A Novel Method for Installing Offshore Wind Turbine Blades with a Floating Vessel

Trends in the offshore wind market show that newly installed wind farms move towards deeper waters. Wind turbine generators are currently installed using jack-up vessels, which have a limited operating depth. Installation of wind turbines using a floating vessel is an alternative for the current method, but blade installation is an area which is not explored yet. Using the innovation model from the Delft System Approach, a new method for blade installation enabling competitive wind turbine generator installation is developed. The current installation method is analysed, and a logistical concept is proposed which can install wind turbines competitive using the Oleg Strashnov. Concepts are generated, from which the tower ring concept is the most feasible. A blade lift frame is attached to the tower ring to eliminate the motions at the blade from the vessel. Wind turbine blade can be installed in 4.2 hours, which is within the competitive time-frame. It is defined that wind turbines can be installed 38 hours faster than current jack-up vessels.