Wind turbine installation has always been a challenge due to the movement of blades caused by wind load. To address this issue, Siemens Gamesa has partnered with Huisman to develop a Travelling Load Stabilising System. The system can stabilise not only the blades of offshore wind turbines but also nacelles and tower segments during installation.
The Travelling Load Stabilising System consists of two pairs of tuggers, working in unison to control the position of the load. One pair is installed on independent trolleys that can travel along an integrated rail along the crane’s stiff boom. The trolleys can automatically follow the main block to maintain an optimal tugger line configuration. The second pair of tugger lines is deployed from the crane tip, providing a force perpendicular to the first pair of tuggers.
Jesper Moeller, Chief Engineer Execution at Siemens Gamesa, commented on the new system: “This is crucial for the technical readiness of next-generation offshore wind turbine installations, even under challenging wind conditions. The resulting increase in installation uptime will be accompanied by a positive effect on the operational activities in general, as well as increased on-site safety.”
Siemens Gamesa sees the Travelling Load Stabilising System as a potentially new industry standard with benefits for the whole wind industry. The system provides significantly more control than a conventional single pair of tuggers, and therefore could lead to more productive vessel days and reduced (de-)mobilisation times. As a result, the availability of the new system on installation vessel cranes will be a significant factor in decision-making when selecting/hiring appropriate installation vessels in the future.
The Travelling Load Stabilising System is designed to be an integral part of the crane and can be operated from the crane’s cabin as well as an optional walk around box (WAB). With the new system, the wind industry can increase the integrity of delicate wind turbine components, reduce operational downtime, and improve safety during offshore wind turbine installations.
Siemens Gamesa and Huisman’s collaboration on the Travelling Load Stabilising System demonstrates the industry’s commitment to continuously improve wind turbine technology, making renewable energy more accessible and efficient for everyone.
As Jesper Moeller summarised, “Siemens Gamesa is excited to be part of this development, which we see as a step forward in making the installation of wind turbines even safer and more efficient.”
