Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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Rescue training equipment
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of rescue training equipments, in
particular
to a mobile rescue training equipment for a rescue training for wind turbines.
Art Background
With the increasing number of wind turbines used for generating of electric
power it is
necessary to train service people in handling rescue situations in connection
with
emergencies in wind turbines. This training is normally done by hiring a wind
turbine
and shutting it down for a day or two and then simulating an emergency
situation
happening somewhere in the wind turbine. This is though often very difficult
and
expensive as an existing wind turbine has to be hired and shut down during the
training.
Summary of the Invention
Thus, there may be a need to provide an alternative concept of training people
for
emergency situations.
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According to an exemplary aspect a rescue training equipment
is provided which comprises a mock up structure comprising at
least one platform, and a base structure adapted to be de-
tachably attached to a basement on ground.
In particular, the rescue training equipment may simulate a
portion of a wind turbine or may be configured to simulate at
least a portion of a wind turbine, i.e. may be suitable to
allow rescue training particularly for emergency situations
in a wind turbine. The rescue training equipment may form a
mobile rescue training equipment which may be adapted to be
attached and detached or mounted and demounted several times
without damaging or break the same. Such it may be possible
to easily move and transport the rescue training equipment or
system to any arbitrarily position or location. In particu-
lar, the rescue training equipment may be adapted to be
stowed in one or more containers after being detached so that
it may be easily moveable from one location to another. At
this location the rescue training equipment may be mounted on
a basement on ground so that a rescue training may be per-
formed. Thus, mobile rescue training equipment, for simulat-
ing rescue from a wind turbine, may be provided comprising a
mock-up tower or structure with one or more means for getting
access to one or more platforms of the tower or structure and
one or more means for supporting the tower or structure on
the ground. By such a mobile rescue training equipment it may
be possible to train the service people in rescue training
from a wind turbine at any time and anywhere it is needed. It
is by the invention possible to dismount the training facili-
ties and put it into one or more containers and move it to
another place in perhaps another country in an easy way.
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Furthermore, it should be stressed, that the rescue training
equipment, beside simulation of rescue situation, may also be
used to develop new rescue kit components and/or rescue com-
ponents fixed or mounted to wind turbines, e.g. rail systems.
Additionally new or advanced training concepts may be devel-
oped by utilizing the rescue training equipment. Moreover,
the rescue training equipment or training setup may be used
to demonstrate the function of the rescue training equipment
under several circumstances, e.g. during sales talks.
According to this application the term "base structure" may
particularly denote any element or component which is adapted
to be fixed to a basement, e.g. a fastener, hook, eye, screw
or even a base plate fixed to the mock up structure.
According to this application the term "platform" may cover a
broad spectrum of meanings, i.e. may cover every component or
module which is suitable to place items on it or to be en-
tered by humans. Examples may include closed or hollow cabi-
nets, like a hollow rotor blade or a nacelle of a wind tur-
bine, or open platforms essentially formed only by a plate,
like a pedestal or the like.
By using the rescue training equipment or system according to
the exemplary aspect it may be possible to avoid the neces-
sity to hire an existing wind turbine and shut down it down
during the training. Thus, it may be possible to enable
training in an easier and less expensive way.
In particular, a gist of an exemplary aspect may be seen in
the fact that a mobile rescue training equipment is provided,
which may be suitable for simulating rescue from a wind tur-
bine. The rescue training equipment may comprise mock-up
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tower or structure with one or more means for getting access
to one or more platforms of the tower and one or more means
for supporting the tower or structure on the ground. In par-
ticular, it should be noted that all the above mentioned ele-
ments or components and also the following elements or compo-
nents in each embodiment may be attached in a detachable way
ensuring that the mock-up tower or structure could be de-
mounted and put in one or more standard containers ready for
transportation to another training site.
