NL2019462B1 - Method for onshore or offshore erecting an upstanding construction - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for onshore or offshore erecting an upstanding construction comprising longitudinal construction parts (9), in particular parts of a windmill, comprising the steps of —providing the longitudinal parts (9) of the construc— tion; —transporting the longitudinal parts (9) of the con— struction on a vehicle (4, 4’, 4”) to an erection site (5); —providing a crane (1) for hoisting the longitudinal parts (9) of the construction; —using the crane (1) for placing the respective longi— tudinal parts (9) of the construction on top of each other on a construction base (3) at the erection site (5); —providing the construction base (3) and/or the longi— tudinal parts (9) of the construction with a support and guide facility (2) for the crane (l); —arranging that the crane (1) is mountable on the sup— port and guide facility (2); and —mounting the crane (1) on the support and guide fa— cility (2) of at least one of the construction base (3) and the longitudinal parts (9) of the construction that is placed on the construction base (3), so as to arrange that the crane (1) is movable up and down along the support and guide facility (2) of the construction.

Description

Patent Center © 2019462

© Application number: 2019462 © Application submitted: August 29, 2017 © Int. CL:

B66C 23/18 (2018.01) B66C 23/20 (2018.01) B66C 23/32 (2018.01) F03D 13/10 (2018.01) F03D 13/20 (2018.01) E04H 12/34 (2018.01)

© Priority: © Patent holder (s): January 16, 2017 NL 2018176 Mammoet Holding B.V. in Utrecht. June 15, 2017 NL 2019075 © Inventor (s): Application registered: Wessel Helmens in Utrecht. July 23, 2018 © Request published: © Authorized representative: July 25, 2018 ir. J. van Breda et al. in Amsterdam. © Patent granted: December 19, 2018 © Patent issued: April 24, 2019

54) Method for onshore or offshore erecting an upstanding construction

Method for onshore or offshore erecting an upstanding construction including longitudinal construction parts (9), in particular parts of a windmill, including the steps of

- providing the longitudinal parts (9) of the construction;

- transporting the longitudinal parts (9) or the construction on a vehicle (4, 4 ", 4") to an erection site (5);

- providing a crane (1) for hoisting the longitudinal parts (9) of the construction;

- using the crane (1) for placing the respective longitudinal parts (9) or the construction on top or each other on a construction base (3) at the erection site (5);

- providing the construction base (3) and / or the longitudinal parts (9) or the construction with a support and guide facility (2) for the crane (1);

- arranging that the crane (1) is mountable on the support and guide facility (2); and

- mounting the crane (1) on the support and guide facility (2) or at least one of the construction base (3) and the longitudinal parts (9) or the construction that is placed on the construction base (3), so as to arrange that the crane (1) is movable up and down along the support and guide facility (2) or the construction.

NL Bl 2019462

This patent has been granted regardless of the attached result of the research into the state of the art and written opinion. The patent corresponds to the documents originally submitted.

017251 NL-3

Method for onshore or offshore erecting an upstanding construction

The invention relates to a method for onshore or offshore erecting an upstanding construction including longitudinal construction parts, in particular parts of a windmill, including the steps of

-providing the longitudinal parts of the construction;

-transportation of the longitudinal parts of the construction on a vehicle to an erection site;

-providing a crane for hoisting the longitudinal parts of the construction; and

-using the crane for placing the respective longitudinal parts of the construction on top of each other on a construction base at the erection site.

The prior art method to erect an upstanding longitudinal construction, such as a windmill, is to lift and stack column segments to create a tower on which, in the case of a windmill, the wind turbine generator can be positioned at its design height. A crane is used to erect the column and place the wind turbine generator and rotor blades on top of the construction. Depending on the height of the windmill, the length of the crane boom needs to be adapted thereto in order to be able to reach the necessary elevation for the placement of the wind turbine generator and the rotor blades at the top of the upstanding construction. Disadvantageously however an increased length of the crane boom implies the crane as a whole has to increase in size and weight in order to be able to provide the required capacity for erection of the upstanding construction.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method for onshore or offshore erecting or upstanding construction including longitudinal construction parts, in particular parts of a windmill, where:

- the eventual height of the upstanding construction is not determining the required length of the crane boom;

- a more stable method of erecting an upstanding construction is provided that is less sensitive to weather conditions so that construction can continue also in weather conditions that would in the prior art prevent the continuation of erecting the upstanding construction;

- the parameters of the crane in other respect is also independent of the height of the upstanding construction and of the mass of its components;

- cost and effort to implement the method of erecting an upstanding construction remain relatively small and are basically independent from the height of the upstanding construction; and

- the ground area or footprint required for the crane in proximity or the upstanding construction is relatively limited and narrower than with a crane or the prior art.

The inventors stress to note that particularly with the erection of a windmill the time gained or saved during the erection of the windmill is very valuable and can amount to millions of dollars, particularly when a series of windmills have been erected. There is therefore an ongoing effort within the industry to come to smarter, quicker, and less costly solutions for erection or windmills. The instant invention will be basically elucidated with reference to the erection of a windmill, but it will be clear for the skilled person that the advantages that come within reach with the invention are equally available when the invention is used for the construction of other high upstanding constructions. The application of the invention to the erection of a windmill must therefore be seen as purely illustrative, without the invention being limited thereto.

