Controlled ofshore blade installation

Huisman and Siemens Gamesa have combined their engineering and operational expertise in the development of a solution to stabilise wind turbine components during installation, especially blades, but also nacelles and tower segments.

The Travelling Load Stabilising System (TLSS) consists of a combination of two pairs of tuggers working in unison to control to position of the load. One pair is ftted on independent trolleys that can travel along an integrated rail along the crane’s stif boom. The trolleys automatically follow the main block to maintain an optimal tugger line confguration. The second pair of tugger lines is deployed from the crane tip providing a force perpendicular to the frst pair of tuggers.

By approaching the load from two diferent directions, the system provides signifcantly more control than a conventional single pair of tuggers. A specially designed control system holds the actual position of the load, resulting in a much stifer restraint, and therefore a higher position accuracy compared to conventional tugger systems that rely on constant tension. In case of an unexpected overload, the system will give way but will return to its position setpoint when the force drops below the threshold again. The TLSS functions as an integral part of the crane and could, therefore, be operated from the crane’s cabin as well as from an optional walk around box (WAB).

Compared to a conventional tagline system, the TLSS System has a much higher stifness, which increases control and workability.

The operation of the tuggers is fully integrated with the crane’s control system. The travelling tuggers are suitable for lifting operations at all boom angles. Light loads can be lifted without lufng the main boom saving time, and the system is also suitable for man riding operations. Upon request, the tuggers can be automated for specifc tasks with all other crane parameters as input. Huisman’s latest crane designs have provisions allowing a retroft of the TLSS on various existing cranes.

The Travelling Load Stabilising System minimises wind induced motions of wind turbine components during lifting, thus increasing safety for personnel in the near vicinity.

Reducing motions also increases the operational efciency during the installation of blades, nacelles and tower segments thus reducing the cycle time. Also, the system enables lifting operations to take place in harsher weather conditions, extending the weather window of the operations.

Huisman and Siemens Gamesa have been working together for quite some time to fnd ways to improve the installation of wind turbines. One of the results of this, is the TLSS. Siemens Gamesa provided Huisman with data of various blades to execute simulations and the turbine producer also made its own calculations to verify the capacity of Huisman’s TLSS. For the installation of turbines at ofshore wind farms, Siemens Gamesa uses third party installation vessels and Siemens Gamesa now prefers to have the cranes of these vessels to be equipped with the Travelling Load Stabilising System. i. huismanequiment.com

Capacity – Tugger mode:

• Nominal Load (dynamic factor 1.3) / Single fall / 10t.

• Nominal Load (dynamic factor 1.3) / Double fall / 20t.

Capacity – Lifting / Man riding mode:

• Safe Working Load lifting mode / Single fall / 6t.

• Safe Working Load man riding mode / Single fall / 1.5t.

Alternative capacities can be discussed upon request.