Long, slender structures and construction / assembly methods

Abstract

Apparatus and method for providing a wind turbine (WT) are disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a lower tower section in a lifted position, providing a lifted tower section by lifting the lower tower section vertically via at least one lifting support, and raising a wind turbine portion comprising at least one elongated tower, a nacelle member in the upper end region of the elongated tower, and at least one blade member to a lifted position by directing at least one further tower section to a position below the preceding tower section, and fixing the upper region of the further tower section to the lower region of the lifted preceding tower section, wherein lifting the tower section includes providing the tower section one by one to a lifted position at a desired position adjacent to at least one lifting support, gripping the next tower section via at least one lifting beam mounted on each climber element movable relative to each lifting support, and raising the gripped tower section upward to an elevated position via the climber element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the assembly of elongated structures and to the elongated structures themselves. In particular, and without limitation, the present invention relates to mooring or offshore assembly operations for constructing floating offshore wind turbines including elevated towers.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is sometimes a need to construct elongated structures. Due to the length and overall size of these structures, and often the large mass associated therewith, the fabrication of such relatively large structures is considered complex and can be costly.

[0003] An example of an elongated structure is a wind turbine (WT). Wind turbines can be vertical axis wind turbines (VAWTs), horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWTs), or other types. Most have components mounted on top of a long, slender tower. WTs can be used on land or offshore. In each case, the fabrication and assembly of a WT is a complex and costly process.

[0004] Floating offshore wind turbines have been increasingly proposed in the United Kingdom, Europe, and on the east and west coasts of the United States, in deeper waters. The assembly of increasingly large wind turbines and their placement on their floating foundations requires a crane with improved lifting and height capabilities positioned near an appropriate shore end, and the use of a very large floating or jack-up crane vessel for assembly.

[0005] Shore end ground support capacity can be very limited without specific investigations, pile driving, or mass concrete to spread / apply the applied load. For unimproved mooring areas (e.g., adapted for mooring areas in the United States), an average ground load of 10 - 20 tons / m 2 should be considered, and for UK mooring areas with large lifting capabilities, 1 m 2A load of 25-50 tons per unit should be considered. Supporting this load requires either specific site capabilities or pinned piles.

[0006] Assembling a floating structure rather than a large-scale structure on a dock presents complexity and difficulty.

[0007] Various WT assembly solutions are known, including self-climbing cranes, very large ring cranes (VLRC), and large semi-submersible floating cranes.

[0008] Self-climbing cranes require modifications to the WT tower to accommodate the shear connection of the climbing mechanism. The cranes are relatively complex operationally and require considerable additional crane use to assist with assembly / disassembly and lifting preparation. While self-climbing cranes have demonstrated their capabilities in smaller wind turbines, they have never been used in the larger ones required for floating wind turbines.

[0009] While VLRC offers both reach and lifting capabilities for the proposed lifting, its availability and mobility (due to the burden of large trucks required to transport numerous components / counterweights, coupled with ground foundation requirements for the ring beam) increase the cost of renting such cranes and also limit the available docks where operations can be carried out. Such cranes, with their associated slewing capabilities, offer functionality that is often unnecessary in the context of wind turbine assembly operations on floating foundations, due to the limited range of lifting equipment required and the ability to move the foundation tripod back and forth to align the center of the lifting equipment so that proximity to the floating foundation and dock is available.

[0010] Semi-submersible floating cranes have the lifting capacity and boom reach to install fully assembled wind turbines on floating platforms, but their availability, mobility, cost, and the daily rental fees for such equipment are extremely challenging.

[0011] A crucial stage in the fabrication of elongated structures such as floating structures (WTs) is the jacking process, and the jacking systems that can be used during this process are equally important. It is understood that jacking is a lifting technique. Other lifting techniques are known. Jacking involves the stepwise lifting of components of the resulting structure, so that separate sections can then be joined together and lifted. Jacking or lifting systems mounted on the foundations of floating WTs present challenges due to the additional forces required on the floating foundations and the situation where joints become driven loads. The complexity of primary and secondary structures on floating platforms, which any jacking system must accommodate, is also recognized. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] An objective of the present invention is to mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems.

[0013] One objective of a particular embodiment of the present invention is to assemble and install a wind turbine as a floating assembly on a floating platform.

[0014] For example, one objective of a particular embodiment of the present invention is to provide an assembly mechanism that can operate under stronger wind conditions, such as approximately 14 m / s.

[0015] An objective of certain embodiments of the present invention is to assemble and install the WT on a floating foundation that may be semi-submersible, tension-leg, spar, or barge-type.

[0016] An object of a particular embodiment of the present invention is to provide an assembly mechanism for a structure that can be large in size and mass, extend over a certain length in the vertical or horizontal direction, and can be assembled.

[0017] An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide assembly systems and assembly apparatus with both reach and lifting capabilities for assembling extremely heavy (over 10,000 kg) structures.

[0018] An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide assembly systems and assembly apparatus with both reach and lifting capabilities for assembling extremely heavy structures (over 1,000,000 kg).

[0019] One objective of a particular embodiment of the present invention is to provide assembly methods and construction equipment for assembling a floating wind turbine or similar structure on a pier, that is, on land with a foundation at the edge of a body of water.

[0020] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the objective is to provide a ship that includes a foundation-based assembly method for floating vessels such as barges, and a construction device for constructing / assembling / installing floating wind turbines.

[0021] An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide an assembly method and apparatus for use in assembling a wind turbine that can be used during troublesome events and possible extreme weather events, such as strong wind conditions, without the risk of damaging the wind turbine or other such elongated structures constructed from parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for providing a wind turbine (WT), Providing a lower tower section at a lifting position and vertically lifting the lower tower section via at least one lifting support to provide a lifted tower section, directing at least one further tower section coming next to the lifting position to a position below a preceding tower section, and fixing an upper region of the next coming further tower section to a lower region of the lifted preceding tower section, including the step of erecting a wind turbine portion comprising at least one elongated tower, a nacelle member at an upper end region of the elongated tower, and at least one wing member, at the lifting position. Lifting the tower section includes providing the tower section one by one at a desired position proximate to at least one lifting support, gripping a next coming tower section via at least one lifting beam mounted on respective climber elements movable with respect to each lifting support, and lifting the gripped tower section upward to a raised position via the climber elements. A method is provided.

[0023] Suitably, the method further includes the step of raising or lowering the climber elements while supporting a load and a resistance moment imparted by the lifted portion of the wind turbine.

[0024] Suitably, the method further includes the step of supporting the wind turbine portion from below the center of gravity of the lifted tower section.

[0025] Suitably, in the method lifting the tower section further includes progressively assembling the wind turbine portion using lifting from below the center of gravity with the moment stability and the lifting load applied to an inner and / or outer tower flange of the next coming tower section.

[0026] Suitably, the method When the desired height is reached, further comprising extending the lifting beam guiding element of the lifting beam into the hole of the lifting support, thereby directly transmitting the weight and bending moment of the lifted tower section from the lifting beam to the lifting support.

[0027] Preferably, the method further comprises engaging with the outside or inside of the tower section via at least one gripping portion mounted on the lifting beam, thereby transmitting the lifting force and support moment of the wind turbine part to the lifting support.

[0028] Preferably, in the method The climber element can climb the rigid frame structure gradually.

[0029] [[ID=十六]] Preferably, in the method Each climber element comprises a lower climber element and an upper climber element respectively.

[0030] Preferably, in the method Each lower climber element is connected to its respective upper climber element by at least one hydraulic cylinder.

[0031] Preferably, the method further comprises raising or lowering the climber element by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the distance between the spaced lower and upper climber elements of each climber element.

[0032] Preferably, the method further comprises repeatedly lifting each tower section and providing the next tower section under one or more lifted tower sections until a tower part comprising a plurality of tower sections is erected.

[0033] Preferably, the method The method further includes the steps of: providing tower sections one by one to lifting positions at desired locations adjacent to at least one lifting support; gripping the next tower section via one or more lifting beams mounted on each climber element that is vertically separated and movable relative to each lifting support; and raising the gripped tower section upward to the lifting position via the climber elements.

[0034] The appropriate method is, The method further includes providing a tower section to each sliding frame traveling on a rail track by providing a multiple upright tower section to each sliding frame traveling on the rail track, thereby providing one tower section to each lifting position, and selectively directing each sliding frame along the rail track area to the lifting position.

[0035] The appropriate method is, The process further includes providing multiple upright tower sections via an SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter) to deliver the tower sections one by one to the lifting position.

[0036] The appropriate method is, The further steps include supporting a supported tower section of an elongated tower having multiple tower sections via a lifting beam supported by each lifting support, and simultaneously supporting further tower sections of the elongated tower via a sliding frame.

[0037] The appropriate method is, The further steps include supporting a supported tower section of an elongated tower having multiple tower sections via one or more lifting beams separated vertically and supported by their respective lifting supports, and simultaneously supporting further tower sections of the elongated tower via a sliding frame.

[0038] The appropriate method is, The process further includes, following the raising of the wind turbine section, moving the raised wind turbine section laterally across the area of ​​the floating platform to its mounting position.

[0039] The appropriate method is, The further step includes, when the erected wind turbine section is directed across the region, holding the floating platform in a desired relative position via at least one gripping member, and optionally via a pair of opposite gripping members.

[0040] The appropriate method is, The further step includes selectively changing the buoyancy of the buoyancy elements as the wind turbine portion is directed across the region, in order to balance the transfer of weight provided by the wind turbine portion with the buoyancy associated with each of at least one buoyancy elements adjacent to the gripping member.

[0041] The appropriate method is, The method further includes the steps of providing a region of the floating platform beneath a raised wind turbine, and optionally, holding the floating platform in a desired relative position via at least one gripping member.

[0042] The appropriate method is, The procedure further includes the steps of securing one or more wing members to a rotor hub supported by the nacelle via a crane element, with the nacelle facing a floating platform, or rotating the elongated tower and / or nacelle in a lifted position and selectively securing each wing member to the rotor hub via a gantry system or other means.

[0043] In an appropriate manner, The lifting location is either the pier area adjacent to the water body on which the floating platform will be located, or the area within the barge itself while it is floating in the water.

[0044] In an appropriate manner, When barges are used, floating platforms can be positioned in remote locations offshore.

[0045] The appropriate method is, The process further includes determining the relative position of a first dimension of the lower region via lateral movement of at least one lifting support along each lifting support trajectory, before fixing the lower region.

[0046] The appropriate method is, The process further includes determining the further dimensional position of the tower end region by selectively moving laterally at least one gripping member that grips the region of the floating platform, before fixing the lower region.

[0047] The appropriate method is, The process further includes determining the degree of rotation of the lifted tower section by selecting a control index rotation for the lifting beam supporting the lifted tower section, before fixing the lower region.

[0048] The appropriate method is, The process further includes providing a rotation of a certain magnitude to the lifted tower section or the lower tower section for the purpose of alignment by controlled rotation of the lifting beams supporting the tower sections, before fixing the tower sections to each other or to the foundation.

[0049] The appropriate method is, The further steps include providing a moment support connection for supporting the tower section via a final sliding frame supporting the lower tower section, providing positioning and sliding connections for the rail track to the horizontal rail, and / or providing vertical height adjustment connections and rotational alignment adjustment connections.

