THEREOF

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a support structure for a wind turbine and a method of assembling the support structure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wind turbines are mounted, normally between 5 to 30 metres or more, above ground to a support structure. Such a mounting enables a rotor to be positioned away from the ground. This is advantageous because proximate the ground the wind is more turbulent, accordingly, a wind turbine positioned there would be less efficient. Due to the height and weight of the wind turbine, together with the force applied by the wind to the wind turbine and support structure, the support structure has to be suitable for withstanding a wide range of static and dynamic loads. US 6782667 discloses a support structure for a wind turbine. Here a telescopic elongate mast of a turbine is connected at a hinge point to a concrete foundation. During assembly of the support structure, the wind turbine is lifted into position by means of heavy machinery such as a crane. Furthermore, prior to laying the concrete foundation, it is necessary to dig a substantial hole beneath the wind turbine, and transport a substantial amount of concrete to the assembly site for use in the concrete foundation. The above operations present a problem in remote locations where it is difficult to transport heavy materials and machinery.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to overcome at least one of the above or other problems. More particularly, an object is to provide a support structure which can be assembled in remote locations without the need for heavy machinery.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a wind turbine assembly comprising: a wind turbine; an elongate mast having a longitudinal axis, the elongate mast further including a first end and a second end; a support structure, including one or more support member; one or more anchoring means; whereby, in use, the wind turbine is connected at or toward the first end of the elongate mast, the support structure is connected at or toward the second end of the elongate mast, the support members are operable to be arranged to extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongate mast, and wherein, the or each anchoring means is connected to the or each support member.

Advantageously, by preferably having one or more anchoring means preferably connected to the or each support member it is not necessary to use heavy machinery to transport and dig a large foundation.

Preferably, the elongate mast is hingeably connected to the support structure, preferably via a hinged connection. Preferably, the hinged connection is operable to allow the elongate mast to hingeably move about a hinge axis. Preferably, in use, the hinge connection axis is positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

Preferably, in use, the hinged connection is operable to allow the elongate mast to move between a first lowered position and a second raised position. Preferably, in use, in the second raised position the elongate mast is substantially perpendicular to the support structure.

Preferably, the elongate mast is substantially hollow. Preferable, the elongate mast is substantially tubular. Optionally, the elongate mast is telescopic. Optionally, the elongate mast comprises two or more elongate members which, in use, are connected to each other. Preferably, the elongate mast is movable between a first retracted state and a second extended state, whereby a longitudinal length of the mast is greater when in the second extended state than the longitudinal length of the mast when in the first retracted state.

Advantageously the mast is preferably telescopic, in this way the telescopic members are preferably positionable inside each other which minimizes the size of the mast for convenient transportation and assembly.

Preferably, a structural strength of the elongate mast is lower proximate the first end than proximate the second end. Advantageously, the shape and therefore weight of the mast is preferably optimized for the expected dynamic and static loads that are to be applied. Preferably, the wind turbine assembly includes one or more stays. Preferably, the one or more stays have a first end and a second end. Optionally, the first end is connectable via a first connection to the or each support means. Optionally, the first end is connectable via a first connection to the or each anchoring means. Optionally, the second end is operable to connect via a second connection to the elongate mast. Optionally, the second connection is located between the first end and second end of the elongate mast. Optionally, the second connection is located proximate the first end or second end of the elongate mast.

Advantageously, the one or more stays preferably provide support for the mast, thereby preferably enabling a lighter mast to be utilised.

Preferably, the first connection and second connection are each optionally rotatable connections. Preferably, in use, the first and second connections are each optionally rotatable about an axis substantially parallel to the hinge axis.

Preferably, the one or more stays include an adjustment means operable to adjust a length of the or each stay. Optionally, the adjustment means comprises a female member connectable to a male member, whereby, the female member and male member are positioned about and axis of the or each stay and an axial position of the male member is movable relative the female member. Optionally, the adjustment means comprise a plurality of attachment positions on the or each stay which are engageable with the second or first connection. Advantageously, the adjustment means is preferably used to fine tune a position of the mast. Preferably, in use, the first connection and second connection are operable to allow the elongate mast to move from the first lowered position to the second raised position. Preferably, the mast is movable from the first lowered position to the second raised position whilst the stays and a wind turbine are attached to the mast. Advantageously, the elongate mast can be moved from the first lowered position to the second raised position, preferably whilst stays remain attached, thereby improving the stability of the elongate mast.

