CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62/956,818, filed January 3, 2020, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[002] The present disclosure relates to implementations of a system to descend from a structure. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a system for descending from a nacelle of a wind turbine.

BACKGROUND

[003] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventor(s), to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure. [004] In various scenarios, workers can perform their duties in environments that are located at a relatively high distance above the ground, such as at least 50 meters (m) above the ground. For example, a worker can perform maintenance on a wind turbine. In some instances, hazardous conditions, such as a fire, can develop in a worker’s environment at these heights. To illustrate, in some cases, grounding of the wind turbine may be insufficient and work on or within a nacelle of the wind turbine may create sparks or other arcing of electricity, which can cause fire hazards. Other hazards associated with moving components, heavy components, or other maintenance hazards may also exist within the wind turbines.

[005] To avoid the hazardous conditions, a worker may need to evacuate from the environment. However, escape from the wind turbine may be difficult when a hazardous situation arises, and a worker proceeds to descend from the nacelle to the ground. In conventional systems, workers typically ascend to the nacelle and descend from the nacelle via a tower transport system, such as an elevator and/or a series of ladders, that spans from the nacelle to a base portion of a tower of the wind turbine. In various situations, a hazard may be located between a worker and the tower transport system and prevent access to the tower transport system by the worker. That is, the hazard may be between the worker and the primary location to descend from the nacelle.

[006] Conventional wind turbines may not include a secondary option to descend from the nacelle or they may include rappelling type rope systems. These systems may be akin to rock climbing rope systems and may be relatively slow to use due to relatively long rig up times and slow descent times. Still further, the escape rope may be nylon and may not have resistance to fire. In situations where a worker is escaping from fire in the nacelle, a maximum amount of reliability and a minimized descent time may be desired to increase the possibility of a worker safely descending to the ground before the system used to escape from the nacelle is consumed or otherwise fails due to the fire.

SUMMARY

[007] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more implementations of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such implementations. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated implementations, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all implementations, nor delineate the scope of any or all implementations.

[008] In one or more implementations, a structure descent system may allow a user to descend from a structure. The structure descent device may include a controlled release system to lower one or more support lines. The one or more support lines may have a length of at least about 100 meters. The structure descent device may also include a support line traversing device coupled to the one or more support lines. Additionally, the structure descent device may include a user support device coupled to the support line traversing device. The user support device may transport a user as the support line descends from the structure. Further, the system may include a weight coupled to the one or more support lines. The weight may have a mass from about 100 kilograms (kg) to about 250 kg. [009] While multiple implementations are disclosed, still other implementations of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative implementations of the invention. As will be realized, the various implementations of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[010] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the various implementations of the present disclosure, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In the figures, the depicted structural elements are not to scale, and certain components may be enlarged relative to the other components for purposes of emphasis and understanding.

[011] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an environment that includes a wind turbine having a system to aid a user in descending from the wind turbine, according to one or more implementations.

[012] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a nacelle of a wind turbine that includes a first example of a system to aid a user in descending from the wind turbine, according to one or more implementations.

[013] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nacelle of a wind turbine that includes a second example of a system to aid a user in descending from the wind turbine, according to one or more implementations.

[014] FIG. 4A is a close-up, side elevation view of a base portion of a wind turbine that includes a control system to lower a weight coupled to one or more support lines of a structure descent system to aid a user in descending from the wind turbine, according to one or more implementations.

[015] FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of a wind turbine showing a path of descent of a weight coupled to one or more support lines of a structure descent system to aid a user in descending from the wind turbine, according to one or more implementations.

[016] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an environment that includes a wind turbine, an anchor platform, and a vehicle to transport a weight and one or more support lines of a structure descent system coupled to the weight to the anchor platform, according to one or more implementations.

[017] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a nacelle of a wind turbine with a fully deployed system to aid a user in descending from the wind turbine, according to one or more implementations.

[018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a nacelle of a wind turbine showing a user descending from the wind turbine using a fully deployed structure descent system, according to one or more implementations.

[019] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an anchor platform and a user descending toward the anchor platform using a structure descent system, according to one or more implementations.

[020] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method to deploy and use a structure descent system, according to one or more implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[021 ] The present disclosure, in one or more implementations, relates to a system that can be used to descend from a structure. More particularly, the system can allow a user to safely descend from a relatively high structure in a short period of time. To illustrate, one or more implementations described herein are directed to a system that enables a user to descend from a nacelle of a wind turbine to escape a hazard within the nacelle. In some scenarios, the system can be used to lower an injured worker from the nacelle. In one or more implementations described herein, a structure descent system may include a controlled release system to lower one or more support lines. In at least some examples, the one or more support lines may be anchored to the ground using an anchor platform. In various examples, the one or more support lines may be anchored to the ground before a user ascends into the nacelle of the wind turbine. The controlled release system may include a winch system. In one or more additional examples, the controlled release system may include a number of pulleys that support the one or more support lines as the one or more support lines are lowered or raised. The structure descent system may also include a support line traversing device that travels along the one or more support lines and a user support device coupled to the support line traversing device to support a user as the user descends from the nacelle. In one or more illustrative examples, the structure descent system can include a harness coupled to a trolley that enables a user to descend from the nacelle along the one or more support lines that are anchored to the ground.

