U.S. patent application number 12/040358 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for method and apparatus for transporting and mounting offshore wind generators.
This patent application is currently assigned to WINERGY LLC. Invention is credited to Mohammad Sharifuz Zaman.
Application Number | 20090217852 12/040358 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41012199 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090217852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zaman; Mohammad Sharifuz |
September 3, 2009 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING AND MOUNTING OFFSHORE WIND
GENERATORS
Abstract
A method and apparatus for transporting and mounting wind
generators onto support structures is provided. More specifically,
the present invention provides a method and apparatus for
transporting a wind generator from an onshore location onto a water
vessel. In addition, the present invention provides a method and
apparatus for mounting a wind generator, located on a water vessel,
onto a support structure. The method an apparatus is capable of
transporting and mounting one or more assembled or partially
assembled wind generators.
Inventors: |
Zaman; Mohammad Sharifuz;
(Friendswood, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PATENT DOCKET ADMINISTRATOR;LOWENSTEIN SANDLER PC
65 LIVINGSTON AVENUE
ROSELAND
NJ
07068
US
|
Assignee: |
WINERGY LLC
Hauppauge
NY
|
Family ID: |
41012199 |
Appl. No.: |
12/040358 |
Filed: |
February 29, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
114/44 ;
105/238.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E02B 2017/0091 20130101;
Y02E 10/72 20130101; B63B 35/003 20130101; B63B 77/10 20200101;
E02B 17/0004 20130101; F03D 13/10 20160501; F03D 13/22 20160501;
F05B 2240/95 20130101; F03D 13/40 20160501; E02B 17/027 20130101;
Y02E 10/727 20130101; E02B 2017/0039 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
114/44 ;
105/238.1 |
International
Class: |
B63B 27/00 20060101
B63B027/00; B61D 15/00 20060101 B61D015/00 |
Claims
1. A method of mounting a wind generator to a support structure,
where the wind generator is located on a water vessel having a
transfer tractor for supporting the wind generator, the method
comprising: establishing a staging area by positioning the water
vessel to at least partially surround the support structure;
raising the water vessel to above the support structure so that the
staging area substantially surrounds the support structure;
positioning the wind generator within the staging area at a
location substantially above the support structure; lowering the
wind generator onto the support structure; and securing the wind
generator to the support structure.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of sliding
the transfer tractor to a location on the water vessel to position
the wind generator substantially above the support structure.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of lowering the wind
generator onto the support structure comprises; lowering the water
vessel to cause the wind generator to contact the support
structure.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of utilizing
the transfer tractor to lower the wind generator to cause the wind
generator to contact the support structure.
5. A water vessel used for mounting a wind generator onto a support
structures comprising: a platform, having at least one staging
point for surrounding a support structure; a first rail segment
fixedly attached to the platform, where the first rail segment is
configured to engage with a transfer unit; and a plurality of
support legs slidably connected to the platform for moving the
platform in a substantially vertical direction.
6. The water vessel of claim 5, wherein the staging point is a
recessed portion of the platform configured to partially surround a
support structure.
7. The water vessel of claim 5, wherein a one or more transfer
tractors are engaged with the first rail segment.
8. The water vessel of claim 5, wherein a portion of the first rail
segment straddles at least one of the staging points.
9. The water vessel of claim 5, wherein the first rail segment is
capable of connecting with a second rail segment, configured to
engage with a transfer tractor, wherein the connection between the
first rail segment and the second rail segment allows a transfer
tractor engaged with the second rail segment to travel onto the
first rail segment.
10. An transport unit used for transporting a wind generator
comprising; a platform, which includes a top portion and a bottom
portion; one or more support arms, attached to the top portion of
the platform, where each support arm has a first end and a second
end; one or more platform rails fixedly attached to the bottom
portion of the platform; and one or more rail units, each
configured to engage with two separate rails, wherein each of the
one or more rail units is engaged with one of the one or more
platform rails.
