System and method for suspending a rotor blade of a wind turbine uptower
US10508645B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 17, 2017 |
| Grant date | Dec 17, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/728
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method for suspending a rotor blade uptower includes mounting a first end of a support structure at a first uptower location of the wind turbine. The method also includes securing the rotor blade to a second end of the support structure. Further, the method includes mounting at least one pulley block assembly between a second uptower location and the support structure. Moreover, the method includes routing at least one pulley cable from at least one winch over the at least one pulley block assembly. In addition, the method includes detaching the rotor blade from the hub of the wind turbine. Once the rotor blade is detached, the method includes rotating the support structure about the first end via coordinated winch operation so as to lower the rotor blade a predetermined distance away from the hub. Thus, the method also includes suspending the rotor blade at the predetermined distance away from the hub via the support structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.