WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADE SPACER, TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE SYSTEM FOR WIND TURBINE ROTOR BLADES AND RELATED METHOD

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wind turbine rotor blade spacer, a transportation and storage system for wind turbine rotor blades and a related method that prevent the vertical flexion of each one of the blades assemblies, minimizing the stresses and avoiding the contact between vertically and/or horizontally adjacent blades, and in consequence, blade damage. Also, the overall occupied surface by the system once assembled is minimised.

Claims

1. A wind turbine rotor blade spacer for the transportation and storage of wind turbine rotor blades having a longitudinal axis and comprising a root end and a tip, and two valves bonded together forming an outer shell, wherein the wind turbine rotor blade spacer comprises a guide adapted to guide, a second blade assembly comprising a second blade with respect to a first blade assembly comprising a first blade.

2. The spacer of claim 1 wherein the guide is configured to guide, the second blade assembly with respect to a first root frame or a first tip frame of the first blade assembly.

3. The spacer of claim 2 wherein the guide configured to guide, the second blade assembly with respect to a first root frame or a first tip frame of the first blade assembly, in a direction having a vertical and/or horizontal component.

4. The spacer of claim 1 wherein the guide comprise an open trapezoidal end.

5. The spacer of claim 1 wherein the guide is also configured to avoid, the displacement of the second blade assembly with respect to the first blade assembly in a direction essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the wind turbine rotor blades.

6. The spacer of claim 2 further comprising a height which is less than 25%, preferably less than 10%, of a height of the first root frame or of a height of the first tip frame.

7. The spacer of claim 2 further comprising a depth which is greater than a depth of the first root frame or than a depth of the first tip frame, the depth being measured in a longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis of the first blade of the first blade assembly.

8. The spacer of claim 1 further comprising holes being adapted to join the second blade assembly to the first blade assembly.

9. The spacer of claim 8 further comprising at least a recess which facilitates the access to the holes to tight, in use, joining means for joining the second blade assembly to the first blade assembly.

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. A transportation and storage system for wind turbine rotor blades having a longitudinal axis and comprising a root end and a tip, and two valves bonded together forming an outer shell, wherein the system comprises: at least two root frames, a first root frame and a second root frame, each one of the first root frame and the second root frame configured to support the root end of a first wind turbine blade and the root end of a second wind turbine blade respectively; at least two tip frames, a first tip frame and a second tip frame, each one of the first tip frame and the second tip frame configured to support the tip of the first wind turbine blade and the tip of the second wind turbine blade respectively; at least one rotor blade spacer comprising a guide being adapted to guide, a second blade assembly comprising a second blade with respect to a first blade assembly comprising a first blade, wherein the at least one rotor blade spacer is configured to be joined to the first root frame and to the second root frame or to be joined to the first tip frame and to the second tip frame such that the first blade assembly comprising at least the first root frame, the first tip frame and the first wind turbine blade is joined to the second blade assembly comprising at least the second root frame, the second tip frame and the second wind turbine blade.

13. The system of claim 12 wherein the first root frame and the second root frame comprise a first width, the width being measured in a horizontal direction being perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the first blade of the first blade assembly, and the root end of the first blade and the second blade comprises a first diameter, wherein the first width is smaller than the first diameter.

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. The system of claim 12 wherein the at least one rotor blade spacer comprises: at least one root spacer configured to be arranged between the at least two root frames; and at least one tip spacer configured to be arranged between the at least two tip frames; wherein the at least one root spacer and/or the at least one tip spacer are/is configured to guide the second blade assembly with respect to the first blade assembly; and wherein the at least one root spacer is configured to be joined to the first root frame and to the second root frame, and the at least one tip spacer is configured to be joined to the first tip frame and to the second tip frame.

17. The system of claim 12 wherein the at least one rotor blade spacer is joined to the first root frame and to the second root frame or to the first tip frame and to the second tip frame at a lower end of the first root frame and the second root frame or at a lower end of the first tip frame and the second tip frame.

18. The system of claim 12 wherein the at least one rotor blade spacer is joined to the first root frame and to the second root frame or to the first tip frame and to the second tip frame at an upper end of the first root frame and the second root frame or at an upper end of the first tip frame and the second tip frame.

19. The system of claim 12 wherein the second blade assembly is displaceable with respect to the first blade assembly, preferably in a direction having a vertical and/or horizontal component.

