Patent Description:
Handling of towers and tower sections presents a challenge given the various modes of transportation to a generation site possibly required, including ships, barges, trains and trucks, particularly in view of the tapered profiles.

<CIT> relates to a fixture for retaining an end of a member such as a section of a windmill tower, a blade for a windmill, or a hub for a wind mill turbine, said fixture comprising an axial control/retaining means in relation to the longitudinal axis of the member in form of a first lower console for preventing of a relative horizontal displacement between the end of the member and the fixture in a direction perpendicular to the end of the member in use, said console further includes cross-positioning means for positioning the end of the member in relation to the fixture during fastening of the fixture to the end of the member in relation to a horizontal oriented direction parallel to the end of the member in use, and cross-axial holding means for preventing of a relative displacement between the end of the member and the fixture in a direction across of the longitudinal axis of the member, first connection devices for attachment of the fixture to an external structure different from the end of the member, and parts cooperating with at least two second connection devices for releasable attachment of mainly vertically oriented frame parts upstanding from the fixture.

<CIT> is directed to a system for transporting or storing one or more tower sections of a tower of a wind turbine. The system includes at least one pair of cradle elements having a first cradle element configured to support a lower portion of the tower section and a second cradle element configured to support an upper portion of the tower section. The first and second cradle elements are securable to a flange of one of the tower sections and are also reversible in that a first side of the first and second cradle elements is configured to accommodate a tower section having a first diameter and an opposite, second side of the first and second cradle elements is configured to accommodate a tower section having a different, second diameter. The system also includes a pair of support members coupled to each of the first and second cradle elements.

One object to be achieved is to provide a system for cost-efficiently and safely handling a wind turbine tower section. One further object to be achieved is to provide a corresponding method for use of the system.

These objects are achieved, inter alia, by the subject-matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are subject to the dependent claims and can also be derived from the following description and the figures.

According to a first aspect, a system for handling a wind turbine tower section according to claim <NUM> is specified.

A wind turbine tower generally extends along a main extension direction and has a contour in cross-section that is, for example, round or oval. A longitudinal axis of the tower runs centered parallel to the main extension direction. Here and in the following, a wind turbine tower section denotes a section of the wind turbine tower along the main extension direction.

The tower section extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end of the tower section to an opposing second end of the tower section. On its first end, the tower section comprises a flange. The flange may be configured to attach the tower section to a flange of another tower section of the same tower or to attach the tower section to a foundation of the tower. The flange may comprise suitable connecting means for said attachment such as bolts or bolt holes.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system comprises a first frame configured to support the first end of the tower section. The first frame is particularly designed to bear acceleration loads acting at the first end of the tower section.

The first frame comprises a first support base and a first connecting plate. The first connecting plate is provided on the first support base. Here and in the following, a support base shall denote a mobile fixture having a mounting area on which the connecting plate can be provided. Such mobile fixture is particularly configured to carry the respective end tower section via the first connecting plate.

The first connecting plate comprises a base portion and an abutment portion. The base portion of the first connecting plate is configured to be attached to the first support base.

The base portion is particularly in direct contact with the first support base. The base portion is particularly reversibly attachable to the first support base.

The abutment portion of the first connecting plate extends transversally from the base portion of the first connecting plate and is configured to be attached to the flange at the first end of the tower section.

The abutment portion can, for example, be perpendicular to the base portion. For example, the two portions are welded together. Alternatively, for example, the two portions of the connecting plate may be casted in one piece.

The abutment portion is particularly in direct contact with the flange. The abutment portion is particularly reversibly attachable to the flange.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the first connecting plate is provided at a central position of the first support base, e.g. centered with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tower section.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect a pair of first connecting plates is provided. The two first connecting plates are configured to be arranged on the first support base such that the first end of the tower section is fixedly connected to the first support base by each of the first connecting plates at substantially the same distance from the longitudinal axis of the tower section.

This means that acceleration loads acting at the first end of the tower section are in general evenly distributed amongst the first connecting plates. When attached to the flange of a tower section in horizontal orientation, the base portions of the first connecting plates as well as the first support base particularly extend in the horizontal orientation, and mainly extend in particular in the direction of a component of the horizontal orientation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tower section.

Here and in the following, a "vertical orientation" refers to the direction in which a tower section's longitudinal axis points when assembled at the generation site. Perpendicular to the "vertical orientation" lies a plane that is denoted as the "horizontal orientation" of the tower section, in which the longitudinal axis lies e.g. during transportation of the tower section. The plane is spanned by the longitudinal axis and above mentioned perpendicular component in which the first support base mainly extends.

Preferably, the first connecting plates are distanced from each other by at least R/<NUM>, R denoting the radius of the tower section at the first end. Advantageously, stress concentration in the middle can thus be avoided.

