UAV-Assisted Wind Turbine Component Lifting With Crane Coordination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling and maintaining wind turbines are inefficient and require a large number of personnel with high safety certifications due to the manual handling of heavy components, with existing cranes having limited capacity and range, making them unsuitable for lifting all components like wind turbine blades.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) in conjunction with cranes to lift and maneuver wind turbine components, where the UAVs support the component from above and the crane supports the majority of the weight, allowing for coordinated movement and positioning using guidance systems like optical, radar, or lidar-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heavy lift plant equipment such as cranes is used to lift wind turbine components, then the components can be positioned correctly for assembly, but numerous personnel with high safety certifications are required and the process is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation through autonomous UAVs that can independently position and support wind turbine components without requiring numerous human operators. The UAV automatically navigates to the component, positions itself to provide support, and coordinates with the crane system without human intervention, thereby eliminating the need for multiple certified personnel while maintaining safe and efficient assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system combining UAVs and cranes. Instead of numerous personnel manually guiding components into position, the system uses automated UAV navigation, positioning, and support mechanisms coordinated with crane operations. This substitution of mechanical human labor with automated systems directly improves productivity while reducing the complexity of human resource requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing cranes are used to lift wind turbine components, then assembly can proceed, but the cranes have limited capacity and range making them unsuitable for lifting all components such as wind turbine blades
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV acts as an intermediary between the crane and the wind turbine component. Instead of relying solely on the crane's limited capacity and range, the UAV positions itself to provide additional support and stabilization to the component during lifting operations. This intermediary support enables the crane to handle heavier and larger components like wind turbine blades that would otherwise exceed its capacity, thereby enhancing both adaptability and reliability across different component types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the capabilities of the UAV and crane into a unified lifting system. The UAV provides auxiliary support, positioning, and stabilization functions while the crane provides the primary lifting force. This combination creates a hybrid system with greater overall capacity and versatility than either device could achieve alone, enabling reliable handling of all wind turbine components including large blades and heavy assemblies.
3Ease of operation
If manual handling methods are used with numerous personnel, then close-quarters support can be provided to guide components into position, but safety risks increase and the process becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV performs the dangerous close-quarters support function autonomously, eliminating the need for personnel to position themselves in hazardous zones near heavy moving components. The system independently navigates to the component, provides precise positioning support, and coordinates with crane operations without human exposure to safety risks, thereby maintaining operational ease while eliminating harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes human operators with an automated UAV system for close-quarters component guidance. Instead of personnel manually guiding components into position (which exposes them to safety risks), the UAV uses automated navigation, sensing, and positioning mechanisms to provide the same guidance function safely. This mechanical substitution maintains positioning accuracy while eliminating the safety hazards associated with human presence in dangerous zones.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of handling a wind turbine component (54) for assembly or maintenance, comprises coupling one or more unmanned air vehicles (20) with the wind turbine component (54) so that at least a portion of the weight of the wind turbine component (54) can be supported and lifted by the one or more unmanned air vehicles (20). The method further comprises coupling one or more cranes (50) with the wind turbine component (54) so that at least a portion of the weight of the wind turbine component (54) can be supported and lifted by the one or more cranes (50). The method further comprises controlling the one or more unmanned air vehicle (20) and crane (50) in coordination to lift the wind turbine component (54) and manoeuvre said component (54) with respect to a wind turbine (52).