[022] FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of an environment 100 that includes a wind turbine 102 having a structure descent system to aid a user 104 in descending from the wind turbine 102, according to one or more implementations. The wind turbine 102 may include a tower 106 that is supported by a foundation 108. The tower 106 may offset a rotor 110 from the ground. The rotor 110 may include one or more blades, such as a blade 112, to generate rotational energy. The wind turbine 102 may include a nacelle 114 that is supported by the tower 106. The nacelle 114 may include a number of components for converting the rotational energy generated by the movement of the rotor 110 into electrical energy.

[023] The tower 106 may have a height 116 and a width 118. In one or more illustrative examples, the height 116 of the tower 106 may be from about 50 m to about 500 m, from about 200 m to about 400 m, from about 250 m to about 350 m, from about 100 m to about 300 m, or from about 300 m to about 400 m. Still other heights may be used. In one or more illustrative examples, the width 118 of the tower 106 may be from about 3 m to about 12 m, from about 4 m to about 10 m, from about 4 m to about 8 m, or from about 5 m to about 9 m. Still other widths may be used.

[024] The tower 106 may include a tower transport system that may include a series of ladders that are arranged from a base portion of the tower 106 to the nacelle 114. In one or more examples, the tower transport system can include at least one elevator. In various examples, the tower transport system can include one or more elevators and one or more ladders. In some scenarios, a hazard may take place within the nacelle 114 due to a malfunction or other problem with components located within the nacelle 114. In one or more examples, the hazard may prevent the user 104 from descending from the nacelle 114 through the tower transport system included in the tower 106. In these situations, the user 104 may utilize the structure descent system to escape from the nacelle 114. To illustrate, the user 104 may traverse one or more support lines 120 that span from the nacelle 114 to an anchor platform 122 that anchors the one or more support lines 120 to the ground.

[025] The anchor platform 122 may be located a distance 124 from the wind turbine 102. In one or more implementations, the distance 124 may be greater than the height 116 of the tower 106. In one or more illustrative examples, the distance 124 can be from about 100 m to about 1400 m, from about 400 m to about 1000 m, from about 500 m to about 700 m, or from about 600 m to about 800 m. Still other distances may be between the tower 106 and the anchor platform 122.

[026] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a nacelle 114 of a wind turbine 102 that includes a first example of a system to aid a user in descending from the wind turbine 102, according to one or more implementations. In addition to the nacelle 114, the wind turbine 102 may include the tower 106 and the rotor 110. The rotor 110 can be coupled to a first end 200 of the nacelle 114. The nacelle 114 may also have a second end 202 that is substantially opposite the first end 200. A first blade 112 may be coupled to the rotor 110 and at least a second blade 202 may also be coupled to the rotor 110. The nacelle 114 may include an outer shell 204 and an interior 206 that is within the outer shell 204. Additionally, the nacelle 114 may include an access portal 208 in the floor of the nacelle 114 that enables access to the interior 206 of the nacelle 114 from the tower 106. In various examples, a ladder 210 may be located proximate to the nacelle 114 and within an upper terminus 212 of the tower 106. The ladder 210 may be part of a tower transport device that enables a user to move between a base portion of the tower 106 and the nacelle 114. In one or more implementations, the access portal 208 may include at least one of an opening, a lid, a cover, or a door that enables a user to climb the ladder 210 and enter the interior 206 of the nacelle 108.

[027] A number of components may be located within the interior 206 of the nacelle 114 that may convert energy produced by the rotation of the rotor 110 due to the movement of the blades 112, 202 into mechanical energy. For example, one or more shafts can be coupled directly or indirectly to the rotor 110, such as a first shaft 214 and a second shaft 216. The first shaft 214 and the second shaft 216 may rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 110. A braking system 218 that may control a rate of rotation of at least one of the first shaft 214 or the second shaft 216 may be located in the interior 206 of the nacelle 114. Additionally, the interior 206 of the nacelle 114 may include one or more yaw motors 220 and a transmission component 222, such as a gearbox. Further, an electrical generator 224 may be located in the interior 206 of the nacelle 114. The electrical generator 224 may convert the energy caused by the rotation of the rotor 110 into electrical energy. A control and electronics system 226 may also be located in the interior 206 of the nacelle 114. The control and electronics system 226 may be used to monitor and control operation of one or more of the components 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, 224. In various examples, additional components not shown in FIG. 2 may be located in the interior 206 of the nacelle 114 and monitored and/or controlled via the control and electronics system 226. To illustrate, at least one of a hydraulics system, a cooling system, a heating system, a transformer, or one or more combinations thereof, may be located in the interior 206 of the nacelle 114. The nacelle 114 may also include an exit portal 228 that enables a user to exit the nacelle 114. The exit portal 228 may include at least one of an opening, a door, a gate, or a covering that is located at the second end 202 of the nacelle 114.

[028] The nacelle 114 may include a number of components of a structure descent system that enables a user to descend from the nacelle 114. The structure descent system may include the one or more support lines 120, a first pulley 230, a second pulley 232, and an additional pulley 234 to which the one or more support lines 120 are coupled. The first pulley 230 and the second pulley 232 may support the one or more support lines. In one or more examples, the first pulley 230 and the second pulley 232 may be grooved and rotate in conjunction with movement of the one or more support lines 120.