11. The transport unit of claim 10, wherein the first end of the
one or more support arms is pivotally connected to the top portion
of the platform.
12. The transport unit of claim 10, further comprising; a staging
layer, attached to the top portion of the platform.
13. The transport unit of claim 12, wherein the first end of the
support arms are pivotally connected to the staging layer.
14. The transport unit of claim 12, further comprising; one or more
attachment units, wherein the attachment units are fixedly
connected to the staging layer; and the first end of the one or
more support arms is pivotally connected to one of the attachment
units.
15. A method of transporting a wind generator from an onshore
location onto a water vessel through use of a transfer unit, where
the transfer unit is engaged with a rail segment, the method
comprises; securing the wind generator with the transfer unit,
wherein the transfer unit is slidably connected the a rail segment;
and sliding the transfer unit to over the rail segment, wherein the
transfer unit travels from an onshore location onto a water vessel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to transporting and mounting
wind generators onto support structures. Specifically, the present
invention relates to a method and apparatus for transporting one or
more wind generators from an onshore location to an offshore
support structure. Moreover, the present invention provides for a
method and apparatus for mounting a wind generator onto an offshore
support structure.
[0003] 2. Related Art
[0004] In recent years there has been an increased focus on
renewable energy, with particular interest given to wind energy.
Current forms of wind energy generation rely on a wind generator to
harness the wind's power. Given that wind currents over open water
are often stronger and more consistent, there has been a recent
push to erect wind generators in open water.
[0005] One big hurdle which must be overcome in order for large
scale offshore wind generation to become a reality is the
development of an efficient means of installing wind generators in
open water. Weather conditions at sea often create unpredictable
and significant obstacles thereby reducing the time with which
installation crews can safely work at sea. In addition, the use of
cranes during the offshore installation process often has
significant economic impact on the viability of an installation
project.
[0006] Each offshore wind generator is mounted onto a support
structure. Sometimes referred to as a "jacket", a support structure
is usually prefabricated at an onshore location and transported to
its offshore location through use of a barge. The term "support
structure" is intended to include, but is not limited to, a device
capable of supporting the weight of an object, such as a wind
generator. As described in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a support
structure 100 may include one or more support legs 102 and a
mounting point 104. In some embodiments of the support structure
100, the mounting point 104 includes a crown 106. The crown 106
provides an area in which a mast of a wind generator can be
inserted to form a friction connection between the mast of the wind
generator and the support structure 100. This friction connection
may provide some or all of the force necessary to secure the wind
generator to the support structure 100. In embodiments where the
crown 106 does not provide the force necessary to secure the wind
generator, the wind generator will be secured through use of
methods known to one skilled in the art. The form of the support
structure 100 may vary however each variation will provide a solid
foundation upon which a wind generator can be mounted. Examples of
possible support structure forms are single mono-poles, 3 legged
truss, or 4 legged truss structures. The support structures 100 may
be equipped with commonly used marine fender systems in order to
reduce any adverse effects caused as a result of friction between a
support structure 100 and other objects, such as a water vessel.
The fending system may provide a temporarily mooring means to allow
a water vessel to be moored to the support structure 100.
[0007] Once the barge transporting the support structure 100 has
arrived at the erection site, the support structure 100 is removed
from the deck of the barge and placed into the water. Removal of
the support structure 100 from the deck of the barge is usually
accomplished through use of a crane. The crane is capable of
lifting the support structure 100 from the deck of the barge and
placing it into the water. Once in the water, the support structure
100 is secured to the sea floor. The tern "sea floor" is intended
to include, but is not limited to the surface at the bottom of the
sea, ocean, or other body of water. In order to secure the support
structure I 00 to the sea floor, the legs of the support structure
100 are mounted onto foundation piles which have been driven into
the sea floor. Marine grout is utilized to secure the support
structure 100 onto the foundation piles.
