JIB CRANE FOR A WIND TURBINE, JIB CRANE KIT, TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND MAINTENANCE SYSTEM AS WELL AS METHODS

Abstract

A modular jib crane for a nacelle for a wind turbine includes: a base element for attaching the crane to the nacelle, a pillar, wherein the pillar is coupleable with the base element at a first end of the pillar, and a first crane arm, wherein the first crane arm is coupleable with the pillar at a first end of the first crane arm, wherein at least one of the pillar and the first crane arm includes a plurality of modules coupleable with each other to form the pillar or first crane arm.

Claims

1-22. (canceled)

23. A modular jib crane for a nacelle for a wind turbine, the modular jib crane comprising: a base element for attaching the crane to the nacelle; a pillar, wherein said pillar is couplable with said base element at a first end of said pillar; a first crane arm, wherein said first crane arm is coupleable with said pillar at a first end of said first crane arm; and, wherein at least one of said pillar and said first crane arm includes a plurality of modules configured to be coupleable with each other to form said pillar or said first crane arm.

24. The modular jib crane of claim 23 further comprising: a first pivot joint, wherein said first pivot joint is coupleable with said pillar at a second end of said pillar; and, said first crane arm being coupleable with said pillar at said first end of said first crane arm via said first pivot joint such that said first crane arm is pivotable relative to said pillar in a coupled state.

25. The modular jib crane of claim 23 further comprising: a second pivot joint, wherein the second pivot joint is coupleable with said first crane arm at a second end of said first crane arm; a second crane arm, wherein the second crane arm is coupleable with said first crane arm at a first end of said second crane arm via said second pivot joint such that said second crane arm is pivotable relative to said first crane arm in a coupled state; and, wherein at least one of said pillar, said first crane arm and said second crane arm includes a plurality of modules coupleable with each other to form said pillar, said first crane arm, or said second crane arm.

26. The modular jib crane of claim 25, wherein said plurality of modules are all of a same kind.

27. The modular jib crane of claim 25, wherein at least one of said first pivot joint and said second pivot joint is rotatable with respect to a planar surface whose normal direction is aligned with a longitudinal axis of said pillar.

28. The modular jib crane of claim 23, wherein said base element is configured to be attached to a support structure inside said nacelle.

29. A modular jib crane kit for assembling a modular jib crane having a base element for attaching the crane to the nacelle, a pillar, a first crane arm, and a second crane arm, the pillar being couplable with the base element at a first end of the pillar, and, the first crane arm being coupleable with the pillar at a first end of the first crane arm, the modular jib crane kit comprising: a multitude of base elements, wherein each of said multitude of base elements is configured to mate with a different type of nacelle; a plurality of pillar modules configured to form different types of the pillar in dependence upon the type of the nacelle; and, at least one of a plurality of first crane arm modules and a plurality of second crane arm modules configured to form different types of at least one of the first crane arm and the second crane arm in dependence upon the type of nacelle.

30. The modular jib crane kit of claim 29 further comprising a plurality of different connection elements, wherein said plurality of connection elements are each coupleable with a type of component to be connected to and moved by the crane, wherein the plurality of different connection elements are each coupleable with at least one of the first crane arm at a second end of the first crane arm and the second crane arm at a second end of the second crane arm.

31. The modular jib crane kit of claim 29 further comprising an add-on crane, wherein said add-on crane is coupleable with the pillar and is configured to move at least one of said plurality of pillar modules, said plurality of first crane arm modules, and said plurality of second crane arm modules during assembly of the crane.

32. A transport system for the modular jib crane of claim 23, the transport system comprising a single basket which is configured to carry the plurality of modules.

33. The transport system of claim 32, wherein said single basket is configured to additionally carry an add-on crane.

34. A nacelle for a wind turbine, the nacelle comprising: a modular jib crane having a base element for attaching the crane to the nacelle; said modular jib crane further having a pillar, and a first crane arm; said pillar being couplable with said base element at a first end of said pillar; said first crane arm being coupleable with the pillar at a first end of the first crane arm; wherein at least one of said pillar and said first crane arm includes a plurality of modules configured to be coupleable with each other to form said pillar or said first crane arm; and, said base element being fixed to a support structure inside the nacelle.