The invention is embodied in the features or one or more of the appended claims.

Basically the method of the invention comprises the steps of:

-providing the construction base and / or the longitudinal parts of the construction with a support and guide facility for the crane;

- arranging that the crane is mountable on the support and guide facility; and

-mounting the crane on the support and guide facility of at least one of the construction base and the longitu3 dinal parts of the construction that is placed on the construction base, so as to arrange that the crane is then movable up and down along the support and guide facility of the construction.

The just-mentioned features of the invention provide the advantage that the footprint of the crane is independent from the size of the upstanding construction which is to be erected. Also the other dimensions and the weight of the crane are thus independent from the upstanding constructions size.

Another advantage is that the movements of the crane can remain limited which contributes to the stability of the entire construction process when the upstanding construction is build up from the ground. Severe weather conditions, particularly wind, only have a limited effect on the upstanding construction and on the crane mounted thereon during erection of the construction, particularly in comparison with the prior art solution.

Cost and effort to erect the upstanding construction can continue remain limited since all preparatory work off-site can remain limited and be delayed until the construction will be done on-site. The prior art method is comparatively costly since most construction is then required to be done off-site, which necessitates also the use of costlier transportation and high-capacity cranes. The invention, however, provides the advantage that transporting the longitudinal parts of the construction and the crane to the erection site can be done on the same vehicle.

According to the invention it is preferred that:

- transporting the longitudinal parts of the construction and the crane to the erection site is done with the construction parts and the crane resting in a horizontal position on the vehicle; and that

- the crane is up-ended at the site into a vertical position so as to enable the crane is mounted at the support and guide facility or at least one of the construction base and the longitudinal parts of the construction that is placed on the construction base. Thereafter the crane is immediately functional to be moved up and down the support and guide facility for moving loads up and down the gradually growing upstanding construction, as will be further explained hereinafter.

Up-ending or the crane into a vertical position can be done by different means; for instance using hydraulic cylinders or by using pull wires between the construction base and the crane. During up-ending a foot of the crane can be provided with a pivot point close to the support and guide facility provided on the construction base on which the crane will be mounted.

In connection with both onshore and offshore activities, the vehicle can be appropriately moved into the position which is best suited for mounting the crane on the supporting guide facility. If no appropriate position can be found, then the crane can be first mounted on an additional support that is provided on the construction base (or a higher longitudinal construction part above the construction base), and then moved into its final position mounted on the support and guide facility on the construction base or the higher longitudinal construction part on top of the construction base.

For limiting the costs of transport and making handling of all parts of the upstanding construction and the crane easy, it is preferred that at least one of the longitudinal construction parts and the crane is / are provided with dimensions equal or less than the dimensions of a standard sea freight container.

The actual erection of the upstanding construction is preferably initiated by moving the crane from the vehicle to an initial position on the support and guide facility that is provided on one of the construction base and the longitudinal part of the construction that is first placed on the construction base.

The erection of the upstanding construction can then take place by repeatedly positioning the crane at a top level of support and guide facility of the highest longitudinal part of the construction, and picking up with the crane a next longitudinal part of the construction that still rests said on the vehicle or at base level, and subsequent placing said next longitudinal part on top of the longitudinal part that supports the crane, while arranging that the support and guide facility of the respective longitudinal parts of the construction that are placed on top of each other are kept in line.

The crane can reach ever increasing heights correspondingly each time with the up till then latest placed and highest longitudinal construction part of the tower of construction parts.

In the example following the upstanding construction is a windmill, it is preferred to use the crane for picking up and placing the windmill generator and hub on top of the upstanding construction, followed by using the crane for picking up and placing the rotor blades on the hub.

As mentioned the method or erecting the upstanding construction can be used onshore and offshore. It is preferred that with a onshore erection the vehicle is a trailer, and that with an offshore erection the vehicle is a floating vessel or a jack-up vessel. In case of a floating vessel it is preferred that the vessel deck is stabilized.

Completing the erection of the upstanding construction is preferably done by removing the crane and removing the support and guide facility from the longitudinal parts of the construction. Removal of the support and guide facility is particularly desirable with windmills to avoid inducements or turbulence when the wind is blowing fits the upstanding construction. Such turbulence could adversely affect the rotor blades when in rotating operation.

The invention is also well equipped for execute maintenance or for execute dismantling or the upstanding construction. Both activities involve replacing the support and guide facility along the longitudinal parts of the construction and mounting a crane on the support and guide facility. The crane can then be applied for providing maintenance for the upstanding construction or for part by part top-down removal or the respective longitudinal parts of the construction.

The invention is further embodied in a crane which is arranged for moving up and down a vertical support and guide facility, featuring the crane comprising a mast which is movable up and down the support and guide facility, and including the remainder of the crane which comprises the crane's hoisting means is rotatably mounted on the mast.

In a preferred embodiment of the crane the mast is provided with upper and lower mounting slides for cooperation with the vertical support and guide facility, and that the mast is telescopically extendable between the upper and lower mounting slides. This makes it possible to selectively guide the hoisting forces at its strong points into the construction being erected, and also results in a simpler design of the crane which is easier to use.