Preferably, the elongate mast includes a lifting member suitable for receiving a lifting means. Preferably, in use, the lifting member is operable to allow manipulation of the elongate mast between the first lowered position and the second raised position. Advantageously, when the lifting member is engaged with the lifting means, the lifting means is preferably positioned on a winch, which may be used to manipulate the position of the elongate mast between the first lowered position and second raised position. Preferably, the anchoring means are made of concrete or the like. Preferably the concrete is pre-cast. Preferably, in use, the anchoring means are inserted on or below a support surface. Preferably, the support surface is the ground.

Preferably, the support structure includes a connecting member. Preferably, in use, the elongate mast is connected to the support structure via the connecting member.

Optionally, the connecting member includes locating means suitable for locating the elongate mast thereon. Preferably, the locating means comprises one of a male or female connection, and preferably the elongate mast comprises the other of the male or female connection Preferably, the male connection extends outwardly from the connecting member. Preferably, the male connection is suitable for insertion into a female connection, the female connection being positionable on the elongate mast.

Preferably, in use, the elongate mast is secured to the connecting member by restraining means. Optionally, the restraining means comprises a fixing means. Optionally, the restraining means comprises a restraining latch or catch suitable to engage the other of the catch or latch. Preferably the other of the catch or latch is preferably positionable on the elongate mast. Preferably the latch or catch is preferably postionable on the connecting member.

Preferably, the or each support member includes a first end, in use, the first end is preferably connected to the connecting member. Preferably, the one or more support members extend radially from the connecting member. Advantageously, by preferably having one or more support members which extend radially outwards the size of the supporting structure is reduced.

Preferably, the or each or more support members include a second end. In use, the second end is preferably connected to the or each anchoring means. Advantageously, the stability of the wind turbine assembly is enhanced by preferably placing the anchoring means at or towards the ends of the support members.

Preferably, in use, the first end of the elongate mast is rotatably connected to the wind turbine. Optionally, the rotatable connection includes restraining means. Preferably, in use, the restraining means is operable to restrain a rotation of the rotatable connection. Optionally, the wind turbine assembly has at least three support means, at least three stays and at least three anchoring means. Optionally, the wind turbine assembly has four support means, four stays and four anchoring means. According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a wind turbine assembly comprising: a wind turbine; an elongate mast having a longitudinal axis, the elongate mast further including a first end and a second end; a support structure, including one or more support member; one or more anchoring means; whereby, in use, the wind turbine is connected at or toward the first end of the elongate mast, the support structure is connected at or toward the second end of the elongate mast, the support members are operable to be arranged to extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis of the elongate mast, and wherein, the or each anchoring means is connected to the or each support member.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of assembling a wind turbine assembly, the method including: attaching a second end of an elongate mast to a support structure; attaching one or more support members to the support structure, whereby the support members are arranged to extend radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the mast; attaching one or more anchoring means to the support means.

Preferably, the method includes a step of a attaching a first end of the elongate mast to a wind turbine.

Preferably, the method includes a step of moving the elongate mast between a first lowered position, and a second raised position, whereby in the second raised position the elongate mast is substantially vertical to the support surface. Preferably, the method includes a step of moving the elongate mast, when in the first lower position, between a first retracted state to a second extended state.

Preferably, the method includes a step of attaching one or more stay to the elongate mast. Preferably, the method includes a step of attaching the or each stay to the support members and /or anchoring means. Preferably, the method includes attaching the or each stay when the elongate mast is in the first lowered position. Preferably, the method includes attaching the or each stay when the elongate mast is in the second raised position. Preferably, the method includes a step of assembling the support structure, by attaching the one or more support members to a connecting member.

