Wind Turbine Generator Upending Frame for Low-Space Offshore Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complex and space-intensive process of replacing or refurbishing offshore wind turbine generators is hindered by the need for large vessels and specialized equipment due to the marine environment, requiring significant space for lifting and tilting the generator, which is costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A wind turbine generator upending device with a pivotable coupling and crane attachment allows for tilting and horizontal positioning of the generator using a crane line, enabling stable movement and storage without separate systems, and facilitating easy transfer to a repair location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If current methods are used to remove and replace the generator, then the generator can be removed from the nacelle, but significant space and large vessels are required which increases cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the generator removal and upending operations into distinct functional components: a base for stability, a pivotable coupling for controlled rotation, and a generator support for secure holding. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring excessive overall space.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable coupling enables the generator support to rotate dynamically between vertical and horizontal positions. This dynamic capability allows the generator to be upended in-place on the vessel deck without requiring separate lifting and tilting operations, significantly reducing the space needed compared to static systems.
2Ease of operation
If an elevated repair frame is used to support the generator for bearing replacement, then the bearing can be accessed from underneath, but the system requires a building with retractable roof and significant vertical space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of lifting the generator vertically onto an elevated frame for bearing access, the device inverts the approach by pivoting the generator support from vertical to horizontal position while keeping the generator grounded on the base. This inversion eliminates the need for elevated frames and retractable roofs, requiring only horizontal clearance for the pivoting motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions the generator positioning from vertical elevation (requiring height) to horizontal pivoting (requiring lateral space). The pivotable coupling rotates the generator support through approximately 90 degrees, moving the generator from an upright position to a horizontal position where the bearing is accessible from above rather than underneath.
3Measurement precision
If separate tilting and lifting systems are used, then the generator can be positioned accurately, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the tilting and lifting functions into a single integrated system. The pivotable coupling simultaneously performs both functions by rotating the generator support from vertical to horizontal position, eliminating the need for separate tilting mechanisms and lifting cranes. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining precise positioning capability through the controlled pivoting motion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device simplifies the upending process, reducing the need for large vessels and specialized equipment, allowing generators to be moved efficiently and safely into covered repair areas, minimizing component damage and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pivotable coupling for pivotably connecting the generator support to the base, wherein the generator support is pivotable between an upright position where the generator is mounted in an upright orientation and a horizontal position where the generator is mounted in a horizontal orientation
Implementation Method 2
a crane attachment for connecting the generator support to a crane line for controlling the pivoting of the generator support between its upright and horizontal positions
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Wind turbine generator upending device (1) for upending a wind turbine generator (2). The device comprises a base (3) and a generator support (4) having an interface (41) for connecting to the nacelle face (21) of the generator (2) for mounting the generator (2). A pivotable coupling (5) pivotably connects the generator support (4) to the base (3) and is pivotable between an upright position where the generator (2) is mounted in an upright orientation and a horizontal position where the generator (2) is mounted in a horizontal orientation. A crane attachment (6) is provided for connecting the generator support (4) to a crane line (7) for controlling the pivoting of the generator support (4) between its upright and horizontal positions.