The first connecting plates are particularly arranged in a lower part of the tower section's circumference at the respective end to be supported. "Lower part" in this respect means e.g. the lower half of the tower section in horizontal orientation closer to the ground.

The first frame can be used for handling a specific tower section or end of a tower section, and reused for others afterwards. Specifically, while a same support base may be used for different tower sections irrespective of the tower section's dimensions (or at least within a reasonable range of expectation), a (pair of) different connecting plate(s) may be selected depending e.g. on the tower section's circumference at the respective end to be supported, i.e. at the tower's contour of the respective cross-section. Such modularity may particularly be beneficial for towers with tapered profile, i.e. when individual tower sections have different circumferences at their opposed ends.

In one embodiment, according to the first aspect, the bolt holes at the abutment portions of the first connecting plate(s) have a diameter and curvature corresponding to the respective diameter and curvature of the bolt holes at the respective flange. In other words, the bolt holes in the connecting plates each match in size and position the bolt holes at the flange. This could, for example, be particularly useful to easily select or verify the selection of connecting plates for a specific tower section end in case of tower sections with tapered profile, when the flanges have differing circumferences.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the tower section comprises a flange on its second end. The flange at the second end may be configured to attach the tower section to a flange of another tower section of the same tower, and may comprise suitable connecting means for said attachment similar to the flange at the first end.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system further comprises a second frame configured to support the second end of the tower section. The second frame may be configured similar to the first frame; the explanations and advantages given above thus may apply accordingly.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the second frame comprises a second support base and a second connecting plate. The second connecting plate is provided on the second support base. The second connecting plate comprises a base portion and an abutment portion. The base portion of the second connecting plate is configured to be attached to the second support base. The abutment portion of the second connecting plate extends transversally from the base portion of the second connecting plate and is configured to be attached to the flange at the second end of the tower section.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the second connecting plate is provided at a central position of the second support base, e.g. centered with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tower section.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, a pair of second connecting plates is provided. The second connecting plates are configured to be arranged on the second support base such that the second end of the tower section is fixedly connected to the second support base by each of the second connecting plates at substantially the same distance from the longitudinal axis of the tower section.

The second frame may differ from the first frame e.g. in that the connecting plates are designed for a different tower section's circumference, while comprising an identical support base, thus allowing for cost-efficient handling of tower sections with tapered profile.

For example, in one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system comprises a first frame and a (pair of) first connecting plate(s), wherein the first connecting plates comprise an abutment portion and a base portion and wherein the bolt holes at the abutment portions of the first connecting plate(s) have a diameter and position corresponding to the respective diameter and curvature of the bolt holes at the flange of the first end of a first tower section. The system also comprises a second frame and a (pair of) second connecting plate(s), wherein the second connecting plates comprise an abutment portion and a base portion and wherein the bolt holes at the abutment portions of the second connecting plate(s) have a diameter and position corresponding to the respective diameter and curvature of the bolt holes at the flange of the second end of a first tower section. The base portions of both first and second connecting plates are interchangeably coupled to the first and second frames. In other words, the bolt holes in the abutment portion of the connecting plates each match in size and position the bolt holes at the corresponding flange, and the bolt holes in the base portions of both the first and second connecting plates match in size and position the bolt holes at the support base of the first and second frames. Therefore, a modular system is achieved, where only connecting plates with different bolt holes number and/or diameter and/or position may be designed to be attached to a specific tower section end.

In particular, in one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system comprises a plurality of first connecting plates and a plurality of second connecting plates. Each (pair) of the plurality of first connecting plates is configured to be coupled to the flanges of the first end of each section of a particular tower. Specifically, the bolt holes at the abutment portions of the plurality of the first connecting plates have diameters and positions corresponding to the respective diameters and curvatures of the bolt holes at the flanges of the first ends of each tower section of a particular tower. In the same way, each (pair) of the plurality of second connecting plates is configured to be coupled to the flanges of the second end of each tower section of a particular tower. Specifically, the bolt holes at the abutment portions of the plurality of second connecting plates have diameters and positions corresponding to the respective diameters and curvatures of the bolt holes at the flanges of the second ends of each tower section of a particular tower.

