System for handling a nacelle of a wind turbine and related methods

A method for loading a nacelle of a wind turbine on a transportation base, the method carried out with a system comprising for handling a nacelle of a wind turbine, the system comprising a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction;

• wherein the nacelle comprises a nacelle frame being adapted to rest, using a first transport frame, on a transportation base;
• wherein the nacelle frame comprises a first width defined in the transversal direction, a main support frame and a generator frame;
• wherein the transportation base comprises a second width defined in the transversal direction and a loading platform;
• and
• wherein the system comprises:
• the first transport frame configured to be connected to the main support frame of the nacelle frame and configured to rest on the transportation base;
• at least one first crossbeam disposed in the transversal direction of the system and comprising:
• a first length defined in the transversal direction of the system;
• an upper surface, wherein the first transport frame is configured to be supported on the upper surface of the at least one first crossbeam during at least a loading or unloading operation of the nacelle on the transportation base;
• a first end and a second end, each one of the first end and the second end comprising a lower surface;
• wherein the first length of the at least one first crossbeam is bigger than the second width of the transportation base;
• and
• at least two first lateral supports configured to be disposed on a ground separated by a first distance defined in the transversal direction of the system, wherein the first distance is bigger than the second width of the transportation base and smaller than the first length of the at least one first crossbeam, the at least two first lateral supports also configured to support the at least one first crossbeam, the first transport frame and the nacelle, such that the lower surface of the first end and the second end of the at least one first crossbeam rests on the at least two first lateral supports during at least a loading or unloading operation of the nacelle on the transportation base;
• and
• wherein the method comprises the following steps:
• a step of positioning the loading platform of the transportation base under the first transport frame, the nacelle and optionally under the at least one first crossbeam, in between the at least two first lateral supports wherein the lower surfaces of the first end and the second end of the at least one first crossbeam are configured to rest;
• and
• a step of raising the loading platform of the transportation base such that the at least one first crossbeam ceases to rest on the at least two first lateral supports, and the at least one first crossbeam, the first transport frame and the nacelle rest on the loading platform.

A method for unloading a nacelle of a wind turbine from a transportation base, the method carried out with a system for handling a nacelle of a wind turbine, the system comprising a longitudinal direction and a transversal direction;

• wherein the nacelle comprises a nacelle frame being adapted to rest, using a first transport frame, on a transportation base;
• wherein the nacelle frame comprises a first width defined in the transversal direction, a main support frame and a generator frame;
• wherein the transportation base comprises a second width defined in the transversal direction and a loading platform;
• and
• wherein the system comprises:
• the first transport frame configured to be connected to the main support frame of the nacelle frame and configured to rest on the transportation base;
• at least one first crossbeam disposed in the transversal direction of the system and comprising:
• a first length defined in the transversal direction of the system;
• an upper surface, wherein the first transport frame is configured to be supported on the upper surface of the at least one first crossbeam during at least a loading or unloading operation of the nacelle on the transportation base;
• oa first end and a second end, each one of the first end and the second end comprising a lower surface;
• wherein the first length of the at least one first crossbeam is bigger than the second width of the transportation base;
• and
• at least two first lateral supports configured to be disposed on a ground separated by a first distance defined in the transversal direction of the system, wherein the first distance is bigger than the second width of the transportation base and smaller than the first length of the at least one first crossbeam, the at least two first lateral supports also configured to support the at least one first crossbeam, the first transport frame and the nacelle, such that the lower surface of the first end and the second end of the at least one first crossbeam rests on the at least two first lateral supports during at least a loading or unloading operation of the nacelle on the transportation base, and
• wherein the method comprises the following steps:
• a step of positioning the loading platform of the transportation base carrying the first transport frame and the nacelle and optionally the at least one first crossbeam, in between the at least two first lateral supports;
• and
• a step of taking down the loading platform of the transportation base such that the lower surface of the first end and the second end of the at least one first crossbeam rests on the at least two first lateral supports, supporting the at least one first crossbeam, the first transport frame and the nacelle.