Canada-based LiftWerx Solutions has partnered with wind turbine manufacturer Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) to develop what it claims is the world’s highest capacity up-tower lifting device.
The RotorHook has a lifting capacity of 75 tonnes and will be able to lower and lift a fully-assembled wind turbine rotor and main shaft, which LiftWerx claims removes the need to utilise a large conventional crane on the ground.
The device can also be mobilised to site in only three standard ISO containers.
Ted Pruss, director of SGRE’s North American operations, said: “This is a big step forward for the industry where continuous innovation and lowering the cost of energy continue to be market drivers.”
President of LiftWerx, Glen Aitken, commented: “We chose to partner with Siemens Gamesa because of its their continuously widening global presence and proven track record.
"Operationally, this device will perform lifts from within the nacelle which were previously unachievable, and we are looking forward to progressing with the project and executing the first lifts in Colorado, USA.”
The RotorHook is scheduled for launch in the second quarter of 2019. The Kenz-Figee Group, in close cooperation with Eager.One, will perform the design and production of the RotorHook.
LiftWerx, Eager.One, and Kenz-Figee are subsidiaries of the MeeMaken Group.