[0050] According to a second aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing a wind turbine (WT), A lifting support comprising at least one lifting support, each having a climber element for relative movement of the lifting support, The device is provided, comprising a rail track extending from a first rail track end to the remaining rail track ends, the rail track being arranged for the delivery of a series of tower sections, each mounted on a sliding frame, to a lifting position adjacent to the lifting support.

[0051] Appropriately, the device is To grip the next tower section in the lifted position, each climber element is further equipped with a lifting beam that is movable relative to each lifting support.

[0052] Appropriately, the device is The lift beam further comprises at least one gripping portion mounted on it for engaging with the outside or inside of the tower section, thereby transmitting the lifting force and support moment of the wind turbine portion to at least one lifting support portion.

[0053] In the appropriate device, Each lifting support section is equipped with a jack tower that includes a vertically positioned track with a bottomed hole or through hole.

[0054] In the appropriate device, Each of the aforementioned climber elements is used to raise the tower section of the wind turbine to its elevated position.

[0055] In the appropriate device, Each of the aforementioned climber elements comprises a lower climber element connected to an upper climber element by a pair of hydraulic cylinders.

[0056] Appropriately, the device is The system further includes a lift beam guide element for the lift beam to directly transmit the weight and bending moment of the raised tower section of the wind turbine from the lift beam to at least one lift support.

[0057] Appropriately, the device is To lift the rotor blade members one by one for attachment to the rotor hub elements of the wind turbine, a crane or gantry located near the lifting position is further provided.

[0058] In the appropriate device, Each lifting support unit is mounted on its respective track in order to translate the lifting support unit along its respective track.

[0059] In the appropriate device, The wind turbine is a floating wind turbine, and the device further comprises at least one gripping member, the gripping member for fixing the floating platform in a desired location.

[0060] A third aspect of the present invention provides a method for providing a floating wind turbine (WT), comprising the steps of raising a wind turbine portion, which comprises at least one elongated tower, a nacelle member in the upper end region of the elongated tower, and at least one blade member, in a lifted position, and providing a floating wind turbine by fixing the lower end region of the elongated tower to a floating platform.

[0061] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of providing a lower tower section in a lifted position, providing a lifted tower section by lifting the lower tower section vertically via at least one lifting support, and raising a wind turbine section by directing at least one further tower section to be in a position below the preceding tower section to the lifted position, and securing the upper region of the further tower section to the lower region of the lifted preceding tower section. Preferably, the lower tower section is the initial tower section.

[0062] Appropriately, the method further includes the steps of repeatedly lifting each tower section and providing the next tower section beneath one or more lifted tower sections until a tower section comprising multiple tower sections is erected.

[0063] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of providing tower sections one by one to a lifting position at a desired location adjacent to at least one lifting support, gripping the next tower section via a lifting beam mounted on each climber element movable relative to each lifting support, and raising the gripped tower section upward to the lifting position via the climber elements.

[0064] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of providing tower sections one by one to a lifting position at a desired location adjacent to at least one lifting support, gripping the next tower section via one or more lifting beams mounted on each climber element that is vertically separated and movable relative to each lifting support, and raising the gripped tower section upward to the lifting position via the climber elements.

[0065] More precisely, a clima element is an example of a lifting system.

[0066] Appropriately, the method further includes the steps of providing a tower section to each sliding frame traveling on a rail track by providing a plurality of upright tower sections to each sliding frame traveling on a rail track, and selectively directing each sliding frame along the area of ​​the rail track to the lifting position.

[0067] Appropriately, the method further includes the step of providing the tower sections one by one to the lifting position by providing multiple upright tower sections via an SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter).

[0068] Appropriately, the method further includes the steps of supporting a supported tower section of an elongated tower having multiple tower sections via a lifting beam supported by each lifting support, and simultaneously supporting further tower sections of the elongated tower via a sliding frame.

[0069] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of supporting a supported tower section of an elongated tower having multiple tower sections via one or more lifting beams separated vertically and supported by their respective lifting supports, and simultaneously supporting further tower sections of the elongated tower via a sliding frame.

[0070] Appropriately, the method further includes the step of raising the wind turbine portion, followed by oriented the raised wind turbine portion laterally across the area of ​​the floating platform toward the mounting position.

[0071] Preferably, the method further includes the step of holding the floating platform in a desired relative position via at least one gripping member and optionally via a pair of opposite gripping members, as the erected wind turbine portion is directed across the area.

[0072] Preferably, the method further includes the step of selectively changing the buoyancy of the buoyancy elements as the wind turbine portion is directed across the region, in order to balance the transfer of weight provided by the wind turbine portion with the buoyancy associated with each of at least one buoyancy elements adjacent to the gripping member.

[0073] Preferably, the method further includes the steps of providing a region of a floating platform beneath an erected wind turbine, and optionally, holding the floating platform in a desired relative position via at least one gripping member.

[0074] Preferably, the method includes the steps of securing one or more blade members to a rotor hub supported by the nacelle via a crane element while the nacelle is facing a floating platform, or rotating the elongated tower and / or nacelle in a lifted position and selectively securing each blade member to the rotor hub via a gantry system or other means.

[0075] Appropriately, the lifting location is either a dock area adjacent to the body of water on which the floating platform is located, or an area on the barge itself while it is floating in the body of water.

[0076] When barges are used appropriately, floating platforms can be positioned in remote locations offshore.

[0077] Preferably, the method further includes the step of determining the relative position of a first dimension of the tower end region via the lateral movement of at least one lifting support along each lifting support trajectory, before fixing the tower end region.

[0078] Preferably, the method further includes the step of determining the further dimensional position of the tower end region by selectively moving laterally at least one gripping member that grips a region of the floating platform before fixing the tower end region.

[0079] Appropriately, the method further includes the step of determining the degree of rotation of the lifted tower section by selecting a control index rotation of the lifting beam supporting the lifted tower section before fixing the tower end region.

[0080] Preferably, the method further includes the step of providing a rotation of a certain magnitude to the lifted tower section or the lower tower section for the purpose of alignment by controlled rotation of the lifting beams supporting the tower sections, before fixing the tower sections to each other or to the foundation.

[0081] Appropriately, the method further includes the steps of providing a moment support connection for supporting the tower section via a final sliding frame supporting the lower tower section, providing a positioning and sliding connection for the rail track to the horizontal rail, and / or providing a vertical height adjustment connection and a rotational alignment adjustment connection.

[0082] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for providing a floating wind turbine (WT) is provided, comprising at least one lifting support, each having a climber element for relative movement above or below the lifting support; a rail track extending from a first rail track end to the remaining rail track ends; and at least one gripping member for fixing a floating platform at a desired location, wherein the rail track is arranged for the delivery of a series of tower sections, each mounted on a sliding frame, to a lifting position adjacent to the lifting support.

[0083] Suitablely, at least one support comprises a pair of spaced support frames, each having a rigid vertical support extending far from the support surface, the rail track extending between the spaced support frames, and the position on the track between the spaced support frames coincides with the lifted position.

[0084] Ideally, the lift position is between at least one support and optionally between at least two support. If the lift support includes a cantilever, the lift position may be offset to some extent from the exact point between the two points.

[0085] Ideally, each support section includes a jack tower with a vertically positioned track in a bottomed or through hole.

[0086] Ideally, each support is positioned on a support sliding trolley that can be positioned along its respective support sliding track adjacent to the rail track.

[0087] Ideally, each support slide trolley can be positioned along the support frame slide track between a first position adjacent to the lifting position and a second position in which the support can be positioned to lower the wind turbine section onto the floating platform.

[0088] Ideally, the apparatus further includes a crane or gantry positioned near the lifting location to raise the rotor blade members one by one toward attachment to the rotor hub element of the wind turbine section.

[0089] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a barge or dock area is provided that is equipped with the apparatus of the fourth aspect.

[0090] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a floating wind turbine is provided, comprising a wind turbine section and a floating platform according to a fourth aspect.

[0091] A seventh aspect of the present invention provides a method for the disposal or maintenance of a floating wind turbine (WT), comprising the steps of: positioning the floating wind turbine, which includes a floating platform, in a disposal or maintenance position and gripping a portion of the floating platform via at least one gripping member; releasing the lower end region of the elongated tower of the wind turbine from the floating platform; directing the wind turbine portion, which includes the released tower, associated nacelle members, and at least one blade member, toward a lifted position away from the floating platform; and subsequently removing at least one of the blade member, tower section, and / or nacelle member from the wind turbine portion, with the remaining tower section supported via a sliding frame on a rail track or at least one of lifting supports adjacent to the remaining tower section of the wind turbine portion.

[0092] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of fastening the remaining tower sections at at least two spaced-apart locations via each sliding frame and at least one lifting beam connected to at least one support.

[0093] Appropriately, the method further includes the steps of orienting the wind turbine portion to move laterally away from the floating platform, and / or orienting the wind turbine portion to move vertically upward away from its mounting position on the floating platform.

[0094] Appropriately, the method further includes the steps of removing the tower sections one by one in the lifted position by releasing the tower section, lifting one or more upper tower sections simultaneously, and removing the lowest tower section in the sliding frame along a rail track or along another delivery path such as an SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter).

[0095] Appropriately, the method further includes the steps of replacing the used nacelle members with additional nacelle members, then erecting an elongated tower again and securing one or more rotor blades to the rotor hub, and then securing the tower end region of the elongated tower, which includes the additional nacelle members, to a floating platform.

[0096] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides an elongated structure and a method for assembling the elongated structure.

[0097] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a floating offshore wind turbine (WT) and a method for assembling a floating offshore WT.

[0098] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a ground-based jacking rig and translational assembly that allows an assembled wind turbine to be translated from the dock area to a floating structure (floating platform support) using buoyancy-supported rails, thereby reducing the magnitude of the forces applied to the dock area.

[0099] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a ground-based jacking rig (or other lifting device) and translational assembly that allows an assembled wind turbine to be translated from a dock area to a floating structure (floating platform support) using cantilever lift to reduce the magnitude of the applied force.

[0100] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a floating or offshore jacking rig and translational assembly that allows an assembled wind turbine to be translated from a barge or ship to a floating structure (floating platform support) using buoyancy-supported rails on a barge or ship in order to reduce the magnitude of the applied force.

[0101] A particular embodiment provides a buoyancy-supported rail, which is a rail directly mounted on the barge / ship, and a barge / ship that is shaped like a "U" at the front, ready to receive a floating object.

[0102] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides an assembly technique that, in relation to the nacelle lifting step of the prior art, reduces the height required for the initial lift and allows a more readily available mobile crane or crawler crane to be used as a base for the initial lift. This eliminates the need for VLRC or a large floating crane.

[0103] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the loads and moments of the nacelle, hub, wings, and tower during assembly are supported by a combination of jacking and gliding systems that are directly exerted on one or more flange areas of the WT tower. This is an inherently high-strength area of ​​the WT designed to transmit / withstand large forces.

[0104] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a lifting system for positioning a fully assembled turbine on a floating platform.

[0105] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, one or more lifting beams provide lifting and rotational indexing of components to assist in the alignment of various fastener patterns, including a fully assembled WT, when the fully assembled WT is positioned in a foundation bolt pattern.

[0106] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides that a sliding system can provide rotational indexing and alignment of components installed for aligning fasteners. This is an improvement over conventional indexing using heavy-load lifting beam connections.

[0107] Optionally, the fastener is a bolt pattern.