For example, according to the previous embodiment applied to a conical tower comprising five different tower sections, the system comprises five different (pairs of) first connecting plates and five different (pairs of) second connecting plates. Specifically, the bolt holes at the abutment portions of each of the five (pairs of) first connecting plate(s) have diameters and positions corresponding to the respective diameters and curvatures of the bolt holes at the flanges of the first ends of each of the five tower sections of the exemplary tower. In the same way, each (pair) of the plurality of the second connecting plates are configured to be coupled to the flanges of the second end of each tower section of a particular tower. Specifically, the bolt holes at the abutment portions of each of the five (pairs of) second connecting plates have diameters and positions corresponding to the respective diameters and curvatures of the bolt holes at the flanges of the second ends of each the five tower sections of the exemplary tower.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system further comprises an upper connecting plate. The upper connecting plate comprises a base portion and an abutment portion. The upper connecting plate may be designed similar to the first or second connecting plates; the explanations and advantages given above thus may apply accordingly.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, in a first implementation manner, the base portion of the upper connecting plate is configured to be attached to the first support base. The abutment portion of the upper connecting plate extends transversally from the base portion of the upper connecting plate and is configured to be attached to the flange at the first end of the tower section. The upper connecting plate is configured to be arranged at an upper side of the first end of the tower section opposite to the (pair of) first connecting plate(s) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tower section.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, in a second implementation manner, the base portion of the upper connecting plate is configured to be attached to the second support base. The abutment portion of the upper connecting plate extends transversally from the base portion of the upper connecting plate and is configured to be attached to the flange at the second end of the tower section. The upper connecting plate is configured to be arranged at an upper side of the second end of the tower section opposite to the (pair of) second connecting plate(s) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tower section.

The base portion of the upper connecting plate is particularly indirectly coupled to the first support base, e.g. via an intermediate base and/or distanced via columns as will be discussed further below. While the first connecting plates are particularly arranged in a lower part of the tower section's circumference at the respective end to be supported, the upper connecting plate is arranged in an opposed upper part, particularly centered at the top. "Upper part" in this respect means e.g. the upper half of the tower section in horizontal orientation facing away from the ground. The base portion of the upper connecting plate is particularly reversibly attachable to the first support base. Similar definitions and effects hold true for an upper connecting plate attached to the second support base, accordingly.

For example, in one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system comprises a first frame and a (pair of) first connecting plate(s), wherein the first connecting plates comprise an abutment portion and a base portion and wherein the bolt holes at the abutment portions of the first connecting plate(s) have a diameter and a position corresponding to the respective diameter and curvature of the bolt holes at the flange of the first end of a first tower section. The system also comprises a second frame and a (pair of) second connecting plate(s), wherein the second connecting plates comprise an abutment portion and a base portion and wherein the bolt holes at the abutment portions of the second connecting plate(s) have a diameter and position corresponding to the respective diameter and curvature of the bolt holes at the flange of the second end of a first tower section. The system also comprises <NUM> columns and two upper connecting plates, wherein the upper connecting plates comprise an abutment portion and a base portion and wherein the bolt holes at the abutment portions of the first and second upper connecting plates have a diameter and a position corresponding to the respective diameter and curvature of the bolt holes at the flange of the first end and second end of a first tower section, respectively. The base portions of all connecting plates are interchangeably coupled to any of the frames. In other words, the bolt holes in the abutment portion of the connecting plates of the system each match in size and position the bolt holes at the corresponding flange, and the bolt holes in the base portions of the connecting plates match in size and position the bolt holes at the support base of any of the frames. The base portions of the connecting plates are interchangeably coupled to the frames. In other words, the bolt holes in the abutment portion of the connecting plates each match in size and position the bolt holes at the corresponding flange, and the bolt holes in the base portions of the connecting plates match in size and position the bolt holes at the support base of the frames. Also, the height of the columns is adapted in size to the diameter of the tower flange.

Therefore, a modular system is achieved, where only connecting plates with different bolt holes number and/or diameter and/or position and columns with different height need to be designed to be adapted to the specific tower section end to be attached to the system.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the connecting plates are L-shaped. In other words, the respective abutment portions are substantially perpendicular or perpendicular to the respective base portions.

Such L-shaped connecting plates particularly allow to put some rigidizers or ribs for stability:
In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the connecting plates each comprise two, three or more reinforcement elements. Each of the reinforcement elements extends from the base portion of the respective connecting plate towards the abutment portion of the respective connecting plate. Each of the reinforcement elements connects the base portion of the respective connecting plate to the abutment portion of the respective connecting plate.

Reinforcement elements designed such advantageously act as rigidizers or ribs giving great stability to the structure of the connecting plates. The reinforcement elements especially act against acceleration loads in direction of the longitudinal axis and/or against lateral loads trying to rotate the tower as the reinforcement elements distribute at least some of the lateral load to the horizontally arranged base portion of the connecting plate.

Particularly in combination with L-shaped connecting plates, the reinforcement elements provide a better load transfer. Alternatively, the reinforcement elements could be dispensed and a thickness of the connecting plates increased.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the flange of the first end of the tower section comprises a plurality of bolt holes along a first curvature. The flange of the second end of the tower section comprises a plurality of bolt holes along a second curvature different from the first curvature. This could, for example, be the case for tower sections with tapered profile, when the flanges have differing circumferences.