[0008] With the support structures 100 in place, the focus of
constructing an offshore wind farm turns to mounting the wind
generator onto the support structure 100. Current methods of
mounting a wind generator onto the support structure 100 often
require the use of a crane. These cranes are used to maneuver the
wind generators into a position where the wind generator can be
secured onto a support structure. Given that proper alignment is
critical to successfully securing a wind generator onto the support
structure 100, the crane must provide exact positioning in order to
effectively mount a wind generator onto the support structure 100.
With many environmental factors at play in an open water
installation project, proper alignment by a waler bound crane is
often difficult and time consuming.
[0009] Given the need to establish an effective means of installing
an offshore wind generator, highly specialized sea vessels had
begun to be developed. However, current methods of installing
offshore wind generators fail to meet all of the current demands
required of an effective installation method. More specifically,
current methods fail to provide a means of installing multiple
assembled or partially assembled wind generators from a single
vessel, without the aid of an offshore crane.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for
mounting one or more generators on support structures. In one
embodiment of the present invention, two primary functions are
performed: (1) transferring one or more assembled or partially
assembled wind generators from and onshore location onto a water
vessel, and (2) mounting the one or more assembled or partially
assembled wind generators from a water vessel onto the one or more
support structures.
[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention,
transfer of the assembled or partially assembled wind generators
from onshore on a water vessel is accomplished through the use of
rail guided tractors that secure the assembled or partially
assembled wind generators onshore and travel along a rail system
extending to a water vessel. Once the rail guided tractor has
transported the wind generator onto a water vessel, the water
vessel is free to travel, with the wind generator on deck, to its
intended destination.
[0012] In an embodiment of the current invention, transfer of the
wind generator from the water vessel onto the support structure 100
is accomplished by engaging the water vessel with the support
structure 100 and raising the water vessel to a mounting height.
With the water vessel positioned at the appropriate vertical
height, the rail guided tractor positions the wind generator above
the support structure 100. The wind generator is then vertically
lowered from its suspended position thereby mounting the wind
generator onto the support structure 100. Once the support mast of
the wind generator has been securely mounted onto the support
structure 100, the rail mounted tractor will disengage from the
support mast of the wind generator. Finally, the water vessel is
returned to its floating position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] The present invention will be more readily understood from
the detailed description of exemplary embodiments presented below
considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, of which;
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side view of a three legged support structure,
according to an embodiment of the prior art;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wind generator, according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the top portion of a
transfer tractor, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the bottom portion of a
transfer tractor, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a mechanism for vertically
maneuvering the transfer tractor platform, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a transfer tractor platform
configures for circular motion, according to an embodiment of the
present invention;
[0021] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a water vessel, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the elements utilized in the
process of transporting a wind generator from an onshore location
onto a water vessel;
[0023] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a water vessel engaged with
a support structure, according to an embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a water vessel positioned at
a mounting height, according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] The present invention relates to a method of transporting,
from an onshore location, one or more assembled or near assembled
wind generators and mounting the one or more assembled or near
assembled wind generators onto one or more support structures. This
is accomplished through the use of a single water vessel and
without substantial aid from an offshore crane. The term "onshore"
is intended to include, but is not limited to, an area of land in
close proximity to a body of water. The term "offshore" is intended
to include, but in not limited to, a geographic area which is
surrounded by water.
[0026] FIG. 2 describes, in general terms, the individual steps
with comprise one embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 2
illustrates a process flow diagram for a method of transporting one
or more assembled or near assembled wind generators from an onshore
location and mounting the one or more assembled or near assembled
wind generators onto one or more support structures at offshore
locations.
[0027] The term "wind generator" is intended to include, but is not
limited to, a device for converting wind power into electrical
energy. As shown in FIG. 3, an embodiment of a wind generator 300
may include a support mast 302, a plurality of rotor blades 304,
and a gearbox 306. In addition, the term "partially assembled wind
generator" is intended to include, but is not limited to, a wind
generator which does not require the substantial construction to
complete its assembly. From herein, unless specifically state, the
term wind generator will refer to both a partially assembled wind
generator as well as a wind generator that does not require
additional assembly.
