Offshore Wind Turbine Blade Installation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of wind turbine blades on offshore wind turbines with floating foundations is complex and challenging due to the size and weight of the blades, as well as sea-induced motion affecting the wind turbine mast during installation.
Innovation Solution
A blade installation device comprising a mounting part, a guide mast, a support bracket, and a blade manipulator assembly with a trolley and actuators, allowing for precise positioning and alignment of the blade relative to the hub, even in challenging sea conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a jack-up vessel with a major crane is used to install blades, then the blade installation can be performed with sufficient lifting capacity, but the installation is limited to soil-bound foundations and cannot be performed in deeper water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic positioning systems and active stabilization mechanisms on floating vessels to counteract sea-induced motions. The crane system incorporates real-time motion compensation that adjusts the lifting trajectory and positioning based on measured vessel and mast movements, enabling reliable blade installation on floating foundations in deeper water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate positioning structures and alignment devices that serve as mediators between the moving blade and the floating foundation. These intermediaries compensate for relative motions by providing stable reference frames and adjustment mechanisms, enabling accurate blade-hub alignment despite vessel motion
2Adaptability or versatility
If the wind turbine mast is significantly affected by sea state during blade installation, then floating foundations become viable for deeper water, but the alignment accuracy for bolted connections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs preliminary alignment procedures where the blade and hub mounting structures are pre-positioned and pre-aligned before the actual bolting operation. Alignment jigs and reference markers are established in advance, and preliminary clamping secures the relative positions, allowing the multitude of bolts to be introduced with improved accuracy despite ongoing motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback systems using sensors and measurement devices to continuously monitor the relative positions of the blade and hub. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust positioning actuators and guide the bolting process, maintaining alignment precision throughout the installation despite sea state effects
3Power
If the blade length increases to about 60 meters, then the power generation capacity increases, but the alignment and positioning difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the blade positioning process into multiple sequential stages: initial approach, coarse positioning, fine alignment, and final securing. The positioning system is segmented into multiple independent actuators and adjustment mechanisms distributed along the blade length, allowing localized adjustment without affecting the entire blade, thereby simplifying the handling of 60-meter blades
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for 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. The device includes a mounting part that is mounted on the foundation of the offshore wind turbine and/or on a lower portion of the wind turbine mast. A guide mast having a track is supported by the mounting part and extends parallel and adjacent to the wind turbine mast. A support bracket laterally supports the guide mast. The blade installation device further includes a blade manipulator assembly with a trolley that is movable along the track and a blade manipulator including blade engagement members. The blade manipulator is supported by the trolley via an actuating assembly including actuators. A positioning system controls the actuators.