The invention will be further elucidated with reference to the drawing primarily illustrating methods according to the invention that is not limiting as to the appended claims.

In the drawing:

figures 1-7 illustrate mounting a crane on a construction base for an upstanding construction which is erected according to the invention;

-figures 8-18 illustrate the method of erecting an upstanding construction including longitudinal construction parts using a crane according to a first edition in accordance with the invention;

-figures 19 - 25 illustrate the method of erecting an upstanding construction including longitudinal construction parts using a crane according to a second edition in accordance with the invention.

-figures 26 - 30 illustrate the method of erecting an upstanding construction including longitudinal construction parts using a crane according to a third edition in accordance with the invention.

-figures 31 - 36 illustrate the releasable attachment or an intermediate mount or the third embodiment.

-figures 37 - 50 illustrate the method of up-ending a crane according to the third embodiment.

Whenever in the figures the same reference numerals are applied, these numerals refer to the same parts.

First an explanation will be provided with reference to figures 1 - 7 or mounting a crane 1 according to the invention on a support and guide facility 2 on a construction base 3 onshore. The way of mounting the crane 1 when the construction base is onshore is basically the same as when the construction base would be offshore, so a detailed explanation and showing of mounting the crane on a support and guide facility on a construction base which is located offshore can be dispensed with.

In figure 1 the longitudinal parts of the construction are for clarity not shown. Figure 1 shows, however, that the crane 1 is placed in a horizontal position on a vehicle 4, that is to say a trailer, and moved to an erection site 5 where for instance a windmill construction base 3 is located.

Figure 2 shows the subsequent up-ending of the crane 1 into a vertical position which is reached in figure 3, and which allows the crane 1 is mounted on the support and guide facility 2 of the construction base 3. Needless to say that if there would already be a first or higher longitudinal part positioned on the construction base 3, the crane 1 could also be mounted on this first or higher longitudinal part of the construction that would be on top of the construction base 3.

Figure 3 shows that the crane 1 is still in a folded condition. In figures 4-7 the crane is unfolded by extending first the struts 6 of the crane (figure 4); and subsequently extending the jib 7 or the crane 1 (figure 5); extending the jib extension 7 '(figure 6); and extending a telescopic piece 8 'from the mast 8 that is mounted on the support and guide facility on the construction base 3 (figure 7). The crane 1 is then ready for use. It is to be noted that the crane 1 as depicted in figures 1 - 7 is a crane according to a first embodiment of the invention. The invention however also embraces a crane 1 according to a second embodiment of the invention as will be explained hereinafter with reference to figures 19 25. In the crane 1 according to this second embodiment of the invention the mast 8 is provided with upper and lower mounting slides 14, 15 (as shown in figures 19 - 25) for cooperation with the vertical support and guide facility 2 mounted on the construction to be erected, the mast 8 is telescopically extendable between the upper and lower mounting slides 14, 15. Mounting this crane 1 according to the second edition on the vertical support and guide facility 2 is executed similarly as explained with reference to figures 1-7 relative to the crane 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention. Use of the crane 1 according to the second embodiment differs however slightly from the use of the crane 1 according to the first edition, which will now be discussed first.

Using the Crane 1 according to the first embodiment of the invention can be elucidated with reference to figures 8 - 18 illustrating the case that the erection of the upstanding construction is done offshore. It is remarked that the following elucidation of erecting the construction offshore will likewise be applicable to erecting the upstanding construction onshore. The details of the method of the invention are the same in both situations. A specific elucidation with reference to erection onshore can therefore be dispensed with.

Figures 8 and 9 depict two alternative situations in which the vehicle 4 to be used for transporting the longitudinal parts 9 of the construction and the crane 1 in a horizontal position to the erection site 5 is different, notably either a floating vessel 4 '(figure 8) or a jack-up vessel 4 '' (figure 9).

Figure 8 shows a fully loaded floating vessel 4 'after arrival at the construction site 5, and this figure shows a moment during the initial up-ending of the crane 1 so as to enable its eventual mounting on the support and guide facility that is provided on the construction base 3 on which a windmill column will be completed.

Likewise figure 9 shows a fully loaded jack-up vessel 4 '' at the construction site 5, and shows a moment during the initial up-ending of the crane 1 so as to enable its eventual mounting on the support and guide facility that is provided on the construction base 3 on which a windmill column will be completed.

With reference to figure 8 and figure 9 shows that besides the crane 1, also the longitudinal parts 9 of the construction that have already been provided off-site with support and guide facilities 2 for the crane 1, a windmill generator 10, and a hub 11 for mounting the rotor blades 13, and said rotor blades 13 can be moved to the erection site 5 on one and the same vehicle 4 ', 4' '.

The remainder of the explanation of using the crane of the invention for erecting the upstanding construction of the windmill will now be provided for the case that the vehicle is a jack-up vessel 4 '' in accordance with figure 9, but the skilled person will understand without further explanation that any other type of vessel could similarly be used for this purpose, and not necessarily only the alternative of the floating vessel 4 'or figure 8.