35. A method for installing a modular jib crane including a base element for attaching the crane to the nacelle, a pillar, and a first crane arm, the pillar being couplable with the base element at a first end of the pillar, the first crane arm being coupleable with the pillar at a first end of the first crane arm, and, at least one of said pillar and said first crane arm including a plurality of modules configured to be coupleable with each other to form said pillar or said first crane arm, the method comprising: lifting a transport system including a basket configured to carry the plurality of modules to the nacelle, wherein the basket of the transport system carries the crane in a disassembled state; and, unpacking the basket and assembling the plurality of modules.

36. The method of claim 35 further comprising: lifting a high-capacity hoist to the nacelle with an on-board hoist prior to said lifting the transport system, wherein the high-capacity hoist has a higher weight capacity than the on-board hoist; and, coupling the high-capacity hoist with the nacelle and lifting the transport system with the high-capacity hoist.

37. A maintenance system for a nacelle for a wind turbine, the maintenance system comprising: a crane configured to carry and to move a component inside the nacelle; a high-capacity hoist configured to move the component through a nacelle opening along a tower of the wind turbine; and, a carrying system configured to carry and to move the component between a region of the nacelle in which the crane is located and a region of the nacelle which includes the nacelle opening.

38. The maintenance system of claim 37, wherein said carrying system includes at least one of: a rail system coupled to said high-capacity hoist and connectable to the component via said high-capacity hoist in order to carry and move the component; and, a nacelle trolley located on a floor of the nacelle and configured to carry and move the component.

39. The maintenance system of claim 38, wherein said carrying system includes said rail system; said rail system includes a rail beam connected to a nacelle housing support structure of the nacelle and a rail trolley movable along said rail beam; and, said high-capacity hoist is coupled to said rail trolley such that said high-capacity hoist is movable along said rail beam.

40. A method for maintenance of a nacelle for a wind turbine with a maintenance system including a crane, a high-capacity hoist, and a carrying system, the crane being configured to carry and to move a component inside the nacelle, the high-capacity hoist being configured to move the component through a nacelle opening along a tower of the wind turbine, the carrying system being configured to carry and to move the component between a region of the nacelle in which the crane is located and a region of the nacelle which includes the nacelle opening, the method comprising: moving a component with the crane; transferring the component between the crane and the carrying system; moving the component with the carrying system between the region of the nacelle in which the crane is located and the region of the nacelle including the nacelle opening; and, operating the high-capacity hoist in order to move the component through the nacelle opening along the tower of the wind turbine.

41. The method of claim 40 further comprising: moving the component inside the nacelle with the crane to the carrying system; transferring the component from the crane to the carrying system by coupling the component with the carrying system and by decoupling the component from the crane; moving the component toward the nacelle opening; and, operating the high-capacity hoist in order to lower the component through the nacelle opening along the tower of the wind turbine to ground.

42. The method of claim 40 further comprising: operating the high-capacity hoist in order to lift the component along the tower of the wind turbine through the nacelle opening; moving the component toward the crane with the carrying system; transferring the component from the carrying system to the crane by coupling the component with the crane and by decoupling the component from the carrying system; and, moving the component inside the nacelle with the crane to an intended place of operation.