[0028] The method 200, shown in FIG. 2, begins with the transport
of one or more wind generators from an onshore location to a water
vessel 202. In one embodiment of the current invention, the wind
generators 300 are primarily moved through use of transport units.
The two most commonly used transport units are a yard tractor and
transfer tractor. The term "yard tractor" is intended to include,
but is not limited to, a unit capable of seizing the wind generator
300, transporting the seized wind generator 300 to a second
location, and releasing contact with the wind generator 300 at the
second location while ensuring that the wind generator 300 remains
erect. A yard tractor can be self propelled, propelled by an
external source, or a hybrid of the two. The yard tractor is fitted
with the appropriate foundation as to enables it to travel along
rail segments.
[0029] A second type of transport unit is a transfer tractor. The
term "transfer tractor" is intended to include, but is not limited
to, a unit capable of seizing the wind generator 300, transporting
the seized wind generator 300 to a second location, and releasing
contact with the wind generator 300. The transfer tractor 400,
described further in FIG. 4A and 4B, is fitted with the appropriate
foundation as to enables it to travel along rail segments. In
addition to being capable of traveling along rail segments, in some
embodiments of the current invention, the transfer tractor 400 is
capable of moving in directions not governed by a rail segment.
This includes the ability to rotate in a circular motion. In some
embodiments, the transfer tractor 400 may have the capability to
raise and lower a wind generator 300 relative to the surface of the
water. A transfer tractor 400 can be self propelled, propelled by
an external source, or a hybrid of the two.
[0030] FIG. 4A and 4B illustrates an embodiment of the transfer
tractor 400. The elements of the transfer tractor 400 are built
around the transfer tractor platform 402. The transfer tractor
platform 402 has a top portion 404 and a bottom portion 406.
Located on the top portion 404 of the transfer tractor platform 402
is a staging layer 408, one or more support arms 410, and one or
more attachment units 412. The staging layer 412 acts an
intermediary between the transfer tractor platform 402 and the
support arms 410. In some embodiments of the transfer tractor 400,
the staging layer 412 provides increased movement for the transfer
tractor 400. In such embodiments, the staging layer 412 is equipped
for circular motion atop the transfer tractor platform 402, thereby
allowing the support arms 410 to move in a circular motion. An
embodiment of the transfer tractor 400 fit for circular motion is
further described in FIG. 4D. One or more attachment units 412 are
located on top of the staging layer 408. The attachment units 412
acts as the connection point between the staging layer 408 and each
individual support arm 410.
[0031] In an embodiment of the transfer tractor 400 lacking the
staging layer 408, the attachment units 412 will be directly
connected or integrated into the transfer tractor platform 402.
Each support arm 410 has a first end 414 and a second end 416. The
first end 414 of the support arm 410 is connected to an attachment
unit 412 while the second end 416 of the support arm 410 is used as
the contact point between the support arm 410 and the wind
generator 300. In the current embodiment of the transfer tractor
400, the first end 414 of each support arm 410 is pivotally
connected to an attachment unit 412. This pivot connection secures
the support arm 410 to the attachment unit 412 while providing the
support arm 410 the ability to move about the pivot point. The
second end 416 of the support arm 410 provides the contact point
between the support arm 410 and the wind generator 300. When the
mast 302 of the wind generators 300 is in a secured position within
the transfer tractor 400, the one or more support arms 410 provide
the support as to ensure that the wind generator 300 remains erect.
This is accomplished through use of friction contact between the
second end 416 of the support arm 410 and the mast 302 of the wind
generator 300. In embodiments where the friction connection between
the second end 416 of the support arms 410 and the mast 302 of the
wind generator 302 fail to provide adequate force to ensure that
the wind generator 300 remains secure, additional securing means
know to one skilled in the art may be used.
