The technology removes the need for workers to secure blades to the traditional clamping tools by hand. By controlling the system from the vessel's deck, it also stops engineers from having to work at height.
Siemen's lifting system can also be used in higher winds than previous single-blade assembly methods, the German engineering firm said.
It can manoeuvre the 25-tonne blade into place in wind speeds of up to 14 m/s. The mechanism itself is 14 metres long and eight meters in height, weighing 78 tonnes.
Siemens first used its new system at Dong Energy's 210MW Westermost Rough offshore project. The company started installing the 35 SWT-6.0-154 turbines in August. It is the first commercial project to feature the turbine.
Pictures courtesy of: www.siemens.com/press