The abutment portion of the first connecting plates comprises bolt holes corresponding to a respective portion of the bolt holes of the flange of the first end of the tower section along the first curvature. The abutment portion of the second connecting plates comprises bolt holes corresponding to a respective portion of the bolt holes of the flange of the second end of the tower section along the second curvature. In other words, the bolt holes in the connecting plates each match the arrangement of bolt holes at the flanges. This could, for example, be particularly useful to easily select or verify the selection of connecting plates for a specific tower section end.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the bolt holes at the flange of the first end of the tower section have a first diameter. The bolt holes at the flange of the second end of the tower section have a second diameter different from the first diameter.

The bolt holes at the abutment portions of the first and second connecting plates have a diameter corresponding to the respective diameter of the bolt holes at the respective flange. In other words, the bolt holes in the connecting plates each match in size the bolt holes at the flanges. This could, for example, be particularly useful to easily select or verify the selection of connecting plates for a specific tower section end in case of tower sections with tapered profile, when the flanges have differing circumferences.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the support bases each comprise a pair of hole patterns. Each hole pattern comprises a plurality of bolt holes. The base portion of the first and second connecting plates comprises bolt holes each corresponding to at least a portion of the plurality of bolt holes of one of the hole patterns of the respective support base. This could, for example, be particularly useful to allow mounting of connecting plates of different size depending on the size of the to-be-handled tower section on identical support bases.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the frames comprise means to receive a pair of columns on the respective support base. The columns are configured to support a further frame to be stacked above the respective support base. The columns are adapted in height corresponding to the respective circumference of the tower section at the respective end of the tower section supported by the respective frame.

The respective means to receive one of the columns may be designed as a sheath in which the respective column can be slid into. Said means are preferably arranged at opposite sides of the respective support base, allowing to arrange the respective connecting plates as distanced from each other as possible.

The columns are particularly reversibly attachable to the respective support base. The columns extend, in particular, perpendicular to the respective main extension direction of the support base and the longitudinal axis of the tower section.

As noted before, a frame can be used for handling a specific tower section or end of a tower section, and reused for others afterwards. And while a same support base may be used for different tower sections irrespective of the tower section's dimensions (or at least within a reasonable range of expectation), different columns may be selected depending e.g. on the tower section's circumference at the respective end to be supported, i.e. at the tower's contour of the respective cross-section. Such modularity may particularly be beneficial for towers with tapered profile, i.e. when individual tower sections have different circumferences at their opposed ends. Accordingly, by means of interchangeable columns of different height, the frame may be used to handle tower sections of various circumferences while at the same time, allow to stack further frame(s) and tower section(s) on top. This is, for example, particularly useful for transportation modes without height constraints, such as ships.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the frames further comprise means to receive a pair of columns underneath the respective support base. The columns are configured to support the respective frame. The columns are adapted in height corresponding to a respective circumference of a further wind turbine tower section to be arranged underneath the respective frame at a respective end of the further tower section. Said columns and means may be configured similar to the aforementioned columns and means; the explanations and advantages given above thus may apply accordingly.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the system may comprise an intermediate base with said means to receive the columns from underneath, the intermediate base being configured to be arranged underneath a support base of the further frame and designed to receive and/or attach to the support base of the further frame.

In one embodiment according to the first aspect, the first end of the tower section has a first circumference. The second end of the tower section has a second circumference. The first circumference is greater than the second circumference. The system is configured to support above or below the tower section a further wind turbine tower section. The further tower section has a first end of greater circumference than at an opposing second end, and is arranged such that the second end of the further tower section is supported by the further frame stacked above or below the first frame. In other words, the system, and particularly the respective columns, are designed such that an alternating tower section arrangement with respect to their tapered profile is enabled. This greatly contributes to a load distribution between the lower first and second frames while at the same time helps to reduce the total height of the system with the to-be-handled tower sections.

According to a second aspect, a method according to claim <NUM> for use of the system according to the first aspect is specified. All definitions, features and effects described along the first aspect shall apply to the second aspect and vice versa, unless specified otherwise.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect, a first wind turbine tower section is provided in a horizontal orientation. The first tower section has a longitudinal axis and extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end to an opposing second end. At the first end, the first tower section has a flange.

A connecting plate is selected. For example, a pair of connecting plates is selected. The (two) connecting plate(s) is/are arranged such that its/their abutment portion(s) face(s) the flange. The abutment portion(s) of the (two) connecting plate(s) is/are fixedly connected to the flange.