Next, further exemplary embodiments of the rescue training
equipment are described.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
equipment further comprises an element adapted for getting
access to the at least one platform. Such an element may be
for example a ladder, wire, rescue line, frame like structure
or the like.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue
training equipment the at least one platform comprises an ac-
cess hole. In particular, the access hole may have a size or
diameter which is adapted to be passed by a human, i.e. the
access hole may be a manhole. Furthermore, the platform may
comprise a guard rail. In particular, the access hole may be
adapted in such a way that it suitable to simulate access to
a generator, a hub or to one blade of a wind turbine.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue
training equipment the mock ups structure comprises a verti-
cal tower structure. In particular, the vertical tower struc-
ture may be adapted in such a way that the at least one plat-
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form is detachable connectable to the vertical tower struc-
ture.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
5 equipment further comprises at least one frame structure de-
tachable fixable to the mock up structure. In particular, the
frame structure may form a triangular frame which is verti-
cally attachable to the mock up structure, e.g. to a vertical
tower structure. Such a frame structure, e.g. a triangular
frame, may make it possible to simulate rescues or saves in
different angles.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
equipment further comprises a ladder which is attachable to
the mock up structure.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
equipment further comprises safety wires which are attachable
to the ladder.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue
training equipment the at least one platform is adapted in
such a way that it is suitable to simulate a nacelle of a
wind turbine.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue
training equipment the mock up structure comprises two lad-
ders and a wire vertical system, wherein the ladders are ar-
ranged to provide access to the at least one platform and/or
wherein the wire vertical system may be arranged to provide
access to the at least one platform. In particular, the mock
up structure may comprise a vertical frame structure wherein
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the at least one platform is detachable connectable to the
vertical frame structure.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
equipment further comprises at least one anchor point fixed
to the mock up structure. In particular, the one or more an-
chor points may be adapted to be used to fix rescue lines to
it or them.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
equipment further comprises a base platform, wherein the mock
ups structure is detachable connectable to the base platform.
In particular, the base platform may form the base structure
of the rescue training equipment.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
equipment further comprises two ladders which are detachable
connected to the base platform, wherein the two ladders are
further detachable connected to the at least one platform.
According to another exemplary embodiment of the rescue
training equipment the base platform comprises a door plate.
In particular, the door plate may be a vertical door plate
which may optionally comprise a further hole, e.g. a manhole.
The door plate may be suitable for simulating a rescue from
the base platform or basement.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
equipment further comprises safety wires which are detachable
mounted along at least one of the two ladders.
According to another exemplary embodiment the rescue training
equipment further comprises at least one anchor point which
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is build on the mock up structure. In particular, the at
least one anchor point or the plurality of anchor points may
be adapted to be equipped with rescue lines which may form a
component of the rescue training equipment as well.
Summarizing a first exemplary aspect may relate to a rescue
training equipment comprising a mock-up tower having support-
ing elements or means which may comprise a ground platform
and one or more triangular frames vertical connected to a
vertical tower structure. Elements or components for getting
access to one or more platforms of the tower may comprise one
or more ladders connected to the tower structure and one or
more access holes to get access to one or more platforms. One
of the platforms may then be placed on top of the tower,
simulating a nacelle of a wind turbine. This platform may be
equipped with a guard rail and it may also be equipped with a
plate with one or more manholes for simulating access to e.g.
the generator, the hub or one or more blades. The top plat-
form may also be equipped with a vertical frame simulating a
crane structure. There may be one or more triangular frames
connected to the tower structure and the top platform for
supporting the top platform and which could be used in the
rescue training. There may be safety wires along one or more
of the ladders. The tower or structure may be equipped with
one or more anchor points for rescue lines.
Summarizing a second exemplary aspect may relate to a rescue
training equipment comprising a mock up tower or structure
having supporting means which may comprise a ground platform
connected to a vertical triangular frame including one or
more ladders. There may be placed a platform above one or
more of the ladders with access from one or more of the
ladders, where this platform is connected to the vertical
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triangular frame. There may also be one or more safety wires along the ladders
and
the tower or structure may be equipped with one or more anchor points for
rescue
lines. The vertical triangular frame may make it possible to simulate saves in
different angles.
Summarizing a third exemplary aspect may relate to a rescue training equipment
comprising a mock up tower or structure wherein the supporting means may
comprise a ground platform with one or more adjustable supporting legs. The
ground
platform may be connected to two or more vertical ladders and a second
platform is
placed between the ground platform and a top beam or frame. The second
platform
may be equipped with a guard rail and a kick plate and there is access to the
second
platform from one or more of the ladders. The ground platform may be equipped
with
a vertical door plate with an access hole or manhole for simulating rescue
from a
basement. There may be safety wires along one or more of the ladders. The
tower
or structure may be equipped with one or more anchor points for rescue lines.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided use of
rescue
training equipment for simulating rescue from a wind turbine, wherein the
rescue
training equipment comprises: a mock up structure comprising at least one
platform,
and a base structure adapted to be detachably attached to a basement on
ground,
wherein the at least one platform is adapted in such a way that it is suitable
to
simulate a nacelle of a wind turbine, wherein the base structure comprises a
base
platform, wherein the mock up structure is detachably connectable to the base
platform, wherein the rescue training equipment further comprises: two ladders
which
are detachably connected to the base platform, and wherein the two ladders are
further detachably connected to the at least one plafform.