Preferably, the method includes a step of manipulating the elongate mast from the first lowered position to the second raised position using a winching means, which may comprise a winch.

Preferably, the method includes a step of attaching the wind turbine to the elongate mast via a rotatable connection. Preferably, the method includes a step of adjusting a position of the mast by an adjustment means, the adjustment means being operable to adjust a length of the or each stay.

Preferably, the method includes a step of restraining the rotatable connection using a second restraining means.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective of a wind turbine assembly according to the present invention; Figures 2 - 6 show a method of assembling the wind turbine assembly of figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Figure 1 shows a wind turbine assembly 100 which includes a wind turbine 200. The wind turbine assembly 100 further includes an elongate mast 300 having a longitudinal axis 302, the elongate mast 300 further having a first end 304 and a second end 306. The wind turbine assembly 100 yet further includes a support structure 400, which has one or more support member 420. The wind turbine assembly 100 yet further includes one or more anchoring means 500. The wind turbine 200 is connected at or toward the first end 304 of the elongate mast 300, the support structure 400 is connected at or toward the second end 306 of the elongate mast 300. The support members 420 are operable to be arranged to extend radially outward from the longitudinal axis 302 of the elongate mast 300. The or each anchoring means 500 is connected to the or each support member 420.

The elongate mast 300 is hingeably connected to the support structure 400 by means of a hinged connection 308. Here the hinged connection 308 comprises a pivot 310 inserted through a plates 312 which are positioned on the elongate mast 200 and support structure 400. The pivot 310 is aligned to a hinge axis 314, which his positioned substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 302 of the mast 300.

The hinged connection 308 is operable to allow the elongate mast 300 to move between a first lowered position 350 and a second raised position 360 (as shown in figure 1 ). In the second raised position 360 the elongate mast 300 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the support structure 400. In the first lowered position 350 the elongate mast 300 is arranged substantially parallel or inclined to the ground.

The elongate mast 300 is substantially hollow, and substantially tubular. The elongate mast 300 is made of metal or, composite or the like. In this example the elongate mast 300 comprises an upper section 316, mid section 318 and lower section 320, which are connected together by fastening means 322. The fastening means 322 comprise flanges (not show) positioned on the adjacent sections, which are fastened together by fixing means, such as bolts. When connecting the upper section 316, mid section 318 and lower section 320 together the elongate mast 300 is moved from a first retracted state 370 (not shown) to a second extended state 380. Whereby, in the second extended state 380 a longitudinal length of the elongate mast 300 is greater than when in the first retracted state 370. In another example, the elongate mast 300 is telescopic, and the upper section 316 fits inside the mid section 318 and the mid section 318 fits inside the lower section 320. Here the upper section 316 and mid sections 318 are telescopic extended to move the elongate mast 300 from the first retracted state 370 to the second extended state 380.

The geometry and material of the elongate mast 400 is such that the structural strength of the elongate mast 400 is lower near the first end 304 rather than nearer the second end 306. For instance, the diameter from the upper section 316, mid section 318 to lower section 320 increases respectively, as shown in figure 1.

The first end 304 of the elongate mast 300 is rotatably connected to the wind turbine 200 at a rotatable connection 305. For instance the rotatable connection 305 comprises a shaft (not shown) of the elongate mast 300 which is received by a sleeve, bearings (not shown) or a slewing ring (not shown) of the wind turbine 200. The rotatable connection 305 includes restraining means 202. The restraining means 202 is operable to restrain rotation of the rotatable connection 305. For instance, the restraining means 202 comprises a fixing means (not shown), such as a bolt, which may be inserted through plates (not shown) which are positioned on the elongate mast 300 and wind turbine 200.

The support structure 400 includes a connecting member 440. Here the connecting member 440 is rectangular in shape and is made of metal, composite, concrete or the like. The elongate mast 300 is attached at the second end 306 to the connecting member 440. Here the connecting member 440 has a locating means 442. The locating means 440 enables the mast to be correctly located on the connecting member 440. Here the locating means 442 includes an outwardly protruding male connector, such as a cylinder or tube (not shown), which can be inserted in to a female connector (not shown). The female connector being positioned on the elongate mast 300 and being suitable for receiving the cylinder or tube.

