U.S. patent application number 10/507543 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for transport container for wind turbine blades.
Invention is credited to Almind, Preben.
Application Number | 20050180833 10/507543 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27804270 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050180833 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Almind, Preben |
August 18, 2005 |
Transport container for wind turbine blades
Abstract
A modularly extendible container system for transporting wind
turbine blades is disclosed. The extendible container system
includes at least one module (50, 52) configured to be connected to
other modules. The module includes a box-shaped frame and
corrugated side walls attached to the frame. The extendable
container system further includes a connecting member positioned at
each end of the module for connection between the module and the
other module to extend the length of the container system.
Inventors: |
Almind, Preben; (Viborg,
DK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CANTOR COLBURN, LLP
55 GRIFFIN ROAD SOUTH
BLOOMFIELD
CT
06002
|
Family ID: |
27804270 |
Appl. No.: |
10/507543 |
Filed: |
September 13, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
March 11, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB03/01616 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10507543 |
Sep 13, 2004 |
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10095700 |
Mar 13, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
410/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65D 90/0006 20130101;
Y02E 10/72 20130101; B65D 88/123 20130101; B65D 2585/6897 20130101;
F05B 2240/40 20130101; B65D 88/022 20130101; B65D 88/005 20130101;
B65D 88/121 20130101; F03D 13/40 20160501 |
Class at
Publication: |
410/002 |
International
Class: |
B61D 003/16 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An extendable container system for transporting a wind turbine
blade comprising: at least one module configured to be connected to
other modules, the module comprising: a box-shaped frame; and
corrugated side walls attached to the frame, and a connecting
member positioned at each end of the module for connection between
the module and the other module to extend the length of the
container system.
2. The extendable container system of claim 1, wherein the at least
one module includes at least one standard module and at least one
extension module.
3. The extendable container system of claim 2, wherein the standard
module is 40 feet in length.
4. The extendable container system of claim 2, wherein the
extension module is one of 40 feet in length and 20 feet in
length.
5. The extendable container system of claim 1, wherein the modules
are stackable on the top of another.
6. The extendable container system of claim 1, wherein the module
comprises a roof.
7. The extendable container system of claim 6, wherein the roof is
comprised of at least one corrugated sheet.
8. The extendable container system of claim 6, comprising a
plurality of telescoping columns for supporting the roof.
9. The extendable container system of claim 8, wherein the
telescoping column includes a roof mounting apparatus for attaching
the roof to the telescoping column.
10. The extendable container system of claim 1, wherein a plurality
of telescoping columns are configured to support the weight of
another extendable container system.
11. The extendable container system of claim 10, wherein the
telescoping column is configured to structurally communicate with
the frame to hold the telescoping column in place.
12. The extendable container system of claim 11, wherein the
telescoping column includes a slider for facilitating sliding
motion of the column relative to the frame.
13. The extendable container system of claim 11, wherein the frame
includes a receiving hole in which the telescoping column is
slidably positioned.
14. The extendable container system of claim 10, wherein the
telescoping column includes at least one stop hole to which a
secure stop is inserted for positioning the telescoping column at a
predetermined height.
15. The extendable container system of claim 1, comprising a blade
root fitting attached near an end of the module and configured to
fasten a root end of a wind turbine blade.
16. The extendable container system of claim 15, wherein the blade
root fitting is configured to tilt the wind turbine blade within
the module.
17. The extendable container system of claim 16, wherein the blade
root fitting includes a cylinder for controlling the tilting of the
wind turbine blade.
18. The extendable container system of claim 15, wherein the blade
root fitting comprises: a blade holder for anchoring the turbine
blade to the frame of the extendable container; a blade fitting
configured to attach to the blade holder, the blade fitting
configured to attach to a root of a wind turbine blade; and a
piston attached to the blade holder and the blade fitting, the
piston configured to rotate the blade fitting with respect to the
blade holder so as to tilt the wind turbine blade.
19. The extendable container system of claim 1, comprising a blade
tip holder attached to the frame for supporting a tip portion of
the wind turbine blade.
20. The extendable container system of claim 19, wherein the blade
tip holder comprises: a loop-shaped band configured to receive the
tip of a turbine blade; and means for attaching the loop-shaped
slings to the frame.
21. The extendable container system of claim 1, comprising a
floor.
22. The extendable container system of claim 21, wherein the floor
includes at least one drainage hole.
23. The extendable container system of claim 21, wherein the floor
is comprised of at least one corrugated sheet.