Turning now to figures 10 - 15, these figures show the consecutive building up and erection of the tower of longitudinal construction parts 9, following mounting the crane 1 on the construction base 3 (in a way similar to what is discussedabove with reference to figures 1 - 7) a first construction part 9 'is picked up by the crane 1 from the vessel 4' and positioned on top of the construction base 3. This is shown in figure 10.

In figure 11 it shows that the crane 1 has been moved to a higher altitude than in figure 10, until it reaches the top level 12 or the support and guide facility 2 or the then highest first longitudinal part 9 'of the construction. This shows figure 12.

Figure 12 further shows that a next longitudinal construction part 9 '' was picked up by the crane 1 from the vessel 4 'and positioned on top of the first longitudinal construction part 9' that was placed earlier on the construction base 3.

Figure 13 shows a subsequent placement of a next yet still intermediate longitudinal construction part 9 '' 'in the tower of construction parts 9, Figure 14 shows the generalization of the placement of construction part X in the tower of construction parts 9. Each intermediate placement of a construction part according to the building method of the invention can therefore be deemed illustrated by the generalization of placing construction part X in the tower of construction parts 9. Figure 15 shows the final and uppermost longitudinal construction part being placed on top of the pile or tower of construction parts 9.

Figure 16 and figure 17 depict the placement after picking up from the vehicle 4 "or the wind turbine generator 10 (figure 16), and the hub 11 for the rotor blades (figure 17).

Finally figure 18 shows the placement of the rotor blades 13, after their picking up from the vehicle 4 '', in their final mounted position on the hub 11.

With reference to figures 19 - 25 the use of a second preferred embodiment of the crane 1 of the invention will be discussed for erecting an upstanding construction. The discussion hereor concentrates on the process of erecting the construction itself, without details regarding the supply of the construction parts 9 which is similar or the same as shown with reference to figures 8-9. For reasons of brevity repeating this discussion is avoided.

Turning now to figures 19 - 25, these figures show the consecutive building up and erection of a tower of longitudinal construction parts 9 ', 9' 'on a construction base 3.

Figure 19 shows that the mast 8 or the crane 1 is provided with an upper mounting slide 14 and a lower mounting slide 15 for cooperation with the vertical support and guide facility 2 on the construction base 3. In the following figures it will be shown that on behalf of erecting the tower of construction parts 9 ', 9' 'on top of the construction base 3, the mast 8 is telescopically extendable between the upper and lower mounting slides 14, 15.

As shown in figure 19 the upper mounting slide 14 is positioned slightly below an upper end of the construction base 3, and the lower mounting slide 15 is positioned at a lower end of the base part 3. After thus having the crane 1 mounted on the construction base 3 (in a way similar to what is discussed below with reference to figures 1 - 7) a first construction part 9 'which is picked up by the crane 1 is positioned on top of the construction base 3. This is shown in figure 20.

Thereafter figure 21 shows a next step in which the mast 8 is telescopically extended such that the extremities of the mast parts 8 'and 8' 'move away from each other. Because upper mounting slide 14 is connected to the upper mast part 8 '', the upper mounting slide 14 moves along the support and guide facility 2 which is present on the first longitudinal construction part 9 'which has just been placed on top of the construction base 3. At the same time the lower mounting slide 15 temporarily maintains its position on the supporting guide facility 2 present on the construction base 3.

Figure 22 shows then that subsequently the mast parts 8 ', 8' 'are retracted so that the distance between the mounting slides 14, 15 diminishes and the lower mounting slide 15 assumes a higher than initial position on the supporting guide facility 2 present on the construction base 3. This allows that the mast 8 and its mast parts 8 ', 8' 'again telescopically extend from each other so that -as shown in figure 23- the upper mounting slide 14 assumes a position slightly below an upper end of the then highest longitudinal construction part 9 ', in preparation of the placement of a further longitudinal construction part 9' 'on top of the current highest longitudinal construction part 9'. Before such a further longitudinal construction part 9 '' is placed, the lower mounting slide 15 is manipulated into a desired position as depicted in figure 24 which best accords to a desired flow of forces from the crane 1 into the supporting guide facility 2. At that time the crane 1 is ready to pick up and place the further longitudinal construction part 9 '' on top of the up to the highest longitudinal construction part 9 ', whereafter subsequently the upper mounting slide 14 and the lower mounting slide 15 can be moved to a new position by appropriately longitudinally extending the mast parts 8 'and 8' from each other. This is shown in figure 25.

The placement of the wind turbine generator, and the hub for the rotor blades can follow similarly as explained with reference to figures 16 - 18.

FIGs. 26-50 show views of the third embodiment and illustrate the use thereof. In the following, only the aspects in which this embodiment differs from the first and second embodiment will be described. It will be apparent in all other aspects, the methods and concepts described above may be applied to this third embodiment.

In the third edition, the crane 1 comprises the vertical support and guide facility 2 ', and the construction parts are provided with attachment or fixation points which can cooperate with the vertical support and guide facility 2' to releasably attach the facility to the stacked segments of the upstanding construction. Thus, the vertical support and guide facility 2 'is provided at the same time as the crane 1. This allows to reduce the size and dimensions of the support and guide facility, as well as the time and effort needed to erect and install the crane . Additionally, the need to already provide the longitudinal parts 9 off-site with support and guide facilities is obviated as well.

