As part of a comprehensive repowering project in Lorup, Lower Saxony, Enercon is currently replacing 16 older wind energy turbines and has purchased three Scheuerle Rotor Blade Transport Systems (RBTS). The company needs to transport a total of 30 impressively-sized rotor blades, each of them almost 86 meters long. 
(Image: courtesy of TII Scheuerle) High lifting height, gyrostatic platform, flexible lateral displacement: the SCHEUERLE RBTS masters every challenge presented during the transportation of modern rotor blades.The first transports have now been successfully completed. Loaded at the Jade-Weser port facility in Wilhelmshaven, the 99.5-meter-long heavy load combinations covered the approximately 160-kilometer route to the wind park during two nights of transport – not a great distance but a logistical masterpiece nonetheless.
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 freeway demanded everything from the team: the trailing unit had to be lifted using a very wide angle to swing over highway guard rails and roadside barriers – a situation that not every manufacturer can deal with and solve so confidently.
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 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, traffic circles 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 traffic circle 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 manouvering on the traffic circle 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 meters along a narrow farm track – with a rotor blade behind you that is barely visible in the rearview 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.
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