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The aspects and exemplary embodiments defined above and further aspects of the
invention are apparent from the example of embodiment to be described
hereinafter
and are explained with reference to these examples of embodiment.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 shows schematically a first exemplary height rescue safety training
equipment.
Fig. 2 shows schematically a side view of a second exemplary height rescue
safety
training equipment.
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Fig. 3 shows schematically a front view of the equipment of
Fig. 2.
Detailed Description
The illustration in the drawings is schematic. It is noted
that in different figures, similar or identical elements are
provided with the similar or identical reference signs.
In the following some examples for exemplary height rescue
safety trainings equipments will be described in more detail.
Such equipments may be arranged in permanent training centers
or may be detachably mounted on different sites which may
then be called a training center as well. The trainings cen-
ters may have four different trainings facilities.
The purpose of such trainings facilities may be to enable
"real life" training for height rescue, so that the practipi-
tants is covered with all the rescue possibilities in wind
power turbines. The training facilities should be close to
real life locations, so that the participants can combine the
training, with all the zones in wind power turbines using the
specific rescue kits for example. That is, a mobile rescue
training equipment may be mounted close to a "real" wind
power turbine.
Some goals of such rescue kits may be:
- Enabling of development or evolution of the training
center by adapting the mobile training equipments, so
that the education in height rescue training always is
as real as possible.
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- Each training center may include several different
training zones simulating different portions of a wind
turbine
- Each training center may deliver height rescue safety
5 training on a basic rescue level, e.g. zone 1, and an
advanced rescue level, e.g. zone 2 - 6, by using a dedi-
cated rescue kit.
- Each training center may have the following training fa-
cilities, to cover all the training in all zones 1 - 6
10 in wind power turbines.
In detail the six zones may correspond to the nacelle (zone
1), in particular to the zone under a gearbox of the nacelle,
to the yaw (zone 2), to the hub (zone 3), to the bottom of
the access tower (zone 4), to a cellar of the access tower
(zone 5), and to the hollow part inside a rotor blade (zone
6).
In particular, rescue education may be performed in or on a
simulated nacelle moveably placed on ground. Some specific
rescue events, which may be classified as basic rescue opera-
tions, to be trained may be evacuation of one or two persons
using the hatch of the nacelle. Some more advanced rescue
events may include rescue training from the yaw, from the
hub, rescue from under the gearbox, moving casualties in the
nacelle, rescue casualties hanging outside of the nacelle in
their personal protection equipment (PPE), rescue and evacua-
tion through evacuation hatch on spine board, and rescue and
evacuation through evacuation hatch in marine stretcher. A
nacelle placed on the ground may be a suitable way to simu-
late or train real corresponding rescue situations.
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Now a first exemplary height rescue safety training equipment
will be described in more detail with respect to Fig. 1. In
particular, Fig. 1 shows two side views and one perspective
view of a rescue safety training equipment 100. The mock-up
structure comprises a ground or base plate 101, on which a
vertical tower structure 102, e.g. a frame structure, may be
mounted in a detachable way. The vertical structure may as
well include some frame structures 104 which are arranged in
an angled form in order to support the training equipment
100. For example the frame structures 104 may be arranged on
four corners or sides of the training equipment in order to
provide an improved stability. On top of the vertical struc-
ture or vertical tower structure 102 a platform 103 is de-
tachably mounted having a manhole 105 through which the plat-
form may be entered. The platform 103 may comprise a railing
106. The training equipment further comprises one, two or
more ladders 107 which are detachably fixed to the vertical
structure and to the ground plate so that the platform can be
entered by a person. Additionally a derrick or cantilever 108
may be arranged on the platform which may be used as a mock
up structure for simulating rescue situations including rop-
ing. Additionally, some dimensions are stated in Fig. 1. In
particular, the height from the ground plate 101 to the plat-
form 103 may be about 10,050 mm, the height from the ground
to the top of the railing may be about 11,674 mm, while the
height from the ground plate to the top of the derrick may be
about 12,295 mm. Additionally, some ropes may be fixed to the
training equipment.