A support base is provided. The (two) connecting plate(s) is/are arranged such that its/their base portion(s) face(s) the support base. The base portion(s) of the (two) connecting plate(s) is/are fixedly connected to the support base, thereby forming a first frame of the system supporting the first end of the tower section.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect, a second frame of the system supporting the second end of the tower section may be formed accordingly.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect, selecting the (pair of) connecting plate(s) specifically comprises: providing two (pairs of) connecting plates, the two (pairs) differing in size and/or the number of bolt holes in their base portions and/or the number of bolt holes in their abutment portions and/or the curvature of bolt holes in their abutment portions and/or the diameter of the bolt holes in their abutment portions; and selecting one of the (pairs of) connecting plates to be attached to the flange.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect, a further (e.g. second) wind turbine tower section is provided in a horizontal orientation. The second tower section has a longitudinal axis and extends along the longitudinal axis from a first end to an opposing second end. On its second end, the second tower section comprises a flange.

A further connecting plate is selected. For example, a pair of further connecting plates is selected. The (two) further connecting plate(s) is/are arranged such that its/their abutment portion(s) faces the flange of the second tower section. The abutment portion(s) of the (two) further connecting plate(s) is/are fixedly connected to the flange of the second tower section.

A pair of columns is selected. The two columns are arranged in a vertical orientation on the support base. The two columns may be attached to the support base.

A further support base is provided. The further support base is arranged on the two columns. For example, the further support base may be attached on the two columns.

The (two) further connecting plate(s) are arranged such that its/their base portion(s) face(s) the further support base. The base portion(s) of the (two) further connecting plate(s) is/are fixedly connected to the further support base, thereby forming a further (e.g. third) frame of the system supporting the first end of the second tower section.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect, another (e.g. fourth) frame of the system supporting the second end of the second tower section may be formed accordingly.

The base portion(s) of the (two) further connecting plate(s) is/are fixedly connected to the further support base such that the second tower section is arranged parallel to the first tower section and in immediate vicinity of the first tower section.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect, the arrangement is specifically such that the first end of the second tower section is directly above the second end of the first tower section, and the second end of the second towers section is directly above the first end of the first tower section. Herein, in a first implementation manner, a circumference of the first tower section at the first end of the first tower section is greater than a circumference of the first tower section at the second end of the first tower section. Furthermore, a circumference of the second tower section at the first end of the second tower section is greater than a circumference of the second tower section at the second end of the second tower section. In a second implementation manner, the circumference of the first tower section at the first end of the first tower section is greater than the circumference of the first tower section at the second end of the first tower section, while the circumference of the second tower section at the first end of the second tower section is smaller than the circumference of the second tower section at the second end of the second tower section. In a third implementation manner, the circumference of the first and/or second tower section at their respective first end may be equal to the circumference at their second end.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect, selecting the pair of columns specifically comprises: providing two pairs of columns, the two pairs differing in height; and selecting one of the pairs to be coupled to the support base. In one embodiment according to the second aspect, selecting the (pair of) respective connecting plate(s) is based on a circumference of the respective flange. Alternatively or additionally, the selecting is based on a curvature of bolt holes of the respective flange. Alternatively or additionally, the selecting is based on a diameter of the bolt holes of the respective flange.

In one embodiment according to the second aspect, selecting the pair of columns is based on a circumference of the first tower section at the first end. Likewise, the selection of the pair of columns to be arranged at the second end of the first tower section may be based on the circumference of the first tower at the second end. According to a third aspect, a kit of parts for forming a system according to claim <NUM> is specified.

Further advantages and examples of embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic figures. In the figures:.

Elements of the same construction or function are marked with the same reference signs across the figures.

<FIG> shows a schematic view of a wind turbine <NUM>, which comprises a tower <NUM>. The tower <NUM> is fixed to the ground by means of a foundation <NUM>. At one end of the tower <NUM> opposite to the ground a nacelle <NUM> is rotatably mounted. The nacelle <NUM>, for example, comprises a generator which is coupled to a rotor <NUM> via a rotor shaft (not shown). The rotor <NUM> comprises one or more (wind turbine) rotor blades <NUM>, which are arranged on a rotor hub <NUM>.

During operation, the rotor <NUM> is set in rotation by an air flow, for example wind. This rotational movement is transmitted to the generator via the rotor shaft and, if necessary, a gearbox. The generator converts the mechanical energy of the rotor <NUM> into electrical energy.

The tower <NUM> may be fabricated in one piece, extending along its longitudinal axis from one end forming the bottom of the tower <NUM> to another end forming the top of the tower <NUM>.

