EQUIPMENT FOR INSTALLING WIND POWER PLANT BLADE ASSEMBLY AND ROTOR COMPONENTS, METHODS FOR INSTALLING BLADE ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The device (10) is for installing the blade assembly (12) at the rotor receiving unit (14) of the vertical-axis wind turbine (3). The turbine is designed to be positioned on the extended support (5). The blade assembly consists of the blade (20) and the tie rod (22). The device includes the first mounting pin (30), the second mounting pin (32), the third mounting pin (34) and the shifting mechanism (40) designed to hold and guide the movement of one of the second and third mounting pins between the first and second positions. The movement of the second or third mounting pin is such that, in the first position, the second or third mounting pin is positioned further from the first mounting pin than when the second or third mounting pin is positioned in the second position.

Description

[0001] TITLE: A device for installing a blade assembly, a rotor unit, a wind-power plant, a method for installing a blade assembly, and use of such a device, rotor unit and wind-power plant

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for installing a blade assembly at a rotor receiver unit of a vertical axis wind turbine. The wind turbine is configured to be arranged at an elongated support pillar. The blade assembly comprises a blade configured to extend from the rotor receiver unit, and a strut configured to be connected between the rotor receiver unit and the blade.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a rotor unit for a vertical axis wind turbine and a wind-power plant. The rotor unit and the wind-power plant comprising the device according to the invention.

[0005] The present invention further relates to a method for installing a blade assembly by means of the device according to the invention, and use of such a device, rotor unit and wind-power plant.

[0006] Background of the invention

[0007] Wind power plants use blade assemblies connected to turbines at support pillars for transferring rotational energy to generators. The rotational energy may be directly transferred to the generator, such as in a horizontal-axis wind turbine (HAWT), or alternatively transferred to the generator by means of a shaft at the support pillar, such as in a vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT).

[0008] Regarding offshore wind turbines, they are either assembled at their location of installation or assembled at quay. When assembled at quay, such as at coast near areas at sea, or in fjords the support pillar to which the turbine is connected is typically arranged in a horizontal orientation, and thereafter raised to a vertical orientation and towed offshore in an upright position.

[0009] In order to increase the generated electric power from the wind power plants, there is a tendency to use higher support pillars and blade assemblies with longer blades. This however complicates installation and towing, and in particular, the area required for installation and towing, such as in narrow fjord arms, at quay facilities, during lifts etc. Furthermore, the installation of the blade assemblies at the higher elevation increases the risk of accident. Likewise, the installation of longer blades increases the risk of damage to the blades.

[0010] US11614073 describes a vertical axis wind turbine with foldable blades, wherein the blades are foldable such that an attack angle of the blades can be varied.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved device for installing a blade assembly at a rotor receiver unit of a vertical axis wind turbine. In particular, an object of the invention is to provide a device that reduces the risk of accidents and damage to the blades during towing and installation of a vertical axis wind turbine. A further object of the invention is to provide a device that enables the blade assemblies to be connected to a rotor receiver unit at a support pillar while being towed or otherwise transported to its location of installation.

[0013] The above objects are achieved by means of a device for installing a blade assembly at a rotor receiver unit of a vertical axis wind turbine. The wind turbine is configured to be arranged at an elongated support pillar, wherein the blade assembly comprises a blade configured to extend from the rotor receiver unit, and a strut configured to be connected between the rotor receiver unit and the blade. The device comprises:

[0014] - a first installation pivot configured to hold the blade rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit,

[0015] - a second installation pivot configured to hold the strut rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit,

[0016] - a third installation pivot configured to hold the strut rotatably attached to the blade, and

[0017] - a displacement arrangement configured to hold and guide a displacement of one of the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot between a first position and a second position, wherein the displacement of the second installation pivot or the third installation pivot is such that, in the first position, the second installation pivot or third installation pivot is located further away from the first installation pivot than when the second installation pivot or third installation pivot is located in the second position. The first position of the second installation pivot or the third installation pivot relates to a folded setting in which the blade and the strut are arranged extending adjacent to the extension of the rotor receiver unit. In this position, when the turbine is arranged at the support pillar, the blade and the strut are arranged extending adjacent to the support pillar.

