Apparatus and method for positioning components of a wind turbine

Abstract

An apparatus for positioning a wind turbine component on a wind turbine tower is described, the apparatus comprising hoisting means with a hoisting cable for lifting the component, a positioning tool connected to the hoisting cable by an intermediately arranged intermediate structure forming part of the positioning tool, a guide frame of the positioning tool connected on one side to the intermediate structure and comprising engagement means on the other side for engaging a peripheral part of the wind turbine tower, the invention also relates to a method of utilizing the apparatus of the invention.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for positioning components of a wind turbine on a wind turbine tower. The present invention also relates to a method for positioning components of a wind turbine on a wind turbine tower, in which the apparatus is used. The present invention particularly relates to an apparatus and method for positioning a nacelle, a wind turbine blade or a complete rotor of a wind turbine on a wind turbine tower.

[0002] Placing on a wind turbine tower is understood to mean placing the component directly on the wind turbine tower, such as when a nacelle is placed, or placing the component on another component that is already placed on the wind turbine tower, such as when wind turbine blades are placed on a nacelle that is already placed on the wind turbine tower. Placing can also include mounting the component in question, if required.

[0003] Although the invention will be described primarily in the context of deploying wind turbine components offshore, it will be apparent that the apparatus and method according to the invention can be used both onshore and offshore. [Background technology]

[0004] An increasing number of tall structures are being constructed, maintained, or repaired on land or at sea. A typical example is the wind turbine (WTG), which has a gondola (or nacelle) mounted on the wind turbine's tower or mast and which forms the housing for the generator and other electromechanical equipment. The nacelle has a hub on which a number of wind turbine blades are positioned, which together form the rotor. The wind turbine blades convert the kinetic energy of the wind into rotational motion in the nacelle shaft, which is then converted into electrical energy by the generator.

[0005] During placement of components of such large structures, the components are lifted by lifting cranes in accordance with conventional techniques and placed and attached to an already available support structure of the structure or to an already placed component of the structure. In the case of a wind turbine, the support structure may include, for example, a wind turbine tower resting on a suitable foundation.

[0006] During the lifting of a load by a ship-mounted offshore lifting crane, the load movements are induced by the vessel's own movements, such as pitch, yaw, roll, surge, sway, and heave. Wind loads on the load can also cause the load to move. To control and stabilize the load as it is being lifted from the vessel, a tug line and / or tugger system is usually present to control the relative movement between the load and the vessel.

[0007] Lifting and positioning of large, slender components such as wind turbine blades can also be hindered by wind loads. In particular, wind turbine blades must be attached to a hub by a bolted connection, which requires precise positioning of the wind turbine blade relative to the hub, which is already attached to the mast. When installing a wind turbine nacelle from a floating vessel to an offshore foundation - a turbine tower fixed to the seabed, or optionally a floating wind turbine tower - the relative motion between the nacelle, lifted by the hoisting means, and the foundation also needs to be controlled to align the nacelle with the receiving flange. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method by which structural components, in particular components of a wind turbine, can be positioned and, if desired, attached to a support structure, in particular a wind turbine tower, on land or offshore, whereby the relative movement between the component lifted by a hoisting means and the support structure can be better controlled than in the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object is achieved by an apparatus having the features according to claim 1. An apparatus for positioning a component of a wind turbine on a wind turbine tower comprises, according to the invention, hoisting means with a hoisting cable for lifting the component, a positioning tool connected to the hoisting cable and to an intermediate structure which is connected to the hoisting cable, and a guide frame which is connected on one side to the intermediate structure and on the other side is provided with engagement means for engaging with a peripheral part of the wind turbine tower.

[0010] The invented device contributes to the (initial) setup and adjustment during placement of a wind turbine component, such as a nacelle, from a (floating) installation vessel, as well as to the control of the relative motion of the component and the receiving wind turbine tower. The invented positioning tool acts as a structural add-on component integrated with the hoisting cable or hoisting guide frame via an intermediate structure connected to the hoisting cable, stabilizing the component while it is being hoisted. The fixed wind turbine tower is used as a support and guide.

[0011] By using guide frames that are connected to the hoisting cables via intermediate structures and that support the periphery of the wind turbine tower on its supporting side by means of engagement means, the hoisted components are, so to speak, temporarily flexibly connected to the wind turbine tower, thereby reducing their relative movements with respect to the wind turbine tower.

[0012] One embodiment relates to a device in which the suspension of an intermediate structure from a hoisting cable can absorb force moments.

