Offshore Wind Blade Installation Mast for Precise Floating Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of large wind turbine blades on offshore wind turbines, particularly those with floating foundations, is challenging due to the size and weight of the blades, alignment requirements, and the effects of sea-induced motion, making existing methods inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A blade installation device comprising a crane mast, trolley, blade manipulator, and hoist system is temporarily mounted on the wind turbine, allowing for precise alignment and lifting of blades from a lower receiving position to a horizontal axis rotational hub, using a hoist system that engages at the blade's center of gravity, and is designed to withstand sea-induced motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a crane on a floating vessel is used to install blades, then the installation can be performed offshore, but the installation time increases and precision decreases due to sea-induced motion
Solution Approach 1:
The blade is pre-positioned in a lower receiving position near the floating vessel before the actual lifting operation. This preliminary positioning allows the blade to be ready for immediate hoisting, reducing the overall installation time despite the motion compensation requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic motion compensation through active heave compensation systems on both the floating vessel and the blade installation device. This allows both platforms to move together with the waves, maintaining relative position stability and enabling precise blade alignment despite sea-induced motion
2Ease of operation
If a crane on a floating vessel is used to install blades, then the installation can be performed offshore, but alignment precision deteriorates due to sea-induced motion
Solution Approach 1:
The blade manipulator assembly incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with active positioning systems that can dynamically adjust the blade's orientation and position. This dynamic adjustment capability compensates for relative motion between the floating vessel and the wind turbine, maintaining alignment precision throughout the installation process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors and control systems to continuously monitor the relative position and orientation of the blade and the wind turbine hub. Real-time feedback allows the blade manipulator to make precise adjustments, ensuring accurate alignment despite the dynamic offshore environment
3Device complexity
If existing installation methods are used, then the process is simpler, but it becomes inefficient and time-consuming for large blades
Solution Approach 1:
The installation process is divided into distinct phases: blade transport to lower receiving position, hoisting to installation position, alignment, and final attachment. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, improving overall efficiency despite increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blade installation device is designed as a multi-functional system that can handle multiple operations: blade lifting, positioning, alignment, and attachment. This universal device replaces multiple separate operations, improving productivity despite the increased complexity of the integrated system
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
This method enables efficient and controlled installation of blades on floating foundations, reducing time and effort, and allowing for installation in varying weather conditions, including stronger winds and less favorable sea states.
Implementation Method 1
a trolley (51) engaging the track (60) of the crane mast (40) and being movable along the track in vertical direction
Implementation Method 2
a blade manipulator (53) comprising one or more blade root engagement members (54) that are configured to engage a root end of the blade (10)
Implementation Method 3
a hoist system (80) with a crane boom (81) that is mounted to a top end of the crane mast (40), a winch (82), and a winch driven cable (83)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~5b
AI summary
Installing a blade on a horizontal axis rotational hub of an offshore wind turbine. Use is made of a blade installation device that is temporarily installed on the offshore wind turbine. A mounting part is mounted on the foundation of the offshore wind turbine and/or on a lower portion of the wind turbine mast. A crane mast is erected vertically and is supported by the mounting part. The crane mast has a track. A blade manipulator assembly comprises a trolley moving over the track and one or more blade root engagement members that engage a root end of the blade. The blade installation device further comprises a hoist system with a crane boom that is mounted to a top end of the crane mast, a winch, and a winch driven cable. In the method, the trolley is brought in a lower position thereof and the blade root engagement members engage on the root end of the blade that is in the lower receiving position thereof. The cable of the hoist system is attached to the blade at a distance remote from the root end, preferably at a center of gravity of the blade. The method comprises the lifting of the blade f to the blade installation position by operating the winch of the hoist system and simultaneously moving the trolley along the track by the trolley drive.