[0018] The second position of the second installation pivot or the third installation pivot relates to an extended setting, in which the blade and the strut are arranged stretching out from the rotor receiver unit. In this position, when the turbine is arranged at the support pillar, the blade and the strut are arranged for operation of the wind power plant.

[0019] The device enables the blade assembly to be shifted between the folded setting and the extended setting by means of the displacement arrangement acting on either the second installation pivot or the third installation pivot. The displacement arrangement is configured to controllably displace the installation pivot to which it acts between the between a first position and a second position.

[0020] When the displacement arrangement acts on the second installation pivot, the second installation pivot is displaced in a direction along an outer portion of the rotor receiver unit. This direction generally corresponds to the extension of the support pillar. The displacement of the second installation pivot is such that, in the first position, the second installation pivot is located further away from the first installation pivot compared to when arranged in the second position.

[0021] On the other hand, when the displacement arrangement acts on the third installation pivot, the third installation pivot is displaced in a direction along the extension of the blade. The displacement of the third installation pivot is such that, in the first position, the third installation pivot is located further away from the first installation pivot compared to when arranged in the second position.

[0022] The rotor receiver unit has the function of attaching the blade assembly comprising the blade and the strut by means of the first and the second installation pivot. The rotor receiver unit is a part of the turbine. The rotor receiver unit is configured to be connected to the support pillar such that it is rotatably arranged in respect to the support pillar. The third installation pivot rotatably attaches the strut to the blade. The location of the third installation pivot at the blade is dependent on the length of the strut and the location of the second installation pivot to the rotor receiver unit.

[0023] The device enables the blade assembly to be shifted between the folded setting and the extended setting. Thereby, by setting the blade assembly to the folded setting, transportation, such as towing of the wind power plant to the location of installation is facilitated. The wind power plant may be transported to the location of installation while the support pillar is in the horizontal orientation while having the turbine connected to the support pillar. Furthermore, installation of the turbine is facilitated in that the device enables the turbine including the blade assembly to be connected to the support pillar while the support pillar is in the horizontal orientation.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, in case of the displacement of the second installation pivot, in the first position, the second installation pivot is located further away from the first installation pivot in a direction of the extension of the rotor receiver unit than when the second installation pivot is in the second position.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the invention, in case of the displacement of the third installation pivot, in the first position, the third installation pivot is located further away from the rotor receiver unit in a direction of the extension of the blade than when the third installation pivot is in the second position.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement arrangement comprises a displacement mechanism for generating the displacement of the second installation pivot or third installation pivot between the first position and the second position.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first installation pivot, the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot each has a rotational axis, wherein the first installation pivot, the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot are configured to rotate with essentially a common rotational axis.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the invention, the common rotational axis of the first installation pivot, the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot is arranged essentially perpendicular to a rotational axis of the rotor receiving unit. The rotational axis of the rotor receiving unit is essentially perpendicular to the extension of the support pillar.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement mechanism comprises an arrangement of cordage and sheaves. The cordages comprising for example ropes or wires. The sheaves comprising for example pullies.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement arrangement comprises a drive unit and a displacement member configured to hold the second installation pivot or third installation pivot, wherein the drive unit is configured to generate a force that displaces the displacement member such that the second installation pivot or third installation pivot is being displaced between the first position and the second position.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the invention, the drive unit comprises one of a hydraulic system and an electric motor.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement arrangement comprises a guide member and a displacement member configured to hold the second installation pivot or third installation pivot, wherein the guide member is configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member between the first position and the second position of the second installation pivot or third installation pivot.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide member comprises a guide rail configured to be attached to the rotor receiver unit or the blade, wherein the guide rail is configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member while the second installation pivot or third installation pivot is being displaced between the first position and the second position.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the invention, the guide member comprises a piston cylinder and the displacement member comprises a piston rod holding the second installation pivot, wherein the piston cylinder is configured to guide the displacement of the piston rod while the second installation pivot or third installation pivot is being displaced between the first position and the second position. According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotor receiver unit is configured to be arranged at a top end portion of the support pillar and the piston cylinder is arranged on the rotor receiver unit such that the displacement member is configured to be displaced above the top end portion of the support pillar. By arranging the piston cylinder such that it is located at the top end portion of the support pillar, the displacement of the second installation pivot is enabled while allowing an upper rotor to be arranged at the top end portion of the support pillar.