Due to transportation and/or manufacturing constraints, the tower <NUM> may be fabricated as two or more separate sections <NUM>, <NUM> (see <FIG>) to be assembled at the generation site to form the tower <NUM>. Each tower section <NUM>, <NUM> has a longitudinal axis L along which it extends from a first end <NUM>, <NUM> to an opposed second end <NUM>, <NUM>. Each tower section <NUM>, <NUM> has a flange <NUM>, <NUM> formed at its first and/or second end <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>. The flanges <NUM>, <NUM> may allow two tower sections <NUM>, <NUM> of the tower <NUM> to be joined together at the generation site e.g. by bolting. In this respect, the flanges <NUM>, <NUM> may be provided with a plurality of bolt holes <NUM>, <NUM> arranged along the flange <NUM>, <NUM> facing in a direction parallel to of longitudinal axis L of the tower section <NUM>, <NUM>.

For proper handling of the tower sections <NUM>, <NUM> a system <NUM> is provided comprising a first frame <NUM> and a second frame <NUM> for supporting a respective end <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> of the tower sections <NUM>, <NUM>. As can be further seen from <FIG>, a third frame <NUM> and a fourth frame <NUM> supporting the respective ends <NUM>, <NUM> of the upper tower section <NUM> are stacked upon the first and second frames <NUM>, <NUM> respectively. The frames <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> will be detailed in the following with along the first frame <NUM> as shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> depicts a detail view of the first frame <NUM>. The first frame <NUM> comprises a support base <NUM>, a pair of connecting plates <NUM> (only one shown in the detailed view of <FIG>) and a pair of columns <NUM> (again only one shown in the detailed view of <FIG>).

The support base <NUM> has a preset width W (see <FIG>) greater than its height H and/or depth D by at least a factor of <NUM>. The width W is preferably selected such that it is approximately in the order of magnitude of a diameter of to-be-handled tower sections.

The two columns <NUM> are arranged at the outer sides of the support base <NUM> and are thus distanced in the order of magnitude of the diameter of to-be-handled tower sections.

For example, the columns <NUM> may be received in a respective sheath <NUM> formed at the edges of the support base <NUM>. The columns <NUM> may for example be fixedly coupled to the support base <NUM> by interlocking elements engaging with the sheath <NUM>.

The connecting plates <NUM> may be configured to reversibly join together the support base <NUM> and the flange <NUM>. The two connecting plates <NUM> are arranged on top of the support base <NUM>, preferably at the outer sides in direct vicinity to the respective sheath <NUM>. As seen in <FIG>, the connecting plates <NUM> each comprise a base portion <NUM> and an abutment portion <NUM> that extends transversally from the base portion <NUM>, the two portions <NUM>, <NUM> forming an angle of <NUM>° ("L-shape"), for example.

The base portion <NUM> is configured to be attached to an upper surface <NUM> (see <FIG>) of the support base <NUM> on which the connecting plate <NUM> is to be arranged. In this respect, the base portion <NUM> may comprise a plurality of bolt holes <NUM>, in the example shown eight bolt holes. Likewise, the support base <NUM> may comprise a plurality of bolt holes <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>) at matching positions at the upper surface <NUM>, in the example shown also eight bolt holes per connecting plate <NUM>. In other examples, the support base <NUM> may for example comprise additional bolt holes, e.g. ten bolt holes in total per connecting plate, to attach larger sized base portions <NUM> or arrange the base portions <NUM> at various preset positions. This may be particularly advantageous to maintain the modular system as flexible as possible so as to allow for handling of tower sections with e.g. flanges of different circumference or curvature.

The abutment portion <NUM> is configured to be attached to the flange <NUM>. In this respect, the abutment portion <NUM> may comprise a plurality of bolt holes <NUM>, in the example shown five bolt holes. The bolt holes <NUM> are particularly arranged on the abutment portion <NUM> so as to match a position of corresponding bolt holes <NUM> in the flange <NUM>. In this respect, the bolt holes <NUM> may describe a curvature in accordance with the circumference of the flange <NUM>, for example. Furthermore, an upper edge of the abutment portion <NUM> facing away from the base portion <NUM> may be shaped substantially correspondingly, i.e. at least partially describe a curvature in accordance with the circumference of the flange <NUM>.

The base portion <NUM> and the abutment portion <NUM> may, for example, be welded together. As can be seen in the Figures, additional reinforcement elements <NUM> may be arranged between the portions <NUM>, <NUM>, extending transversally from the portions <NUM>, <NUM>. The reinforcement elements <NUM> act as rigidizers or ribs that give great stability to the structure, specifically against acceleration loads in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of to-be-handled tower sections, as well as against lateral loads forcing the to-be-handled tower sections to rotate about the longitudinal axis. The reinforcement elements <NUM> are in particular evenly distributed over the width of the connection plate <NUM>, preferably such that the bolt holes <NUM>, <NUM> are easily accessible.

