Device and method for assembling a structure at sea

Abstract

A device for assembling a large structure at sea, particularly a wind turbine. The device includes a support structure which can be arranged relative to a transport vessel, wherein a part of the support structure is movable from a transport position, in which the component is transported, to an assembly position in which the component is rotated and/or tilted relative to the transport position. The movable part is provided can be fixed in place. A method for assembling a large structure at sea making use of the device.

1 . Device for assembling a large structure at sea, particularly a wind turbine, which device comprises a support structure for a component of the structure which can be arranged on a transport vessel, wherein a part of the support structure is movable from a transport position, in which the component is transported, to an assembly position in which the component is rotated and/or tilted relative to the transport position, wherein the movable part is also provided with fixing means for fixing of the component. 
     
     
         2 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the movable part is tiltable around a horizontal axis. 
     
     
         3 . Device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein the movable part is rotatable around a horizontal axis. 
     
     
         4 . Device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a tower and the movable part is situated at the top of the tower. 
     
     
         5 . Device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the tower is height-adjustable. 
     
     
         6 . Device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein the tower has a maximum height of at least 30 metres above the work deck of the transport vessel. 
     
     
         7 . Device as claimed in  claim 5 , wherein the tower has a maximum height of at least 30 metres above the work deck of the transport vessel. 
     
     
         8 . Method for assembling a large structure at sea, particularly a wind turbine, the method comprising of providing a device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims on a transport vessel, arranging a component of the structure on the movable part of the device using the fixing means, transporting the component using the transport vessel, wherein the component is situated in a transport position, optionally moving the movable part of the support structure from the transport position to an assembly position, wherein the component is rotated and/or tilted relative to the transport position, and arranging the component on the structure in the assembly position. 
     
     
         9 . Method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the movable part of the support structure is moved from the transport position to the assembly position such that the component is tilted around a horizontal axis relative to the transport position. 
     
     
         10 . Method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the movable part of the support structure is moved from the transport position to the assembly position such that the component is rotated around a horizontal axis relative to the transport position. 
     
     
         11 . Method as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein the component to be transported, rotated and/or tilted comprises a gondola or nacelle, and/or a hub, and/or one or more rotor blades of a wind turbine. 
     
     
         12 . Method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein the component to be transported, rotated and/or tilted comprises a gondola or nacelle, and/or a hub, and/or one or more rotor blades of a wind turbine.