[0032] Located on the bottom portion 406 of the transfer tractor
platform 402, described in FIG. 4B, are one or more transfer
tractor rails 418 and one or more rail units 420. The one or more
transfer tractor rails 418 are rail segments secured to the bottom
portion of the transfer tractor platform 402. The one or more
transfer tractor rail units 420 are slidably connected to both an
onshore or water vessel rail segment, as well as, the transfer
tractor rail units 418. The slidable connection between the
transfer tractor rail unit 418 and the onshore or water vessel rail
segments enables the transfer tractor rail unit 418 to slide along
the onshore or water vessel rail segment thereby moving the
transfer tractor 400. This movement of the transfer tractor 400 may
be from a first onshore location to a second onshore location, from
an onshore location to a water vessel, or from a first location on
a water vessel to a second location on a water vessel. In contrast,
the slidable connection between the transfer tractor rail units 420
and the transfer tractor rail segments 418 allows the transfer
tractor rail units 420 to slide along the transfer tractor rail
segment 418 thereby moving the transfer tractor platform 402
relative to the onshore or water vessel rail segment. This movement
may be perpendicular to the onshore or water vessel rail
segments.
[0033] FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of the transfer tractor
where the transfer tractor platform 402 is capable of vertical
motion. The vertical motion is facilitated through the use of one
or more hydraulic cylinders 422. The hydraulic cylinders 422 arc
capable of exerting the necessary force to vertically maneuver the
transfer tractor platform. 402. In addition, the hydraulic
cylinders 422 are fit to vertically maneuver the transfer tractor
400 in the event that the transfer tractor 400 has seized a wind
generator 300. In the current embodiment, there is a first end of
the hydraulic cylinder 424, a second end of the hydraulic cylinder
426, and a piston 428. The first end of the hydraulic cylinder 424
is fixedly connected to the transfer tractor rails 418. The second
end of the hydraulic cylinder 422 is fixedly connected to the
transfer tractor platform 402. As illustrated in the embodiment in
FIG. 4C, the second end of the hydraulic cylinder 426 may be
fixedly connected to the interior of the transfer tractor platform
402. The piston 428 is slidably connected to the interior of the
second end of the hydraulic cylinder 424. As illustrated in the
FIG. 4C, in the extended position, the piston 428 slides from its
location within the second end of the hydraulic cylinder 424 and
therefore forces the transfer tractor platform 402 to a vertically
suspended position above the transfer tractor rail segments 418. In
order to facilitate the lowering of the transfer tractor platform
402, the piston 428 returns to its position within the second end
of the hydraulic cylinder 426, thereby causing the transfer tractor
platform 402 to descend vertically. Other methods could be used to
vertically maneuver the transfer tractor platform 402. This may
include the use of a rack and pinion system. Other methods know to
one skilled in the art may be utilized to vertically manipulate the
transfer tractor platform 402.
[0034] In addition to vertical motion, the transfer tractor 400 may
be capable of facilitating circular motion. FIG. 4D illustrates an
embodiment of the transfer tractor 400, where the staging layer 408
is capable of circular motion. In the embodiment described in FIG.
4D, the staging layer 408 is slidably connected to the transfer
tractor platform 402, thereby enabling the staging layer 408 to
rotate in a circular direction atop the transfer tractor platform
402. The staging layer 408 and the transfer tractor platform 402
may be slidably connected through use of a dedicated sliding pad,
lubricated surface, slewing bearings, or other means known to one
skilled in the art. One or more stabilizers 432 are fixedly
attached to the transfer tractor platform 402 in order the help
secure the staging layer 408. A portion of the edge of the staging
layer 408 will be slidably secured by the one or more stabilizers
432. The circular motion of the staging layer 408 may be powered
through use of one or more hydraulic cylinders 430. Each hydraulic
cylinder 430 has a first end 434 and a second end 436. The first
end 434 is fixedly connected to the transfer tractor platform 402,
while the second end 436 is connected to the staging layer 408.
Through the expansion and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder
430, circular motion of the staging layer 408 is initiated. This
circular motion could also be facilitated through use of a rack and
pinion system or other means known to one skilled in art.
