Stacking Wind Turbine Blades Using Modular Support Frames
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transporting wind turbine blades to offshore installations require extensive structural frameworks, increasing costs and time for both transportation and installation, as they are not optimized for sea transport.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a blade root support frame and a blade spanwise support frame with legs extending both downwards and upwards, allowing for the stacking of multiple blades with increased stability, reducing the need for additional structural framework during sea transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If extensive structural frameworks are used for blade transport, then blade stability is improved, but transport cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support framework is segmented into modular components: blade root support frames with legs positioned at root ends, and spanwise support frames with legs positioned at spanwise portions. These segmented modular units can be independently positioned and attached, eliminating the need for extensive continuous frameworks while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support legs extend both downwards and upwards from the main support parts, utilizing vertical dimensionality to create stacking capability. By positioning legs at both ends of the blade (root and spanwise), the framework creates a three-dimensional support structure that enhances stability without requiring extensive horizontal framework coverage.
2Stability of the object's composition
If extensive structural frameworks are used for blade transport, then blade stability is improved, but additional costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is divided into discrete support frames positioned only where needed (at blade roots and spanwise portions), rather than using continuous extensive frameworks. This segmentation reduces the total amount of structural material required while maintaining stability through strategic positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frames serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable vertical stacking of blades, and facilitate secure attachment to the transport vessel. The same frame structure supports both the blade weight and the stacking configuration, reducing the need for separate framework components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If extensive structural frameworks are used for blade transport, then support stability is improved, but arrangement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented modular support frames can be independently positioned and attached to blades and the vessel, allowing parallel assembly operations. This modularity enables faster arrangement compared to assembling extensive continuous frameworks, as each module can be prepared and attached separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The support frames are designed with pre-configured attachment mechanisms and leg positions, allowing them to be quickly attached to blades and the vessel without requiring complex on-site framework construction. The frames arrive pre-assembled with attachment parts, enabling rapid deployment.
4Stability of the object's composition
If extensive structural frameworks are used for blade transport, then structural stability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented support frames can be easily detached and reconfigured at the installation site. Each modular frame unit can be independently removed from the transport configuration and reattached to the wind turbine blade for installation, significantly reducing the time required compared to dismantling extensive continuous frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of stacking wind turbine blades for sea transport. An improved way of arranging blades for sea transport, where less structural framework is needed, would be advantageous. Structural framework not only causes additional cost, but also takes up additional time for arranging the blades for transport. The invention involves a method of stacking wind turbine generator blades for sea transportation, the method involving attaching a blade root support frame to a root flange of the blade, is supported by at least two legs located as at least one leg on each transverse side of a root end of the blade, and attaching a blade spanwise support frame to a spanwise portion of the blade, and where the spanwise support frame includes least two legs located as at least one leg on each transverse side of the blade, where the legs of the root support frame and the spanwise support frame extend both downwards and upwards and are adapted to have lengths downwards and upwards in order that at least two blades are stackable on top of each other, and wherein a stacking support structure for the blades consists of mainly the support frames, when the at least two blades are transported at sea.