In this third embodiment, the vertical support and guide facility 2 is movable up and down along the upstanding construction. This allows to use a vertical support and guide facility 2 'which is shorter than the upstanding construction to be erected, and e.g. which has substantially the same length (in its longest position) as the mast 8 or the crane or is shorter. For example, this allows to use a vertical support and guide facility 2 'which is no longer than two or three longitudinal parts of the construction.

FIG. 26 shows a mast 8 which, contrary to the second embodiment, is not telescopically extendable. However, it will be apparent that the mast of the second edition may be used as well with the vertical support and guide facility 2 of the third edition. The vertical support and guide facility 2 is releasably fixed to the upright construction and can move relative thereto, to move up or down the construction. The mast 8 in turn is movable relative to the facility 2, and can thus move up or down relative to the construction as well, e.g. when the facility 2 is fixed, as explained in more detail below.

The vertical support and guide facility 2 comprises mounts 14,, 15,, 16 releasably attachable to the upstanding construction and attached to the mast 8 in such a manner the mast 8 is movable up and down along the upstanding construction when, at least some of , the mounts are attached to the upstanding construction. The movement of the mast 8 is further guided by the mounts 14,, 15,, 16. Vice versa the mast 8 provides a guide for the movement of some of the mounts relative to the construction parts 9.

FIG. 26 That shows the mounts can compete rise a lower mount 15 ,, an upper mount 14 ^Λ and an intermediate mount 16 between the lower mount and the upper mount. The intermediate mount 16 is displaceable between the lower mount and the upper mount in opposite directions along the longitudinal direction of the mast. In this example the path about which the intermediate mount can move ranges from the lower mount to the upper mount but it will be apparent that, depending on the specific implementation, a shorter path may be used as well.

In addition to the intermediate mount 16, one or more of the upper mount 14 and / or the lower mount 15 can be a displaceable mount. This mount can be displaceable, relative to the mast, between the intermediate mount and an extremity of the mast, in opposite directions parallel to the longitudinal direction towards and away from the extremity. Thus, the length of the facility 2, ie the distance between the most remote mounts 14 ', 15' can be varied to expand and retract in such a manner that the facility is moved up and / or down relative to the construction 9. For example, starting from a retracted state, the facility may expand at one end following in a first direction and subsequently retract at the other end, thus moving the other end in the first direction and thus the facility 2 'moved.

The mounts can be releasably attached to 9.9 'construction parts. As shown in more detail in FIGs. 31-36, in this embodiment, construction parts 9.9 'are provided with respective fixation points for the mounts, and more specifically at their top end. The fixation points are distributed circumferentially around the construction parts 9.9 'such that one mount can be attached at two circumferentially spaced apart positions at the same height. This provides for a stable releasable fixation which can resist horizontal forces in tangential direction or the construction part 9 to which the mount is attached.

In this third embodiment, the position of the lower mount 15 'is fixed relative to the mast, at the lower extremity of the mast 8, although another position may be used. In this example, the weight of the crane is mainly or completely carried by the lower mount 15 '. This avoids the corresponding vertical force being transferred on unfinished parts or the structure to be build.

The upper and intermediate mounts 14 ', 16 transfer horizontal forces exerted on the mast to the upstanding construction and hold the mast in position horizontally, when attached to the construction of course. The mounts 14 ', 16 in this example both have a passage, as more clearly seen in FIGs. 31-36 through which the mast 8 slidably extends and which thus do not bear the weight of the mast but ensure that the mast 8 is hero in position horizontally, ie in tangential and radial direction of construction parts 9.9 ', when not moving and guide the movement of the mast.

The support and guide facility 2 'may be lowered or raised as follows. FIG. 26 shows the crane 1 in an initial position. In this initial position, the mounts 14 ', 15'and 16 are attached to the second and third highest longitudinal construction part 9. More specific, lower mount 15' is attached to an upper or top end of the third highest longitudinal construction part 9 Whereas upper mount 14 and intermediate mount 16 are attached to a top end of the second highest longitudinal construction part 9.

FIG. 26 shows that the attachment of the upper mount 14 'is released and, as the arrow indicates, the upper mount 14' is displaced along the mast to the top or upper end of the currently highest longitudinal construction part 9 '. FIG. 27 shows that the upper mount 14 'is then attached to the top end of the now highest longitudinal construction part 9'.

Sub much, the attachment or intermediate mount 16 to the top end or the second highest longitudinal construction part 9 has been released. The intermediate mount 16 is then, as indicated with the arrow, moved upwards to be attached to the same fixation as before but instead of engaging from underneath now engages from above with the upper end of the second highest longitudinal construction part 9. The length of the facility 2 'now agreed to about two construction parts, and hence is expanded relative to FIG. 26 where the length corresponds to about one construction part.