The elongate mast 300, when located in position on the connecting member 440 by the locating means 442, is secured to the connecting member 440 by a second restraining means 444. In this example the second restraining means 444 comprises a latch (not shown) positioned on the elongate mast 400, which is engageable with a catch (not shown) positioned on the connecting member 440. In another example the second restraining means 444 comprises a fixing means (not shown), such as a bolt, which is insertable through plates (not shown), which are positioned on the connecting member 440 and elongate mast 300.

The support members 420 are elongate and may be either hollow or solid. The support members 420 are made from metal, composite or the like. A first end 422 of support member 420 is connected to the connecting member 440. In this example, the support member 420 is removably attached to the connecting member 440 by a fixing means (not shown) such as a bolt. In another example the support member 420 is permanently connected to the connecting member 440, for instance, it is formed integrally with or is welded to the connecting member 440. The support members 420 extend radially outward from the connecting member 440 to improve the stability of the wind turbine assembly 100. A second end 424 of the support member 420 is connected to the anchoring means

500. Advantageously, by placing the anchoring means 500 at the second end 424 the stability of the wind turbine assembly 100 is improved. Here, the connection between the support member 420 and anchoring means 500 is permanent, for instance, the anchoring means 500 is made of concrete and is set into the support member 420. In another example the connection between the support member 420 and anchoring means 500 is removable, for instance, the support member 420 is bolted to the anchoring means 500.

The anchoring means 500 comprise solid cubical structures, which are made from concrete, metal or the like. The anchoring means 500 may be formed at the assembly sit via casting, or preformed elsewhere and transported to the assembly site. The shape of the anchoring means 500 is such that a lower portion 502 can be inserted into the ground to improve the stability of the wind turbine assembly 100.

The wind turbine assembly 100 further includes stays 600. The stays 600 may be made of metal, or composite or the like. The stays 600 are either solid or substantially hollow in cross-section. The stays 600 are operable to restrain and provide additional support for the mast 300 by resisting tensile or compressive loading. Advantageously, the stays 600 support the mast 300, thereby enabling a lighter mast to be specified. In this example a first end 602 of the stay 600 is connected via a first connection 606 to the anchoring means 500. In another example the first end 602 is connected via the first connection 606 to the support member 420, here the first connection 606 may be positioned at a portion of the support member 420 which extends upwardly through the anchoring means 500. Referring back to the example shown, a second end 604 of the stay 600 is connected via a second connection 608 to the elongate mast 300. Here the second connection 608 is positioned between the first end 304 and second end 306 of the elongate mast 300. More particularity, the second connection 608 is positioned on the lower section 320 and proximate the second end 306 of the elongate mast 300. The first connection 606 and second connection 608 comprise rotatable connections, which comprises a pivot 610 positioned through a hole in an outwardly extending plate 612. Here there are four first connections 606A, 606B, 606C, 606D and four second connections 608A, 608B, 608C, 608D. Connections, 606A, 606B, 608A, 608B are arranged such that the pivot 610 is aligned with the hinge axis 314. Advantageously, the stays 600 can be connected when the elongate mast 300 is moved between the first lowered position 350 and second raised position 360, thereby improving the stability of the elongate mast 300.

The or each stays 600A, 600B, 600C, 600D further include an adjustment means 800 (not shown). The adjustment means 800 comprises a means operable to adjust a length of the stay 600. Advantageously, the adjustment member 800 can be used to adjust the length of the stays 600, thereby enabling the orientation of the mast 300 to be fine-tuned.