24. The extendable container system of claim 1, comprising a
wheeled member for overland transport.
25. The extendable container system of claim 24, wherein the
wheeled member is compatible with road transportation.
26. The extendable container system of claim 25, wherein the height
of the container system with the wheeled member installed is not
greater than 4.2 meter.
27. The extendable container system of claim 1, wherein the module
can be configured to form a stand-alone highcube container.
28. The extendable container system of claim 1, comprising at least
one ladder attached to an outside portion of the module and
extended to a roof.
29. The extendable container system of claim 1, the module is
configured to be secured to a deck of a ship.
30. A method for shipping wind turbine blades comprising:
connecting at least two modular containers to form a container that
is large enough to fit at least one wind turbine blade; loading the
wind turbine blade into the container; and tilting the wind turbine
blade so that the widest portion of the wind turbine blade is
positioned at oblique angle with respect to the container.
31. A method of claim 30, further comprising supporting a tip
portion of the wind turbine blade to the container.
32. A method of claim 30, wherein the tilting is performed by
rotating the root portion of the wind turbine blade.
33. A method of claim 30, further comprising attaching wheels to
the container for overland transport.
34. A method of claim 30, further comprising loading the container
onto a ship and attaching it to the ship's deck.
35. A method of claim 30, further comprising attaching a roof to
the container.
36. A method of claim 30, further comprising attaching an end piece
to the container.
37. A method of claim 30, further comprising stacking at least one
other container on top of the container.
38. A method of transporting a wind turbine blade container without
a wind turbine blade comprising: separating interconnected modular
containers of the wind turbine blade container; attaching an end
piece to the modular containers; and shipping the modules.
39. A method of claim 38, further comprising adjusting a roof
height of the modular container to a desired height.
40. A method of claim 38, comprising placing a smaller modular
container in a larger modular container.
41. A method of claim 38, comprising forming the separated modular
containers into a plurality of stand-alone highcube containers by
attaching a roof and end pieces to each modular container.
42. A method of claim 38, wherein the highcube containers are
configured to accommodate goods other than the wind turbine
blade.
43. A container formed by connecting container modules, comprising:
a retainer connecting upper portions of ends of two container
modules; a guiding bolt connecting a middle portion of the ends of
the two container modules; and a tension bolt connecting a lower
portion of the ends of the two container modules.
44. A method of connecting two container modules for forming a
large container, comprising: connecting upper portions of ends of
the container modules with a retainer; connecting a middle portion
of the ends of the container modules with a guiding bolt; and
connecting a lower portion of the ends of the container modules
with a tension bolt.
45. A method of claim 44, further comprising adjusting the tension
of the tension bolt using an arm rotatably coupled to the tension
bolt.
46. A method of claim 45, further comprising locking the arm to one
of the container modules.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to transportation containers.
In particular, the present invention relates to apparatuses and
methods for containing and transporting wind turbine blades.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Turbine blades, such as wind turbine blades used to generate
electrical power from the wind, are precision made instruments and
can be extremely large (e.g., some exceeding 160 feet in length and
12 feet in width). These large turbine blades require protection
while being transported from where the turbine blades are
manufactured to the site where the turbine blades will be used.
Because of their fragility and size, design of containers for
transporting wind turbine blades poses many challenges and
obstacles that need to be overcome.
[0003] One challenge in designing containers for transporting large
turbine blades is that the container should protect the blades from
damage that would degrade their performance. In other words, strong
containers are required to protect the turbine blades during
transport.
[0004] Another challenge associated with designing a container
large enough to contain a wind turbine blade is that the container
should be designed to minimize its weight to reduce transportation
costs yet still be strong enough to protect the turbine blade. In
addition, since the turbine blades come in a variety of different
sizes and shapes, a preferred container would be capable of
accommodating the various different types of turbine blades. Having
all the containers sized to fit the largest blade would create
unnecessary weight and space when transporting smaller blades.
[0005] An alternative to using containers uniformly sized to the
largest blade is to create different containers for different sized
blades. This option, however, would create a complex logistical
problem of ensuring that a container of the proper size was
available for each shipment. This problem is exacerbated by the
fact that transport of wind turbine blades is sometimes
accomplished by sending the blades across oceans on slow-moving
vessels. Further, this option would increase the manufacturing cost
of the containers due to size variations in the manufacturing
process.