20. The system of claim 12 wherein the at least two tip frames comprises an upwardly open cradle-receiving space configured to receive a cradle, wherein the cradle is adapted to support the blade in a position in which a line joining the two valves of the outer shell of the blade forms an angle of 20-50° with horizontal, much preferably an angle of 25-45° with the horizontal, and much preferably an angle of 37.5° with the horizontal.

21. The system of claim 12 further comprising at least one third blade assembly configured to be joined to the second blade assembly by additional rotor blade spacer.

22. The system of claim 12 further comprising at least one additional first blade assembly configured to be joined on top of the first blade assembly, preferably at least one additional second blade assembly configured to be joined to the additional first blade assembly by an additional rotor blade spacer and additionally configured to be joined on top of the second blade assembly.

23. (canceled)

24. (canceled)

25. (canceled)

26. (canceled)

27. A method for the transportation and storage of wind turbine rotor blades carried out with a transportation and storage system for wind turbine rotor blades having a longitudinal axis and comprising a root end and a tip, and two valves bonded together forming an outer shell, wherein the system comprises: at least two root frames, a first root frame and a second root frame, each one of the first root frame and the second root frame configured to support the root end of a first wind turbine blade and the root end of a second wind turbine blade respectively; at least two tip frames, a first tip frame and a second tip frame, each one of the first tip frame and the second tip frame configured to support the tip of the first wind turbine blade and the tip of the second wind turbine blade respectively; at least one rotor blade spacer comprising guide being adapted to guide, a second blade assembly comprising a second blade with respect to a first blade assembly comprising a first blade, wherein the at least one rotor blade spacer is configured to be joined to the first root frame and to the second root frame or to be joined to the first tip frame and to the second tip frame such that the first blade assembly comprising at least the first root frame, the first tip frame and the first wind turbine blade is joined to the second blade assembly comprising at least the second root frame, the second tip frame and the second wind turbine blade; wherein the method comprises the following steps: a step of guiding the second blade assembly with respect to the first blade assembly by means of the at least one rotor blade spacer; a step of joining the at least one rotor blade spacer to the first root frame and to the second root frame, or to the first tip frame and to the second tip frame, such that the first blade assembly comprising at least the first root frame, the first tip frame and the first wind turbine blade is joined to the second blade assembly comprising at least the second root frame, the second tip frame and the second wind turbine blade.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the step of joining the at least one rotor blade spacer to the first root frame and to the second root frame, or to the first tip frame and to the second tip frame is carried out at a lower end and/or an upper end of the first root frame and the second root frame or at a lower end and/or an upper end of the first tip frame and the second tip frame.

29. (canceled)

30. (canceled)

31. (canceled)

32. (canceled)

33. (canceled)

34. (canceled)

35. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0067] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the wind turbine rotor blade spacer of the present invention according to a first preferred embodiment, wherein the wind turbine rotor blade spacer is a root spacer configured to be arranged between at least two root frames.

[0068] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the wind turbine rotor blade spacer of the present invention according to a second preferred embodiment, wherein the wind turbine rotor blade spacer is a tip spacer configured to be arranged between at least two tip frames.

[0069] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a first blade assembly according to the transportation and storage system for wind turbine rotor blades of the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 4 shows a detail of the first root frame of the first blade assembly of FIG. 3.

[0071] FIG. 5 shows a detail of the first tip frame of the first blade assembly of FIG. 3.

[0072] FIG. 6 shows a frontal view of FIG. 3.

[0073] FIG. 7 shows a section AA of FIG. 6.

[0074] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a second blade assembly according to the transportation and storage system for wind turbine rotor blades of the present invention.

[0075] FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a second blade assembly according to an alternative embodiment wherein the at least one rotor blade spacer comprising at least one root spacer configured to be arranged between the at least two root frames; and at least one tip spacer configured to be arranged between the at least two tip frames forms part of the second blade assembly of the transportation and storage system for wind turbine rotor blades of the present invention.

[0076] FIG. 10 shows a detail of the second root frame of the second blade assembly of FIG. 9.

[0077] FIG. 11 shows a detail of the second tip frame of the second blade assembly of FIG. 9.

[0078] FIG. 12 shows a plan view of FIG. 9.

[0079] FIG. 13 shows a section BB of FIG. 12.

[0080] FIG. 14 shows a plan view according to an embodiment of the invention wherein the system comprises a stacked array of 3 row×3 columns blade assemblies.

[0081] FIG. 15 shows a frontal view of FIG. 14.

[0082] FIG. 16 shows a lateral view of FIG. 14.

[0083] FIG. 17 shows another embodiment of the invention wherein the system comprises a stacked array of 4 row×6 columns blade assemblies.