The reinforcement elements <NUM> may particularly extent up to an edge of the base portion <NUM> facing away from the abutment portion <NUM>. Some or all reinforcement elements <NUM> may additionally or alternatively extent up to the upper edge of the abutment portion <NUM> facing away from the base portion <NUM>. Preferably, at least two outer reinforcement elements <NUM> extent up to the upper edge of the abutment portion <NUM> facing away from the base portion <NUM>, whereas at least one intermediate reinforcement element <NUM> arranged in between the outer reinforcement elements <NUM> is distanced from said upper edge by at least a diameter of the bolt holes <NUM> in the abutment portion <NUM>.

The diameter of the bolt holes <NUM> in the abutment portion <NUM> may vary with the circumference of the flange <NUM> or the size of the tower section <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, depending on the size of the tower section <NUM>, <NUM> at its end <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the diameter of the respective bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM> may be selected. This may be particularly advantageous to assure that a proper connecting plate <NUM> is selected for the different tower sections <NUM>, <NUM> and circumferences at their ends <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

On the other hand, for example, a diameter of the bolt holes <NUM> may be independent of the to-be-handled tower section so as to match the corresponding bolt holes <NUM> in the upper surface <NUM> of the support base <NUM>.

Along <FIG>, the support base <NUM> is depicted in front view (<FIG>), top view (<FIG>), side view (<FIG>) and perspective view (<FIG>).

Along <FIG>, one of the columns <NUM> is depicted in front view (<FIG>), top view (<FIG>), side view (<FIG>) and perspective view (<FIG>).

As can be seen from the Figures, similar to the connecting plates <NUM>, also the support base <NUM> and/or columns <NUM> may comprise reinforcement elements supporting their structure and acting as rigidizers.

Along <FIG>, the system <NUM> is depicted in front view (<FIG>) and side view (<FIG>).

A frame <NUM> with the support base <NUM> and connecting plates <NUM> allows to properly support a first tower section <NUM> at one end <NUM>. Together with a corresponding second frame <NUM> supporting the first tower section <NUM> at the opposed second end <NUM>, for example, a single tower section may be safely handled or transported. This can be particularly advantageous for transportation modes that dictate constraints as to dimensions and weight to be handled, such as trucks. On the other hand, other transportation modes such as ships may not be restricted e.g. in height. Accordingly, a system that enables handling of individual tower sections as well as handling additional tower sections without excessive modification is desirable.

In order to support a second tower section <NUM>, the frames <NUM>, <NUM> may comprise columns <NUM> to stack a further frame <NUM>, <NUM> (see e.g. <FIG>, <FIG>) for supporting the second tower section <NUM> on top of the first tower section <NUM>.

Along the exploded view of the system of <FIG> as shown in <FIG> as well as the further detail view focusing on the upper part of the system of <FIG> as shown in <FIG>, an example is shown where such further frame <NUM> is stacked on top of the columns <NUM> of the first frame <NUM> underneath. It is apparent to the skilled person that the further frame <NUM> can be substantially identical to the first frame <NUM>, i.e. comprising at least a support base <NUM> and a pair of connecting plates <NUM>. An intermediate base <NUM> with a pair of sheaths <NUM> to receive the top of the columns <NUM> may be provided in-between the further frame <NUM> and the first frame <NUM>. The further frame <NUM> may be suitably coupled to the intermediate base <NUM>. To further secure the lower first tower section <NUM>, an upper connecting plate <NUM> may be arranged at the top of the first tower section <NUM> and configured to reversibly join together the support base <NUM> and the flange <NUM> via the columns <NUM> and intermediate base <NUM>. In this respect, the upper connecting plate <NUM> may be designed similar to the connecting plates <NUM>, see <FIG> depicting the upper connecting plate <NUM> in front view (<FIG>), top view (<FIG>), side view (<FIG>) and perspective view (<FIG>) with a base portion <NUM>, abutment portion <NUM>, bolt holes <NUM>, <NUM> and reinforcement elements <NUM>. Likewise, the intermediate base <NUM> may be designed similar to the support base <NUM>, see <FIG> depicting the intermediate base <NUM> in front view (<FIG>), top view (<FIG>), side view (<FIG>) and perspective view (<FIG>) with sheaths <NUM>, "top" surface <NUM> and bolt holes <NUM>.

