a plane parallel to the base (3), the second direction intersecting the first direction; a winch device (115) operably connected to the lower skid (110); Equipped with 2. The device (1) according to claim 1.

7. The winch device (115) comprises a spreader (116), which includes: an arm (150) for releasably connecting to a gripping portion (131) configured to grip a portion of said turbine tower (T); a connector (140) for connecting to the nacelle (N); are provided, 7. The device (1) according to claim 6.

8. 7. The apparatus (1) of claim 6, wherein the winch device (115) is supported by a winch frame (120) operatively connected to the lower skid (110) via a heave compensator (130).

9. 9. The apparatus (1) of claim 8, wherein the heave compensator (130) is operatively connected to the lower skid (110) by an independently operable actuator (132).

10. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the hoisting device comprises two hoisting devices (12, 12') configured to operate independently of each other.

11. 2. The apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein the passages include a first passage (51') on a first side (51) of the assembled structure (5) for passing a wind turbine tower (T) into the space, and a second passage (52') on a second side (52) of the assembled structure (5) for passing an assembly of the wind turbine tower (T) and a nacelle (N) to a rotor blade assembly position outside the assembled structure (5).

12. 12. The apparatus (1) according to claim 11, wherein the assembly structure (5) further comprises a passage (54') on a fourth side (54) of the assembly structure (5), the passage (54') being configured to pass the erected wind turbine tower, having passed through the first passage (51'), to a temporary storage area (40).

13. 2. The device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base is a deck (3) on the hull of a floating vessel.

14. 1. A method for facilitating assembly of a wind turbine (WT), the method comprising: Providing the device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13; connecting the hoisting device (12) to the top of the wind turbine tower (T) and carrying the wind turbine tower into the space of the assembled structure (5); supporting a lower portion of the wind turbine tower with the support mechanism; disconnecting the hoisting device (12, 12') from the top of the wind turbine tower (T), connecting the hoisting device to the nacelle (N) of the wind turbine (WT), hoisting the nacelle onto the wind turbine tower and assembling the nacelle thereto; hoisting the assembly of the wind turbine tower (T) and the nacelle (N) by the hoisting device (12') to a rotor blade assembly position outside the assembled structure; bringing the rotor blade (R) from a rotor blade storage area into contact with the hub of the nacelle (N) by the rotor blade manipulator (20) and securing the rotor blade (R) thereto; Contains A method characterized by:

15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: passing at least two wind turbine towers (T) through the space and storing at least one of the at least two wind turbine towers (T) in an upright position in a temporary storage area (40) on the apparatus (1) while assembling the nacelle (N) onto one of the at least two wind turbine towers (T).

16. 16. The method according to claim 15, comprising providing the wind turbine support structure with two winching devices configured to operate independently of each other, and using one of the winching devices to pass one or more wind turbine towers through the temporary storage area while using the other of the winching devices to assemble a nacelle onto the wind turbine tower.

17. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising laterally supporting the wind turbine (WT) when the wind turbine (WT) is in the rotor blade assembly position by guides (72, 75), at least one of the guides (75) being movably connected to the side (52) of the assembled structure (5); lowering the wind turbine (WT) into contact with a wind turbine foundation (FF); and decoupling the wind turbine (WT) from the apparatus (1).

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wind turbine (WT) is lowered into contact with a wind turbine foundation (FF) by the hoisting device (12') operably connected to the nacelle (N) of the wind turbine (WT).

19. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the wind turbine (WT) is lowered into contact with a wind turbine foundation (FF) by the hoisting device (12') operably connected to a portion of the turbine tower (T) of the wind turbine (WT).

Images