FIG. 28 shows that thereafter the attachment or the lower mount 15 'to the construction part has been released. The mast can then be moved upwards, guided by the upper mount 14 and intermediate mount 16 (which are both attached and thus fixed relative to the construction parts 9.9 '). FIG. 29 shows that after thus raising the mast, the lower mount 15 'is attached again, but now to the top end of the second highest longitudinal construction part 9, and the facility 2' now extends over about one construction part.

The intermediate mount 16 has been moved to the top end of the now highest longitudinal construction part

9 'and attached thereto, which FIG. 30 shows. This strengthens the attachment or the facility at the top.

The crane 1 is now in its new position and a next longitudinal construction part 9 '' can be placed. FIG. 30 shows that the next longitudinal construction part 9 is placed on top of the currently highest longitudinal construction part 9 and thus becomes the next highest longitudinal construction part.

FIGs. 31-36 show in more detail how the mounts 14,, 15,, 16 are attached to the upstanding structure. Each of the mounts comprises a fixation system for releasably attaching to the upstanding construction simultaneously at different fixation points which are in circumferential direction or the upstanding construction are spaced apart but at substantially the same height.

The upper mount 14 and lower mount ^Λ 15 ^Λ have similar fixation systems and the intermediate mount 16 has a fixation system Which Differs from there, for engaging at fixation points different from the upper mount and lower mount.

As shown in FIG. 31 and 34, the intermediate mount 16 comprises a fixation system 160,161 which can engage at a top side and a bottom side or a protruding tab 90 or the upstanding construction located at a fixation point In this example, the fixation system comprises an 160 arm which extends from the mast 8 towards the construction part 9 and which is provided with a coupling element 161 formed by an upwards pointing pin and a downwards pointing pin. When engaging at the bottom side, as shown in FIG. 31, the upwards pointing pin extends through an eye of the protruding tab in the opposite case, shown in FIG. 34, the downwards pointing pin extends from the top side into the eye.

FIGs. 31 shows the upper mount 14 and the intermediate mount in the initial position of the crane shown in FIG. 26. As shown, upwards pointing pin 161 projects from underneath into the eye of the protruding tab 90 and the fixation system of the upper mount 14 'interlocks with a short beam 91 projecting from the part 9, by means of an upstanding, vertical lip of the beam 91 at the free end of that at, which is admitted in a recess of the fixation system and interlocked therewith.

FIG. 32 shows that upper mount 14 'has been raised and this interlocking attachment has been released. The fixation system thereafter is retracted towards the mast 8, to allow, as FIG. 33 shows displacing the upper mount 14 'to the position shown in FIG.27. The intermediate mount 16 is slightly lowered to remove the pin 161 out of the eye and arms 160 are retracted. As indicated with the arrow in FIG. 33 the intermediate mount 16 is raised, arms 160 are extended such that the downward pointing pin is positioned above the eye and subsequently the mount lowered to place the pin in the eye and then attach the mount 16 to the construction part. FIG. 34 shows the intermediate mount 16 thus re-attached to the construction part 9.

With upper mount 14 and intermediate mount 16 displaced and re-attached to the construction part 9, lower mount 15 can be released. FIG. 35 shows that after lower mount 15 'has been released, the mast 8 is raised and hence lower mount 15' moved into position in front of the fixation points previously used by the upper mount 14 '. The fixation system 151 or the lower mount 15 'is placed above the beam and lip, such that the lip can be admitted into a corresponding opening of the fixation system. FIG. 36 shows that arms 160 or the intermediate mount are retracted to pull the mast towards the construction part and new place the lip in front of the opening, and that the mast is slightly lowered to create the locking attachment.

FIGs. 37-50 show the use of a platform 17 for upending a crane 1 according to the third edition. The shown platform 17 comprises a support for transport, in a non-upright position (eg horizontally), a bottom segment 80 of the mast 8 of the crane 1. The bottom segment 80 is provided with at least two of the mounts 14 ', 15 ', 16, in this example with all of them to allow a secure, releasable attachment to the base of the upright construction. The platform is further provided with a powered tilting system 18, such as a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and associated power supply, for tilting the bottom segment 80 relative to the support 17, and in this example also vice versa. It will be apparent that in FIG. 3750 the platform is shown only schematically and that e.g. the platform may be provided on a (semi) trailer or other transport means not shown in the FIGs. and be hero in position relative to the ground by e.g. not shown support legs.

FIG. 37-50 illustrate a method of up-ending the crane using the platform. In such a method, the powered tilting system puts the bottom segment (provided in a non-upright position on the support) in an upright position. This is shown in FIG. 37, where the bottom segment 80 is tilted, as indicated with the arrow, to come to stand up on a base 170.

The bottom segment 80 may then be fixed relative to the upstanding construction by attaching the least two mounts to the upstanding construction, as FIG. 38 shows. The powered tilting system can then tilt the support relative to the bottom segment 80 to put the support in an upright position. For example, the hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder that expanded to push the bottom segment 80 upright may be retracted to pull the support towards the upright bottom segment.