[0006] In an attempt to overcome the above-mentioned problems
related to variable sized turbine blades, sectional container
systems have been proposed. Conventionally, 40-foot sectional
containers that can be bolted together to create a longer container
have been available for containing wind turbine blades. However,
processes involved with connecting and separating the sectional
containers are cumbersome and time-consuming. Furthermore, since
the conventional containers used for wind turbine blades are
constructed with a lattice frame design whose structural strength
is typically limited, the conventional containers may be subject to
fracture during the loading and offloading processes because long
wind turbine containers are loaded on and off of transportation
media as one unit. This limitation on the structural strength
restricts the length of the container system, preventing
accommodation of the largest turbine blades.
[0007] Another challenge associated with designing a large
container is that the container should be compatible with different
modes of transportation. For example, the container should be
easily adaptable for transportation by ship, truck, or rail.
Conventionally, the containers for wind turbine blades are loaded
onto trucks, such as a flat bed truck. One of the problems
associated with transporting large loads overland is the height
restriction of the load. For example, in some regions, the
container height cannot exceed, for example, 4.2 meters (13.7
feet). Such height restriction is to ensure that the container can
pass under bridges and overpasses located on the overland transport
route. Therefore, reduction in the container height is desirable so
that the load height can be made as low as possible.
[0008] Another problem associated with the conventional containers
for turbine blades is the fact that the containers are not
stackable on top of each other. Since conventional containers have
their tops opened, the containers cannot be stacked in layers
without damaging the blade contained in the bottom container.
Furthermore, since the frame of the conventional containers are not
strong enough, the conventional containers cannot support another
containers on the top. Therefore, to facilitate transportation of
the turbine blades in a limited space, e.g., in a ship, it is
desirable for a container to be stackable in layers to efficiently
utilize the limited space.
[0009] A container for a wind turbine blade is reusable and,
therefore, should be returned after its use. If the container can
be easily adaptable to contain other goods besides wind turbine
blades, the valuable shipping space can be efficiently utilized on
a return trip by containing other types of goods, rather than
wasting the valuable shipping space by returning empty. Therefore,
another desirable feature of a container for turbine blades is its
adaptability for containing other types of goods besides wind
turbine blades.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] To overcome the drawbacks and problems described above and
in accordance with the purposes of the invention, as embodied and
broadly described herein, one aspect of the invention provides an
extendable container system for transporting a wind turbine blade
comprising at least one module configured to be connected to other
modules, and a connecting member positioned at each end of the
module for connection between the module and the other module to
extend the length of the container system. The module comprises a
box-shaped frame and corrugated side walls attached to the
frame.
[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for
shipping wind turbine blades is provided. The method comprises
connecting at least two modular containers to form a container that
is large enough to fit at least one wind turbine blade, loading the
wind turbine blade into the container, and tilting the wind turbine
blade so that the widest portion of the wind turbine blade is
positioned at oblique angle with respect to the container, such
that the height of the container is reduced.
[0012] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a
method of transporting a wind turbine blade container without a
wind turbine blade is provided. The method comprises separating
interconnected modular containers of the wind turbine blade
container, attaching an end piece to the modular containers, and
shipping the modules.
[0013] Additional aspects and advantages will be set forth in part
in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from
the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
The aspects and advantages of the invention will be realized and
attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly
pointed out in the appended claims.
[0014] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as
claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various
embodiments of the invention and, together with the description,
serve to explain the advantages and the principles of the
invention.
