Apparatus, systems and methods for water-based transportation of wind turbine blades

Abstract

A transportation arrangement (40) for transporting at least one wind turbine blade (20) on water is disclosed. The transportation arrangement (40) includes a primary vessel (42), a secondary vessel (44) that is separate from the primary vessel (42), and a wind turbine blade (20) that extends between a first end (24) and an opposite second end (26). The first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) is configured to be supported on the primary vessel (42) and the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) is configured to be supported on the secondary vessel (44) such that the secondary vessel (44) is operatively connected to the primary vessel (42) by the wind turbine blade (20) to transport the wind turbine blade (20) on water, and in particular about bends and curved sections of a waterway.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WATER-BASED TRANSPORTATION OF WIND TURBINE BLADES

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates generally to wind turbines, and more particularly to an apparatus, system and methods for water-based transportation of wind turbine blades.

[0004] Background

[0005] Wind turbines are used to produce electrical energy using a renewable resource and without combusting a fossil fuel. Generally, a wind turbine converts kinetic energy from the wind into electrical power. A horizontal-axis wind turbine includes a tower and an energy generating unit positioned atop of the tower. The energy generating unit typically includes a nacelle to house mechanical and electrical components, such as a generator, and a rotor operatively coupled to the components in the nacelle through a main shaft extending from the nacelle. The rotor, in turn, includes a central hub and a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom and configured to interact with the wind to cause rotation of the rotor. The rotor is supported on the main shaft, which is either directly or indirectly operatively coupled with the generator which is housed inside the nacelle. Consequently, as wind forces the blades to rotate, electrical energy is produced by the generator.

[0006] A wind turbine uses multiple blades in design with a popular standard using three blade per turbine. Such blades are very long and getting increasingly longer with newer wind turbine designs. For example, the lengths of some modern wind turbine blades may be in the vicinity of approximately 100 meters (m) or greater. As may be appreciated, the transportation of wind turbine blades between production sites, as well as from their production site to an installation location or to an interim storage site poses a variety of technical challenges, particularly in view of the ever-increasing length of individual blades.

[0007] For certain production and installation sites, it is often desirable or necessary to transport such blades via water with a transport vessel. In that regard, the wind turbine blade is typically supported on the transport vessel, with the tip end extending off the stern of the vessel and some distance over the water. Water-based transportation of such long blades poses various challenges. For example, waterways used for transportation, such as channels, rivers, or canals, are often tight and include docks, boats, and other vessels, which can obstruct the travel path of the blade. These obstructions become more challenging when the vessel is required to navigate bends and curved sections of the waterway. This navigation necessitates the transport vessel to swing the tip end of the blade about a large turn radius, requiring a wide clearance path to avoid hitting structures on the water or on land near the water’s edge. Accordingly, such prior art arrangements and transportation systems may not be suitable for transporting blades having lengths greater than a particular threshold length for the waterway that must be travelled.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for improved apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting wind turbine blades or similar elements via water. In particular, there is a need to provide improved apparatuses, systems, and methods for transporting a wind turbine blade or similar element via water that may accommodate maximized blade lengths.

[0009] Summary

[0010] To these and other ends, in one aspect of the invention, a transportation arrangement for transporting at least one wind turbine blade on water is disclosed. The transport arrangement includes a primary vessel, a secondary vessel that is separate from the primary vessel, and a wind turbine blade that extends between a first end and an opposite second end. The first end of the wind turbine blade is supported on the primary vessel and the second end of the wind turbine blade is supported on the secondary vessel such that the secondary vessel is operatively connected to the primary vessel by the wind turbine blade to transport the wind turbine blade on water. The primary vessel may include a propulsion system that is configured to move the transportation arrangement on water.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the primary vessel may include a primary support that is configured to operatively connect the first end of the wind turbine blade to the primary vessel. The primary support may provide the primary vessel with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade, for example. In another embodiment, a position of the primary support may be adjustable along a lengthwise direction of the primary vessel and / or along a widthwise direction of the primary vessel.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the secondary vessel may include a secondary support that is configured to operatively connect the second end of the wind turbine blade to the secondary vessel. The secondary support may provide the secondary vessel with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade, for example. In another embodiment, a position of the secondary support may be adjustable along a lengthwise direction of the secondary vessel and / or along a widthwise direction of the secondary vessel.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the primary vessel may include up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to the secondary vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the secondary vessel may include up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to the primary vessel. In one embodiment, the secondary vessel may include a directional control device that is configured to change a movement direction of the secondary vessel. For example, the secondary vessel may include a propulsion system that is configured to generate thrust to change a movement direction of the secondary vessel. In yet another embodiment, the primary vessel and the secondary vessel may each include a land drive system for transporting the wind turbine blade on land.