FIG. 39 shows the support 17 up-ended. As shown, the support is fixated relative to the bottom segment 80 by a releasable fixation 171. In this example the attachment of the cylinder is displaced as well to be further away from the pivot axis between support 17 and bottom segment 80 and then keep the support 17 fixated. A support base 170 is provided on which bottom end of the support 17 rests

FIG. 40-42 shows putting one or more further segments 81.82, including a top segment 81, from a non-upright position to an upright position. As shown, the top segment 81 is pivotably attached to the support and pivoted to an upright position. In this example, the jib 7 'or the crane on the top segment 81 is used to push the top segment upright, as shown in FIG. 41. Once in an upright position, the top segment is fixed to the support 17. FIG. 42 shows the crane and support after releasably fixating the top segment at a position 811 remote from the pivot point.

FIGs. 43-48 show guiding the further segment 81.82 along the upright support 17 to move them upwards. A lower extremity of the further segments 81.82 is moved beyond the top of the bottom segment 80, and the further segment 81.82 is placed on top of the bottom segment 80.

In these examples, this comprises, in addition to putting the top segment 81 from a non-upright position in an upright position, stacking the top segment 81 and one or more intermediate segments 82 of the crane.

FIG. 43 shows that the top segment 81 is guided along the upright support to move upwards to a distance sufficient to place one or more intermediate segment in an upright position thereunder. It will be apparent that if there are intermediate segments already stacked thereunder, the entire stack is moved upwards to create sufficient space underneath the stack.

FIG. 44 shows that one or more intermediate segments 82 are provided in the space created by moving the stack upwards. The intermediate segment (s) may be up-ended in a manner similar to the top segment 81. The process of moving the stack upwards and placing an intermediate segment can be repeated until all intermediate segments of the mast are 8 stacked.

FIG. 45 shows the stack resting on a support base 170. As indicated with the arrow the entire stack can be moved upwards until the bottom end is above the top end of the bottom segment 80. This is shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 47 shows that the stack is placed on top of the bottom segment 80. In this example, the stack is attached to the support which is rotated 180 degrees around its longitudinal axis, thus placing the stack on the other side of the support 17, which is the same side as the bottom segment 80.

FIG. 48 shows that the stack is lowered and placed on the bottom segment 80 and hence the crane 1 is completed.

FIGs. 49-50 show removing the support 17 from the crane 1. As shown in FIG ,. 49, the powered tilting system can tilt the support relative to the bottom segment to put the support in a non-upright position. FIG. 50 shows that the support is detached and moved away from the crane. It will be apparent that the platform with the support 17 may then be used to install another crane. It will be apparent that, for example thereafter, the crane 1 may be unfolded, e.g., in the manner described with reference to FIGs.3-7 above.

Finally it is remarked that the upper part 1 of the crane 1 including the crane's hoisting means is always rotatable with reference to the mast 8, which is particularly beneficial for the crane's ability to handle all loads that are required for building and erecting the construction.

Although the invention has been discussed in the foregoing with reference to exemplary expiry or applying the method of the invention, the invention is not restricted to this particular expiry which can be varied in many ways without departing from the invention. The discussed example is therefore not used to construct the appended claims strictly in accordance with therewith. On the con- trary the indefinitely are merely intended to explain the wording of the appended claims without intent to limit the claims to these. The scope of protection of the invention shall therefore be constructed in accordance with the appended claims only, if possible ambiguity in the wording of the claims shall be resolved using this exemplary exp.

Claims (23)

