METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSPORTING AND MOUNTING OFFSHORE WIND GENERATORS

Abstract

A method and apparatus for transporting and mounting wind generators onto support structures is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for transporting a wind generator from an onshore location onto a water vessel. In addition, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for mounting a wind generator, located on a water vessel, onto a support structure. The method an apparatus is capable of transporting and mounting one or more assembled or partially assembled wind generators.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to transporting and mounting wind generators onto support structures. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transporting one or more wind generators from an onshore location to an offshore support structure. Moreover, the present invention provides for a method and apparatus for mounting a wind generator onto an offshore support structure.

2. Related Art

In recent years there has been an increased focus on renewable energy, with particular interest given to wind energy. Current forms of wind energy generation rely on a wind generator to harness the wind's power. Given that wind currents over open water are often stronger and more consistent, there has been a recent push to erect wind generators in open water.

One big hurdle which must be overcome in order for large scale offshore wind generation to become a reality is the development of an efficient means of installing wind generators in open water. Weather conditions at sea often create unpredictable and significant obstacles thereby reducing the time with which installation crews can safely work at sea. In addition, the use of cranes during the offshore installation process often has significant economic impact on the viability of an installation project.

Each offshore wind generator is mounted onto a support structure. Sometimes referred to as a “jacket”, a support structure is usually prefabricated at an onshore location and transported to its offshore location through use of a barge. The term “support structure” is intended to include, but is not limited to, a device capable of supporting the weight of an object, such as a wind generator. As described in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a support structure 100 may include one or more support legs 102 and a mounting point 104. In some embodiments of the support structure 100, the mounting point 104 includes a crown 106. The crown 106 provides an area in which a mast of a wind generator can be inserted to form a friction connection between the mast of the wind generator and the support structure 100. This friction connection may provide some or all of the force necessary to secure the wind generator to the support structure 100. In embodiments where the crown 106 does not provide the force necessary to secure the wind generator, the wind generator will be secured through use of methods known to one skilled in the art. The form of the support structure 100 may vary however each variation will provide a solid foundation upon which a wind generator can be mounted. Examples of possible support structure forms are single mono-poles, 3 legged truss, or 4 legged truss structures. The support structures 100 may be equipped with commonly used marine fender systems in order to reduce any adverse effects caused as a result of friction between a support structure 100 and other objects, such as a water vessel. The fending system may provide a temporarily mooring means to allow a water vessel to be moored to the support structure 100.

Once the barge transporting the support structure 100 has arrived at the erection site, the support structure 100 is removed from the deck of the barge and placed into the water. Removal of the support structure 100 from the deck of the barge is usually accomplished through use of a crane. The crane is capable of lifting the support structure 100 from the deck of the barge and placing it into the water. Once in the water, the support structure 100 is secured to the sea floor. The tern “sea floor” is intended to include, but is not limited to the surface at the bottom of the sea, ocean, or other body of water. In order to secure the support structure I 00 to the sea floor, the legs of the support structure 100 are mounted onto foundation piles which have been driven into the sea floor. Marine grout is utilized to secure the support structure 100 onto the foundation piles.

With the support structures 100 in place, the focus of constructing an offshore wind farm turns to mounting the wind generator onto the support structure 100. Current methods of mounting a wind generator onto the support structure 100 often require the use of a crane. These cranes are used to maneuver the wind generators into a position where the wind generator can be secured onto a support structure. Given that proper alignment is critical to successfully securing a wind generator onto the support structure 100, the crane must provide exact positioning in order to effectively mount a wind generator onto the support structure 100. With many environmental factors at play in an open water installation project, proper alignment by a waler bound crane is often difficult and time consuming.

