U.S. patent application number 12/695749 was filed with the patent office on 2010-05-27 for apparatus and methods for handling rotor blades.
Invention is credited to Aloys Wobben.
Application Number | 20100126897 12/695749 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29594290 |
Filed Date | 2010-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100126897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wobben; Aloys |
May 27, 2010 |
APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR HANDLING ROTOR BLADES
Abstract
An apparatus is provided for handling rotor blades of wind power
installations. An apparatus for simplified handling of rotor blades
is afforded by a carrier element and at least one rotor blade
receiving structure coupled to the carrier element. A rotor blade
is received in the apparatus during a blade fitting procedure. The
apparatus may reduce the effect of wind and the effect of mass
inertia during the blade fitting procedure.
Inventors: |
Wobben; Aloys; (Aurich,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE, SUITE 5400
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Family ID: |
29594290 |
Appl. No.: |
12/695749 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12005863 |
Dec 27, 2007 |
|
|
|
12695749 |
|
|
|
|
10517133 |
Jun 29, 2005 |
7374405 |
|
|
PCT/EP03/05811 |
Jun 4, 2003 |
|
|
|
12005863 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/522 ;
206/521; 206/525 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y02P 70/50 20151101;
B65D 85/68 20130101; B66C 1/24 20130101; Y02P 70/523 20151101; Y02E
10/722 20130101; B65D 2585/6897 20130101; F05B 2230/60 20130101;
F03D 80/50 20160501; Y02E 10/72 20130101; B65D 2585/6875 20130101;
B65D 88/121 20130101; F03D 13/40 20160501; B66C 1/108 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/522 ;
206/521; 206/525 |
International
Class: |
B65D 81/07 20060101
B65D081/07; B65D 81/02 20060101 B65D081/02; B65D 81/00 20060101
B65D081/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 6, 2002 |
DE |
102 25 025.1 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for handling rotor blades of wind power
installations, the apparatus comprising: a carrier element; a
receiving structure configured to receive at least one rotor blade,
the receiving structure being coupled to the carrier element and
including a carrier frame, the carrier frame in cooperation with
the carrier element being configured to at least partially extend
adjacent at least three sides of at least one rotor blade and allow
maneuvering the rotor blade toward the wind power installation, to
reduce an effect of wind on the rotor blade when the at least one
rotor blade is being installed on the wind power installation; and
a ball rotary joint arranged on the carrier element.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a rotary
mechanism drive at the ball rotary joint.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of eyes mutually spaced in a longitudinal direction of
the carrier element for receiving cables.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the carrier frame in
cooperation with the carrier element is configured to enclose the
at least one rotor blade about four sides upon handling.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
locking member pivotably coupled to one side of the rotor blade
receiving structure.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rotor blade
receiving structure is configured to engage the at least one rotor
blade in a complementary locking relationship.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of cushions provided throughout the rotor blade receiving
structure.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the cushions are
inflatable.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the cushions include
valves for inflating/deflating the cushions.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: at
least one of an energy storage device, a pressure storage device,
and a plug connector configured to connect at least one of an
electrical line, a hydraulic line, and a pneumatic line, wherein
the energy storage device, pressure storage device, or plug
connector is used to maintain a first pressure in a plurality of
cushions located in the rotor blade receiving structure.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rotor blade
receiving structure includes at least one carrier bar extending
perpendicularly with respect to the carrier element, from a
location between terminating ends of the carrier element, and
configured to facilitate retention of the rotor blade.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
carrier bar configured to extend through a through hole of the
rotor blade.
13. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
carrier plate and a carrier bar-releasably coupled to the carrier
plate, the carrier bar extending into a space between the carrier
element and the carrier frame.
14. The apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising: a
carrier bar extending into a space between the carrier element and
the carrier frame, a cross-section of the carrier bar being
variable over at least one region.
15. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
device configured to couple the apparatus to a roller head of a
crane.
16. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of container corner members positioned on at least one of
a top side and an underside of the apparatus, the container corner
members configured to be engaged to container corner members of
another apparatus configured to handle rotor blades or for
supporting the apparatus on a structure.
17. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the carrier element
is rigid.
18. A method for securing and handling at least one rotor blade,
the method comprising: placing the at least one rotor blade into a
space at least partially bound by a carrier element and a carrier
frame configured to reduce an effect of wind on the at least one
rotor blade, the carrier element in cooperation with the carrier
frame at least partially surrounding the at least one rotor blade
on at least three sides; protecting the at least one rotor blade
against damage associated with a contact of the at least one rotor
blade with the carrier element; and maneuvering the carrier element
and the carrier frame with the at least one rotor blade placed in
the space therein, toward a wind power installation.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: handling the
carrier element and the at least one rotor blade via a ball rotary
joint mounted on the carrier element.