[029] In addition, the structure descent system may include a support line traversing device 236 to traverse the one or more support lines 120 and a user support device 238 that supports a user in descending from the nacelle 114. The structure descent system may include a weight 240 that is coupled to the one or more support lines 120. In the illustrative example of FIG. 2, the one or more support lines 120 may include a first support line 242 and a second support line 244. Additionally, the structure descent system may include a support line guide device 246 that is located in the tower 106 of the wind turbine 102 and an additional weight 248 that is also coupled to the one or more support lines 120. [030] . The support line traversing device 236 may comprise a trolley. In various examples, the support line traversing device 236 may include a release mechanism that releases the weight 240 and enables a user of the structure descent system to descend from the nacelle 114. In one or more examples, the support line traversing device 236 may include a pulley system and one or more hooks or other attachment devices to couple with the user support device 238. In some implementations, the support line traversing device 236 may include components of a braking system. For example, the support line traversing device 236 may include magnetic braking components to control a speed of the support line traversing device 236.

[031 ] The user support device 238 may include a harness that may support a user as the user descends from the nacelle 114 using the support line traversing device 236. In one or more implementations, the user support device 238 may include one or more straps, one or more belts, one or more buckles, one or more latches, or one or more combinations thereof, that are operable to enable a user to remain suspended when descending from the nacelle 114. In one or more additional implementations, the user support device 238 may include a bar that may be held by a user descending from the nacelle 114. In one or more further implementations, the user support device 238 may include a seating device, a standing device, or another support portion that may enable a user to descend from the nacelle 114 in a seated, upright, or at least partially reclined position.

[032] The weight 240 may be configured to prevent the one or more support lines 120 from becoming tangled while the one or more support lines 120 are being deployed and while the one or more support lines 120 are being retracted. The weight 240 may be comprised of one or more materials. For example, the weight 240 may be comprised of at least one of one or more metals, one or more polymers, or one or more composite materials, such as concrete. The weight 240 may have a mass from about 30 kg to about 300 kg, from about 100 kg to about 250 kg, from about 100 kg to about 200 kg, from about 50 kg to about 150 kg, or from about 150 kg to about 250 kg.

[033] The first support line 242 may have a first end that is coupled to the weight 240 and a second end that is coupled to the additional weight 248. The support line traversing device 236 may be coupled with the first support line 242. The first support line 242 may include a metal cable. For example, the first support line 242 may include a steel cable. In one or more implementations, the first support line 242 may have a diameter that is from about 10 mm to about 50 mm or from about 10 mm to about 20 mm.

[034] In addition, the second support line 244 may have a first end that is coupled to the weight 240 and a second end that is coupled to the additional weight 248.

In one or more illustrative examples, the second support line 244 may be coupled to the support line traversing device 236. The second support line 244 may include a metal cable. For example, the second support line 244 may include a steel cable. In one or more implementations, the second support line 244 may have a diameter that is from about 10 mm to about 50 mm or from about 10 mm to about 20 mm. In some implementations, the second support line 248 may be optional.

[035] In various examples, the first support line 242 and the second support line 244 may have a length that corresponds to a length of the tower 106. In one or more illustrative examples, the first support line 242 and the second support line 244 may have lengths from about 100 m to about 1400 m, from about 400 m to about 1000 m, from about 500 m to about 700 m, or from about 600 m to about 800 m. Still other lengths of the first support line 242 and the second support line 244 may be implemented.

[036] The support line guide device 246 may be disposed from the upper terminus 212 of the tower 106 to a base portion of the tower 106. The support line guide device 246 may guide the one or more support lines 120 and the additional weight 248 as the one or more support lines 120 and the additional weight 248 ascend through the tower 106 and a user descends from the nacelle 114. The support line guide device 246 may be comprised of one or more materials. For example, the support line guide device 246 may be comprised of one or more polymeric materials. In one or more additional examples, the support line guide device 246 may be comprised of one or more metallic materials. In various examples, the support line guide device 246 may have a diameter from about 2 cm to about 30 cm, from about 5 cm to about 25 cm, from about 5 cm to about 15 cm, from about 10 cm to about 30 cm, or from about 10 cm to about 25 cm.

[037] The additional weight 248 may be used to counterbalance the weight 240 to control a descent of a user from the nacelle 114. In one or more illustrative examples, the additional weight 248 may be disposed in a base portion of the tower 106 and the weight 240 may be disposed proximate to the nacelle 114 when the structure descent system is not in use. As the structure descent system is being used, the additional weight 240 and a user may travel down from the nacelle 114 to the base portion of the tower 106. As a result of the descent of the user and the weight 240, the additional weight 248 may travel up through the support line guide device 246 from the base portion of the tower 106 to the upper terminus 212 of the tower 106. The mass of the additional weight 248 may offset a portion of the combined mass of the weight 240 and a user descending from the nacelle 114. In one or more implementations, the mass of the weight 240 and the additional weight 248 may be configured such that a user descends from the nacelle 114 at an acceleration that is from about 1% of the acceleration due to gravity to about 10% of the acceleration due to gravity, from about 2% of the acceleration due to gravity to about 8% of the acceleration due to gravity, or from about 3% of the acceleration due to gravity to about 6% of the acceleration due to gravity. The additional weight 248 may have a mass that is greater than the mass of the weight 240. To illustrate, the additional weight 248 may have a mass from about 50 kg to about 350 kg, from about 100 kg to about 250 kg, from about 100 kg to about 200 kg, from about 150 kg to about 250 kg, or from about 150 kg to about 300 kg. [038] In one or more implementations, at least a portion of at least one of the additional pulley 234, the support line traversing device 236, the first support line 242, or the second support line 244 may be located outside of the exit portal 228 and outside of the outer shell 204 of the nacelle 114. At least a portion of at least one of the additional pulley 234, the support line traversing device 236, the first support line 242, or the second support line 244 may be located within the outer shell 204 of the nacelle 114. In various examples, the outer shell 204 of nacelle 114 and/or the exit portal 228 may include openings that enable at least one of the additional support line 238, at least a portion of the support line traversing device 240, the first support line 242, or the second support line 244 to be located both within the outer shell 204 of the nacelle 114 and outside of the outer shell 204 of the nacelle 114. In one or more illustrative examples, the exit portal 228 may include double doors that, when closed, form an opening through which the one or more support lines 120 pass.

