Spinner-less hub access and lifting system for a wind turbine
US8061999B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 2008 |
| Grant date | Nov 22, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E10/72
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A simple and safe means is provided to gain entry into the rotor hub of a wind turbine for maintenance operations within the hub. A ladder-like structure is mounted onto the rotor hub using the same bolts attaching a fixed outer race of the pitch bearing for the rotor blades. The ladder-like structure has integral with it a protective cage to the front, forming a basket. Structural elements for grasping are provided to a worker over the full path traversed from the nacelle to the entry hatch of the hub. An expanded area between rungs may be provided to facilitate entry by a service worker into the safety cage area. Lifting ears made also be formed with tubular sections integrated into the ladder-like structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.