[0013] The component can be positioned relative to the wind turbine tower or partially assembled wind turbine tower by suspending the component from a hoisting cable of a hoisting means, for example a lifting crane, and rotating the hoisting means about a vertical axis by rotating a boom of the hoisting means up or down in a lifting plane, and / or by moving a hoisting tackle or a hoisting guide frame suspended from the hoisting cable up or down with the hoisting cable. At least temporarily coupling the component to the wind turbine tower allows for positioning of the component substantially independent of wind and vessel motions, which is understood to mean that the effects of wind and vessel pitch are substantially eliminated.

[0014] A further advantage of the device of the present invention is that it can be operated in significantly more adverse conditions, whereas known devices can only be deployed up to a certain wind speed and swell. The assembly time of the wind turbine can be significantly reduced. This allows components to be deployed even in operational swells up to, for example, HS=2m (effective wave height 2m), e.g., swells up to HS=2.5m or 3m. Other factors that play a role include the vessel dimensions, vessel shape, and wave length.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide frame is pivotally connected to the intermediate structure on one side, and the guide frame can be brought to different angular positions relative to the intermediate structure using angle adjustment means. This makes it possible to achieve a connection between the wind turbine tower and the hoisted component, allowing optimal engagement with the periphery of the wind turbine tower. In this way, a certain flexibility is also built into the connection, which is important to bridge slight initial alignment issues between the component and the wind turbine tower.

[0016] This device can be seen as an extension of the hoisting cable or the lifting tool connected to it, and in this embodiment provides a "soft" mechanical connection between the wind turbine tower and the hoisted WTG component. The stiffness of the connection depends on many factors, such as the stiffness of the guide frame and the (transverse) beams used therein, the characteristics of the applied pivot connection, the possible use of springs between the guide frame and the intermediate structure, the characteristics of any (hydraulic, pneumatic, and / or electric) cylinders applied between the guide frame and the intermediate structure, and the characteristics of the engagement means, which may have a certain elasticity.

[0017] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the device may be provided with angular adjustment means configured to move the guide frame in a damped manner between angular positions relative to the intermediate structure, so that relative movement between the hoisted component and the wind turbine tower is absorbed and damped.

[0018] It is also possible to provide another embodiment in which the angle adjustment means is configured to hold the guide frame in a fixed angular position relative to the intermediate structure, in which the connection between the guide frame and the intermediate structure is substantially rigid and possible relative movements between the component temporarily connected to the wind turbine tower via the positioning tool and the wind turbine tower are absorbed by the hoisting cables.

[0019] The angular adjustment means can be configured in any manner known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, it is practically advantageous for the angular adjustment means to comprise at least one spacer disposed between the intermediate structure and the guide frame, which spacer has a variable length and thus allows for varying the angular position between the intermediate structure and the guide frame. A suitable embodiment has at least one spacer in the form of a hydraulic cylinder. Spacers with different springback configurations, such as electric or pneumatic cylinders, can also be provided. Spacers based on tools other than hydraulic cylinders are also possible.

[0020] As soon as an initial "soft" connection between the device and the wind turbine tower is formed, the engagement means can engage with a peripheral portion of the wind turbine tower, providing a connection and allowing power to be transmitted to the wind turbine tower. Here, it is advantageous for the engagement means to engage with an upper portion of the wind turbine tower, which upper portion is typically the upper half of the wind turbine tower, more preferably the upper 40% of the length, even more preferably the upper 30% of the length, even more preferably the upper 20% of the length, and most preferably the upper 10% of the length. The length is the length of the wind turbine tower that extends above sea level.

[0021] The engagement height of the wind turbine tower, and therefore the distance covered by the engagement means in the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine tower, can be selected within practical limits. For example, the determined distance may be important if force moments need to be absorbed. If the horizontal forces acting on the wind turbine tower are 10 t (100 kN) to 20 t (200 kN), respectively, and the lifting point (or hoisting beam) is located 20 m to 25 m higher than the engagement point on or at the wind turbine tower, respectively, a typical force moment absorbed and transmitted by the tool would be, for example, 2000 kNm to 5000 kNm. A suitable distance covered by the engagement means in the longitudinal direction of the wind turbine tower is, for example, 20% of the height of the wind turbine tower, more preferably 15% of the height, and most preferably 10% of the height.

[0022] In a first embodiment of engagement, the engagement means is configured to engage a peripheral portion extending over a peripheral angle of 180° or less around the wind turbine tower. In this embodiment, the relatively small offset of the vessel relative to the wind turbine tower can ensure that substantially horizontal forces are applied to the wind turbine tower. Dynamic balancing of such forces can absorb or to some extent compensate for relative movements of the hoisted components relative to the wind turbine tower.

