ASSEMBLY CROSSBEAM AND METHOD FOR DRAWING IN CABLES, IN PARTICULAR TENDONS, ALONG A TOWER OF A WIND TURBINE

Abstract

An assembly crossbeam for placing on a tower top, in particular on a tower top of a tower of a wind turbine, and to a method for drawing in cables, in particular tendons, along a tower, in particular a tower of a wind turbine. The assembly crossbeam comprises a main support having a first and second end, and two auxiliary supports, each having a first and second end, wherein the two auxiliary supports are positioned on either side of the main support with each of their respective first ends at the centre of the main support, wherein on the main support there is a first trolley which can move along at least a first section of the main support, and wherein on said main support there is a second trolley which can move along at least a second section of the main support.

Claims

1. An assembly crossbeam for placing on a tower top of a tower of a wind turbine, the assembly crossbeam comprising: a main girder having a first end and a second end, first and second auxiliary girders, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the first and second auxiliary girders are positioned on opposing sides of the main girder with their respective first ends at a center portion of the main girder, wherein a first trolley is arranged on the main girder and configured to be movable along at least a first portion of the main girder, wherein a second trolley is arranged on the main girder and configured to be movable along at least a second portion of the main girder.

2. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and the second ends of the main girder and the respective second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders are designed to be arranged on the tower top so as to be movable.

3. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the first and the second ends of the main girder and/or the respective second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders each have at least one sliding or rolling element that face downward in an operating state, and/or wherein the respective second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders each have at least one outward-pointing sliding or rolling element.

4. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respective first ends of the first and second auxiliary girders are movably connected to the main girder.

5. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the first and second ends of the main girder and/or the respective second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders each have at least one guide face that opens at a bottom in the operating state, and/or the respective second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders each have at least one guide face that faces upward in the operating state.

6. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and second ends of the main girder and/or the respective second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders each have at least one locking element for locking the main girder on the tower top.

7. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein the respective second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders each have a pivotably arranged support element on which the guide faces point upward in an operating state and/or the outward-pointing sliding or rolling elements are arranged.

8. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a distance between the first end of the main girder and the center of the main girder is variable, and/or a distance between the second end of the main girder and the center of the main girder is variable, and/or a distance between the respective second ends of the two first and second auxiliary girders and the center of the main girder is variable.

9. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the main girder and/or the first and second auxiliary girders are configured as telescopic girders, and/or the first ends and/or the second ends of the main girder are arranged so as to be displaceable on extension portions of the main girder and are configured to be fixed at different positions, and/or the second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders are arranged on extension portions of the auxiliary girders and can configured to be fixed at different positions.

10. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein: a holding element is arranged at each of the first and second ends of the main girder for receiving function elements, and/or a holding element is arranged centrally on the main girder for receiving function elements, and/or the first trolley and/or the second trolley has holding elements for receiving function elements.

11. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the first trolley is arranged on an underside of the main girder and the second trolley is arranged on a top side of the main girder, or the first trolley and the second trolley are arranged on an underside of the main girder, or the first trolley and the second trolley are arranged on the top side of the main girder; and/or the first trolley is arranged between the first end of the main girder and a center portion of the main girder, and the second trolley is arranged between the second end of the main girder and the center of the main girder; and/or the first and second trolleys are arranged between the first end of the main girder and the center portion of the main girder; and/or the first trolley and/or the second trolley is releasably arranged on the main girder, and/or the first trolley and/or the second trolley is positionable to at least two different positions on the main girder.

12. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, comprising a cover, wherein the cover includes a flexible cover hood and a cover frame configured to fix to the cover hood.

13. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 12, wherein: the cover frame includes a four-piece cover ring, and/or the cover frame has a central clamping mandrel, and/or the cover frame has two clamping brackets, each extending over at least a portion of the main girder starting from first or second ends respectively.

14. A method for drawing in a cable along a tower of a wind turbine, the method comprising: placing the assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 1, on a tower top the tower, arranging a lifting tool on the first trolley and/or the second trolley, pulling a first end of the cable up to the tower top by the assembly crossbeam.

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the cable is a tendon, the method comprising: positioning the assembly crossbeam at a predetermined circumferential position, and/or locking the assembly crossbeam, and/or arranging and/or fixing a second end of the tendon to the tower base, and/or arranging a prestressing jack on the first and/or second trolley, and/or prestressing the tendon by the prestressing jack, and/or fixing the first end of the tendon to the tower top.