[0014] According to one aspect of the invention, a method of transporting at least one wind turbine blade on water is disclosed. The method includes providing a primary vessel that includes a primary support, a secondary vessel that is separate from the primary vessel and that includes a secondary support, and a wind turbine blade that extends between a first end and an opposite second end. The method includes connecting the first end of the wind turbine blade to the primary support such that the first end of the wind turbine blade is operatively supported by the primary vessel and connecting the second end of the wind turbine blade to the secondary support such that the second end of the wind turbine blade is operatively supported by the secondary vessel. The method further includes transporting the wind turbine blade on water with the primary vessel and the secondary vessel being generally longitudinally aligned with the wind turbine blade spanning between the primary vessel and the secondary vessel. The method also includes transporting the wind turbine blade on water along a curved path where the primary vessel and the secondary vessel are generally longitudinally offset with the wind turbine blade spanning between the primary vessel and the secondary vessel.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the primary vessel may include a directional control device and / or a propulsion system. The method may further include operating the directional control device and / or the propulsion system to move the primary vessel relative to the secondary vessel. In yet another embodiment, the secondary vessel may include a directional control device and / or a propulsion system. The method may further include operating the directional control device and / or the propulsion system to move the secondary vessel relative to the primary vessel.

[0016] In one embodiment, the method may include moving the primary vessel on water with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade. In another embodiment, the method may include moving the secondary vessel on water with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade. The method may further include moving the primary vessel on water with up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to the secondary vessel. Additionally or alternatively, the method may include moving the secondary vessel on water with up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to the primary vessel. In yet another embodiment, the primary vessel and the secondary vessel may each include a land drive system. In that regard, the method may further include transporting the wind turbine blade on land.

[0017] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

[0019] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a wind turbine according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a wind turbine blade of the wind turbine of Fig. 1 .

[0020] Fig. 3 is a side view of a transportation arrangement including a primary vessel and a secondary vessel for transporting at least one wind turbine blade on water in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

[0021] Fig. 4 is a top view of the transportation arrangement of Fig. 3, illustrating additional details of the degrees of freedom of movement of the primary vessel and the secondary vessel of the transportation arrangement.

[0022] Fig. 5 is a top view of the transportation arrangement of Figs. 3 and 4, illustrating the transportation arrangement rounding a bend in a waterway.

[0023] Fig. 6 is a side view of a transportation arrangement including a primary amphibious vessel and a secondary amphibious vessel for transporting at least one wind turbine blade on water and on land in accordance with one aspect of the invention.

[0024] Detailed Description

[0025] With reference to Figs. 1 through 5, a transportation arrangement and method for transporting a wind turbine blade on water is shown in accordance with embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, the transportation arrangement is water-based and configured to transport at least one wind turbine blade on water. In another embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 6, the transportation arrangement is amphibious to transport at least one wind turbine blade on water and on land. In either case, the transportation arrangement includes at least a primary, tow vessel and a secondary, auxiliary vessel between which the wind turbine blade is supported for transport. For example, the root end of the blade may be supported by the primary vessel and the tip end of the blade may be supported by the secondary vessel. In that regard, the secondary vessel is separate from the primary vessel but is operatively connected to the primary vessel by the wind turbine blade, allowing the secondary vessel to follow or otherwise be towed by the primary vessel to transport the wind turbine blade. As the transportation arrangement operates to transport the blade on water, the transportation arrangement, and in particular the blade, may be subject to stresses resulting from the unpredictable directional changes stemming from waves, tides, or other phenomena inherent to bodies of water. However, to reduce the stress experienced by the blade from these forces, each vessel may include a support that is configured to operatively connect one end of the wind turbine blade to one of the primary or secondary vessels. Each support may allow up to three degrees of movement of each vessel relative to the wind turbine blade. This capability minimizes stress transfer from the water and the vessel to each end of the wind turbine blade. Furthermore, each support may allow up to five degrees of movement of the vessels relative to each other, improving the maneuverability of the transportation arrangement on the water. With this capability, the transportation arrangement may accommodate maximum blade lengths while effectively navigating narrow waterways, including dock areas, bends and curved sections of a waterway, for example. These and other benefits of the invention will be described more fully below.