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

[0036] By means of the releasable attachment member, it is assured that the blade assembly is maintained adjacent to the support pillar while the blade assembly is in the folded setting. The releasable attachment member is for example a rope, wire or similar.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first installation pivot, the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot comprising a respective locking means configured to pivots from rotation when the second installation pivot or third installation pivot is in the second position. By means of the locking means, it is assured that the blade assembly is maintained in the folded setting or the extended setting.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first installation pivot, the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot comprising a respective pin joint configured to hold the blade and the strut rotatably attached to the pillar, wherein the first installation pivot, the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot comprising the locking means configured to lock the pin joints from rotation when the second installation pivot or third installation pivot is in the second position.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement arrangement comprises a further locking member configured to lock the displacement of displacement arrangement when the second installation pivot or the third installation pivot is in the second position. According to an embodiment of the invention, the blade assembly comprises a support arm configured to be connected between the pillar and the strut, wherein the support arm comprises a fourth installation pivot configured to hold the support arm rotatably attached to the pillar and a fifth installation pivot configured to hold the support arm rotatably attached to the strut, wherein at least one of the fourth installation pivot and the fifth installation pivot is movably arranged in respect to its attachment.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the invention, the fourth installation pivot and the fifth installation pivot each has a rotational axis, wherein the fourth installation pivot and the fifth installation pivot are configured to rotate with essentially a common rotational axis that essentially corresponds to the common rotational axis of the first, second and third installation pivots.

[0041] The above object of the invention is further obtain by rotor unit for a vertical axis wind turbine, wherein the rotor unit comprises the blade assembly, a rotor receiver unit attaching the first installation pivot and the second installation pivot, and the device for installing the blade assembly according to any of above embodiments, wherein the rotor receiver unit is configured to be rotatable attached to a circumference of the support pillar and receive rotational energy from the blade assembly.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotor receiver unit is shaped with an opening configured to accommodate receipt of an outer portion of the support pillar.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the invention, the rotor unit comprises a rotor transmitter unit configured to be rotatable attached at an end portion of the support pillar and receive rotational energy from the rotor receiver unit, wherein the rotor transmitter unit is configured to be connected to a shaft of the support pillar that transfers the rotational energy to a generator.

[0044] The objects of the invention are further obtained by means of a wind-power plant comprising a vertical axis wind turbine, a support pillar and a device for installing the blade assembly according to any of above embodiment, wherein the device is arranged at a rotor receiver unit of the turbine. According to an embodiment of the invention, the wind-power plant comprises an upper vertical axis wind turbine and a lower vertical axis wind turbine, each provided with device for installing a blade assembly according to above. The configuration of the device for installing a blade assembly may be different for the upper vertical axis wind turbine and the lower vertical axis wind turbine. For example, the upper vertical axis wind turbine may be arranged at the top end portion of the support pillar, and device may be configured with specifics suitable for this location of the turbine. Similar, the lower vertical axis wind turbine is arranged between a base of the support pillar and the upper vertical axis wind turbine, and device may be configured with specifics suitable for this location of the turbine.

[0045] The objects of the invention are further obtained by means of a method for installing a blade assembly of a vertical axis wind turbine at an elongated support pillar, wherein the wind turbine comprises a device for installing the blade assembly according to any of above embodiment.

[0046] The method comprises the step of:

[0047] - arranging one of the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot to the first position,

[0048] - raising the support pillar to a vertical orientation, and

[0049] - displacing the second installation pivot or third installation pivot from the first position to the second position by means of the displacement arrangement.

[0050] The step of arranging one of the second installation pivot and the third installation pivot to the first position, relates to a step that is performed when installing the turbine to the support pillar and preparing the wind power plant for transportation in the horizontal orientation.