[0023] In a second embodiment of the engagement means, there is provided an engagement means configured to engage with a peripheral portion extending over a circumferential angle of more than 180° around the wind turbine tower, preferably extending substantially over the entire periphery, thereby providing a temporary connection between the hoisted component and the wind turbine tower and capable of transmitting forces in substantially all horizontal directions.

[0024] From the moment the mechanical connection is effected, the inventive device, in particular its positioning tool, can optionally also, in embodiments, assist in rotational alignment of the component flange with respect to the receiving flange to which the component must be coupled. The inventive device, in particular its positioning tool, can also, in embodiments, apply a vertical force to an already connected component while it is not yet coupled to the wind turbine tower. Such a vertical force provides damping and helps to prevent unacceptable shock loads on the component.

[0025] In one embodiment, the engagement means itself is selected from bumpers, rolls, wheels, caterpillar tracks, suction cups, support straps, and combinations thereof, wherein the engagement means is configured to be able to withstand forces acting on the wind turbine tower.

[0026] According to the invention, the intermediate structure of the positioning tool provides a connection to the hoisting cable, whereby the intermediate structure forms a geometric bridge between the hoisted or suspended component and the guide frame, thereby forming a temporary connection to the wind turbine tower.

[0027] In one embodiment, the intermediate structure can include a hoisting frame for the component. The use of a hoisting frame or hoisting yoke is convenient as it can be adapted to the component being hoisted. The use of a hoisting yoke is particularly advantageous for hoisting and lifting wind turbine blades for wind turbines. Rotor blades are typically fragile because they must be lightweight and are preferably made of fiber-reinforced plastic. A hoisting yoke that does not damage the component being hoisted can be used.

[0028] The geometry of the intermediate structure can be selected to position the guide frame in an optimal way relative to the peripheral part of the engaged wind turbine tower so as to obtain an optimal force transmission to the tower.

[0029] It is possible to apply the device according to the invention without additional auxiliary means. However, it may be essential to equip the ship with auxiliary means, in particular a tugger winch with a tug line, which also has a hoisting means. The tug line can be used to engage and further control the lifted component. The tug line is tightened and reeled out by an available tugger winch.

[0030] The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for arranging wind turbine components on a wind turbine tower, including a nacelle, wind turbine blades and / or a rotor, and in particular the intermediate structure of the device can be adapted for each specific component.

[0031] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided for this purpose a method comprising the following steps: Providing a hoisting means picking up the component to be placed by a hoisting cable of a hoisting means, wherein the positioning tool is connected to the hoisting cable via its intermediate structure, and a guide frame of the positioning tool is connected to the intermediate structure on one side and is provided with an engagement means on the other side; Using a hoisting means to transport the hoisted component near the wind turbine tower. Engaging a peripheral portion of the wind turbine tower with an engagement means of the positioning tool. placing the component on the wind turbine tower; and Removing the engagement means from the peripheral portion.

[0032] The components are preferably hoisted by the hoisting means and brought near the top of the wind turbine tower.

[0033] One embodiment relates to how the suspension of the intermediate structure from the hoisting cables absorbs the force moments.

[0034] In one embodiment of the method, the guide frame may further be pivotally connected to the intermediate structure on one side, and the guide frame may be moved to different angular positions relative to the intermediate structure using the angle adjustment means.

[0035] In order to be able to achieve a connection between the hoisted component and the wind turbine tower, the component must eventually be aligned with, for example, a connection flange of the wind turbine tower.An embodiment is characterized in that the angular adjustment means provides a damped movement of the guide frame between angular positions relative to the intermediate structure.

[0036] In another embodiment, the angular adjustment means may hold the guide frame in a fixed angular position relative to the intermediate structure, which is particularly important just prior to bonding.

[0037] The angular adjustment means may comprise at least one spacer disposed between the intermediate structure and the guide frame, the spacer varying in length and thereby varying the angular position between the intermediate structure and the guide frame. In one embodiment, a suitable spacer comprises a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric cylinder.

[0038] The engagement means may engage with a peripheral portion extending over a 180° circumferential angle around the wind turbine tower, although in other embodiments of the method the engagement means may engage with a peripheral portion extending over a circumferential angle of more than 180° around the wind turbine tower, preferably over substantially the entire circumference.

[0039] In some cases, the component can also be wound up via a hoisting guide frame, which in such cases forms part of an intermediate structure connecting the hoisting cable to the positioning tool.

[0040] In embodiments where a wind turbine blade is mounted, the wind turbine blade may be mounted to the hub of the wind turbine in a substantially horizontal position, also referred to as the 3 o'clock position.

