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.

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.