CONCLUSIONS A method for erecting a standing structure on-shore or offshore comprising longitudinal structural parts (9), in particular parts of a windmill, comprising the steps of providing the longitudinal parts (9) of the construction; transporting the longitudinal parts (9) of the structure on a vehicle (4, 4 ', 4' ') to an erection site (5); providing a crane (1) for lifting the longitudinal parts (9) of the structure; using the crane (1) to place the respective longitudinal parts (9) of the structure on top of each other on a construction base (3) at the location of the erection site (5); characterized by the steps of: provided with the construction base (3) and / or the longitudinal parts (9) of the construction of a support and guide facility (2) for the crane (1); causing the crane (1) to be mountable on the support and guidance facility (2); and mounting the crane (1) on the support and guide facility (2) of at least one of the construction base (3) and the longitudinal parts (9) of the construction that are placed on the construction base (3) to effect that the crane (1) is movable up and down along the support and guide facility (2) of the structure. Method according to claim 1, characterized by the step of: transporting the longitudinal parts (9) of the structure and the crane (1) on the same vehicle (4, 4 ', 4 ^{, Λ} ) to the erection site (5). Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the step of: transporting the longitudinal parts (9) of the structure and the crane (1) in a horizontal position on the vehicle (4, 4 ', 4' ') to the erection site (5); and adjusting the crane (1) in a vertical position to allow the crane (1) to be mounted on the support and guide facility (2) of at least one of the construction base (3) and the longitudinal parts (9) ) of the structure placed on the structure base (3). Method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-3, characterized in that at least one of the longitudinal structural parts (9) and the crane (1) is provided with dimensions equal to or smaller than the dimensions of a standard sea freight container. Method according to one of the preceding claims 1-4, characterized by moving the crane (1) from the vehicle (4, 4 ', 4' ') to an initial position on the support and guide facility (2) provided is on one of the construction base (3) and the longitudinal part (9 ') of the construction that is first placed on the construction base (3). A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-5, characterized by repeatedly positioning the crane (1) at a highest level (12) of the support and guide facility (2) of the then highest longitudinal part of the structure, and picking up with the crane (1) a next longitudinal part (X) of the structure still resting on the vehicle (4, 4 ', 4' '), and then placing said next longitudinal part (X) on top of the longitudinal part that carries the crane (1), while causing the support and guiding facility (2) of the respective longitudinal parts (9, 9 ', 9' ', 9' '', X) of the structure to be on top of each other placed in line with each other. A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-6, wherein the upright structure is a windmill, characterized by using the crane (1) for picking up and placing the windmill generator (10) and hub (11) on top of the upright structure , followed by using the crane (1) to pick up and place the rotor blades (13) on the hub (11). A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-7, characterized by ensuring that on-shore erecting the vehicle (4) is a trailer, and that when erecting offshore, the vehicle is a, preferably stabilized, floating vessel (4 ') ) or a jack-up vessel (4 ''). A method according to any one of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized by completing the erection of the upright structure by removing the crane (1) and removing the support and guide facility (2) from the longitudinal parts (9) , 9 ', 9' ', 9' '', X) of the structure. 10. Method for performing maintenance or dismantling of the upright structure, characterized by placing the support and guide facility (2) along the longitudinal parts (9, 9 ', 9' ', 9' '', X) of the structure and mounting a crane (1) on the support and rigging facility (2), and applying the crane (1) to provide maintenance for the upright structure or for the part-by-part removal of top-down the respective longitudinal parts (9, 9 ', 9' ', 9' '', X) of the structure. A crane (1) adapted to move up and down along a vertical support and guide facility (2), characterized in that it comprises a mast (8) which is movable up and down along the support and guide facility ( 2), wherein the rest of the crane, which comprises the lifting means of the crane, is rotatably mounted on the mast (8). A crane (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the mast (8) is provided with upper and lower mounting sliders (14, 15) for cooperation with the support and guide facility (2), and in that the mast (8 ) is telescopically extendable between the upper and lower mounting sliders (14, 15). Faucet according to claims 11 or 12, characterized in that: the crane comprises the vertical support and guide facility (2); the vertical support and guide facility (2) comprises detachable attachments (14 ^, 15 ^, 16) detachable to an upright structure, which comprise elongated structural members (9) and are fixed to the mast such that the mast is movable up and down along the upright structure when, at least some of, said fixings are attached to the upright structure. A tap according to claim 13, characterized in that the attachments comprise a lower attachment (15 '), an upper attachment (14') and an intermediate attachment (16) between the lower attachment and the upper attachment, which intermediate attachment is in opposite longitudinal direction of the mast is movable between the lower mounting and the upper mounting. A crane according to claim 14, characterized in that at least one of the upper attachment and / or the lower attachment is a movable attachment that is movable relative to the mast, between the intermediate attachment and an end of the mast in opposite directions directions parallel to said longitudinal direction in the direction of the end and therefrom. 16. Crane according to one or more of claims 13-15, characterized in that the intermediate mounting comprises a fixation system that can engage on a top side and a bottom side of a protruding cam of the upright construction at a fixation point thereof. 17. Crane as claimed in one or more of the claims 13-16, characterized in that the lower fixing is fixed relative to the mast. Crane according to one or more of claims 13 - 17, characterized in that each of the attachments comprises a fixation system for releasably securing the fixation points spaced apart from one another at different peripheral directions of the upright construction to the upright construction. Faucet according to one or more of claims 13 - 18, characterized in that the top fixation and the bottom fixation have corresponding fixation systems and the intermediate fixation has a fixation system that differs for engaging fixation points different from the top fixation and the bottom fixation . 20. Platform for erecting a crane according to one or more of claims 13-19, characterized in that the platform comprises a support for transporting a lower segment of the mast of the crane provided in a non-upright position of at least two of said fixings, and a driven tilt system for tilting the bottom segment relative to the undercarriage and vice versa. A method of erecting a crane according to one or more of claims 13 to 19 with a platform according to claim 20, characterized by: placing said lower segment in an upright position by the driven tilt system; securing the lower segment of the mast relative to the upright structure by attaching at least two fixings to the upright structure; tilting the chassis with respect to the lower segment by the driven tilting system to bring the chassis into an upright position; moving at least one additional segment, including an upper segment, from a non-upright position to an upright position and guiding the additional segments along the upright chassis, so that, with a lower end of the additional segments past the top of the lower segment to move up; and placing the additional segment on top of the lower segment. A method according to claim 21, characterized in that bringing the additional segments from a non-upright position to an upright position comprises: bringing the upper segment from a non-upright position to an upright position and the upper segment and at least one intermediate segment stacking, said stacking comprising: guiding the upper segment, and each intermediate segment already stacked beneath it, spaced apart along the upright chassis to place at least one intermediate segment in an upright position below the bottom of the stack and the at least one intermediate segment in that position, and repeat this until all intermediate segments are stacked. A method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by tilting the undercarriage relative to the lower segment through the driven tilting system to bring the undercarriage to a non-upright position, and removing the undercarriage from the crane. 1/47 2/47 3/47 5/47 6/47