[0041] Another embodiment relates to a method in which the component comprises a wind turbine blade, the wind turbine blade being attached to the hub of the wind turbine at a substantially 0° angle to the vertical, also referred to as the 6 o'clock position.

[0042] The invented device allows the assembly of offshore wind turbines up to wind speeds of 12 m / s and above, whereas with known devices the mast and nacelle can be assembled up to wind speeds of 10 m / s, the complete rotor (hub with three attached blades) up to 9 m / s, the hub and nacelle with two pre-attached blades (the so-called bunny ear system) up to about 9 m / s, and individual wind turbine blades up to 8 m / s.

[0043] When the device is applied to place a wind turbine built from components at sea, the work is preferably carried out from a (floating) vessel or jack-up platform, which provides more stability, while the wind turbine tower is already at sea.

[0044] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the invention is not limited thereto. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention arranged around a turbine tower; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of the device according to the invention arranged around a turbine tower; [Figure 3A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3B] 3B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 3A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 4B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 4A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] 5B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 5A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6B] 6B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 6A according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7B] 7B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 7A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8B] 8B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 8A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9B] 9B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 9A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10B] 10B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 10A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11A] 1A-1D are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11B] 11B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 11A in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12B] 12B is a schematic top view of the step shown in FIG. 12A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12C] 12A-16A are schematic perspective views of the steps of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. [Figure 13A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13B] 13B is a schematic top view of the step shown in FIG. 13A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14B] 14B is a schematic top view of the step shown in FIG. 14A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B]15B is a schematic top view of the step shown in FIG. 15A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16B] 16B is a schematic top view of the step shown in FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17B] 17B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 17A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18B] 18B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 18A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19B] 19B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 19A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19C] 17A-22A are schematic perspective views of the steps of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. [Figure 20A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20B] 20B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 20A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21B] 21B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 21A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22B] 22B is a schematic rear view of the step shown in FIG. 22A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23A]5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23B] 23B is a schematic front view of the step shown in FIG. 23A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23C] 23A-25A are schematic perspective views of steps of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 23A-25A. [Figure 24A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24B] 24B is a schematic front view of the step shown in FIG. 24A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25A] 5A-5C are schematic side views of several steps of a method according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25B] 25B is a schematic front view of the step shown in FIG. 25A, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The same or similar components are designated by the same reference numbers in the figures.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1, an apparatus 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown, which is configured to position a turbine nacelle on a turbine tower 3. The nacelle 2 is provided with a hub 20 having openings 21 into which the wind turbine blades can be positioned. A connection flange 22 is provided on the underside of the nacelle 2. The underside of the connection flange 22 is provided with locating pins 23 and bolt holes 24. The connection flange 22 can be used to connect the nacelle 2 to the top of the wind turbine tower 3.

[0048] The device 1 comprises a number of hoisting cables (10a, 10b) by means of which the nacelle 2 can be lifted. In the embodiment shown, the hoisting cable 10a is connected to a hoisting block 11 suspended from a hoisting means (not shown), for example a hoisting cable 12 of a lifting crane. Positioning tools (14, 15) are connected to the hoisting cable 10a. The positioning tools (13, 14, 15) comprise intermediate structures, the shape of which depends on the component to be positioned and which are embodied as hoisting beams 13 according to FIG. 1. The hoisting cables 10b connect the hoisting beams 13 to the nacelle 2 to be positioned. The positioning tools (13, 14, 15) further comprise a guide frame 14 which is connected on one side to the hoisting beam 13 and which comprises on the other side an engagement means 15 for engaging with the peripheral part 3a of the wind turbine tower 3.

[0049] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the engagement means 15 comprises a number of rolls 15a arranged in the circumferential direction 30 of the wind turbine tower 3 and arranged on a guide frame 14. The guide frame 14 itself comprises two side arms (14a, 14b) extending in the vertical direction 31 and connected to a horizontally extending cross beam 14c. The guide frame 14 is pivotally connected on one side by pivot connections (13a, 13b) to the hoisting beam 13. The guide frame 14 can be moved to different angular positions relative to the hoisting beam 13 using angle adjustment means 16, as indicated diagrammatically by arrow 17.