43. A method for installing a maintenance system including a crane, a high-capacity hoist, and a carrying system, the crane being configured to carry and to move a component inside a nacelle, the high-capacity hoist being configured to move the component through a nacelle opening along a tower of a wind turbine, the carrying system being configured to carry and to move the component between a region of the nacelle in which the crane is located and a region of the nacelle which includes the nacelle opening, the method comprising: providing a carrying system inside the nacelle; lifting a high-capacity hoist to the nacelle with an on-board hoist, wherein the high-capacity hoist includes a higher weight capacity than the on-board hoist; lifting the crane in a disassembled state to the nacelle with the high-capacity hoist; and, assembling the crane inside the nacelle.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein said providing the carrying system inside the nacelle includes: lifting the parts of the carrying system to the nacelle with the on-board hoist; and, assembling the carrying system inside the nacelle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0059] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0060] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a wind turbine according to an embodiment;

[0061] FIGS. 2 to 5 are schematic views of a modular jib crane according to embodiments;

[0062] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a connection element according to an embodiment;

[0063] FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a load lifting tool according to an embodiment;

[0064] FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a support tool according to an embodiment;

[0065] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a modular jib crane with an add-on crane according to an embodiment;

[0066] FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a transport system according to an embodiment;

[0067] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a maintenance system according to an embodiment in an installed state;

[0068] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a hoist with a hoist transport platform according to an embodiment;

[0069] FIG. 13 is a schematic view of a high-capacity hoist according to an embodiment;

[0070] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of a nacelle trolley according to an embodiment; and,

[0071] FIGS. 15 to 17 are flow charts of methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1 the wind turbine 100 includes a tower 102. The tower 102 is connected to a foundation 104 fixed on a ground 105. The foundation 104 is formed on and supported by the ground 105. For example roads and access routes for vehicles are formed on the ground 105. On a top end of the tower 102 opposite to the foundation 104 a nacelle 106 is arranged. The nacelle 106 houses the drive train. Inside the nacelle 106 for example a generator is arranged which is connected via a drive train including a gearbox and a rotor shaft with a rotor 108. The rotor 108 includes several rotor blades 110. The rotor blades 110 are mounted on a rotor hub 112. The rotor hub 112 is connected to the rotor shaft.

[0073] The rotor 108 is driven in operation by an air flow, for example wind. The rotational movement of the rotor 108 is transmitted via the drive train to the generator. The generator converts the energy of the rotor 108 into electrical energy.

[0074] The nacelle 106 includes a nacelle opening 109. In particular, the nacelle opening 109 is formed in the bottom of the nacelle 106 in a nacelle floor 321 (FIG. 11). The nacelle opening 109 is configured such that a component 260 (for example FIG. 2) can be moved into and moved out of the nacelle 106. For example, the nacelle opening 109 can be a hatch opening covered by one or more hatch panels 322 (FIG. 11).

[0075] FIGS. 2 to 5 each show a modular jib crane 200 according to different embodiments. The modular jib crane 200 is configured to be arranged inside the nacelle 106 to move the component 260 inside the nacelle. For example the component 260 is to be installed or replaced during maintenance. The crane 200 is configured to carry the component 260.

[0076] The crane 200 includes a base element 201. The base element 201 is configured to be connected to a support structure 219 inside the nacelle. The support structure 219 for example is a machine frame which is rotatably connected to the tower 102. According to further embodiments, the support structure 219 is a generator frame connected to the machine frame. The support structure 219 for example is also configured to support a nacelle housing support structure 320 (FIG. 11).

[0077] The base element 201 is rigidly fixed to the support structure 219 for example by screws. The support structure 219 and the base element 201 in particular are not movable with respect to each other in a coupled state. In particular no rotation between the base element 201 and the support structure 219 is possible. The base element 201 is rigidly connected to the support structure 219.

[0078] The base element 201 is designed and configured to match the specific support structure 219 of the nacelle 106. Different kinds of support structures 219 and nacelles 106 can be used. For each type of support structure 219 a specific corresponding base element 201 is provided. The base element 201 fits the support structure 219. The base element 201 serves as an interface between the support structure 219 and a pillar 202 of the crane 200. Thus, the pillar 202 can be used with different kinds of support structures 219 because the base element 201 provides the corresponding interface.