[0035] A water vessel used in the process of transporting the wind
generator 300. The term "water vessel" is intended to include, but
is not limited to, a structure which is fit for water based travel,
as is known to one skilled in the art. As described in FIG. 5, an
embodiment of the water vessel 500 may include a platform 502, one
or more retractable legs 504, one or more pairs of water vessel
rail segments 506, and one or more staging points 508. The water
vessel 500 can be self propelled, propelled by an external source,
or a hybrid of the two. The platform 502 provides the buoyancy
which allows the water vessel to float. In addition, the platform
502 acts as the mounting point for other elements that make up the
water vessel, such as the one or more retractable legs 504 and a
pair of water vessel rail segments 506. The one or more retractable
legs 504 are used in the process of lifting the water vessel from
the surface of the water. The one or more retractable legs 504 are
slidably connected to the platform 502, therefore the retractable
legs 504 can travel through the body of the platform 502. The
retractable legs 504 have three primary states, upward, downward,
and transition.
[0036] In FIG. 5, the retractable legs 504 are in the upward
position. In the upward position, the retractable legs 504 are
primarily above the deck of the platform 502. When the retractable
legs 504 are in the downward state, the retractable legs 504 are
primarily below the platform 502 and have engaged with a sea floor.
While in the transition state, the retractable legs 504 are in the
process of moving between the upward state and downward state or
vice versa. The retractable legs 504 are used as the support legs
for the raised water vessel. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5
also describes a platform which includes one pair of water vessel
rail segments 506. The pair of water vessel rail segments 506 is
located on the deck of the platform 502 and provides a channel by
which objects can travel. The pair of water vessel rail segments
506 span the length of the platform 502 and are securely attached
to the water vessel 500. The platform 502 described in FIG. 5
includes two staging points 508. The staging points 508 provide a
point at which the water vessel 500 can engage with the support
structure 100. The staging points comprise an area of water vessel
500 where a platform 502 gives way to an opening which provides a
point at which the water vessel can partially surround the support
structure 100. At either end of the platform 502, the pair of water
vessel rail segments 506 straddle the staging points 508. This
configuration of having the pair of water vessel rail segments 506
straddling the staging points 508 allows for a device traveling on
the water vessel rail segments 506 to position itself above the
staging points 508. When the water vessel 500 is positioned above
the support structure 300, a staging point 508 provides a point at
which a device traveling on the water vessel rail segment 506 can
position itself above the support structure 300. This allows a
transfer tractor 400, carrying a wind generator 200, to position
the wind generator 200 directly above the support structure
100.
[0037] FIG. 6 shows the elements employed in the process of
transporting the wind generator from an onshore location onto the
water vessel, as in step 202. The wind generator 300 is first
transported to a transfer support 602. The transfer support 602 is
a means configured to maintain a wind generator 300 in an upright
position. The transfer support 602 is utilized to facilitate
transfer of the wind generator 300 from one transport unit to
another.
[0038] A yard tractor 604 shown in FIG. 6 will transport the wind
generator 300 to the transfer support 602. The yard tractor 604 is
configured to slide along a yard rail segment 606 in order to
facilitate in the transportation of the wind generator 300. The
yard tractor 604 will travel along the rail segment 606 to the
location of the wind generator 300. The yard tractor 604 will seize
the wind generator 300 and transport the wind generator 300 to the
transfer support 602. Upon arrival at the transfer support 602, the
wind generator 300 will be secured onto the transfer support 602.
Once the wind generator 300 is secured onto the transfer support
602, the yard tractor 604 will release its contact with the wind
generator 300 and the wind generator 300 will remain on the
transfer support 602.
[0039] Following the positioning on the transfer support 602,
transport of the wind generator 300 from its onshore location to a
water vessel 500 continues with the movement of the wind generator
300 by way of the transfer tractor 400.