[0016] In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport container
containing a wind turbine blade according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a side view of a transport container made of two
standard modules and two long extension modules;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a side view of a transport container made of two
standard modules, two long extension modules, and two short
extension modules;
[0020] FIG. 4 is side view of a transport container made of three
standard modules;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of corrugated sheets of
trapezoidal shape according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a transport container,
illustrating structures of the frame and the walls of the transport
container;
[0023] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a retainer according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6B is a perspective view of a guiding pin according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6C is a perspective view of a tension bolt according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of a transport container
with various connecting apparatuses used to connect two modules
together;
[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a telescoping column;
[0028] FIG. 9A is a side view of a container illustrating placement
of telescoping column for a centric lifting;
[0029] FIG. 9B is a side view of a container illustrating placement
of telescoping column for an eccentric lifting;
[0030] FIG. 10A and 10B are perspective views of a blade holder and
a blade fitting, respectively, constituting a root fitting;
[0031] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a blade root fitting
mounted in a transport container;
[0032] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a blade tip holder;
[0033] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a blade tip holder guiding
pin without a locking bar;
[0034] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a blade tip holder guiding
pin with a locking bar;
[0035] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a blade tip holder mounted
to a transport container;
[0036] FIG. 15 is a side view of a transport container configured
as a truck trailer with the container connected to wheeled
dollies;
[0037] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a transport container
configured as two smaller highcube containers.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying
drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be
used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like
parts.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 1, a container system for transporting wind
turbine blades can include various different modules 50, 52
connected together to form a large container 100. FIG. 1 shows a
container 100 carrying two wind turbine blades 64, the root
portions of each of the wind turbine blades being connected to a
respective outer most end portion of container 100. Alternatively,
container 100 could accommodate a single turbine blade 64. The
container 100 can include at least one standard module 50 and can
be extendable in length by attaching extension modules 52 (and/or
modules 54, shown in FIG. 3) depending upon the size and shape of
the wind turbine blade 64 to be accommodated. In other words,
larger extension modules 52 and smaller extension modules 54 can be
connected to form an appropriately-sized container 100 to
accommodate a particular turbine blade 64.
[0040] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, different
combinations of various modules 50, 52, 54 can be utilized to form
different container configurations for accommodating various types
of wind turbine blades 64. FIG. 2 shows, for example, two standard
modules 50 (e.g., 40-ft in length) attached with two extension
modules 52 (e.g., 40-ft in length) attached on both ends of the
standard module 50. Two additional extension modules 54 (e.g.,
20-ft in length) may additionally be attached to the outer ends of
the extension modules 52, as shown in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 4,
three standard modules 50 can also be attached together. While the
lengths of modules 50, 52, 54 described herein are, for example, 40
and 20 feet, these dimensions are exemplary only. In other words,
the modules may be any size. For example, the modules 50, 52, 54
can be 20 feet long, 40 feet long, or 60 feet long. Moreover, any
relationship between the differently sized modules 50, 52, 54 is
within the scope of the present disclosure. Once the modules 50,
52, 54 are connected together to form a large container 100 with a
desired length, a wind turbine blade 64 can be loaded into the
container 100 and secured.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, the standard module 50 includes a
box-shaped frame 102, corrugated side walls 104, a roof 56, and a
floor 120 (as shown, e.g., in FIG. 6). As shown in FIG. 5, the side
walls 104 of the standard module 50 can be formed of at least one
corrugated sheet 106, 108 made of metal, such as steel. Preferably,
the corrugated sheets 106, 108 include alternating ridges 107 and
grooves 109, e.g., as shown, so as to form a repeated pattern of
trapezoidal corrugation when viewed in cross-section. In the
preferred embodiment, two trapezoidally corrugated sheets 106, 108
can be attached to the frame 102 and constitute each of the side
walls 104 of the standard module 50. Similar to the side walls 104,
the floor 120 may also be formed of the similar corrugated sheets
106, 108. It should be recognized that the side walls 104, as well
as the floor 120, can be made of any other suitable rigid
materials. The present invention also contemplates that the
extension modules 52, 54 can have similar structures as the
standard module 50. For example, the extension modules 52, 54 may
also include a box-shaped frames, corrugated side walls, a roof,
and a floor.
[0042] In the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the
corrugations of the corrugated sheets 106, 108 are crossed such
that the corrugations of the outer sheet are aligned vertically,
while those of the inner sheet are aligned horizontally. It should
be understood that the corrugations of the outer sheets may be
aligned horizontally and those of the inner sheet may be aligned
vertically. This crossed corrugated configuration provides the
container with enhanced strength and rigidity required when, for
example, the container containing a wind turbine blade is hoisted
during loading and offloading processes. The crossed corrugation
configuration can also provide the strength and rigidity required
for overland transportation, such as a truck trailer or a rail
car.
[0043] As shown in FIG. 6, the container 100 can be made extendable
by attaching other standard modules 50 or extension modules 52, 54
to the standard module 50. Various connecting apparatuses can be
provided on the frame 102 or formed as part of the frame 102 to
allow connection between the modules 50, 52, 54. In an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, a conventionally available retainer
58, e.g., quick-tie, shown in FIG. 6A, can be used. A portion of
the frame 102 is configured to communicate with the retainer 58,
such that other modules 50, 52, 54 having similar configuration can
be connected to the standard module 50 via the retainer 58. For
example, the frame 102 may include an insertion hole 61 formed on
the frame 102 and configured to adapt the retainer 58. Preferably,
each distal end of the retainer 58 may form substantially
rectangular head 88, so that, after the rectangular head 88 is
inserted into the insertion hole 61 (i.e., preferably formed of
substantially rectangular shape), the head 88 can be rotated about
90 degrees to lock the retainer in position. It should be
recognized that more than one retainer can be used.
