Renewable energies have been an important topic for some time. The wind power industry in particular is subject to continuous development. Offshore systems and wind farms are growing continuously, as are the dimensions of the wind tower elements and rotor blades – and with them the transport challenges. The Faymonville Group is dedicating its in-house exhibition "WindMover Days" to this topic, where suitable solutions will be presented to international visitors.
Around 250 industry experts from the wind power sector will come together over four days to get a close look at the latest high-tech material on the factory premises in Luxembourg. "All aspects and technical subtleties of the exhibits will be explained to visitors in detail", says Rainer Noe, Product Manager at Faymonville, describing the approach of the event. Everything will be on display, from low loaders to flatbed trailers and from blade lifters to tower adapters. That is only logical, because the brand trio of MAX Trailer, Faymonville and Cometto supply the appropriate special vehicles for every challenge in the wind power industry.
Solutions for wind turbine blade transport
Thanks to the maximum loading platform length of 74.65 metres, the 4-axle WingMAX flatbed trailer provides for the necessary mobility with the longest XXL blades. "The enormous stroke at the gooseneck and the longest available 4-fold telescopically extendable loading platform, as well as the gooseneck length, which is compatible with 5-axle tractors, and the 19.5" pendle-axles are real assets for the wind power industry", says Julian Thelen, Faymonville's Head of Sales Europe, listing various advantages. "The sliding load support for the blade tip frame permits shortening of the flatbed trailer even under load. This refinement is a real help when passing through winding stretches of road."
A combination of a 2-axle dolly and a 4-axle self-steering trailer with a blade adapter significantly increases manoeuvrability compared to classic telescopically extendable vehicles. "The maximum stroke of 1,700 millimetres always comes into its own when roundabouts or obstacles have to be driven over. The vehicle hydraulics and especially the forced steering can be powered by an additional diesel power pack alongside an integrated electro-hydraulic power pack. And a lifting capacity of 30 tonnes guarantees that our adapter is also prepared for the next generation of blades. The universal interface to the root frame also provides a flexible solution for all blade manufacturers", says Sales Manager Julian Thelen, explaining the special features of this solution.
The blade lifter of the type Cometto BladeMAX1000 with a load moment of 1000 metre-tonnes – the highest value on the market – transports blades with the necessary manoeuvrability through winding mountain passes, challenging urban areas and densely forested regions. Adrian Zingan, Product Manager at Cometto, explains what is important in use. "The rotor blades can be raised by up to 60 degrees if necessary and also rotated by 360 degrees around their own axis. It all depends on the obstacle on the road section and the prevailing wind direction. Optimum handling stability is guaranteed by the similarly patented stability control system. Several sensors transmit data in real time, which is processed by a central control unit. In this way, all safety-relevant information is constantly monitored."
At the "WindMover Days" the BladeMAX1000 will be mounted on a 10-axle Faymonville ModulMAX AP-M heavy load module, which combines the assistive mode with the self-propelled mode and the trailer mode. With up to 1,280 kN of pulling force from a power pack, the ModulMAX AP-M is by far the most powerful on the market. The drive axles can also be switched on and off while driving at any speed. In addition, the modules offer seamless freedom of combination with conventional 3,000 mm-wide Faymonville ModulMAX modules and other brands.
Solutions for transporting tower segments, hubs and nacelles
A 4+7 self-steering trailer combination with a tower adapter with a lifting capacity of 100 tonnes is used for the height-optimised transport of tower segments in the most diverse lengths and diameters. Rainer Noe reports positive customer feedback: "The free-turning device allows even the tightest bends and obstacles to be overcome. The two installed tower adapters with a vertical stroke of 1,800 millimetres enable connection to the tower segments in a 3-point or 4-point clamp. The self-steering trailer was designed with a hydraulic axle support and a fully redundant steering system, thus offering maximum stability and safety during these complex transport operations."
The 3+5 VarioMAX low loader on display is characterised by its vessel deck, which is hydraulically widenable from a basic width of 3,000 millimetres to 4,700 millimetres. This technology allows maximum load width flexibility so that tower segments can be transported at the optimum height, depending on their diameter. The extension provides for variability in the load length. Proven 19.5" pendle axle technology ensures optimal driving behaviour.
The MultiMAX 6-axle semi low loader with a low 17.5" PA-X pendle-axle parked in the company yard impresses with a minimum loading height of only 790 millimetres. The double telescopically extendable loading platform up to a length of 27,400 millimetres provides variable options for transporting different wind turbine components. The hydraulic gooseneck with switchable axle compensation enables lifting/lowering in the front area and the steering behaviour can be adapted to different transport lengths in just a few simple steps. Moreover, the exhibit is only the tip of the iceberg in its category, as the PA-X product family offers the option of configuring semi low loaders with up to 12 axles.
Self-propelled vehicles such as the 12-axle Cometto MSPE 48T on display are the appropriate technology for confined areas and the highest payloads, often for elements of offshore wind turbines in particular. The electronic multi-mode steering guarantees maximum manoeuvrability and precision with a steering angle of +/-135 degrees. Safer driving and higher transport speeds are possible thanks to tubeless tyres. The SPMT's basic width of 2,430 millimetres makes it easier to transport containers from one place of use to the next.
With the new SPMT generation, it is possible to combine MSPE 48T (Standard & Heavy Duty) or MSPE EVO3 70T (Standard & Heavy Duty) vehicles in a width of 2,430 or 3,000 millimetres and with 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 modular axle lines. Up to 70 tonnes of payload per axle line and a bending moment of up to 9,400 kN.m are top values and provide unique advantages.
Solutions for the construction of a wind turbine
A 4-axle MAX410 ballast trailer from the MAX Trailer brand is perfect for transporting compact crane parts and crane weights. The vehicle is equipped with a hydromechanical steering system for optimum manoeuvrability. Its robust design with a torsion-resistant central frame enables the highest point loads.
Rainer Noe summarises the context of these promotion days and refers to the echo from wind power customers: "Vehicles from the Faymonville Group create the basis for competitive and efficient work. The various vehicle developments not only ensure the smooth and reliable transport of these large and often fragile parts of a wind turbine, but also contribute to a reduction in transport costs and the ecological footprint. These are sophisticated transport solutions that already equip you today for tomorrow's requirements."
Date of publication: 07/2024