20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: opening the carrier
element to release the at least one rotor blade.
21. The method of claim 18 wherein protecting the at least one
rotor blade includes inflating cushions located in the carrier
element and substantially around the at least one rotor blade.
22. An apparatus comprising: a receiving structure for receiving at
least one rotor blade, the receiving structure configured to reduce
an effect of wind on the at least one rotor blade when the at least
one rotor blade is installed on a wind power installation; and an
attachment device for maneuvering the receiving structure
comprising a ball rotary joint arranged on the carrier element to
allow maneuvering the rotor blade receiving structure, with the
rotor blade received therein, toward the wind power installation,
to reduce an effect of wind on the rotor blade when the at least
one rotor blade is installed on the wind power installation.
23. An apparatus for handling rotor blades of wind power
installations, the apparatus comprising: a carrier element; means
for receiving at least one rotor blade coupled to the carrier
element, the rotor blade receiving means including a carrier frame
configured to enclose at least one rotor blade about at least three
sides upon handling and at least one carrier bar extending into a
space between the carrier element and the carrier frame.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 12/005,863, filed Dec. 27, 2007, now pending,
which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/517,133, filed Jun. 29, 2005 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.
7,374,405, on May 20, 2008.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] This disclosure concerns an apparatus for handling rotor
blades of wind power installations.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] For the assembly of wind power installations inter alia the
rotor hub and the rotor blades are generally transported to the
building site individually, because of their considerable
dimensions. At the site they are then assembled to form a rotor
unit.
[0006] Various assembly procedures are considered for that purpose.
In one procedure the rotor blades are mounted to the rotor hub on
the ground and the entire rotor unit is then conveyed into the
assembly position and fitted there, by a crane.
[0007] In another procedure the rotor hub is firstly mounted to the
head of the wind power installation. Thereafter the rotor blades
are lifted individually to the rotor hub and there assembled in
situ.
[0008] In both cases however it is necessary to handle the large
rotor blades weighing several tons, move them precisely into the
respective installation situation and hold them there.
[0009] That is implemented by a crane which lifts the rotor blade
with straps (or chains), moves it into its installation situation
and holds it there. For that purpose the straps are laid around the
rotor blade at predetermined positions. The rotor blade is then
lifted and transported.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0010] In one aspect, an embodiment provides an apparatus for the
simplified handling of a rotor blade.
[0011] In another aspect, an embodiment comprises a rigid carrier
element with at least one rotor blade receiving structure fixedly
connected thereto.
[0012] In that respect, the effect of wind during the blade-fitting
procedure on the one hand and the effect of mass inertia on the
other hand are reduced.
[0013] In another embodiment, a ball rotary joint arranged on the
carrier element permits a rotary movement of the apparatus with the
rotor blade in a defined rotary plane. In order to facilitate such
a rotary movement by machine, a rotary mechanism drive can be
provided at the ball rotary joint.
[0014] In another embodiment, eyes can be provided at mutual
spacings for various tasks, such as for example fixing securing
cables and/or guide cables. Guide cables make it possible to
provide manually for example for orientation of the rotor blade in
the event of failure of or in place of the rotary mechanism drive,
from the ground.
[0015] In order to provide a particularly simple receiving
configuration for the rotor blades, the rotor blade receiving
structure in one embodiment can be in the form of a frame which
encloses the rotor blade at least three sides.
[0016] In another embodiment, a locking member is mounted pivotably
at one side of the rotor blade receiving structure. That locking
member permits the rotor blade receiving structure to be closed at
the fourth side so that the rotor blade is reliably prevented from
unintentionally sliding out of the rotor blade receiving
structure.
[0017] In another embodiment, the rotor blade is held securely in
the rotor blade receiving structure, in one embodiment the rotor
blade receiving structure embraces the rotor blade in positively
locking relationship.
[0018] In another embodiment the rotor blade receiving structure is
of such a configuration that cushions are provided between the
rotor blade receiving structure and the rotor blade in order to
avoid damage to the rotor blade.
[0019] In one embodiment those cushions are inflatable. In that way
the rotor blade can be accommodated in the rotor blade receiving
structure when the cushions are initially uninflated. As soon as
the rotor blade is in the predetermined position the cushions are
inflated with a predeterminable pressure. In that way on the one
hand the rotor blade is fixed in the desired position while on the
other hand damage to the rotor blade is prevented.