[0044] The connection between the modules 50, 52, 54 may also
include a guiding pin 93, shown in FIG. 6B, for connection,
preferably, in the middle portion of the frame 102. Each end of the
guiding pin 93 is configured to fit into respective holes 57 formed
on the frame 102. In an embodiment shown in FIG. 6B, the guiding
pin 93 includes two connecting bolts 91, 92 each integrally formed
of a single piece. The guiding pin 93 includes two contact plates
94, each configured to allow flush contact with a side surface of
the module frame 102 when two modules 50, 52, 54 are connected
together. Preferably, the two connecting bolts 91, 92 are aligned
substantially parallel to each other with a predetermined axial
displacement, such that one of the two connecting bolts 91, 92
protrudes longer than the other bolt in each side. The guiding pin
93 provides enhanced structural support between the connected
modules 50, 52, 54.
[0045] A tension bolt 140 can also be provided at the lower portion
of the module 50, 52, 54 to adjust the fastening tension between
two connected modules 50, 52, 54. FIG. 6C shows a preferred
embodiment of the tension bolt 140, which may be 1 meter in length,
for example. The tension bolt 140 is configured to fasten two
connecting modules in the lower portion of the modules 50, 52, 54
by passing the bolt 140 through bottom support members 130 fixedly
disposed in corners between two adjoining frames 102 of the side
wall 104 and the floor 120. The bolt 140 includes a proximal end
portion 141 and a distal end portion 149, each configured to hold
the bottom support members 130 of the two connecting modules 50,
52, 54 between them. Preferably, the tension bolt 140 includes
tension adjustment member 143 configured to adjust the fastening
tension between two connected modules 50, 52, 54. In an embodiment,
shown in FIG. 6C, the tension bolt 140 includes a side arm 143
rotatably coupled to the proximal end portion 141 of the bolt 140.
In operation, by rotating a side arm 143, the proximal end portion
141 is configured travel along the shaft 145 to fasten or loosen
the fastening tension. The side arm 143 may also include a locking
pin 144 configured to lock the side arm 143 to a portion of module
to prevent possible movement of the side arm 143 during
transport.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows a portion of the two modules 50, 52, 54
interconnected by utilizing the connecting apparatuses described
above. It should be recognized that any other suitable connecting
apparatuses may be utilized in place of, or in addition to, the
apparatuses described above for connection between the modules 50,
52, 54.
[0047] The standard module 50 and the extension modules 52, 54 may
include a plurality of telescoping columns 150, as shown in FIG. 7,
attached to the modules 50, 52, 54, shown in FIG. 8. One advantage
of telescoping columns 150 is that they can permit another module
50, 52, 54 to be stacked on top of a module 50, 52, 54. Further, a
roof 56 may be attached using telescoping columns 150 to protect
the wind turbine blade 64 from damage, e.g., from falling objects.
As shown in FIG. 14, roof 56 can be further supported by a
plurality of connecting arms 46 diagonally supporting the center of
the roof 56 from the frame 102 of the module 50, 52, 54.
[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, the columns 150 may be inserted into
hollow passages 101 formed inside the box-shaped frame 102, such
that the column 150 can slide up and down within the hollow passage
101 of the frame 102, allowing the height of column 150, and, e.g.,
roof 56, to be adjusted. It should also be understood that the
column 150 may also be slidably attached to the box-shaped frame
102. Movement of the columns 150 can be performed by human or by a
powered system, such as, for example, an electrical motor,
hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic system.
[0049] In an embodiment, shown in FIG. 8, the telescoping column
150 may have at least one stop hole 110, 112 for securing the
column 150 at a stationary position by inserting a stop (not shown)
in the stop hole 110, 112. The column 150 may also include a cap 61
integrally formed at the top of a shaft 99. The cap 61 can include
a connection hole 62 configured to communicate with a connecting
apparatus, such as, for example, a quick-tie 58. In this manner,
roof 56 can be attached to the telescoping column 150 via a
connecting apparatus, as shown in FIG. 7. It should be understood
that the roof 56 may alternatively be attached to the column 150 by
any suitable manner. It should also be understood that the column
150 may optionally include slides 103 formed on the surfaces of the
shaft 99 to facilitate sliding movement within the hollow passage
of the frame 102. The modules 50, 52, 54 may optionally be provided
with a ladder 111 attached to the outside of the module 50, which
provides access to, e.g., the roof 56 or the interior of the
container 100.
