UAV Lifting Harnesses for Wind Turbine Component Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling and maintaining wind turbines are inefficient and pose safety risks due to the reliance on heavy lift equipment and manual handling, which requires numerous technicians and can be dangerous.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) equipped with lifting yokes and support lines to lift and maneuver wind turbine components, with a UAV ground station computer system for coordinated control and guidance systems for precise positioning, potentially using a tether system for power supply to extend operational time and reduce load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
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 the operation becomes inefficient and potentially dangerous for technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical lift equipment (cranes) with an aerial robotic system equipped with robotic arms and end effectors. This substitution eliminates the need for technicians to work near heavy equipment while maintaining assembly capability through automated component handling and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial robotic system performs assembly tasks autonomously without requiring human technicians to manually guide components. The robotic system independently positions components, attaches them to the turbine structure, and secures fasteners, thereby eliminating human exposure to dangerous environments while improving operational efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If numerous technicians are required to control heavy equipment and guide components, then the components can be assembled, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual technician operations with an autonomous aerial robotic system. The robotic arms, controlled by ground-based operators through remote interfaces, perform all assembly tasks automatically, eliminating the need for multiple technicians to coordinate manually and significantly reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground station computer system as an intermediary between operators and the aerial robotic system. This intermediary processes control inputs, coordinates robotic arm movements, and manages the assembly sequence, thereby simplifying the operation for users while maintaining precise control over the assembly process.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual handling methods are used with heavy equipment, then wind turbine components can be assembled, but the process becomes costly and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive heavy lift equipment with a more cost-effective aerial robotic platform. The robotic system, deployed via air vehicle, eliminates the need for costly crane rentals and extensive safety infrastructure while providing autonomous assembly capabilities that reduce operational costs and eliminate technician exposure to hazards.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of handling a wind turbine component for assembly or maintenance, comprising moving one or more unmanned air vehicles to respective positions proximal to a wind turbine component so that the wind turbine component can be supported by the one or more unmanned air vehicles; and controlling the one or more unmanned air vehicles to lift the wind turbine component and manoeuvre said component with respect to a wind turbine. The invention extends to a system for handling a component of a wind turbine, comprising a plurality of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs); a UAV ground station computer system; and one or more lifting harnesses for carrying by the plurality of unmanned air vehicles.