UAV Wind Turbine Component Handling for Safer Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling and maintaining wind turbines are inefficient and hazardous due to the reliance on heavy lift equipment and manual labor, requiring numerous technicians to handle large and heavy components.
Innovation Solution
The use of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) equipped with lifting harnesses to support and maneuver wind turbine components, allowing for efficient and precise handling of components during assembly and maintenance tasks, with the option of power supply via a tether system to extend operational time and reduce payload constraints.
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 numerous technicians are required and the process becomes inefficient and potentially dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical heavy lift equipment (cranes) with an unmanned aerial vehicle system that uses aerodynamic lift and thrust to lift and position wind turbine components. The UAV system eliminates the need for ground-based mechanical lifting equipment while maintaining precise positioning capability through flight control systems and coordinate transformation algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system performs the lifting and positioning operations autonomously without requiring numerous technicians to manually guide the components. The system uses automated navigation, coordinate transformation, and flight control to position components independently, reducing human involvement to minimal supervision and control.
2Ease of operation
If heavy lift equipment is brought in for maintenance tasks, then defective components can be removed, but the process is manual and requires close-quarters support from multiple technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual heavy lift equipment operations with an autonomous UAV system that can independently perform maintenance tasks. The UAV uses flight control systems and automated positioning to remove and replace components without requiring technicians to physically close-quarters support the lifting operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system performs maintenance operations autonomously, with the aircraft independently navigating to the component, lifting it, and positioning it for removal or installation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for multiple technicians to manually guide and support the maintenance operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual methods are used to handle wind turbine components, then equipment is readily available, but the methods are inefficient and potentially dangerous for technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handling methods with an automated UAV system that uses aerodynamic forces to lift and position components. This substitution eliminates the need for technicians to be in close proximity to heavy components, removing the associated safety risks while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system independently performs all component handling operations without requiring technician intervention during the lifting and positioning process. The autonomous operation keeps technicians at a safe distance, eliminating exposure to harmful factors associated with manual component handling.
4Measurement precision
If multiple technicians are used to control heavy lift equipment and guide components, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual positioning operations with an automated UAV system that uses flight control algorithms, coordinate transformation, and automated navigation to achieve precise component positioning. The system transforms coordinates between different reference frames and automatically adjusts flight parameters to position components accurately without requiring multiple technicians for guidance.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV system autonomously performs positioning operations using onboard sensors, flight control systems, and automated navigation algorithms. The system independently calculates position, orientation, and trajectory adjustments without requiring technician input, significantly reducing the time required for precise component positioning.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the need for manual labor, enhances safety, and increases efficiency in handling heavy wind turbine components, enabling precise positioning and orientation of components during assembly and maintenance, while also extending the operational time of UAVs through power tethering.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the unmanned air vehicles supports the component by way of a respective support line by which means the unmanned air vehicles are able to support the mass of the component and lift it into the air
Implementation Method 2
with the option of power supply via a tether system to extend operational time and reduce payload constraints
Data Source
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.