[0050] The columns 150 are preferably placed in each corner of a
module 50, 52, 54 and in the middle portion of the side walls 104,
as shown in FIG. 1. The number and placement of columns 150,
however, may vary depending upon various conditions. For example,
any number of columns 150 may be placed in any position to suitably
support roof 56 or another module 50, 52, 54, such as four columns
150 placed respectively in each corner of modules, 50, 52, 54.
Also, adjoining modules could be designed to share a column 150,
reducing the number of columns 150 needed.
[0051] In an embodiment, the number and placement of the columns
150 depend on the container balance during the container lifting
process. If the balance of the container 100 is located at the
center of the container 100 (e.g., when two blades 64 are contained
symmetrically with respect to the center of the container 100 as
shown in FIG. 1), a centric lifting, shown in FIG. 9A, can be used.
In this case, the telescopic columns 150 may be placed
symmetrically in the corners and in the middle portion of the side
walls 104. However, if the balance of the container 100 is at a
location other than the center (e.g., when a single blade 64 is
contained in the container 100), an eccentric lifting, shown in
FIG. 9B, can be used. In this case, the lifting apparatus (not
shown) may be coupled to asymmetric location of the container 100
and, accordingly, the columns 150 may be displaced asymmetrically
in order to balance the container 100 and uniformly distribute the
load to the columns 150.
[0052] The wind turbine blade 64 can be secured in the container
100 by a root fitting. An exemplary embodiment of a root fitting is
shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. The upper portion of the root fitting
is a blade fitting 78. The blade fitting 78 can have a plurality of
slots 90 for attaching the blade fitting 78 to the root portion of
the wind turbine blade 64. The turbine blade 64 is formed with bolt
holes in its root portion. The blade fitting 78 is attached to the
wind turbine blade 64 by bolting blade fitting 78 through slots 90
to the corresponding holes in the root portion of the turbine blade
64 using, e.g., bolts, washers, and nuts (not shown). After
transportation of the wind turbine blades 64, the same bolt holes
in the hub portion of wind turbine blades 64 can be used for
assembly of the wind turbine 64 in attaching the root of the blade
64 to the hub of a wind turbine.
[0053] Blade fitting 78 can be attached on top of a blade holder
74. Blade holder 74 is essentially a frame 116 which is attached to
the interior of a module 50, 52, 54. Pins 82 can be used to attach
blade holder 74 to interior of a module 50, 52, 54 by communicating
with holes 175 (e.g., shown in FIG. 6) in the module 50, 52, 54.
The blade fitting 78 can be attached to the blade holder 74 via an
attaching apparatus 84, which communicates with attaching apparatus
86 of the blade fitting 78. The blade fitting 78 may include
support frames 201 fixedly attached to the blade fitting 78 and
configured to be attached, as shown in FIG. 1, to the frame 102 of
the module 50, 52, 54.
[0054] FIG. 11 shows the root fitting installed in place within a
module 50, 52, 54. Preferably, the root fitting is installed on an
outer end of the outer most module 50, 52, 54, as shown in FIG. 1,
such that the root portion of the wind turbine blade 64 is placed
on the outer end of the outer most module. Blade holder 74 can also
include a cylinder 76 which is connected to a pin 188 of the blade
fitting 78. The cylinder 76 can cause blade fitting 78 to be tilted
to reduce the height of blade 64 when it is contained in container
100. When a turbine blade 64 is attached to blade fitting 78,
expansion and contraction movement of cylinder 76 causes the blade
fitting 78 and wind turbine blade 64 to be rotated together.
[0055] The tip portion of the wind turbine blade 64 can be securely
attached to the module 50, 52, 54 by a blade tip holder 98. An
exemplary embodiment of a blade tip holder 98 is shown in FIG. 12.