[0020] In order to facilitate transport of a rotor blade with the
apparatus according to one embodiment, the apparatus is of such a
further configuration that there are provided valves for filling
and/or emptying the inflatable cushions. There may also be provided
an energy storage device and/or a pressure storage device and/or at
least one plug connector for the connection of an electric and/or
hydraulic and/or pneumatic line. That configuration of the
apparatus according to one embodiment means that the inflatable
cushions as well as the energy storage device and the pressure
storage device can be filled. They can then be separated from the
lines and permit the apparatus to be transported with the rotor
blade, in which case any pressure losses which may occur in the
cushions can be compensated by the storage device. The energy
storage device, for example a capacitor of suitable size or a
chemical storage device such as an accumulator provide in that
situation the required energy for a control system and for the
actuation of suitable control devices such as valves. It will be
appreciated that in that respect suitable sensors may also be
included.
[0021] In an alternative embodiment of the invention the apparatus
includes at least one carrier bar and a carrier plate, wherein the
carrier bar engages through a through opening provided in the rotor
blade and ends at the carrier plate. That arrangement provides that
the carrier plate forms the contact surface for the rotor blade and
can be of a suitably large dimension and suitably cushioned. The
carrier bar extends through the rotor blade and thus makes a fixed
connection between the carrier device and the rotor blade.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] Embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail
hereinafter with reference to the figures in which:
[0023] FIG. 1 shows a front, left, isometric view of an apparatus
for handling a rotor blade according to a first illustrated
embodiment of the invention,
[0024] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG.
1,
[0025] FIG. 3 shows a front, left, isometric view of an apparatus
for handling a rotor blade according to a second illustrated
embodiment of the invention,
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for
handling a rotor blade having a carrier bar according to another
illustrated embodiment of the invention, and
[0027] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for
handling a rotor blade having a rotatable carrier bar according to
yet another illustrated embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] A carrier element 10 is provided in FIG. 1. That carrier
element 10 as illustrated is of a rectangular shape. Provided at
the center of that carrier element 10 is a ball rotary joint 12.
Even when the apparatus is suspended rigidly, for example by being
bolted to the roller head of a crane, that ball rotary joint
permits a rotary movement of the entire apparatus about the
vertical axis.
[0029] Provided opposite the carrier element 10 is a bottom element
16. The bottom element 16 is of substantially the same dimensions
and shape as the carrier element 10. A side element 14 is provided
between the carrier element 10 and the bottom element 16. Eyes 26
are shown on that side element 14. Cables can be passed through the
eyes 26, which for example permit the entire apparatus to be
rotated about its vertical axis, even when it has already been
lifted by a crane.
[0030] The arrangement of the carrier element 10, the bottom
element 16 and the side element 14 affords an open apparatus 1
which receives the rotor blade. So that the apparatus 1 encloses
the rotor blade at four sides, there can be a further side element
18. That second side element 18 is however mounted pivotably by a
hinge 22 to the carrier element 10. Therefore, the pivotal movement
of that second side element 18 can open an opening through which
the rotor blade can be received by or released from the apparatus
1.
[0031] So-called container corners 20 are also shown at
predetermined positions of the carrier element 10 and the bottom
element 16. Those container corners 20 permit the apparatus 1 to be
connected on the one hand to further apparatuses of the same
configuration and also for example during transport of a rotor
blade to the transport vehicle, in a simple manner.
[0032] Just as for actuation of the second side element 18, a
respective suitable rotary drive mechanism 13 can also be provided
for actuation of the ball rotary joint 12. It will be appreciated
that, in the case of the ball rotary joint 12, that can be a drive
motor while for example electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic devices
can be used for actuation of the second side element 18.
[0033] FIG. 2 shows a side view of an apparatus 1 according to an
embodiment of the invention with a rotor blade 29. Provided in this
Figure within the apparatus according to the invention which is
formed by the carrier element 10, the bottom plate 16, the first
side wall 14 and the second side wall 18 which is mounted pivotably
to the carrier element 10, are cushions 24 which on the one hand
securely hold the rotor blade 29 in its predetermined position and
on the other hand protect it from damage by the apparatus.