[0079] The pillar 202 includes a plurality 209 of pillar modules 210. In particular, the pillar 202 can have one, two, three, four or more pillar modules 210. The pillar modules 210 are stacked along a longitudinal axis 218 of the pillar 202 and coupled with one another, for example via a flange connection. The pillar modules 210 can for example have a square tubular shape or a round tubular shape. The pillar modules 210 can be of the same kind or of a different kind. The pillar modules 210 may be of different sizes, in particular of different lengths. Thus, a pillar with a desired size can be built by stacking a specific number of pillar modules 210 of specific size(s). Thus, the crane 200 can be formed with the pillar 202 that fits the specific nacelle 106.

[0080] Along the longitudinal axis 218 of the pillar 202 a first end 203 of the pillar 202 is coupled to the base element 201. An opposing second end 204 of the pillar 202 is coupled with a first crane arm 206.

[0081] The first crane arm 206 includes a plurality 209 of first crane arm modules 211. In particular, the first crane arm 206 includes one, two, three, four or more first crane arm modules 211. The first crane arm modules 211 can for example have a square tubular shape or a round tubular shape. The first crane arm modules 211 are of the same kind or of different kinds. The first crane arm modules 211 may be of different sizes, in particular of different lengths. The crane arm modules 211 are coupled with each other along a planar surface 217, for example via a flange connection. The planar surface 217 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 218 of the pillar 202. The first crane arm 206 is oriented perpendicular to the pillar 202. A specific number of first crane arm modules 211 of specific length(s) is connected to each other to form the first crane arm 206 with a desired length.

[0082] Along the longitudinal direction of the first crane arm 206 the first crane arm 206 is coupled with the pillar 202 at a first end 207 of the first crane arm 206.

[0083] According to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 a second crane arm 213 is coupled with a second end 208 of the first crane arm. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 the second crane arm 213 can be omitted.

[0084] According to embodiments, the second crane arm 213 includes a plurality 209 of second crane arm modules 216. The second crane arm modules 216 can for example have a square tubular shape or a round tubular shape or cylindrical shape. The second crane arm modules 216 can be of the same kind or of different kinds. The second crane arm modules 216 can be of the different sizes, in particular of different lengths. One, two or more second crane arm modules 216 can be coupled with each other, for example via a flange connection, to form the second crane arm 213 with a desired length. The second crane arm 213 is coupled with the first crane arm 206 at a first end 214 of the second crane arm 213. On an opposing second end 215 of the second crane arm 213 a connection element 220 can be coupled.

[0085] To allow the component 260 which should be moved by the crane 200 to be moved with a high flexibility inside the nacelle 106, the first crane arm 206 and/or the second crane arm 213 are movable, in particular rotatable, in the planar surface 217 with respect to the support structure 219.

[0086] According to the embodiments of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 a first pivot joint 205 is arranged between the pillar 202 and the first crane arm 206. The first pivot joint allows a rotation of the first crane arm 206 with respect to the pillar 202 around the longitudinal axis 218 of the pillar 202. The pillar 202 is not rotatable with respect to the support structure 219 or the base element 201.

[0087] According to the embodiment of FIG. 3 the first pivot joint 205 is arranged between the pillar 202 and the base element 201. The first crane arm 206 and the pillar 202 are coupled to each other via an intermediate element 230. The intermediate element 230 for example includes a rigid element like an elbow. The pillar 202 is rotatable around the longitudinal axis 218 of the pillar 202 with respect to the base element 201 and the support structure 219. The first crane arm 206 and the pillar 202 are not rotatable with respect to each other.

[0088] According to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 a second pivot joint 212 is arranged between the first crane arm 206 and the second crane arm 213. The second pivot joint 212 allows a rotation of the second crane arm 213 with respect to the first crane arm 206 in a planar surface 227 of the second crane arm 213. Thus the first crane arm 206 is pivotable with respect to the pillar 202 and the second crane arm 213 is pivotable with respect to the first crane arm 206 and the pillar 202. Thereby, a high flexibility for moving the component 260 is possible.

[0089] The first pivot joint 205 and the second pivot joint 212 may be of the same size or of different sizes. Each of the pivot joints 205, 212 may for example include a pivot joint shaft coupleable with a module 209 via a flange connection, a pivot joint bearing housing coupleable with another module 209 via a flange connection, and a bearing arrangement for rotatably connecting the pivot joint shaft with the pivot joint bearing housing.