[0084] FIG. 18 shows the lifting of an additional first blade assembly of the second level or row for placing them on top of the first blade assembly of the first level or row.

[0085] FIG. 19 shows a detail of a wedge disposed on top of a cradle of a tip frame.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0086] A detailed description of the wind turbine rotor blade spacer configured to guide a second blade assembly comprising a second blade with respect to a first blade assembly comprising a first blade, the transportation and storage system for wind turbine rotor blades and the related method of the present invention is now described, according to FIGS. 1 to 19 referred above.

[0087] The wind turbine rotor blade spacer (23, 24) for the transportation and storage of wind turbine rotor blades having a longitudinal axis (1) and comprising a root end (2) and a tip (5), and two valves (7, 8) bonded together forming an outer shell, comprises guiding means (27, 56) being adapted to guide a second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) comprising a second blade (21) with respect to a first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) comprising a first blade (11).

[0088] In a first preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the wind turbine rotor blade spacer is a root spacer (23) configured to be arranged between at least two root frames (10, 20). In this case, the guiding means (27) of the root spacer (23) are configured to guide, in use, the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) with respect to a first root frame (10) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12). Preferably, the guiding means (27) of the root spacer (23) are configured to guide, in use, the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) with respect to the first root frame (10) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12), in a direction having a vertical and/or horizontal component. Preferably, the guiding means (27) of the root spacer (23) comprises an open trapezoidal end, thus facilitating the guidance.

[0089] Also, the guiding means (27) of the root spacer (23) are also configured to avoid the displacement of the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22,) with respect to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) in a direction essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis (1) of the wind turbine rotor blades (11, 21).

[0090] Preferably, the root spacer (23) comprises a height which is less than 10% of a height of the first root frame (10).

[0091] Preferably, the root spacer (23) comprises a depth which is greater than a depth of the first root frame (10), the depth being measured in a longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis (1) of the first blade (11) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12).

[0092] Preferably, the root spacer (23) comprises holes (53) being adapted to join the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12).

[0093] Preferably, the root spacer (23) comprises at least a recess (54) which facilitates the access to the holes (53) for joining the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) by means of joining means. Preferably, the joining means are bolts (51) and nuts (52).

[0094] In a second preferred embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2, the wind turbine rotor blade spacer is a tip spacer (24) configured to be arranged between at least two tip frames (12, 22). In this case, the guiding means (56) of the tip spacer (24) are configured to guide, in use, the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) with respect to a first tip frame (12) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12). Preferably, the guiding means (56) of the tip spacer (24) are configured to guide, in use, the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) with respect to the first tip frame (12) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12), in a direction having a vertical and/or horizontal component. Preferably, the guiding means (56) of the tip spacer (24) comprises bolts.

[0095] Preferably, the tip spacer (24) comprises a height which is less than 10% of a height of the first tip frame (12).

[0096] Preferably, the tip spacer (24) comprises a depth which is greater than a depth of the first tip frame (12), the depth being measured in a longitudinal direction defined by the longitudinal axis (1) of the first blade (11) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12). Also preferably, the tip spacer (24) comprises a depth which is the same than a depth of the first tip frame (12).

[0097] Preferably, the tip spacer (24) comprises holes (53) being adapted to join the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12). Also preferably, the holes (53) are slotted holes configured to correct he differences that may exist between the positions of the tip frames (12, 22) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) and the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22).

[0098] Preferably, the tip spacer (24) comprises at least a recess (54) which facilitates the access to the holes (53) for joining the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) by means of joining means. Preferably, the joining means are bolts (56) and nuts (52).

[0099] The transportation and storage system for wind turbine rotor blades having a longitudinal axis (1) and comprising a root end (2) comprising studs (40) and a tip (5) and two valves (7, 8) bonded together forming an outer shell, comprises: [0100] at least two root frames (10, 20), a first root frame (10) and a second root frame (20), each one of the first root frame (10) and the second root frame (20) configured to support the root end (2) of a first wind turbine blade (11) and the root end (2) of a second wind turbine blade (21) respectively; [0101] at least two tip frames (12, 22), a first tip frame (12) and a second tip frame (22), each one of the first tip frame (12) and the second tip frame (22) configured to support the tip (5) of the first wind turbine blade (11) and the tip (5) of the second wind turbine blade (21) respectively; [0102] at least one root spacer (23) configured to be arranged between the at least two root frames (10, 20); [0103] at least one tip spacer (24) configured to be arranged between the at least two tip frames (12, 22); [0104] wherein the at least one root spacer (23) and/or the at least one tip spacer (24) are/is configured to guide the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) with respect to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12); and [0105] wherein the at least one root spacer (23) is configured to be joined to the first root frame (10) and to the second root frame (20) and the at least one tip spacer (24) is configured to be joined to the first tip frame (12) and to the second tip frame (22) such that the first blade assembly comprising at least the first root frame (10), the first tip frame (12) and the first wind turbine blade (11) is joined to a second blade assembly comprising at least the second root frame (20), the second tip frame (22) and the second wind turbine blade (21).