16. The assembly crossbeam as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first and the second ends of the main girder and the respective second ends of the first and second auxiliary girders are movable in a circumferential direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] Preferred exemplary embodiments are described as an example with reference to the appended figures. The drawings show:

[0063] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a wind turbine;

[0064] FIG. 2 shows a three-dimensional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam;

[0065] FIG. 3 shows a further three-dimensional illustration of the assembly crossbeam from FIG. 2;

[0066] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of an extract of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam placed on a tower top;

[0067] FIG. 5 shows a schematic, three-dimensional illustration of an embodiment of an assembly crossbeam placed on a tower top;

[0068] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the assembly crossbeam from FIG. 2;

[0069] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the assembly crossbeam from FIG. 2;

[0070] FIG. 8 shows a further side view of the assembly crossbeam from FIG. 2;

[0071] FIG. 9 shows a three-dimensional view of an exemplary embodiment of a cover frame;

[0072] FIG. 10 shows a top view of the cover frame from FIG. 9;

[0073] FIG. 11 shows a side view of the cover frame from FIG. 9 with an enlarged detail Z;

[0074] FIG. 12 shows a further side view of the cover frame from FIG. 9;

[0075] FIG. 13 shows a three-dimensional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a cover frame with holding bracket;

[0076] FIG. 14 shows a three-dimensional illustration of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam with cover frame and cover hood;

[0077] FIG. 15 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method for prestressing tendons of a tower;

[0078] FIG. 16 shows a longitudinal section of an upper end of a tower with an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam;

[0079] FIG. 17 shows a sectional view through an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam;

[0080] FIG. 18 shows the second end of an auxiliary girder of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam with support element in closed position; and

[0081] FIG. 19 shows the second end of an auxiliary girder of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam with support element in open position.

[0082] In the figures, the same elements or those with substantially equivalent function carry the same reference signs. General descriptions usually relate to all embodiments unless differences are explicitly indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0083] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of a wind turbine according to the invention. The wind turbine 100 has a tower 102 and a nacelle 104 on the tower 102. An aerodynamic rotor 106 with three rotor blades 108 and a spinner 110 is provided on the nacelle 104. The aerodynamic rotor 106 is set in a rotational movement by the wind during operation of the wind turbine and thus also turns an electrodynamic rotor of a generator which is directly or indirectly coupled to the aerodynamic rotor 106. The electric generator is arranged in the nacelle 104 and generates electrical energy. The pitch angle of the rotor blades 108 may be changed by pitch motors at the rotor blade roots of the respective rotor blades 108.

[0084] The tower 102 is configured as a hybrid tower with a concrete tower part with concrete segments 120, and a steel tower part with steel segments 130. The tower top 105 here designates the upper end of the concrete tower part with concrete segments 120, in particular the tower top segment 105a at the transition from the concrete tower part to the steel tower part, which segment is configured for anchoring of tendons 800 (see FIG. 4 and FIG. 16). The tower top 105 here in particular is the upper end of a concrete tower 102 or a concrete tower part with concrete segments 120, in particular a tower top segment 105 which is configured for anchoring of tendons 800. Although a steel tower part with steel tower segments 120 adjoins such a tower top segment 105a, the tower top 105 in this application preferably designates the tower top segment 105a configured for anchoring of tendons at the upper end of the concrete tower part or at the transition from the concrete tower part to the steel tower part.

[0085] FIGS. 2-8 illustrate exemplary embodiments of an assembly crossbeam 1. FIGS. 9-13 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a cover frame 600; FIG. 14 shows an assembly crossbeam 1 with cover frame 600 and cover hood 700. FIG. 15 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary embodiment of a method 1000 for prestressing tendons 800 of a tower 102. The figure shows a longitudinal section of an upper end of a tower with an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam 1, and FIG. 17 shows a sectional view through an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam. FIGS. 18 and 19 finally show the second end 302a of an auxiliary girder 300a of an exemplary embodiment of an assembly crossbeam with the support element 340 in the closed and open positions respectively.

[0086] An assembly crossbeam 1 serves in particular for placing on a tower top 105 of a tower 102 of a wind turbine 100. By means of the assembly crossbeam 1 and function elements arranged thereon, in particular externally guided tendons 800 may be prestressed at the tower top 105.