[0090] According to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 and 3 a crane trolley 223 is arranged on the first crane arm 206. The crane trolley 223 is movable along the first crane arm 206. The crane trolley 223 is supported by the crane arm 206. A crane hoist 221 is coupled with the crane trolley 223. The crane hoist 221 can lift and lower the component 260. For example a specific load lifting tool 222 is used to couple the crane 200 with the component 260. In particular, the load lifting tool 222 is specifically configured to be connected to a specific component 260. According to further embodiments, the load lifting tool 222 may be omitted and the component 260 can be coupled directly to the crane hoist 221.

[0091] According to the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 a connection element 220 is connected to the second end 215 of the second crane arm 213. The connection element 220 can also be omitted. The connection element 220 increases the range of the crane 200 and serves as a mounting interface for the crane hoist 221.

[0092] FIG. 6 shows a schematic view of the connection element 220 according to an embodiment. The connection element 220 may be configured differently according to further embodiments.

[0093] FIG. 7 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of the load lifting tool 222. According to further embodiments, the load lifting tool 222 may be configured differently. The load lifting tool 222 according to the embodiment of FIG. 7 for example serves to be connected and to move a part of the gearbox of the wind turbine 100, in particular the gearbox low-speed shaft.

[0094] FIG. 8 schematically shows a support tool 308 according to an embodiment. For example, the support tool 308 is used to serve as a train for components inside the nacelle. The support tool 308 can be omitted, in particular if there is enough space in the nacelle to store elements for example on the floor of the nacelle.

[0095] The support tool 308 includes different storage areas 309 for temporary storage of elements for example during installation or maintenance of the drive train or other parts of the nacelle 106. In particular, the support tool 308 may be used to store elements which need to be removed in order to reach the component 260, such as a gearbox cover or cooling devices. The storage areas 309 are in particular aligned along horizontal planes on different levels.

[0096] FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of the crane 202 and an add-on crane 251. The add-on crane 251 can be fixed to the pillar 202. For example, the add-on crane 251 is coupled to the uppermost pillar module 210 as shown in FIG. 9. According to further embodiments, the add-on crane 251 is coupled to another one of the pillar modules 210 for example in a middle region of the pillar 202 or at the lowest pillar module 210.

[0097] The add-on crane 251 is configured to move at least one of the modules 209 during installation or dismantling of the crane 202. For example, first crane arm modules 211 and/or second crane arm modules 216 are lifted or lowered with the aid of the add-on crane 251 to simplify assembly and disassembly of the crane 200.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 9, the add-on crane 251 may include a vertical pillar and a horizontal arm. Other kinds and configurations of the add-on crane 251 are possible.

[0099] FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a transport system 253. The transport system 253 serves to transport the modular jib crane 200 in a disassembled state. The modular jib crane 200 can be transported in a space saving way with the transport system 253, for example on a ship or on a truck. The modular jib crane 200 is easily movable to the nacelle 106 when stored in the transport system 253.

[0100] The transport system 253 includes a basket 252. The basket is designed and configured to hold and store the elements of the jib crane 200, in particular the base elements 201, the plurality 209 of modules and the crane hoist 221. According to further embodiments, the connection element 220 and/or the add-on crane 251 are also storable inside the basket 252. In particular, all elements needed for the operation of the crane 200 are storable inside the one single basket 252 to simplify transportation of the crane 200, in particular the transportation to/from the location of the wind turbine 100 as well as between the ground 105 and the nacelle 106. The elements storable inside the one single basket 252 may also include the first pivot joint 205 and/or the second pivot joint 212 where applicable.

[0101] The basket 252 includes a transport interface 254. For example, the transport interface 254 is configured to be coupled with a fork lift. In particular the transport interface 254 can be dismounted from the basket 252 before the basket 252 is lifted to the nacelle 106.