Given the need to establish an effective means of installing an offshore wind generator, highly specialized sea vessels had begun to be developed. However, current methods of installing offshore wind generators fail to meet all of the current demands required of an effective installation method. More specifically, current methods fail to provide a means of installing multiple assembled or partially assembled wind generators from a single vessel, without the aid of an offshore crane.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for mounting one or more generators on support structures. In one embodiment of the present invention, two primary functions are performed: (1) transferring one or more assembled or partially assembled wind generators from and onshore location onto a water vessel, and (2) mounting the one or more assembled or partially assembled wind generators from a water vessel onto the one or more support structures.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, transfer of the assembled or partially assembled wind generators from onshore on a water vessel is accomplished through the use of rail guided tractors that secure the assembled or partially assembled wind generators onshore and travel along a rail system extending to a water vessel. Once the rail guided tractor has transported the wind generator onto a water vessel, the water vessel is free to travel, with the wind generator on deck, to its intended destination.

In an embodiment of the current invention, transfer of the wind generator from the water vessel onto the support structure 100 is accomplished by engaging the water vessel with the support structure 100 and raising the water vessel to a mounting height. With the water vessel positioned at the appropriate vertical height, the rail guided tractor positions the wind generator above the support structure 100. The wind generator is then vertically lowered from its suspended position thereby mounting the wind generator onto the support structure 100. Once the support mast of the wind generator has been securely mounted onto the support structure 100, the rail mounted tractor will disengage from the support mast of the wind generator. Finally, the water vessel is returned to its floating position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more readily understood from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments presented below considered in conjunction with the attached drawings, of which;

FIG. 1 is a side view of a three legged support structure, according to an embodiment of the prior art;

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a wind generator, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the top portion of a transfer tractor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the bottom portion of a transfer tractor, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of a mechanism for vertically maneuvering the transfer tractor platform, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a transfer tractor platform configures for circular motion, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a water vessel, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the elements utilized in the process of transporting a wind generator from an onshore location onto a water vessel;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a water vessel engaged with a support structure, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a water vessel positioned at a mounting height, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of transporting, from an onshore location, one or more assembled or near assembled wind generators and mounting the one or more assembled or near assembled wind generators onto one or more support structures. This is accomplished through the use of a single water vessel and without substantial aid from an offshore crane. The term “onshore” is intended to include, but is not limited to, an area of land in close proximity to a body of water. The term “offshore” is intended to include, but in not limited to, a geographic area which is surrounded by water.

FIG. 2 describes, in general terms, the individual steps with comprise one embodiment of the current invention. FIG. 2 illustrates a process flow diagram for a method of transporting one or more assembled or near assembled wind generators from an onshore location and mounting the one or more assembled or near assembled wind generators onto one or more support structures at offshore locations.

The term “wind generator” is intended to include, but is not limited to, a device for converting wind power into electrical energy. As shown in FIG. 3, an embodiment of a wind generator 300 may include a support mast 302, a plurality of rotor blades 304, and a gearbox 306. In addition, the term “partially assembled wind generator” is intended to include, but is not limited to, a wind generator which does not require the substantial construction to complete its assembly. From herein, unless specifically state, the term wind generator will refer to both a partially assembled wind generator as well as a wind generator that does not require additional assembly.

The method 200, shown in FIG. 2, begins with the transport of one or more wind generators from an onshore location to a water vessel 202. In one embodiment of the current invention, the wind generators 300 are primarily moved through use of transport units. The two most commonly used transport units are a yard tractor and transfer tractor. The term “yard tractor” is intended to include, but is not limited to, a unit capable of seizing the wind generator 300, transporting the seized wind generator 300 to a second location, and releasing contact with the wind generator 300 at the second location while ensuring that the wind generator 300 remains erect. A yard tractor can be self propelled, propelled by an external source, or a hybrid of the two. The yard tractor is fitted with the appropriate foundation as to enables it to travel along rail segments.

A second type of transport unit is a transfer tractor. The term “transfer tractor” is intended to include, but is not limited to, a unit capable of seizing the wind generator 300, transporting the seized wind generator 300 to a second location, and releasing contact with the wind generator 300. The transfer tractor 400, described further in FIG. 4A and 4B, is fitted with the appropriate foundation as to enables it to travel along rail segments. In addition to being capable of traveling along rail segments, in some embodiments of the current invention, the transfer tractor 400 is capable of moving in directions not governed by a rail segment. This includes the ability to rotate in a circular motion. In some embodiments, the transfer tractor 400 may have the capability to raise and lower a wind generator 300 relative to the surface of the water. A transfer tractor 400 can be self propelled, propelled by an external source, or a hybrid of the two.

