Wind Turbine Blade Hoisting Without Main Cranes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for replacing wind turbine blades require multiple cranes and additional space within the hub, limiting their applicability and increasing costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using first and second pulleys mounted on the blade sides, ground winches, and a load-bearing mechanism on the nacelle to lift and lower blades without a main crane, requiring minimal space and synchronizing winch actuations for balanced load movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple cranes (main lifting crane, tail crane, auxiliary crane) are used for blade installation, then the blade can be lifted and positioned, but the process becomes cumbersome and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for multiple cranes by using the wind turbine's own structural components (nacelle, hub flanges, blade roots) as integral parts of the lifting mechanism. The load bearing mechanism is mounted directly on the nacelle, and cable guides are positioned on the hub exterior, removing the requirement for separate main lifting crane, tail crane, and auxiliary crane systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the lifting function with the existing wind turbine structure. The load bearing mechanism combines the nacelle mounting structure with the lifting capability, while the cable guides integrate the hub flanges with the cable routing system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate auxiliary equipment.
2Ease of operation
If provisions are made within the hub to support pulleys and brackets, then the blade can be supported during installation, but extra space within the hub is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention moves the cable guides from inside the hub to the exterior surface of the hub. The cable guides are positioned on the outer surface of the hub flanges, utilizing the external space rather than requiring internal hub modifications. This dimensional relocation eliminates the need for extra space within the hub while maintaining the blade support capability.
3Ease of operation
If provisions are made within the hub to support pulleys and brackets, then the blade can be supported during installation, but the design cannot be used for hubs that do not have these provisions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal blade installation system that can be applied to any wind turbine hub regardless of its original design. The cable guides are positioned on the exterior surface of the hub flanges, utilizing features that exist in all standard hub designs. The load bearing mechanism mounted on the nacelle provides universal support capability, making the system applicable to all types of wind turbines without requiring hub-specific modifications.
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
Enables efficient installation and removal of wind turbine blades with reduced space requirements and cost, applicable to all types of wind turbines, eliminating the need for a main crane.
Implementation Method 1
a first and a second pulley mounted respectively on the first and second sides of the blade; a first winch and a second winch mounted on the ground in proximity of a base of a tower
Implementation Method 2
a load bearing mechanism mounted on a nacelle of the wind turbine generator, the load bearing mechanism comprising a first pair of pulleys mounted on the load bearing mechanism corresponding to a location in the same longitudinal plane as the first side of the blade and a second pair of pulleys mounted on the load bearing mechanism corresponding to a location in the same longitudinal plane as the second side of the blade
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention provides a system (100) and method for craneless installation and removal of a wind turbine blade (121) in which a load bearing mechanism (111) to be mounted on the nacelle (101). Further, the pulleys (3, 31) are attached to the blade (121) and rope (151) is connected to a pulley (3) at one end and another end of the rope is connected to a mechanical winch (5) positioned at the base of the wind turbine tower to hoist the blade (121) for maintenance and removal.