Wind Turbine Blade Lifting Device with Adjustable Gravity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling and installation of large, heavy wind turbine blades are challenging due to their size and fragility, requiring precise balancing to avoid damage during lifting and installation, especially in harsh conditions like offshore environments.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine blade lifting device with a chassis that adjusts its point of gravity by moving weight elements and connection points, allowing for precise control and balance adjustment using manual or actuated mechanisms, and featuring load cells for load distribution and support pads for secure blade engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two cranes are used to lift and install the blade, then the blade can be positioned and installed at the hub, but the operation becomes expensive and demanding for operators
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is divided into an inner blade part and an outer blade part, with the pitch bearing arranged between them. This segmentation allows the inner blade part to be installed at the hub first, then the outer blade part is attached to it, replacing the need for complex two-crane operations while maintaining installation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The pitch bearing acts as an intermediary component between the inner and outer blade parts. By installing the pitch bearing at the interface, the two blade parts can be connected and positioned accurately without requiring complex crane coordination, thus reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable installation
2Productivity
If the blade is handled during production, transport and installation, then the blade can be manufactured and deployed, but the blade is at risk of damage due to its size and fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The inner blade part is pre-manufactured with a pitch bearing installation interface and is designed as a rigid component suitable for having the pitch bearing installed at the interface. This preliminary preparation allows for controlled assembly operations that reduce handling complexity and damage risk during subsequent installation steps
Solution Approach 2:
The blade design changes from a single-piece structure to a segmented structure with specific dimensional divisions (1/3 to 1/2 from root end). This parameter change enables the inner blade part to be handled and installed separately with reduced weight and size, thereby reducing damage risk while maintaining manufacturing and deployment efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A wind turbine blade lifting device having a length, a width and a height and is suitable for lifting and handling a wind turbine blade or a part of a wind turbine blade, also having a length, a width and a height, where the lifting device has a chassis with at least one set of connection for coupling to a lifting apparatus, and a mechanism for engaging a wind turbine blade or blade part. Also, a method for installing at least a part of a wind turbine blade, e.g. a full wind turbine blade or an inner blade part for a partial pitch wind turbine blade having an inner blade part and an outer blade part.