Lengthy blades no longer a problem
August 24, 2010 by Kathleen Zipp
Filed under Mechanical Components, Transportation of Wind Components
An industrial hauling company has developed a flatbed semi-trailer that can transport wind turbine blades up to 62 m. The Goldhofer SPZ-P 3AAA has the capacity to extend from 20 to 62 m, and so can carry wind turbine blades in their shipping frames.
The trailer weights 62 tons and has a 1-m deck height.
A deep extendable spine allows the trailer to carry a 13-ton load 10 m from the front, where the frame’s front bolster supports the turbine blade. The rear bolster can be transported at the rear of the trailer, with the blade extending 10 m behind it. The manufacturer of the trailer says this increases manoeuvrability and reduces its length to 52 m.
In addition, the trailer’s three rows of pendular axles give a steering angle of 60°, and its hydraulic suspension has an axle stroke of 600 mm. This means any stress is taken away from the blade during off-road transportation.
Goldhofer