[0026] Turning now with reference to Fig. 1 , an exemplary wind turbine 10 is shown which includes a tower 12, a nacelle 14 disposed at the apex of the tower 12, and a rotor 16 operatively coupled to a generator (not shown) housed inside the nacelle 14, and a gearbox (not shown) housed inside the nacelle 14. In addition to the generator and gearbox, the nacelle 14 may house various components needed to convert wind energy into electrical energy and to operate and optimize the performance of the wind turbine 10. The tower 12 supports the load presented by the nacelle 14, rotor 16, and other wind turbine components housed inside or external to the nacelle 14. The tower 12 operates to elevate the nacelle 14 and the rotor 16 to a height above ground level or sea level, as may be the case, where air currents with lower turbulence and higher velocity are typically found.

[0027] The rotor 16 includes a central hub 18 and a plurality of wind turbine blades 20 (“blades”) attached to the central hub 18 at locations distributed about the circumference of the central hub 18. In the representative embodiment, the rotor 16 includes three blades 20, however the number of blades 20 may vary. The blades 20, which project radially outward from the central hub 18, are configured to interact with passing air currents to produce rotational forces that cause the central hub 18 to spin about its longitudinal axis 22. The design, construction, and operation of the blades 20 are familiar to a person having ordinary skill in the art of wind turbine design and may include additional functional aspects to optimize performance.

[0028] The rotor 16 may be coupled to the gearbox directly or indirectly by a drive shaft (not shown) to form a rotor assembly. Either way, the gearbox transfers the rotation of the rotor 16 through a coupling (not shown) to the generator. Wind exceeding a minimum speed may activate the rotor 16, causing the rotor 16 to rotate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the wind, and applying torque to the input shaft of the generator. The electrical power produced by the generator may be supplied to a power grid (not shown) or an energy storage system (not shown) for later release to the grid as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art. In this way, the kinetic energy of the wind may be harnessed by the wind turbine 10 for power generation.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary one of the wind turbine blades 20 of the wind turbine 10. As shown, the blade 20 extends longitudinally in a spanwise direction S between a root end 24 and a tip end 26, and transversely in a chordwise C direction between a leading edge 28 and a trailing edge 30. In that regard, the blade 20 has a longitudinal length in the spanwise S direction extending from the root end 24 to the tip end 26. The length of blade may be 100 meters or greater, for example. The blade 20 includes an outer shell 32 that defines a generally hollow interior of the wind turbine blade 20 where at least one spar structure 34 may be located, as is typical for wind turbine blade designs.

[0030] Referring now to Figs. 3 and 4, a transportation arrangement 40 for use on water is shown in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the transportation arrangement 40 is water-based and is configured to transport at least one wind turbine blade on water. In that regard, the transportation arrangement 40 includes a primary, tow vessel 42 and a secondary, auxiliary vessel 44 between which one wind turbine blade 20 is supported for transport. The primary vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44 are separate vessels, with each being configured to support the wind turbine blade 20 at an opposite end region of the wind turbine blade such that the wind turbine blade 20 is supported above a surface of the water. In the embodiment shown, the primary vessel 42 supports the wind turbine blade 20 at a first end region, referred to hereafter as the root end 24 of the wind turbine blade 20. The secondary vessel 42 supports the wind turbine blade 20 at a second end region, referred to hereafter as the tip end 26 of the wind turbine blade 20. A region of the wind turbine blade 20 that spans between the primary vessel and the secondary vessel is referred to hereafter as a middle region 46 of the wind turbine blade 20. In that regard, the primary vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44 are configured to be spaced a distance apart to define a following gap 48 therebetween. For example, the secondary vessel 44 may be spaced rearwardly from the primary vessel 42 to define the following gap 48. The middle region 46 of the wind turbine blade spans the following gap 46 between the primary vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44 to operatively link or connect the vessels 42, 44 together. That is, in one embodiment, the wind turbine blade 20 may be the only connecting member between the primary vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44. However, in another embodiment, the transportation arrangement 40 may include one or more tension members extending between the primary vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44, such as rope, chain, or wire, for example, to reduce tension stress on the blade 20.