[039] In situations where a user is located toward the second end 202 of the nacelle 114 and a hazard is present between the access portal 208 and the exit portal 228, the user may be coupled to the user support device 238, release the weight 240 and/or the support line traversing device 236, and exit the nacelle 114 via the exit portal 228. The user and the weight 240 may then descend from the nacelle 114 to the ground and the additional weight 248 may travel toward the upper terminus 212 of the tower 106. In one or more examples, a speed of descent of the user and the weight 240 may be controlled using one or more braking mechanisms included in the support line traversing device 236. Depending on the length of the one or more support lines 120, in various examples, the user may stop their descent before contacting the ground. In additional examples, the descent of the user may stop when the user impacts the ground. In various examples, a period of time for the user to descend from the nacelle 114 to the ground may be from about 2 minutes to about 12 minutes, from about 4 minutes to about 8 minutes, from about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 5 minutes, or from about 5 minutes to about 8 minutes. Accordingly, the structure descent system may enable a user to descend from the nacelle 114 in a controlled way, with minimum preparation, and with a speed that is not present in conventional systems.

[040] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a nacelle 114 of a wind turbine 102 that includes a second example of a system to aid a user in descending from the wind turbine 102, according to one or more implementations. In the illustrative example of FIG. 3, the wind turbine 102 may include a number of components that are the same or similar to those described with respect to FIG. 2. The one or more illustrative examples illustrated in FIG. 3 differ from the one or more illustrative examples of FIG. 2 in that the first pulley 230, the second pulley 232, the support line guide device 246 and the additional weight 248 are absent. Instead, the structure descent system included in the one or more illustrative examples of FIG. 3 include a winch system 302 that is located in the interior 206 of the nacelle 114 and coupled to a support structure 304. Additionally, the structure descent system shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 3 includes a housing 306 that is coupled to the outer shell 204 of the nacelle 114 and that stores an additional support line 308 for the structure descent system. With respect to the illustrative example of FIG. 3, the support line traversing device 236 may include a trolley, such as a trolley that may be used to traverse a zipline and the weight 240 may be configured to prevent the one or more support lines 120 from becoming tangled while the one or more support lines 120 are being deployed and while the one or more support lines 120 are being retracted. Further, the first support line 242 and the second support line 244 may have lengths that are greater than a length of the tower 106, such as from about 100 m to about 1500 m, from about 100 m to about 500 m, from about 100 m to about 30 m, from about 250 m to about 1250 m, or from about 750 m to about 1250 m. Still other lengths of the first support line 242 and the second support line 244 may be implemented. [041] The support structure 304 to which the winch system 302 is coupled may be coupled to the outer shell 204 of the nacelle 114. The support structure 304 may include one or more shafts, one or more beams, one or more trellises, or one or more combinations thereof. The support structure 304 may be comprised of one or more materials, such as at least one of one or more metals, one or more plastics, or one or more composite materials, such as a concrete. The winch system 302 may house the one or more support lines 120 and may be operable to raise and lower the one or more support lines 120 in a controlled manner. For example, the winch system 302 may receive signals from a control system to raise and/or lower the one or more support lines 120 a specified distance.

[042] In the illustrative example of FIG. 3, the first support line 242 may be configured as a load bearing line to support a weight force of a user and the support line traversing device 236 in a substantially vertical direction as the user utilizes the structure descent system to descend from the nacelle 114. The first support line 246 may have a first end that is coupled to the winch system 302 and a second end that is coupled to the weight 240. The second support line 244 may be configured to provide additional load bearing support and may be configured to reduce an amount of sag as a user descends from the nacelle 114. The second support line 244 may have a first end that is coupled to the winch system 302 and a second end that is coupled to the weight 240. In some implementations, the second support line 244 may be optional.

[043] The additional support line 308 may be configured, in some implementations, as a braking line. The additional support line 308 may have a first end that is coupled within the housing 306 and a second end that is coupled to the support line traversing device 236. The additional support line 308 may be comprised of one or more materials, such as one or more metals and/or one or more polymers. In one or more illustrative examples, the additional support line 308 may be comprised of a bungee material. In implementations where braking components are included in the support line traversing device 236, the additional support line 308 and the housing 306 may be absent from the structure descent system. The additional support line 308 may have a diameter from about that is from about 10 mm to about 50 mm or from about 10 mm to about 20 mm.

[044] FIG. 4A is a close-up, side elevation view of a base portion 400 of a tower

106 of a wind turbine 102. The base portion 400 can include a base access portal 402 that may provide access to an interior portion 404 of the base portion 400. A control system 406 may be included in the interior portion 404 of the base portion 400. The control system 406 may include one or more controls that are operable to raise and lower one or more support lines 120 of a structure descent system using a controlled release system. For example, the controlled release system may include a winch system (e.g., winch system 302 of FIG. 3) and the control system 406 may send signals to a winch system located in the nacelle 114 that is coupled to the one or more support lines 120 to cause the one or more support lines 120 to be raised or lowered. In additional examples, the controlled release system may include a number of pulleys (e.g., the first pulley 230 and second pulley 232 of FIG. 2) and a counterweight (e.g., the additional weight 248 of FIG. 2) to control the descent of the user from the nacelle 114.