As mentioned before, towers and tower sections may taper from base to top. The system <NUM> particularly enables the handling and transport of tapered individual tower sections or as well as more than one potentially differently tapered tower section. In this respect, e.g. based on the circumference of the lower tower section <NUM> at its respective ends, columns <NUM> of proper height as well as connecting plates <NUM>, <NUM> are selected, while support bases <NUM>, <NUM> of the frames <NUM>-<NUM> may be formed as equal parts and require no preselection. The system <NUM> may also be understood as kit of parts with interchangeable columns <NUM> and connecting plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary schematic flow diagram of a method of use of the system <NUM>.

In step S0, the first tower section <NUM> is provided in horizontal orientation. Subsequently, in step S1, e.g. based on the circumference of flange <NUM> and/or the curvature of bolt holes <NUM> of the flange <NUM> and/or the diameter of the bolt holes <NUM> of the flange <NUM>, the first connecting plate(s) <NUM> is/are selected. Likewise, a selection of second connecting plate(s) for the second frame <NUM> may be performed. The connecting plates are then connected to the respective flange of the first tower section <NUM>.

In step S2, support bases <NUM> and <NUM> are provided and the connecting plates connected on their respective upper surface <NUM>.

In step S3, similar to step S0 the second tower section <NUM> is provided in horizontal orientation. Subsequently, in step S4, similar to step S1, e.g. based on the circumference of flange <NUM> and/or the curvature of bolt holes <NUM> of the flange <NUM> and/or the diameter of the bolt holes <NUM> of the flange <NUM>, connecting plate(s) of the third frame <NUM> is/are selected. Likewise, a selection of connecting plate(s) for the fourth frame <NUM> may be performed. The connecting plates are then connected to the respective flange of the second tower section <NUM>.

In step S5, similar to step S2, support bases for the third and fourth frame <NUM>, <NUM> are provided and the connecting plates connected on their respective upper surface.

In step S6, e.g. based on the circumference of the first tower section <NUM> at its first end <NUM>, the pair of columns <NUM> for the first frame <NUM> is selected. Likewise, a selection of columns for the second frame <NUM> may be performed.

In step S7, the intermediate base <NUM> is provided and arranged on the columns <NUM> of the first frame <NUM>. Likewise an intermediate base is provided and arranged on the columns of the second frame <NUM>.

In step S8, the third and fourth frames <NUM>, <NUM> supporting the second tower section <NUM> are stacked on top of the first and second frames <NUM>, <NUM>, received by the respective intermediate base. The two tower sections <NUM>, <NUM> may thus be stacked in alternating manner, i.e. their larger sized ends face in different directions. Alternatively, their larger sized ends face the same directions or at least one of the tower sections has equally sized ends.

It shall be pointed out that this flow diagram is merely exemplary and that particularly the order of steps and could vary in practice as can be understood by a person skilled in the art. For example, the connecting plates may be attached to the support bases prior to attaching them to the flanges. Also, the two tower sections may be attached to the respective frames in parallel rather than subsequently.

Claim 1:
A system (<NUM>) for handling a wind turbine tower section (<NUM>), the tower section (<NUM>) having a longitudinal axis (L) and extending along the longitudinal axis (L) from a first end (<NUM>) with a flange (<NUM>) to an opposing second end (<NUM>) with another flange, the system (<NUM>) comprising:
- a first frame (<NUM>) configured to support the first end (<NUM>) of the tower section (<NUM>), the first frame (<NUM>) comprising a first support base (<NUM>) and a first connecting plate (<NUM>) provided thereon, the first connecting plate (<NUM>) comprising
- a base portion (<NUM>) configured to be attached to the first support base (<NUM>), and
- an abutment portion (<NUM>) extending transversally from the base portion (<NUM>) and configured to be attached to the flange (<NUM>) of the first end (<NUM>) of the tower section (<NUM>)
- a second frame (<NUM>) configured to support the second end (<NUM>) of the tower section (<NUM>), the second frame (<NUM>) comprising a second support base and a second connecting plate provided thereon, the second connecting plate comprising
- a base portion configured to be attached to the second support base, and
- an abutment portion extending transversally from the base portion and configured to be attached to the flange of the second end (<NUM>) of the tower section (<NUM>), wherein the flange (<NUM>) of the first end (<NUM>) of the tower section (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of bolt holes (<NUM>) along a first curvature, the flange of the second end (<NUM>) of the tower section (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of bolt holes along a second curvature, and the abutment portion (<NUM>) of the first connecting plates (<NUM>) comprises bolt holes (<NUM>) corresponding to a respective portion of the bolt holes (<NUM>) of the flange (<NUM>) of the first end (<NUM>) of the tower section (<NUM>) along the first curvature, and the abutment portion of the second connecting plates comprises bolt holes corresponding to a respective portion of the bolt holes of the flange of the second end (<NUM>) of the tower section (<NUM>) along the second curvature.