[0108] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides that the jack rig always remains at the bottom of the tower. This is helpful because it does not need to be lowered from above the mast at the end of the assembly and does not require the addition of a drive case to the wind turbine tower design.

[0109] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides an improvement in that wing installation is carried out at a lower height than is possible in conventional lifting and assembly processes.

[0110] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the application of two point-like gripping portions from the gantry structure can assist in controlling the wing in stronger wind conditions, improving both operational safety and performance in fair weather.

[0111] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a gripping assembly based on a dock, barge, or ship that assists in controlling and positioning a floating platform, such as a tripod, relative to ground-based lifting equipment, for several different phases of the installation process, including moving the floating platform between locations.

[0112] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides that a gripping section with a foundation on a dock, barge, or ship can help control the precise movement of the foundation during alignment and assembly.

[0113] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a gripping section based on a dock, barge, or ship that allows for the control and movement of a floating platform, reducing reliance on mooring systems / winch ropes, along with an increased association with safety.

[0114] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides an assembly system that integrates with an existing available mobile crane or crawler crane and utilizes these cranes to assemble a larger WT than could be achieved by normal lifting and assembly operations.

[0115] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a variable buoyancy frame that helps minimize the load exerted on the quay end and helps to transfer the force away from the floating foundation until the final bolted installation connection is complete.

[0116] Certain embodiments provide that buoyancy is required only to respond to vertical loads, and that the buoyancy is stabilized and the moment is responded to by a pivot stabilizing frame mounted on a quay or seabed.

[0117] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the use of buoyancy to counteract the full load of the WT and jack rig provides progressive and variable support, which helps in soft landing and avoidance of impact loads between the WT and the foundation when the WT and the foundation are coupled.

[0118] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides that a large-reach crane is not required to disassemble / remove the lifting system at the end of the assembly process. The proposed system remains at the bottom of the tower and is removed simply by sliding the empty jack tower back to its assembly position on the ground.

[0119] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the proposed equipment allows multiple wind turbines to be assembled at different stages, thereby reducing the number of critical path lifts required to assemble the wind turbines.

[0120] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the proposed equipment allows for a relatively safe location throughout the assembly process and enables a reduction in the length of weather-sensitive operations. This increases the efficiency of the operation and reduces the risks associated with weather conditions.

[0121] In particular embodiments of the present invention, the wing is installed at a lower height than in certain known techniques, which provides an improvement in the wind load on the wing and / or a reduction in the wind load on the wing due to the lowered height.

[0122] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides that wing installation can be carried out using a pair of guides supported by a widely divided lightweight gantry, which helps stabilize the wing and improve wind conditions that allow wing assembly to be carried out safely. This helps to increase the range of use.

[0123] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a gradual assembly of a wind turbine with a mast section installed from below the center of gravity by a jacking system, which lifts the WT upward to provide space for subsequent components of the tower located below.

[0124] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a progressive assembly of a wind turbine that uses a lift from below the center of gravity, with moment stability and lifting loads applied in the shape of the tower flanges inside and / or outside the tower, in order to deal with applied wind loads, off-vertical loads, and weight.

[0125] In certain embodiments of the present invention, many or all lifting machines are guided and controlled, eliminating the need for the use of tagger lines and thus consequently eliminating the specific associated safety hazards.

[0126] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an opportunity to install nacelles and wings below the full / final hub height.

[0127] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an opportunity to use a crane that is more readily available than a VLRC and / or a large floating crane or jack-up crane for assembling the WT.

[0128] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides multiple lifting and guiding mechanisms for wind turbine blades for improved assembly in stronger wind conditions. This results in improved safety and operability.

[0129] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a combination of a dock, barge, or ship-based gripping section and a wing-supporting gantry assembly for improved alignment and moment control during wing installation and bolting.

[0130] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a gripping section for a dock, barge, or ship that has a foundation, for moving and referencing a floating foundation during assembly operations.

[0131] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a floating platform with a lifting rig support for final alignment and placement of components previously installed by the lifting rig support to another floating support.

[0132] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides WT movement and positioning across a floating platform by a rail-mounted sliding system.

[0133] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a floating buoyancy support that provides controlled weight transfer when a WT is moved from the ground to a floating platform. Buoyancy can be selectively controlled by pumping water out of and into the buoyancy support.

[0134] In certain embodiments of the present invention, the buoyancy support structure is optionally fully submersible, eliminating the effects of tidal and wave changes during the lifting process.

[0135] In a particular embodiment of the present invention, a floating platform is stabilized during assembly by rails that are in contact with a reaction pad that is based on the ground or on a barge or ship, and by transverse beams that support a gripping section that is based on a dock, barge, or ship.

[0136] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides rotational index control and alignment of a WT mast fastener for improved alignment and fastener engagement.

[0137] The fastener can optionally be a bolt.

[0138] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides rotational indexing compliance provided by a ground or sea-based sliding rig "knee bearing" that uses the deflection of a multi-plate elastomer bridge bearing to allow bearing forces in the vertical direction, coupled with the ability to provide small amounts of lateral translation and indexing rotation without being subjected to rattle or stick-slip behavior. A hole pitch (140 mm) in a 5.26 m PCR is equivalent to a rotation of 0.763 degrees. To help support the weight of WT in the vertical direction, the system optionally comprises four elastomer bridge bearings (load capacity of 9694 kN) with a shear strength of 18 mm. The four bearings in the central tile help provide rotational capability using a shear of ±1.90 degrees, which is greater than twice the required rotation.

[0139] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a knee support for a ground or sea-based sliding system that, when aligned, helps to provide the ability to respond to a moment and subsequently progressively reduce a moment constraint by changing the control state of the hydraulic cylinder at its outer edge in a manner that responds to a moment induced by wind onto the hydraulic cylinder.

[0140] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides an assembly of an elongated structure, i.e., a long structure, i.e., a structure longer than 10m, optionally longer than 20m, which can be erected part by part / section, thereby enabling the assembly process to be carried out in strong wind conditions without the risk of tipping over and catastrophic failure.

[0141] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a lifting method that uses a climber element capable of progressively climbing a rigid frame structure in order to lift a physically large / heavy object.

[0142] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a method and apparatus for the balanced transfer of mass / weight of a massive object, such as a wind turbine section, when it is moved from a rigid ground or vessel-based location to a floating platform. This allows for the lateral translation of the wind turbine section without having to face a considerable incline, and allows the floating platform to be provided adjacent to the ground-based location (or a floating vessel-based location) while floating.

[0143] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for the disposal and / or maintenance of elongated structures such as floating wind turbines. In such embodiments, the floating wind turbine can be mounted on a dock (a place with a foundation on the ground) or on a floating vessel such as a maintenance barge, so that the wind turbine section, comprising the tower, nacelle, and rotor, can be lifted from the floating platform and subsequently disassembled at the dock or barge, allowing one or more elements of the wind turbine section to be replaced. This helps in replacing broken or old parts of the floating wind turbine section. The wind turbine section can then be reassembled and subsequently lifted again to the floating platform, where the wind turbine section is fixed in place in its mounting position, and the floating wind turbine can then be floated away for reuse.

[0144] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a gantry system that can be used to continuously load the rotor blades of a wind turbine onto the rotor hub of a wind turbine, which is supported by a rotor shaft in the nacelle. The gantry system can hold the rotor blades in fixed locations for fixing them to the rotor hub. The fixed locations are at least two dimensions of the movement of each rotor blade, which provide an effective mechanism / method for mounting the rotor blades, and optionally help to fix three dimensions.

[0145] A particular embodiment of the present invention provides a sliding frame that can be used to translate a massive object, that is, to move it laterally in a given dimension. Optionally, the massive object may weigh 10,000 kg or more. Optionally, the massive object may weigh 1,000,000 kg or more. The sliding frame, which can move the object and transport it along a desired path, also fixes the base region of the massive object while the object is held in an upright position. This helps to prevent the slender elements from tipping over.