[045] FIG. 4B is a side elevation view of a wind turbine 102 showing a path of descent 408 of a weight 240 coupled to one or more support lines 120 of a structure descent system to aid a user in descending from the nacelle 114 of the wind turbine 102, according to one or more implementations. In one or more implementations, the weight 240 may descend in response to operation of one or more controls of the control system 406. Although not shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 4B, the weight 240 may also be retracted along a path of ascent that corresponds to the path of descent 408 from a location proximate to the base portion 400 up to a location proximate to the nacelle 114 in response to operation of one or more controls of the control system 406.

[046] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of an environment 500 that includes a wind turbine 102, an anchor platform 122, and a vehicle 502 to transport a weight 240 and one or more support lines 120 of a structure descent system coupled to the weight 240 to the anchor platform 122, according to one or more implementations. In various examples, the weight 240 may be lowered to the vehicle 502 using one or more controls that are operable to cause a controlled release system to lower the one or more support lines 120 and the weight 240. Although not shown in the illustrative example of FIG. 5, the one or more controls may be included in the control system 406 of FIG. 4 A and the controlled release system used to lower the weight 240 may comprise the winch system 302 of FIG. 3. Further, although the illustrative example of FIG. 5 shows that the vehicle 502 is a truck, in additional implementations, the vehicle 502 can have another form, such as a forklift. [047] After loading the weight 240 onto the vehicle 502, the vehicle 502 may transport the weight 240 to the anchor platform 122. The anchor platform 122 can include one or more anchors to couple the one or more support lines 120. In one or more implementations, the anchor platform 122 may include a helical screw pile that includes at least a first helical anchor 504 and a second helical anchor 506. In one or more illustrative examples, the one or more support lines 120 may be decoupled from the weight 240 and coupled to one or more anchors of the anchor platform 122. For example, the one or more support lines 120 may be coupled to at least one of the first helical anchor 504 or the second helical anchor 506.

[048] Coupling the one or more support lines 120 to at least one of the helical anchors 504, 506 can cause the one or more support lines 120 to be located in a deployed position 508. In the deployed position 508, a user may be absent from the one or more support lines 120. An amount of sag in at least one of the one or more support lines 120 in the deployed position 508 may be referred to herein as “natural sag”. In one or more illustrative examples, the one or more support lines 120 may be coupled to at least one of the helical anchors 504, 506 to cause the one or more support lines 120 to each have a suitable amount of tension such that a user may descend from the nacelle 114 to the anchor platform 122 without touching the ground before reaching the anchor platform 122. For example, the amount of tension in each of the one or more support lines 120 when coupled to at least one of the helical anchors 504, 506 may be at least about 500 Newtons, at least about 1000 Newtons, at least about 2,500 Newtons, at least about 5000 Newtons, at least about 7,500 Newtons, at least about 10,000 Newtons, at least about 15,000 Newtons, at least about 17,500 Newtons, at least about 20,000 Newtons, at least about 22,500 Newtons, at least about 25,000 Newtons, at least about 27,500 Newtons, or at least about 30,000 Newtons. In one or more illustrative examples, the amount of tension in each of the one or more support lines 120 when coupled to at least one of the helical anchors 504, 506 may be from about 500 Newtons to about 30,000 Newtons, from about 500 Newtons to about 2,500 Newtons, from about 1000 Newtons to about 10,000 Newtons, from about 1000 Newtons to about 5,000 Newtons, from about 2,500 Newtons to about 5,000 Newtons, from about 17,500 Newtons to about 22,500 Newtons, or from about 15,000 Newtons to about 25,000 Newtons. [049] In various examples, the amount of tension in the one or more support lines 120 when coupled to at least one of the helical anchors 504, 506 can be of a magnitude that the one or more support lines 120 move to no more than a threshold weight bearing position 510 as a user is traversing the one or more support lines 120 from the nacelle 114 to the anchor platform 122. The amount of sag in at least one of the one or more support lines 120 when a user is traversing the one or more support lines 120 may be referred to herein as “loaded sag”. The threshold weight bearing position 510 may correspond to a maximum vertical distance 512 that the one or more support lines 120 may change with respect to the deployed position 508 as a user is traversing the one or more support lines 120 from the nacelle 114 to the anchor platform 122. In one or more illustrative examples, the maximum vertical distance 512 that the one or more support lines 120 may change with respect to the deployed position 508 as a user is traversing the one or more support lines 120 may include no greater than about 5 feet, no greater than about 7 feet, no greater than about 10 feet, no greater than about 12 feet, or no greater than about 15 feet. In one or more implementations, the distance between the deployed position 508 and a weight bearing position of the one or more support lines 120 may correspond to a difference between the natural sag and the loaded sag of at least one of the one or more support lines 120.

[050] The deployed position 508 of the one or more support lines 120 may form a first angle 514 with a horizontal plane 516 that is substantially parallel with respect to a top surface of the anchor platform 122. The first angle 514 may have values of at least about 15 degrees, at least about 20 degrees, at least about 25 degrees, at least about 30 degrees, at least about 35 degrees, at least about 40 degrees, at least about 45 degrees, at least about 50 degrees, at least about 55 degrees, or at least about 60 degrees. In one or more illustrative examples, the first angle 514 can have values from about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees, from about 20 degrees to about 50 degrees, from about 25 degrees to about 40 degrees, or from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees.