[0031] The primary vessel 42 includes a hull 50 that extends between a bow 52 and a stem 54, and includes a deck 56 on which a primary support 58 is located. In the embodiment shown, the primary support 58 is configured to operatively connect the first end 24 of the wind turbine blade 20, being the root end 24, to the primary vessel 42, as will be described in further detail below. The primary vessel 42 may include a propulsion system 60 for powering movement of the primary vessel 42 and for moving the transportation arrangement 40 on water. The propulsion system 60 may be in the form of a driven propeller, a water jet drive, a sail, a paddle wheel, or any other suitable mechanism for causing movement of the primary vessel 42 and the transportation arrangement 40 on water. In addition to the propulsion system 60, the primary vessel 42 may also include a directional control device 62, such as a rudder, for example.

[0032] The secondary vessel 44 includes a hull 64 that extends between a bow 66 and a stern 68, and includes a deck 70 on which a secondary support 72 is located. In the embodiment shown, the secondary support 72 is configured to operatively connect the second end 26 of the wind turbine blade 20, being the tip end 26, to the secondary vessel 44. However, the transport orientation of the blade 20 that is shown is merely exemplary, and it will be understood that the orientation of the blade 20 may be reversed (i.e., the tip end 26 is supported by the primary vessel 42 and the root end 24 is supported by the secondary vessel 44).

[0033] During operation of the transportation arrangement 40 to transport the wind turbine blade 20, the secondary vessel 44 is configured to follow or otherwise be towed by the primary vessel 42. That is, the propulsion system 60 of the primary vessel 42 is configured to be the primary propulsion source for moving the transportation arrangement 40 on water. However, to navigate narrow waterways, curves, bends, dock areas, and other obstacles associated with waterways, it is preferable for the secondary vessel 44 to also include a movement means that is independent from the movement means of the primary vessel 42. In that regard, the secondary vessel 44 may include a propulsion system 74 and / or a directional control device 76. The propulsion system 74 may be in the form of a driven propeller, a water jet drive, or any other suitable mechanism for generating a thrust to change a movement direction of the secondary vessel 44, especially relative to the primary vessel 42 during transport of the wind turbine blade 20. The directional control device 76, such as a rudder, provides the secondary vessel 44 with independent steering capability. The directional control device 76 may be operated to change a movement direction of the secondary vessel 44, especially when being towed by the primary vessel 42, in cases where the secondary vessel 44 lacks a propulsion system 74.

[0034] As briefly described above, the primary vessel 42 includes the primary support 58 which is configured to operatively couple or connect a first end region of the wind turbine blade 20, such as the root end 24, to the primary vessel 42. In that regard, the primary support 58 includes a bolster 78 and a gimbal system 80 that permits movement of the bolster 78 relative to the primary vessel 42. The bolster 78 is configured to secure the end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the primary support 58 and defines a connection point 82 between the end 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 and the vessel 42, as shown in Fig. 4. The bolster 78 may be in the form of a clamp, cradle and strap combination, or other suitable structure for securing the end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20. As shown, the root end 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 may overlie the deck 56 of the primary vessel 42 when secured by the bolster 78 of the primary support 58. The gimbal system 80 operatively connects the bolster 78 to the primary vessel 42. While the primary support 58 is shown as being located on the deck 56 adjacent the stem 54 of the primary vessel 42, the primary support 58 may be located elsewhere. In that regard, a position of the primary support 58 is adjustable along a lengthwise direction (i.e., bow-to-stern direction) of the primary vessel 42 and / or along a widthwise direction between sides 84 of the primary vessel 42.