[0146] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described using only examples and with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0147] [Figure 1] This is a diagram of the pier environment and floating platform. [Figure 2] This diagram shows the upper tower section of a wind turbine being moved during the assembly process for building a wind turbine at a pier. [Figure 3] This diagram shows the upper tower section of a wind turbine being secured to a jack rig during the assembly process. [Figure 4] This diagram shows the upper tower section of a wind turbine being raised using a jack rig during the assembly process for building a wind turbine. [Figure 5]This diagram shows the wind turbine after the sliding trolley has been removed from beneath the upper tower section during the assembly process. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the intermediate tower section of a wind turbine being moved during the assembly process. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the intermediate tower section of a wind turbine being fixed to the upper section of the wind turbine during the assembly process. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the first blade being installed on the wind turbine during the assembly process. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the installation of the second blade into the wind turbine during the assembly process. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the third blade being installed on the wind turbine during the assembly process. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the assembly process for a wind turbine, specifically the lowering of a lifting trolley around a partially constructed wind turbine. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the upper tower section and the middle tower section of the wind turbine being raised on the jack rig during the assembly process for building a wind turbine. [Figure 13] This diagram shows the wind turbine after the sliding trolley has been removed from the bottom of the intermediate tower section during the assembly process. [Figure 14] This diagram shows the lower tower section of a wind turbine being moved during the assembly process. [Figure 15] This diagram shows the lower tower section of a wind turbine fixed to the middle section of the wind turbine during the assembly process. [Figure 16]This diagram shows an assembled wind turbine being raised on a jack rig. [Figure 17] This diagram shows the jack rigs supporting the assembled wind turbines being moved so that they extend out from the pier and are positioned above the floating platform. [Figure 18] This diagram shows an assembled wind turbine being lowered using a jack rig. [Figure 19] This diagram shows an assembled wind turbine, fixed to a floating platform, released from its jacking rig. [Figure 20] This diagram shows the jack rig moved from its position protruding from the pier to the pier itself. [Figure 21A] This diagram shows the upper tower section of a wind turbine in a linear form, viewed from three different perspectives. [Figure 21B] This diagram shows the upper tower section of a wind turbine in a linear form, viewed from three different perspectives. [Figure 21C] This diagram shows the upper tower section of a wind turbine in a linear form, viewed from three different perspectives. [Figure 22A] These are diagrams showing the intermediate tower section of a wind turbine from three different perspectives. [Figure 22B] These are diagrams showing the intermediate tower section of a wind turbine from three different perspectives. [Figure 22C] These are diagrams showing the intermediate tower section of a wind turbine from three different perspectives. [Figure 23A] These are diagrams in the form of lines showing the use of a ground-based crane to install wind turbine blades from three different viewpoints. [Figure 23B] These are diagrams in the form of lines showing the use of a ground-based crane to install wind turbine blades from three different viewpoints. [Figure 23C]These are diagrams in the form of lines showing the use of a ground-based crane to install wind turbine blades from three different viewpoints. [Figure 24A] This diagram shows the adjusted gripping of the jack rig on a partially assembled wind turbine from three different viewpoints, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 24B] This diagram shows the adjusted gripping of the jack rig on a partially assembled wind turbine from three different viewpoints, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 24C] This diagram shows the adjusted gripping of the jack rig on a partially assembled wind turbine from three different viewpoints, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 25A] These are diagrams in the form of lines showing a partially assembled wind turbine being raised using a jack rig, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 25B] These are diagrams in the form of lines showing a partially assembled wind turbine being raised using a jack rig, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 25C] These are diagrams in the form of lines showing a partially assembled wind turbine being raised using a jack rig, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 26A] These are diagrams showing the lower tower section of a wind turbine from three different perspectives. [Figure 26B] These are diagrams showing the lower tower section of a wind turbine from three different perspectives. [Figure 26C] These are diagrams showing the lower tower section of a wind turbine from three different perspectives. [Figure 27A] These are diagrams in the form of lines showing a wind turbine being raised using a jack rig and the sliding frame removed, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 27B] These are diagrams in the form of lines showing a wind turbine being raised using a jack rig and the sliding frame removed, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 27C] These are diagrams in the form of lines showing a wind turbine being raised using a jack rig and the sliding frame removed, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 28A] This diagram, in the form of a line drawing, shows a wind turbine being moved to a floating platform using a jack rig and a sliding frame from three different viewpoints. [Figure 28B] This diagram, in the form of a line drawing, shows a wind turbine being moved to a floating platform using a jack rig and a sliding frame from three different viewpoints. [Figure 28C] This diagram, in the form of a line drawing, shows a wind turbine being moved to a floating platform using a jack rig and a sliding frame from three different viewpoints. [Figure 29A] These are diagrams showing a wind turbine installed on a floating platform from three different perspectives. [Figure 29B] These are diagrams showing a wind turbine installed on a floating platform from three different perspectives. [Figure 29C] These are diagrams showing a wind turbine installed on a floating platform from three different perspectives. [Figure 30A] These are diagrams showing the jack rig moved to the pier from three different perspectives. [Figure 30B] These are diagrams showing the jack rig moved to the pier from three different perspectives. [Figure 30C] These are diagrams showing the jack rig moved to the pier from three different perspectives. [Figure 31A] This diagram shows the floating platform being released and towed away from three different viewpoints, in a linear form. [Figure 31B] This diagram shows the floating platform being released and towed away from three different viewpoints, in a linear form. [Figure 31C]This diagram shows the floating platform being released and towed away from three different viewpoints, in a linear form. [Figure 32A] This diagram shows the floating support rails and dock gripping sections in three different perspectives. [Figure 32B] This diagram shows the floating support rails and dock gripping sections in three different perspectives. [Figure 32C] This diagram shows the floating support rails and dock gripping sections in three different perspectives. [Figure 33A] This is a diagram of the sliding frame in line diagram form from three different viewpoints. [Figure 33B] This is a diagram of the sliding frame in line diagram form from three different viewpoints. [Figure 33C] This is a diagram of the sliding frame in line diagram form from three different viewpoints. [Figure 34] This is a 3D view of the sliding frame. [Figure 35A] These are diagrams of a jack rig in the form of a line diagram, from three different perspectives. [Figure 35B] These are diagrams of a jack rig in the form of a line diagram, from three different perspectives. [Figure 35C] These are diagrams of a jack rig in the form of a line diagram, from three different perspectives. [Figure 36A] This is a diagram in the form of a line diagram of crime elements from three different perspectives. [Figure 36B] This is a diagram in the form of a line diagram of crime elements from three different perspectives. [Figure 36C] This is a diagram in the form of a line diagram of crime elements from three different perspectives. [Figure 37A] This is a diagram of the lifting beam of a jack rig in the form of a line diagram, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 37B] This is a diagram of the lifting beam of a jack rig in the form of a line diagram, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 37C] This is a diagram of the lifting beam of a jack rig in the form of a line diagram, from three different viewpoints. [Figure 38A] This diagram shows, in the form of a line diagram, the installation of an alternative wind turbine blade using a blade guide from three different viewpoints. [Figure 38B] This diagram shows, in the form of a line diagram, the installation of an alternative wind turbine blade using a blade guide from three different viewpoints. [Figure 38C] This diagram shows, in the form of a line diagram, the installation of an alternative wind turbine blade using a blade guide from three different viewpoints. [Figure 39A] This diagram illustrates, in the form of a line diagram, the installation of an alternative wind turbine blade using a blade guide on a floating vessel from three different perspectives. [Figure 39B] This diagram illustrates, in the form of a line diagram, the installation of an alternative wind turbine blade using a blade guide on a floating vessel from three different perspectives. [Figure 39C] This diagram illustrates, in the form of a line diagram, the installation of an alternative wind turbine blade using a blade guide on a floating vessel from three different perspectives. [Figure 40A] This diagram shows alternative diagrams of the climbing elements for raising and lowering the lifting beam of a jack rig, from two different perspectives. [Figure 40B] This diagram shows alternative diagrams of the climbing elements for raising and lowering the lifting beam of a jack rig, from two different perspectives. [Figure 41A] This diagram, in the form of a line drawing, shows the assembly and installation of an alternative wind turbine on a floating platform, with assembly taking place at the protruding support section, from two different perspectives. [Figure 41B] This diagram, in the form of a line drawing, shows the assembly and installation of an alternative wind turbine on a floating platform, with assembly taking place at the protruding support section, from two different perspectives. [Figure 42A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 42B] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 42C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 43A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 43B] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 43C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 44A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 44B] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 44C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 45A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 45B] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 45C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 46A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 46B]This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 46C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 47A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 47B] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 47C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 48A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 48B] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 48C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 49A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 49B] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 49C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 50A] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 50B] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Figure 50C] This diagram shows the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, performed on a floating vessel, from three different perspectives, in the form of a line diagram. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0148] In drawings, similar symbols refer to the same parts.

[0149] Figure 1 shows a dock environment 100. A dock area 110 is shown in Figure 1, but it will be understood that certain embodiments of the present invention are applicable to land areas in direct proximity to a water area 105. The water area 105 shown in Figure 1 is a seawater area. As shown in Figure 1, the dock area 110 is substantially flat and rigid and has an upper surface 115 capable of supporting a load-bearing structure. The edge 120 of the illustrated dock area includes reinforcing elements in the form of piles driven into the ground.

[0150] While a land area and an adjacent water area are shown in Figure 1, it is understood that, according to certain other embodiments of the present invention, a floating area, such as that provided by the surface of a floating vessel like a barge, can similarly be utilized to provide a substantially flat and rigid upper surface capable of supporting a load-bearing structure. The port, starboard, forward, or aft edge of a barge or floating vessel can be utilized to provide an edge area adjacent to the floating water area for assembly purposes.

[0151] Figure 1 shows a floating platform 130 in the form of a submersible tripod platform. The floating platform has buoyancy which can be selected by supplying air and / or water to or from various parts of the platform. The floating platform 130 is held in place by a platform mounting section 132. The platform mounting section 132 comprises two parallel rods and a connecting plate. It is understood that the floating platform 130 may be held in place by alternative means using different methods. The platform mounting section 132 may also be referred to as a dock gripping section. A dock gripping section is an example of a gripping member. As shown in Figure 1, the floating platform comprises three main legs 1351, 1352, and 1353, and in Figure 1, each main leg 135 is partially submerged, i.e., below the waterline.

[0152] The floating platform 130 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a floating platform that can be moved out of the dock area to offshore locations, where the wind turbine can be deployed in wind power zone conditions. The platform can be roped, moored, and / or anchored at the desired location via conventional means. Although a tripod floating platform is shown in Figure 1, it is understood that certain other embodiments of the present invention are applicable to the mounting of wind turbine towers onto various possible floating platforms. Thus, the floating platform may be a floating platform based on spars, a floating platform based on tripods, or other types of floating platforms that can support the tower, the wind turbine unit, and associated blades at offshore locations. For example, the floating platform 130 may be a spar buoy, a central tripod, or a quadrilateral, etc.

[0153] While certain embodiments of the present invention relate to offshore settings, it should be understood that this does not necessarily mean that wind turbines can be deployed in marine or saltwater environments. Rather, freshwater bodies, such as large lakes or reservoirs, may be the site for wind turbines manufactured / assembled according to certain embodiments of the present invention.

[0154] In particular embodiments of the present invention, when elongated elements such as wind turbine sections are assembled, matters relating to construction / assembly / demolition with a foundation on the ground are similarly understood.

[0155] Figure 1 helps illustrate how an upper tower section 140, including a nacelle 142 and a tower section, can be positioned on a dock. While the illustrated tower generally has a cylindrical shaft-like configuration, the invention is applicable to the rise of other elongated structural sections. The nacelle is fixed in a swivel configuration near the top of the upper tower section 140. The upper tower section 140 also includes a hub 143 to which wind turbine blades can be attached. A sliding trolley (not shown in Figure 1) travels along a section of track 150, which is firmly mounted on the dock area surface 110. The sliding trolley may also be referred to as a lower sliding frame. The downward sliding frame can be moved along track 150 to move the upper tower section and the nacelle mounted on the upper tower section laterally toward or toward the water body, and consequently toward or toward the floating platform. In some examples, the downward sliding trolley can travel on sliding supports in track 150. The downward sliding trolley (as may be shown in Figures 33, 34, etc.) has an array of internal flange fasteners. The upper tower section 140 may have a bottom flange (not shown). The internal flange fasteners of the downward sliding trolley can be fixed to the bottom flange of the upper tower section 140. The internal flange fasteners can help position the upper tower section 140. Optionally, the internal flange fasteners can help provide a moment support function, i.e., help support moments applied to the upper tower section 140.

[0156] Figure 1 helps to show the intermediate tower section 155 in each sliding section 160 and the lower tower section 165 in the associated sliding section 170. The sliding sections allow for the translation of the assembled parts to be moved independently and selectively along the track. The sliding sections can be delivered to the receiving end area of ​​the track by any suitable conventional means, such as by a truck or train. In Figure 1, the upper tower section 140, the intermediate tower section 155, and the lower tower section 165 can be seen as being on an assembly line guided by the track 150.

[0157] It is understood that the upper tower section 140 can be secured to the sliding section (sliding frame) 210 (shown in Figure 2) using an internal flange gripping tool. The internal flange gripping tool may have sufficient capacity to withstand the wind loads of storm forces. The intermediate tower section 155 and the lower section 165 can also be secured to their respective sliding sections 160, 170 using an internal flange gripping tool.

[0158] Also shown in Figure 1 is a jack rig 180 including a first jack support 185 and a further jack support 190. The first jack support 185 is spaced apart from and aligned with the further jack support 190. The jack supports 185, 190 are rigid, tower-like structures supported by a base 195 that extends vertically upward from the dock area to assist in lifting parts as needed. The first jack support 185 is associated with a first base 1951. The further jack support 190 is associated with a further base 1952. It is understood that jacking is a lifting technique.

[0159] Figure 2 shows the next step in the assembly process, in which the upper tower section 140 with the nacelle 142 is moved to a lifted position where it is positioned between two support sections 185 and 190 of the jack station 180. In other words, in the lifted position, the center point of the bottom of the upper tower 140 in Figure 2 is equidistant from the first support section 185 and the further support section 190. This is achieved by moving the sliding section 210 on which the upper tower section 140 is mounted from its initial position to the lifted position along the track 150. It is understood that the upper tower section 140 can be mounted on the sliding section using bolts, internal flange fasteners, or locking mechanisms. Optionally, the vertical load of the wind turbine mass can be supported by the central elastomer bearing. Optionally, SK Bearings - Laminated Elastomeric Bearing SKE500320906.0)3437 can be used to secure the elements during the assembly process. It is understood that the upper tower section 140 can be adequately supported by the sliding section 210 in order to help prevent it from tipping over when exposed to wind. In the lifted position, the upper tower section 140 is located near the edge area 120 of the dock area 110.