[0106] Preferably, the at least two root frames (10, 20) comprise fixation plates (61) with orifices (62) wherein the studs (40) of the blades (11, 21) are inserted.

[0107] Preferably, the at least two tip frames (12, 22) comprise an upwardly open cradle-receiving space (15, 25) configured to receive a cradle (16, 26), wherein the cradle (16, 26) is adapted to support the blade (11, 21) and fixing means, preferably ratchet buckles (37) and slip jackets (38), for fixing the tip (5) of the blades (11, 21) to the first tip frame (12) and the second tip frame (22).

[0108] Preferably, the cradle (16, 26) of the at least two tip frames (12, 22) is adapted to support the blade (11, 21) in a position in which a line (6) joining the two valves (7, 8) of the outer shell of the blade (11, 21) forms an angle of 20-50 ° with horizontal, much preferably an angle of 25-45° with the horizontal, and much preferably an angle of 37.5° with the horizontal.

[0109] Preferably, the at least two tip frames (12, 22) comprise a wedge (17, 27), wherein the wedge (17, 27) is disposed on top of the cradle (16, 26), as shown in FIG. 5. The wedges (17, 27) are configured to attach the blades (11, 21) to the tip frames (12, 22). The at least one root spacer (23) and the at least one tip spacer (24) are configured to be joined to the first root frame (10) and the second root frame (20), and to the first tip frame (12) and the second tip frame (22), respectively, preferably by means of joining means being bolts (51, 56) and nuts (52).

[0110] Optionally, the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) is displaceable with respect to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12). Optionally, the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) is displaceable with respect to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) in a direction having a vertical and/or horizontal component, preferably in a horizontal direction essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (1) of the wind turbine rotor blades (11, 21).

[0111] Preferably, the at least two root frames (10, 20) further comprises a first column (18, 28) and a second column (19, 29), and the at least two tip frames (12, 22) comprises a first column (31, 41) and a second column (32, 42).

[0112] The at least one root spacer (23) is configured to be joined to the first root frame (10) and to the second root frame (20), either to the first columns (18, 28) or to the second columns (19, 29) and the at least one tip spacer (24) is configured to be joined to the first tip frame (12) and to the second tip frame (22), either to the first columns (31, 41) or to the second columns (32, 42), since the column or side on which the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) must be assembled to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) depends on the order of the loading and the stowage.

[0113] Preferably, the at least one root spacer (23) and the at least one tip spacer (24) are configured to be joined to the second root frame (20) and the second tip frame (22) respectively, either to a lower end (33, 43) of the first columns (28, 41) or to a lower end (34, 44) of the second columns (29, 42), whereas the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) is configured to be joined to the first root frame (10) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) by means of the at least one root spacer (23) and to the first tip frame (12) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) by means of the at least one tip spacer (24), either to a lower end (35, 45) of the second columns (19, 32) or to a lower end (36, 46) of the first columns (18, 31) respectively.

[0114] In this preferred embodiment of the invention, the system further comprises at least one third blade assembly (130, 131, 132) configured to be joined to the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) in the same way as those described above for the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) and the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12), at least one additional first blade assembly (10′, 11′, 12′) configured to be joined on top of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12), and additional second blade assembly (20′, 21′, 22′) configured to be joined to the additional first blade assembly (10′, 11′, 12′) in the same way as those described above for the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) and the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12), and additionally configured to be joined on top of the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22), and an additional third blade assembly (130′, 131′, 132′) configured to be joined on top of the third blade assembly (130, 131, 132), thus configuring a transportation and storage stacked array system for wind turbine rotor blades of 3 row×3 columns as shown in FIGS. 14-16. In another non-limitative system shown in FIG. 17, a stacked array of 4 row×6 columns is formed, comprising 6 first blade assemblies (10, 11, 12, 10′, 11′, 12′), 6 second blade assemblies (20, 21, 22, 20′, 21′, 22′), 6 third blade assemblies (130, 131, 132, 130′, 131′, 132′), and additionally 6 fourth blade assemblies (140, 141, 142, 140′, 141′, 142′), 6 fifth blade assemblies (150, 151, 152, 150′, 151′, 152′) and 6 sixth blade assemblies (160, 161, 162, 160′, 161′, 162′).