[0035] The primary support 58 is configured to operatively couple or connect the end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the primary vessel 58 by allowing up to three degrees of freedom of movement of the primary vessel 42 relative to the wind turbine blade 20 about the connection point 82 therebetween. Specifically, the gimbal system 80 provides up to three degrees of freedom of movement of the primary vessel 42 relative to the wind turbine blade 20. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the primary support 58 permits the primary vessel 42 to Roll, as indicated by directional arrow A1 , Pitch, as indicated by directional arrow A2, and Yaw, as indicated by directional arrow A3, relative to the wind turbine blade 20. Thus, the primary support 58, and in particular the gimbal system 80, provides the primary vessel 42 with up to three degrees of freedom of movement (Roll, Pitch, Yaw) relative to the end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 that is secured to the primary support 58.

[0036] Like the primary vessel 42, the secondary vessel 44 includes the secondary support 72 which is configured to operatively couple or connect a second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20, such as the tip end 26, to the secondary vessel 44. In that regard, the secondary support 72 includes a bolster 86 and a gimbal system 88 that permits movement of the bolster 86 relative to the secondary vessel 44. The bolster 86 is configured to secure the end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the secondary support 72 and defines a connection point 90 between the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 and the secondary vessel 44, as shown in Fig. 4. The bolster 86 may be in the form of a clamp, cradle and strap combination, or other suitable structure for securing the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20. The entirety or only a portion of the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 may overlie the deck 70 of the secondary vessel 44 when secured by the bolster 86 of the secondary support 72. In either case, the gimbal system 88 operatively connects the bolster 86 to the secondary vessel 44. While the secondary support 72 is shown as being centrally located on the deck 70 of the secondary vessel 44, the secondary support 72 may be located elsewhere, such as closer to the bow 66 or stem 68, for example. In that regard, a position of the secondary support 72 is adjustable along a lengthwise direction (i.e., bow-to-stern direction) of the secondary vessel 44 and / or along a widthwise direction between sides 92 of the secondary vessel 44.

[0037] The secondary support 72 is configured to operatively couple or connect the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the secondary vessel 44 by allowing up to three degrees of freedom of movement of the secondary vessel 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20 about the connection point 90 therebetween. Specifically, the gimbal system 88 provides up to three degrees of freedom of movement of the secondary vessel 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the secondary support 72 permits the secondary vessel 44 to Roll, as indicated by directional arrow A4, Pitch, as indicated by directional arrow A5, and Yaw, as indicated by directional arrow A6, relative to the wind turbine blade 20. Thus, the secondary support 72, and in particular the gimbal system 88, provides the secondary vessel 44 with up to three degrees of freedom of movement (Roll, Pitch Yaw) relative to the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 that is secured to the secondary support 72.

[0038] In the embodiment shown, each of the supports 58, 72 may provide three degrees of freedom of movement of each vessel 42, 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20. However, one or both supports 58, 72 may provide fewer than three degrees of freedom of movement of the respective vessel 42, 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20. For example, the primary support 58 may provide three degrees of freedom of movement of the primary vessel 42 relative to the wind turbine blade 20, with the secondary support 72 being limited to providing only 1 , 2, or no degrees of freedom of movement of the secondary vessel 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20, or vice versa. The appropriate configuration may be dependent on the water conditions on which the transportation arrangement 40 is to travel, for example.

[0039] The primary and secondary supports 58, 72 provide an operative connection between the ends 24, 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 and the respective vessel 42, 44, as described above. However, as the blade 20 provides the coupling connection between the primary and secondary vessels 42, 44, the primary and secondary supports 58, 72 also provide for an operative connection between the primary and secondary vessels 42, 44. In other words, in one embodiment, the wind turbine blade 20 provides the connection between the vessels 42, 44, and the primary and / or secondary supports 58, 72 make the connection operative by permitting up to three degrees of movement of each vessel 42, 44 relative to the wind turbine blade 20. As a result, the primary and secondary vessel 42, 44 each include up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to each other. As will be described in further detail below, the five degrees of freedom of movement of each vessel 42, 44 relative to the other are intended to reduce the stress experienced by the wind turbine blade 20 from forces inherent to bodies of water. The five degrees of freedom of movement of each vessel 42, 44 relative to the other also allows the transportation arrangement 40 to navigate curved sections or other obstacles present in waterways, as will be described more fully below.