[0160] Figures 3–20 below illustrate how wind turbines can be assembled on a quay and how they can be installed on a floating platform. It is understood that the floating platform may be a square tripod, spar buoy, central tripod, or quadrilateral, etc. It is understood that wind turbines can be assembled and installed on a floating platform using some of the steps shown in Figures 3–20 by replacing some steps, including but not limited to the steps outlined below, with alternative steps, or in any combination. It is understood that Figures 3–20 can illustrate how wind turbines can be assembled on a floating vessel, ship, or platform, etc., and how they can be installed on a floating platform. It is also understood that Figures 3–20 can illustrate how a fully assembled wind turbine can be disassembled by applying the steps in reverse. Disassembly of a fully assembled wind turbine can be used for repair or removal, etc. Subsequent reconstruction and redeployment can be made equally easy.

[0161] Figure 3 shows how the lifting point 300 at the first jack station support 185 and the associated lifting point 310 at the opposite upright jack station support 190 are secured to the upper tower section 140 of the wind turbine tower via a lifting beam 320. The lifting beam can be secured to the upper tower section 140 using gripping elements or bolts, etc. It is understood that the lifting points may sometimes be referred to as climbing elements.

[0162] Climbing element 300 comprises a lower climbing element 3001 and an upper climbing element 3002. It is understood that climbing elements 3001 and 3002 can be collectively referred to as a climber system. Climbing elements 3001 and 3002 are provided with protruding arms at both ends of a central plate. In Figure 3, climbing element 300 is attached to the first jack support 185 by spring-loaded engagement pins on the protruding arms. That is, the pins of climbing element 300 are engaged with the first jack support 185 by default. The spring-loaded engagement pins can be disengaged using hydraulic pressure to resist the tension of the spring. Climbing element 310 comprises a lower climbing element 3101 and an upper climbing element 3102. It is understood that climbing elements 3101 and 3102 can be collectively referred to as a climber system. The climbing elements 3101 and 3102 are provided with protruding arms at both ends of a central plate. Climbing element 310 is attached to the additional jack support 190 by a spring-loaded engagement pin in the protruding arm. That is, the pin of climbing element 310 is engaged with the additional jack support 190 by default. The spring-loaded engagement pin can be disengaged using hydraulic pressure to resist the tension of the spring. It is understood that, at times, climbing elements 300 and 310 can be attached to the jack rig 180 using clips, fasteners, or any other fastening mechanism. The lower climbing element 3001 is connected to the upper climbing element 3002 by a pair of vertically positioned hydraulic cylinders. That is, the gap between the lower climbing element 3001 and the upper climbing element 3002 can be selectively increased by operating the hydraulic cylinders attached to the climbing elements 3001 and 3002. It is understood that any number of hydraulic cylinders can be used to change the gap between the climb elements 3001 and 3002. Similarly, the lower climb element 3101 is connected to the upper climb element 3102 by a pair of vertically positioned hydraulic cylinders. In other words, the gap between the lower climb element 3101 and the upper climb element 3102 can be selectively increased by operating the hydraulic cylinders attached to the climb elements 3101 and 3102.It is understood that any number of hydraulic cylinders can be used to change the gap between climb elements 3101 and 3102. Repeatedly increasing and decreasing the distance between the separated climber elements helps the elements rise or fall while supporting the load and resisting moment imparted by the lifted portion of the WT.

[0163] The lifting beam 320 is fixed to the climbing elements 300 and 310. While the lifting beam in Figure 3 has an arc shape, it is understood that alternative shapes of the lifting beam can be used. The central axis of the arc of the lifting beam 320 is on the same axis as the lifting position of the jack rig 180. The lifting beam 320 can be fixed to the climbing elements 300 and 310 using pins, bolts, or fasteners. The lifting beam 320 has a series of tower grips (not shown). The tower grips engage with features in tower sections 140, 155, or 165, etc., thereby helping to transfer the weight of the tower sections to the jack rig 180. The tower grips can also help to transfer bending moments from the tower sections to the jack rig 180. It is understood that certain embodiments may feature two or more lifting beams that can be separated vertically and engaged independently with the tower section at suitable locations, such as other tower flanges, in order to help respond as a coupling force to at least a portion of the moment from the tower.

[0164] Once the upper tower section 140 is secured to the jack rig 180 via the lift beam 320 and climb elements 300, 310, the anchoring elements that secured the upper tower section 140 to the sliding section 210 can be removed. In other words, in Figure 3, the sliding section 210 is detached from the upper tower section 140 so that the sliding section and the upper tower section can move independently.

[0165] Figure 4 illustrates the lifting process, showing how the jack stations and the climb elements connected to their respective jack supports can drive the upper tower section 140 and the associated nacelle 142 toward a first height position. In Figure 4, the arrangement of internal flange fasteners 410 described in Figure 1 with respect to the sliding trolley can also be seen. Figure 4 helps to show how the sliding section 210 of the first tower section may be left behind when the upper tower section 140 is raised. Optionally, the upper tower section 140 can be raised to at least 1 meter, 5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters, or 30 meters, etc. The first jack support 185 has a series of vertical holes 420 on the water-side face and on the dock face near the edge of the longest side of the first jack support 185. A further jack support 190 has a corresponding series of vertical holes 430. A series of vertical holes 420 are aligned with a corresponding series of vertical holes 430. That is, for every hole in the first jack support 185, there may be a hole at the same height in a further jack support 190. Optionally, the holes 420 and 430 do not have to be aligned. Optionally, all holes may be in one or more supports that can support a climber / hoisting unit and a lifting beam in a cantilever configuration.

[0166] The upper tower section 140 is lifted from the ground level (as shown in Figure 3) to a first height position by the climbing elements 300, 310. The lower climbing element 3001 is attached to one end of the lifting beam 320 by a pair of pins. Similarly, the other lower climbing element 3101 is attached to the other end of the lifting beam 320 by a pair of pins. It is understood that three or more pins may be used, or alternatively, the lower climbing elements 3001, 3101 may be fixed to the lifting beam using bolts or fasteners, etc. Starting from when the lower climbing elements 3001, 3101 are fixed, the climber system (collectively, the upper climbing elements and lower climbing elements) climbs in sync with the first jack support 185 and the further jack support 190 as follows:

[0167] The spring pins in the lower climbing elements 3001 and 3101 extend into vertical holes 420 and 430, while the spring pins in the upper climbing elements 3002 and 3102 are retracted from the vertical holes 420 and 430 of the corresponding first jack support 185 and further jack support 190. In other words, the spring pin in the lower climbing element 3001 extends into the vertical hole 420 of the first jack support 185, the spring pin in the corresponding lower climbing element 3101 also extends into the vertical hole 430 of the further jack support 190, the spring pin in the upper climbing element 3002 is retracted from the vertical hole 420 of the first jack support 185, and the spring pin in the corresponding upper climbing element 3102 is also retracted from the vertical hole 430 of the further jack support 190. Next, a pair of vertically positioned hydraulic cylinders connecting the lower climb element 3001 to the upper climb element 3002 associated with the first jack support 185 is extended simultaneously with the corresponding hydraulic cylinders connecting the corresponding lower climb element 3101 to the upper climb element 3102 associated with the further jack support 190. As a result, the upper climb elements 3002, 3102 are guided vertically upward along their respective jack support 185, 190. That is, the upper climb element 3002 is guided along the long edge of the first jack support 185 to an intermediate position along the vertical axis of the first jack support 185, and the upper climb element 3102 is guided along the long edge of the further jack support 190 to a corresponding intermediate position along the vertical axis of the further jack support 190. Next, the spring pins in the upper climbing elements 3002 and 3102 are extended into the vertical holes 420 and 430, while the spring pins in the lower climbing elements 3002 and 3102 are retracted from the vertical holes 420 and 430 of the corresponding first jack support 185 and further jack support 190.In other words, the spring pin in the upper climbing element 3002 extends into the vertical hole 420 of the first jack support 185, the spring pin in the corresponding upper climbing element 3102 also extends into the vertical hole 430 of a further jack support 190, the spring pin in the lower climbing element 3001 is retracted from the vertical hole 420 of the first jack support 185, and the spring pin in the corresponding lower climbing element 3101 is also retracted from the vertical hole 430 of a further jack support 190. Next, the lower climb element 3001 is retracted simultaneously with the corresponding hydraulic cylinders connected to the upper climb element 3002 associated with the first jack support 185, which are vertically positioned and connected to the lower climb element 3101, which are connected to the corresponding upper climb element 3102 associated with the further jack support 190, which are also retracted. As a result, the lower climb elements 3001, 3101 are guided vertically upward along their respective jack support 185, 190. That is, the lower climb element 3001 is guided along the long edge of the first jack support 185 to another position along the vertical axis of the first jack support 185, and the lower climb element 3101 is guided along the long edge of the further jack support 190 to a corresponding position along the vertical axis of the further jack support 190. Next, the process is repeated so that the spring pins of the lower climbing elements 3001, 3101 are extended again into the holes 420, 430 of the corresponding jack supports 185, 190 as required to reach the desired height. Once the desired height is reached, the lifting beam 320 can optionally extend the lifting beam guide elements into the hole 420 of the first jack support 185 and into the hole 430 of the further jack support 190. The lifting beam guide elements can provide additional support by directly transferring either the weight or bending moment of the upper tower section 140 from the lifting beam 320 to the jack supports 185, 190.

[0168] In this configuration, the lift beam 320, which can be fixed to the climb elements 300, 310, is raised vertically upward. Correspondingly, the upper tower section 140, which can be fixed to the lift beam 320, is raised vertically upward. In effect, the upper tower section 140 is raised vertically away from its sliding section 210 until it is raised to the first height position shown in Figure 4.

[0169] Figure 5 shows the removal of the sliding section 210 previously used to support and position the upper tower section 140 and the associated nacelle 142. In Figure 5, the upper tower section 140 is gripped by a lift beam 320, which is held in place by climb elements 3001, 3002, 3101, and 3102 attached to holes 420 and 430 in the jack supports 185 and 190. The lift beam 320 may also be supported by lift beam guides extending into holes 420 and 430 in the jack supports 185 and 190.

[0170] Figure 6 shows how the next slide trolley carrying the intermediate tower section 155 is driven to the lifted center position. The intermediate section provides the central part of the tower. It is understood that certain embodiments of the present invention may be used in multi-section elongated structures which may have one, two, three, four, or more structural sections that need to be lifted sequentially and then secured to one another. In Figure 6, the intermediate tower section 155 is moved to a lifted position which is located between two support sections 185, 190 of the jack station 180. In other words, in the lifted position, the center point of the bottom of the intermediate tower section 155 in Figure 6 is equidistant from the first jack support section 185 and the further jack support section 190. This is achieved by moving each slide section 160 on which the intermediate tower section 155 is mounted from its initial position to the lifted position along the track 150. It is understood that the intermediate tower section 155 may be mounted on the slide section using bolts, internal flange fasteners, or locking mechanisms, etc. It is understood that the intermediate tower section 155 can be adequately supported on the sliding section 160 to help prevent it from tipping over when exposed to wind. In the lifted position, the intermediate tower section 155 is located near the edge region 120 of the dock region 110. In certain embodiments, in the lifted position, the center point of the bottom of the intermediate tower section is not equidistant from the first jack support and further jack supports.