[0034] Those cushions 24 can be inflatable (with gas or liquid). In
that way it is possible without any problem for the rotor blade 29
to be received by or released from the apparatus 1 and the rotor
blade 29 can nonetheless be held in a simple fashion. In that
respect the cushions 24 can be inflated to a first pressure at
which the rotor blade 29 can be held in a substantially secure
manner without causing damage to the rotor blade 29. In one
embodiment, the apparatus 1 may include an energy storage device 19
and/or a pressure storage device 21 and/or at least one plug
connector 23 for the connection of an electric and/or hydraulic
and/or pneumatic line. In such an embodiment the inflatable
cushions 24 and the energy storage device 19 and/or the pressure
storage device 21 can be filled. They can then be separated from
the lines and permit the apparatus 1 to be transported with the
rotor blade 29, in which case any pressure losses which may occur
in the cushions 24 can be compensated by at least one of the
storage devices. The energy storage device 19 can for example
include a capacitor of suitable size or a chemical storage device
such as an accumulator, to provide in that situation the required
energy for a control system and for the actuation of suitable
control devices such as valves. It will be appreciated that
suitable sensors may also be included.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus 1
according to the invention. In this embodiment, the carrier element
10 can be smaller but it again has a ball rotary joint 12. It will
be appreciated that a suitable drive can be provided at the ball
rotary joint 12.
[0036] Longitudinal bearers 28 are arranged at two opposite sides
of the carrier element 10. Mounted to those longitudinal bearers 28
once again at two opposite sides of the carrier element 10 is a
rotor blade receiving structure 17 comprising upper elements 11,
side elements 14 and bottom elements 16. Here the rotor blade
receiving structure 17 is shown as being open at one side. It will
be appreciated that it is also possible to provide there a
pivotably mounted element which permits the rotor blade receiving
structure 17 to be closed at the open side so that a rotor blade
(see rotor blade 29 of FIG. 2) accommodated therein is again
enclosed at all four sides. For the sake of clarity, also the
container corners (see reference 20 in FIG. 1) and the eyes (see
reference 26 in FIG. 1) are not shown in the illustrated
embodiment. One skilled in the art will appreciate and understand
that features described in one embodiment may be included in other
embodiments.
[0037] This alternative embodiment of the apparatus according to
the invention can weigh less and yet still have adequate
strength.
[0038] FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus 1
according to the invention. This apparatus can be used to
particular advantage in relation to rotor blades which have a
through hole between the top side and the underside (that is to say
the reduced-pressure side and the increased-pressure side in the
case of rotor blades which act on the basis of the lift principle).
In this embodiment the ball rotary joint 12 is again provided on
the carrier element 10. Adjoining the carrier element 10 is a
carrier bar 30 which is fixedly connected to the carrier element
10. A carrier plate 32 is provided at the end of the carrier bar
30, which is in opposite relationship to the carrier element 10.
The carrier plate 32 is secured releasably to the carrier bar 30;
the carrier bar 30 can therefore be passed through the through hole
in the rotor blade, after removal of the carrier plate 32.
Subsequently the carrier plate 32 is fixed to the end of the
carrier bar 30 and thus clamps the rotor blade (not shown) in
position.
[0039] As the carrier bar 30 can be passed in a particularly simple
fashion through the through hole in the rotor blade (not shown)
when a clearance fit is involved, but such clearance is unwanted
during the transport operation, it is possible to provide on the
carrier bar a variable portion 34, such as for example an
inflatable bellows, which fills up the intermediate space between
the carrier bar 30 and the rotor blade (not shown) and thus
substantially eliminates relative movement between the carrier bar
30 and the rotor blade.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of an apparatus 1
according to the invention. That apparatus 1 again has a carrier
element 10 with a ball rotary joint 12. In addition a carrier bar
30 is once again mounted to the carrier element 10 while the
carrier plate 32 is again disposed at the opposite end thereof. It
will be noted that, in this embodiment, the carrier bar 30 is
connected to the carrier element 10 rotatably about the
longitudinal axis of the carrier bar 30. In a central portion the
carrier bar 30 also has a locking member 36.
[0041] One skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that
there can be many different possible options in regard to the
configuration of the locking member 36. For example, one option is
a fixed locking member which, after insertion into the rotor blade,
is rotated together with the carrier bar 30 so that it engages into
a corresponding opening provided within the rotor blade, and thus
forms a releasable but firm connection to the rotor blade.
[0042] It will be appreciated that alternatively it is also
possible to provide movable elements which are moved in situ into a
locking position in order to form the connection between the rotor
blade and the apparatus.
[0043] The various embodiments described above can be combined to
provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent
application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign
patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications
referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application
Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their
entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary
to employ concepts of the various patents, applications and
publications to provide yet further embodiments.
[0044] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in
light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the
following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit
the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the
specification and the claims, but should be construed to include
all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents
to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not
limited by the disclosure.
* * * * *