Fig. 2 schematically shows another height rescue safety
training equipment 200 or setup comprising ladders and at
least one wire. In particular, the training equipment com-
prises a base plate 201, a vertical frame structure or verti-
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cal tower structure 202 arranged on the base plate 201 having
a beam or cantilever 208 on the upper end so that a wire 209
can be fixed to the frame structure by fixing it to the can-
tilever. For stability reasons an angled frame structure 204
may be fixed to the vertical frame structure having an angle
between 20 and 80 , in particular 60 , with respect to the
base plate. Furthermore, the equipment 200 comprises a ladder
207 is mounted to the vertical frame structure 202. An addi-
tional platform 210 may be mounted to the vertical frame
structure so that it projects from the vertical frame struc-
ture 202 in an angle about 90 . The additional platform may
have a length of about 400 mm.
It should be stressed that all described and additional com-
ponents of the training equipments 100 or 200 are fixed to
each other in a detachable way or manner, i.e. in a way that
allows to demount the training equipment for transport.
Fig. 3 shows schematically a front view of the equipment 200
of Fig. 2 and including some information concerning the
respective dimensions. In particular, Fig. 3 shows the base
plate 201, which includes some base legs 312 which may have a
height of about 70 mm. Additionally, to the visible compo-
nents of Fig. 2 a platform 203 is depicted in Fig. 3 having a
handling 206. Moreover a further wire 311 is visible in Fig.
3. The two wires 209 and 311 may be different, e.g. one may
be an ICM wire while the other one may be an USA wire. Some
eyes or anchor points 313 may be fixed to the platform 203
and the additional platform 210. Additionally, some fixation
means 314 are shown in Fig. 3 which can be used to mount the
base plate 201 onto a ground plate or fundament.
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Summarizing Fig. 1 to Fig. 3 schematically depict mobile
training towers which may be used for rescue training for
wind turbines. Several rescue situations can be simulated by
using these towers without the need of use an actual wind
turbine.
The simulation situations may include:
Basic Height Rescue - zone 1
- harness and PPE course
- intro evacuation equipment
- intro basic height rescue equipment - using anchor
points
- rescue training - test
- practice - using harness and PPE
- evacuation one person using the hatch
- evacuation two persons using the hatch
- practice - rescue situations inside tower
- practice - rescue situations outside tower
Advanced Rescue - zone 2 - 6
- several rescue situations
- rescue outside the nacelle - casualty hanging out-
side in PPE
- rescue and evacuation through evacuation hatch on
spine board
- rescue and evacuation through evacuation hatch in
marine stretcher
- rescue of casualty hanging in his PPE or fall ar-
rester outside tower
- anchor points - using pulleysys., spine board and
marine stretcher
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- anchor points - using pulleysys., spine board and
marine stretcher
- rescue practice - basement/cellar zone 4 and 5
- rescue practice - blades 2.3 and 3.6 - zone 6
- rescue inside tower - zone 1
Train the Trainer
- all kinds of rescue situations - zone 1 - 6
- basic height rescue
- advanced rescue
- test of the trainers
Rope access
- all kinds of rope access setups
- practice and test in rope access
Summarizing a rescue training equipment according to an
exemplary aspect may solve the object of enabling a simple
and efficient way to train of concerning with respect to
rescue processes in a wind turbine. In particular, this
object may be solved by a mobile rescue training equipment,
for simulating rescue from a wind turbine, comprising a mock-
up tower or structure with one or more means for getting
access to one or more platforms of the tower or structure and
one or more means for supporting the tower or structure on
the ground. In particular, it should be noted that all the
above mentioned elements, means or components in each
embodiment may be attached in a detachable way ensuring that
the mock-up tower or structure could be demounted and put in
one or more standard containers ready for transportation to
another training site.
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Finally, it should be noted that the above-mentioned
embodiments illustrate rather then limit the invention, and
that those skilled in the art will be capable of designing
many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope
5 of the invention as defined by the appended claims. In the
claims, any reference signs placed in parentheses shall not
be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising"
and "comprises", and the like, does not exclude the presence
of elements or steps other than those listed in any claim or
10 the specification as a whole. The singular reference of an
element does not exclude the plural reference of such
elements and vice-versa. The mere fact that certain measures
are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not
indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used
15 to advantage.
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List of reference signs:
100 Rescue safety training equipment
101 Ground or base plate
102 Vertical frame structure
103 Platform
104 Angled frame structure
105 Manhole
106 Handling
107 Ladder
108 Derrick
200 Rescue safety training equipment
201 Ground or base plate
202 Vertical frame structure
203 Platform
204 Angled frame structure
206 Handling
207 Ladder
208 Derrick
209 Wire
210 Additional Platform
311 Wire
312 Leg
313 Eye