[0087] The assembly crossbeam 1 comprises a main girder 200 with a first end and a second end 201, 202. Furthermore, the assembly crossbeam 1 comprises two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b, each with a first end and a second end 301a, 301b; 302a, 302b. The two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b are arranged on either side 200a, 200b of the main girder 200 with their respective first ends 301a, 301b each in the center of the main girder 200.

[0088] The first and second ends 201, 202 of the main girder 200 comprise at least one locking element 240 for locking the main girder 200 to a tower top 105. The locking elements 240 are preferably connected to the main girder 200 via a captive fixing, e.g., via a sling. Further preferably, the locking element comprises a safety element which prevents unintentional release of the locking element from the locked position.

[0089] The first and second ends 201, 202 of the main girder 200 furthermore each comprise a side part 251, 252 (see FIGS. 2 and 17). The height of the side parts 251, 252 is preferably matched to a necessary working height below the assembly crossbeam 1, for example between a working platform and the assembly crossbeam 1. Further preferably, the side parts 251, 252 may be releasable and/or interchangeable, and/or configured as telescopic elements so that the height of the side parts 251, 252 and hence the working height below the assembly crossbeam 1 can be changed.

[0090] On an underside 200u of the main girder 200, a first trolley 410 is arranged so as to be movable along at least a first portion 210 of the main girder 200 (see for example FIG. 4). On a top side 200o of the main girder 200, a second trolley 420 is arranged so as to be movable along at least a second portion 220 of the main girder 200. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the second trolley 420 is also arranged on the underside of the main girder 200.

[0091] The first trolley 410 is arranged between the first end 201 of the main girder 200 and a center 222 of the main girder 200, and the second trolley 420 is arranged between the second end 202 of the main girder 200 and the center 222 of the main girder 200. Preferably, the first and second trolleys 410, 420 are releasably arranged on the main girder 200 and can be positioned in at least two different positions on the main girder 200.

[0092] Various function elements may be arranged on the trolleys 410, 420. The first and/or the second trolley 410, 420 preferably comprises holding elements 191 for receiving function elements. For example, in FIG. 4 a first winch 510 is arranged on the first trolley 410, and in FIG. 5 a second winch 520 and a prestressing jack 530 are arranged on the second trolley 420.

[0093] FIGS. 4 and 5 show the assembly crossbeam 1 in operating state in which the assembly crossbeam 1 is placed on the tower top 105. The tower top segment 105a has an upper flange 105b which on its top side has a substantially horizontal support surface for the assembly crossbeam 1.

[0094] The upper flange 105b of the tower top segment 105a furthermore comprises several passage openings which in particular serve to receive fixing elements, by means of which a steel segment 130 can be attached to the tower top segment 105a. In the operating state of the assembly crossbeam 1 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, preferably the locking elements 240 of the main girder 200 may be attached in the openings of the upper flange 105b of the tower top segment 105a.

[0095] FIG. 5 furthermore shows a working platform 95 on which two operating personnel are standing. The working platform 95 preferably comprises closable openings through which, e.g., tendons, cables or similar may be passed. FIG. 4 furthermore shows the upper end of a tendon 800. Handles 90 are arranged on the auxiliary girders 300a, 300b.

[0096] The first and second ends 201, 202 of the main girder 200, and the respective second ends 302a, 302b of the two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b are configured so as to be arranged movably, in particular movably in the circumferential direction, on the tower top 105. The first and second ends 201, 202 of the main girder 200, and the respective second ends 302a, 302b of the two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b each comprise at least one sliding or rolling element 221, 321a, 321b which point downward in operating state and are here configured as rollers. The downward-pointing sliding or rolling elements 221, 321a, 321b, in the operating state of the assembly crossbeam 1, lie on the support surface of the upper flange 105b of the tower top segment 105a.

[0097] Furthermore, the respective second ends 302a, 302b of the two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b each have at least one outward-pointing sliding or rolling element 322a, 322b, here configured as rollers. The outward-pointing sliding or rolling elements 322a, 322b, in the operating state of the assembly crossbeam 1, lie on a contact face 105x of the upper flange 105b of the tower top segment 105a which faces the tower interior.

