As part of a comprehensive repowering project in Lorup, Lower Saxony, ENERCON is currently replacing 16 older wind energy turbines with ten modern E-175 EP5 turbines. In addition to the construction of new towers, this also means a precision transport operation involving a total of 30 impressively-sized rotor blades – each of them almost 86 metres long. They are therefore among the longest onshore rotor blades in the world.
The first transports have now been successfully completed. Loaded at the Jade-Weser port facility in Wilhelmshaven, the 99.5-metre-long heavy load combinations covered the approximately 160-kilometre route to the wind park during two nights of transport – not a great distance but a logistical masterpiece nonetheless.
Technology that convinces: ENERCON invests in SCHEUERLE RBTS
Prior to the project itself, ENERCON Logistic had decided to purchase three SCHEUERLE Rotor Blade Transport Systems (RBTS). The deciding factors for this investment were not only the unique technical features of the system – such as the lateral displacement of the blade on the dolly, double lifting cylinder design or gyrostatic transport platform – but also the professional support provided by the team from TII SCHEUERLE, starting with the initial technical consultation through to the required training.
“With the RBTS, we have a reliable and well-thought-out solution that gives our drivers flexibility while simultaneously protecting the sensitive rotor blades. The combination of technology and support were absolutely convincing,” said Tino Hülsmeyer, Truck Fleet Manager at ENERCON Logistic.
Challenging route requiring precise technology availability
Right from the start, exiting the motorway demanded everything from the team: the trailing unit had to be lifted using a very wide angle in order to swing over crash barriers and roadside barriers – a situation that not every manufacturer can deal with and solve so confidently. Here, the SCHEUERLE RBTS fully demonstrated its strengths and advantages.
SCHEUERLE RBTS: flexible, modular, powerful
The SCHEUERLE RBTS was specially developed for the transport of the increasingly longer rotor blades produced for the latest generation of wind turbines. It consists of a towing vehicle with a 3 or 4-axle semi-trailer, an adapter for the rotor blade mounting and a trailing unit with its own steering system. The modular design allows flexible adaptation to accommodate different rotor blade types and transport requirements. Thanks to the high lifting height as well as the option for flexible steering control of the trailing unit, even narrow town centres, roundabouts or demanding reversing operations can be mastered safely and efficiently.
“The enormous lifting height of the RBTS was crucial for this operation. Such situations are really no problem for our system,” explained Markus Pflederer, Sales Manager at TII SCHEUERLE.
High demands were also placed on technology and the preparation phase in the Friesoythe area: a roundabout was temporarily dismantled and covered with steel plates while the rotor blade's swivel range was adjusted accordingly. The tractor unit including the lifting adapter had to drive through an underpass while the trailer was still manoeuvring on the roundabout area – this resulted in a complex interplay of vehicle guidance and system control.
Reversing to the final destination – with sensitivity and teamwork
The final challenge was waiting in the wind park itself: reversing 800 metres along a narrow farm track – with a rotor blade behind you that is barely visible in the rear view mirror. The solution: perfect interaction between the rear steering system and the driver who steers the trailing unit via a radio connection whereby constantly maintaining a clear overview.