The blade tip holder 98 can include a pair of loop bands 92 or
slings, a portion of which are secured to the frame of the module
50, 52, 54 by a tip holder guiding pin 193, shown in FIGS. 13A and
13B. The tip holder guiding pin 193 can be a modified guiding pin
93, shown, for example, in FIG. 6B, to attach the loop bands 92 to
the frame 102. The tip holder guiding pin 94 includes two contact
plates 194, each configured to allow flush contact with a side
surface of the module frame 102 when two modules 50, 52, 54 are
connected together. Each of the contact plates 194 may form a slot
118 in which a portion of the loop band 92 may be inserted. The
blade tip holder 193 can allow installation and removal of the
holder 193 at various positions along the interior of the modules
50, 52, 54. It should be recognized that, when a loop band needs to
be placed in the connecting portion between two modules 50, 52, 54,
the guiding pin 93 can be replaced with the tip holder guiding pin
193.
[0056] The loop bands 92 are preferably formed of rubber. Each loop
band 92 can have a bar 96 which can be configured to fit in the
slot 118 of the tip holder guiding pin 193, shown in FIG. 13A. As
shown in FIG. 13B, once the bar 96 of the loop band 92 is fitted in
the slot 118, a locking bar 196 is inserted through a receiving
member 197, 198 to secure the connection between the loop band 92
and the tip holder guiding pin 193. The loop band 92 may include a
connecting member 292 at its top portion, which is configured to be
coupled to a portion of the roof 56 or the frame 102 of the module
50, 52, 54. FIG. 14 shows a blade tip holder 98 installed via a
blade tip holder guiding pin 193 in the module 50, 52, 54.
[0057] Once the modules 50, 52, 54 are assembled together to form a
container 100 and turbine blade 64 is installed in the container
100, the container 100 is hoisted onto and secured to a
transportation media. As mentioned previously, a second container
may be stacked on top of the first container.
[0058] Container 100 permits water- and land-borne transportation.
Water-borne transportation can take the form of a vessel with
suitable storage area (above or below deck) for at least one
container 100. For land-borne transportation, the container 100 can
be used as the primary container for the transport. For example,
container 100 can be used as a trailer for road transport by
attaching wheels or dollies 62 as shown in FIG. 15. An example of
such dollies is the Euro/Inter Combi-dollies, a standard system for
converting box containers into truck trailers. By directly mounting
wheels or dollies 62 to the container, reduction in container
height can be achieved by eliminating the unnecessary height of a
trailer bed. Preferably, each modular container contains two wheels
to form a trailer or a container for the transport. Containers 100
may also be transported by rail. For example, container 100 can be
placed on three flat-bed rail cars or two containers 100 can be
placed on five flat-bed rail cars.
[0059] Further reductions in container height can be achieved by
tilting the turbine blade 64 inside the container 100. By loading
the container such that the widest portion of the turbine blade is
diagonally fitted in the container 100, the height of the container
100 can be further reduced. Reduction in container height ensures
that the transport system can pass through tunnels and under
bridges and overpasses located on the transportation route.
[0060] As shown in FIG. 16, once the turbine blade 64 has been
transported to the destination site and removed from the container
100, the container 100 can be disassembled to form several smaller
highcube containers 121 . The modules 50, 52, 54 constituting a
large container 100 can be easily separated by releasing the
connecting devices and pulling the modules 50, 52, 54 apart. End
portions 122 can be made easily detachable from and attachable to
the ends of the modules 50, 52, 54 using suitable connecting
apparatus, such as quick tie 58, pins, or the like. As shown in
FIG. 16, end pieces 122 can be attached to both ends of highcube
container 121. Optionally, the smaller highcube container 121 may
be stored in the larger highcube containers 121. The capability of
the modules 50, 52, 54 to be convertible to smaller highcube
containers 121 from a large container 100 for the return trip
allows the modules 50, 52, 54 to be used to transport other types
of goods besides the turbine blades 64. Thereby, the valuable
shipping space can be efficiently utilized on the return trip,
rather than wasting the valuable transport space by returning
empty.
[0061] When deciding whether to convert container 100, portions of
the container 100 may be omitted from the highcube container 121.
For example, a highcube container 121 may or may not have a roof
124. Alternatively, if a roof is desired and the module used did
not include a roof, a roof 124 may be added. Further, if the
container 121 has a roof 124, it can be configured to be raised or
lowered depending on the required cargo space using on or more of
telescoping columns 150. Another optional adaptation is that in
order to facilitate draining of liquids, such as, rain water in the
container, drain holes (not shown) may be provided, e.g., drilled,
in the floor (not shown) of the container 114, preferably in
grooved sections of the floor.
[0062] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those
skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and
practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the
specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a
true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the
following claims.
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