Service Crane Hub Mounting via Wing Pitch Bearing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for handling heavy wind turbine components require large, costly cranes and additional structural support, increasing the weight and load on the turbine, necessitating a more cost-effective and lightweight solution for mounting and operating service cranes on wind turbines.
Innovation Solution
A service crane is mounted on the wind turbine hub using the existing wing pitch bearing, eliminating the need for separate foundations and attachment points on the nacelle, allowing the crane to operate outside the hub and facilitating easier handling of components without interfering with wing blades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a service crane is permanently mounted on the hub or nacelle, then the crane is readily available for component handling, but the weight of the nacelle and load on the tower increase
Solution Approach 1:
The service crane is designed as a movable, temporary installation rather than a permanent fixed structure. The crane can be mounted on the hub when needed and removed when not in use, transforming the system from static to dynamic. This allows the nacelle weight to vary based on operational needs rather than carrying constant unnecessary weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The service crane is separated from the permanent nacelle structure as an independent, removable component. This segmentation allows the crane to be installed only when required for maintenance operations, rather than being integrated into the permanent structure of the wind turbine.
2Ease of operation
If separate crane foundations and attachment points are provided on the nacelle, then the service crane can be mounted, but additional support structures increase the weight of the nacelle
Solution Approach 1:
The wing pitch bearing, originally designed for a single function (pitch control of blades), is utilized for multiple functions including serving as an attachment point for the service crane. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated crane attachment structures, reducing overall weight while maintaining mounting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing wing pitch bearing structure serves its primary function while simultaneously providing the capability to support the service crane. The structure essentially serves itself by being utilized for an additional function without requiring separate dedicated support elements.
3Force
If ground-level cranes are used to handle heavy components, then large components can be handled, but the cost increases with the size and weight of components
Solution Approach 1:
The service crane acts as an intermediary lifting mechanism positioned close to the nacelle, eliminating the need for large ground-level cranes. By placing a smaller, more cost-effective crane directly on the hub, the system achieves the necessary lifting capacity without requiring expensive oversized ground equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting capability is achieved by moving the crane from the ground level (horizontal dimension) to the hub level (vertical dimension). This dimensional change allows for the use of a smaller, more cost-effective crane that operates in close proximity to the load, rather than requiring a large ground-based crane with extended reach.
Data Source
AI summary
A service crane for a wind turbine having a nacelle and a hub. One or more wing blades is attached to the hub via a wing pitch bearing, and the service crane includes an attachment foundation for connection to the hub. The service crane is adapted to be mounted on the wind turbine during operation and to be dismounted when not being used. The attachment foundation of the service crane is mounted on the hub of the wind turbine via the wing pitch bearing.