Wind turbine blade removal and installation system and method
US11300104B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 6, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 12, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 7, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P70/50
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus for removing and installing a blade for a wind turbine is provided, comprising a first set of cable guides mounted within the nacelle, and a second set of cable guides positioned on an exterior surface of the rotor hub. An upper pulley block is suspended from a first hub flange and a second hub flange, wherein the upper pulley block is positioned above a third hub flange in a position for accepting the blade. A winch is positioned at a ground level, and the winch contains a lifting cable guided by the cable guides, and then reeved through the upper pulley block and a lower pulley block on a blade holding bracket, allowing the lower pulley block to be raised and lowered relative to the upper pulley block. The blade holding bracket attaches to the root end of the blade, and the lower pulley block is allowed to pivot and swivel relative to the blade holding bracket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.