[0051] The step of raising the support pillar to a vertical orientation, relates to a step that is performed when the wind power plant has been transported to or close by to its location of installation.

[0052] The step of displacing the second installation pivot or third installation pivot from the first position to the second position, relates to a step that is performed when installing the wind power plant in such a manner that it is prepared for operation.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises: - locking the second installation pivot or third installation pivot to the second position.

[0054] The step of locking the second installation pivot or third installation pivot to the second position, relates to a step in which the blade assembly is locked to the extended setting. Thereby, it is assured that the blade assembly is maintained in the extended setting while the wind power plant is in operation.

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

[0056] - subsequent to that the second installation pivot or third installation pivot has been displaced to the second position, locking the displacement arrangement such that the second installation pivot or third installation pivot is prevented from being displaced.

[0057] The step of locking the displacement arrangement, relates to a step in which it is further assured that the blade assembly is maintained in the extended setting while the wind power plant is in operation.

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

[0059] - subsequent to that the second installation pivot or third installation pivot has been arranged to the first position, attaching the releasable attachment member.

[0060] The step of attaching the releasable attachment member, relates to a step in which it is assured that the blade assembly is maintained in the folded setting. The step is in particular relevant prior to transportation of the wind power plant to the location of installation and prior to the step of raising the support pillar to the vertical orientation.

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

[0062] - subsequent to that the pillar has been raised to the vertical orientation, releasing the releasable attachment member.

[0063] The step of releasing the releasable attachment member, relates to a step in which the blade assembly is prepared for adjustment between the folded setting and the extended setting.

[0064] The objects of the invention are further obtained by means of a use of a device for installing a blade assembly according to any of claim above embodiments, use of a rotor unit for a vertical axis wind turbine according to any of above embodiments and use of a wind-power plant according to any of above embodiments.

[0065] Description of the figures

[0066] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following figures, wherein:

[0067] Figure 1 discloses a side view of a wind-power plant comprising a device for installing a blade assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, Figure 2 discloses a side view of a wind-power plant comprising the device for installing a blade assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention, Figure 3 discloses a side view of a portion of a turbine comprising a blade assembly and the device in fig. 1 ,

[0068] Figure 4 discloses a side view of a wind-power plant comprising the device in fig. 1 , wherein the blade assemblies are in a folded setting,

[0069] Figure 5 discloses a side view of a wind-power plant comprising the device in fig. 1 , wherein the blade assemblies are in an extended setting,

[0070] Figure 6 discloses a flow chart of a method for installing a blade assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0071] Figure 7 discloses a flow chart of a method for installing a blade assembly according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0072] Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0073] In fig. 1 is a side view of a wind-power plant 1 disclosed. The wind-power plant 1 comprises a vertical axis wind turbine 3, an elongated support pillar 5 and a device 10 for installing a blade assembly 12 according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0074] The wind turbine 3 is configured to be arranged at elevated height at the support pillar 5. The turbine 3 comprise a rotor receiver unit 14 rotatably arranged at the support pillar 5. The rotor receiver unit 14 is configured to receive rotational energy from the blade assembly 12 and transfer the rotational energy to a generator. The rotor receiver unit 14 is configured to rotate with a rotational axis that is essentially parallel to the extension of the support pillar 5.

[0075] The blade assembly 12 comprises a blade 20 and a strut 22 attached to the rotor receiver unit 14. The blade 20 comprises an airfoil that is configured to absorb energy from the wind and transfer the absorbed energy to the rotor receiver unit 14. The strut 22 is connected between the rotor receiver unit 14 and the blade 20. The function of the strut 22 is to support the blade 20 when the blade 20 is subjected to bending forces.

[0076] The device 10 for installing the blade assembly 12 comprises a first installation pivot 30, a second installation pivot 32 and a third installation pivot 34.

[0077] The blade 20 is rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit 14 by means of the first installation pivot 30 such that the blade 20 extends from the rotor receiver unit 14.

[0078] The strut 22 is rotatably connected between the rotor receiver unit 14 and the blade 20. The strut 22 is rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit 14 by means of a second installation pivot 32. The strut 22 is rotatably attached to the blade 20 by means of a third installation pivot 34.