[0102] The basket 252 includes a coupling interface 255. The coupling interface 255 can be coupled to a hoist to lift and lower the basket 252 along the tower 102 between the ground 105 and the nacelle 106.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 10 some of the modules 209 can be preassembled when stored in the basket 252. This depends on the size of the basket 252 and the size of the modules 209. For example the first pivot joint 205 is preassembled with one of the first crane arm modules 211. For example, the second pivot joint 212 is preassembled with one of the second crane arm modules 216. For example two or more of the pillar modules 210 are preassembled.

[0104] FIG. 11 shows a nacelle housing support structure 320 which is arranged inside the nacelle 106 according to an embodiment. The nacelle housing support structure 320 includes several beams which support the nacelle housing. This structure 320 may also support other components such as the nacelle floor 321 as well as components attached to the nacelle housing. In particular, the nacelle housing support structure 320 is supported by the support structure 219. In FIG. 11, some components which are normally present in the nacelle 106 are not explicitly shown for clarity reasons.

[0105] The nacelle floor 321 includes the nacelle opening 109. The nacelle opening 109 may in particular be a hatch opening covered by the one or more hatch panels 322.

[0106] A maintenance system 310 is arranged inside the nacelle housing support structure 320. The maintenance system 310 is configured to move the component 260 inside the nacelle 106 and through the nacelle opening 109 between the nacelle 106 and the ground 105.

[0107] According to embodiments, the maintenance system 310 includes a crane of the type of the modular jib crane 200 as described herein. According to further embodiments the maintenance system 310 includes a different type of crane, for example a crane which is permanently installed and always present in the nacelle 106.

[0108] The maintenance system 310 includes a carrying system 302. The carrying system 302 is configured to move the component 260 between the crane 200 and the nacelle opening 109. In particular, the carrying system 302 is configured to move the component 260 inside the nacelle along a horizontal direction.

[0109] For example, the carrying system 302 includes a rail system 303 as shown in FIG. 11. According to further embodiments, the carrying system 302 alternatively or in addition includes a nacelle trolley 304 as shown in FIG. 14.

[0110] The rail system 303 includes one or more rail beams 306 which are coupled to the support structure 320, next to the on-board hoist 301 (schematically illustrated in FIG. 11). A rail trolley 305 is guided by the rail beam 306 and movable with respect to the rail beam 306 along the rail beam 306. A high-capacity hoist 300 (which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 11) is coupled to the rail trolley 305. The high-capacity hoist 300 is movable inside the nacelle 106 by the rail trolley 305 and the rail beam 306. According to embodiments, the high-capacity hoist 300 is of the type of an electric chain hoist. In this embodiment, a chain box 307 for storing the hoist chain is coupled to the rail trolley 305 (not explicitly shown in FIG. 11).

[0111] The nacelle trolley 304 is movable on wheels on the nacelle floor 321. The component 260 can be placed on the trolley and the trolley can be moved around on the nacelle floor 321. The nacelle trolley 304 is meant to move freely on the nacelle floor. According to further embodiments, the nacelle trolley 304 is guided by a rail on the nacelle floor 321.

[0112] The component 260 can be indirectly coupled to the high-capacity hoist 300, namely via the lifting tool 222 illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 11. Alternatively, the component 260 can be directly coupled to the high-capacity hoist 300, without any lifting tool 222 there between. When the component 260 is coupled to the high-capacity hoist, the component 260 is movable along a horizontal direction along the rail beam 306. Furthermore, the component 260 is movable along the vertical direction along the tower 102 with the aid of high-capacity hoist 300.

[0113] FIG. 12 shows the high-capacity hoist 300 in a stored state. The high-capacity hoist 300, which is also represented in FIG. 13, is stored on a hoist transport platform 330. A chain box 307 is provided on the hoist transport platform 330 to store the chain which belongs to the high-capacity hoist 300. The rail trolley 305 may also be stored on the hoist transport platform 330. Thus, comparable to the transport system 253, a simple transport of the high-capacity hoist 300 in corresponding components is possible.