FIG. 4A and 4B illustrates an embodiment of the transfer tractor 400. The elements of the transfer tractor 400 are built around the transfer tractor platform 402. The transfer tractor platform 402 has a top portion 404 and a bottom portion 406. Located on the top portion 404 of the transfer tractor platform 402 is a staging layer 408, one or more support arms 410, and one or more attachment units 412. The staging layer 412 acts an intermediary between the transfer tractor platform 402 and the support arms 410. In some embodiments of the transfer tractor 400, the staging layer 412 provides increased movement for the transfer tractor 400. In such embodiments, the staging layer 412 is equipped for circular motion atop the transfer tractor platform 402, thereby allowing the support arms 410 to move in a circular motion. An embodiment of the transfer tractor 400 fit for circular motion is further described in FIG. 4D. One or more attachment units 412 are located on top of the staging layer 408. The attachment units 412 acts as the connection point between the staging layer 408 and each individual support arm 410.

In an embodiment of the transfer tractor 400 lacking the staging layer 408, the attachment units 412 will be directly connected or integrated into the transfer tractor platform 402. Each support arm 410 has a first end 414 and a second end 416. The first end 414 of the support arm 410 is connected to an attachment unit 412 while the second end 416 of the support arm 410 is used as the contact point between the support arm 410 and the wind generator 300. In the current embodiment of the transfer tractor 400, the first end 414 of each support arm 410 is pivotally connected to an attachment unit 412. This pivot connection secures the support arm 410 to the attachment unit 412 while providing the support arm 410 the ability to move about the pivot point. The second end 416 of the support arm 410 provides the contact point between the support arm 410 and the wind generator 300. When the mast 302 of the wind generators 300 is in a secured position within the transfer tractor 400, the one or more support arms 410 provide the support as to ensure that the wind generator 300 remains erect. This is accomplished through use of friction contact between the second end 416 of the support arm 410 and the mast 302 of the wind generator 300. In embodiments where the friction connection between the second end 416 of the support arms 410 and the mast 302 of the wind generator 302 fail to provide adequate force to ensure that the wind generator 300 remains secure, additional securing means know to one skilled in the art may be used.

Located on the bottom portion 406 of the transfer tractor platform 402, described in FIG. 4B, are one or more transfer tractor rails 418 and one or more rail units 420. The one or more transfer tractor rails 418 are rail segments secured to the bottom portion of the transfer tractor platform 402. The one or more transfer tractor rail units 420 are slidably connected to both an onshore or water vessel rail segment, as well as, the transfer tractor rail units 418. The slidable connection between the transfer tractor rail unit 418 and the onshore or water vessel rail segments enables the transfer tractor rail unit 418 to slide along the onshore or water vessel rail segment thereby moving the transfer tractor 400. This movement of the transfer tractor 400 may be from a first onshore location to a second onshore location, from an onshore location to a water vessel, or from a first location on a water vessel to a second location on a water vessel. In contrast, the slidable connection between the transfer tractor rail units 420 and the transfer tractor rail segments 418 allows the transfer tractor rail units 420 to slide along the transfer tractor rail segment 418 thereby moving the transfer tractor platform 402 relative to the onshore or water vessel rail segment. This movement may be perpendicular to the onshore or water vessel rail segments.

