Wind Turbine Lifting Shield for High Wind Operations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind turbine construction and servicing operations are frequently disrupted by high wind speeds, leading to increased costs due to reduced lifting windows, as aerodynamically shaped blades are sensitive to wind conditions and require low wind conditions for safe lifting.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that create a local wind shadow using a tethered, aerodynamic shield to reduce wind forces on lifted components, allowing lifting operations to continue during higher wind speeds by maintaining a controlled wind shadow around the lifted part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If lifting operations are conducted at high wind speeds, then productivity increases, but safety and operational reliability deteriorate due to aerodynamic forces on blades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting window availabilityVSAvoidlifting operation safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A wind shield is introduced as an intermediary object between the wind and the blade during lifting operations. The shield intercepts wind forces upstream, creating a protected zone around the blade that reduces aerodynamic loads to safe levels, enabling continuous lifting operations regardless of ambient wind conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful high wind conditions into a beneficial resource by using the wind itself to power and position the wind shield. The shield is strategically positioned to leverage wind forces for its own deployment and maintenance, transforming the adverse environmental condition into a tool that protects the lifting operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If lifting operations are suspended during high wind conditions, then safety is maintained, but productivity and operational efficiency decrease due to extended idle time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting operation safetyVSAvoidinstallation cost efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The wind shield enables continuous lifting operations by maintaining safe wind conditions around the blade throughout the lifting process. By providing ongoing protection against aerodynamic forces, the shield eliminates the need to suspend operations during high wind periods, ensuring uninterrupted workflow and maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed orientation shield is used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying wind conditions and blade positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield structure simplicityVSAvoidshield effectiveness under varying conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The wind shield is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities that allow it to adapt its orientation and position in response to varying wind conditions and blade positions. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal shielding effectiveness across different operational scenarios while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Extends the lifting window, reducing idle time and costs by enabling continuous operations during both below and above nominal wind limits, thereby improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of wind turbine installation and servicing.

Implementation Method 1

aerodynamic shield to reduce wind forces on lifted components, allowing lifting operations to continue during higher wind speeds by maintaining a controlled wind shadow around the lifted part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAerodynamic shielding: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP3559451B1Wind turbine service or construction method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2023.06.07 VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS AS

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AI summary

Method of lifting a wind turbine part (58) at a wind turbine site (1, 2), the method includes: providing a lifting apparatus (60) and a wind turbine part (58) to be lifted; providing a shield (40); providing manipulation equipment (45) associated with said shield (40); and suspending said part (58) from said lifting apparatus (60); moving said part (58) by means of said lifting apparatus (68); the method further including holding said shield (40) proximate and upwind of said part (58) being lifted by means of said manipulation equipment (45). The shield (40) may be held proximate the part (58) being lifted such that it acts to reduce the ambient wind force incident on the part (58). Preferably the method may be implemented such that wind speed conditions (w) at the part (58) being lifted are lower than ambient wind conditions (W) at said site (1, 2). A kite-flying apparatus includes a power kite (40) and associated manipulation equipment (45), including cables (42, 44) at least one steering winch (28, 29), the winch being received in a winching module (26) including a ballast receiving fitment and a winch control system.