[0050] The angle adjustment means 16 is configured to move the guide frame 14 between angular positions relative to the hoisting beam 13 in a damped manner. For this purpose, the angle adjustment means 16 comprises two, for example, hydraulic cylinders (16a, 16b) arranged on both sides of the cross beam 16c and engaging with the side arms (14a, 14b) of the guide frame 14, and can apply a force in the longitudinal direction 18 of the hydraulic cylinders (16a, 16b). It is also possible to control the hydraulic cylinders (16a, 16b) so that the guide frame 14 is held in a fixed angular position relative to the hoisting beam 13. The hydraulic cylinders (16a, 16b) function as spacers arranged between the hoisting beam 13 and the guide frame 14 and are variable in length, allowing the angular position between the hoisting beam 13 and the guide frame 14 to be changed.

[0051] 2 shows another embodiment in which the engagement means 15 comprises a number of support straps 15b arranged in the circumferential direction 30 of the wind turbine tower 3 and placed on the guide frame 14. The guide frame 14 itself comprises two side arms (14a, 14b) extending in the vertical direction 31 and connected to a horizontally extending cross beam 14c. The guide frame 14 is pivotally connected on one side to the hoisting beam 13 by pivot connections (13a, 13b), which in this embodiment are located at the outer ends of the cross beam 14c. The guide frame 14 can be positioned in various angular positions relative to the hoisting beam 13, as schematically indicated by arrow 17, using an angle adjustment means 16. The angle adjustment means 16 is schematically represented by a spring 16d arranged between the hoisting beam 13 and the guide frame 14.

[0052] In both the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and the embodiment of Figure 2, the engagement means 15 is configured to engage with a peripheral portion 3a extending over a circumferential angle of approximately 180° around the wind turbine tower 3. In embodiments not shown, the engagement means 15 may also be configured to engage with a peripheral portion extending over a circumferential angle of more than 180° around the wind turbine tower 3, preferably extending over substantially the entire periphery.

[0053] 3A-11A and 3B-11B, different steps of a method for positioning a turbine nacelle 2 on a wind turbine tower 3 are shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the side arms (14a, 14b) of the guide frame 14 are pivotally connected (13a, 13b) to the outer ends of the hoisting beam 13.

[0054] FIG. 3A shows a hoisting beam 13 suspended from a hoisting cable 10a, to which a guide frame 14 (with side arms 14a and 14b) is pivotally connected. The guide frame 14 is held in a first angular position by angle adjustment means 16 (such as hydraulic cylinders (16a, 16b) or spring connections 16d), so that the guide frame 14 forms an angle 19 of approximately 45° with the longitudinal direction of the support beam 13. FIG. 3B shows the setup of FIG. 3A from the right, showing a rear view of the nacelle 2. The nacelle 2 is placed on the ground 4 with suitable supports (not shown). The device 1 is lowered by a lifting crane (not shown) towards the nacelle 2 to the position shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, with the engagement means 15 (15b) positioned on the underside of the nacelle 2. Next, the nacelle 2 is connected to the hoisting cable 10b, the guide frame 14 is placed in a second angular position by the angle adjustment means 16d, and the guide frame 14 forms an angle 19 of approximately 90° with the longitudinal direction of the support beam 13, and the nacelle 2 is lifted by the hoisting cable 10b (Figures 5A and 5B).

[0055] 6A and 6B, the nacelle 2 is brought near the top of the turbine tower 3, and the engagement means 15 in the form of support straps 15b are positioned at the peripheral portion 3a of the wind turbine tower 3 to be engaged. The peripheral portion 3a is then engaged by the support straps 15b, and if necessary, the guide frame 14 can be displaced together with some damping in accordance with the relative movement between the (moving) nacelle 2 and the (stable) wind turbine tower 3. Next, the angle adjustment means 16 (springs 16d or hydraulic cylinders 16a, 16b) moves the guide frame 14 and the engagement means 15 relatively tightly against the wind turbine tower 3 until the relative movement between the nacelle 2 and the wind turbine tower 3 is very small, so that the flange 22 of the nacelle 2 and the corresponding flange of the wind turbine tower 3 can come into contact and then connect.

[0056] Such a connection is shown in Figures 8A and 8B and is obtained by lowering the nacelle 2 with a crane until the corresponding flanges come into contact with each other. Locating pins 23 are used to align the flanges 22 with the corresponding openings in the wind turbine tower flange in the circumferential direction 30. According to Figures 9A and 9B, the connection is made by a bolt connection 25, and the hoisting beam 13 is lowered slightly, allowing the hoisting cable 10b to sag and be removed from the nacelle 2.

[0057] 10A and 10B, in a subsequent step of the method, the support straps 15b are detached from the guide frame 14, and the guide frame 14 is moved upward along the nacelle 2 by a crane. According to FIG. 11B, this step can be facilitated in one embodiment by connecting the side arms (14a, 14b) to the transverse beam 14c and pivoting it in the transverse plane 33 to an outward pivot position. However, this is not required.