[0079] The first installation pivot 30, the second installation pivot 32 and the third installation pivot 34 each comprises a rotational axis. The first, second and third installation pivots 30, 32, 34 are configured to be pivotable essentially with a common rotational axis that is essentially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the rotor receiving unit 14. By means of the first, second and third installation pivots 30, 32, 34, the blade assembly 12 is configured to be shifted between a folded setting and an extended setting as will discussed in further detail below.

[0080] In an embodiment of the invention, the blade assembly 12 further comprises a support arm 24 connected between the rotor receiver unit 14 and the strut 22. The support arm 24 is configured to support the strut 22 and mitigate bending forces subjected to the strut 22. In shall be understood that the configuration of the blade assembly 12 with the support arm 24 is optional.

[0081] In case of presence of the support arm 24, the device 10 further comprises a fourth installation pivot 36 configured to hold the support arm 24 rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit 14 and a fifth installation pivot 38 configured to hold the support arm 24 rotatably attached to the strut 22. At least one of the fourth installation pivot 36 and the fifth installation pivot 38 is movably arranged in respect to its attachment correspondingly to the arrangement of the second installation pivot 32 and the third installation pivot 34. In the present embodiment of the invention, the displacement arrangement 40 is configured to displace the fourth installation pivot 36 or the fifth installation pivot 38 correspondingly to the displacement of the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34.

[0082] The fourth installation pivot 36 and the fifth installation pivot 38 each comprises a rotational axis. The fourth installation pivot 36 and the fifth installation pivot 38 are configured to rotate essentially with a common rotational axis that essentially corresponds to the common rotational axis of the first, second and third installation pivots 30, 32, 34. Correspondingly to the first, second and third installation pivots 30, 32, 34, the fourth installation pivot 36 and the fifth installation pivot 38 enable the blade assembly 12 to be shifted between the folded setting and the extended setting.

[0083] The device 10 further comprises a displacement arrangement 40 that is configured to hold and guide a displacement of either the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 between a first position and a second position. By means of the displacement arrangement 40 the blade assembly 12 is configured to be shifted between the folded setting and the extended setting.

[0084] The first position of either the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 corresponds to the folded setting of the blade assembly 12, as seen on the left side of the support pillar 5 in fig. 1. In the folded setting the blade 20, the strut 22 and the support arm 24 are folded such that they extend essentially parallel to the rotor receiver unit 14 and correspondingly extend along the extension of the support pillar 5 when the rotor receiver unit 14 is connected to the support pillar 5. The folded setting enables installation of the rotor and transportation of the wind-power plant 1 while the support pillar 5 is arranged in the horizontal orientation.

[0085] The second position of either the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 corresponds to the extended setting of the blade assembly 12, as seen on the right side of the support pillar 5 in fig. 1. In the extended setting, the blade 20 is extending from the rotor receiver unit 14 and thereby absorbing energy from the wind that is transferred to the rotor receiver unit 14. Likewise, the strut 22 and the support arm 24 extend from the rotor receiver unit 14 to the blade 20 respectively the strut 22. The extended setting relates to an operational setting of the blade assembly 12. The displacement arrangement 40 comprises a displacement mechanism for generating the displacement of either the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 between the first position and the second position.

[0086] The displacement mechanism may comprise an arrangement of ropes and pullies. Alternatively, the displacement arrangement 40 comprises a drive unit and a displacement member configured to hold either the second installation pivot 32 or third installation pivot 34. The drive unit is configured to generate a force that displaces the displacement member so that the second installation pivot 32 or third installation pivot 34 connected to the displacement member is displaced between the first position and the second position. The drive unit comprises for example one of a hydraulic system and an electric motor.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the invention, the displacement arrangement 40 comprises a guide member configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member between the first position and the second position.

[0088] The guide member comprises for example a guide rail attached to the rotor receiver unit 14 or the blade 20. Alternatively, the guide member comprises a piston cylinder and the displacement member comprises a piston rod holding either the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34. The piston cylinder is configured to guide the displacement of the piston rod such that the connected installation pivot 32, 34 is displaced between the first position and the second position.