[0171] It is understood that a common sliding mechanism may be used to move all sections of an elongated element. That is, when the elongated element is a wind turbine tower section, each tower section can be mounted on the same sliding mechanism, moved to the desired location, and once lifted, the sliding mechanism can be reused for the next tower section.

[0172] Figure 7 shows how the upper and intermediate sections of the tower are joined together. In other words, the upper tower section 140 is fixed to the intermediate tower section 155 by bolting, welding, and / or fastening, etc. In Figure 7, the bottom flange of the upper tower section 140 is fixed to the upper flange of the intermediate tower 155. The lift beam 320, which still grips the upper tower section 140, can be lowered by the climb elements 300, 310 to lower the upper tower section 140 down to the intermediate tower section 155. Optionally, the lift beam can provide rotational and translational movement of the upper tower section 140 with a small index of up to ±2° to allow rotational alignment of the upper tower section 140 and the intermediate tower section 155.

[0173] Optionally, indexing and alignment are performed by the sliding section (which holds the intermediate tower) rather than the lifting beam. Optionally, there is an option to use either the lifting beam or the sliding section to perform this.

[0174] Figure 8 shows the attachment of the first blade 8001 of the wind turbine to the nacelle region of the wind turbine under construction. The wind turbine under construction, including the upper tower section 140, the nacelle 142, and the intermediate tower section 155, is fixed in place through the gripping portions of the corresponding sliding section 160 and / or lift beam 320. The blade can be mounted to the rotor hub 143 of the nacelle 142 via several techniques, such as those described below.

[0175] The wings can be installed at a relatively low working height using a crawler crane. The crawler crane may have a fly jib. The crawler crane may have a lifting height of approximately 125m above the dock, but it is understood that sometimes a lifting height of less than 125m may be required. Alternatively, a lifting height greater than 125m may be required. While the wings 800 are secured to the rotor hub 143 using bolts or locking mechanisms, etc., the crane may be used to lift the first wings 8001 and hold the wings in place.

[0176] Alternatively, the rotor blades may be installed by rotating the nacelle 142 90 degrees and using a pair of blade guides on the side of the jack rig 180. The nacelle 142 can be rotated by rotating a portion of the sliding frame 160 on which the wind turbine under construction will be mounted. In the illustrated diagram, the tower remains fixed with respect to rotation, and only the nacelle is slewing to the desired rotational position at its pivot support. The sliding frame 160 is shown in more detail in later figures. It is understood that the gripping portion of the lift beam 320 will release the upper tower section 140 so that the structure can be rotated. The pair of blade guides may be constructed from a lightweight steel frame such as a gantry or truss. It is understood that alternative materials with appropriate properties can be used to construct the pair of blade guides. The pair of blade guides may include two pairs of guide elements. The rotor blades can be supported and lifted by the pair of blade guides in a substantially horizontal position using a winch or an alternative lifting system, etc. The first blade 8001 can be positioned near the rotor hub 143 and therefore can be fixed to the rotor hub using bolts or a locking mechanism. It is understood that the first blade 8001 can be positioned and fixed to the rotor hub 143 using alternative methods.

[0177] Figure 9 shows the attachment / mounting of additional blades 8002 to a partially constructed wind turbine following one of the methods described in Figure 8 or any other known method.

[0178] Figure 10 shows the attachment of the third blade 8003 to a partially constructed wind turbine. The third blade 8003 can be positioned and secured to the partially constructed wind turbine according to any of the methods detailed earlier or any other known methods. Although a three-bladed turbine is shown in the figures described herein, it will be understood that the particular embodiments of the present invention are not limited in this way and are rather applicable to one-, two-, three-, four-, or more-bladed turbines, and in fact are generally applicable to elongated structures that may not contain energy from wind turbine elements / blades.

[0179] Figure 11 shows how the lift beam 320 is lowered into the lower region of the jack station after the last wing (the third wing in the previous drawing) has been secured. It is understood that the lift beam 320 may be a lifting trolley. After the gripping portion of the lift beam 320 releases the upper tower section 140, the lift beam 320 can be lowered in the reverse order of the method shown in Figure 4.

[0180] Figure 12 shows that after the climb element is fixed in the lower region of the intermediate tower section 155, the lift beam 320 can be raised, which lifts the combined structural elements of the three blades 800, the nacelle 142, and the upper section 140 and intermediate section 155 of the wind turbine tower, which are fixed together, away from the sliding section on the track at the dock to a second elevated position. The intermediate tower section 155 can be raised with respect to the upper tower section in the manner outlined in Figure 4. Optionally, the intermediate tower section 155 can be raised to at least 1 meter, 5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters, or 30 meters, etc. The sliding section is a trolley that can travel along the track to selectively deliver the element to a desired location and can be removed to make space for a subsequent sliding section to be positioned.

[0181] Once the desired height is reached, the lift beam 320 can optionally extend the lift beam guide element to the hole 420 of the first jack support 185 and to the hole 430 of the further jack support 190. The lift beam guide element can provide additional support by directly transferring either the weight or bending moment of the upper tower section 140 and the intermediate tower section 155 from the lift beam 320 to the jack support 185 and 190.

[0182] In this configuration, the lift beam 320, which can be fixed to the climb elements 300, 310, is raised vertically upward. Correspondingly, the intermediate tower section 155, which can be fixed to the lift beam 320, is raised vertically upward. In effect, the intermediate tower section 155 is raised vertically away from its sliding section 160 until the intermediate tower section 155 and the upper tower section 140 are raised to the second height position shown in Figure 12.

[0183] Figures 12 and 13 show the removal of the sliding section used to move the intermediate section of the tower. In Figure 13, the sliding section 160, previously used to support and position the intermediate tower section 155, has been removed. The lower region of the intermediate tower section 155 is gripped by a lift beam 320, which is held in place by climb elements 3001, 3002, 3101, and 3102 attached to holes 420 and 430 in the jack supports 185 and 190. The lift beam 320 may also be supported by lift beam guides extending into holes 420 and 430 in the jack supports 185 and 190.

[0184] Figure 14 shows the movement of the remaining slide trolley 170 used to lift and correctly position the lower tower section 165 to its central position. The lower section provides the base of the tower. It is understood that certain embodiments of the present invention may be usable in multi-section elongated structures which may have two, three, four, or more structural sections that need to be lifted sequentially and then secured to one another. In Figure 14, the lower tower section 165 is moved to a lifted position which is positioned between two support sections 185, 190 of the jack station 180. In other words, in the illustrated lifted position, the center point of the bottom of the lower tower section 165 in Figure 14 is equidistant from the first jack support section 185 and the further jack support section 190. This is achieved by moving the associated slide section 170 on which the lower tower section 165 is mounted from its initial position to the lifted position along the track 150. It is understood that the lower tower section 165 can be mounted on the sliding section using bolts, internal flange fasteners, or locking mechanisms. It is understood that the lower tower section 165 can be adequately supported on the sliding section 170 to help prevent it from tipping over when exposed to wind. In the lifted position, the lower tower section 165 is located near the edge area 120 of the dock area 110.

[0185] Figure 15 shows the lower tower section 165 connected to the base of the intermediate tower section 155, with the climb elements 300 and 310 connected to it. In Figure 15, the lift beam 320, which is gripped around the lower region of the intermediate tower section 155, can be lowered by the descent of the climb elements 3001, 3002, 3101, and 3102, as previously described. In other words, the intermediate tower section 155 can be lowered to a predetermined position once the lower tower section 165 is in a predetermined position. Optionally, the lift beam 320 can provide rotational and translational movement of the intermediate tower section 155 by a small index of up to ±2° to allow rotational alignment between the intermediate tower section 155 and the lower tower section 165.

[0186] Optionally, indexing and alignment may be performed by the sliding section (holding the intermediate tower) instead of the lifting beam. Optionally, either the lifting beam or the sliding section may be used to perform this.

[0187] When a partially assembled wind turbine, including the upper tower section 140, nacelle 142, rotor hub 143, rotor blades 8001, 8002, 8003, and intermediate tower section 155, is positioned above the lower tower section 165, the intermediate tower section 155 is secured to the lower tower section 165 by bolting, welding, and / or fastening, etc. In Figure 15, the bottom flange of the intermediate tower section 155 is secured to the upper flange of the lower tower 165.

[0188] Figure 16 shows the wind turbine tower 1600, nacelle, and three rotor blades being lifted at a jacking station away from a slide trolley. In other words, the wind turbine section, including the three tower sections 140, 155, and 165, the nacelle 142, the rotor hub, and the rotor blades 8001, 8002, and 8003, is raised above ground level by a jacking rig 180. A lifting beam 320 grips the wind turbine tower 1600 and is lifted by climb elements 3001, 3002, 3101, and 3102 as detailed earlier. Optionally, the assembled wind turbine is raised to at least 1 meter, 5 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters, or 30 meters, etc. It is understood that the wind turbine tower 1600 may include three tower sections 140, 155, and 160, or more tower sections.

[0189] Also shown in Figure 16 is a dock gripper 132, which may be part of a platform mounting system for securing the floating platform 130 in place. The platform mounting system may also include a pair of projecting supports 16101, 16102. The projecting supports 1610 are truss structures formed from steel, any alloy, or composite material. It is understood that the platform mounting system may be configured differently, for example, by one, three, four, or more projecting supports. The floating platform 130 has three main legs 1351, 1352, and 1353. Each main leg 135 has a buoyancy base 1620. The buoyancy base 1620 can be inflated with air or water to change the buoyancy of the floating platform 130. In other words, the buoyancy of the device can be increased by replacing the water in the buoyancy base 1620 with air. The floating platform 130 can be made horizontal by adjusting the buoyancy of each main leg section 1351, 1352, and 1353. This may be useful for stabilizing the structure in response to wind moments, etc. Rather than being an inflatable device, the legs may be rigid housings into which water / air is selectively supplied / extracted to control buoyancy.

[0190] Figure 17 shows that the jack station can be translated along associated travel tracks 17101, 17102 to align the lower part of the wind turbine tower 1600 with one of the three main legs of the tripod floating platform. The associated travel tracks 17101, 17102 are positioned on their respective protruding supports 16101, 16102. Each jack support 185, 190 is mounted on the respective short sections of the track. In other words, the first base 1951 of the first jack support can be made movable along associated travel track 17101. Similarly, the further base 1952 of the further jack support 190 can be made movable along associated travel track 17102. In this way, each support can be positioned independently on the water. In this regard, the wind turbine is properly positioned on the floating platform, and once it reaches the desired position, the turbine is installed / secured to the floating platform.

[0191] In Figure 17, the jack supports 185 and 190 slide along the associated travel tracks 17101 and 17102. The jack supports 185 and 190 levitate and hold the wind turbine tower 1600 above the third main leg 1353 via the lift beam 320 and climb elements 300 and 310. As the weight of the jack supports 185 and 190 and the wind turbine tower 1600 is transferred to the travel track 1710, the projecting supports can be stabilized with ballast to support additional weight. In other words, the buoyancy of the supports can be increased by replacing the water in the projecting supports 1610 with air. In certain embodiments, the projecting supports can be statically fixed to the ground or seabed to support weight or to serve as a cantilever from a barge, ship, or similar.

