Switchable Crane Base for Wind Turbine Gearbox and Bearing Lifts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handling of heavy and bulky wind turbine components in the nacelle is complicated due to limited space, and existing portable cranes are restricted by the structure of the wind turbine, limiting their versatility in lifting different components.
Innovation Solution
A base that can be switched between configurations for supporting a portable crane, allowing it to lift either a gearbox or a main bearing by being mounted on the main bearing or the nacelle's bed plate, respectively, without needing to be dismounted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the portable crane is mounted on a base that is fixed to a specific component (main bearing or bed plate), then the crane can safely handle heavy components, but the versatility to handle different components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The base configuration is made dynamic through the ability to switch between different mounting states. The base can be reconfigured from a first configuration (mounted on main bearing) to a second configuration (mounted on bed plate) and vice versa, allowing the system to adapt to different handling requirements without replacing the entire base structure
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with multi-functionality to perform different roles depending on the configuration. The same base structure can support the portable crane when mounted on the main bearing for lifting the gearbox, or when mounted on the bed plate for lifting the main bearing, making it a universal support solution for multiple heavy component handling tasks
2Reliability
If multiple bases are used to handle different components (gearbox and main bearing), then each component can be handled safely, but the logistics and transportation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transporting separate bases for different components, a single universal base is designed that can perform multiple functions. The base can be reconfigured to handle both the gearbox (when mounted on main bearing) and the main bearing (when mounted on bed plate), eliminating the need for multiple specialized bases and simplifying logistics
3Adaptability or versatility
If the base configuration is changed by dismounting and removing the portable crane, then the base can be reconfigured for different components, but the handling time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfiguration process is made dynamic and continuous rather than static and interruptive. The base can switch between configurations while the portable crane remains mounted, allowing for quick transitions between handling different components without the time-consuming process of dismounting and remounting the crane
Solution Approach 2:
The base is designed with pre-configured mounting points and structural features that allow for rapid reconfiguration. The first and second configurations are both built into the base structure from the beginning, enabling quick switching between them without requiring complex assembly or disassembly operations
Data Source
AI summary
A base for supporting a portable crane for handling components of a wind turbine is described. The base is mountable on the wind turbine, and configured to be switched between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration the base is configured for being supported by a main bearing of the wind turbine to allow the portable crane to lift a gearbox of the wind turbine. In the second configuration the base is configured for being supported by a bed plate of a nacelle of the wind turbine to allow the portable crane to lift the main bearing. The base is configured for supporting the portable crane while switching between the first configuration and the second configuration. A method for removing a main bearing of a wind turbine is also disclosed.