[051] Additionally, the deployed position 508 of the one or more support lines 120 may form a second angle 518 with a vertical plane 520 that is substantially parallel with respect the tower 106 of the wind turbine 102 and/or that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the ground. The second angle 518 may have values of at least about 15 degrees, at least about 20 degrees, at least about 25 degrees, at least about 30 degrees, at least about 35 degrees, at least about 40 degrees, at least about 45 degrees, at least about 50 degrees, at least about 55 degrees, or at least about 60 degrees. In one or more illustrative examples, the second angle 518 can have values from about 15 degrees to about 60 degrees, from about 20 degrees to about 50 degrees, from about 25 degrees to about 40 degrees, or from about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees. In one or more implementations, an amount of tension of the one or more support lines 120 in the deployed position 508, the first angle 514, and the second angle 518 as well as the distance from the wind turbine 102 to the anchor platform 122, may be configured such that a user may safely descend from the nacelle 114 to the anchor platform 122 and have minimal contact with the ground or other objects that may injure the user.

[052] Although the illustrative example of FIG. 5 shows one or more support lines 120 of a single wind turbine 102 coupled to the anchor platform 122, in additional implementations, one or more additional support lines from one or more additional wind turbines may be coupled to one or more anchors of the anchor platform 122. For example, the anchor platform 122 may include a suitable number of helical anchors such that support lines from additional wind turbines may be coupled to the anchor platform 122. In various examples, support lines from multiple wind turbines may be coupled to the anchor platform concurrently. In additional examples, support lines from a single wind turbine may be coupled to the anchor platform during a given period of time.

[053] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the nacelle 114 of the wind turbine 102 with a fully deployed structure descent system to aid a user 600 in descending from the wind turbine 102, according to one or more implementations. In the illustrative example of FIG. 6, a hazard 602 may be present in the interior 206 of the nacelle 114. The hazard 602 may include fire, smoke, dangerous amounts of heat, malfunctioning equipment, or one or more combinations thereof. The hazard 602 may be present between the user 600 and the access portal 208. In these situations, the user 600 may be unable to descend from the nacelle 108 using the access portal 208. The user 600 may utilize a structure descent system located at the second end 202 of the nacelle 114 to descend from the nacelle 114 and escape from the hazard 602.

[054] In one or more illustrative examples, the user 600 may use or connect with the user support device 238. In implementations where the exit portal 228 includes at least one door, the user 600 may also open the at least one door or otherwise remove any barriers that may prevent the user 600 from descending from the nacelle 114. The user 600 may then exit the nacelle 114 and begin a descent toward the ground to escape from the hazard 602. In one or more additional implementations, the user 600 may descend from the nacelle 114 using the structure descent system when the hazard 602 is not present in the nacelle 114. In these scenarios, the structure descent system may provide an additional system to descend from the nacelle 114 with respect to a tower transport system that includes the ladder 210.

[055] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the nacelle 114 of the wind turbine 102 with the user 600 descending from the wind turbine 102 using a fully deployed structure descent system, according to one or more implementations. The illustrative example of FIG. 7 shows that the exit portal 228 includes at least one door 700 that has been opened by the user 600. Additionally, the illustrative example of FIG. 7 shows the user 600 in the initial stages of descent from the nacelle 114 of the wind turbine 102. As the user 600 descends from the nacelle 114, at least one of the additional support line 308, the first support line 242, or the second support line 244 may be in a load bearing position.

[056] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the anchor platform 122 and the user 600 descending toward the anchor platform 122 using the structure descent system, according to one or more implementations. The illustrative example of FIG. 8 shows the user 600 in the latter portion of descent from the wind turbine 102 toward the anchor platform 122. In one or more illustrative examples, a period of time for the user 600 to traverse the support lines 242, 244 from initially leaving the nacelle 114 to landing at the anchor platform 122 may be no greater than about 12 minutes, no greater than about 11 minutes, no greater than about 10 minutes, no greater than about 9 minutes, no greater than about 8 minutes, no greater than about 7 minutes, no greater than about 6 minutes, no greater than about 5 minutes, no greater than about 4 minutes, no greater than about 3 minutes, or no greater than about 2 minutes. In various examples, a period of time for the user 600 to traverse the support lines 242, 244 from initially leaving the nacelle 114 to landing at the anchor platform 122 may be from about 2 minutes to about 12 minutes, from about 4 minutes to about 8 minutes, from about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes, from about 2 minutes to about 5 minutes, or from about 5 minutes to about 8 minutes.

