Rotor Blade Transport in Assembly Position for Direct Hub Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation and assembly of longer rotor blades for wind turbines are challenging due to the need for rotation at the construction site, which requires additional space and time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for transporting rotor blades in their assembly position, using a transport arrangement that includes a root support element and a clamping device to secure the rotor blade, allowing it to be lifted directly onto the rotor hub without rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rotor blade is transported in a rotated position to accommodate the hydraulic pitch setting system's rotation range limitation, then the blade bearing can be connected to the rotor hub, but additional space and time are required at the construction site for rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is pre-rotated to the assembly position during transport from the storage site before arrival at the construction site. This preliminary action ensures that when the blade arrives, it is already in the correct orientation for connection to the rotor hub, eliminating the need for time-consuming rotation operations at the construction site.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport arrangement is configured to maintain the rotor blade in a specific assembled position throughout transport. This preliminary positioning action allows the blade to be directly lifted and connected to the rotor hub upon arrival, avoiding additional rotation time at the construction site.
2Ease of operation
If the rotor blade is transported in a rotated position to accommodate the hydraulic pitch setting system's rotation range limitation, then the blade bearing can be connected to the rotor hub, but additional space is required at the construction site for rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade is pre-rotated to the assembly position during transport from the storage site before arrival at the construction site. This preliminary action ensures that when the blade arrives, it is already in the correct orientation for connection to the rotor hub, eliminating the need for space-consuming rotation operations at the construction site.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport arrangement is configured to maintain the rotor blade in a specific assembled position throughout transport. This preliminary positioning action allows the blade to be directly lifted and connected to the rotor hub upon arrival, reducing the space required at the construction site.
3Loss of time
If the rotor blade is transported in the assembly position directly, then assembly time and space are reduced, but the rotor blade must be securely supported and positioned during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The transport arrangement is divided into separate functional components: a support structure for holding the rotor blade, a positioning mechanism for maintaining the assembly position, and a securing system for fixing the blade during transport. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve the overall goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport arrangement acts as an intermediary device between the storage site and the rotor hub, maintaining the rotor blade in the correct assembly position throughout transport. This intermediary system ensures that the blade arrives pre-positioned, reducing assembly time at the construction site despite the added complexity of the transport mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, the method for transporting a rotor blade for a wind turbine comprises a step of providing a transport arrangement in which the rotor blade is supported in an assembly position. In a further step, the rotor blade is transported in the transport arrangement from a storage site to a construction site so that, when the rotor blade arrives at the construction site, the rotor blade is in the assembly position and can be lifted up to the rotor hub of the wind turbine and can be connected to the rotor hub without a rotation of the rotor blade around its length axis.