[0040] Step 202 within method 200 continues with the transportation
of the wind generator 300 from the transfer support 602 onto the
water vessel 500 In order to enable the transfer tractor 400 to
travel from an onshore location to the water vessel 500, the
onshore rail system 606 and the water vessel rail segment 506 must
be aligned. The use of a guide system may aid in the alignment of
the onshore rail segment 606 and the water vessel rail segment 506.
In certain embodiment of the invention, a portion of the onshore
rail segment 606 may be capable of lateral movement in order to
facilitate alignment between the onshore rail segment 606 and the
water vessel rail segment 506. This alignment between the onshore
rail segment 606 and the water vessel rail segment 506 allows for
the transfer tractor 400 to travel along the rail system onto the
water vessel 500. The transfer tractor 500 may remain on the water
vessel 300 in order to facilitate addition movement, as well as
mounting, of the wind generator 300.
[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the transfer support 602 and
yard tractor 604 may not be required in order to transport the wind
generator 300 from an onshore location onto the water vessel 500.
In such an embodiment, the transfer tractor 400 seizes the wind
generator 300 at an onshore location. Once the transfer tractor 400
has seized the wind generator 300, the transfer tractor 400 travels
along the rail system 606 until the transfer tractor 400 has
traveled onto the water vessel 500. The transfer tractor 400 may
remain on the water vessel 500 in order to further maneuver the
wind generator 300 and mount the wind generator 300 onto the
support structure 100. In an embodiment of the current invention
where the water vessel 500 simultaneously transports more than one
wind generator 300, a second transfer tractor 400 will retrieve a
second wind generator 300 from an onshore location and transport
the second wind generator 300 onto the water vessel 500. This
process is repeated from each wind generator 300 to be transported
and mounted.
[0042] After the wind generator is loaded onto the water vessel
500, method 200 continues with step 204; the water vessel travels
to and aligns with the support structure. In order for the water
vessel 500 to facilitate the mounting of a wind generator 300 onto
the support structure 100, the water vessel 500 must engage with
the support structure 100. As shown in FIG. 5, a water vessel may
include one or more staging points 508. Staging points 508 are
locations where the water vessel 500 can partially surround the
support structure 100. Therefore, in the current embodiment of the
present invention, the water vessel 500 will approach the support
structure 100 and continues to travel until a staging point 508
partially surrounds the support structure 100. FIG. 7 illustrates a
water vessel 500 engaged with the support structure 100. When the
water vessel 500 and the support structure 100 are engaged, as
described in FIG. 7, the staging point 508 will partially surround
the support structure 100. In order to properly align the water
vessel 500 with the support structure 100 mooring lines may be
utilized. The mooring lines may act to temporarily connect the
water vessel 500 with the support structure 100. In the engaged
position, the water vessel rail segment 506 located on the platform
502 will straddle the support structure 100.
[0043] Once the water vessel 500 has engaged with the support
structure 300, method 200 continues when the water vessel is raised
vertically, at step 206, to a mounting height, as illustrated in
FIG. 7. The term "mounting height" is intended to include, but is
not limited to, a height which is at or above the height at which
the support structure 300 extends beyond the surface of the water.
The process of raising the water vessel 500 to a mounting height is
accomplished through the use of the one or more retractable support
legs 504 which are elements of the water vessel 500. In order to
raise the water vessel 500 vertically, the retractable support legs
504 descend vertically from their upward position until the
retractable legs 504 make contact with a surface which can provide
a substantial foundation to support the raised water vessel 500.
With the retractable support legs 504 firmly in contact with a
surface which can provide a foundation for the raised water vessel
500, the water vessel is hoisted to a mounting height. Methods
known to one skilled in the art are employed to hoist the water
vessel to a mounting height. Once the water vessel 500 is in
position, the transfer tractor 400 is free to maneuver along the
water vessel rail segments 506 and position itself above the
staging area 508 and the support structure 100.
