Method and system for transporting and storing at least two wind turbine blades
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation and storage of large wind turbine blades pose challenges due to their size and fragility, leading to potential damage during transport and mounting, and existing solutions face difficulties with compliance to local regulations and cost efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for transporting and storing wind turbine blades by attaching root end frames to the root ends and tip end frames to the tip ends, allowing the blades to be stacked parallel with opposite orientations, which reduces the risk of external damage and complies with transport regulations by allowing closer frame assembly, thereby supporting the blades at stronger sections and minimizing overhang.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If blades are transported using traditional packaging systems with frames at root end and tip end, then the blades can be supported during transport, but the distance between frames becomes approximately equal to the full blade length, which exceeds maximum distances allowed by local transport regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is divided into multiple separate frame assemblies, each supporting a specific section of the blade (root end frame, intermediate frames, tip end frame). This segmentation allows the total support distance to be broken into smaller segments that comply with transport regulations, while still providing comprehensive support along the entire blade length.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediate frames are introduced as mediator elements between the root end frame and tip end frame. These intermediate frames act as additional support points that reduce the distance between primary support structures, enabling compliance with maximum distance regulations while maintaining proper blade support during transport.
2Reliability
If blades are transported one at a time, then each blade receives individual attention and protection, but transportation costs increase significantly, amounting to 20 percent of total costs
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple blades are merged into a single packaging system by arranging them in parallel between the frame assemblies. The root end frames, intermediate frames, and tip end frames collectively support multiple blades simultaneously, allowing them to be transported together as one unit. This combining approach maintains individual blade protection while achieving economies of scale that reduce transportation costs.
3Loss of energy
If multiple blades are transported using the same packaging system, then transport costs are reduced, but local regulations on maximum heights, widths, and distances between supports become more difficult to comply with
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assemblies are designed with adjustable and configurable characteristics that allow the packaging system to adapt to different regulation requirements. The intermediate frames can be positioned at various intervals, and the overall configuration can be modified to comply with specific maximum height, width, and support distance regulations while still accommodating multiple blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The packaging system is designed as a universal multi-functional platform that can accommodate multiple blades of different lengths and configurations. The frame assemblies serve multiple functions: supporting individual blades, maintaining proper spacing between blades, complying with various transport regulations, and facilitating safe loading and unloading operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A transportation and storage system for at least two wind turbine blades and comprising a first wind turbine blade and a second wind turbine blade is described. The wind turbine blades each having a root end and a tip end, said system comprising a packaging system that is adapted to placing the first wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the first wind turbine blade points in a first direction,and placing the second wind turbine blade so that the tip end of the second wind turbine blade points in a second direction, which is substantially opposite to the first direction. The tip end of the second wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the first wind turbine blade, and the tip end of the first wind turbine blade extends beyond the root end of the second wind turbine blade, when the first and the second wind turbine blades are arranged in the packaging system.