[0192] Figures 18 and 19 show the wind turbine tower 1600 lowered vertically to its position on the third main leg 1353 according to the method described earlier. The lifting beam 320 can optionally provide the wind turbine tower 1600 with an index movement of ±2° to help position the tower 1600 precisely above the leg 1353. When the tower 1600 is precisely seated, it can be fastened to the leg 1353 by bolts, pins, or locking mechanisms, etc. The bottom flange of the wind turbine tower 1600 can be fixed to the third main leg 1353. As the weight of the wind turbine is transferred to the floating platform 130, the buoyancy bases 1620 on each leg 1301, 1302, and 1303 can be inflated with air to the same or different degrees. The buoyancy base 1620 can help stabilize the floating platform 130 and / or counteract wind currents, etc.

[0193] Figure 20 helps illustrate how the jack station was moved back toward the dock and how the lifting beam was disengaged from the tower. Here, the floating platform and associated WT can be released and floated to the desired location.

[0194] It is understood that the above process for assembling a wind turbine and installing it on a floating platform can also be applied to vessels floating in the sea, lakes, or rivers, instead of at a dock. It is understood that additional considerations may need to be made, for example, regarding the stability of the floating vessel by inflating the base of the protruding support 1610 with air to reduce the effect of weights away from the center of mass of the floating vessel, which causes tilting.

[0195] Figures 21 to 31 illustrate the assembly process of the wind turbine, including its installation on a floating platform. It is understood that the processes shown in Figures 21 to 31 correspond to the processes shown in Figures 1 to 20.

[0196] Figures 21A, 21B, and 21C show, in line diagram form, the upper tower section of a wind turbine moved from three different viewpoints.

[0197] Figures 22A, 22B, and 22C show the intermediate tower section of a wind turbine in diagram form from three different viewpoints.

[0198] Figures 23A, 23B, and 23C illustrate, in line form, the use of a ground-based crane to install wind turbine blades from three different viewpoints.

[0199] Figures 24A, 24B, and 24C illustrate, in diagram form, the adjustment of the jack rig gripping on a partially assembled wind turbine from three different viewpoints.

[0200] Figures 25A, 25B, and 25C show, in diagram form, a partially assembled wind turbine being raised using a jack rig from three different viewpoints.

[0201] Figures 26A, 26B, and 26C show the lower tower section of the wind turbine installed from three different viewpoints in the form of line diagrams.

[0202] Figures 27A, 27B, and 27C illustrate, in diagram form, the wind turbine being raised using a jack rig and the slide frame removed from three different viewpoints.

[0203] Figures 28A, 28B, and 28C illustrate, in diagram form, the movement of a wind turbine onto a floating platform using a jacking rig and sliding frame from three different viewpoints.

[0204] Figures 29A, 29B, and 29C show, in line diagram form, a wind turbine installed on a floating platform from three different viewpoints.

[0205] Figures 30A, 30B, and 30C show the jack rig moved to the pier from three different viewpoints in the form of line diagrams.

[0206] Figures 31A, 31B, and 31C show, in diagram form, the floating platform being released and towed away from three different viewpoints.

[0207] Figures 32A, 32B, and 32C show the protruding support rail and dock gripping section in diagram form from three different viewpoints.

[0208] In Figure 32, the projecting support is provided by two or more submerged buoyancy chambers 1610. The chambers 1610 can be positioned so that a floating platform 130 can fit between them, and a gripping arm 132 can be used to help provide a secure attachment to the floating platform 130. The gripping arm 132 can be moved parallel to the dock and can be mounted on a trolley that helps align the center of the floating platform 130 with the centerline of the mast of the lifted wind turbine. The track 1710 can be connected to the buoyancy chambers 1610 at a height where its upper surface is nominally horizontal. The buoyancy chambers 1610 can sometimes be completely submerged and may be indifferent to tidal changes and wave effects. The ground side of the track 1710 can be connected to the dock by a pivotal or flexible mounting section, allowing the buoyancy-supported end of the track 1710 to be raised or lowered relative to the dock. The running track 1710 can be connected integrally by a structure sufficient to provide a rigid connection that can withstand the moments applied from the WTG and the jack rig. As the jack rig 180 and the assembled wind turbine move along the rails, and then the wind turbine (WTG) lands on the floating foundation, the transfer of weight, which is first on the dock, then across the water, and finally to the floating foundation, may require changing the amount of water in the buoyancy support chamber 1610 by pumping, as the magnitude of the required force may increase. Water is pumped out of the chamber 1610, increasing the drainage volume and thereby increasing the vertical force applied to support the running track 1710.

[0209] Figures 33A, 33B, and 33C show the ground taxiing frame in diagram form from three different viewpoints.

[0210] Figures 33 and 34 may illustrate the sliding sections 160, 170, and 210. The sliding sections 160, 170, and 210 may include any of the following functions. • Provides moment support connections to support tower sections 140, 155, and 165. · Positioned and slides along the track 150. · Provide means for changing the vertical and rotational alignment of tower sections 140, 155, 165 so that a plurality of bolts can be aligned at the bolted flange interface.

[0211] The knee support 3310 can be positioned under the center of the upper table 3320 and the lower sliding frame 3330. The sliding part 210 can include a plurality of plate elastomer supports that are elastic and can provide a small amount of rotational bending in an index such as the X-axis or the vertical Y-axis to assist in aligning the mast components of the wind turbine with the bolt pattern in the components supported by the upper table 3320.

[0212] Optionally, rotational bending about three perpendicular axes (X, Y, and Z) is provided. Also, a small amount of translational bending in the horizontal plane (X-axis and Y-axis) can be provided.

[0213] Optionally, the X and Y axes are in the horizontal plane. Optionally, the horizontal plane may be partially defined by the X axis, which is horizontal (side to side) in Figure 33A, or by the Y axis, which is vertical (top to bottom) in Figure 33A, or the horizontal plane may be fully defined by the X axis, which is top to bottom, and the Y axis, which is side to side, in Figure 33A, or the X and Y axes may be reversed. The upper table 3320 may have multiple arms (four are shown, but it is understood that the upper table 3320 may have any number of arms) which may be mounted gripping units that can secure the inner and / or outer flanges of the WTG mast. The sliding unit 210 in Figure 33 has four vertical cylinders 33401, 33402, 33403, and 33404. Alternatively, it is understood that one, two, three, five, or more vertical cylinders 3340 may be used. Each vertical cylinder 3340 may have several modes (any number of modes are possible, but eight are shown) that are positioned on the extension of the upper table arm. The cylinder 3340 is equipped with a swivel eye support that allows relative angular displacement, as the height of the cylinder 3340 can be changed and the upper table can be pivoted on the X or Y axis, etc. The vertical cylinder 3340 may have several modes of control, including any of the following: • Floating mode: When the gripping system is engaged with a supported component to help it grasp a load without imposing excessive constraints on the system. • Positioning mode. This helps to move the gripping table in a vertical position and allows for rotational movement of the object held by the gripping jaws around the X and / or Y axes. This can help to enable bolt pattern alignment under jack beam floating parts. • Locking mode. The sliding frame 210 can be made to react to the moment from the supported component.

[0214] The sliding section 210 may include horizontal cylinders 3350. In Figure 33, the two horizontal cylinders 33501 and 33502 are positioned to provide rotational coupling of the upper table 3320 to the lower sliding frame. It is understood that any number of horizontal cylinders 3350 may be provided. By their action, these cylinders can help cause index rotation of the lower table and rotate the bolt pattern of any components mounted on the table. In other words, the sliding section 210 can pivot the wind turbine on a vertical axis, for example. The knee-shaped elastomer support 3310 can provide rotation with the help of shear deflection to eliminate the stick-slip problem common in sliding plane supports. The lower sliding frame 3330 can travel on sliding supports on two rails mounted on the deck of a dock or barge to help move the sliding frame and its mounted components back and forth to a jack assembly location.

[0215] Figures 35A, 35B, and 35C show the jack rig 180 in diagrammatic form from three different viewpoints. The jack support frame 180 includes a first jack support tower 185 and a further jack support tower 190, which can be supported by a foundation 195 having support sections and guide sections for positioning on a travel track 1710. The guide sections may be paths in the jack support sections 185, 190 to influence the direction of the climb elements 300, 310. The guide sections may be positioned to provide lateral, vertical, and lifting constraints to the jack support sections 185, 190 to help transmit the load-bearing forces and applied moments from the WTG and equipment to the jack support sections 185, 190. In this example, the inner edges of the jack supports 185, 190 have a series of horizontally positioned holes 420, 430 in the vertical direction, which are positioned to provide space and support for the climber systems 300, 310. However, it is understood that some jack supports 185, 190 may not have these features if different lifting systems are used. The jack supports 185, 190 may also have a linear feature to help guide and constrain the climb elements 300, 310 as they move the jack supports 185, 190 up and down.

[0216] Figures 36A, 36B, and 36C show the climb elements 300 and 310 in diagrammatic form from three different viewpoints. In Figure 36, the climb elements 300 and 310 include upper climb elements 3002 and 3102 and lower climb elements 3001 and 3101 connected by a plurality of vertically arranged hydraulic cylinders 3610. Alternatively, it is understood that the upper and lower climb elements may be connected by different mechanisms. Mounted on each side of the upper climb elements 3002 and 3102 and the lower climb elements 3001 and 3101 may be a plurality of spring-engaged hydraulically retracted pins 3620. Each pin 3620 is positioned to help engage with holes on the side of the jack supports 185 and 190.

[0217] The interiors of the upper climb elements 3002, 3102 and the lower climb elements 3001, 3101 may include a set of linear features, supports, or guide wheels to interact with linear features along the jack support towers 185, 190 to guide and hold the climb elements 300, 310 when the jack rig 180 is moved up and down. The climber systems 300, 310 can be moved by engaging the pins 3620 of the lower climb elements 3001, 3101 with holes 420, 430 in the jack towers and disengaging the pins 3620 of the upper climb elements 3002, 3102. A hydraulic cylinder may extend to align the pins 3620 of the upper climb elements 3002, 3102 with holes 420, 430 in the jack rig 180. The pins 3620 of the upper climbing elements 3002 and 3102 can be engaged. The pins 3620 of the lower climbing elements 3001 and 3101 can be retracted. By retracting (shortening) the vertical hydraulic cylinder, the lower beams of the climbing elements 3001 and 3101 can be raised until the pins 3620 are adjacent to the holes 420 and 430 in the jack supports 185 and 190. The pins 3620 of the lower climbing elements 3001 and 3101 can be engaged in the holes 420 and 430, and the weight is transferred. The process can be repeated to continue climbing upwards. It is understood that the process can be reversed to proceed downwards. Each of the climbing elements 3001, 3002, 3101, and 3102 may have engaging pins 3630 or other features that help position them on the lifting beam in order to support loads and respond to moments from the wind turbine to transmit them to the jack supports 185 and 190.