[057] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a method 900 to deploy and use a structure descent system, according to one or more implementations. The structure descent system can enable a worker in a nacelle to quickly descend from the nacelle in the event of a hazardous condition being present in the nacelle. The structure descent system can enable a quick escape from the nacelle due to the one or more support lines being deployed before the user ascends into the nacelle and because the user may simply clip into a harness or other user support device before descending from the nacelle. Thus, readying the structure descent system for descent from the nacelle may take a relatively short amount of time once the user is in the nacelle. Additionally, the structure descent system allows a user to travel at speeds along the one or more support line to reduce the time that the user spends travelling from the nacelle to the ground. Reducing the amount of time needed to descend from the nacelle may also reduce the possibility of the structure descent system being destroyed or otherwise becoming inoperable before the user reaches the ground due to the hazard taking place in the nacelle. In contrast, conventional systems typically take several minutes for a user to rig equipment that enables the user to rappel from the nacelle. Further, rappelling from the nacelle to the ground can take several minutes. Accordingly, in situations where time is of the essence for a user to descend from the nacelle, conventional systems often have multiple flaws. [058] The method 900 may include, at 902, lowering, using a controlled release system, one or more support lines and a weight coupled to the one or more support lines from a nacelle of a wind turbine to a base portion of a tower of the wind turbine. For example, a user may operate one or more controls located in the base portion of the tower of the wind turbine to lower the one or more support lines and the weight. In one or more illustrative examples, operating the one or more controls may cause signals to be sent to a winch system located in the nacelle to lower the one or more support lines. The weight may have a mass from about 100 kg to about 250 kg.

[059] Additionally, the method 900 may include, at 904, transporting the one or more support lines and the weight to an anchor platform that is located at least about 100 m from the base portion of the tower. In one or more illustrative examples, a vehicle may be used to transport the one or more support lines and the weight to the anchor platform. The vehicle may include a truck, a forklift, or a combination thereof. In one or more implementations, the vehicle may transport the weight and the one or more support lines a distance from about 100 m to about 1400 m from the base portion of the tower to the anchor platform. The distance between the base portion of the wind turbine and the anchor platform may be based on a height of the wind turbine. In various examples, the distance between the base portion of the wind turbine and the anchor platform may be less than a length of individual support lines of the one or more support lines when the one or more support lines are deployed.

[060] At 906, the method 900 may include coupling the one or more support lines to at least one anchor of the anchor platform. The one or more support lines may be uncoupled from the weight and then coupled to the at least one anchor. The one or more support lines may be coupled to the at least one anchor to produce a minimum amount of tension in the one or more support lines. For example, an amount of tension in the one or more support lines when coupled to the at least one anchor may be at least about 20,000 N. In one or more illustrative examples, a length of the one or more support lines in the deployed position may individually be at least about 100 m, at least about 250 m, at least about 500 m, at least about 750 m, at least about 1000 m, at least about 1250 m or at least about 1500 m. For example, a length of the one or more support wires in the deployed position may individually be from about 100 m to about 1500 m, from about 250 m to about 1250 m, or from about 750 m to about 1250 m.

[061] The method 900 may include a decision block 908 regarding whether the user is to exit directly from the nacelle using a structure descent system. In various examples, the user may exit directly from the nacelle when a hazard is present in the nacelle. In situations where the user exits directly from the nacelle using the structure descent system, the method 900 may move to 910 where the user exits the nacelle via an exit portal and engages the user support device. For example, the user can couple to or otherwise engage a harness coupled to the one or more support lines. Additionally, at 912, the method 900 may include activating a support line traversing device to transport the user from the nacelle to the anchor platform. To illustrate, the user may cause a trolley to begin traversing the one or more support lines. The user may then traverse the one or more support lines from the nacelle to the anchor platform. [062] In scenarios where the user does not exit directly from the nacelle, the method 900 may move to 914 where the one or more support lines are detached from the anchor. In one or more illustrative examples, the user may descend from the nacelle using a tower transport system that includes at least one of one or more elevators or one or more ladders. The user may then proceed to the anchor platform and detach the one or more support lines from the at least one anchor. The user may then couple the one or more support lines to the weight.

[063] At 916, the method 900 may include transporting the one or more support lines and the weight from the anchor platform to the base portion of the tower of the wind turbine. To illustrate, the user may operate a vehicle to transport the one or more support lines and the weight to a base portion of the tower.

[064] The method 900 may also include, at 918, raising the one or more support lines and the weight from the base portion of the tower to the nacelle. For example, the user may operate one or more controls located in the base portion of the tower to cause a winch system located in the nacelle to raise the one or more support lines and the weight up toward the nacelle. Operating the one or more controls may cause signals to be sent from a control system to the winch system to raise the one or more support lines and the weight. In this way, the one or more support lines may be cleared from the area surrounding the wind turbine until a user ascends into the nacelle at another time.

[065] Although at least a portion of the operations of the illustrative method 900 is described as being performed by a single user, in other implementations, multiple users may perform various operations of the illustrative method 900. For example, a first user may operate the controls to raise and/or lower the one or more support lines and the weight and a second user may transport the one or more support lines and the weight between the wind turbine and the anchor platform. [066] Although a flowchart or block diagram may illustrate a method as comprising sequential steps or a process as having a particular order of operations, many of the steps or operations in the flowchart(s) or block diagram(s) illustrated herein can be performed in parallel or concurrently, and the flowchart(s) or block diagram(s) should be read in the context of the various implementations of the present disclosure. In addition, the order of the method steps or process operations illustrated in a flowchart or block diagram may be rearranged for some implementations. Similarly, a method or process illustrated in a flow chart or block diagram could have additional steps or operations not included therein or fewer steps or operations than those shown. Moreover, a method step may correspond to a method, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. [067] As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “generally” refer to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is “substantially” or “generally” enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have generally the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of “substantially” or “generally” is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, implementation, or composition that is “substantially free of’ or “generally free of’ an element may still actually contain such element as long as there is generally no significant effect thereof.

In the foregoing description various implementations of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various implementations were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various implementations with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.

