They are made to be caught as best as possible by the wind, but when wind turbine blades are to be installed, a swinging turbine blade in the crane's wire is not the case. Normally, this is solved by four men on the ground holding onto lines in a tag-line system that is fastened to the wing. Even though these are very long lines of over 150 meters, and they are heavy blades, it can be done on land that way.
However, there are areas where the so-called "hard stand" is minimal in size. This is the working area on the ground when a turbine is being set up. This means that it is difficult or completely impossible to find space for the men with the lines if the wind turbine is being set up in mountainous areas, forest areas or other difficult-to-access areas.
That is why the idea for a drone that can adjust for fluctuations and the initial development of the product at Vestas arose. However, the wind turbine manufacturer chose not to complete the development of the drone itself, as it lies outside the company's core area of wind turbine production. However, the idea and need were so good and necessary that Hvide Sande Shipyard was asked if they would take over and complete the development of the idea in 2018.
Today, "Hummer", as the autonomous positioning system (APS) drone has been named, has long since seen the light of day at Hvide Sande Shipyard.
- The interest has been enormous. We have received inquiries from all major European and American wind turbine manufacturers about "Hummer". Here is a safer way to install the blades, and "Hummer" is made so that it can be placed on all kinds of lifting yokes. It should be remembered that large, heavy blades are difficult to navigate without the “Hummer”, explains Thomas Halkjær Kristensen, head of steel department at Hvide Sande Shipyard.
The easier navigation of blades will in most cases also mean that the crane’s efforts can be made more efficient.
“Hummer” is simply placed on the lifting yoke, and a shielded rotor at each end of the yoke steers the blades into place quietly and completely stably. The blade never has time to be taken by the wind before “Hummer” has time to adjust and keep it calm and stable during the lift with the crane.
- There are two remote controls. There is an operator on the ground, and when the lift is about halfway, the other operator takes over up in the turbine. It is either possible to use an automatic setting or manually. The operator decides what is best to use – but 95 percent uses the automatic function, says Thomas Halkjær Kristensen.
Also on the way offshore
While “Hummer” was originally intended for onshore blade installation, what is completely new is that the first shipping company has purchased one of the drones from Hvide Sande Shipyard.
- The shipping company Ziton has just purchased one for their ships that do repairs and maintenance on offshore wind turbines. Here is a system that can help them with all types of wind turbines, that can help them with safe, quiet and stable lifting of all types of turbines. I am convinced that wind is only the beginning of this adventure. “Hummer” can install at all angles and degrees. We can also install nacelles, drive trains, generators and the hub, says Thomas Halkjær Kristensen.
Every time a “Hummer” is sold from Hvide Sande Shipyard, royalties must be paid to Vestas. But there are exceptions.
- Vestas receives royalties every time we sell a lobster to the wind turbine industry, but not when we sell to other industries. We see great opportunities for using the system in high-rise construction and bridge construction. Only imagination sets the limits. In theory, it can be used anywhere there is construction, says Thomas Halkjær Kristensen, who for now is pleased with the primary intended area of focus.
- It was really well thought out by Vestas, as we can see from all the inquiries we receive. This makes the installation safer for both people and the blades, concludes Thomas Halkjær Kristensen.
Here is Hvide Sande Shipyard's yellow "Hummer" at work near a motorway, where the blade is guided safely, quickly and efficiently into place by the two rotors. Photo: Hvide Sande Shipyard
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