Delft University of Technology
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL, MARITIME AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Department of Marine and Transport Technology Mekelweg 2 2628 CD Delft the Netherlands Phone +31 (0)15-2782889 Fax +31 (0)15-2781397 www.mtt.tudelft.nl
Student: M.L. Rodenburg Assignment type: Master thesis
Supervisor (TU Delft): Ir. W. van den Bos Credit points (EC): 35 Supervisor (Mammoet) Ing. T. Lambooij Specialization: TEL
Ir. L.M.M. Oorschot Report number: 2015.TEL.7950 Confidential: No
Subject: Additional lifting days for single blade installation
Developers of onshore wind farms aim to maximize their returns. Cost reduction during the construction phase can improve their business case. Unfavorable wind conditions at onshore locations reduce weather windows for installation. The sooner wind farms can be erected; the sooner power can be generated resulting in profit for the proprietor. By optimizing installation logistics, Mammoet helps their clients to begin maximizing their investment returns as quickly as possible.
Two methods are currently used for installing wind turbine blades. With the first method, used for smaller wind turbines, the three blades are attached to the hub at ground level and installed in one lift. The second method is generally used for larger wind turbines: the hub is installed first and after, the blades are attached one by one.
The current number of available lifting days for installation is small due to wind limitations, and will become even smaller when turbine height and blade size increases. To increase the number of lifting days for single blade installation, without decreasing safety, research to innovative installation methods is required. The aim of this research project is to design a new lifting method and/or tool to increase the number of lifting days per year, without decreasing safety.
Relevant literature about wind, turbine blades and cranes needs to be studied. The current installation method needs to be analyzed in detail. Concept installation devices need to be sketched and compared. Using a to be determined selection process, the best concept needs to be selected. A program of requirements for the chosen concept needs to be determined, after which a functional and structural design is created. Finally, prove has to be given, that the detailed design will increase the number of lifting days per year.
The report should comply with the guidelines of the section. Details can be found on the website. The professor,
