Wind Turbine Hub Mounting Device for Blade Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of rotor blades on wind turbines, particularly in confined spaces or offshore locations, are complex, time-consuming, and hazardous due to the large size of the blades and the need for extensive ground space or crane usage, especially for direct drive wind turbines where standard turn motors are ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A mounting device that allows the hub to be rotated and positioned at a substantial distance above the ground, enabling rotor blades to be attached or detached in a horizontal orientation, reducing the need for extensive ground space and minimizing the impact of wind forces, with the option to connect the device to the wind turbine tower or nacelle for enhanced operational safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hub is placed on the ground for blade assembly, then the assembly process is simplified, but extensive ground space is required which is not available in confined or offshore locations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the assembly operation from ground level to aerial space by positioning the hub at height using a crane or barge. This dimensional change eliminates the need for extensive ground space while maintaining assembly feasibility through controlled positioning and stabilization systems.
2Area of stationary object
If rotor blades are installed one at a time on the hub at high altitude, then ground space requirements are reduced, but the process becomes time-consuming due to bad wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The hub is pre-positioned and stabilized at the required height and orientation before blade installation begins. This preliminary stabilization creates a controlled working environment that reduces the impact of wind conditions, allowing faster and more efficient blade assembly without requiring ground-level operations.
3Ease of operation
If a standard turn motor is used to rotate the hub, then assembly is feasible for wind turbines with gearboxes, but it is ineffective for direct drive wind turbines
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces an intermediary rotational mechanism that couples the hub to the nacelle or tower structure. This intermediary system provides the necessary rotation capability for direct drive turbines by mediating between the hub and the fixed structure, enabling blade assembly without requiring the hub to rotate independently using a standard turn motor.
4Area of stationary object
If the hub is positioned at substantial height for blade assembly, then ground space is minimized, but the complexity of positioning and stabilizing the hub increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: supporting the hub at height, stabilizing it against wind and movement, enabling rotation, and facilitating blade attachment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby minimizing overall system complexity while achieving the goal of elevated assembly.
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 solution simplifies and speeds up the assembly and maintenance of rotor blades, reduces labor effort, and saves costs by minimizing crane usage, while ensuring safer working conditions and flexibility in rotor blade orientation, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The mounting device comprises at least one hinge along which the hub can be rotated from a first position into a second position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns a method for assembly and/or maintenance of a wind turbine (29), whereby at least one rotor blade (21) is attached to and/or detached from a hub (13) of the wind turbine (29) which hub (13) is removably fixed to a mounting device (7) positioned at a substantial distance above a ground surface level. The invention also concerns a mounting device (7) for that purpose.