Bryan P Reed

US Patent:

20100139062, Jun 10, 2010

Filed:

Feb 25, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/392353

Inventors:

Bryan P. Reed - Scotia NY, US
Thomas O. Converse - Lanesborough MA, US
Steven H. Olson - Greer SC, US
Michael R. Johnson - Thornton NH, US

International Classification:

B23P 15/04
B23P 6/00

US Classification:

29 2351, 298891

Abstract:

A method and lifting arrangement for lowering and raising a single rotor blade of a wind turbine from a six-o'clock position is provided. Lifting fixtures are symmetrically installed on a hub surface about the rotor blade being replaced. Lifting lines from coordinated ground winches pass over the lifting fixtures to support the blade and attach to a blade harness. The blade harness attaches over a substantial length of the rotor blade, distributing the blade weight broadly. A tail pick crane facilitates transfer of the rotor blade between a vertical and a horizontal position stored position.