[0058] 12A-16A and 12B-16B, different steps of a method for positioning wind turbine blades 5 on a nacelle 2 of a wind turbine on a wind turbine tower 3 are shown in the so-called 3 o'clock position.

[0059] Figure 12A shows a positioning tool suspended from a hoisting cable 10a, the shape of which is adapted for the above-mentioned purpose. The positioning tool comprises an intermediate structure (13, 40, 41, 42) suspended from the hoisting cable 10a, which comprises a hoisting beam 13 to which a horizontally running support beam 42 is fixedly connected, sandwiched between two vertically downward running support beams (40, 41). Figure 12B shows a top view of the setup of Figure 12A, showing that the horizontal support beam 42 extends at a fixed angle 45 to support the beam 13. The positioning tool is connected on one side to the intermediate structure (13, 40, 41, 42), and on the other side to a guide frame 44 (with side arms 44a, 44b connected to a transverse beam 44c) provided with engagement means 15 in the form of a number of support straps 15b.

[0060] The device 1 is lowered by a crane (not shown) towards the wind turbine blade 5 and connected thereto using a sling 46. The centre of gravity 50 of the wind turbine blade 5 is now approximately directly below the hoisting block 11, whereby the wind turbine blade 5 is oriented in an approximately horizontal position. The engagement means 15 (15b) are located below the wind turbine blade 5.

[0061] The wind turbine blade 5 is then lifted by the sling 46 and brought near the top of the wind turbine tower 3, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, where the engagement means 15 in the form of support straps 15b are positioned on the peripheral portion 3a of the wind turbine tower 3 to be engaged. This position is also shown in a perspective view in Figure 12C, where the engagement means are shown as support rolls 15c. The peripheral portion 3a is then engaged by the support straps 15b, and the guide frame 44 (44a, 44b, 44c) can be displaced, if necessary, in a damped manner together with the relative movement of the wind turbine blade 5 and the (stable) wind turbine tower 3.

[0062] 15A and 15B, the wind turbine blade is moved toward the opening 21 in the hub 20 of the nacelle 2 to a substantially horizontal or 3 o'clock position, where it is received and secured, and the support straps 15b continue to engage the wind turbine tower 3.

[0063] 16A and 16B, in a subsequent step of the method, once the connections have been made, the slings 46 are removed and the guide frame 44 and support straps 15b are removed from around the wind turbine tower 3, along with the wind turbine blades 5 attached to the hub 20 of the nacelle 2 using a crane.

[0064] 17A-22A and 17B-22B, different steps of a method for positioning a wind turbine blade 5 at the so-called 6 o'clock position on a nacelle 2 of a wind turbine on a wind turbine tower 3 are shown.

[0065] Figure 17A shows a positioning tool suspended from a hoisting cable 10a, the geometry of which is adapted to the stated purpose. The positioning tool comprises an intermediate structure (13, 50, 51, 52, 53) suspended from the hoisting cable 10a, the intermediate structure comprising a hoisting beam 13 to which is connected a support beam 52 rotatable in a vertical plane about a hinge 53, sandwiching two horizontally running support beams (50, 51). Figure 17B shows a top view of the setup of Figure 17A. The positioning tool is connected on one side to the intermediate structure (13, 50, 51, 52, 53), and on the other side to a guide frame 54 (with side arms 54a, 54b connected to a transverse beam 54c) provided with engagement means 15 in the form of a number of support straps 15b.

[0066] The device 1 is lowered by a crane (not shown) towards the wind turbine blade 5 and connected thereto using a sling 46. The centre of gravity 50 of the wind turbine blade 5 is now approximately directly below the hoisting block 11, so that the wind turbine blade 5 is initially oriented in an approximately horizontal position.

[0067] 18A and 18B, the guide frame 54 is positioned between the support beams 50 and 52 and is brought from the first angular position shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B to the second angular position by angle adjustment means 56 in the form of hydraulic cylinders (56a, 56b). Here, the guide frame 54 forms an angle 59 of about 90° with the longitudinal direction of the support beam 13. The engagement means 15 (15b) are located below the wind turbine blade 5. Figure 18B shows this position from above.

[0068] The wind turbine blade 5 is then lifted by the sling 46 and brought to a substantially vertical position as shown in Figures 19A and 19B and close to the top of the wind turbine tower 3. The engagement means 15 in the form of support straps 15b are positioned at the peripheral portion 3a of the wind turbine tower 3 to be engaged. This position is also shown in the perspective view of Figure 19C, where the engagement means are shown as support rolls 15c.