FIG. 4C illustrates an embodiment of the transfer tractor where the transfer tractor platform 402 is capable of vertical motion. The vertical motion is facilitated through the use of one or more hydraulic cylinders 422. The hydraulic cylinders 422 arc capable of exerting the necessary force to vertically maneuver the transfer tractor platform. 402. In addition, the hydraulic cylinders 422 are fit to vertically maneuver the transfer tractor 400 in the event that the transfer tractor 400 has seized a wind generator 300. In the current embodiment, there is a first end of the hydraulic cylinder 424, a second end of the hydraulic cylinder 426, and a piston 428. The first end of the hydraulic cylinder 424 is fixedly connected to the transfer tractor rails 418. The second end of the hydraulic cylinder 422 is fixedly connected to the transfer tractor platform 402. As illustrated in the embodiment in FIG. 4C, the second end of the hydraulic cylinder 426 may be fixedly connected to the interior of the transfer tractor platform 402. The piston 428 is slidably connected to the interior of the second end of the hydraulic cylinder 424. As illustrated in the FIG. 4C, in the extended position, the piston 428 slides from its location within the second end of the hydraulic cylinder 424 and therefore forces the transfer tractor platform 402 to a vertically suspended position above the transfer tractor rail segments 418. In order to facilitate the lowering of the transfer tractor platform 402, the piston 428 returns to its position within the second end of the hydraulic cylinder 426, thereby causing the transfer tractor platform 402 to descend vertically. Other methods could be used to vertically maneuver the transfer tractor platform 402. This may include the use of a rack and pinion system. Other methods know to one skilled in the art may be utilized to vertically manipulate the transfer tractor platform 402.

In addition to vertical motion, the transfer tractor 400 may be capable of facilitating circular motion. FIG. 4D illustrates an embodiment of the transfer tractor 400, where the staging layer 408 is capable of circular motion. In the embodiment described in FIG. 4D, the staging layer 408 is slidably connected to the transfer tractor platform 402, thereby enabling the staging layer 408 to rotate in a circular direction atop the transfer tractor platform 402. The staging layer 408 and the transfer tractor platform 402 may be slidably connected through use of a dedicated sliding pad, lubricated surface, slewing bearings, or other means known to one skilled in the art. One or more stabilizers 432 are fixedly attached to the transfer tractor platform 402 in order the help secure the staging layer 408. A portion of the edge of the staging layer 408 will be slidably secured by the one or more stabilizers 432. The circular motion of the staging layer 408 may be powered through use of one or more hydraulic cylinders 430. Each hydraulic cylinder 430 has a first end 434 and a second end 436. The first end 434 is fixedly connected to the transfer tractor platform 402, while the second end 436 is connected to the staging layer 408. Through the expansion and contraction of the hydraulic cylinder 430, circular motion of the staging layer 408 is initiated. This circular motion could also be facilitated through use of a rack and pinion system or other means known to one skilled in art.

A water vessel used in the process of transporting the wind generator 300. The term “water vessel” is intended to include, but is not limited to, a structure which is fit for water based travel, as is known to one skilled in the art. As described in FIG. 5, an embodiment of the water vessel 500 may include a platform 502, one or more retractable legs 504, one or more pairs of water vessel rail segments 506, and one or more staging points 508. The water vessel 500 can be self propelled, propelled by an external source, or a hybrid of the two. The platform 502 provides the buoyancy which allows the water vessel to float. In addition, the platform 502 acts as the mounting point for other elements that make up the water vessel, such as the one or more retractable legs 504 and a pair of water vessel rail segments 506. The one or more retractable legs 504 are used in the process of lifting the water vessel from the surface of the water. The one or more retractable legs 504 are slidably connected to the platform 502, therefore the retractable legs 504 can travel through the body of the platform 502. The retractable legs 504 have three primary states, upward, downward, and transition.

In FIG. 5, the retractable legs 504 are in the upward position. In the upward position, the retractable legs 504 are primarily above the deck of the platform 502. When the retractable legs 504 are in the downward state, the retractable legs 504 are primarily below the platform 502 and have engaged with a sea floor. While in the transition state, the retractable legs 504 are in the process of moving between the upward state and downward state or vice versa. The retractable legs 504 are used as the support legs for the raised water vessel. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 also describes a platform which includes one pair of water vessel rail segments 506. The pair of water vessel rail segments 506 is located on the deck of the platform 502 and provides a channel by which objects can travel. The pair of water vessel rail segments 506 span the length of the platform 502 and are securely attached to the water vessel 500. The platform 502 described in FIG. 5 includes two staging points 508. The staging points 508 provide a point at which the water vessel 500 can engage with the support structure 100. The staging points comprise an area of water vessel 500 where a platform 502 gives way to an opening which provides a point at which the water vessel can partially surround the support structure 100. At either end of the platform 502, the pair of water vessel rail segments 506 straddle the staging points 508. This configuration of having the pair of water vessel rail segments 506 straddling the staging points 508 allows for a device traveling on the water vessel rail segments 506 to position itself above the staging points 508. When the water vessel 500 is positioned above the support structure 300, a staging point 508 provides a point at which a device traveling on the water vessel rail segment 506 can position itself above the support structure 300. This allows a transfer tractor 400, carrying a wind generator 200, to position the wind generator 200 directly above the support structure 100.