[0089] With reference to fig. 2, a side view of a wind-power plant 1 comprising the device 10 for installing the blade assembly 12 according to a further embodiment of the invention is disclosed. In the embodiment, the displacement arrangement 40 comprises a piston cylinder at the rotor receiver unit 14 that is located at a top end portion of the support pillar 5. By means of the piston cylinder, the second installation pivot 32 is configured to be displace between the first and the second position. The piston cylinder is connected to the rotor receiver unit 14 such that the first position is located above the top end portion of the support pillar 5. This has the advantage of enabling the turbine 3 to be arranged at the top end portion of the support pillar 5.

[0090] The device 10 further comprises a releasable attachment member that is configured to hold the blade 20, the strut 22 and the support arm 24 arranged extending along the support pillar 5 when the turbine 3 is attached to the support pillar 5 and when the blade assembly 12 is in the folded setting. The releasable attachment member assures that the blade 20, the strut 22 and the support arm 24 is maintained in the folded setting. The releasable attachment member is for example a rope or a wire. The releasable attachment member is not disclosed in the figure.

[0091] According to an embodiment of the invention, the first installation pivot 30, the second installation pivot 32 and the third installation pivot 34 comprising respective locking means configured to prevent the first, second and third installation pivots 30, 32, 34 from rotation when ether the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 is in the first or the second position. The locking means may for example be in the form of locking pins that is engaging with pin joints arranged at the first, second and third installation pivots 30, 32, 34.

[0092] According to an embodiment of the invention, the device 10 comprises further locking means configured to lock the displacement of displacement arrangement 40 when either the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 is in the first or the second position.

[0093] It shall be understood that the device 10 may comprise one or more of releasable attachment member, the locking means and the further locking means. When used in combinations, the releasable attachment member, the locking means and the further locking means assure that the blade assembly 12 is maintained in the folded setting or the extended setting.

[0094] With reference to fig. 3, a side view of a portion of a turbine 3 comprising a blade assembly 12, a rotor receiver unit 14 and the device 10 is disclosed.

[0095] The rotor receiver unit 14 comprises an opening for receiving the outer circumference of the support pillar 5. In the discloses example, the support pillar 5 is arranged tapered in the direction of its extension. Accordingly, the opening of the rotor receiver unit 14 is provided with a corresponding tapered form. The turbine 3 comprises a support member 50 attached to the support pillar 5. The rotor receiver unit 14 is rotary supported in respect to the pillar 5 by means of the support member 50.

[0096] With reference to fig. 4, a side view of a wind-power plant 1 comprising the device 10 is disclosed. The wind-power plant 1 comprises an upper turbine 3a and a lower turbine 3b each comprising the blade assembly 12 and the device 10 for installing a blade assembly 12. In fig. 4 both the blade assemblies 12 of the upper turbine 3a and the lower turbine 3b are in a folded setting. By means of the folded setting, the wind-power plant 1 is configured to be stored or transported to the location of installation.

[0097] With reference to fig. 5, a side view of the wind-power plant 1 in fig. 4 is disclosed. In fig. 5, both the blade assemblies 12 of the upper turbine 3a and the lower turbine 3b are in the extended setting. By means of the extended setting, the wind-power plant 1 is configured for operation.

[0098] With reference to fig. 6, a flow chart of a method for installing a blade assembly 12 according to an embodiment of the invention is disclosed. The method is based on use of the device 10 for installing the blade assembly 12.

[0099] In a step 110, the method comprises arranging one of the second installation pivot 32 and the third installation pivot 34 to the first position. The first position relates to a folded setting in which the blade assembly 12 is configured for storage and transportation in a horizontal orientation while the blade assembly 12 is being arranged on the support pillar 5 by means of the rotor receiver unit 14.

[0100] In a step 120, the method comprises raising the support pillar 5 to a vertical orientation. In a step 130, the method comprises displacing the second installation pivot 32 or third installation pivot 34 from the first position to the second position by means of the displacement arrangement 40. The second position relates to an extended setting in which the blade assembly 12 is configured for operation. By means of the displacement of the either the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 from the first position to the second position, the blade assembly 12 is shifted from the folded setting to the extended setting.