[0040] With continued reference to Figs. 3 and 4, the primary vessel 42 is operatively connected to the secondary vessel 44 via the wind turbine blade 20, with the primary and secondary supports 58, 72 allowing the primary vessel 42 to Roll A1 , Pitch A2, Yaw A3, Heave (i.e. vertical movement up and down), as indicated by directional arrows A7, and Sway (i.e., horizontal movement left and right), as indicated by directional arrows A8, relative to the secondary vessel 44. Thus, the primary vessel 42 includes five degrees of freedom of movement (Roll, Pitch, Yaw, Heave, and Sway) relative to the secondary vessel 44 when connected together to support the wind turbine blade 20. Similarly, the primary and secondary supports 58, 72 allow the secondary vessel 44 to Roll A4, Pitch A5, Yaw A6, Heave (i.e. vertical movement up and down), as indicated by directional arrows A9, and Sway (i.e., horizontal movement left and right), as indicated by directional arrows A10, relative to the primary vessel 42. Thus, the secondary vessel 44 includes five degrees of freedom of movement (Roll, Pitch, Yaw, Heave, and Sway) relative to the primary vessel 42 when connected together to support the wind turbine blade 20.

[0041] By providing the vessels 42, 44 with five degrees of freedom of movement relative to each other, the transportation arrangement 40 may be moved between a longitudinally aligned configuration (e.g., Fig. 4) and a longitudinally offset configuration (e.g., Fig. 5). When in the longitudinally aligned configuration, as shown in Fig. 4, the primary vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44 are generally longitudinally aligned with each other such that the middle region 46 of the blade 20 extends over the stem 54 of the primary vessel 42 and the bow 66 of the secondary vessel 44. The transportation arrangement 40 may be longitudinally aligned when travelling on water along a straight path, for example. When in the longitudinally offset configuration, at least a portion of the middle region 46 of the wind turbine blade 20 extends laterally away from a side 84 of the primary vessel 42 and / or a side 92 of the secondary vessel 44. The transportation arrangement 40 may be longitudinally offset when travelling on water along a curved path, for example. The longitudinally aligned and offset configurations provide the transportation arrangement 40 with the ability accommodate maximum blade 20 lengths while effectively navigating narrow waterways, including dock areas, bends and curved sections of a waterway, as will be described in further detail below. In essence, the transportation arrangement 40 may achieve a tighter turn radius of the blade 20 on water along a curved path, such as a bend in a waterway 100, as depicted in Fig. 5. This capability allows the transportation arrangement 40 to avoid impediments on the waterway 100 that would otherwise be struck by the wind turbine blade 20 if it were to be carried on a conventional transport vessel.

[0042] Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary tighter turning radius that the transportation arrangement 40 may achieve to accommodate maximum blade 20 lengths while effectively navigating a narrow and winding waterway 100, as may be needed to move the wind turbine blade 20 between processing facilities, to an installation location, or to an interim storage site, for example. In that regard, Fig. 5 illustrates an exemplary waterway 100 where the transportation arrangement 40 may be used to transport the wind turbine blade 20. The waterway 100 could be a channel or river, for example, with a bend that requires the transportation arrangement 40 to follow a curved path for navigation. As shown, the waterway 100 may contain one or more impediments, such as docks 102 and boats 104, that would typically be encountered on a channel or river and that would typically present obstructions to the movement of the wind turbine blade 20 on the water.

[0043] To transport the wind turbine blade 20 using the transportation arrangement 40, the transportation arrangement 40 must first be assembled with the wind turbine blade 20 at a first location along the waterway 100, such as a first processing facility. This involves connecting the first end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 to the primary support 58 such that the first end region 24 of the wind turbine blade 20 is operatively supported by the primary vessel 42. The second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 also needs to be connected to the secondary support 72 such that the second end region 26 of the wind turbine blade 20 is operatively supported by the secondary vessel 44. The transportation arrangement 40 may then be operated to transport the wind turbine blade 20 to a second location, such as a downstream processing facility, along the waterway 100, for example.

