Netherlands-based Huisman has received an order for the delivery of a Travelling Load Stabilising System, which will be integrated into both of Havfram’s leg encircling cranes that exceed 3,000 tonnes – its NG-20000X-HF wind turbine installation vessels.
The Travelling Load Stabilising System allows Havfram to stabilise wind turbine components during installation. These are mainly blades, but also nacelles and tower segments.
A collaboration between Huisman, Siemens Gamesa and Vestas, the patented mechanism has the objective of lessening safety risks, reducing cycle times, and increasing workability during the installation of components. The system is being implemented by other turbine manufacturers too.
Two pairs of tuggers work together to control the position of the load, with one fitted on independent trolleys that can move along an integrated rail along the crane’s boom. There is more reliable and effective control due to the rigid connection between the rail and the boom.
With the trolleys automatically following the main block to sustain an optimal tugger line configuration, the second pair of tugger lines is deployed from the tip of the crane to provide a force perpendicular to the first pair of tuggers. Because of this, there is more control than a standard single pair of tuggers.
The position of the load is held by a specially designed control system, which equates to a stiffer restraint, and consequently a higher position accuracy compared to regular tugger systems that rely on constant tension. If overloaded, the system will give way and then return to its position setpoint when the force drops below the limit again.
The Travelling Load Stabilising System can be operated both from the crane cabins and from an optional walk around box.
Huisman – at its production facility in Zhangzhou, China – is currently constructing its leg encircling cranes and auxiliary crane packages. Once completed, they will be delivered to Yantai CIMC Raffles Offshore, where they will be installed on the NG-2000X-HF wind turbine installation vessels being built for Havfram.