[0101] With reference to fig. 7, a flow chart of a method for installing a blade assembly 12 according to a further embodiment of the invention is disclosed.

[0102] The method differs from the embodiment in fig. 6 in that the method comprises, in a step 125, subsequent to step 120, releasing the releasable attachment member. The method further differs from the embodiment in fig. 6 in that the method, comprises in one or more of step 140a, 140b subsequent to step 130, wherein in a step 140a the method comprising locking the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 to the second position, and / or in a step 140b the method comprising locking the displacement arrangement 40 such that the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 is prevented from being displaced from the second position. By means of the step 140a and / or step 140b, it is assured that the blade assembly 12 is maintained in the extended setting.

[0103] It shall be understood that the method, prior to step 125, may involve the step of attaching the releasable attachment member, locking the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 to the first position, and / or locking the displacement arrangement 40. By means of the step 125, the blade assembly 12 is enabled to be released from the folded setting. It shall be understood that step 125 may be complemented by steps of unlocking the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 from the first position and / or unlocking the displacement arrangement 40 such that the second installation pivot 32 or the third installation pivot 34 is enabled to be displaced from the first position to the second position.

[0104] It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1. A device (10) for installing a blade assembly (12) at a rotor receiver unit (14) of a vertical axis wind turbine (3), wherein the wind turbine (3) is configured to be arranged at an elongated support pillar (5), the blade assembly (12) comprises a blade (20) configured to extend from the rotor receiver unit (14), and a strut (22) configured to be connected between the rotor receiver unit (14) and the blade (20), wherein the device (10) comprises:- a first installation pivot (30) configured to hold the blade (20) rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit (14),- a second installation pivot (32) configured to hold the strut (22) rotatably attached to the rotor receiver unit (14),- a third installation pivot (34) configured to hold the strut (22) rotatably attached to the blade (20), and- a displacement arrangement (40) configured to hold and guide a displacement of one of the second installation pivot (32) and the third installation pivot (34) between a first position and a second position, wherein the displacement of the second installation pivot (32) or the third installation pivot (34) is such that, in the first position, said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) is located further away from the first installation pivot (30) than when said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) is located in the second position.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein in case of the displacement of the second installation pivot (32), in the first position, the second installation pivot (32) is located further away from the first installation pivot (30) in a direction of the extension of the rotor receiver unit (14) than when the second installation pivot (32) is in the second position.

3. The device according to any of claim 1 and 2, wherein in case of the displacement of the third installation pivot (34), in the first position, the third installation pivot (34) is located further away from the rotor receiver unit (14) ina direction of the extension of the blade (20) than when the third installation pivot (34) is in the second position.

4. The device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the displacement arrangement (40) comprises a displacement mechanism for generating the displacement of said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) between the first position and the second position.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, wherein the displacement mechanism comprises an arrangement of ropes and pullies.

6. The device (10) according to any of claim 4-5, wherein the displacement arrangement (40) comprises a drive unit configured to generate a force that displaces the displacement member such that said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) is being displaced from the first position to the second position.

7. The device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the drive unit comprises one of a hydraulic system and an electric motor.

8. The device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the displacement arrangement (40) comprises a guide member and a displacement member configured to hold said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34), wherein the guide member is configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member between the first position and the second position of said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34).

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, wherein the guide member comprises a guide rail configured to be attached to the rotor receiver unit (14) or the blade (20), wherein the guide rail is configured to guide the displacement of the displacement member while said second installation pivot (32) or thirdinstallation pivot (34) is being displaced between the first position and the second position.

10. The device (10) according to any of claim 8-9, wherein the guide member comprises a piston cylinder and the displacement member comprises a piston rod holding the second installation pivot (32), wherein the piston cylinder is configured to guide the displacement of the piston rod while said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) is being displaced between the first position and the second position.

11. The device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the device (10) comprises a releasable attachment member configured to form a connection between the blade (20) and the pillar (5) when the displacement arrangement (40) is in the first position, and wherein the attachment member is configured to be released from the connection to the blade (20) when the displacement arrangement (40) is in the second position.