[0114] FIG. 15 shows a flow chart of a method for installing the modular jib crane 200.

[0115] In a step 401 the high-capacity hoist 300 is lifted to the nacelle 106 with an on-board hoist 301. The on-board hoist includes a lower weight capacity than the high-capacity hoist 300. The on-board hoist 301 is for example permanently installed within the nacelle 106. The high-capacity hoist 300 is coupled with the nacelle housing support structure 320. For example, the high-capacity hoist 300 is connected to the carrying system 302 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0116] In a step 402 the transport system 253 is lifted from the ground 105 to the nacelle 106 with the high-capacity hoist 300. Due to the higher weight capacity of the high-capacity hoist 300 the basket 252 with all the elements to assemble the modular jib crane 200 can be lifted at once.

[0117] In a step 403 the basket 252 is unpacked inside the nacelle 106 and the plurality 209 of modules is assembled to build the crane 200 inside the nacelle 106. The dismantling of the crane 200 is done in reverse order.

[0118] FIG. 16 shows a flow chart of a method for maintenance of the nacelle 106. In particular, the method uses the maintenance system 310 as shown in FIG. 11. According to further embodiments the maintenance method uses a different maintenance system.

[0119] In a step 501 the component 260 is moved with the crane 200. For example, the component 260 is moved from an intended place of use or towards the intended place of use. For example, the component 260 is a damaged component that needs to be exchanged or the component 260 is the new component that replaces the damaged component.

[0120] In a step 502 the component 260 is moved inside the nacelle 106 with the carrying system 302. With the carrying system 302 the component 360 is moved between the crane 200 and the nacelle opening 109. For example, the component 260 is transferred between the crane 200 and the carrying system 302 before or after moving the component 260 within the nacelle 106. This is, for example, done in a step 503.

[0121] The order of the steps 502 and 503 can be changed dependent on whether the damaged component 260 should be moved towards the nacelle opening 109 and lowered towards the ground 105 or whether the new component 260 should be moved towards its intended place by the crane 200.

[0122] In step 504 the high-capacity hoist 300 is operated to move the component through the nacelle opening 109 and along the tower 102 of the wind turbine 100. For example, the high-capacity hoist 300 is operated to lower that component 260 through the nacelle opening 109 towards the ground. For example, the high-capacity hoist 300 is operated to lift the component 260 from the ground to the nacelle 106. In this case, step 504 is the first method step of the method for maintenance of the nacelle 106.

[0123] FIG. 17 shows a floor chart of a method for installing the maintenance system 310.

[0124] In a step 601 a carrying system 302 is provided inside the nacelle 106. For example, the carrying system 302 is permanently installed inside the nacelle 106. According to further embodiments, the carrying system 302 is lifted to the nacelle with the on-board hoist 301 or with the high-capacity hoist 300. Afterwards, the carrying system 302 is installed inside the nacelle 106. For example, the rail beam 306 is screwed to the nacelle housing support structure 320.

[0125] In a step 602, which can be carried out before or after step 601, the high-capacity hoist 300 is lifted to the nacelle 106 with the on-board hoist 301. For example, the high-capacity hoist is installed on the rail system 303 of the carrying system 302.

[0126] In a step 603 the crane 200 or a different crane is lifted in a disassembled state to the nacelle 106 with the high-capacity hoist 300. The high-capacity hoist 300 is strong enough to lift the basket 252 along the tower 102. The crane is movable inside the nacelle 106 with the aid of the carrying system 302 between the nacelle opening 109 and an intended place of use of the crane 200.

[0127] In a step 604 the crane 200 is assembled and brought into one operational condition.

[0128] The dismantling of the maintenance system 310 takes place in reverse order. The sequence of the method steps of each of the methods according to FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and FIG. 17 can also be different to the ones described above, depending on whether transport is to take place in the direction from the ground to the nacelle or the other way around.