[0069] According to Figures 20A and 20B, the peripheral portion 3a is engaged by the support straps 15b and the guide frame 54 (54a, 54b, 54c) can be displaced together, if necessary, with some damping, together with the relative movement of the wind turbine blade 5 and the (stable) wind turbine tower 3. Figure 20B shows a front view of this position.

[0070] 21A and 21B, the wind turbine blade 5 is moved toward the opening 21 in the hub 20 of the nacelle 2 to a substantially vertical or six o'clock position, where it is received and secured, and the support strap 15b continues to engage the wind turbine tower 3.

[0071] 22A and 22B, in a subsequent step of the method, once the connections have been made, the sling 46 is removed and the guide frame 54 and support straps 15b are removed from around the wind turbine tower 3 and along with the wind turbine blades 5 attached to the hub 20 of the nacelle 2 using a crane.

[0072] 23A-25A and 23B-25B, different steps of a method for arranging a rotor 6 of three wind turbine blades 5 on a nacelle 2 of a wind turbine on a wind turbine tower 3 are shown. The rotor 6 comprises a hub on which three (or two, or more) wind turbine blades (5a, 5b, 5c) are already arranged.

[0073] FIG. 23A shows a positioning tool suspended from a hoisting cable 10, the shape of which is adapted for the above-mentioned purpose. The positioning tool comprises an intermediate structure (60, 61, 62, 63) suspended from the hoisting cables (10a, 10b, 10c), with a downwardly directed support beam 60 via a horizontal support beam 63 to which a support beam 62 is connected, rotatable in a vertical plane about a hinge 61. FIG. 23B shows a front view of the setup of FIG. 23A. The positioning tool is connected on one side to the intermediate structure (60, 61, 62, 63), and on the other side to a guide frame 64 (with side arms 64a, 64b connected to a transverse beam 64c) provided with engagement means 15 in the form of a number of support straps 15b. If necessary, an optional angle adjustment means in the form of a hydraulic cylinder 65 can change and set the angular position of the support beam 62 relative to the horizontal direction. Figure 23C shows in a perspective view the position shown in Figures 23A and 23B. The engagement means is again embodied as a support roll 15c. Furthermore, it should be noted that the horizontal support beam 63 is suspended by the hoisting cables (10a, 10b, 10c) so that the hoisting cables (10a, 10b, 10c) form a triangle. The suspension of the intermediate structures (60, 61, 62, 63) allows the moment of force to be absorbed to some extent.

[0074] The device 1 is lowered towards the rotor 6 by a crane (not shown) and connected to the rotor 6 by attaching the hoisting cables (10a, 10b, 10c) to the hub 20. This position is shown in Figures 23A and 23B, where the rotor 6 has been brought near the top of the wind turbine tower 3 and the engagement means 15 in the form of support straps 15b are in position at the peripheral part 3a of the wind turbine tower 3 with which it is to be engaged.

[0075] 24A and 24B, the peripheral portion 3a is engaged by the support straps 15b, and the guide frame 64 (64a, 64b, 64c) can be displaced, if necessary, with some damping, together with the relative movement of the rotor 6 and the (stable) wind turbine tower 3. FIG. 24B shows a front view of this position. According to FIGS. 24A and 24B, the rotor 6 together with the hub 20 moves to the nacelle 2 and is fixed to the nacelle 2, while the support straps 15b or support rolls 15c continue to engage the wind turbine tower 3.

[0076] Referring to Figures 25A and 25B, in a subsequent step of the method, once the connections have been made, the hoisting cables (10a, 10b, 10c) are removed from the rotor 6, and the guide frame 64 and support straps 15b are removed from around the rotor 6 and removed along with the rotor 6 attached to the nacelle 2 using a crane. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1 device 2 Nacelle 3. Wind Turbine Tower 3a Peripheral area 5. Wind turbine blades 6 rotors 10a hoisting cable 11 Winding Block 12 Winding Cable 13 Positioning tool, lifting beam 14 Positioning tool, guide frame 14a, 14b Sidearm 14c horizontal beam 15 Positioning tool, engagement means 15a roll 15b Support strap 15c support roll 16 Angle adjustment means 16a, 16b Hydraulic cylinder 20 Hub 21 Opening 22 Connection flange 23-pin 24 bolt holes 25 volt connection 40, 41 Support beam, intermediate structure 42 Horizontal support beam, intermediate structure 44 Guide Frame 44a, 44b Sidearm 44c horizontal beam 46 Sling

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for positioning a component of a wind turbine on a wind turbine tower, the apparatus comprising a positioning tool coupled to a hoisting cable of a hoisting means for positioning the component suspended from the hoisting cable, the positioning tool comprising a hoisting frame or yoke configured to lift the component, and a guide frame coupled to the hoisting frame or yoke, the guide frame configured to flexibly and temporarily engage a peripheral part of the wind turbine, the hoisting frame or yoke is configured to couple to the hoisting cable; the guide frame is coupled on one side to the hoisting frame or yoke and to the hoisting cable via the hoisting frame or yoke, and the guide frame is provided on the other side with engagement means configured to engage with a peripheral portion of the wind turbine tower, thereby temporarily and flexibly connecting the lifted component to the wind turbine tower and reducing relative movement of the lifted component with respect to the wind turbine tower.