FIG. 6 shows the elements employed in the process of transporting the wind generator from an onshore location onto the water vessel, as in step 202. The wind generator 300 is first transported to a transfer support 602. The transfer support 602 is a means configured to maintain a wind generator 300 in an upright position. The transfer support 602 is utilized to facilitate transfer of the wind generator 300 from one transport unit to another.

A yard tractor 604 shown in FIG. 6 will transport the wind generator 300 to the transfer support 602. The yard tractor 604 is configured to slide along a yard rail segment 606 in order to facilitate in the transportation of the wind generator 300. The yard tractor 604 will travel along the rail segment 606 to the location of the wind generator 300. The yard tractor 604 will seize the wind generator 300 and transport the wind generator 300 to the transfer support 602. Upon arrival at the transfer support 602, the wind generator 300 will be secured onto the transfer support 602. Once the wind generator 300 is secured onto the transfer support 602, the yard tractor 604 will release its contact with the wind generator 300 and the wind generator 300 will remain on the transfer support 602.

Following the positioning on the transfer support 602, transport of the wind generator 300 from its onshore location to a water vessel 500 continues with the movement of the wind generator 300 by way of the transfer tractor 400.

Step 202 within method 200 continues with the transportation of the wind generator 300 from the transfer support 602 onto the water vessel 500 In order to enable the transfer tractor 400 to travel from an onshore location to the water vessel 500, the onshore rail system 606 and the water vessel rail segment 506 must be aligned. The use of a guide system may aid in the alignment of the onshore rail segment 606 and the water vessel rail segment 506. In certain embodiment of the invention, a portion of the onshore rail segment 606 may be capable of lateral movement in order to facilitate alignment between the onshore rail segment 606 and the water vessel rail segment 506. This alignment between the onshore rail segment 606 and the water vessel rail segment 506 allows for the transfer tractor 400 to travel along the rail system onto the water vessel 500. The transfer tractor 500 may remain on the water vessel 300 in order to facilitate addition movement, as well as mounting, of the wind generator 300.

In an alternative embodiment, the transfer support 602 and yard tractor 604 may not be required in order to transport the wind generator 300 from an onshore location onto the water vessel 500. In such an embodiment, the transfer tractor 400 seizes the wind generator 300 at an onshore location. Once the transfer tractor 400 has seized the wind generator 300, the transfer tractor 400 travels along the rail system 606 until the transfer tractor 400 has traveled onto the water vessel 500. The transfer tractor 400 may remain on the water vessel 500 in order to further maneuver the wind generator 300 and mount the wind generator 300 onto the support structure 100. In an embodiment of the current invention where the water vessel 500 simultaneously transports more than one wind generator 300, a second transfer tractor 400 will retrieve a second wind generator 300 from an onshore location and transport the second wind generator 300 onto the water vessel 500. This process is repeated from each wind generator 300 to be transported and mounted.

After the wind generator is loaded onto the water vessel 500, method 200 continues with step 204; the water vessel travels to and aligns with the support structure. In order for the water vessel 500 to facilitate the mounting of a wind generator 300 onto the support structure 100, the water vessel 500 must engage with the support structure 100. As shown in FIG. 5, a water vessel may include one or more staging points 508. Staging points 508 are locations where the water vessel 500 can partially surround the support structure 100. Therefore, in the current embodiment of the present invention, the water vessel 500 will approach the support structure 100 and continues to travel until a staging point 508 partially surrounds the support structure 100. FIG. 7 illustrates a water vessel 500 engaged with the support structure 100. When the water vessel 500 and the support structure 100 are engaged, as described in FIG. 7, the staging point 508 will partially surround the support structure 100. In order to properly align the water vessel 500 with the support structure 100 mooring lines may be utilized. The mooring lines may act to temporarily connect the water vessel 500 with the support structure 100. In the engaged position, the water vessel rail segment 506 located on the platform 502 will straddle the support structure 100.