[0044] The transportation arrangement 40 may begin transporting the wind turbine blade 20 in a longitudinally aligned configuration until it approaches a bend or other obstruction on the waterway 100 that requires the transportation arrangement 40 to travel along a curved path to effectively navigate. As the transportation arrangement 40 approaches the exemplary bend in the waterway 100, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the primary vessel 42 begins to turn along the bend, resulting in at least a portion of the middle region 46 of the wind turbine blade 40 extending from one side 84 of the primary vessel 42, placing the transportation arrangement 40 in the longitudinally offset configuration. The propulsion system 60 of the primary vessel 42 may be operated to turn the primary vessel 42 without turning the secondary vessel 44. In that regard, the secondary vessel 44 may maintain a straight path for some time as the primary vessel 42 rounds an initial portion of the bend in the waterway 100. Eventually, however, the secondary vessel 44 will begin to navigate the bend, and the middle region 46 of the wind turbine blade 20 will also extend laterally from one side 92 of the secondary vessel 44, as shown in Fig. 5. While the secondary vessel 44 generally follows the primary vessel 42 through the bend in the waterway 100, the curved travel path of secondary vessel 44 may differ from that of the primary vessel 42 to maintain the desired blade 20 positioning on the waterway 100, such as to avoid certain impediments. The propulsion system 74 and / or directional control device 76 of the secondary vessel 44 provide the ability to effectuate movement of the secondary vessel 44 and thus the tip end region 26 of the blade 20, generally independent of the movement of the primary vessel 42 and the root end region 24 of the blade 20. For example, the propulsion system 74 and / or directional control device 76 may be used to effectuate Swaying A10 movement of the secondary vessel 44 relative to the primary vessel 42. Once the transportation arrangement 40 rounds the bend in the waterway 100, the transportation arrangement 40 may return to the longitudinally aligned configuration.

[0045] In one embodiment, movement of the secondary vessel 44 may be controlled from the primary vessel 42. Alternatively, movement of the secondary vessel 44 may be controlled locally on the secondary vessel 44. The primary vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44 may include one or more sensors common to water vessels such as for sensing water depth, the presence of impediments, such as boats or other objects, and for sensing collisions, for example. In another embodiment, the transportation arrangement 40 may include one or more additional vessels, like the secondary vessel 44, to provide additional support to the wind turbine blade 20 during transport. For example, the transportation arrangement 40 may include a tertiary vessel configured to provide support to the middle region 46 of the wind turbine blade 20. To that end, the tertiary vessel would be located between the primary vessel 42 and the secondary vessel 44.

[0046] Turning now with reference to Fig. 6, where like reference numerals represent like features compared to the embodiment of the transportation arrangement 40 described above with respect to Figs. 1-5, a transportation arrangement 110 is shown in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The primary difference between the transportation arrangement 110 of this embodiment and the transportation arrangement 40 of the previously described embodiment is that the transportation arrangement 110 is amphibious and includes a primary amphibious vessel 112 and a secondary amphibious vessel 114 that are configured to transport the wind turbine blade 20 on water and on land. In that regard, the primary amphibious vessel 112 may be similar to the primary vessel 42 described above, except that it additionally includes one or more a land drive systems 116 for effectuating movement of the primary amphibious vessel 112 on land. The land drive system(s) 116 may be in the form of wheels or tracks, for example, that may have a same or separate power source as its propulsion system 60. Similarly, the secondary amphibious vessel 114 may be similar to the secondary vessel 44 described above, except that it additionally includes one or more land drive systems 116 for effectuating movement of the secondary amphibious vessel 114 on land. Compared to the transportation arrangement 40 described above, the amphibious transportation arrangement 110 provides the additional ability to transport at least one wind turbine blade 20 over land from a point of origin into the water, or out from the water over land, to a final destination on land. The amphibious transportation arrangement 110 may be preferred in tidal waterways that experience extreme shallow or low tide events, for example.