[0115] It can be observed that the first root frames (10, 10′) and the second root frames (20, 20′) are contained in a first plane (101), and the first tip frame (12, 22) and a second tip frames (12′, 22′) are contained in a second plane (102).

[0116] The invention also relates to a method for the transportation and storage of wind turbine rotor blades carried out with the transportation and storage system described above, wherein the method comprises the following steps: [0117] a step of a guiding the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) with respect to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) by means of the at least one root spacer (23) and/or the at least one tip spacer (24); and [0118] a step of joining the at least one root spacer (23) to the first root frame (10) and to the second root frame (20), [0119] a step of joining the at least one tip spacer (24) to the first tip frame (12) and to the second tip frame (22), [0120] such that a first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) comprising at least the first root frame (10), the first tip frame (12) and the first wind turbine blade (11) is joined to a second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) comprising at least the second root frame (20), the second tip frame (22) and the second wind turbine blade (21).

[0121] Optionally, the method further comprises: [0122] a step of connecting at least the first root frame (10), the first tip frame (12) and the first wind turbine blade (11); [0123] This step is carried out facing the first root frame (10) to the root end (2) of the first wind turbine blade (11) and inserting the studs (40) of the first wind turbine blade (11) into the orifices (62) of the fixation plates (61); and [0124] a step of connecting the second root frame (20), the second tip frame (22), and the second wind turbine blade (21); [0125] This step is carried out facing the second root frame (20) to the root end (2) of the second wind turbine blade (21) and inserting the studs (40) of the second wind turbine blade (21) into the orifices (62) of the fixation plates (61).

[0126] Preferably, the step of connecting at least the first root frame (10), the first tip frame (12) and the first wind turbine blade (11) is carried out by means of the first wind turbine blade (11).

[0127] Preferably, the step of connecting the second root frame (20), the second tip frame (22), and the second wind turbine blade (21) is carried out by means of the second wind turbine blade (21).

[0128] In another embodiment, the method applied to the system is as follows:

[0129] 1. It will start by one of the sides of the vessel, truck or factory, positioning a first blade assembly (10, 11, 12).

[0130] 2. A second blade assembly (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) with the spacers (23, 24) assembled is stowed next, making the longitudinal position of the frames (20, 22) match those (10, 12) of the previous blade assembly (10, 11, 12), so that the spacers (23, 24) of the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) can be fixed with the corresponding frame (10, 12) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12).

[0131] 3. Place the root spacer (23) of the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) in front of the root frame (10) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) in such a manner that the guiding means (27) of the root spacer (23) guide the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) comprising the second blade (21) with respect to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) comprising the first blade (11);

[0132] 4. Place the tip spacer (24) of the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) in front of the tip frame (12) of the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) in such a manner that the guiding means (56) of the tip spacer (27) guide the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22) comprising the second blade (21) with respect to the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) comprising the first blade (11);

[0133] 5. Screw the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12) to the spacers (23, 24) of the second blade assembly (20, 21, 22, 23, 24) using bolts, washers and square washers.

[0134] 6. Check that the frames (10, 12, 20, 22) are at 90° and the distances between them are the same in the bottom and top to correctly perform the stowage in block.

[0135] 7. Repeat the process with rest of the additional second blades assemblies (20′, 21′, 22′, 23′, 24′) that will be transported in the first level.

[0136] 8. When the first row is finished, fixation means, e.g. stoppers, are welded to the floor.

[0137] 9. Lift the first blade assembly (10′, 11′, 12′) of the second level and place on the first blade assembly (10, 11, 12). To join the two blade assembly can be used twist-locks (63), preferably 4 twist-locks disposed on the root frames (10, 10′), shown in FIGS. 18 and 4 twist-locks (disposed on the tip frames (12, 12′) (not shown).

[0138] 10. The remaining blade assemblies of the second level must be lifted with the spacers (23, 24) assembled and placed on the blade assemblies of the first level, vertically joining by example, with the twist-locks and horizontally by the spacers (23, 24) as indicated in the previous steps.

[0139] 11. The third and fourth levels will be loaded in the same way as the second. 12. Once the stowage of all blade assemblies is finished, the lashing of the blade assemblies is done,

[0140] wherein steps 1 to 4 are completed in FIG. 9.