Once the water vessel 500 has engaged with the support structure 300, method 200 continues when the water vessel is raised vertically, at step 206, to a mounting height, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The term “mounting height” is intended to include, but is not limited to, a height which is at or above the height at which the support structure 300 extends beyond the surface of the water. The process of raising the water vessel 500 to a mounting height is accomplished through the use of the one or more retractable support legs 504 which are elements of the water vessel 500. In order to raise the water vessel 500 vertically, the retractable support legs 504 descend vertically from their upward position until the retractable legs 504 make contact with a surface which can provide a substantial foundation to support the raised water vessel 500. With the retractable support legs 504 firmly in contact with a surface which can provide a foundation for the raised water vessel 500, the water vessel is hoisted to a mounting height. Methods known to one skilled in the art are employed to hoist the water vessel to a mounting height. Once the water vessel 500 is in position, the transfer tractor 400 is free to maneuver along the water vessel rail segments 506 and position itself above the staging area 508 and the support structure 100.

With the water vessel 500 raised vertically, at step 206, to a mounting height, method 200 continues when the wind generator is then mounted onto the support structure at step 208. With the water vessel 500 in positioned at or above the height of the support structure 100, the staging point 508 will be partially above the support structure 100, as illustrated in FIG. 8. Positioning the staging point 508, so that it is partially above the support structure 100, allows the transfer tractor 400 to travel along the water vessel rail segment 506 and position the wind generator 300 above the support structure 100. Positioning the wind generator 300 above the support structure 100 allows for the wind generator 300 to be easily mounted onto the support structure 100. Once the wind generator 300 is positioned above the support structure 100, there are multiple ways in which the wind generator 300 can be mounted onto the support structure 100.

In one embodiment of the current invention, the transfer tractor 400 lowers the mast of the wind generator 300 into the crown 106 of the support structure 100. Lowering of the wind generator 300 may be accomplished by lowering the transfer tractor platform 402 through use of the one or more hydraulic cylinders 422, or other methods of vertically maneuvering the transfer tractor platform 402. As the transfer tractor 400 lowers the mast of the wind generator 300 into the crown 106 of the support structure 100, a friction connection between the inside of the crown 106 and the outside of the wind generator mast 302 is created. Further lowering of the wind generator 300 by the transfer tractor 400 allows for this friction connection to build until the friction connection is strong enough to provide a sufficient foundation to ensure that the wind generator 300 will remain stable atop the support structure 100. In some instances where a friction connection is not used, or where a friction connection alone will not support the wind generator 300, other known securing methods may be used.

An alternative method of mounting the wind generator 300 onto the support structure 100 is to lower the entire water vessel 500. As is the case when the wind generator 300 is lowered by the transfer tractor 400, this embodiment begins with the transfer tractor 400 positioning the wind generator 300 above the support structure 100. However, in this embodiment, the entire water vessel 500 will be lowered thereby forcing the mast 302 of the wind generator 500 into the crown 106 of the support structure 100. Utilizing the same machinery which hoisted the water vessel 500 to a mounting height, the water vessel 500 is lowered along the retractable support legs 504 until the friction connection between the mast 302 of the wind generator 300 and the crown 306 of the support structure 300 provide a stable foundation for the wind generator 300 to remain firmly atop the support structure 100. In some instances where a friction connection is not used, or where a friction connection alone will not support the wind generator 300, other known securing methods may be used.

The wind generator 300 could also be lowered through a combination of lowering the water vessel 500 as well as vertically maneuvering the transfer tractor platform 402.