[0047] While the invention has been illustrated by a description of various embodiments, and while these embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the Applicant’s general inventive concept.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A transportation arrangement (40) for transporting at least one wind turbine blade (20) on water, comprising: a primary vessel (42); a secondary vessel (44) that is separate from the primary vessel (42); and a wind turbine blade (20) extending between a first end (24) and an opposite second end (26), the first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) being supported on the primary vessel (42) and the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) being supported on the secondary vessel (44) such that the secondary vessel (44) is connected to the primary vessel (42) by the wind turbine blade (20) to transport the wind turbine blade (20) on water.

2. The transportation arrangement (40) according to claim 1 , wherein the primary vessel (42) includes a propulsion system (60) for moving the transportation arrangement (40) on water.

3. The transportation arrangement (40) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the primary vessel (42) includes a primary support (58) configured to connect the first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) to the primary vessel (42).

4. The transportation arrangement (40) according to claim 3, wherein the primary support (58) provides the primary vessel (42) with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade (20).

5. The transportation arrangement (40) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a position of the primary support (58) is adjustable along a lengthwise direction of the primary vessel (42) and / or along a widthwise direction of the primary vessel (42).

6. The transportation arrangement (40) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the secondary vessel (44) includes a secondary support (72) configured to connect the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) to the secondary vessel (44).

7. The transportation arrangement (40) according to claim 4, wherein the secondary support (72) provides the secondary vessel (44) with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade (20).

8. The transportation arrangement (40) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a position of the secondary support (72) is adjustable along a lengthwise direction of the secondary vessel (44) and / or along a widthwise direction of the secondary vessel (44).

9. The transportation arrangement (40) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the primary vessel (42) includes up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to the secondary vessel (44).

10. The transportation arrangement (40) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the secondary vessel (44) includes up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to the primary vessel (42).11 . The transportation arrangement (40) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the secondary vessel (44) includes a directional control device (76) being configured to change a movement direction of the secondary vessel (44).

12. The transportation arrangement (40) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the secondary vessel (44) includes a propulsion system (74) being configured to generate thrust to change a movement direction of the secondary vessel (44).

13. The transportation arrangement (40) according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the primary vessel (42) and the secondary vessel (44) each include a land drive system (116) for transporting the wind turbine blade (20) on land.

14. A method of transporting at least one wind turbine blade (20) on water, comprising: providing a transportation arrangement (40) including a primary vessel (40) with a primary support (58), a secondary vessel (44) that is separate from the primary vessel (42), the secondary vessel (44) including a secondary support (72), and a wind turbine blade (20) that extends between a first end (24) and an opposite second end (26); connecting the first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) to the primary support (58) such that the first end (24) of the wind turbine blade (20) is supported by the primary vessel (42); connecting the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) to the secondary support (72) such that the second end (26) of the wind turbine blade (20) is supported by the secondary vessel (44); transporting the wind turbine blade (20) on water, the primary vessel (42) and the secondary vessel (44) being generally longitudinally aligned with the wind turbine blade (20) spanning between the primary vessel (42) and the secondary vessel (44); and transporting the wind turbine blade (20) on water along a curved path, wherein the primary vessel (42) and the secondary vessel (44) are generally longitudinally offset with the wind turbine blade (20) spanning between the primary vessel (42) and the secondary vessel (44).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the primary vessel (42) includes a directional control device (62) and / or a propulsion system (60), the method further comprising: operating the directional control device (62) and / or the propulsion system (60) to move the primary vessel (42) relative to the secondary vessel (44).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the secondary vessel (44) includes a directional control device (76) and / or a propulsion system (74), the method further comprising: operating the directional control device (74) and / or the propulsion system (76) to move the secondary vessel (44) relative to the primary vessel (42).

17. The method according to any one of claims 14-16, further comprising moving the primary vessel (42) on water with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade (20).

18. The method according to any one of claims 14-17, further comprising moving the secondary vessel (44) on water with up to three degrees of freedom of movement relative to the wind turbine blade (20).

19. The method according to any one of claims 14-18, further comprising moving the primary vessel (42) on water with up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to the secondary vessel (44).

20. The method according to any one of claims 14-19, further comprising moving the secondary vessel (44) on water with up to five degrees of freedom of movement relative to the primary vessel (42).21 . The method according to any one of claims 14-20, wherein the primary vessel (42) and the secondary vessel (44) each include a land drive system (116), the method further comprising: transporting the wind turbine blade (20) on land.

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