12. The device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the first installation pivot (30), the second installation pivot (32) and the third installation pivot (34) comprising a respective locking means configured to pivots from rotation when said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) is in the second position.

13. The device (10) according to claim 12, wherein the first installation pivot (30), the second installation pivot (32) and the third installation pivot (34) comprising a respective pin joint configured to hold the blade (20) and the strut (22) rotatably attached to the pillar (5), wherein the first installation pivot (30), the second installation pivot (32) and the third installation pivot (34) comprising said locking means configured to lock the pin joints from rotation when said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) is in the second position.

14. The device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the displacement arrangement (40) comprises a further locking member configured to lock the displacement of displacement arrangement (40) when the second installation pivot (32) or the third installation pivot (34) is in the second position.

15. The device (10) according to any of the previous claims, wherein the blade assembly (12) comprises a support arm (24) configured to be connected between the pillar (5) and the strut (22), wherein the support arm (24) comprises a fourth installation pivot (36) configured to hold the support arm (24) rotatably attached to the pillar (5) and a fifth installation pivot (38) configured to hold the support arm (24) rotatably attached to the strut (22), wherein at least one of the fourth installation pivot (36) and the fifth installation pivot (38) is movably arranged in respect to its attachment.

16. A rotor unit for a vertical axis wind turbine (3), wherein the rotor unit comprises the blade assembly (12), a rotor receiver unit (14) attaching the first installation pivot (30) and the second installation pivot (32), and the device for installing the blade assembly (12) according to any of claim 1-15, wherein the rotor receiver unit (14) is configured to be rotatable attached to a circumference of the support pillar (5) and receive rotational energy from the blade assembly (12).

17. The rotor unit according to claim 16, wherein the rotor receiver unit (14) is shaped with an opening configured to accommodate receipt of an outer portion of the support pillar (5).

18. The rotor unit according to any of claim 16-17, wherein the rotor unit comprises a rotor transmitter unit configured to be rotatable attached at an end portion of the support pillar (5) and receive rotational energy from the rotor receiver unit (14), wherein the rotor transmitter unit is configured to be connected to a shaft of the pillar (5) that transfers the rotational energy to agenerator.

19. A wind-power plant (1) comprising a vertical axis wind turbine (3), a support pillar (5) and a device (10) for installing the blade assembly (12) according to any of claim 1-15, wherein the device (10) is arranged at a rotor receiver unit (14) of the turbine (3).

20. The wind-power plant (1) according to claim 19, wherein the wind-power plant (1) comprises an upper vertical axis wind turbine (3a) and a lower vertical axis wind turbine (3b), each provided with device (10) for installing a blade assembly (12) according to above.

21. A method for installing a blade assembly (12) of a vertical axis wind turbine (3) at an elongated support pillar (5), wherein the wind turbine (3) comprises a device (10) for installing the blade assembly (12) according to any of claim 1- 15, wherein the method comprises the step of:- arranging one of the second installation pivot (32) and the third installation pivot (34) to the first position,- raising the support pillar (5) to a vertical orientation, and- displacing said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) from the first position to the second position by means of the displacement arrangement (40).

22. The method according to claim 22, wherein the method further comprises:- subsequent to that said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) has been displaced to the second position, locking said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) to the second position.

23. The method according to an of claim 21-22, wherein the method further comprises:- subsequent to that said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) has been displaced to the second position, locking the displacementarrangement (40) such that said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) is prevented from being displaced.

24. The method according to any of claim 21-23, wherein the method further comprises:- subsequent to that said second installation pivot (32) or third installation pivot (34) has been arranged to the first position, attaching the releasable attachment member.

25. The method according to any of claim 21-24, wherein the method further comprises:- subsequent to that the pillar (5) has been raised to the vertical orientation, releasing the releasable attachment member.

26. Use of a device (10) for installing a blade assembly (12) according to any of claim 1-15.

27. Use of a rotor unit for a vertical axis wind turbine (3) according to any of claim 16-18.

28. Use of a wind-power plant (1) according to any of claim 19-20.

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