[0098] The first and second ends 201, 202 of the main girder 200 each comprise guide faces 231, 232, 233, 234 which open at the bottom in operating state. The respective second ends 302a, 302b of the two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b each comprise at least one guide face 331a, 331b which opens at the bottom in operating state. The respective second ends 302a, 302b of the two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b each have at least one guide face 332a, 332b which points upward in operating state.

[0099] The respective second ends 302a, 302b of the two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b each have a support element 340a, 340b which is arranged so as to be movable, in particular pivotable. Preferably, the guide faces 332a, 332b which point upward in operating state, and the outward-pointing sliding or rolling elements 322a, 322b, are arranged on the support element 340a, 340b. The support element 340a, 340b can preferably be fixed relative to the respective auxiliary girder via a clamping element 341a, 341b, such as for example a turnbuckle. The support elements 340a, 340b can be pivoted from an open position (see FIG. 19) into a closed position (see FIG. 18) and back.

[0100] The respective first ends 301a, 301b of the two auxiliary girders 300a, 300b are movably, in particular pivotably connected to the main girder 200.

[0101] A holding element 190 is arranged preferably at each of the first and second ends 201, 202 of the main girder 200 for receiving function elements, in particular a lifting tool, which may be used for transporting and positioning the assembly crossbeam 1.

[0102] Preferably, a holding element 192 is arranged centrally on the main girder 200 for receiving function elements. A construction cage 193 can preferably be lowered into the tower interior from here.

[0103] The assembly crossbeam 1 preferably has a cover 99 which is movable together with the assembly crossbeam 1. The cover 99 has a preferably two-piece or multipiece, in particular flexible cover hood 700, and a cover frame 600 which is in particular configured for fixing the cover hood 700.

[0104] The cover frame 600 has a cover ring 610 which, in the example shown here, comprises four part rings 611, 612, 613, 614. Furthermore, the cover frame 600 has a central clamping mandrel 610 with a clamping plate 622, wherein the clamping plate is arranged between a lower clamping mandrel portion 621 and an upper clamping mandrel portion 623.

[0105] The cover frame 600 furthermore comprises two clamping brackets 630, each of which extends preferably over at least one portion of the main girder 200 starting from its first or second end respectively. This keeps the travel path of the trolleys 410, 420 clear in that the cover hood 700 is accordingly supported by the clamping brackets above the main girder 200.

[0106] The cover hood 700 furthermore preferably comprises several closable openings 710, for example in the form of zip closures. Furthermore, the fixing elements 720 are formed on the cover hood 700 in the form of openings in which complementary fixing elements may engage, by means of which the cover hood 700 may be attached to the cover frame 600.

[0107] An exemplary method 1000 for drawing in cables, in particular tendons 800, along a tower 102 of a wind turbine, may proceed for example as described below. The order of the method steps described herein is preferred but may also be different.

[0108] Firstly, an assembly crossbeam 1 is placed 1001 on a tower top 105 of the tower 102. Then the assembly crossbeam 1 is positioned 1002 at a desired circumferential position. This is shown for example in FIG. 5, where two operating personnel grip the auxiliary girders 300a, 300b at the handles 90 and turn the assembly crossbeam 1. The movement of the assembly crossbeam in the circumferential direction may also take place or be supported via a preferably electric drive.

[0109] When the desired circumferential position is reached, the assembly crossbeam 1 is locked 1003, in particular by means of the locking elements 240 in the openings of the upper flange 105b of the tower top segment 105a.

[0110] Then a lifting tool, for example a winch, is arranged 1004 on the first and/or second trolley 410, 420, followed by pulling 1005 of a first end of the cables, in particular the tendon 800, up to the tower top 105 by means of the assembly crossbeam 1, in particular by means of a lifting tool arranged on one of the trolleys, for example in the form of a winch. A second end of the cables, in particular a tendon 800, is then arranged and/or fixed 1006 to the tower base.

[0111] After a prestressing jack 530 has been arranged 1007 at the first and/or second trolley 410, 420, in particular in the case of tendons 800, the tendon 800 is prestressed 1008 by means of the prestressing jack 530. Finally, the first end of the cables, in particular the tendon 800, is fixed 1009 to the tower top 105.

[0112] In particular, steps 1002, 1003, and 1006, 1008 and 1009 preferably take place as often as necessary for prestressing all tendons 800 of a tower 102.