(10007) In this era of fuel-dependant vehicles and utilities, alternative methods of power are constantly being explored. One such application which seems to be growing in popularity is the use of wind turbines. These huge, windmill-like structures can be seen against the horizon in rural areas of the US. Since the technology is relatively new, various methods of “in-field” assembly have been attempted.
Because of their weight and size (some can weigh over 20,000 lbs. with blades 50 to 100 feet long) wind turbine assembly becomes difficult, since components must be brought to the installation location for attachment. Additionally, the blades need to be lined up precisely to the hub enabling the operators to bolt together the two components.
Herkules Equipment has recognized the need for wind turbine assembly systems, and has devised several methods.
One such method of assembly utilizes a manual rotate system. The rotate uses a heavy-duty bearing with a steel top plate. The rotate is rolled out to the installation location on heavy-duty casters or a flat bed truck. The hub or motor is mounted on the top of the rotational device, while being turned to line up the bolt patterns of the motor with the propellers. The rotate can be manually turned, or an air-driven motor can be used.
Another wind turbine assembly system can involve the use of a lift table. In this scenario, the hub is stationary and the blades are raised and lowered via a heavy duty lift table that enables the operator to “finesse” the blades into the proper bolt-hole location. A nest or cradle welded to the top of the platform captures the blade for steadiness. One variation on the theme would be to elevate and lower the hub while the propellers are held stationary.
The lift and rotate could also be used in tandem (rotate on lift/lift on rotate) for an even more precise attachment method.
In each of the above situations, the wind turbine assembly systems help accelerate the installation process, thereby enabling a quicker return on investment. Skilled operators are needed to assist in the assembly and installation process, and when construction is involved, wasted time is money.
Almost all Herkules lift and rotate units can be made portable, enabling the user to tow them into the filed for on-site use. Since the wind turbine assembly systems are robust enough to withstand outdoor weather extremes, they can be used in virtually any part of the country. Lifts used in wind turbine assembly can be pneumatic as well as hydraulic, electric or belt-driven.