[0129] The modular jib crane 200 according to the different embodiments allows a high load capacity of more than 500 kg, in particular of more than 800 kg. Thus the modular jib crane 200 can carry heavier drive train components 260. In the embodiment in which the modular jib crane 200 includes the first crane arm 206 and the second crane arm 213 high flexibility and efficiency of the movement is realized. The crane 200 is segmented into the standard modules 210, 211 and/or 216. These are useable in different kinds of nacelles 106. The modules 209 are assembled together to form the crane. An increased modularity is possible, which enables the customization of the shape of the crane 200 depending on the space available within the nacelle 106 and on the necessary reach of the crane 200 within the nacelle 106.

[0130] The base element 201 which is fixed to the support structure 219 is configured according to the specific support structure 219 which it should fit. Thus the standard modules of the crane 200 can be used with different kinds of support structures 219.

[0131] According to embodiments, the modular jib crane 200 works together with the high-capacity hoist 300 and/or the carrying system 302. The crane 200 serves to lift or lower the component 260 and to move the component between its intended place of use and the carrying system 302 and/or the high-capacity hoist 300. The high-capacity hoist 300 is configured to lift or lower the component 260 or any other load through the nacelle opening 109 and along the tower 102.

[0132] With the aid of the add-on crane 251 technicians do not need to carry all of the components to assemble or disassemble the crane 200 by themselves. The weight of the components can be lifted and moved by the add-on crane 251.

[0133] In particular a conventional telescopic crane can be avoided and a dismantling of the nacelle roof can also be avoided. Thus, the complexity and the costs of maintenance or installation are significantly reduced. All elements of the crane 200 and additionally needed elements can be arranged in the single basket 252 and carried on a single pellet. This helps to improve logistics. A telescopic crane reaching the nacelle 106 from the ground 105 is no longer needed.

[0134] In particular it is possible to use the modular jib crane 200 according to embodiments with or without the described nacelles. Accordingly, it is also possible to use the described nacelles and also the described maintenance system with or without the modular jib crane 200 described herein.

[0135] Overall, flexibly useable crane embodiments, crane kit embodiments, transport system embodiments, maintenance system embodiments and different methods are provided which allow movement of heavy loads, modular use and simple transportation and storage.

[0136] It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the preferred embodiments of the invention and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0137] 100 wind turbine [0138] 102 tower [0139] 104 foundation [0140] 105 ground [0141] 106 nacelle [0142] 108 rotor [0143] 109 nacelle opening [0144] 110 rotor blade [0145] 112 rotor hub [0146] 200 modular jib crane [0147] 201 base element [0148] 202 pillar [0149] 203 first end of the pillar [0150] 204 second end of the pillar [0151] 205 first pivot joint [0152] 206 first crane arm [0153] 207 first end of the first crane arm [0154] 208 second end of the first crane arm [0155] 209 plurality of modules [0156] 210 pillar module [0157] 211 first crane arm module [0158] 212 second pivot joint [0159] 213 second crane arm [0160] 214 first end of the second crane arm [0161] 215 second end of the second crane arm [0162] 216 second crane arm module [0163] 217 planar surface of the first crane arm [0164] 218 longitudinal axis of the pillar [0165] 219 support structure inside the nacelle [0166] 220 connection element [0167] 221 crane hoist [0168] 222 load lifting tool [0169] 223 crane trolley [0170] 227 planar surface of the second crane arm [0171] 230 intermediate element [0172] 251 add-on crane [0173] 252 basket [0174] 253 transport system [0175] 254 transport interface [0176] 255 coupling interface [0177] 260 component [0178] 300 high-capacity hoist [0179] 301 on-board hoist [0180] 302 carrying system [0181] 303 rail system [0182] 304 nacelle trolley [0183] 305 rail trolley [0184] 306 rail beam [0185] 307 chain box [0186] 308 support tool [0187] 309 storage area [0188] 310 maintenance system [0189] 320 nacelle housing support structure [0190] 321 nacelle floor [0191] 322 hatch panel [0192] 330 hoist transport platform [0193] 401-403 method steps [0194] 501-504 method steps [0195] 601-604 method steps