[0218] Figures 37A, 37B, and 37C show the lift beam 320 of the jack rig 180 in diagrammatic form from three different viewpoints. The lift beam 320 can provide a shape that partially encloses the centerline 3710. This centerline can help define the lift center of the system and, nominally, the centerline of the assembled wind turbine when supported by the lift beam 320. The seaward side of the lift beam guide 3720 can provide energy so that the lift beam guide 3720 can be retracted and extended, helping to pass the lift beam guide 3720 between the jack supports 185 and 190. This is useful in assisting the lift beam when it is brought into lift position with the first section 145 of the wind turbine. When precisely aligned, the lift beam guide 3720 can be extended and engage with the linear features of the jack supports 185, 190 to help provide additional constraint and guidance to the lift beam 320 and the supported WTG. Each side of the lift beam 320 may have corresponding features or pin levises 3730, etc., to assist in positioning with the climb elements 300, 310. When the lift beam 320 is precisely positioned, the climb elements 300, 310 may be connected to help provide lifting support to the WTG and the lift beam 320. The pins may be hydraulically engaged and disengaged to help provide more effective operation. Mounted on the lift beam 320 and positioned around the opening on the open side of the beam may be multiple gripping parts (four are shown, but it is understood that there may be more or fewer gripping parts). The gripping portion 3740 can help engage with features on the outside or inside of the WTG tower to help transmit the lifting force and support moment of the WTG to the jack rig 180. Since the WTG may be supported from below its center of gravity, the gripping portion 3740 can transmit at least a portion of the support force and moment to help ensure that the WTG remains stable.The gripping portion 3740 may be designed to translate toward the centerline of the WTG in order to help accept the tapering of the WTG tower and to help enable precise engagement with the lifting feature on the outer surface of the WTG.

[0219] Figures 38–41 illustrate alternative procedures for assembling a wind turbine and / or installing a wind turbine on a floating platform.

[0220] Figures 38A, 38B, and 38C show alternative installations of the wind turbine blade 800 using blade guides. The installation of the wind turbine blade may also be shown in Figures 8 to 10. The wind turbine blade 800 may be installed by rotating the nacelle 142 by approximately 90 degrees and using a pair of blade guides from a lightweight gantry on the side of the jack rig 180.

[0221] Figures 39A, 39B, and 39C show the installation of a wind turbine blade replacement using a blade guide on a floating vessel 130.

[0222] Figures 40A and 40B show alternatives to climb elements for raising and lowering the lifting beam of the jack rig 180. In the alternative configuration outlined in Figure 40, the lifting beam 320 can be raised and lowered using multiple movable pulleys, synchronized winches, or cylinders, etc.

[0223] Figures 41A and 41B illustrate an alternative assembly and installation of the wind turbine on the floating platform 130, thereby allowing the assembly to be performed on the projecting support 1610. In the alternative arrangement outlined in Figure 41, the wind turbine can be assembled on water or the like, thereby allowing the fully assembled WTG to be inserted into the floating platform 130. The advantage of installation on the projecting support 1610 is that the assembly can be achieved without prior translation of the assembled WTG in the final stage.

[0224] Figures 42–50 are diagrams in the form of linear illustrations of the assembly / disassembly of an alternative wind turbine, with the assembly taking place on a floating vessel, from three different viewpoints A, B, and C. It is understood that the processes shown in Figures 42–50 can broadly correspond to the processes shown in Figures 1–20, apart from the differences indicated earlier.

[0225] Throughout this specification, the words “equipped with,” “including,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to,” and are not intended (and will not) exclude other parts, additions, components, integers, or steps. Throughout this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. Specifically, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is understood to be considering both the singular and the plural unless the context otherwise requires.

[0226] Any features, integers, characteristics, or groups described in conjunction with specific aspects, embodiments, or examples of the present invention are understood to be applicable to any other aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein, unless incompatible. All features disclosed herein (including any appended claims, abstracts, and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except for any combination in which at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. The present invention is not limited to any details of any of the aforementioned embodiments. The present invention extends to any novel features or combinations of features disclosed herein (including any appended claims, abstracts, and drawings), or to any novel steps or combinations of any method or process so so disclosed.

[0227] Attention is directed to all documents and literature that have been filed simultaneously with or prior to this specification in connection with this application and are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such documents and literature are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

Explanation of Signs

[0228] 100 Quay environment 105 Water area 110 Quay area 115 Upper surface 120 Edge area 130 Floating platform 132 Platform mounting part, quay gripping part, gripping arm 135, 1351, 1352, 1353 Main legs 140 Upper tower section 142 Nacelle 143 Rotor hub 145 First section 150 Track 155 Intermediate tower section 160 Sliding part, sliding frame 165 Lower tower section 170 Sliding part, sliding carriage 180 Jack rig, jack station, jack support frame 185, 190 Jack station support part, jack support tower 195 Foundation 1951, 1952 Base 210 Sliding part, sliding frame 300, 310 Climbing element, lifting point 3001, 3101 Lower climbing element 3002, 3102 Upper climbing element 320 Lifting beam 420, 430 Hole 8001, 8002, 8003 Wing 1600 Wind turbine tower 1610, 16101, 16102 Protruding support part, submerged buoyancy chamber 1620 Buoyancy base Tracks 1710, 17101, and 17102 3310 geniculate bearing 3320 Upper Table 3330 Downward sliding frame 3340, 33401, 33402, 33403, 33404 Vertical Cylinder 3350, 33501, 33502 Horizontal Cylinder 3620 pins 3712 Center line 3720 Lifting beam guide section 3730 Pink Levis 3740 Grip

Claims

1. A method for providing a wind turbine (WT), The process includes the steps of providing a lower tower section in a lifted position, providing a lifted tower section by vertically lifting the lower tower section via at least one lifting support, directing at least one further tower section to come to the lifted position to a position below the preceding tower section, and fixing the upper region of the further tower section to the lower region of the lifted preceding tower section, thereby raising a wind turbine section comprising at least one elongated tower, a nacelle member in the upper end region of the elongated tower, and at least one blade member in the lifted position, A method for lifting tower sections, comprising: providing tower sections one by one to a lifting position at a desired location adjacent to at least one lifting support; gripping the next tower section via at least one lifting beam mounted on each climber element movable relative to each lifting support; and raising the gripped tower section upward to the lifting position via the climber elements.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of raising or lowering the climber element while supporting the load applied by the raised portion of the wind turbine and resisting the moment.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the step of supporting the wind turbine portion from below the center of gravity of the lifted tower section.

4. Lifting the tower section The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising progressively assembling the wind turbine section using a lift from below the center of gravity, with moment stability and lifting loads applied to the internal and / or external tower flanges of the subsequent tower section.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the step of extending the lift beam guide element of the lift beam into a hole in the lift support when a desired height is reached, thereby directly transferring the weight and bending moment of the raised tower section from the lift beam to the lift support.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of engaging with the outside or inside of a tower section via at least one gripping portion mounted on the lifting beam, thereby transmitting the lifting force and support moment of the wind turbine portion to the lifting support portion.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the climber element can gradually climb the rigid frame structure.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the climber elements comprises a lower climber element and an upper climber element.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein each lower climb element is connected to each upper climb element by at least one hydraulic cylinder.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising the step of raising or lowering a climber element by repeatedly increasing and decreasing the distance between the separated lower climber element and the upper climber element of each climber element.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising the steps of repeatedly lifting each tower section and providing the next tower section beneath one or more lifted tower sections until a tower section comprising multiple tower sections is erected.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising the steps of: providing tower sections one by one to a desired lifting position in proximity to at least one lifting support; gripping the next tower section via one or more lifting beams mounted on each climber element that is vertically separated and movable relative to each lifting support; and raising the gripped tower section upward to the lifting position via the climber elements.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising the steps of providing a plurality of upright tower sections to each sliding frame that travels on a rail track, thereby providing one tower section to the lifting position, and selectively directing each sliding frame along the area of ​​the rail track to the lifting position.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising the step of providing the tower sections one by one to the lifting position by providing a plurality of upright tower sections via an SPMT (Self-Propelled Modular Transporter).

15. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising the steps of supporting a supported tower section of an elongated tower having a plurality of tower sections via a lifting beam supported by each lifting support, and simultaneously supporting further tower sections of the elongated tower via a sliding frame.

16. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising the steps of supporting a supported tower section of an elongated tower having a plurality of tower sections via one or more lifting beams separated vertically and supported by each lifting support, and simultaneously supporting further tower sections of the elongated tower via a sliding frame.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising the step of moving the raised wind turbine portion laterally to a mounting position on the area of ​​a floating platform, following the raising of the wind turbine portion.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of holding the floating platform at a desired relative position via at least one gripping member, and optionally via a pair of opposing gripping members, as the raised wind turbine portion is moved over the area.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising the step of selectively changing the buoyancy of the buoyancy elements as the wind turbine portion moves over the area, in order to balance the transfer of weight provided by the wind turbine portion with the buoyancy associated with each of the at least one buoyancy elements adjacent to the gripping member.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, further comprising the steps of providing the area of ​​the floating platform beneath the erected wind turbine, and optionally holding the floating platform in a desired relative position via at least one gripping member.

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, further comprising the steps of: fixing one or more blade members to a rotor hub supported by the nacelle via a crane element while the nacelle is facing the floating platform; or rotating the elongated tower and / or the nacelle in the lifted position and selectively fixing each blade member to the rotor hub via a gantry system or other means.

22. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the lifting position is a pier area adjacent to the water body on which the floating platform is floating, or an area on the barge itself floating in the water body.

23. The method according to claim 21, wherein the floating platform can be positioned in a remote offshore location when using a barge.

24. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 23, further comprising the step of determining the relative position of the first dimension of the lower region via the lateral movement of at least one lifting support along each lifting support trajectory, before fixing the lower region.

25. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprising the step of determining further dimensional positions of the tower end region by selectively moving laterally at least one gripping member that grips the region of the floating platform before fixing the lower region.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising the step of determining the degree of rotation of the lifted tower section by selecting a control index rotation of the lifting beam supporting the lifted tower section before fixing the lower region.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising the step of providing the lifted tower section or the lower tower section with a rotation of a certain magnitude for the purpose of alignment by controlled rotation of the lifting beams supporting the tower sections, before fixing the tower sections to each other or to either the foundation.

28. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 27, further comprising the steps of: providing a moment support connection for supporting a tower section via a final sliding frame supporting a lower tower section; providing a positioning and sliding connection of a rail track to a horizontal rail; and / or providing a vertical height adjustment connection and a rotational alignment adjustment connection.

29. A device for providing a wind turbine (WT), A lifting support comprising at least one lifting support, each having a climber element for relative movement of the lifting support, A rail track extending from a first rail track end to the remaining rail track ends, wherein the rail track is arranged for the delivery of a series of tower sections, each mounted on a sliding frame, to a lifting position adjacent to the lifting support. A device equipped with the following features.

30. The apparatus according to claim 29, further comprising a lifting beam mounted on each climber element, which is movable relative to each lifting support, for gripping the next tower section in the lifted position.

31. The apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising at least one gripping portion mounted on the lifting beam for engaging with the outside or inside of the tower section, thereby transmitting the lifting force and support moment of the wind turbine portion to the at least one lifting support portion.

32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein each lifting support section comprises a jack tower including a track of vertically arranged bottomed holes or through holes.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein each of the climber elements is for raising the tower section of the wind turbine to an elevated position.

34. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein each of the climber elements comprises a lower climber element connected to an upper climber element by a pair of hydraulic cylinders.

35. The apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 34, further comprising a lift beam guide element for the lift beam to directly transmit the weight and bending moment of the raised tower section of the wind turbine from the lift beam to the at least one lift support.

36. The apparatus according to any one of claims 30 to 35, further comprising a crane or gantry adjacent to the lifting position for raising rotor blade members one by one for attachment to the rotor hub element of the wind turbine.

37. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 36, wherein each lifting support is mounted on its respective track in order to move the lifting support along its respective track.

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 37, wherein the wind turbine is a floating wind turbine, and the apparatus further comprises at least one gripping member, the gripping member for fixing the floating platform at a desired location.

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