In one example, the adjustment means 800 comprises a screw system. Here the stay 600 comprises a first member and a second member. The first member comprises a male screw portion, which is engaged with a female screw portion of the second member, both of which are positioned about an axis of the stay. Accordingly, relative rotation of the male thread against the female thread adjusts a length of the stay. Here the first member and/or second member further include a third member. The third member comprises an axle, which is connected to, and rotatably supports, a hub, the hub being positioned on the first member and/or second member, whereby both the hub and axle are aligned to the axis of the stay. Accordingly, rotation of the first or second member is relieved at the third member by rotation of the hub about the axle. In another example the adjustment means 800 may comprise a plurality of connecting points position along the length of the stay 600. Here the connecting points can be connected to form part of the first connection 606 or second connection 608 to thereby alter the effective length of the stay 600. The elongate mast includes a lifting member 390. Here the lifting member 390 comprises a plate 394 which extends outwardly and includes a hole. Here the lifting member 390 is positioned between the first end 304 and second end 306 of the elongate mast 300. The lifting member 390 is suitable to receive a lifting means 392 (not shown), such as a hook which is connected to a winch (not shown). Accordingly, by connecting the lifting means 392 to the lifting member 390, the lifting member 390 can be used to manipulate the position of the elongate mast 300 between the first lowered position 350 and second raised position 360. In another example (not shown) the lifting member 390 is comprises the plate 612 of the second connection 608. Advantageously, in this way material is saved. In this example there are four anchoring means 500, four support members 440 and four stays. In another example there are three or more of each of the above. Figures 2 - 6 show a method of assembling the wind turbine assembly 100. Figure 2 shows an initial stage of the assembly, wherein in the support structure 400 is assembled by connecting the support members 420 to the connecting member 440. Thereafter, the anchoring means 500 are connected to the support structure 400. In one example this comprises providing a mould, or digging a hole in the ground and filing it with concrete. In another example, the anchoring means 500 are preformed prior to assembly. In the example shown in figure 2, the support members 420 are set into the anchoring means 500.

Figure 3 shows attachment of the elongate mast 300. Here the second end 306 of the elongate mast 300 is attached to the support structure 400 via the hinged connection 308. Here the elongate mast 300 is positioned in the first lowered position 350. Figure 4 shows erection of the elongate mast 300. Here the elongate mast 300 is moved from the first retracted state 370 to the second retracted state 380.

Figure 5 shows attachment of the wind turbine 200. Here the wind turbine 200 is rotatably connected to the first end 304 of the elongate mast 300. The restraining means 202 is engaged to restrain rotation of the rotatable connection 305. Advantageously, the restraining means 202 secures the wind turbine 200 to the elongate mast 300 during raising of the elongate mast 300. Here the stays 600B, 600D are connected to the anchoring means 500 and elongate mast 300. In another example the stays 600B, 600D are connected to the support members 420 and elongate mast 300.

Figure 6 shows raising of the mast 300. Here the lifting member 390 is engaged with the lifting means 392 of the winch (not shown). Optionally a support frame 700 is attached to the support structure 400 or anchoring means 500. The support frame 700 is arranged to manipulate a control line 710 of the winch to improve its orientation for lifting. Here the elongate mast 300 is manipulated by the winch acting through the lifting member 390 from the first lowered position 350 to the second raised position 360.

Figure 1 shows the elongate mast 300 in the second raised position, wherein the stays 600A, 600C are attached. In the second raised position 380 the elongate mast 300 is located on the connecting member 440 by the locating means 442. The elongate mast 300 is additionally restrained to the connecting member by the restraining means 444. Thereafter, the orientation of the mast 300 can be fine tuned by adjusting the length of the stays 600 by the adjustment means 800. The restraining means 202 is disengaged to allow yaw of the wind turbine 200. For servicing of the wind turbine 200, or to disassemble the wind turbine assembly 100, the above steps are reversed. For instance, the restraining means 202 is re-engaged to secure rotation of the wind turbine 200. The restraining means 444 is disengaged and stays 600A, 600C are removed.

The elongate mast 300 is then lowered from the second raised position 360 to the first lowered position 350 by the winch acting through the lifting member 390. Optionally the support frame 700 is re-attached during this stage. Thereafter, the wind turbine 200 can be serviced at ground level. Alternatively the wind turbine 200 is disconnected and the remaining components of the wind turbine disassembled by reversing the above procedures. Advantageously, the wind turbine 200 can be lowered easily and quickly, without the need for heavy machinery, such as a crane. Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.