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the suspension of the hoisting frame or yoke from the hoisting cable is capable of absorbing force moments.

3. 3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide frame is pivotally connected to the hoisting frame or yoke on the one side, and the guide frame can be in different angular positions relative to the hoisting frame or yoke using angle adjustment means.

4. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the angular adjustment means is configured to move the guide frame in a damped manner between angular positions relative to the hoisting frame or yoke.

5. 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the angular adjustment means is configured to hold the guide frame in a fixed angular position relative to the hoisting frame or yoke.

6. 6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the angle adjustment means comprises at least one spacer arranged between the hoisting frame or yoke and the guide frame, the spacer having a variable length and thus varying the angular position between the hoisting frame or yoke and the guide frame.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the at least one spacer comprises a hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electric cylinder.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the engagement means is configured to engage with a peripheral portion extending over a peripheral angle of 180° or less around the wind turbine tower.

9. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the engagement means is configured to engage with a peripheral portion extending over a peripheral angle of more than 180° around the wind turbine tower.

10. The apparatus described in Claim 9, wherein the engagement means is configured to engage with a peripheral portion extending substantially around the entire periphery of the wind turbine tower.

11. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the engagement means is selected from bumpers, rolls, wheels, caterpillar tracks, suction cups, support straps, and combinations thereof.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the components of the wind turbine comprise a nacelle, a wind turbine blade and / or a rotor.

13. 1. A method of positioning wind turbine components on a wind turbine tower, the method comprising: Providing an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12; - lifting the component to be placed on the wind turbine tower by a hoisting cable of the hoisting means by lifting the component by the hoisting frame or yoke of the positioning tool, wherein the positioning tool is connected to the hoisting cable; using the hoisting means to transport the component lifted by the positioning tool to the vicinity of the wind turbine tower; engaging a peripheral portion of the wind turbine tower with the engaging means of the guide frame of the positioning tool to temporarily and flexibly connect the lifted component to the wind turbine tower and reduce relative movement of the lifted component with respect to the wind turbine tower; placing the component on the wind turbine tower; removing the engagement means from the peripheral portion; A method comprising:

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the suspension of the hoisting frame or yoke from the hoisting cable absorbs force moments.

15. 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the guide frame is pivotally coupled to the hoisting frame or yoke on one side, and the guide frame can be in different angular positions relative to the hoisting frame or yoke using angle adjustment means.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the angular adjustment means moves the guide frame between angular positions relative to the hoisting frame or yoke in a damped manner.

17. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the angle adjustment means holds the guide frame in a fixed angular position relative to the hoisting frame or yoke.

18. 18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the angle adjustment means comprises at least one spacer arranged between the hoisting frame or yoke and the guide frame, the spacer varying in length and thus varying the angular position between the hoisting frame or yoke and the guide frame.

19. 20. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one spacer comprises a hydraulic, pneumatic and / or electric cylinder.

20. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the engagement means engages a peripheral portion extending over a peripheral angle of 180° or less around the wind turbine tower.

21. The method of any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the engagement means engages a peripheral portion extending over a peripheral angle of more than 180° around the wind turbine tower.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the engagement means engages with a peripheral portion extending substantially around the entire periphery of the wind turbine tower.

23. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein the peripheral portion engages with the engagement means selected from bumpers, rolls, wheels, caterpillar tracks, suction cups, support straps and combinations thereof.

24. The method of any one of claims 13 to 23, wherein the components of the wind turbine comprise a nacelle, a wind turbine blade and / or a rotor.

25. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the component comprises a wind turbine blade, the wind turbine blade being mounted to a hub of the wind turbine in a substantially horizontal position.

26. 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the component comprises a wind turbine blade, the wind turbine blade attached to a hub of the wind turbine at a substantially 0° angle with respect to vertical.

27. A method according to any one of claims 13 to 26, wherein the component is installed offshore to an offshore wind turbine tower from a vessel, in particular a floating platform.

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