[0044] With the water vessel 500 raised vertically, at step 206, to
a mounting height, method 200 continues when the wind generator is
then mounted onto the support structure at step 208. With the water
vessel 500 in positioned at or above the height of the support
structure 100, the staging point 508 will be partially above the
support structure 100, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Positioning the
staging point 508, so that it is partially above the support
structure 100, allows the transfer tractor 400 to travel along the
water vessel rail segment 506 and position the wind generator 300
above the support structure 100. Positioning the wind generator 300
above the support structure 100 allows for the wind generator 300
to be easily mounted onto the support structure 100. Once the wind
generator 300 is positioned above the support structure 100, there
are multiple ways in which the wind generator 300 can be mounted
onto the support structure 100.
[0045] In one embodiment of the current invention, the transfer
tractor 400 lowers the mast of the wind generator 300 into the
crown 106 of the support structure 100. Lowering of the wind
generator 300 may be accomplished by lowering the transfer tractor
platform 402 through use of the one or more hydraulic cylinders
422, or other methods of vertically maneuvering the transfer
tractor platform 402. As the transfer tractor 400 lowers the mast
of the wind generator 300 into the crown 106 of the support
structure 100, a friction connection between the inside of the
crown 106 and the outside of the wind generator mast 302 is
created. Further lowering of the wind generator 300 by the transfer
tractor 400 allows for this friction connection to build until the
friction connection is strong enough to provide a sufficient
foundation to ensure that the wind generator 300 will remain stable
atop the support structure 100. In some instances where a friction
connection is not used, or where a friction connection alone will
not support the wind generator 300, other known securing methods
may be used.
[0046] An alternative method of mounting the wind generator 300
onto the support structure 100 is to lower the entire water vessel
500. As is the case when the wind generator 300 is lowered by the
transfer tractor 400, this embodiment begins with the transfer
tractor 400 positioning the wind generator 300 above the support
structure 100. However, in this embodiment, the entire water vessel
500 will be lowered thereby forcing the mast 302 of the wind
generator 500 into the crown 106 of the support structure 100.
Utilizing the same machinery which hoisted the water vessel 500 to
a mounting height, the water vessel 500 is lowered along the
retractable support legs 504 until the friction connection between
the mast 302 of the wind generator 300 and the crown 306 of the
support structure 300 provide a stable foundation for the wind
generator 300 to remain firmly atop the support structure 100. In
some instances where a friction connection is not used, or where a
friction connection alone will not support the wind generator 300,
other known securing methods may be used.
[0047] The wind generator 300 could also be lowered through a
combination of lowering the water vessel 500 as well as vertically
maneuvering the transfer tractor platform 402.
[0048] Once the wind generator 300 is mounted on the support
structure 108, method 200 is completed when the water vessel 500
returns to the floating position, at step 210. This begins with the
transfer tractor 400 releasing its contact with the mast 302 of the
wind generator 300. After the transfer tractor 400 releases contact
with the mast 302 of the wind generator 300, the transfer tractor
400 travels along the water vessel rail segment 506 away from the
support structure 100. Moving the transfer tractor 400 away from
the support structure 100 will allow for the water vessel 500 to
lower itself to a floating position without coming in contact with
the support structure 100. The term "floating position" is intended
to include, but is not limited to, the naturally buoyant position
of an object on the surface of a body of water.
[0049] With the transfer tractor 400 free from obstructing the
lowering of the water vessel 500, the current method 200 beings the
step of returning the water vessel to the floating position, as in
step 210. The water vessel 500 is first lowered to the surface of
the water. Once the water vessel has returned to the surface of the
water, the retractable legs 504 are raised from below the water and
returned to their upward position. Raising the retractable legs 504
eliminates the foundation support provided by the retractable legs
and returns the water vessel 500 to a floating position. In
embodiments of the current invention where the water vessel 500 is
carrying more than one wind generator 300, the water vessel 500 may
travel to another support structure 300 and repeat the process of
mounting a wind generator onto the support structure 300.
[0050] Although the present invention has been described in
considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, other
embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present
invention is not limited to the description of the versions and
embodiments expressly disclosed herein. The references and
disclosure provided in the `Background of the Invention` section
are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the disclosure
provided in the present application.
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