Once the wind generator 300 is mounted on the support structure 108, method 200 is completed when the water vessel 500 returns to the floating position, at step 210. This begins with the transfer tractor 400 releasing its contact with the mast 302 of the wind generator 300. After the transfer tractor 400 releases contact with the mast 302 of the wind generator 300, the transfer tractor 400 travels along the water vessel rail segment 506 away from the support structure 100. Moving the transfer tractor 400 away from the support structure 100 will allow for the water vessel 500 to lower itself to a floating position without coming in contact with the support structure 100. The term “floating position” is intended to include, but is not limited to, the naturally buoyant position of an object on the surface of a body of water.

With the transfer tractor 400 free from obstructing the lowering of the water vessel 500, the current method 200 beings the step of returning the water vessel to the floating position, as in step 210. The water vessel 500 is first lowered to the surface of the water. Once the water vessel has returned to the surface of the water, the retractable legs 504 are raised from below the water and returned to their upward position. Raising the retractable legs 504 eliminates the foundation support provided by the retractable legs and returns the water vessel 500 to a floating position. In embodiments of the current invention where the water vessel 500 is carrying more than one wind generator 300, the water vessel 500 may travel to another support structure 300 and repeat the process of mounting a wind generator onto the support structure 300.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments, other embodiments are possible. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the description of the versions and embodiments expressly disclosed herein. The references and disclosure provided in the ‘Background of the Invention’ section are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the disclosure provided in the present application.

Claims

1. A method of mounting a wind generator to a support structure, where the wind generator is located on a water vessel having a transfer tractor for supporting the wind generator, the method comprising:

establishing a staging area by positioning the water vessel to at least partially surround the support structure;

raising the water vessel to above the support structure so that the staging area substantially surrounds the support structure;

positioning the wind generator within the staging area at a location substantially above the support structure;

lowering the wind generator onto the support structure; and

securing the wind generator to the support structure.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of sliding the transfer tractor to a location on the water vessel to position the wind generator substantially above the support structure.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of lowering the wind generator onto the support structure comprises;

lowering the water vessel to cause the wind generator to contact the support structure.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of utilizing the transfer tractor to lower the wind generator to cause the wind generator to contact the support structure.

5. A water vessel used for mounting a wind generator onto a support structures comprising:

a platform, having at least one staging point for surrounding a support structure;

a first rail segment fixedly attached to the platform, where the first rail segment is configured to engage with a transfer unit; and

a plurality of support legs slidably connected to the platform for moving the platform in a substantially vertical direction.

6. The water vessel of claim 5, wherein the staging point is a recessed portion of the platform configured to partially surround a support structure.

7. The water vessel of claim 5, wherein a one or more transfer tractors are engaged with the first rail segment.

8. The water vessel of claim 5, wherein a portion of the first rail segment straddles at least one of the staging points.

9. The water vessel of claim 5, wherein the first rail segment is capable of connecting with a second rail segment, configured to engage with a transfer tractor, wherein the connection between the first rail segment and the second rail segment allows a transfer tractor engaged with the second rail segment to travel onto the first rail segment.

10. An transport unit used for transporting a wind generator comprising;

a platform, which includes a top portion and a bottom portion;

one or more support arms, attached to the top portion of the platform, where each support arm has a first end and a second end;

one or more platform rails fixedly attached to the bottom portion of the platform; and

one or more rail units, each configured to engage with two separate rails, wherein each of the one or more rail units is engaged with one of the one or more platform rails.

11. The transport unit of claim 10, wherein the first end of the one or more support arms is pivotally connected to the top portion of the platform.

12. The transport unit of claim 10, further comprising;

a staging layer, attached to the top portion of the platform.

13. The transport unit of claim 12, wherein the first end of the support arms are pivotally connected to the staging layer.

14. The transport unit of claim 12, further comprising;

one or more attachment units, wherein the attachment units are fixedly connected to the staging layer; and

the first end of the one or more support arms is pivotally connected to one of the attachment units.

15. A method of transporting a wind generator from an onshore location onto a water vessel through use of a transfer unit, where the transfer unit is engaged with a rail segment, the method comprises;

securing the wind generator with the transfer unit, wherein the transfer unit is slidably connected the a rail segment; and

sliding the transfer unit to over the rail segment, wherein the transfer unit travels from an onshore location onto a water vessel.