Example Implementations

[068] Implementation 1. A structure descent system configured to cause a user to descend from a structure, the structure descent system comprising: a controlled release system configured to lower one or more support lines, the one or more support lines having a length of at least about 100 meters; a support line traversing device coupled to the one or more support lines; a user support device coupled to the support line traversing device, the user support device configured to transport a user as the support line traversing device descends from the structure; and a weight coupled to the one or more support lines, the weight having a mass from about 100 kilograms (kg) to about 250 kg.

[069] Implementation 2. The structure descent system of implementation 1, wherein: the support line traversing device includes a trolley; the one or more support lines are coupled to the trolley via a pulley; the one or more support lines individually include a steel cable; and the user support device includes a harness. [070] Implementation 3. The structure descent system of implementation 1 or 2, wherein the controlled release system includes: a plurality of pulleys that support the one or more support lines; and an additional weight, wherein the weight is coupled to one or more first ends of the one or more support lines and the additional weight is coupled to one or more second ends of the one or more support lines.

[071] Implementation 4. The structure descent system of any one of implementations 1-3, wherein the controlled release system includes a winch system coupled to a control system, the control system being configured to send signals to the winch system to cause the one or more support lines to be lowered. [072] Implementation 5 The structure descent system of any one of implementations 1-4, comprising an anchor platform including one or more anchors to secure the one or more support lines; and wherein a distance between the structure and the anchor platform is less than the length of the one or more support lines in a deployed position.

[073] Implementation 6. The structure descent system of implementation 5, wherein an amount of tension in a support line of the one or more support lines when coupled to at least one anchor of the one or more anchors is at least 20,000 Newtons.

[074] Implementation 7. The structure descent system of implementation 5 or 6, wherein a difference between natural sag and loaded sag of a support line of the one or more support lines coupled to at least one anchor of the one or more anchors is no greater than about 4 meters. [075] Implementation 8. The structure descent system of any one of implementations 5-7, wherein the one or more anchors individually include a helical anchor.

[076] Implementation 9. The structure descent system of any one of implementations 5-8, wherein: the structure is a first wind turbine, the one or more support lines are one or more first support lines, and the one or more first support lines are coupled to at least one first helical anchor of the anchor platform, and at least one second helical anchor of the anchor platform is coupled to a second wind turbine via one or more second support lines.

[077] Implementation 10. A wind turbine comprising: a tower; and a nacelle coupled to the tower, the nacelle having a structure descent system to cause a user to descend from the nacelle, the structure descent system comprising: a controlled release system configured to lower one or more support lines in response to one or more signals received from a control system located in a base portion of the tower, a support line traversing device coupled to the one or more support lines, the support line traversing device configured to traverse at least one support line of the one or more support lines; a user support device coupled to the support line traversing device, the user support device configured to transport a user as the support line traversing device traverses the at least one support line of the one or more support lines; and a weight coupled to the one or more support lines, the weight having a mass from about 100 kilograms (kg) to about 250 kg.

[078] Implementation 11. The wind turbine of implementation 10, comprising: a rotor coupled to a first end of the nacelle; a plurality of blades coupled to the rotor; and an exit portal formed in a second end of the nacelle, the second end being substantially opposite the first end.

[079] Implementation 12. The wind turbine of implementation 11, wherein: the tower includes a tower transport apparatus having a first portion located in the base portion of the tower and a second portion located proximate to the nacelle; the nacelle includes an access portal located in a floor of the nacelle, the access portal providing access to an interior of the nacelle and the second portion of the tower transport apparatus; and a generator is located in the nacelle with at least a portion of the generator being located between the access portal and the exit portal. [080] Implementation 13. The wind turbine of implementation 12, wherein: the exit portal includes a door; and the one or more support lines extend outside of the nacelle through an opening in the door.

[081] Implementation 14. The wind turbine of any one of implementations 10- 13, wherein: the nacelle includes an outer shell; a support structure is coupled to the outer shell; and the controlled release system includes a winch system coupled to the support structure.

[082] Implementation 15. The wind turbine of implementation 14, wherein: the structure descent system includes a housing that is coupled to the outer shell; the housing includes an additional support line; and the additional support line is coupled to the support line traversing device and is configured as a braking line to control a speed of the support line traversing device.

[083] Implementation 16. A method comprising: operating a control system located in a base portion of a tower of a wind turbine to lower, using a controlled release system, one or more support lines and a weight coupled to the one or more support lines from a nacelle of the wind turbine to the base portion of the tower; transporting the one or more support lines and the weight to an anchor platform, the anchor platform including one or more anchors, and a distance between the wind turbine and the anchor platform being at least about 100 m; and coupling the one or more support lines to at least one anchor of the one or more anchors.

[084] Implementation 17. The method of implementation 16, comprising operating a support line traversing device to transport a user from the nacelle to the anchor platform via the one or more support lines, the user being carried by a harness coupled to the support line traversing device.

[085] Implementation 18. The method of implementation 17, wherein a length of the one or more support lines individually is at least about 200 meters in a deployed position and the user is transported from the nacelle to the anchor platform in a period of time that is no greater than about 2 minutes.

[086] Implementation 19. The method of any one of implementations 16-18, wherein the one or more support lines are coupled to the at least one anchor by detaching the one or more support lines from the weight.

[087] Implementation 20. The method of implementation 16, comprising: uncoupling the one or more support lines from the at least one anchor; coupling the one or more support lines to the weight; transporting the one or more support lines and the weight from the anchor platform to the base portion of the tower; and raising, using the controlled release system, the one or more support lines and the weight from the base portion of the tower to the nacelle.